Korn Ferry (KFY) 10-Q 9 Dec 21 2022 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Dec. 03, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Oct. 31, 2021
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	KFY
Entity Registrant Name	KORN FERRY
Entity Central Index Key	0000056679
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-30
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		54,414,242
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity File Number	001-14505
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	95-2623879
Entity Address, Address Line One	1900 Avenue of the Stars
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 2600
Entity Address, City or Town	Los Angeles
Entity Address, State or Province	CA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	90067
City Area Code	310
Local Phone Number	552-1834
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 725,391	$ 850,778
Marketable securities	77,496	63,667
Receivables due from clients, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $33,488 and $29,324 at October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021, respectively	608,141	448,733
Income taxes and other receivables	37,515	40,024
Unearned compensation	63,639	53,206
Prepaid expenses and other assets	37,054	30,724
Total current assets	1,549,236	1,487,132
Marketable securities, non-current	194,047	182,692
Property and equipment, net	126,500	131,778
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	149,180	174,121
Cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance policies, net of loans	164,772	161,295
Deferred income taxes	68,041	73,106
Goodwill	624,899	626,669
Intangible assets, net	83,326	92,949
Unearned compensation, non-current	136,878	102,356
Investments and other assets	20,609	24,428
Total assets	3,117,488	3,056,526
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable	41,800	44,993
Income taxes payable	21,209	23,041
Compensation and benefits payable	315,095	394,606
Operating lease liability, current	49,836	47,986
Other accrued liabilities	269,129	239,444
Total current liabilities	697,069	750,070
Deferred compensation and other retirement plans	376,199	346,455
Operating lease liability, non-current	132,645	155,998
Long-term debt	395,132	394,794
Deferred tax liabilities	1,996	3,832
Other liabilities	30,558	36,602
Total liabilities	1,633,599	1,687,751
Stockholders' equity
Common stock: $0.01 par value, 150,000 shares authorized, 75,408 and 74,915 shares issued and 54,466 and 54,008 shares outstanding at October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021, respectively	574,058	583,260
Retained earnings	971,995	834,949
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(66,530)	(51,820)
Total Korn Ferry stockholders' equity	1,479,523	1,366,389
Noncontrolling interest	4,366	2,386
Total stockholders' equity	1,483,889	1,368,775
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,117,488	$ 3,056,526

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 33,488	$ 29,324
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	75,408,000	74,915,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	54,466,000	54,008,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020
Total revenue	$ 643,398	$ 437,789	$ 1,231,496	$ 784,672
Compensation and benefits	431,640	307,185	827,876	591,197
General and administrative expenses	64,065	46,476	114,332	93,565
Depreciation and amortization	15,633	15,298	31,277	30,333
Restructuring charges, net		2,407		29,894
Total operating expenses	539,622	389,617	1,026,465	780,295
Operating income	103,776	48,172	205,031	4,377
Other income, net	5,066	277	9,513	11,439
Interest expense, net	(6,365)	(7,494)	(11,791)	(14,388)
Income before provision for income taxes	102,477	40,955	202,753	1,428
Income tax provision	26,145	12,877	50,024	4,205
Net income (loss)	76,332	28,078	152,729	(2,777)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(560)	(300)	(2,134)	(278)
Net income (loss) attributable to Korn Ferry	$ 75,772	$ 27,778	$ 150,595	$ (3,055)
Earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Korn Ferry:
Basic	$ 1.40	$ 0.51	$ 2.78	$ (0.06)
Diluted	$ 1.38	$ 0.51	$ 2.75	$ (0.06)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	53,114	53,229	52,937	53,246
Diluted	53,568	53,390	53,494	53,246
Cash dividends declared per share:	$ 0.12	$ 0.10	$ 0.24	$ 0.20
Fee Revenue
Total revenue	$ 639,443	$ 435,439	$ 1,224,838	$ 779,536
Cost of services	24,329	15,901	46,322	30,170
Reimbursed Out Of Pocket Engagement Expenses
Total revenue	3,955	2,350	6,658	5,136
Reimbursed Expenses
Cost of services	$ 3,955	$ 2,350	$ 6,658	$ 5,136

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 76,332	$ 28,078	$ 152,729	$ (2,777)
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(7,195)	(2,719)	(15,539)	22,303
Deferred compensation and pension plan adjustments, net of tax	351	683	692	1,325
Net unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of tax	(21)	(25)	(17)	(34)
Comprehensive income	69,467	26,017	137,865	20,817
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(382)	(302)	(1,980)	(355)
Comprehensive income attributable to Korn Ferry	$ 69,085	$ 25,715	$ 135,885	$ 20,462

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net	Total Korn Ferry Stockholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interest
Beginning Balance at Apr. 30, 2020	$ 1,223,691	$ 585,560	$ 742,993	$ (107,172)	$ 1,221,381	$ 2,310
Beginning Balance, Shares at Apr. 30, 2020		54,450
Net income (loss)	(30,855)		(30,833)		(30,833)	(22)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	25,655			25,580	25,580	75
Dividends paid to shareholders	(5,807)		(5,807)		(5,807)
Purchase of stock	(4,442)	$ (4,442)			(4,442)
Purchase of stock, shares		(161)
Issuance of stock	3,966	$ 3,966			3,966
Issuance of stock (shares)		580
Stock-based compensation	5,813	$ 5,813			5,813
Ending Balance at Jul. 31, 2020	1,218,021	$ 590,897	706,353	(81,592)	1,215,658	2,363
Ending Balance, Shares at Jul. 31, 2020		54,869
Beginning Balance at Apr. 30, 2020	1,223,691	$ 585,560	742,993	(107,172)	1,221,381	2,310
Beginning Balance, Shares at Apr. 30, 2020		54,450
Net income (loss)	(2,777)
Ending Balance at Oct. 31, 2020	1,221,522	$ 575,103	728,524	(83,655)	1,219,972	1,550
Ending Balance, Shares at Oct. 31, 2020		54,153
Beginning Balance at Jul. 31, 2020	1,218,021	$ 590,897	706,353	(81,592)	1,215,658	2,363
Beginning Balance, Shares at Jul. 31, 2020		54,869
Net income (loss)	28,078		27,778		27,778	300
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,061)			(2,063)	(2,063)	2
Dividends paid to shareholders	(5,607)		(5,607)		(5,607)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	(1,115)					(1,115)
Purchase of stock	(22,878)	$ (22,878)			(22,878)
Purchase of stock, shares		(757)
Issuance of stock (shares)		41
Stock-based compensation	7,084	$ 7,084			7,084
Ending Balance at Oct. 31, 2020	1,221,522	$ 575,103	728,524	(83,655)	1,219,972	1,550
Ending Balance, Shares at Oct. 31, 2020		54,153
Beginning Balance at Apr. 30, 2021	$ 1,368,775	$ 583,260	834,949	(51,820)	1,366,389	2,386
Beginning Balance, Shares at Apr. 30, 2021	54,008	54,008
Net income (loss)	$ 76,397		74,823		74,823	1,574
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,999)			(8,023)	(8,023)	24
Dividends paid to shareholders	(6,866)		(6,866)		(6,866)
Purchase of stock	(20,091)	$ (20,091)			(20,091)
Purchase of stock, shares		(297)
Issuance of stock	3,992	$ 3,992			3,992
Issuance of stock (shares)		795
Stock-based compensation	6,962	$ 6,962			6,962
Ending Balance at Jul. 31, 2021	1,421,170	$ 574,123	902,906	(59,843)	1,417,186	3,984
Ending Balance, Shares at Jul. 31, 2021		54,506
Beginning Balance at Apr. 30, 2021	$ 1,368,775	$ 583,260	834,949	(51,820)	1,366,389	2,386
Beginning Balance, Shares at Apr. 30, 2021	54,008	54,008
Net income (loss)	$ 152,729
Ending Balance at Oct. 31, 2021	$ 1,483,889	$ 574,058	971,995	(66,530)	1,479,523	4,366
Ending Balance, Shares at Oct. 31, 2021	54,466	54,466
Beginning Balance at Jul. 31, 2021	$ 1,421,170	$ 574,123	902,906	(59,843)	1,417,186	3,984
Beginning Balance, Shares at Jul. 31, 2021		54,506
Net income (loss)	76,332		75,772		75,772	560
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,865)			(6,687)	(6,687)	(178)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(6,683)		(6,683)		(6,683)
Purchase of stock	(7,353)	$ (7,353)			(7,353)
Purchase of stock, shares		(99)
Issuance of stock (shares)		59
Stock-based compensation	7,288	$ 7,288			7,288
Ending Balance at Oct. 31, 2021	$ 1,483,889	$ 574,058	$ 971,995	$ (66,530)	$ 1,479,523	$ 4,366
Ending Balance, Shares at Oct. 31, 2021	54,466	54,466

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 152,729	$ (2,777)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	31,277	30,333
Stock-based compensation expense	14,649	13,195
Impairment of right of use assets	7,392
Impairment of fixed assets	1,915
Provision for doubtful accounts	9,629	7,993
Gain on cash surrender value of life insurance policies	(2,184)	(3,899)
Gain on marketable securities	(10,041)	(12,025)
Deferred income taxes	3,006	5,071
Change in other assets and liabilities:
Deferred compensation	30,339	22,670
Receivables due from clients	(169,037)	(46,221)
Income taxes and other receivables	(1,588)	(13,755)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(6,330)	(4,135)
Unearned compensation	(44,955)	(33,630)
Income taxes payable	(1,832)	(11,964)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(56,852)	(52,622)
Other	(641)	9,716
Net cash used in operating activities	(42,524)	(92,050)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(18,988)	(15,329)
Purchase of marketable securities	(54,070)	(40,572)
Proceeds from sales/maturities of marketable securities	38,725	32,343
Premium on company-owned life insurance policies	(295)	(361)
Proceeds from life insurance policies	3,163	591
Dividends received from unconsolidated subsidiaries	195
Net cash used in investing activities	(31,270)	(23,328)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments of tax withholdings on restricted stock	(18,058)	(4,550)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of employee stock options and in connection with an employee stock purchase plan	3,593	3,371
Dividends paid to shareholders	(13,549)	(11,414)
Repurchases of common stock	(9,386)	(22,770)
Principal payments on finance leases	(592)	(664)
Payments on life insurance policy loans	(64)	(596)
Dividends - noncontrolling interest		(558)
Net cash used in financing activities	(38,056)	(37,181)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(13,537)	16,424
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(125,387)	(136,135)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	850,778	689,244
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	$ 725,391	$ 553,109

Organization and Summary of Sig

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Business Korn Ferry, a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) is a global organizational consulting firm. The Company helps clients synchronize strategy and talent to drive superior performance. The Company works with organizations to design their structures, roles and responsibilities. The Company helps organizations hire the right people to bring their strategy to life and advise them on how to reward, develop and motivate their people. The Company is pursuing a strategy that will help Korn Ferry to focus on clients and collaborate intensively across the organization. This approach builds on the best of the Company’s past and gives the Company a clear path to the future with focused initiatives to increase its client and commercial impact. Korn Ferry is transforming how clients address their talent management needs. The Company has evolved from a mono-line to a diversified business, giving its consultants more frequent and expanded opportunities to engage with clients. The Company has seven reportable segments that operate through the following four lines of business: 1. Consulting 2. Digital 3. Executive Search 4. Recruitment Process Outsourcing (“RPO”) & Professional Search Basis of Consolidation and Presentation The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2021 for the Company and its wholly and majority owned/controlled domestic and international subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements conform with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and prevailing practice within our different industries. The consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and any other adjustments that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the results for these periods. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year. The Company has control of a Mexican subsidiary and consolidates the operations of this subsidiary. Noncontrolling interest, which represents the Mexican partners’ 51% interest in the Mexican subsidiary, is reflected on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company considers events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the consolidated financial statements are issued to provide additional evidence relative to certain estimates or to identify matters that require additional disclosures. Use of Estimates and Uncertainties The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates, and changes in estimates are reported in current operations as new information is learned or upon the amounts becoming fixed or determinable. The most significant areas that require management’s judgment are revenue recognition, deferred compensation, annual performance-related bonuses, evaluation of the carrying value of receivables, goodwill and other intangible assets, share-based payments, leases and the recoverability of deferred income taxes. Revenue Recognition Substantially all fee revenue is derived from talent and organizational consulting services and digital sales, stand-alone or as part of a solution, fees for professional services related to executive and professional recruitment performed on a retained basis and RPO, either Revenue is recognized when control of the goods and services are transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. Revenue contracts with customers are evaluated based on the five-step model outlined in Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 606 (“ASC 606”): 1) identify the contract with a customer; 2) identify the performance obligation(s) in the contract; 3) determine the transaction price; 4) allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligation(s); and 5) recognize revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied. Consulting fee revenue is primarily recognized as services are rendered, measured by total hours incurred as a percentage of the total estimated hours at completion. It is possible that updated estimates for consulting engagements may vary from initial estimates with such updates being recognized in the period of determination. Depending on the timing of billings and services rendered, the Company accrues or defers revenue as appropriate. Digital fee revenue is generated from IP platforms enabling large-scale, technology-based talent programs for pay, talent development, engagement, and assessment and is consumed directly by an end user or indirectly through a consulting engagement. Revenue is recognized as services are delivered and the Company has a legally enforceable right to payment. Revenue also comes from the sale of the Company’s proprietary IP subscriptions, which are considered symbolic IP due to the dynamic nature of the content. As a result, revenue is recognized over the term of the contract. Functional IP licenses grant customers the right to use IP content via the delivery of a flat file. Because the IP content license has significant stand-alone functionality, revenue is recognized upon delivery and when an enforceable right to payment exists. Revenue for tangible and digital products sold by the Company, such as books and digital files, is recognized when these products are shipped. Fee revenue from executive and professional search activities is generally one-third of the estimated first-year cash compensation of the placed candidate, plus a percentage of the fee to cover RPO fee Reimbursements The Company incurs certain out-of-pocket expenses that are reimbursed by its clients, which are accounted for as revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts An allowance is established for doubtful accounts by taking a charge to general and administrative expenses. The Company’s expected credit loss allowance methodology for accounts receivable is developed using historical collection experience, current and future economic and market conditions and a review of the current status of customers’ trade accounts receivable. Due to the short-term nature of such receivables, the estimate of amount of accounts receivable that may not be collected is primarily based on historical loss-rate experience. When required, the Company adjusts the loss-rate methodology to account for current conditions and reasonable and supportable expectations of future economic and market conditions. The Company generally assesses future economic condition for a period of sixty to ninety days, which corresponds with the contractual life of its accounts receivables. After the Company exhausts all collection efforts, the amount of the allowance is reduced for balances written off as uncollectible. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. As of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021, the Company’s investments in cash equivalents consisted of money market funds and as of April 30, 2021 also included commercial paper with initial maturity of less than 90 days for which market prices are readily available. Marketable Securities The Company currently has investments in marketable securities and mutual funds that are classified as either equity securities or available-for-sale debt securities. The classification of the investments in these marketable securities and mutual funds is assessed upon purchase and reassessed at each reporting period. These investments are recorded at fair value and are classified as marketable securities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company invests in mutual funds (for which market prices are readily available) that are held in trust to satisfy obligations under the Company’s deferred compensation plans. Such investments are classified as equity securities and mirror the employees’ investment elections in their deemed accounts in the Executive Capital Accumulation Plan and similar plans in Asia Pacific and Canada (“ECAP”) from a pre-determined set of securities. Realized gains (losses) on marketable securities are determined by specific identification. Interest is recognized on an accrual basis; dividends are recorded as earned on the ex-dividend date. Interest, dividend income and the changes in fair value in marketable securities are recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in other income, net. The Company also invests cash in excess of its daily operating requirements and capital needs primarily in marketable fixed income (debt) securities in accordance with the Company’s investment policy, which restricts the type of investments that can be made. The Company’s investment portfolio includes commercial paper and corporate notes/bonds as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021 and also includes US Treasury and Agency securities as of April 30, 2021. These marketable fixed income (debt) Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value is the price the Company would receive to sell an asset or transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants. For those assets and liabilities recorded or disclosed at fair value, the Company determines the fair value based upon the quoted market price, if available. If a quoted market price is not available for identical assets, the fair value is based upon the quoted market price of similar assets. The fair values are assigned a level within the fair value hierarchy as defined below: ▪ Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. ▪ Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. ▪ Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions. As of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021 , the Company held certain assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These included cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, marketable securities and foreign currency forward contracts. The carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair values of marketable securities classified as equity securities are obtained from quoted market prices, and the fair values of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale and foreign currency forward contracts are obtained from a third party, which are based on quoted prices or market prices for similar assets and financial instruments. Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Not Designated as Hedges The Company has established a program that primarily utilizes foreign currency forward contracts to offset the risks associated with the effects of certain foreign currency exposures primarily originating from intercompany balances due to cross border work performed in the ordinary course of business. These foreign currency forward contracts are neither used for trading purposes nor are they designated as hedging instruments pursuant to ASC 815. Accordingly, the fair value of these contracts is recorded as of the end of the reporting period in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, while the change in fair value is recorded to the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Business Acquisitions Business acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method. The acquisition method requires the reporting entity to identify the acquirer, determine the acquisition date, recognize and measure the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity, and recognize and measure goodwill or a gain from the purchase. The acquiree’s results are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values and the excess of the purchase price over the amounts assigned is recorded as goodwill, or if the fair value of the assets acquired exceeds the purchase price consideration, a bargain purchase gain is recorded. Adjustments to fair value assessments are generally recorded to goodwill over the measurement period (not longer than 12 months). The acquisition method also requires that acquisition-related transaction and post-acquisition restructuring costs be charged to expense as committed and requires the Company to recognize and measure certain assets and liabilities including those arising from contingencies and contingent consideration in a business combination. During the six months ended October 31, 2020, the Company recorded an adjustment of $2.6 million to increase goodwill as a result of additional tax liabilities from the Miller Heiman Group, Achieve Forum and Strategy Execution (the “Acquired Companies”) acquisition completed on November 1, 2019. Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and current and non-current operating lease liability, in the consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, net, other accrued liabilities and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and the lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term on the commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, with variable lease payments recognized in the periods in which they are incurred. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. For all leases with non-lease components the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets include property, equipment, ROU assets and software developed or obtained for internal use. In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment million and an impairment of leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures of $ 1.9 million, both recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in general and administrative expenses , during the three and six months ended October 31, 2021. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2020 there were no impairment charges recorded. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired. The goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill of the reporting unit would be considered impaired. To measure the amount of the impairment loss, the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. For each of these tests, the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units is determined using a combination of valuation techniques, including a discounted cash flow methodology. To corroborate the discounted cash flow analysis performed at each reporting unit, a market approach is utilized using observable market data such as comparable companies in similar lines of business that are publicly traded or which are part of a public or private transaction (to the extent available). Goodwill is tested for impairment annually and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. Results of the annual qualitative impairment test performed as of January 31, 2021, indicated that the fair value of each of the reporting units exceeded its carrying amount and no reporting units were at risk of failing the impairment test. As a result, no impairment charge was recognized. As of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021, there were no indicators of impairment with respect to the Company’s goodwill. Intangible assets primarily consist of customer lists, non-compete agreements, proprietary databases and IP. Intangible assets are recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition and are amortized in a pattern in which the asset is consumed, if that pattern can be reliably determined, or using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from one to 24 years. For intangible assets subject to amortization, an impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of the intangible assets is not recoverable and exceeds fair value. The carrying amount of the intangible assets is considered not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from use of the asset. The Company reviewed its intangible assets and noted no impairment as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021. Compensation and Benefits Expense Compensation and benefits expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations consist of compensation and benefits paid to consultants (employees who originate business), executive officers and administrative and support personnel. The most significant portions of this expense are salaries and the amounts paid under the annual performance-related bonus plan to employees. The portion of the expense applicable to salaries is comprised of amounts earned by employees during a reporting period. The portion of the expenses applicable to annual performance-related bonuses refers to the Company’s annual employee performance-related bonus with respect to a fiscal year, the amount of which is communicated and paid to each eligible employee following the completion of the fiscal year. Each quarter, management makes its best estimate of its annual performance-related bonuses, which requires management to, among other things, project annual consultant productivity (as measured by engagement fees billed and collected by Executive Search consultants and revenue and other performance/profitability metrics for Consulting, Digital and RPO & Professional Search consultants), the level of engagements referred by a consultant in one line of business to a different line of business, and Company performance, including profitability, competitive forces and future economic conditions and their impact on the Company’s results. At the end of each fiscal year, annual performance-related bonuses take into account final individual consultant productivity (including referred work), Company/line of business results, including profitability, the achievement of strategic objectives, the results of individual performance appraisals and the current economic landscape. Accordingly, each quarter the Company reevaluates the assumptions used to estimate annual performance-related bonus liability and adjusts the carrying amount of the liability recorded on the consolidated balance sheet and reports any changes in the estimate in current operations. Because annual performance-based bonuses are communicated and paid only after the Company reports its full fiscal year results, actual performance-based bonus payments may differ from the prior year’s estimate. Such changes in the bonus estimate historically have been immaterial and are recorded in current operations in the period in which they are determined. The performance-related bonus expense was $119.2 million and $215.2 million during the three and six months ended October 31, 2021, respectively, included in compensation and benefits expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The performance-related bonus expense was $72.1 million and $132.0 million during the three and six months ended October 31, 2020, respectively. Other expenses included in compensation and benefits expense are due to changes in deferred compensation and pension plan liabilities, changes in cash surrender value (“CSV”) of company-owned life insurance (“COLI”) contracts, amortization of stock-based compensation awards, payroll taxes and employee insurance benefits. Unearned compensation on the consolidated balance sheets includes long-term retention awards that are generally amortized over four-to-five years. Restructuring Charges, Net The Company accounts for its restructuring charges as a liability when the obligations are incurred and records such charges at fair value. Changes in the estimates of the restructuring charges are recorded in the period the change is determined. Stock-Based Compensation The Company has employee compensation plans under which various types of stock-based instruments are granted. These instruments principally include restricted stock units, restricted stock and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The Company recognizes compensation expense related to restricted stock units, restricted stock and the estimated fair value of stock purchases under the ESPP on a straight-line basis over the service period for the entire award. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance on Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions to the guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other interbank offered rates to alternative rates. Entities can elect to adopt this guidance as of any date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020 and can adopt it for new contracts and contract modifications entered into through December 31, 2022. The Company adopted this guidance in its fiscal year beginning May 1, 2021 and the Company elected to apply the amendments prospectively through December 12, 2022. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Los

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	2. Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share ASC 260, Earnings Per Share Basic earnings (loss) per common share was computed using the two-class method by dividing basic net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share was computed using the two-class method by dividing diluted net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus dilutive common equivalent shares. Dilutive common equivalent shares include all in-the-money outstanding options or other contracts to issue common stock as if they were exercised or converted. Financial instruments that are not in the form of common stock, but when converted into common stock increase earnings per share, are anti-dilutive and are not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share. For the six months ended October 31, 2020, the Company was in a net loss position and diluted net loss per share therefore excluded the effects of common equivalents consisting of restricted awards, which were all antidilutive. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2021, restricted stock awards of 1.2 million and 1.3 million were outstanding, respectively, but not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because they were anti-dilutive. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2020, restricted stock awards of 1.6 million and 2.0 million were outstanding, respectively, but not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because they were anti-dilutive. The following table summarizes basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share attributable to common stockholders: Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 (in thousands, except per share data) Net income (loss) attributable to Korn Ferry $ 75,772 $ 27,778 $ 150,595 $ (3,055 ) Less: distributed and undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders 1,654 730 3,321 289 Basic net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders 74,118 27,048 147,274 (3,344 ) Add: undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders 1,510 585 3,005 — Less: reallocation of undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders 1,497 583 2,974 — Diluted net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 74,131 $ 27,050 $ 147,305 $ (3,344 ) Weighted-average common shares outstanding: Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 53,114 53,229 52,937 53,246 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock 453 154 555 — ESPP 1 7 2 — Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 53,568 53,390 53,494 53,246 Net earnings (loss) per common share: Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 1.40 $ 0.51 $ 2.78 $ (0.06 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 1.38 $ 0.51 $ 2.75 $ (0.06 )

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income is comprised of net income (loss) and all changes to stockholders’ equity, except those changes resulting from investments by stockholders (changes in paid in capital) and distributions to stockholders (dividends) and is reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, is recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity. The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net were as follows: October 31, 2021 April 30, 2021 (in thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (49,051 ) $ (33,666 ) Deferred compensation and pension plan adjustments, net of tax (17,443 ) (18,135 ) Marketable securities unrealized loss, net of tax (36 ) (19 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net $ (66,530 ) $ (51,820 ) The following table summarizes the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net for the three months ended October 31, 2021: Foreign Currency Translation Deferred Compensation and Pension Plan (1) Unrealized Losses on Marketable Securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (in thousands) Balance as of July 31, 2021 $ (42,034 ) $ (17,794 ) $ (15 ) $ (59,843 ) Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period (7,017 ) 15 (21 ) (7,023 ) Reclassification of realized net losses to net income — 336 — 336 Balance as of October 31, 2021 $ (49,051 ) $ (17,443 ) $ (36 ) $ (66,530 ) The following table summarizes the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net for the six months ended October 31, 2021 : Foreign Currency Translation Deferred Compensation and Pension Plan (1) Unrealized Losses on Marketable Securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (in thousands) Balance as of April 30, 2021 $ (33,666 ) $ (18,135 ) $ (19 ) $ (51,820 ) Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period (15,385 ) 15 (18 ) (15,388 ) Reclassification of realized net losses to net income — 677 1 678 Balance as of October 31, 2021 $ (49,051 ) $ (17,443 ) $ (36 ) $ (66,530 ) (1) The tax effect on the reclassifications of realized net losses was $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and six months ended October 31, 2021. The following table summarizes the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net for the three months ended October 31, 2020: Foreign Currency Translation Deferred Compensation and Pension Plan (1) Unrealized Gains on Marketable Securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (in thousands) Balance as of July 31, 2020 $ (58,705 ) $ (22,912 ) $ 25 $ (81,592 ) Unrealized losses arising during the period (2,721 ) — (25 ) (2,746 ) Reclassification of realized net losses to net income — 683 — 683 Balance as of October 31, 2020 $ (61,426 ) $ (22,229 ) $ — $ (83,655 ) The following table summarizes the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net for the six months ended October 31, 2020: Foreign Currency Translation Deferred Compensation and Pension Plan (1) Unrealized Gains on Marketable Securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (in thousands) Balance as of April 30, 2020 $ (83,652 ) $ (23,554 ) $ 34 $ (107,172 ) Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period 22,226 — (34 ) 22,192 Reclassification of realized net losses to net income — 1,325 — 1,325 Balance as of October 31, 2020 $ (61,426 ) $ (22,229 ) $ — $ (83,655 ) (1) The tax effect on the reclassifications of realized net losses was $0.2 million and $0.5 million for the three and six months ended October 31, 2020.

Employee Stock Plans

Employee Stock Plans	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Employee Stock Plans	4. Employee Stock Plans Stock-Based Compensation The following table summarizes the components of stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 (in thousands) Restricted stock $ 7,288 $ 7,084 $ 14,250 $ 12,897 ESPP 203 146 399 298 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 7,491 $ 7,230 $ 14,649 $ 13,195 Stock Incentive Plan At the Company’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, held on October 3, 2019, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment and restatement to the Korn Ferry Amended and Restated 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2019 amendment and restatement being the “Fourth A&R 2008 Plan”), which, among other things, eliminated the fungible share counting provision and decreased the total number of shares of the Company’s common stock available for stock-based awards by 2,141,807 shares, leaving 3,600,000 shares available for issuance, subject to certain changes in the Company’s capital structure and other extraordinary events. The Fourth A&R 2008 Plan was also amended to generally require a minimum one-year vesting for all future awards, and provides for the grant of awards to eligible participants, designated as either nonqualified or incentive stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, any of which are market-based, and incentive bonuses, which may be paid in cash or stock or a combination thereof. Restricted Stock The Company grants time-based restricted stock awards to executive officers and other senior employees generally vesting over a four-year The Company also grants market-based restricted stock units to executive officers and other senior employees. The market-based units vest after three years depending upon the Company’s total stockholder return over the three-year performance period relative to other companies in its selected peer group. The fair value of these market-based restricted stock units are determined by using extensive market data that is based on historical Company and peer group information. The Company recognizes compensation expense for market-based restricted stock units on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Restricted stock activity during the six months ended October 31, 2021 is summarized below: Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value (in thousands, except per share data) Non-vested, April 30, 2021 2,370 $ 34.34 Granted 481 $ 65.06 Vested (799 ) $ 43.93 Forfeited/expired (34 ) $ 32.74 Non-vested, October 31, 2021 2,018 $ 40.24 As of October 31, 2021, there were 0.4 million shares outstanding relating to market-based restricted stock units with total unrecognized compensation totaling $12.7 million. As of October 31, 2021, there was $66.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to all non-vested awards of restricted stock, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2021, 5,729 shares and 264,807 shares of restricted stock totaling $0.5 million and $18.1 million, respectively, were repurchased by the Company, at the option of employees, to pay for taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock. During three and six months ended October 31, 2020, 3,619 shares and 164,646, shares of restricted stock totaling $0.1 million and $4.5 million, respectively, were repurchased by the Company, at the option of employees, to pay for taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock. Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Company has an ESPP that, in accordance with Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code, allows eligible employees to authorize payroll deductions of up to 15% of their salary to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. On June 3, 2020, the Company amended the plan so that the purchase price of the shares purchased could not be less than 85% or more than 100% of the fair market price of the common stock on the last day of the enrollment period. This amendment became effective July 1, 2020. Employees may not purchase more than $25,000 in stock during any calendar year. The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the ESPP is 3.0 million shares. During the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, no Common Stock During the three and six months ended October 31, 2021, the Company repurchased (on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions) 93,385 and the Company repurchased (on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions) 753,451 shares of the Company’s stock for $22.8 million.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	5. Financial Instruments The following tables show the Company’s financial instruments and balance sheet classifications as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021: October 31, 2021 Fair Value Measurement Balance Sheet Classification Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities, Non- current Income taxes and other receivables (in thousands) Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Other Comprehensive Loss Level 2: Commercial paper $ 41,629 $ 1 $ (10 ) $ 41,620 $ — $ 41,620 $ — $ — Corporate notes/bonds 38,754 — (41 ) 38,713 — 25,801 12,912 — Total debt investments $ 80,383 $ 1 $ (51 ) $ 80,333 $ — $ 67,421 $ 12,912 $ — Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Net Income Level 1: Mutual funds (1) $ 191,210 $ — $ 10,075 $ 181,135 $ — Total $ 191,210 $ — $ 10,075 $ 181,135 $ — Cash $ 637,541 $ 637,541 $ — $ — $ — Money market funds 87,850 87,850 — — — Level 2: Foreign currency forward contracts 564 — — — 564 Total $ 997,498 $ 725,391 $ 77,496 $ 194,047 $ 564 April 30, 2021 Fair Value Measurement Balance Sheet Classification Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities, Non-current Other Accrued Liabilities (in thousands) Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income Level 2: Commercial paper $ 51,979 $ 1 $ (7 ) $ 51,973 $ 9,499 $ 42,474 $ — $ — Corporate notes/bonds 26,371 — (20 ) 26,351 — 10,134 16,217 — U.S. Treasury and Agency Securities 1,975 — — 1,975 — 1,975 — — Total debt investments $ 80,325 $ 1 $ (27 ) $ 80,299 $ 9,499 $ 54,583 $ 16,217 $ — Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Net Income Level 1: Mutual funds (1) $ 175,559 $ — $ 9,084 $ 166,475 $ — Total $ 175,559 $ — $ 9,084 $ 166,475 $ — Cash $ 752,737 $ 752,737 $ — $ — $ — Money market funds 88,542 88,542 — — — Level 2: Foreign currency forward contracts (12 ) — — — (12 ) Total $ 1,097,125 $ 850,778 $ 63,667 $ 182,692 $ (12 ) (1) These investments are held in trust for settlement of the Company’s vested obligations of $174.6 million and $ million as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021 , respectively, under the ECAP (see Note 6 — Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans). Unvested obligations under the deferred compensation plans totaled $26.7 million and $ 26.5 million as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021 , respectively. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2021 , the fair value of the investments increased; therefore, the Company recognized a gain of $ million and $ million, respectively, which was recorded in other income, net. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2020 , the fair value of the investments increased; therefore, the Company recognized a gain of $ million and $ million, respectively, which was recorded in other income, net. Investments in marketable securities classified as available-for-sale securities are made based on the Company’s investment policy, which restricts the types of investments that can be made. As of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021, marketable securities classified as available-for-sale consisted of commercial paper and During the three and six months ended October 31, 2020, there were $16.7 million and $28.4 million in sales/maturities of available-for-sale marketable securities, respectively. Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Not Designated as Hedges The fair value of derivatives not designated as hedge instruments are as follows: October 31, 2021 April 30, 2021 (in thousands) Derivative assets: Foreign currency forward contracts $ 1,374 $ 822 Derivative liabilities: Foreign currency forward contracts $ 810 $ 834 As of October 31, 2021, the total notional amounts of the forward contracts purchased and sold were $90.0 million and $44.4 million, respectively. As of April 30, 2021, the total notional amounts of the forward contracts purchased and sold were $69.4 million and $44.9 million, respectively. The Company recognizes forward contracts as a net asset or net liability on the consolidated balance sheets as such contracts are covered by a master netting agreement. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2021, the Company incurred gains of $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, related to forward contracts, which was recorded in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. These foreign currency gains offset foreign currency losses that result from transactions denominated in a currency other than the Company’s functional currency. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2020, the Company incurred losses of $0.5 million and gains of $0.3 million, respectively, related to forward contracts, which are recorded in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. These foreign currency losses and gains offset foreign currency gains and losses that result from transactions denominated in a currency other than the Company’s functional currency.

Deferred Compensation and Retir

Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans	6. Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans The Company has several deferred compensation and retirement plans for eligible consultants and vice presidents that provide defined benefits to participants based on the deferral of current compensation or contributions made by the Company subject to vesting and retirement or termination provisions. Among these plans is a defined benefit pension plan for certain employees in the U.S. The assets of this plan are held separately from the assets of the sponsor in self-administered funds. All other defined benefit obligations from other plans are unfunded. The components of net periodic benefit costs are as follows: Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 (in thousands) Service cost $ 9,749 $ 8,197 $ 18,428 $ 15,480 Interest cost 1,038 1,047 2,057 2,080 Amortization of actuarial loss 542 996 1,085 1,993 Expected return on plan assets (1) (386 ) (351 ) (773 ) (702 ) Net periodic service credit amortization (102 ) (102 ) (203 ) (203 ) Net periodic benefit costs (2) $ 10,841 $ 9,787 $ 20,594 $ 18,648 (1) The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 6.00% and 6.00% for October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (2) The service cost, interest cost and the other components of net periodic benefit costs are included in compensation and benefits expense, interest expense, net and other income, net, respectively, on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company purchased COLI contracts insuring the lives of certain employees eligible to participate in the deferred compensation and pension plans as a means of setting aside funds to cover such plans. The gross CSV of these contracts of $244.7 and $241.3 million as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021, respectively, The Company’s ECAP is intended to provide certain employees an opportunity to defer their salary and/or bonus on a pre-tax basis. In addition, the Company, as part of its compensation philosophy, makes discretionary contributions into the ECAP and such contributions may be granted to key employees annually based on the employee’s performance. Certain key management may also receive Company ECAP contributions upon commencement of employment. The Company amortizes these contributions on a straight-line basis over the service period, generally a five year period. Participants have the ability to allocate their deferrals among a number of investment options and may receive their benefits at termination, retirement or ‘in service’ either in a lump sum or in quarterly installments over one-to-15 years. The ECAP amounts that are expected to be paid to employees over the next 12 months are classified as a current liability included in compensation and benefits payable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The ECAP is accounted for whereby the changes in the fair value of the vested amounts owed to the participants are adjusted with a corresponding charge (or credit) to compensation and benefits costs. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2021, deferred compensation liability increased; therefore, the Company recognized compensation expense of $4.7 million and $10.2 million, respectively. Offsetting the increases in compensation and benefits expense was an increase in the fair value of marketable securities (held in trust to satisfy obligations of the ECAP liabilities) of $4.8 million and $10.0 million during the three and six months ended October 31, 2021, respectively, recorded in other income, net on the consolidated statements of operations. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2020, deferred compensation liability increased; therefore, the Company recognized expense of $0.6 million and $11.8 million, respectively. Offsetting the increase in compensation and benefits expense was an increase in the fair value of marketable securities (held in trust to satisfy obligations of the ECAP liabilities) of $0.6 million and $12.0 million during the three and six months ended October 31, 2020, respectively, recorded in other income, net on the consolidated statements of operations (see Note 5— Financial Instruments

Fee Revenue

Fee Revenue	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Fee Revenue	7. Fee Revenue Contract Balances A contract asset (unbilled receivables) is recorded when the Company transfers control of products or services before there is an unconditional right to payment. A contract liability (deferred revenue) is recorded when cash is received in advance of performance of the obligation. Deferred revenue represents the future performance obligations to transfer control of products or services for which the Company has already received consideration. Deferred revenue is presented in other accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The following table outlines the Company’s contract asset and liability balances as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021: October 31, 2021 April 30, 2021 (in thousands) Contract assets-unbilled receivables $ 110,806 $ 82,842 Contract liabilities-deferred revenue $ 212,211 $ 184,610 During the six months ended October 31, 2021, the Company recognized revenue of $100.2 million that was included in the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of the period. Performance Obligations The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient to exclude the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with a duration of one year or less, which applies to all executive search and professional search fee revenue. As of October 31, 2021, the aggregate transaction price allocated to the performance obligations that are unsatisfied for contracts with an expected duration of greater than one year at inception was $901.8 million. Of the $901.8 million of remaining performance obligations, the Company expects to recognize approximately $299.1 million in the remainder of fiscal 2022, $346.2 million in fiscal 2023, $174.1 million in fiscal 2024 and the remaining Disaggregation of Revenue The Company disaggregates its revenue by line of business and further by region for Executive Search. This information is presented in Note 11— Segments The following table provides further disaggregation of fee revenue by industry: Three Months Ended October 31, 2021 2020 Dollars % Dollars % (dollars in thousands) Industrial $ 169,706 26.5 % $ 119,380 27.4 % Life Sciences/Healthcare 127,979 20.0 83,413 19.2 Financial Services 113,991 17.8 82,918 19.0 Technology 103,667 16.2 64,691 14.9 Consumer Goods 92,459 14.5 60,737 13.9 Education/Non-Profit/General 31,641 5.0 24,300 5.6 Fee Revenue $ 639,443 100.0 % $ 435,439 100.0 % Six Months Ended October 31, 2021 2020 Dollars % Dollars % (dollars in thousands) Industrial $ 319,062 26.1 % $ 214,691 27.6 % Life Sciences/Healthcare 243,169 19.9 148,863 19.1 Financial Services 219,640 17.9 148,645 19.1 Technology 198,601 16.2 114,015 14.6 Consumer Goods 174,023 14.2 105,515 13.5 Education/Non-Profit 70,343 5.7 47,807 6.1 Fee Revenue $ 1,224,838 100.0 % $ 779,536 100.0 %

Credit Losses

Credit Losses	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Credit Loss [Abstract]
Credit Losses	8. Credit Losses The Company is exposed to credit losses primarily through the provision of its Executive Search, Consulting and Digital services. The Company’s expected credit loss allowance methodology for accounts receivable is developed using historical collection experience, current and future economic and market conditions and a review of the current status of customers' trade accounts receivables. Due to the short-term nature of such receivables, the estimate of the amount of accounts receivable that may not be collected is primarily based on historical loss-rate experience. When required, the Company adjusts the loss-rate methodology to account for current conditions and reasonable and supportable expectations of future economic and market conditions. The Company generally assesses future economic conditions for a period of sixty to ninety days, which corresponds with the contractual life of its accounts receivables. Additionally, specific allowance amounts are established to record the appropriate provision for customers that have a higher probability of default. The Company’s monitoring activities include timely account reconciliation, dispute resolution, payment confirmation, consideration of customers' financial condition and macroeconomic conditions. Balances are written off when determined to be uncollectible. The Company considered the current and expected future economic and market conditions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”) as of the end of the quarter and determined that the estimate of credit losses was not significantly impacted as of that date. The activity in the allowance for credit losses on the Company's trade receivables is as follows: (in thousands) Balance at April 30, 2021 $ 29,324 Provision for credit losses 9,629 Write-offs (5,685 ) Recoveries of amounts previously written off 681 Foreign currency translation (461 ) Balance at October 31, 2021 $ 33,488 The fair value and unrealized losses on available for sale debt securities, aggregated by investment category and the length of time the security has been in an unrealized loss position, are as follows: Less Than 12 Months Balance Sheet Classification Balance at October 31, 2021 Fair Value Unrealized Loss Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities, Non- Current (in thousands) Commercial paper $ 28,425 $ 10 $ 28,425 $ — Corporate notes/bonds $ 37,206 $ 41 $ 25,801 $ 11,405 Less Than 12 Months Balance Sheet Classification Balance at April 30, 2021 Fair Value Unrealized Loss Cash and Cash Equivalent Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities, Non- Current (in thousands) Commercial paper $ 36,378 $ 7 $ 5,749 $ 30,629 $ — Corporate notes/bonds $ 26,350 $ 20 $ — $ 10,133 $ 16,217 The unrealized losses on 17 and 18 investments in commercial paper securities and 22 and 15 investments in corporate notes/bonds on October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021, respectively, were caused by fluctuations in market interest rates. The Company only purchases high grade bonds that have a maturity from the date of purchase of no more than two years. The Company monitors the credit worthiness of its investments on a quarterly basis. The Company does not intend to sell the investments and does not believe it will be required to sell the investments before the investments mature and therefore recover the amortized cost basis.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	9. Income Taxes The provision for income tax was an expense of $26.1 million and $50.0 in the three and six months ended October 31, 2021, respectively, with an effective tax rate of 25.5% and 24.7%, respectively, compared to an expense of $12.9 million and $4.2 million in the three and six months ended October 31, 2020, respectively, with an effective tax rate of 31.4% and 294.5%, respectively. In addition to the impact of U.S. state income taxes and jurisdictional mix of earnings, which generally create variability in our effective tax rate over time, the effective tax rate for the three and six months ended October 31, 2020, was particularly impacted by the initial business downturn and uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak. Specifically, in the three months ended July 31, 2020 (the first quarter of fiscal 2021), the Company recorded a tax benefit of $8.7 million on a $ 39.5 million pre-tax loss. As business conditions improved and the Company returned to profitability over the remainder of fiscal 2021, the tax benefit recorded in the first quarter continued to have a meaningful, albeit diminishing, impact on the last three reporting periods of the preceding fiscal year. Furthermore, the effective tax rate in the three and six months ended October 31, 2020 , was affected by a tax expense recorded for withholding taxes on intercompany dividends that we re not eligible for credit and a shortfall recorded in connection with stock-based awards that vested in the three months ended July 31, 2020. The shortfall is the amount by which the Company’s tax deduction for these awards, based on the fair market value of the awards on the date of vesting, is less than the expense recorded in the Company’s financial statements over the awards’ vesting period.

Restructuring Charges, Net

Restructuring Charges, Net	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges, Net	10. Restructuring Charges, Net There were no restructuring charges in the three and six months ended October 31, 2021. On April 20, 2020, in light of the continuing uncertainty in worldwide economic conditions caused by COVID-19 and, as part of a broader program aimed at further enhancing Korn Ferry’s strong balance sheet and liquidity position, the Company adopted a restructuring plan intended to adjust its cost base to the then-current economic environment and to position the Company to invest into its recovery. The Company continued the implementation of this plan in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and this resulted in restructuring charges, net of $2.4 million and $29.9 million in the three and six months ended October 31, 2020 Changes in the restructuring liability during the three months ended October 31, 2021, were as follows: Restructuring Liability (in thousands) As of July 31, 2021 $ 3,332 Reductions for cash payments (407 ) Exchange rate fluctuations (252 ) As of October 31, 2021 $ 2,673 Changes in the restructuring liability during the six months ended October 31, 2021, were as follows: Restructuring Liability (in thousands) As of April 30, 2021 $ 6,985 Reductions for cash payments (3,938 ) Exchange rate fluctuations (374 ) As of October 31, 2021 $ 2,673 As of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021, the restructuring liability is included in the current portion of other accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, except for $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively, which are included in other long-term liabilities.

Segments

Segments	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments	11. Segments The Company has seven reportable segments: Consulting, Digital, Executive Search North America, Executive Search EMEA, Executive Search Asia Pacific, Executive Search Latin America and RPO & Professional Search. Revenues are directly attributed to a reportable segment and expenses not directly associated with a specific segment are allocated based on the most relevant measures applicable, including revenues, headcount and other factors. The Company’s seven reportable segments operate through the following four lines of business: 1. Consulting 2. Digital 3. Executive Search 4. RPO & Professional Search talent acquisition solutions to clients. Transaction sizes range from single professional searches to team, department and line of business projects, and global outsource recruiting solutions . Executive Search is managed by geographic regional leaders. Worldwide operations for Consulting, Digital, and RPO & Professional Search are managed by their Chief Executive Officers. The Executive Search geographic regional leaders and the Chief Executive Officers of Consulting, Digital, and RPO & Professional Search report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Company also operates Corporate to record global expenses. The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) review of 1) fee revenue and 2) adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”). To the extent that such costs or charges occur, Adjusted EBITDA excludes restructuring charges, integration/acquisition costs, certain separation costs and certain non-cash charges (goodwill, intangible asset and other impairment charges). The CODM is not provided asset information by reportable segment. Financial highlights by reportable segments are as follows: Three Months Ended October 31, 2021 Executive Search Consulting Digital North America EMEA Asia Pacific Latin America Subtotal RPO & Professional Search Corporate Consolidated (in thousands) Fee revenue $ 164,893 $ 88,639 $ 158,197 $ 42,434 $ 28,257 $ 6,571 $ 235,459 $ 150,452 $ — $ 639,443 Total revenue $ 165,732 $ 88,712 $ 159,082 $ 42,571 $ 28,267 $ 6,572 $ 236,492 $ 152,462 $ — $ 643,398 Net income $ 75,772 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 560 Other income, net (5,066 ) Interest expense, net 6,365 Income tax provision 26,145 Operating income $ 103,776 Depreciation and amortization 15,633 Other income, net 5,066 Integration/acquisition costs 1,084 Impairment of fixed assets 1,915 Impairment of right of use assets 7,392 Adjusted EBITDA (1) $ 30,061 $ 28,556 $ 48,907 $ 7,663 $ 8,201 $ 1,366 $ 66,137 $ 36,258 $ (26,146 ) $ 134,866 (1) Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and further excludes integration/acquisition costs and impairment charges. Three Months Ended October 31, 2020 Executive Search Consulting Digital North America EMEA Asia Pacific Latin America Subtotal RPO & Professional Search Corporate Consolidated (in thousands) Fee revenue $ 126,685 $ 75,043 $ 91,168 $ 31,629 $ 20,807 $ 4,456 $ 148,060 $ 85,651 $ — $ 435,439 Total revenue $ 127,051 $ 75,038 $ 91,609 $ 31,714 $ 20,820 $ 4,456 $ 148,599 $ 87,101 $ — $ 437,789 Net income attributable to Korn Ferry $ 27,778 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 300 Other income, net (277 ) Interest expense, net 7,494 Income tax provision 12,877 Operating income $ 48,172 Depreciation and amortization 15,298 Other income, net 277 Restructuring charges, net 2,407 Adjusted EBITDA (1) $ 20,163 $ 23,084 $ 21,186 $ 2,817 $ 3,641 $ 584 $ 28,228 $ 13,799 $ (19,120 ) $ 66,154 (1) Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and further excludes net restructuring charges. Six Months Ended October 31, 2021 Executive Search Consulting Digital North America EMEA Asia Pacific Latin America Subtotal RPO & Professional Search Corporate Consolidated (in thousands) Fee revenue $ 313,371 $ 169,310 $ 296,875 $ 85,181 $ 56,960 $ 13,347 $ 452,363 $ 289,794 $ — $ 1,224,838 Total revenue $ 314,739 $ 169,393 $ 298,382 $ 85,414 $ 56,999 $ 13,351 $ 454,146 $ 293,218 $ — $ 1,231,496 Net income $ 150,595 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 2,134 Other income, net (9,513 ) Interest expense, net 11,791 Income tax provision 50,024 Operating income $ 205,031 Depreciation and amortization 31,277 Other income, net 9,513 Integration/acquisition costs 1,084 Impairment of fixed assets 1,915 Impairment of right of use assets 7,392 Adjusted EBITDA (1) $ 56,902 $ 54,188 $ 92,237 $ 15,248 $ 16,521 $ 3,720 $ 127,726 $ 70,225 $ (52,829 ) $ 256,212 (1) Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and further excludes integration/acquisition costs and impairment charges. Six Months Ended October 31, 2020 Executive Search Consulting Digital North America EMEA Asia Pacific Latin America Subtotal RPO & Professional Search Corporate Consolidated (in thousands) Fee revenue $ 226,003 $ 131,016 $ 160,483 $ 61,710 $ 38,059 $ 7,951 $ 268,203 $ 154,314 $ — $ 779,536 Total revenue $ 226,641 $ 131,060 $ 161,465 $ 61,909 $ 38,160 $ 7,951 $ 269,485 $ 157,486 $ — $ 784,672 Net loss attributable to Korn Ferry $ (3,055 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 278 Other income, net (11,439 ) Interest expense, net 14,388 Income tax provision 4,205 Operating income $ 4,377 Depreciation and amortization 30,333 Other income, net 11,439 Integration/acquisition costs 737 Restructuring charges, net 29,894 Adjusted EBITDA (1) $ 26,767 $ 31,027 $ 26,498 $ 4,527 $ 5,235 $ 22 $ 36,282 $ 19,823 $ (37,119 ) $ 76,780 (1) Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and further excludes integration/acquisition costs and net restructuring charges.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	12. Long-Term Debt 4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 On December 16, 2019, the Company completed a private placement of 4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 (the “Notes”) with a $400 million principal amount pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Notes were issued with a $4.5 million discount and will mature December 15, 2027, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on June 15, 2020. The Notes represent senior unsecured obligations that rank equally in right of payment to all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The Company may redeem the Notes prior to maturity, subject to certain limitations and premiums defined in the indenture governing the Notes. At any time prior to December 15, 2022, the Company may redeem the Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal plus the Applicable Premium (as defined in the indenture governing the Notes), and accrued and unpaid interest. At any time prior to December 15, 2022, the Company may use the proceeds of certain equity offerings to redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes, including any permitted additional notes, at a redemption price equal to 104.625% of the principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest. At any time and from time to time on or after December 15, 2022, the Company may redeem the Notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the table below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on December 15 of each of the years indicated: Year Percentage 2022 102.313% 2023 101.156% 2024 and thereafter 100.000% The Notes allow the Company to pay $25 million of dividends per fiscal year with no restrictions, plus an unlimited amount of dividends so long as the Company’s consolidated total leverage ratio is not greater than 3.50 to 1.00, and the Company is not in default under the indenture governing the Notes. The Notes are guaranteed by each of the Company's existing and future wholly owned domestic subsidiaries to the extent such subsidiaries guarantee the Company's revolving credit facility. The indenture governing the Notes requires that, upon the occurrence of both a Change of Control and a Rating Decline (each as defined in the indenture), the Company shall make an offer to purchase all of the Notes at 101% of their principal amount, and accrued and unpaid interest. The Company used the proceeds from the offering of the Notes to repay $276.9 million outstanding under the Company’s prior revolving credit facility and to pay expenses and fees in connection therewith. The remainder of the proceeds were used for general corporate requirements. The effective interest rate on the Notes was 4.86% as of October 31, 2021 As of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021, the fair value of the Notes was $ 415.5 million and $416.5 million, respectively, based on borrowing rates then required of notes with similar terms, maturity and credit risk. The fair value of the Notes was classified as a Level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy. Long-term debt, at amortized cost, consisted of the following: In thousands October 31, 2021 April 30, 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes $ 400,000 $ 400,000 Less: Unamortized discount and issuance costs (4,868 ) (5,206 ) Long-term borrowings, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs $ 395,132 $ 394,794 Credit Facility On December 16, 2019, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks and Bank of America, National Association as administrative agent to among other things, provide for enhanced financial flexibility. The Credit Agreement provides for a $650.0 million five-year The principal balance of the Revolver, if any, is due on the date of its termination. The Revolver matures on December 16, 2024 and any unpaid principal balance is payable on this date. The Revolver may also be prepaid and terminated early by the Company at any time without premium or penalty (subject to customary LIBOR breakage fees). At the Company’s option, loans issued under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at either LIBOR or an alternate base rate, in each case plus the applicable interest rate margin. The interest rate applicable to loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement may fluctuate between LIBOR plus 1.125% per annum to LIBOR plus 2.00% per annum, in the case of LIBOR borrowings (or between the alternate base rate plus 0.125% per annum and the alternate base rate plus 1.00% per annum, in the alternative), based upon the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio at such time. In addition, the Company will be required to pay to the lenders a quarterly commitment fee ranging from % to 0.35 % per annum on the average daily unused amount of the Revolver, based upon the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio at such time, and fees relating to the issuance of letters of credit. As of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021, there was no outstanding liability under the Revolver. The unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the Credit Agreement was $2.9 million and $3.3 million as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021, respectively. The debt issuance costs were included in other current assets and other non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheets. As of October 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with its debt covenants. The Company had a total of $644.5 million and $646.0 million available under the Revolver

Leases

Leases	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	13. Leases The Company’s lease portfolio is comprised of operating leases for office space and equipment and finance leases for equipment. Equipment leases are comprised of vehicles and office equipment. The majority of the Company’s leases include both lease and non-lease components. Non-lease components primarily include maintenance, insurance, taxes and other utilities. The Company combines fixed payments for non-lease components with its lease payments and accounts for them as a single lease component, which increases its ROU assets and lease liabilities. Some of the leases include one or more options to renew or terminate the lease at the Company’s discretion. Generally, the renewal and termination options are not included in the ROU assets and lease liabilities as they are not reasonably certain of exercise. The Company has elected not to recognize a ROU asset or lease liability for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of the future minimum lease payments. The Company applies the portfolio approach when determining the incremental borrowing rate since it has a centrally managed treasury function. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate is estimated to approximate the interest rate on a collateralized basis with similar terms and payments in a similar economic environment. Operating leases contain both office and equipment leases and have remaining terms that range from less than one year to 11 years, some of which also include options to extend or terminate the lease. Finance leases are comprised of equipment leases and have remaining terms that range from less than one year to five years. Finance lease assets are included in property and equipment, net while finance lease liabilities are included in other accrued liabilities and other liabilities. During the second quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company reduced its real estate footprint and as a result recorded an impairment charge of the ROU assets of $7.4 million recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The components of lease expense were as follows: Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 (in thousands) Finance lease cost Amortization of ROU assets $ 257 $ 317 $ 537 $ 655 Interest on lease liabilities 21 30 45 61 278 347 582 716 Operating lease cost 13,457 14,027 27,275 28,010 Short-term lease cost 213 104 482 212 Variable lease cost 3,431 2,785 5,099 5,192 Lease impairment cost 7,392 — 7,392 — Sublease income (228 ) (195 ) (459 ) (275 ) Total lease cost $ 24,543 $ 17,068 $ 40,371 $ 33,855 Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows: Six Months Ended October 31, 2021 2020 (in thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 30,133 $ 32,321 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 592 $ 664 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 7,208 $ 6,000 Finance leases $ 317 $ 509 Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: October 31, 2021 April 30, 2021 (in thousands) Finance Leases: Property and equipment, at cost $ 4,675 $ 4,801 Accumulated depreciation (2,765 ) (2,590 ) Property and equipment, net $ 1,910 $ 2,211 Other accrued liabilities $ 895 $ 1,010 Other liabilities 1,094 1,301 Total finance lease liabilities $ 1,989 $ 2,311 Weighted average remaining lease terms: Operating leases 4.7 years 5.0 years Finance leases 2.6 years 2.7 years Weighted average discount rate: Operating leases 4.7 % 4.8 % Finance leases 3.9 % 4.2 % Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: Year Ending April 30, Operating Financing (in thousands) 2022 (excluding the six months ended October 31, 2021) $ 30,635 $ 499 2023 47,762 816 2024 40,837 528 2025 34,105 219 2026 29,435 21 Thereafter 21,229 — Total lease payments 204,003 2,083 Less: imputed interest 21,522 94 Total $ 182,481 $ 1,989

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	14. Subsequent Event Quarterly Dividend Declaration On December 7, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.12 per share with a payment date of January 14, 2022 to holders of the Company’s common stock of record at the close of business on December 21, 2021. The declaration and payment of future dividends under the quarterly dividend policy will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including the Company’s earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, the terms of the Company’s indebtedness and other factors that the Board of Directors may deem to be relevant. The Board of Directors may amend, revoke or suspend the dividend policy at any time and for any reason.

Organization and Summary of S_2

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Consolidation and Presentation	Basis of Consolidation and Presentation The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2021 for the Company and its wholly and majority owned/controlled domestic and international subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements conform with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and prevailing practice within our different industries. The consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and any other adjustments that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the results for these periods. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year. The Company has control of a Mexican subsidiary and consolidates the operations of this subsidiary. Noncontrolling interest, which represents the Mexican partners’ 51% interest in the Mexican subsidiary, is reflected on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company considers events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the consolidated financial statements are issued to provide additional evidence relative to certain estimates or to identify matters that require additional disclosures.
Use of Estimates and Uncertainties	Use of Estimates and Uncertainties The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates, and changes in estimates are reported in current operations as new information is learned or upon the amounts becoming fixed or determinable. The most significant areas that require management’s judgment are revenue recognition, deferred compensation, annual performance-related bonuses, evaluation of the carrying value of receivables, goodwill and other intangible assets, share-based payments, leases and the recoverability of deferred income taxes.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Substantially all fee revenue is derived from talent and organizational consulting services and digital sales, stand-alone or as part of a solution, fees for professional services related to executive and professional recruitment performed on a retained basis and RPO, either Revenue is recognized when control of the goods and services are transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. Revenue contracts with customers are evaluated based on the five-step model outlined in Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 606 (“ASC 606”): 1) identify the contract with a customer; 2) identify the performance obligation(s) in the contract; 3) determine the transaction price; 4) allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligation(s); and 5) recognize revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied. Consulting fee revenue is primarily recognized as services are rendered, measured by total hours incurred as a percentage of the total estimated hours at completion. It is possible that updated estimates for consulting engagements may vary from initial estimates with such updates being recognized in the period of determination. Depending on the timing of billings and services rendered, the Company accrues or defers revenue as appropriate. Digital fee revenue is generated from IP platforms enabling large-scale, technology-based talent programs for pay, talent development, engagement, and assessment and is consumed directly by an end user or indirectly through a consulting engagement. Revenue is recognized as services are delivered and the Company has a legally enforceable right to payment. Revenue also comes from the sale of the Company’s proprietary IP subscriptions, which are considered symbolic IP due to the dynamic nature of the content. As a result, revenue is recognized over the term of the contract. Functional IP licenses grant customers the right to use IP content via the delivery of a flat file. Because the IP content license has significant stand-alone functionality, revenue is recognized upon delivery and when an enforceable right to payment exists. Revenue for tangible and digital products sold by the Company, such as books and digital files, is recognized when these products are shipped. Fee revenue from executive and professional search activities is generally one-third of the estimated first-year cash compensation of the placed candidate, plus a percentage of the fee to cover RPO fee
Reimbursements	Reimbursements The Company incurs certain out-of-pocket expenses that are reimbursed by its clients, which are accounted for as revenue in the consolidated statements of operations.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts An allowance is established for doubtful accounts by taking a charge to general and administrative expenses. The Company’s expected credit loss allowance methodology for accounts receivable is developed using historical collection experience, current and future economic and market conditions and a review of the current status of customers’ trade accounts receivable. Due to the short-term nature of such receivables, the estimate of amount of accounts receivable that may not be collected is primarily based on historical loss-rate experience. When required, the Company adjusts the loss-rate methodology to account for current conditions and reasonable and supportable expectations of future economic and market conditions. The Company generally assesses future economic condition for a period of sixty to ninety days, which corresponds with the contractual life of its accounts receivables. After the Company exhausts all collection efforts, the amount of the allowance is reduced for balances written off as uncollectible.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. As of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021, the Company’s investments in cash equivalents consisted of money market funds and as of April 30, 2021 also included commercial paper with initial maturity of less than 90 days for which market prices are readily available.
Marketable Securities	Marketable Securities The Company currently has investments in marketable securities and mutual funds that are classified as either equity securities or available-for-sale debt securities. The classification of the investments in these marketable securities and mutual funds is assessed upon purchase and reassessed at each reporting period. These investments are recorded at fair value and are classified as marketable securities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company invests in mutual funds (for which market prices are readily available) that are held in trust to satisfy obligations under the Company’s deferred compensation plans. Such investments are classified as equity securities and mirror the employees’ investment elections in their deemed accounts in the Executive Capital Accumulation Plan and similar plans in Asia Pacific and Canada (“ECAP”) from a pre-determined set of securities. Realized gains (losses) on marketable securities are determined by specific identification. Interest is recognized on an accrual basis; dividends are recorded as earned on the ex-dividend date. Interest, dividend income and the changes in fair value in marketable securities are recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in other income, net. The Company also invests cash in excess of its daily operating requirements and capital needs primarily in marketable fixed income (debt) securities in accordance with the Company’s investment policy, which restricts the type of investments that can be made. The Company’s investment portfolio includes commercial paper and corporate notes/bonds as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021 and also includes US Treasury and Agency securities as of April 30, 2021. These marketable fixed income (debt)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value is the price the Company would receive to sell an asset or transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants. For those assets and liabilities recorded or disclosed at fair value, the Company determines the fair value based upon the quoted market price, if available. If a quoted market price is not available for identical assets, the fair value is based upon the quoted market price of similar assets. The fair values are assigned a level within the fair value hierarchy as defined below: ▪ Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. ▪ Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. ▪ Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions. As of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021 , the Company held certain assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These included cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, marketable securities and foreign currency forward contracts. The carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair values of marketable securities classified as equity securities are obtained from quoted market prices, and the fair values of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale and foreign currency forward contracts are obtained from a third party, which are based on quoted prices or market prices for similar assets and financial instruments.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Not Designated as Hedges	Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Not Designated as Hedges The Company has established a program that primarily utilizes foreign currency forward contracts to offset the risks associated with the effects of certain foreign currency exposures primarily originating from intercompany balances due to cross border work performed in the ordinary course of business. These foreign currency forward contracts are neither used for trading purposes nor are they designated as hedging instruments pursuant to ASC 815. Accordingly, the fair value of these contracts is recorded as of the end of the reporting period in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, while the change in fair value is recorded to the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Business Acquisitions	Business Acquisitions Business acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method. The acquisition method requires the reporting entity to identify the acquirer, determine the acquisition date, recognize and measure the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity, and recognize and measure goodwill or a gain from the purchase. The acquiree’s results are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values and the excess of the purchase price over the amounts assigned is recorded as goodwill, or if the fair value of the assets acquired exceeds the purchase price consideration, a bargain purchase gain is recorded. Adjustments to fair value assessments are generally recorded to goodwill over the measurement period (not longer than 12 months). The acquisition method also requires that acquisition-related transaction and post-acquisition restructuring costs be charged to expense as committed and requires the Company to recognize and measure certain assets and liabilities including those arising from contingencies and contingent consideration in a business combination. During the six months ended October 31, 2020, the Company recorded an adjustment of $2.6 million to increase goodwill as a result of additional tax liabilities from the Miller Heiman Group, Achieve Forum and Strategy Execution (the “Acquired Companies”) acquisition completed on November 1, 2019.
Leases	Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and current and non-current operating lease liability, in the consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, net, other accrued liabilities and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and the lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term on the commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, with variable lease payments recognized in the periods in which they are incurred. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. For all leases with non-lease components the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets include property, equipment, ROU assets and software developed or obtained for internal use. In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment million and an impairment of leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures of $ 1.9 million, both recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in general and administrative expenses , during the three and six months ended October 31, 2021. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2020 there were no impairment charges recorded.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired. The goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill of the reporting unit would be considered impaired. To measure the amount of the impairment loss, the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. For each of these tests, the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units is determined using a combination of valuation techniques, including a discounted cash flow methodology. To corroborate the discounted cash flow analysis performed at each reporting unit, a market approach is utilized using observable market data such as comparable companies in similar lines of business that are publicly traded or which are part of a public or private transaction (to the extent available). Goodwill is tested for impairment annually and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. Results of the annual qualitative impairment test performed as of January 31, 2021, indicated that the fair value of each of the reporting units exceeded its carrying amount and no reporting units were at risk of failing the impairment test. As a result, no impairment charge was recognized. As of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021, there were no indicators of impairment with respect to the Company’s goodwill. Intangible assets primarily consist of customer lists, non-compete agreements, proprietary databases and IP. Intangible assets are recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition and are amortized in a pattern in which the asset is consumed, if that pattern can be reliably determined, or using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from one to 24 years. For intangible assets subject to amortization, an impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of the intangible assets is not recoverable and exceeds fair value. The carrying amount of the intangible assets is considered not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from use of the asset. The Company reviewed its intangible assets and noted no impairment as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021.
Compensation and Benefits Expense	Compensation and Benefits Expense Compensation and benefits expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations consist of compensation and benefits paid to consultants (employees who originate business), executive officers and administrative and support personnel. The most significant portions of this expense are salaries and the amounts paid under the annual performance-related bonus plan to employees. The portion of the expense applicable to salaries is comprised of amounts earned by employees during a reporting period. The portion of the expenses applicable to annual performance-related bonuses refers to the Company’s annual employee performance-related bonus with respect to a fiscal year, the amount of which is communicated and paid to each eligible employee following the completion of the fiscal year. Each quarter, management makes its best estimate of its annual performance-related bonuses, which requires management to, among other things, project annual consultant productivity (as measured by engagement fees billed and collected by Executive Search consultants and revenue and other performance/profitability metrics for Consulting, Digital and RPO & Professional Search consultants), the level of engagements referred by a consultant in one line of business to a different line of business, and Company performance, including profitability, competitive forces and future economic conditions and their impact on the Company’s results. At the end of each fiscal year, annual performance-related bonuses take into account final individual consultant productivity (including referred work), Company/line of business results, including profitability, the achievement of strategic objectives, the results of individual performance appraisals and the current economic landscape. Accordingly, each quarter the Company reevaluates the assumptions used to estimate annual performance-related bonus liability and adjusts the carrying amount of the liability recorded on the consolidated balance sheet and reports any changes in the estimate in current operations. Because annual performance-based bonuses are communicated and paid only after the Company reports its full fiscal year results, actual performance-based bonus payments may differ from the prior year’s estimate. Such changes in the bonus estimate historically have been immaterial and are recorded in current operations in the period in which they are determined. The performance-related bonus expense was $119.2 million and $215.2 million during the three and six months ended October 31, 2021, respectively, included in compensation and benefits expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The performance-related bonus expense was $72.1 million and $132.0 million during the three and six months ended October 31, 2020, respectively. Other expenses included in compensation and benefits expense are due to changes in deferred compensation and pension plan liabilities, changes in cash surrender value (“CSV”) of company-owned life insurance (“COLI”) contracts, amortization of stock-based compensation awards, payroll taxes and employee insurance benefits. Unearned compensation on the consolidated balance sheets includes long-term retention awards that are generally amortized over four-to-five years.
Restructuring Charges, Net	Restructuring Charges, Net The Company accounts for its restructuring charges as a liability when the obligations are incurred and records such charges at fair value. Changes in the estimates of the restructuring charges are recorded in the period the change is determined.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company has employee compensation plans under which various types of stock-based instruments are granted. These instruments principally include restricted stock units, restricted stock and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The Company recognizes compensation expense related to restricted stock units, restricted stock and the estimated fair value of stock purchases under the ESPP on a straight-line basis over the service period for the entire award.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance on Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions to the guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other interbank offered rates to alternative rates. Entities can elect to adopt this guidance as of any date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020 and can adopt it for new contracts and contract modifications entered into through December 31, 2022. The Company adopted this guidance in its fiscal year beginning May 1, 2021 and the Company elected to apply the amendments prospectively through December 12, 2022. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Basic and Diluted Earnings (L_2

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share Attributable to Common Stockholders	The following table summarizes basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share attributable to common stockholders: Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 (in thousands, except per share data) Net income (loss) attributable to Korn Ferry $ 75,772 $ 27,778 $ 150,595 $ (3,055 ) Less: distributed and undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders 1,654 730 3,321 289 Basic net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders 74,118 27,048 147,274 (3,344 ) Add: undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders 1,510 585 3,005 — Less: reallocation of undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders 1,497 583 2,974 — Diluted net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 74,131 $ 27,050 $ 147,305 $ (3,344 ) Weighted-average common shares outstanding: Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 53,114 53,229 52,937 53,246 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock 453 154 555 — ESPP 1 7 2 — Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 53,568 53,390 53,494 53,246 Net earnings (loss) per common share: Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 1.40 $ 0.51 $ 2.78 $ (0.06 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 1.38 $ 0.51 $ 2.75 $ (0.06 )

Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Ta

Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net were as follows: October 31, 2021 April 30, 2021 (in thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (49,051 ) $ (33,666 ) Deferred compensation and pension plan adjustments, net of tax (17,443 ) (18,135 ) Marketable securities unrealized loss, net of tax (36 ) (19 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net $ (66,530 ) $ (51,820 )
Changes in Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table summarizes the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net for the three months ended October 31, 2021: Foreign Currency Translation Deferred Compensation and Pension Plan (1) Unrealized Losses on Marketable Securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (in thousands) Balance as of July 31, 2021 $ (42,034 ) $ (17,794 ) $ (15 ) $ (59,843 ) Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period (7,017 ) 15 (21 ) (7,023 ) Reclassification of realized net losses to net income — 336 — 336 Balance as of October 31, 2021 $ (49,051 ) $ (17,443 ) $ (36 ) $ (66,530 ) The following table summarizes the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net for the six months ended October 31, 2021 : Foreign Currency Translation Deferred Compensation and Pension Plan (1) Unrealized Losses on Marketable Securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (in thousands) Balance as of April 30, 2021 $ (33,666 ) $ (18,135 ) $ (19 ) $ (51,820 ) Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period (15,385 ) 15 (18 ) (15,388 ) Reclassification of realized net losses to net income — 677 1 678 Balance as of October 31, 2021 $ (49,051 ) $ (17,443 ) $ (36 ) $ (66,530 ) (1) The tax effect on the reclassifications of realized net losses was $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and six months ended October 31, 2021. The following table summarizes the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net for the three months ended October 31, 2020: Foreign Currency Translation Deferred Compensation and Pension Plan (1) Unrealized Gains on Marketable Securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (in thousands) Balance as of July 31, 2020 $ (58,705 ) $ (22,912 ) $ 25 $ (81,592 ) Unrealized losses arising during the period (2,721 ) — (25 ) (2,746 ) Reclassification of realized net losses to net income — 683 — 683 Balance as of October 31, 2020 $ (61,426 ) $ (22,229 ) $ — $ (83,655 ) The following table summarizes the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net for the six months ended October 31, 2020: Foreign Currency Translation Deferred Compensation and Pension Plan (1) Unrealized Gains on Marketable Securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (in thousands) Balance as of April 30, 2020 $ (83,652 ) $ (23,554 ) $ 34 $ (107,172 ) Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period 22,226 — (34 ) 22,192 Reclassification of realized net losses to net income — 1,325 — 1,325 Balance as of October 31, 2020 $ (61,426 ) $ (22,229 ) $ — $ (83,655 ) (1) The tax effect on the reclassifications of realized net losses was $0.2 million and $0.5 million for the three and six months ended October 31, 2020.

Employee Stock Plans (Tables)

Employee Stock Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Components Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized	The following table summarizes the components of stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 (in thousands) Restricted stock $ 7,288 $ 7,084 $ 14,250 $ 12,897 ESPP 203 146 399 298 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 7,491 $ 7,230 $ 14,649 $ 13,195
Restricted Stock Activity	Restricted stock activity during the six months ended October 31, 2021 is summarized below: Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value (in thousands, except per share data) Non-vested, April 30, 2021 2,370 $ 34.34 Granted 481 $ 65.06 Vested (799 ) $ 43.93 Forfeited/expired (34 ) $ 32.74 Non-vested, October 31, 2021 2,018 $ 40.24

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Financial Instruments and Balance Sheet Classifications	The following tables show the Company’s financial instruments and balance sheet classifications as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021: October 31, 2021 Fair Value Measurement Balance Sheet Classification Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities, Non- current Income taxes and other receivables (in thousands) Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Other Comprehensive Loss Level 2: Commercial paper $ 41,629 $ 1 $ (10 ) $ 41,620 $ — $ 41,620 $ — $ — Corporate notes/bonds 38,754 — (41 ) 38,713 — 25,801 12,912 — Total debt investments $ 80,383 $ 1 $ (51 ) $ 80,333 $ — $ 67,421 $ 12,912 $ — Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Net Income Level 1: Mutual funds (1) $ 191,210 $ — $ 10,075 $ 181,135 $ — Total $ 191,210 $ — $ 10,075 $ 181,135 $ — Cash $ 637,541 $ 637,541 $ — $ — $ — Money market funds 87,850 87,850 — — — Level 2: Foreign currency forward contracts 564 — — — 564 Total $ 997,498 $ 725,391 $ 77,496 $ 194,047 $ 564 April 30, 2021 Fair Value Measurement Balance Sheet Classification Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities, Non-current Other Accrued Liabilities (in thousands) Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income Level 2: Commercial paper $ 51,979 $ 1 $ (7 ) $ 51,973 $ 9,499 $ 42,474 $ — $ — Corporate notes/bonds 26,371 — (20 ) 26,351 — 10,134 16,217 — U.S. Treasury and Agency Securities 1,975 — — 1,975 — 1,975 — — Total debt investments $ 80,325 $ 1 $ (27 ) $ 80,299 $ 9,499 $ 54,583 $ 16,217 $ — Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Net Income Level 1: Mutual funds (1) $ 175,559 $ — $ 9,084 $ 166,475 $ — Total $ 175,559 $ — $ 9,084 $ 166,475 $ — Cash $ 752,737 $ 752,737 $ — $ — $ — Money market funds 88,542 88,542 — — — Level 2: Foreign currency forward contracts (12 ) — — — (12 ) Total $ 1,097,125 $ 850,778 $ 63,667 $ 182,692 $ (12 ) (1) These investments are held in trust for settlement of the Company’s vested obligations of $174.6 million and $ million as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021 , respectively, under the ECAP (see Note 6 — Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans). Unvested obligations under the deferred compensation plans totaled $26.7 million and $ 26.5 million as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021 , respectively. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2021 , the fair value of the investments increased; therefore, the Company recognized a gain of $ million and $ million, respectively, which was recorded in other income, net. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2020 , the fair value of the investments increased; therefore, the Company recognized a gain of $ million and $ million, respectively, which was recorded in other income, net.
Financial Instruments and Balance Sheet Classifications	The following tables show the Company’s financial instruments and balance sheet classifications as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021: October 31, 2021 Fair Value Measurement Balance Sheet Classification Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities, Non- current Income taxes and other receivables (in thousands) Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Other Comprehensive Loss Level 2: Commercial paper $ 41,629 $ 1 $ (10 ) $ 41,620 $ — $ 41,620 $ — $ — Corporate notes/bonds 38,754 — (41 ) 38,713 — 25,801 12,912 — Total debt investments $ 80,383 $ 1 $ (51 ) $ 80,333 $ — $ 67,421 $ 12,912 $ — Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Net Income Level 1: Mutual funds (1) $ 191,210 $ — $ 10,075 $ 181,135 $ — Total $ 191,210 $ — $ 10,075 $ 181,135 $ — Cash $ 637,541 $ 637,541 $ — $ — $ — Money market funds 87,850 87,850 — — — Level 2: Foreign currency forward contracts 564 — — — 564 Total $ 997,498 $ 725,391 $ 77,496 $ 194,047 $ 564 April 30, 2021 Fair Value Measurement Balance Sheet Classification Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities, Non-current Other Accrued Liabilities (in thousands) Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income Level 2: Commercial paper $ 51,979 $ 1 $ (7 ) $ 51,973 $ 9,499 $ 42,474 $ — $ — Corporate notes/bonds 26,371 — (20 ) 26,351 — 10,134 16,217 — U.S. Treasury and Agency Securities 1,975 — — 1,975 — 1,975 — — Total debt investments $ 80,325 $ 1 $ (27 ) $ 80,299 $ 9,499 $ 54,583 $ 16,217 $ — Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Net Income Level 1: Mutual funds (1) $ 175,559 $ — $ 9,084 $ 166,475 $ — Total $ 175,559 $ — $ 9,084 $ 166,475 $ — Cash $ 752,737 $ 752,737 $ — $ — $ — Money market funds 88,542 88,542 — — — Level 2: Foreign currency forward contracts (12 ) — — — (12 ) Total $ 1,097,125 $ 850,778 $ 63,667 $ 182,692 $ (12 ) (1) These investments are held in trust for settlement of the Company’s vested obligations of $174.6 million and $ million as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021 , respectively, under the ECAP (see Note 6 — Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans). Unvested obligations under the deferred compensation plans totaled $26.7 million and $ 26.5 million as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021 , respectively. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2021 , the fair value of the investments increased; therefore, the Company recognized a gain of $ million and $ million, respectively, which was recorded in other income, net. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2020 , the fair value of the investments increased; therefore, the Company recognized a gain of $ million and $ million, respectively, which was recorded in other income, net.
Fair Value of Liabilities Derivatives	The fair value of derivatives not designated as hedge instruments are as follows: October 31, 2021 April 30, 2021 (in thousands) Derivative assets: Foreign currency forward contracts $ 1,374 $ 822 Derivative liabilities: Foreign currency forward contracts $ 810 $ 834
Not Designated as Hedge Instrument
Fair Value of Assets Derivatives	The fair value of derivatives not designated as hedge instruments are as follows: October 31, 2021 April 30, 2021 (in thousands) Derivative assets: Foreign currency forward contracts $ 1,374 $ 822 Derivative liabilities: Foreign currency forward contracts $ 810 $ 834

Deferred Compensation and Ret_2

Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefits Costs	The components of net periodic benefit costs are as follows: Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 (in thousands) Service cost $ 9,749 $ 8,197 $ 18,428 $ 15,480 Interest cost 1,038 1,047 2,057 2,080 Amortization of actuarial loss 542 996 1,085 1,993 Expected return on plan assets (1) (386 ) (351 ) (773 ) (702 ) Net periodic service credit amortization (102 ) (102 ) (203 ) (203 ) Net periodic benefit costs (2) $ 10,841 $ 9,787 $ 20,594 $ 18,648 (1) The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 6.00% and 6.00% for October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (2) The service cost, interest cost and the other components of net periodic benefit costs are included in compensation and benefits expense, interest expense, net and other income, net, respectively, on the consolidated statements of operations.

Fee Revenue (Tables)

Fee Revenue (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Contract Asset and Liability	The following table outlines the Company’s contract asset and liability balances as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021: October 31, 2021 April 30, 2021 (in thousands) Contract assets-unbilled receivables $ 110,806 $ 82,842 Contract liabilities-deferred revenue $ 212,211 $ 184,610
Schedule of Disaggregation of Fee Revenue by Industry	The following table provides further disaggregation of fee revenue by industry: Three Months Ended October 31, 2021 2020 Dollars % Dollars % (dollars in thousands) Industrial $ 169,706 26.5 % $ 119,380 27.4 % Life Sciences/Healthcare 127,979 20.0 83,413 19.2 Financial Services 113,991 17.8 82,918 19.0 Technology 103,667 16.2 64,691 14.9 Consumer Goods 92,459 14.5 60,737 13.9 Education/Non-Profit/General 31,641 5.0 24,300 5.6 Fee Revenue $ 639,443 100.0 % $ 435,439 100.0 % Six Months Ended October 31, 2021 2020 Dollars % Dollars % (dollars in thousands) Industrial $ 319,062 26.1 % $ 214,691 27.6 % Life Sciences/Healthcare 243,169 19.9 148,863 19.1 Financial Services 219,640 17.9 148,645 19.1 Technology 198,601 16.2 114,015 14.6 Consumer Goods 174,023 14.2 105,515 13.5 Education/Non-Profit 70,343 5.7 47,807 6.1 Fee Revenue $ 1,224,838 100.0 % $ 779,536 100.0 %

Credit Losses (Tables)

Credit Losses (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Credit Loss [Abstract]
Summary of Activity in Allowance for Credit Losses on Trade Receivables	The activity in the allowance for credit losses on the Company's trade receivables is as follows: (in thousands) Balance at April 30, 2021 $ 29,324 Provision for credit losses 9,629 Write-offs (5,685 ) Recoveries of amounts previously written off 681 Foreign currency translation (461 ) Balance at October 31, 2021 $ 33,488
Schedule of Fair Value and Unrealized Losses on Available for Sale Debt Securities	The fair value and unrealized losses on available for sale debt securities, aggregated by investment category and the length of time the security has been in an unrealized loss position, are as follows: Less Than 12 Months Balance Sheet Classification Balance at October 31, 2021 Fair Value Unrealized Loss Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities, Non- Current (in thousands) Commercial paper $ 28,425 $ 10 $ 28,425 $ — Corporate notes/bonds $ 37,206 $ 41 $ 25,801 $ 11,405 Less Than 12 Months Balance Sheet Classification Balance at April 30, 2021 Fair Value Unrealized Loss Cash and Cash Equivalent Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities, Non- Current (in thousands) Commercial paper $ 36,378 $ 7 $ 5,749 $ 30,629 $ — Corporate notes/bonds $ 26,350 $ 20 $ — $ 10,133 $ 16,217

Restructuring Charges, Net (Tab

Restructuring Charges, Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Changes In Restructuring Liability	Changes in the restructuring liability during the three months ended October 31, 2021, were as follows: Restructuring Liability (in thousands) As of July 31, 2021 $ 3,332 Reductions for cash payments (407 ) Exchange rate fluctuations (252 ) As of October 31, 2021 $ 2,673 Changes in the restructuring liability during the six months ended October 31, 2021, were as follows: Restructuring Liability (in thousands) As of April 30, 2021 $ 6,985 Reductions for cash payments (3,938 ) Exchange rate fluctuations (374 ) As of October 31, 2021 $ 2,673

Segments (Tables)

Segments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Financial Highlights by Operating Segment	Financial highlights by reportable segments are as follows: Three Months Ended October 31, 2021 Executive Search Consulting Digital North America EMEA Asia Pacific Latin America Subtotal RPO & Professional Search Corporate Consolidated (in thousands) Fee revenue $ 164,893 $ 88,639 $ 158,197 $ 42,434 $ 28,257 $ 6,571 $ 235,459 $ 150,452 $ — $ 639,443 Total revenue $ 165,732 $ 88,712 $ 159,082 $ 42,571 $ 28,267 $ 6,572 $ 236,492 $ 152,462 $ — $ 643,398 Net income $ 75,772 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 560 Other income, net (5,066 ) Interest expense, net 6,365 Income tax provision 26,145 Operating income $ 103,776 Depreciation and amortization 15,633 Other income, net 5,066 Integration/acquisition costs 1,084 Impairment of fixed assets 1,915 Impairment of right of use assets 7,392 Adjusted EBITDA (1) $ 30,061 $ 28,556 $ 48,907 $ 7,663 $ 8,201 $ 1,366 $ 66,137 $ 36,258 $ (26,146 ) $ 134,866 (1) Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and further excludes integration/acquisition costs and impairment charges. Three Months Ended October 31, 2020 Executive Search Consulting Digital North America EMEA Asia Pacific Latin America Subtotal RPO & Professional Search Corporate Consolidated (in thousands) Fee revenue $ 126,685 $ 75,043 $ 91,168 $ 31,629 $ 20,807 $ 4,456 $ 148,060 $ 85,651 $ — $ 435,439 Total revenue $ 127,051 $ 75,038 $ 91,609 $ 31,714 $ 20,820 $ 4,456 $ 148,599 $ 87,101 $ — $ 437,789 Net income attributable to Korn Ferry $ 27,778 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 300 Other income, net (277 ) Interest expense, net 7,494 Income tax provision 12,877 Operating income $ 48,172 Depreciation and amortization 15,298 Other income, net 277 Restructuring charges, net 2,407 Adjusted EBITDA (1) $ 20,163 $ 23,084 $ 21,186 $ 2,817 $ 3,641 $ 584 $ 28,228 $ 13,799 $ (19,120 ) $ 66,154 (1) Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and further excludes net restructuring charges. Six Months Ended October 31, 2021 Executive Search Consulting Digital North America EMEA Asia Pacific Latin America Subtotal RPO & Professional Search Corporate Consolidated (in thousands) Fee revenue $ 313,371 $ 169,310 $ 296,875 $ 85,181 $ 56,960 $ 13,347 $ 452,363 $ 289,794 $ — $ 1,224,838 Total revenue $ 314,739 $ 169,393 $ 298,382 $ 85,414 $ 56,999 $ 13,351 $ 454,146 $ 293,218 $ — $ 1,231,496 Net income $ 150,595 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 2,134 Other income, net (9,513 ) Interest expense, net 11,791 Income tax provision 50,024 Operating income $ 205,031 Depreciation and amortization 31,277 Other income, net 9,513 Integration/acquisition costs 1,084 Impairment of fixed assets 1,915 Impairment of right of use assets 7,392 Adjusted EBITDA (1) $ 56,902 $ 54,188 $ 92,237 $ 15,248 $ 16,521 $ 3,720 $ 127,726 $ 70,225 $ (52,829 ) $ 256,212 (1) Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and further excludes integration/acquisition costs and impairment charges. Six Months Ended October 31, 2020 Executive Search Consulting Digital North America EMEA Asia Pacific Latin America Subtotal RPO & Professional Search Corporate Consolidated (in thousands) Fee revenue $ 226,003 $ 131,016 $ 160,483 $ 61,710 $ 38,059 $ 7,951 $ 268,203 $ 154,314 $ — $ 779,536 Total revenue $ 226,641 $ 131,060 $ 161,465 $ 61,909 $ 38,160 $ 7,951 $ 269,485 $ 157,486 $ — $ 784,672 Net loss attributable to Korn Ferry $ (3,055 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 278 Other income, net (11,439 ) Interest expense, net 14,388 Income tax provision 4,205 Operating income $ 4,377 Depreciation and amortization 30,333 Other income, net 11,439 Integration/acquisition costs 737 Restructuring charges, net 29,894 Adjusted EBITDA (1) $ 26,767 $ 31,027 $ 26,498 $ 4,527 $ 5,235 $ 22 $ 36,282 $ 19,823 $ (37,119 ) $ 76,780 (1) Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and further excludes integration/acquisition costs and net restructuring charges.

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Redemption of Notes at Applicable Redemption Prices	At any time and from time to time on or after December 15, 2022, the Company may redeem the Notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the table below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on December 15 of each of the years indicated: Year Percentage 2022 102.313% 2023 101.156% 2024 and thereafter 100.000%
Schedule of Long-term Debt, at Amortized Cost	Long-term debt, at amortized cost, consisted of the following: In thousands October 31, 2021 April 30, 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes $ 400,000 $ 400,000 Less: Unamortized discount and issuance costs (4,868 ) (5,206 ) Long-term borrowings, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs $ 395,132 $ 394,794

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Components of Lease Expense	The components of lease expense were as follows: Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 (in thousands) Finance lease cost Amortization of ROU assets $ 257 $ 317 $ 537 $ 655 Interest on lease liabilities 21 30 45 61 278 347 582 716 Operating lease cost 13,457 14,027 27,275 28,010 Short-term lease cost 213 104 482 212 Variable lease cost 3,431 2,785 5,099 5,192 Lease impairment cost 7,392 — 7,392 — Sublease income (228 ) (195 ) (459 ) (275 ) Total lease cost $ 24,543 $ 17,068 $ 40,371 $ 33,855
Summary of Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases	Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows: Six Months Ended October 31, 2021 2020 (in thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 30,133 $ 32,321 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 592 $ 664 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 7,208 $ 6,000 Finance leases $ 317 $ 509
Summary of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: October 31, 2021 April 30, 2021 (in thousands) Finance Leases: Property and equipment, at cost $ 4,675 $ 4,801 Accumulated depreciation (2,765 ) (2,590 ) Property and equipment, net $ 1,910 $ 2,211 Other accrued liabilities $ 895 $ 1,010 Other liabilities 1,094 1,301 Total finance lease liabilities $ 1,989 $ 2,311 Weighted average remaining lease terms: Operating leases 4.7 years 5.0 years Finance leases 2.6 years 2.7 years Weighted average discount rate: Operating leases 4.7 % 4.8 % Finance leases 3.9 % 4.2 %
Summary of Maturities of Lease Liabilities	Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: Year Ending April 30, Operating Financing (in thousands) 2022 (excluding the six months ended October 31, 2021) $ 30,635 $ 499 2023 47,762 816 2024 40,837 528 2025 34,105 219 2026 29,435 21 Thereafter 21,229 — Total lease payments 204,003 2,083 Less: imputed interest 21,522 94 Total $ 182,481 $ 1,989

Organization and Summary of S_3

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2020USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2021USD ($)Segment	Oct. 31, 2020USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2021USD ($)
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of business segments | Segment			7
Number of line of business | Segment			4
Credit loss for available for sales debt securities	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Impairment of right of use assets	7,392,000		7,392,000
Impairment of fixed assets	1,915,000		1,915,000
Impairment of long-lived assets		0		0
Impairment of goodwill			0		$ 0
Impairment of intangible assets			0		$ 0
Performance-related bonus expenses	$ 119,200,000	$ 72,100,000	$ 215,200,000	132,000,000
ASU 2021-01
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, adopted	true		true
Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, adoption date	May 1, 2021		May 1, 2021
Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, immaterial effect	true		true
Minimum
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets estimated useful lives			1 year
Amortization of long-term retention awards			4 years
Maximum
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets estimated useful lives			24 years
Amortization of long-term retention awards			5 years
Leasehold Improvements and Furniture and Fixtures
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Impairment of fixed assets	$ 1,900,000		$ 1,900,000
Acquired Companies
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Business acquisitions adjustment, increase in goodwill				$ 2,600,000
Mexican Subsidiary
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	51.00%		51.00%

Basic and Diluted Earnings (L_3

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020
Restricted Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share, shares	1.2	1.6	1.3	2

Basic and Diluted Earnings (L_4

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share Attributable to Common Stockholders (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Korn Ferry	$ 75,772	$ 27,778	$ 150,595	$ (3,055)
Less: distributed and undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders	1,654	730	3,321	289
Basic net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders	74,118	27,048	147,274	(3,344)
Add: undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders	1,510	585	3,005
Less: reallocation of undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders	1,497	583	2,974
Diluted net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$ 74,131	$ 27,050	$ 147,305	$ (3,344)
Basic	53,114	53,229	52,937	53,246
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	53,568	53,390	53,494	53,246
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ 1.40	$ 0.51	$ 2.78	$ (0.06)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ 1.38	$ 0.51	$ 2.75	$ (0.06)
Restricted Stock
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities	453	154	555
ESPP
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities	1	7	2

Comprehensive Income (Loss) - C

Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ (49,051)	$ (33,666)
Deferred compensation and pension plan adjustments, net of tax	(17,443)	(18,135)
Marketable securities unrealized loss, net of tax	(36)	(19)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	$ (66,530)	$ (51,820)

Comprehensive Income (Loss) -_2

Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Changes in Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
		Oct. 31, 2021		Oct. 31, 2020		Oct. 31, 2021		Oct. 31, 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance						$ 1,366,389
Ending balance		$ 1,479,523				1,479,523
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance		(42,034)		$ (58,705)		(33,666)		$ (83,652)
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period		(7,017)		(2,721)		(15,385)		22,226
Ending balance		(49,051)		(61,426)		(49,051)		(61,426)
Deferred Compensation and Pension Plan
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance		(17,794)	[1]	(22,912)	[2]	(18,135)	[1]	(23,554)	[2]
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period	[1]	15				15
Reclassification of realized net losses to net income		336	[1]	683	[2]	677	[1]	1,325	[2]
Ending balance		(17,443)	[1]	(22,229)	[2]	(17,443)	[1]	(22,229)	[2]
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance		(15)		25		(19)		34
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period		(21)		(25)		(18)		(34)
Reclassification of realized net losses to net income						1
Ending balance		(36)				(36)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance		(59,843)		(81,592)		(51,820)		(107,172)
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period		(7,023)		(2,746)		(15,388)		22,192
Reclassification of realized net losses to net income		336		683		678		1,325
Ending balance		$ (66,530)		$ (83,655)		$ (66,530)		$ (83,655)
[1]	The tax effect on the reclassifications of realized net losses was $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and six months ended October 31, 2021
[2]	The tax effect on the reclassifications of realized net losses was $0.2 million and $0.5 million for the three and six months ended October 31, 2020

Comprehensive Income (Loss) -_3

Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Changes in Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020
Deferred Compensation and Pension Plan
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Tax effect on reclassification of realized net losses	$ 0.1	$ 0.2	$ 0.2	$ 0.5

Employee Stock Plans - Componen

Employee Stock Plans - Components of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 7,491	$ 7,230	$ 14,649	$ 13,195
Restricted Stock
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	7,288	7,084	14,250	12,897
ESPP
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 203	$ 146	$ 399	$ 298

Employee Stock Plans - Addition

Employee Stock Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2019	Oct. 31, 2021	Jul. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Jul. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2021
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payments of tax withholdings on restricted stock						$ 18,058,000	$ 4,550,000
Shares repurchased during the period, value		$ 7,353,000	$ 20,091,000	$ 22,878,000	$ 4,442,000
Treasury Stock, Common
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares repurchased during the period		93,385		753,451		131,081	753,451
Shares repurchased during the period, value		$ 6,900,000		$ 22,800,000		$ 9,400,000	$ 22,800,000
ESPP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future issuance		500,000				500,000
Authorized payroll deductions		15.00%				15.00%
Authorized payroll deductions, value						$ 25,000
Maximum number of shares reserved for issuance		3,000,000				3,000,000
Employees stock purchased		0		0		55,025	129,047
Employees stock purchased, price per share						$ 65.30	$ 26.12
ESPP | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair market price of common stock						85.00%
ESPP | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair market price of common stock						100.00%
Time Based Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period						4 years
Market Based Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period						3 years
Shares outstanding		400,000				400,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards		$ 12,700,000				$ 12,700,000
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares outstanding		2,018,000				2,018,000		2,370,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards		$ 66,600,000				$ 66,600,000
Expected cost recognized over weighted-average period						2 years 9 months 18 days
Shares repurchased during the period to pay for taxes		5,729		3,619		264,807	164,646
Payments of tax withholdings on restricted stock		$ 500,000		$ 100,000		$ 18,100,000	$ 4,500,000
Stock Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock available for stock-based awards	2,141,807
Shares available for future issuance	3,600,000
Vesting period	1 year

Employee Stock Plans - Restrict

Employee Stock Plans - Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares, Non-vested, beginning balance | shares	2,370
Shares, Granted | shares	481
Shares, Vested | shares	(799)
Shares, Forfeited/expired | shares	(34)
Shares, Non-vested, ending balance | shares	2,018
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested, beginning balance | $ / shares	$ 34.34
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted | $ / shares	65.06
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested | $ / shares	43.93
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited/expired | $ / shares	32.74
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested, ending balance | $ / shares	$ 40.24

Financial Instruments - Financi

Financial Instruments - Financial Instruments and Balance Sheet Classifications (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Oct. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 725,391	$ 850,778
Marketable Securities, Current		77,496	63,667
Marketable securities, non-current		194,047	182,692
Income taxes and other receivables		564
Fair Value		997,498	1,097,125
Other Accrued Liabilities			(12)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost		80,383	80,325
Unrealized Gains		1	1
Unrealized Losses		(51)	(27)
Fair Value		80,333	80,299
Cash and cash equivalents			9,499
Marketable Securities, Current		67,421	54,583
Marketable securities, non-current		12,912	16,217
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Commercial Paper
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost		41,629	51,979
Unrealized Gains		1	1
Unrealized Losses		(10)	(7)
Fair Value		41,620	51,973
Cash and cash equivalents			9,499
Marketable Securities, Current		41,620	42,474
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Corporate Notes/Bonds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost		38,754	26,371
Unrealized Losses		(41)	(20)
Fair Value		38,713	26,351
Marketable Securities, Current		25,801	10,134
Marketable securities, non-current		12,912	16,217
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Income taxes and other receivables		564
Fair Value		564	(12)
Other Accrued Liabilities			(12)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | U.S. Treasury and Agency Securities
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost			1,975
Fair Value			1,975
Marketable Securities, Current			1,975
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Mutual Funds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Marketable Securities, Current	[1]	10,075	9,084
Marketable securities, non-current	[1]	181,135	166,475
Fair Value	[1]	191,210	175,559
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Equity Securities
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Marketable Securities, Current		10,075	9,084
Marketable securities, non-current		181,135	166,475
Fair Value		191,210	175,559
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Cash
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		637,541	752,737
Fair Value		637,541	752,737
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Money Market Funds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		87,850	88,542
Fair Value		$ 87,850	$ 88,542
[1]	These investments are held in trust for settlement of the Company’s vested obligations of $174.6 million and $ million as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021 , respectively, under the ECAP (see Note 6 — Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans). Unvested obligations under the deferred compensation plans totaled $26.7 million and $ 26.5 million as of October 31, 2021 and April 30, 2021 , respectively. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2021 , the fair value of the investments increased; therefore, the Company recognized a gain of $ million and $ million, respectively, which was recorded in other income, net. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2020 , the fair value of the investments increased; therefore, the Company recognized a gain of $ million and $ million, respectively, which was recorded in other income, net.

Financial Instruments - Finan_2

Financial Instruments - Financial Instruments and Balance Sheet Classifications (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2021
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Obligations for which assets are held in trust	$ 174.6		$ 174.6		$ 157.3
Gain on marketable securities	4.8	$ 0.6	10	$ 12
Unvested obligations under deferred compensation plans	$ 26.7		$ 26.7		$ 26.5

Financial Instruments - Additio

Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2021
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
Sale/maturities of available-for-sale marketable securities	$ 14.3	$ 16.7	$ 36	$ 28.4
Unrealized gains relates to equity securities			8.1	11.2
Not Designated as Hedge Instrument | Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
Foreign currency gains (losses)	0.4	$ (0.5)	0.5	$ 0.3
Not Designated as Hedge Instrument | Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts | Income Taxes And Other Receivables | Derivatives Purchased
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount	90		90		$ 69.4
Not Designated as Hedge Instrument | Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts | Income Taxes And Other Receivables | Derivatives Sold
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount	$ 44.4		$ 44.4		$ 44.9
Available-for-sale Marketable Securities | Minimum
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
Marketable securities remaining maturity			1 month
Available-for-sale Marketable Securities | Maximum
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
Marketable securities remaining maturity			23 months

Financial Instruments - Fair Va

Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedge Instruments (Detail) - Not Designated as Hedge Instrument - Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
Derivative assets:
Fair Value of Derivative Assets	$ 1,374	$ 822
Derivative liabilities:
Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities	$ 810	$ 834

Deferred Compensation and Ret_3

Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefits Costs (Detail) - Deferred Compensation Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost		$ 9,749	$ 8,197	$ 18,428	$ 15,480
Interest cost		1,038	1,047	2,057	2,080
Amortization of actuarial loss		542	996	1,085	1,993
Expected return on plan assets	[1]	(386)	(351)	(773)	(702)
Net periodic service credit amortization		(102)	(102)	(203)	(203)
Net periodic benefit costs	[2]	$ 10,841	$ 9,787	$ 20,594	$ 18,648
[1]	The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 6.00% and 6.00% for October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
[2]	The service cost, interest cost and the other components of net periodic benefit costs are included in compensation and benefits expense, interest expense, net and other income, net, respectively, on the consolidated statements of operations.

Deferred Compensation and Ret_4

Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefits Costs (Parenthetical) (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	6.00%	6.00%

Deferred Compensation and Ret_5

Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2021
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase in market value of the underlying COLI investments			$ 2,184	$ 3,899
Recognized investment income (expense)	$ 4,800	$ 600	$ 10,000	12,000
Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Option to receive employee benefits by quarterly installments periods			1 year
Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Option to receive employee benefits by quarterly installments periods			15 years
CSV of COLI Contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase in market value of the underlying COLI investments	1,700	1,800	$ 2,200	3,900
Deferred Compensation Plan | CSV of COLI Contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Gross CSV	244,700		244,700		$ 241,300
Outstanding policy loans	80,000		$ 80,000		$ 80,000
Executive Capital Accumulation Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred compensation arrangement vesting period			5 years
Gain (loss) on deferred compensation plan	$ 4,700	$ 600	$ 10,200	$ 11,800

Fee Revenue - Schedule of Contr

Fee Revenue - Schedule of Contract Asset and Liability (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Contract assets-unbilled receivables	$ 110,806	$ 82,842
Contract liabilities-deferred revenue	$ 212,211	$ 184,610

Fee Revenue - Additional Inform

Fee Revenue - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021USD ($)
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Contract liabilities, revenue recognized	$ 100.2
Revenue recognized, remaining performance obligation	$ 901.8
Revenue, practical expedient, initial application and transition, completed contract, same reporting period	true
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, optional exemption, performance obligation	true

Fee Revenue - Additional Info_2

Fee Revenue - Additional Information (Details 1) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021USD ($)
Revenue Remaining Performance Obligation Expected Timing Of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue recognized, remaining performance obligation	$ 901.8
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2021-11-01
Revenue Remaining Performance Obligation Expected Timing Of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue recognized, remaining performance obligation	$ 299.1
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	6 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2022-05-01
Revenue Remaining Performance Obligation Expected Timing Of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue recognized, remaining performance obligation	$ 346.2
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2023-05-01
Revenue Remaining Performance Obligation Expected Timing Of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue recognized, remaining performance obligation	$ 174.1
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2024-05-01
Revenue Remaining Performance Obligation Expected Timing Of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue recognized, remaining performance obligation	$ 82.4
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, explanation	2025 and thereafter

Fee Revenue - Schedule of Disag

Fee Revenue - Schedule of Disaggregation of Fee Revenue by Industry (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Fee Revenue	$ 643,398	$ 437,789	$ 1,231,496	$ 784,672
Industrial
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Fee Revenue	$ 169,706	$ 119,380	$ 319,062	$ 214,691
Fee Revenue, Percentage	26.50%	27.40%	26.10%	27.60%
Life Sciences/Healthcare
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Fee Revenue	$ 127,979	$ 83,413	$ 243,169	$ 148,863
Fee Revenue, Percentage	20.00%	19.20%	19.90%	19.10%
Financial Services
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Fee Revenue	$ 113,991	$ 82,918	$ 219,640	$ 148,645
Fee Revenue, Percentage	17.80%	19.00%	17.90%	19.10%
Technology
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Fee Revenue	$ 103,667	$ 64,691	$ 198,601	$ 114,015
Fee Revenue, Percentage	16.20%	14.90%	16.20%	14.60%
Consumer Goods
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Fee Revenue	$ 92,459	$ 60,737	$ 174,023	$ 105,515
Fee Revenue, Percentage	14.50%	13.90%	14.20%	13.50%
Education/Non-Profit/General
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Fee Revenue	$ 31,641	$ 24,300	$ 70,343	$ 47,807
Fee Revenue, Percentage	5.00%	5.60%	5.70%	6.10%
Fee Revenue
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Fee Revenue	$ 639,443	$ 435,439	$ 1,224,838	$ 779,536
Fee Revenue, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Credit Losses - Summary of Acti

Credit Losses - Summary of Activity in Allowance for Credit Losses on Trade Receivables (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020
Credit Loss [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 29,324
Provision for credit losses	9,629	$ 7,993
Write-offs	(5,685)
Recoveries of amounts previously written off	681
Foreign currency translation	(461)
Ending Balance	$ 33,488

Credit Losses - Schedule of Fai

Credit Losses - Schedule of Fair Value and Unrealized Losses on Available for Sale Debt Securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
Commercial Paper
Fair Value And Unrealized Losses On Available For Sale Debt Securities [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	$ 28,425	$ 36,378
Less Than 12 Months, Unrealized Loss	10	7
Commercial Paper | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Fair Value And Unrealized Losses On Available For Sale Debt Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value		5,749
Commercial Paper | Marketable Securities Current
Fair Value And Unrealized Losses On Available For Sale Debt Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Debt Securities, Current	28,425	30,629
Corporate Notes/Bonds
Fair Value And Unrealized Losses On Available For Sale Debt Securities [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	37,206	26,350
Less Than 12 Months, Unrealized Loss	41	20
Corporate Notes/Bonds | Marketable Securities Current
Fair Value And Unrealized Losses On Available For Sale Debt Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Debt Securities, Current	25,801	10,133
Corporate Notes/Bonds | Marketable Securities Non-Current
Fair Value And Unrealized Losses On Available For Sale Debt Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Debt Securities, Non-Current	$ 11,405	$ 16,217

Credit Losses - Additional Info

Credit Losses - Additional Information (Details) - Investment	Oct. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
Commercial Paper
Fair Value And Unrealized Losses On Available For Sale Debt Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, available-for-sale, unrealized loss position, number of investments	17	18
Corporate Notes/Bonds
Fair Value And Unrealized Losses On Available For Sale Debt Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, available-for-sale, unrealized loss position, number of investments	22	15

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Jul. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax (benefit) provision	$ 26,145	$ 12,877	$ (8,700)	$ 50,024	$ 4,205
Income tax (benefit) provision tax rate	25.50%	31.40%		24.70%	294.50%
Pre-tax loss	$ (102,477)	$ (40,955)	$ 39,500	$ (202,753)	$ (1,428)

Restructuring Charges, Net - Ad

Restructuring Charges, Net - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2021
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, net		$ 2,407,000		$ 29,894,000
Restructuring liability included in other long-term liabilities	$ 500,000		$ 500,000		$ 600,000
Severance
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, net	$ 0	$ 2,400,000	$ 0	$ 29,900,000

Restructuring Charges, Net - Ch

Restructuring Charges, Net - Changes In Restructuring Liability (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2021
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Liability, Beginning balance	$ 3,332	$ 6,985
Reductions for cash payments	(407)	(3,938)
Exchange rate fluctuations	(252)	(374)
Restructuring Liability, Ending balance	$ 2,673	$ 2,673

Segments - Additional Informati

Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of business segments	7
Number of line of business	4

Segments - Financial Highlights

Segments - Financial Highlights by Operating Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended					6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021		Oct. 31, 2020		Jul. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2021		Oct. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 643,398		$ 437,789			$ 1,231,496		$ 784,672
Net income (loss) attributable to Korn Ferry	75,772		27,778			150,595		(3,055)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	560		300			2,134		278
Other income, net	(5,066)		(277)			(9,513)		(11,439)
Interest expense, net	6,365		7,494			11,791		14,388
Income tax provision	26,145		12,877		$ (8,700)	50,024		4,205
Operating (loss) income	103,776		48,172			205,031		4,377
Depreciation and amortization	15,633		15,298			31,277		30,333
Other income, net	5,066		277			9,513		11,439
Integration/acquisition costs	1,084					1,084		737
Impairment of fixed assets	1,915					1,915
Impairment of right of use assets	7,392					7,392
Restructuring charges, net			2,407					29,894
Adjusted EBITDA	134,866	[1]	66,154	[2]		256,212	[1]	76,780	[3]
Fee Revenue
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	639,443		435,439			1,224,838		779,536
Operating Segments | Consulting
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	165,732		127,051			314,739		226,641
Adjusted EBITDA	30,061	[1]	20,163	[2]		56,902	[1]	26,767	[3]
Operating Segments | Digital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	88,712		75,038			169,393		131,060
Adjusted EBITDA	28,556	[1]	23,084	[2]		54,188	[1]	31,027	[3]
Operating Segments | Executive Search
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	236,492		148,599			454,146		269,485
Adjusted EBITDA	66,137	[1]	28,228	[2]		127,726	[1]	36,282	[3]
Operating Segments | Executive Search | North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	159,082		91,609			298,382		161,465
Adjusted EBITDA	48,907	[1]	21,186	[2]		92,237	[1]	26,498	[3]
Operating Segments | Executive Search | EMEA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	42,571		31,714			85,414		61,909
Adjusted EBITDA	7,663	[1]	2,817	[2]		15,248	[1]	4,527	[3]
Operating Segments | Executive Search | Asia Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	28,267		20,820			56,999		38,160
Adjusted EBITDA	8,201	[1]	3,641	[2]		16,521	[1]	5,235	[3]
Operating Segments | Executive Search | Latin America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	6,572		4,456			13,351		7,951
Adjusted EBITDA	1,366	[1]	584	[2]		3,720	[1]	22	[3]
Operating Segments | RPO & Professional Search
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	152,462		87,101			293,218		157,486
Adjusted EBITDA	36,258	[1]	13,799	[2]		70,225	[1]	19,823	[3]
Operating Segments | Fee Revenue | Consulting
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	164,893		126,685			313,371		226,003
Operating Segments | Fee Revenue | Digital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	88,639		75,043			169,310		131,016
Operating Segments | Fee Revenue | Executive Search
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	235,459		148,060			452,363		268,203
Operating Segments | Fee Revenue | Executive Search | North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	158,197		91,168			296,875		160,483
Operating Segments | Fee Revenue | Executive Search | EMEA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	42,434		31,629			85,181		61,710
Operating Segments | Fee Revenue | Executive Search | Asia Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	28,257		20,807			56,960		38,059
Operating Segments | Fee Revenue | Executive Search | Latin America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	6,571		4,456			13,347		7,951
Operating Segments | Fee Revenue | RPO & Professional Search
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	150,452		85,651			289,794		154,314
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA	$ (26,146)	[1]	$ (19,120)	[2]		$ (52,829)	[1]	$ (37,119)	[3]
[1]	Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and further excludes integration/acquisition costs and impairment charges.
[2]	Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and further excludes net restructuring charges.
[3]	Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and further excludes integration/acquisition costs and net restructuring charges.

Long-Term Debt - Additional Inf

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 16, 2019	Oct. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity		$ 644,500,000	$ 646,000,000
Standby Letters of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt arrangement		5,500,000	4,000,000
Standby Letters of Credit | Other Financial Institutions
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt arrangement		$ 11,500,000	11,000,000
4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.625%
Principal amount	$ 400,000,000
Debt instrument, unamortized discount	$ 4,500,000
Debt instrument, maturity date		Dec. 15, 2027
Debt instrument, interest rate terms		interest payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on June 15, 2020
Interest payment commencing date		Jun. 15, 2020
Redemption price, percentage	100.00%
Dividends payable per fiscal year	$ 25,000,000
Debt Instrument, change in control and rating decline, percentage of principal amount	101.00%
Debt instrument, proceeds from offering used to repay outstanding debt	$ 276,900,000
Interest rate, effective percentage		4.86%
Debt instrument, fair value		$ 415,500,000	416,500,000
4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio to be attained for payment of dividends	3.50
Redemption before December 15, 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of principal amount redeemable with equity offering proceeds	35.00%
Percentage of principal amount of debt redeemed	104.625%
Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement initiation date	Dec. 16, 2019
Unamortized debt issuance costs		$ 2,900,000	3,300,000
Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument term	5 years
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 650,000,000
Line of credit facility, maturity date		Dec. 16, 2024
Long-term debt		$ 0	$ 0
Credit Agreement | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio to be attained for payment of dividends	4
Credit Agreement | Maximum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on variable interest rate		2.00%
Credit Agreement | Maximum | Base Rate Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on variable interest rate		1.00%
Credit Agreement | Maximum | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly commitment fee on average daily unused amount of Credit Facilities		0.35%
Credit Agreement | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Pro forma liquidity	$ 50,000,000
Credit Agreement | Minimum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on variable interest rate		1.125%
Credit Agreement | Minimum | Base Rate Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on variable interest rate		0.125%
Credit Agreement | Minimum | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly commitment fee on average daily unused amount of Credit Facilities		0.175%

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Re

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Redemption of Notes at Applicable Redemption Prices (Detail) - 4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021
2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	102.313%
2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	101.156%
2024 and thereafter
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	100.00%

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Lo

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long-term Debt, at Amortized Cost (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ 395,132	$ 394,794
4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less: Unamortized discount and issuance costs	(4,868)	(5,206)
Long-term borrowings, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	395,132	394,794
4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 | Senior Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 400,000	$ 400,000

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2021USD ($)
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Lessee operating lease, existence of option to extend [true/false]		true
Lessee operating lease, existence of option to terminate [true/false]		true
Impairment of right of use assets	$ 7,392	$ 7,392
Minimum
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Lessee operating lease, term of contract	1 year	1 year
Lessee finance lease, term of contract	1 year	1 year
Maximum
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Lessee operating lease, term of contract	11 years	11 years
Lessee finance lease, term of contract	5 years	5 years

Leases - Components of Lease Ex

Leases - Components of Lease Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020
Finance lease cost
Amortization of ROU assets	$ 257	$ 317	$ 537	$ 655
Interest on lease liabilities	21	30	45	61
Finance lease cost	278	347	582	716
Operating lease cost	13,457	14,027	27,275	28,010
Short-term lease cost	213	104	482	212
Variable lease cost	3,431	2,785	5,099	5,192
Lease impairment cost	7,392		7,392
Sublease income	(228)	(195)	(459)	(275)
Total lease cost	$ 24,543	$ 17,068	$ 40,371	$ 33,855

Leases - Summary of Supplementa

Leases - Summary of Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 30,133	$ 32,321
Financing cash flows from finance leases	592	664
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	7,208	6,000
Finance leases	$ 317	$ 509

Leases - Summary of Supplemen_2

Leases - Summary of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
Finance Leases:
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 4,675	$ 4,801
Accumulated depreciation	(2,765)	(2,590)
Property and equipment, net	$ 1,910	$ 2,211
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	us-gaap:OtherAssets	us-gaap:OtherAssets
Other accrued liabilities	$ 895	$ 1,010
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesCurrent	us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesCurrent
Other liabilities	$ 1,094	$ 1,301
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Other liabilities	Other liabilities
Total finance lease liabilities	$ 1,989	$ 2,311
Weighted average remaining lease terms:
Operating leases	4 years 8 months 12 days	5 years
Finance leases	2 years 7 months 6 days	2 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases	4.70%	4.80%
Finance leases	3.90%	4.20%

Leases - Summary of Maturities

Leases - Summary of Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
Operating
2022 (excluding the six months ended October 31, 2021)	$ 30,635
2023	47,762
2024	40,837
2025	34,105
2026	29,435
Thereafter	21,229
Total lease payments	204,003
Less: imputed interest	21,522
Total	182,481
Financing
2022 (excluding the six months ended October 31, 2021)	499
2023	816
2024	528
2025	219
2026	21
Total lease payments	2,083
Less: imputed interest	94
Total	$ 1,989	$ 2,311

Subsequent Event - Additional I

Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Detail) - Subsequent Event - Dividend Declared	Dec. 07, 2021$ / shares
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends payable, declared date	Dec. 7, 2021
Dividends payable, per share amount	$ 0.12
Dividends payable, payable date	Jan. 14, 2022
Dividends declared, record date	Dec. 21, 2021