10-K 1 form10k.htm FORM 10-K  


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC  20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
☒          ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended:  April 30, 2019

OR

☐           TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _________ to _________
Commission file number   001-11507

JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

NEW YORK
  
13-5593032
State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization
  
I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
     
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ
  
07030
Address of principal executive offices
  
Zip Code

 (201) 748-6000
 Registrant’s telephone number including area code

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
  
Name of each exchange on which registered
  
Trading Symbol
Class A Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
  
New York Stock Exchange
  
JW.A
Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
  
New York Stock Exchange
  
JW.B

 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
  
 
None
  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes ☐   No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ☒
Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐
Smaller reporting company ☐
 
Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   Yes ☐    No ☒

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, October 31, 2018, was approximately $2,465 million. The registrant has no non-voting common stock.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Class A and Class B Common Stock as of May 31, 2019 was 47,499,550 and 9,132,133 respectively.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for use in connection with its annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on September 26, 2019, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 2019
INDEX

PART I
  
PAGE
Business
4
Risk Factors
10
Unresolved Staff Comments
17
Properties
18
Legal Proceedings
18
Mine Safety Disclosures
18
 
19
     
PART II
    
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
20
Selected Financial Data
20
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
22
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
42
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
44
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
92
Controls and Procedures
92
Other Information
92
     
PART III
    
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
93
Executive Compensation
93
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
93
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
94
Principal Accounting Fees and Services          
94
     
PART IV
    
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
95
Form 10-K Summary
 96
     
   

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Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

This report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning our business, consolidated financial condition and results of operations. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so that investors can better understand a company’s prospects and make informed investment decisions. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by such words as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plan,” “assumes,” “could,” “should,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “potential,” “seek,” “predict,” “may,” “will” and similar references to future periods. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding our fiscal year 2020 outlook, anticipated restructuring charges and savings, operations, performance, and financial condition. Reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, as actual results may differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are based upon many assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, and are subject to change based on many important factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to (i) the level of investment in new technologies and products; (ii) subscriber renewal rates for our journals; (iii) the financial stability and liquidity of journal subscription agents; (iv) the consolidation of book wholesalers and retail accounts; (v) the market position and financial stability of key retailers; (vi) the seasonal nature of our educational business and the impact of the used book market; (vii) worldwide economic and political conditions; (viii) our ability to protect our copyrights and other intellectual property worldwide; (ix) our ability to successfully integrate acquired operations and realize expected opportunities; (x) achievement of targeted run rate savings through restructuring activities; and (xi) other factors detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Please refer to Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for important factors that we believe could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this report is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures:

We present financial information that conforms to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). We also present financial information that does not conform to U.S. GAAP, which we refer to as non-GAAP.

In this report, we may present the following non-GAAP performance measures:

• Adjusted Earnings Per Share “(Adjusted EPS)”; 
• Free Cash Flow less Product Development Spending; 
• Adjusted Revenue;
• Adjusted Operating Income and margin; 
• Adjusted Contribution to Profit and margin; 
• EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA; and
• Results on a constant currency basis. 

Management uses these non-GAAP performance measures as supplemental indicators of our operating performance and financial position as well for internal reporting and forecasting purposes, when publicly providing its outlook, to evaluate our performance and calculate incentive compensation. We present these non-GAAP performance measures in addition to U.S. GAAP financial results because we believe that these non-GAAP performance measures provide useful information to certain investors and financial analysts for operational trends and comparisons over time. The use of these non-GAAP performance measures may also provide a consistent basis to evaluate operating profitability and performance trends by excluding items that we do not consider to be controllable activities for this purpose.

For example:

  •
Adjusted EPS, Adjusted Revenue, Adjusted Operating Profit, Adjusted Contribution to Profit, and Adjusted EBITDA provide a more comparable basis to analyze our operating results and earnings over time and are measures commonly used by shareholders to measure our performance.
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  •
Free Cash Flow less Product Development Spending helps assess our ability, over the long term, to create value for our shareholders as it represents cash available to repay debt, pay common stock dividends and fund share repurchases and acquisitions.

 •
Results on a constant currency basis removes distortion from the effects of foreign currency movements to provide better comparability of our business trends from period to period. We measure our performance before the impact of foreign currency (or at “constant currency”), which means that we apply the same foreign currency exchange rates for the current and equivalent prior period.

In addition, we have historically provided these or similar non-GAAP performance measures and understand that some investors and financial analysts find this information helpful in analyzing our operating margins, and net income and comparing our financial performance to that of our peer companies and competitors. Based on interactions with investors, we also believe that our non-GAAP performance measures are regarded as useful to our investors as supplemental to our U.S. GAAP financial results, and that there is no confusion regarding the adjustments or our operating performance to our investors due to the comprehensive nature of our disclosures. We have not provided our 2020 outlook for the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures, as they are not available without unreasonable effort due to the high variability, complexity, and low visibility with respect to certain items, including restructuring charges and credits, gains and losses on foreign currency, and other gains and losses. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and could be material to our consolidated results computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Non-GAAP performance measures do not have standardized meanings prescribed by U.S. GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to the calculation of similar measures used by other companies and should not be viewed as alternatives to measures of financial results under U.S. GAAP. The adjusted metrics have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for U.S. GAAP information. It does not purport to represent any similarly titled U.S. GAAP information and is not an indicator of our performance under U.S. GAAP. Non-U.S. GAAP financial metrics that we present may not be comparable with similarly titled measures used by others. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on these non-U.S. GAAP measures.

PART I

Item 1. Business

The Company, founded in 1807, was incorporated in the state of New York on January 15, 1904. Throughout this report, when we refer to “Wiley,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us,” we are referring to John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and all of our subsidiaries, except where the context indicates otherwise.

Please refer to Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” for financial information about the Company and its subsidiaries, which is incorporated herein by reference. Also, when we cross reference to a “Note,” we are referring to our “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” unless the context indicates otherwise.

We are a global research and learning company. Through the Research segment, we provide scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, as well as related content and services, to academic, corporate, and government libraries, learned societies, and individual researchers and other professionals. The Publishing segment provides scientific, professional, and education books and related content in print and digital formats, as well as test preparation services and course workflow tools, to libraries, corporations, students, professionals, and researchers.  The Solutions segment provides online program management services for higher education institutions and learning, development, and assessment services for businesses and professionals. Our operations are primarily located in the United States (“U.S.”), United Kingdom (“U.K.”), Germany, Russia, Singapore, and France.

Business growth strategies include driving pricing and volume growth from existing journal and book brands and titles, as well as learning services related to education and professional development, the development of new journal titles or through publishing partnerships, technology and content acquisitions which complement our existing businesses, designing and implementing new methods of delivering products to our customers, and the development of new products and services.

Business Segments

We report our segment information in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 280, “Segment Reporting” (“FASB ASC Topic 280”). Our segment reporting structure consists of three reportable segments, which are listed below, and a Corporate category:
• Research; 
• Publishing; and 
• Solutions 

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Research:

Research’s mission is to support researchers, professionals and learners in the discovery and use of research knowledge to help them achieve their goals in research, learning and practice.  Research provides scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, as well as related content and services, to academic, corporate, and government libraries, learned societies, and individual researchers and other professionals. Journal publishing areas include the physical sciences and engineering, health sciences, social sciences and humanities and life sciences. Research also includes Atypon Systems, Inc. (“Atypon”), a publishing software and service provider that enables scholarly and professional societies and publishers to deliver, host, enhance, market, and manage their content on the web through the Literatum platform. 

Research’s customers include academic, corporate, government, and public libraries, funders of research, researchers, scientists, clinicians, engineers and technologists, scholarly and professional societies, and students and professors. Research’s products are sold and distributed globally in digital and print formats through multiple channels, including research libraries and library consortia, independent subscription agents, direct sales to professional society members, and other customers. Publishing centers include Australia, China, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Research’s revenue accounted for approximately 52% of our consolidated revenue in the year ended April 30, 2019.

Research’s major products are: Journal Subscriptions, Licensing, Reprints, Backfiles, and Other, Open Access and Publishing Technology Services (Atypon). The graphs below present Research revenue by product type for the years ended April 30, 2019 and 2018:


Key growth strategies for the Research business include evolving and developing new licensing models for our institutional customers, developing new open access products and revenue streams, focusing resources on high-growth and emerging markets, and developing new digital products, services, and workflow solutions to meet the needs of researchers, authors, societies, and corporate customers.

Journal Subscriptions

We publish approximately 1,700 academic research journals. We sell journal subscriptions directly through our sales representatives, indirectly through independent subscription agents, through promotional campaigns, and through memberships in professional societies for those journals that are sponsored by societies. Journal subscriptions, making up approximately 37% of our consolidated 2019 total company revenue, are primarily licensed through contracts for digital content available online through Wiley Online Library, which we migrated to our Literatum platform in March 2018, acquired as part of our purchase of Atypon. Contracts are negotiated by us directly with customers or their subscription agents. Subscription periods typically cover calendar years. Print journals are generally mailed to subscribers directly from independent printers. We do not own or manage printing facilities. Subscription revenue is generally collected in advance.

Approximately 50% of Journal Subscription revenue is derived from publishing rights owned by us. Publishing alliances also play a major role in Research’s success. Approximately 50% of Journal Subscription revenue is derived from publication rights that are owned by professional societies and published by us pursuant to a long-term contract (generally 5–10 years) or owned jointly with a professional society. These society alliances bring mutual benefit, with the societies gaining Wiley’s publishing, marketing, sales, and distribution expertise, while Wiley benefits from being affiliated with prestigious societies and their members. Societies that sponsor or own such journals generally receive a royalty and/or other financial consideration. We may procure editorial services from such societies on a pre-negotiated fee basis. We also enter into agreements with outside independent editors of journals that define the duties of the editors and the fees and expenses for their services. Contributors of articles to our journal portfolio transfer publication rights to us or a professional society, as applicable. We publish the journals of many prestigious societies, including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the British Journal of Surgery Society, the European Molecular Biology Organization, the American Anthropological Association, the American Geophysical Union, and the German Chemical Society.
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Literatum, our online publishing platform for our Research segment, delivers integrated access to over 7 million articles from 1,700 journals, as well as 19,000 online books and hundreds of multi-volume reference works, laboratory protocols and databases. Wiley Online Library, which is delivered through our Literatum platform, provides the user with intuitive navigation, enhanced discoverability, expanded functionality, and a range of personalization options. Access to abstracts is free and full content is accessible through licensing agreements or as individual article purchases. Large portions of the content are provided free or at nominal cost to nations in the developing world through partnerships with certain non-profit organizations. Our online publishing platforms provide revenue growth opportunities through new applications and business models, online advertising, deeper market penetration, and individual sales and pay-per-view options. The Literatum platform hosts over 40% of the world’s English language journals.

In 2018, Wiley saw an increase in impact factors across more than half of its indexed titles. An Impact Factor is an industry measure of the importance of a journal within its field and is determined based on the number of citations received by the journal, from other journals. According to the 2017 Journal Citation Reports (“JCR”), re-released in October 2018 by Clarivate Analytics, 58% of Wiley journals increased their impact factor between 2016 and 2017.  Wiley had 1,221 journals indexed (72% of the Wiley portfolio), with 13 Wiley titles receiving their first impact factor in this year’s JCR release. In addition, 25 Wiley journals achieved a top-category rank, including CA:A Cancer Journal for Clinicians (Impact Factor of 244.585, ranked #1 in Oncology), World Psychiatry (Impact Factor of 30.000, ranked #1 in Psychiatry – the first Social Sciences title to reach an Impact Factor of 30) and Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle (Impact Factor of 12.511, ranked #1 in Geriatrics & Gerontology). The Clarivate Analytics index is a barometer of journal influence across the research community.

Licensing, Reprints, Backfiles, and Other

Licensing, Reprints, Backfiles, and Other includes advertising, backfile sales, the licensing of publishing rights, journal and article reprints, and individual article sales. We generate advertising revenue from print and online journal subscription products, our online publishing platform, Literatum, online events such as webinars and virtual conferences, community interest Web sites such as spectroscopyNOW.com, and other Web sites.  A backfile license provides access to a historical collection of Wiley journals, generally for a one-time fee. We also engage with international publishers and receive licensing revenue from photocopies, reproductions, translations, and other digital uses of our content. Journal and article reprints are primarily used by pharmaceutical companies and other industries for marketing and promotional purposes. Through the Article Select and PayPerView programs, we provide fee-based access to non-subscribed journal articles, content, book chapters, and major reference work articles. The Research business is also a provider of content and services in evidence-based medicine (“EBM”). Through our alliance with The Cochrane Collaboration, we publish The Cochrane Library, a premier source of high-quality independent evidence to inform healthcare decision-making. EBM facilitates the effective management of patients through clinical expertise informed by best practice evidence that is derived from medical literature.

Open Access

Under the Author-Funded Access business model, accepted research articles are published subject to payment of Article Publication Charges ("APCs"). All Author-Funded articles are immediately free to access online. Contributors of Author-Funded Access articles retain many rights and typically license their work under terms that permit re-use.

Author-Funded Access offers authors choices in how to share and disseminate their work, and it serves the needs of researchers who may be required by their research funder to make articles freely accessible without embargo. APCs are typically paid by the individual author or by the author’s funder, and payments are often mediated by the author’s institution. We provide specific workflows and infrastructure to authors, funders, and institutions to support the requirements of the Author-Funded Access model.

We offer two Open Access publishing models. The first of these is Hybrid Open Access where, upon payment of an APC, authors publishing in the majority of our paid subscription journals are offered, after article acceptance, the opportunity to make their individual research article openly available through the OnlineOpen service.

The second offering of the Open Access model is a growing portfolio of fully open access journals, also known as Gold Open Access Journals, in which all accepted articles are published subject to receipt of an APC. All Open Access articles are subject to the same rigorous peer-review process applied to our subscription-based journals. As with our subscription portfolio, a number of the Gold Open Access Journals are published under contract for, or in partnership with, prestigious societies, including the American Geophysical Union, the American Heart Association, the European Molecular Biology Organization and the British Ecological Society. The Open Access portfolio spans life, physical, medical and social sciences and includes a choice of high impact journals and broad-scope titles that offer a responsive, author-centered service.

In January 2019, Wiley announced a new contractual arrangement in support of Open Access, a countrywide partnership agreement with Projekt DEAL, a representative of nearly 700 academic institutions in Germany. This transformative three-year agreement provides all Projekt DEAL institutions with access to read Wiley’s academic journals back to the year 1997, and researchers at Projekt DEAL institutions can publish articles open access in Wiley’s journals. The partnership will better support institutions and researchers in advancing open science, driving discovery, and developing and disseminating knowledge. We are compensated primarily through a fee per article published.
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Publishing Technology Services (Atypon)

Atypon is a publishing software and service provider that enables scholarly and professional societies and publishers to deliver, host, enhance, market, and manage their content on the web through the Literatum platform. 

Publishing:

Our Publishing segment acquires, develops, and publishes scientific, professional and education books and related content, as well as test preparation services and course workflow tools, to libraries, corporations, students, professionals, and researchers. Communities served include business, finance, accounting, workplace learning, management, leadership, technology, behavioral health, engineering/ architecture, science and medicine, and education.  Products are developed in print and digitally for worldwide distribution through multiple channels, including chain and online booksellers, libraries, colleges and universities, corporations, direct to consumer, Web sites, distributor networks and other online applications. Publishing centers include Australia, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Publishing accounted for approximately 32% of our consolidated revenue in the year ended April 30, 2019.

Publishing revenue by product type are: STM (Scientific, Technical and Medical) and Professional Publishing, Education Publishing, Test Preparation and Certification, Courseware (WileyPLUS), and Licensing, Distribution, Advertising and Other. The graphs below present Publishing revenue by product type for the years ended April 30, 2019 and 2018:

Key growth strategies for the Publishing business include developing and acquiring products and services to drive corporate development and professional career development, developing leading brands and franchises, executing strategic acquisitions and partnerships, and innovating digital book formats while expanding their global discoverability and distribution. We continue to implement strategies to manage declines in print revenue through cost improvement initiatives and focusing our efforts on growing its digital lines of business. We are continuing to perform portfolio reviews and workforce realignment, restructuring, and operational excellence initiatives. In certain areas, we will explore new formats or promote digital-only, and in other areas, we may rationalize our portfolio. Our approach is to continue to realign our cost structure to help mitigate the market changes that are contributing to revenue decline, and to sharpen our focus on high performing areas and digital opportunities, while improving operating efficiency.

Publishing

Book products accounted for approximately 24% of our consolidated fiscal year 2019 revenue. Categories include STM, Professional, and Education Publishing.

STM books are sold and distributed globally in digital and print formats through multiple channels, including research libraries and library consortia, independent subscription agents, direct sales to professional society members, bookstores, online booksellers, and other customers.

Professional books, which include business and finance, technology, and other professional categories, as well as the For Dummies brand, are sold to bookstores and online booksellers serving the general public, wholesalers who supply such bookstores, warehouse clubs, college bookstores, individual practitioners, industrial organizations and government agencies. We employ sales representatives who call upon independent bookstores, national and regional chain bookstores, and wholesalers. Sales of professional books also result from direct mail campaigns, telemarketing, online access, advertising, and reviews in periodicals.
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Education textbooks and related supplementary material and digital products are sold primarily to bookstores and online booksellers serving both for-profit and nonprofit educational institutions (primarily colleges and universities), and direct-to-students. We employ sales representatives who call on faculty responsible for selecting books to be used in courses, and on the bookstores that serve such institutions and their students. The textbook business is seasonal, with the majority of textbook sales occurring during the July-through- October and December-through-January periods. There are active used and rental print textbook markets, which adversely affect the sale of new textbooks. We are exploring opportunities to expand into the print rental market.

Book sales for STM, Professional and Education Publishing are generally made on a returnable basis with certain restrictions. We provide for estimated future returns on sales made during the year based on historical return experience and current market trends.

Materials for book publications are obtained from authors throughout most of the world, utilizing the efforts of an editorial staff, outside editorial advisors, and advisory boards. Most materials are originated by the authors themselves or as a result of suggestion or solicitations by editors and advisors. We enter into agreements with authors that state the terms and conditions under which the materials will be published, the name in which the copyright will be registered, the basis for any royalties, and other matters. Most of the authors are compensated with royalties, which vary depending on the nature of the product. We may make advance royalty payments against future royalties to authors of certain publications. Royalty advances are reviewed for recoverability and a reserve for loss is maintained, if appropriate.

We continue to add new titles, revise existing titles, and discontinue the sale of others in the normal course of our business, and we also create adaptations of original content for specific markets based on customer demand. Our general practice is to revise our textbooks approximately every three years, if warranted, and to revise other titles as appropriate. Subscription-based products are updated on a more frequent basis.

We generally contract with independent printers and binderies globally for their services. Management believes that adequate printing and binding facilities and sources of paper and other required materials are available to it, and that it is not dependent upon any single supplier.

In fiscal year 2016, we entered into an agreement to outsource our US-based book distribution operations to Cengage Learning, with the continued aim of improving efficiency in our distribution activities and moving to a more variable cost model. As of April 30, 2019, we had one global warehousing and distribution facility remaining, which is in the United Kingdom.

We develop content in a digital format that can be used for both digital and print products, resulting in productivity and efficiency savings, and enabling print-on-demand delivery. Book content is available online through Wiley Online Library (delivered through our Literatum platform), WileyPLUS, Wiley Custom Select, and other proprietary platforms. Digital books are delivered to intermediaries, including Amazon, Apple, Google and Ingram/Vital-Source, for re-sale to individuals in various industry-standard formats, which are now the preferred deliverable for licensees of all types, including foreign language publishers. Digital books are also licensed to libraries through aggregators. Specialized formats for digital textbooks go to distributors servicing the academic market, and digital book collections are sold by subscription through independent third-party aggregators servicing distinct communities. Custom deliverables are provided to corporations, institutions, and associations to educate their employees, generate leads for their products, and extend their brands. Content from digital books is also used to create online articles, mobile apps, newsletters, and promotional collateral. This continual re-use of content improves margins, speeds delivery, and helps satisfy a wide range of customer needs. Our online presence not only enables us to deliver content online, but also to sell more books. The growth of online booksellers benefits us because they provide unlimited virtual “shelf space” for our entire backlist.

Publishing alliances and franchise products are important to our strategy. Professional publishing alliance partners include the AICPA, the CFA Institute, ACT (American College Test), IEEE, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and many others.  Education publishing alliance partners include Microsoft®, Blackboard, Instructure, and the Culinary Institute of America. The ability to join Wiley’s product development, sales, marketing, distribution, and technology with a partner’s content, technology, and/or brand name has contributed to our success.

We also promote active and growing custom professional and education publishing programs. Our custom professional publications are used by professional organizations for internal promotional or incentive programs and include digital and print books written specifically for a customer and customizations of existing publications to include custom cover art, such as imprints, messages, and slogans. More specific are customized For Dummies publications, which leverage the power of this well-known brand to meet the specific information needs of a wide range of organizations around the world. Our custom education publishing program offers an array of tools and services designed to put the creation of customized content in instructors’ hands to create high-quality, affordable education solutions tailored to meet individual classroom needs. Through Wiley Custom Select, an online custom textbook system, instructors can build print and digital materials tailored to their specific course needs and add their own content to create a customized solution.
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Courseware (WileyPLUS)

We offer high-quality online learning solutions, including WileyPLUS, a research-based, online environment for effective teaching and learning that is integrated with a complete digital textbook. WileyPLUS improves student learning through instant feedback, personalized learning plans, and self-evaluation tools, as well as a full range of course-oriented activities, including online planning, presentations, study, homework, and testing. In selected courses, WileyPLUS includes a personalized adaptive learning component, Orion, which is based on cognitive science. Orion helps to build student proficiency on topics while improving the effectiveness of their study time. It assists educators in identifying areas that need reinforcement and measures student engagement and proficiency throughout the course.

Test Preparation and Certification

The Test Preparation and Certification business represents learning solutions, training activities and print and digital formats that are delivered to customers directly through online digital delivery platforms, bookstores, online booksellers, and other customers.  Products include CPAExcel, a modular, digital platform comprised of online self-study, videos, mobile apps, and sophisticated planning tools to help professionals prepare for the CPA exam, and test preparation products for the CFA®, CMA, CIA®, CMT®, FRN®, FINRA, Banking, and PMP® exams.

Licensing, Distribution, Advertising, and Other

Licensing and distribution services are made available to other publishers under agency arrangements. We also engage in co-publishing titles with international publishers and receive licensing revenue from photocopies, reproductions, translations, and digital uses of our content. Wiley also realizes advertising revenue from branded Web sites (e.g., Dummies.com, etc.) and online applications.

Solutions:

Our Solutions segment provides online program management services for higher education institutions and learning, development, and assessment services for businesses and professionals. Key growth strategies include developing new products and services for existing university partners, increasing enrollments for online program management programs, signing new and prestigious university partners, and developing new digital learning solutions by integrating our professional assessment products and services with our Corporate Learning content and technology.

Solutions revenue by product type are Education Services, Professional Assessment, and Corporate Learning. The graphs below present Solutions revenue by product type for the years ended April 30, 2019 and 2018:
Education Services

As student demand for online degree and certificate programs continues to increase, traditional institutions are partnering with online program management providers to develop and support these programs. Education Services include market research, marketing, student recruitment, enrollment support, proactive retention support, academic services to design courses, faculty support, and access to the Engage Learning Management System, which facilitates the online education experience. Graduate degree programs include Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Healthcare, Engineering, Communications, and others. Revenue is derived from pre-negotiated contracts with institutions that provide for a share of tuition generated from students who enroll in a program. As of April 30, 2019, the legacy Education Services business had 39 university partners and 276 degree programs under contract.

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On November 1, 2018, Wiley acquired The Learning House, Inc. (“Learning House”) headquartered in Louisville (KY). Learning House provides online program management services including graduate and undergraduate programs; short courses, boot camps, and other skills training and credentialing for students and professionals; pathway services for international students; professional development services for teachers; and learning solutions for corporate clients.

Corporate Learning

The Corporate Learning business offers online learning and training solutions for global corporations, universities, and small and medium-sized enterprises, which are sold on a subscription or fee basis. Learning formats and modules on topics such as leadership development, value creation, client orientation, change management and corporate strategy are delivered on a cloud-based Learning Management System (“LMS”) platform that hosts over 20,000 content assets (videos, digital learning modules, written files, etc.) in 17 languages. Its Mohive offering also provides a collaborative e-learning publishing and program creation system. Revenue growth is derived from legacy markets, such as France, England, and other European markets, and newer markets, such as the U.S. and Brazil. In addition, content and LMS offerings are continuously refreshed and expanded to serve a wider variety of customer needs. These digital learning solutions are sold directly to corporate customers either direct or through our partners.

Professional Assessment

Our professional assessment services include pre-hire screening and post-hire personality assessments, which are delivered to business customers through online digital delivery platforms, either directly or through an authorized distributor network of independent consultants, trainers, and coaches. Wiley’s leadership assessment offerings also include Kouzes and Posner’s Leadership Practices Inventory® and The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive TeamTM.

Our assessment tools enable employers to optimize candidate selections and develop the full potential of their employees. These solutions include pre-hire assessments, including those designed to measure and match personality, knowledge, skills, managerial fit, loyalty, and values, and post-hire assessments, focused on measuring sales and managerial effectiveness, employee performance, and career potential.

Employees

As of April 30, 2019, we employed approximately 5,700 persons on a full-time equivalent basis worldwide.

Financial Information About Business Segments

The information set forth in Note 19, “Segment Information,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of this Form 10-K are incorporated herein by reference.

Available Information

Our Internet address is www.wiley.com. We make available, free of charge, on or through our website, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports that we file or furnish pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file these materials with, or furnish them to, the SEC. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this Form 10-K.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this Form 10-K, including the following risk factors, before deciding to invest in any of our securities. The risks below are the most significant risks we face but are not the only risk factors we face. Additional risks not currently known to us or that we presently deem insignificant could impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations. Our business, consolidated financial position, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The trading price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks, and investors in our securities may lose all or part of their investment.

The trading price of the shares of our common stock may fluctuate materially, and investors of our common stock could incur substantial losses.

Our stock price may fluctuate materially. The stock market in general has experienced significant volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of companies. As a result of this volatility, investors may not be able to sell their common stock at or above the price paid for the shares. The market price for our common stock may be influenced by many factors, including:

10
•
actual or anticipated changes in our consolidated operating results;
•
variances between actual consolidated operating results and the expectations of securities analysts, investors and the financial community;
•
changes in financial estimates by us or by any securities analysts who might cover our stock;
•
conditions or trends in our industry, the stock market or the economy;
•
the level of demand for our stock, the stock market price and volume fluctuations of comparable companies;
•
announcements by us or our competitors of new product or service offerings, significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships or divestitures;
•
announcements of investigations or regulatory scrutiny of our operations or lawsuits filed against us;
•
capital commitments;
•
investors’ general perception of the Company and our business;
•
recruitment or departure of key personnel; and
•
sales of our common stock, including sales by our directors and officers or specific stockholders.

If we are unable to introduce new technologies, products, and services, our ability to be profitable may be adversely affected.

We must continue to invest in technology and other innovations to adapt and add value to our products and services to remain competitive. This is particularly true in the current environment, where investment in new technology is ongoing and there are rapid changes in the products competitors are offering, the products our customers are seeking, and our sales and distribution channels. In some cases, investments will take the form of internal development; in others, they may take the form of an acquisition. There are uncertainties whenever developing or acquiring new products and services, and it is often possible that such new products and services may not be launched, or, if launched, may not be profitable or as profitable as existing products and services.

The demand for digital and lower cost books could impact our sales volumes and pricing in an adverse way.

A common trend facing each of our businesses is the digitization of content and proliferation of distribution channels through the internet and other electronic means, which are replacing traditional print formats. The trend to digital content has also created contraction in the print book retail market which increases the risk of bankruptcy for certain retail customers, potentially leading to the disruption of short-term product supply to consumers, as well as potential bad debt write-offs. New distribution channels, such as digital formats, the internet, online retailers, and growing delivery platforms (e.g. tablets and e-readers), combined with the concentration of retailer power, present both risks and opportunities to our traditional publishing models, potentially impacting both sales volumes and pricing.

As the market has shifted to digital products, customer expectations for lower-priced products have increased due to customer awareness of reductions in production costs and the availability of free or low-cost digital content and products.  As a result, there has been pressure to sell digital versions of products at prices below their print versions.  Increased customer demand for lower prices could reduce our revenue.

We publish educational content for undergraduate, graduate, and advanced placement students, lifelong learners, and in Australia, for secondary school students. Due to growing student demand for less expensive textbooks, many college bookstores, online retailers and other entities offer used or rental textbooks to students at lower prices than new textbooks. The internet has made the used and rental textbook markets more efficient and has significantly increased student access to used and rental books.  Further expansion of the used and rental book markets could further adversely affect our sales of print textbooks, subsequently affecting our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

A reduction in enrollment at colleges and universities could adversely affect the demand for our higher education products.

Enrollment in U.S. colleges and universities can be adversely affected by many factors, including changes in government and private student loan and grant programs, uncertainty about current and future economic conditions, increases in tuition, general decreases in family income and net worth, and a perception of uncertain job prospects for graduates. In addition, enrollment levels at colleges and universities outside the United States are influenced by global and local economic factors, local political conditions, and other factors that make predicting foreign enrollment levels difficult. Reductions in expected levels of enrollment at colleges and universities both within and outside the United States could adversely affect demand for our higher education products, which could adversely impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
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The competitive pressures we face in our business, as well as our ability to retain our business relationships with our authors and professional societies, could adversely affect our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

We operate in highly competitive markets. Success and continued growth depend greatly on developing new products and the means to deliver them in an environment of rapid technological change. Attracting new authors and professional societies while retaining our existing business relationships is critical to our success. If we are unable to retain our existing business relationships with authors and professional societies, this could have an adverse impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Our intellectual property rights may not be protected, which could adversely affect our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

A substantial portion of our publications are protected by copyright, held either in our name, in the name of the author of the work, or in the name of a sponsoring professional society. Such copyrights protect our exclusive right to publish the work in many countries abroad for specified periods, in most cases, the author’s life plus 70 years, but in any event, a minimum of 50 years for works published after 1978. Our ability to continue to achieve our expected results depends, in part, upon our ability to protect our intellectual property rights. Our consolidated financial position and results of operations may be adversely affected by lack of legal and/or technological protections for its intellectual property in some jurisdictions and markets.

Adverse publicity could negatively impact our reputation, which could adversely affect our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Our professional customers worldwide rely upon many of our publications to perform their jobs. It is imperative that we consistently demonstrate our ability to maintain the integrity of the information included in our publications. Adverse publicity, whether valid or not, may reduce demand for our publications and adversely affect our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In our journal publishing business we have a trade concentration and credit risk related to subscription agents, and in our book business the industry has a concentration of customers in national, regional, and online bookstore chains. Changes in the financial position and liquidity of our subscription agents and customers, could adversely impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In the journal publishing business, subscriptions are primarily sourced through journal subscription agents who, acting as agents for library customers, facilitate ordering by consolidating the subscription orders/billings of each subscriber with various publishers. Cash is generally collected in advance from subscribers by the subscription agents and is principally remitted to us between the months of December and April. Although at fiscal year-end we had minimal credit risk exposure to these agents, future calendar-year subscription receipts from these agents are highly dependent on their financial condition and liquidity.

Subscription agents account for approximately 20% of total annual consolidated revenue and one affiliated group of subscription agents accounts for approximately 10% of total annual consolidated revenue.

Our book business is not dependent upon a single customer; however, the industry is concentrated in national, regional, and online bookstore chains. Although no one book customer accounts for more than 8% of total consolidated revenue and 11% of accounts receivable at April 30, 2019, the top 10 book customers account for approximately 13% of total consolidated revenue and approximately 21% of accounts receivable at April 30, 2019. We maintain approximately $25 million of trade credit insurance, covering balances due from certain named customers, subject to certain limitations and annual renewal.

Changes in laws, tariffs, and regulations, including regulations related to open access, could adversely impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

We maintain operations in Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, and the United States. The conduct of our business, including the sourcing of content, distribution, sales, marketing, and advertising, is subject to various laws and regulations administered by governments around the world. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies, including tax regulations and accounting standards, may adversely affect our future consolidated financial position and results of operations.

The scientific research publishing industry generates much of its revenue from paid customer subscriptions to online and print journal content. There is debate within government, academic, and library communities whether such journal content should be made available for free, immediately or following a period of embargo after publication, referred to as “open access,” For instance, certain governments and privately held funding bodies have implemented mandates that require journal articles derived from government-funded research to be made available to the public at no cost after an embargo period. Open access can be achieved in two ways: Green, which enables authors to publish articles in subscription based journals and self–archive the author accepted version of the article for free public use after an embargo period, and Gold, which enables authors to publish their articles in journals that provide immediate free access to the final version of the article on the publisher’s Web site, and elsewhere under permissive licensing terms, following payment of an APC. These mandates have the potential to put pressure on subscription-based publications. If such regulations are widely implemented, our consolidated financial position and results of operations could be adversely affected.
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To date, the majority of governments that have taken a position on open access have favored the green model and have generally specified embargo periods of twelve months. The publishing community generally takes the view that this period should be sufficient to protect subscription revenues, provided that publishers’ platforms offer sufficient added value to the article. Governments in Europe have been more supportive of the gold model, which thus far is generating incremental revenue for publishers with active open access programs. A number of European administrations are showing interest in a business model which combines the purchasing of subscription content with the purchase of open access publishing for authors in their country. This development removes an element of risk by fixing revenues from that market, provided that the terms, price, and rate of transition negotiated are acceptable.

The uncertainty surrounding the implementation and effect of Brexit may cause increased economic volatility, affecting our operations and business.

In June 2016, voters in the U.K. approved an advisory referendum to withdraw from the European Union, commonly referred to as "Brexit." On March 29, 2017, the U.K. formally notified the European Council of the U.K.'s intention to withdraw from the European Union under Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon. The notice began the two-year negotiation period to establish the withdrawal terms. The U.K.'s separation was to become effective on March 29, 2019. However, on April 12, 2019, the European Union agreed to an extension to October 31, 2019. A withdrawal without a trade agreement in place could significantly disrupt the free movement of goods, services, and people between the U.K. and the European Union, and result in increased legal and regulatory complexities, as well as potential higher costs of conducting business in Europe. Additional Brexit-related impacts on our business could include potential inventory shortages in the U.K., increased regulatory burdens and costs to comply with U.K.-specific regulations and higher transportation costs for our products coming into and out of the U.K. Further, the uncertainty surrounding the terms of the U.K.'s withdrawal and its consequences could adversely impact consumer and investor confidence and could affect sales or regulation of our products. Any of these effects, among others, could materially and adversely affect our business and consolidated financial position and results of operations.

A disruption or loss of data sources could limit our collection and use of certain kinds of information, which could adversely impact our communication with our customers.

A number of our businesses rely extensively upon content and data from external sources. Data is obtained from public records, governmental authorities, customers and other information companies, including competitors. Legal regulations, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), relating to internet communications, privacy and data protection, e-commerce, information governance, and use of public records, are becoming more prevalent worldwide. The disruption or loss of data sources, either because of changes in the law or because data suppliers decide not to supply them, may impose limits on our collection and use of certain kinds of information about individuals and our ability to communicate such information effectively with our customers. In addition, GDPR imposes a strict data protection compliance regime with severe penalties of up to 4% of worldwide revenue or €20 million, whichever is greater.

If we are unable to retain key employees and other personnel, our consolidated financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected.

We have a significant investment in our employees around the world. We offer competitive salaries and benefits in order to attract and retain the highly skilled workforce needed to sustain and develop new products and services required for growth. Employment and benefit costs are affected by competitive market conditions for qualified individuals, and factors such as healthcare and retirement benefit costs.

We are highly dependent on the continued services of key employees who have in-depth market and business knowledge and/or key relationships with business partners. The loss of the services of key personnel for any reason and our inability to replace them with suitable candidates quickly or at all, as well as any negative market perception resulting from such loss, could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position, and results of operation.

We may not realize the anticipated cost savings and benefits from, or our business may be disrupted by, our business transformation and restructuring efforts.

We continue to transform our business from a traditional publishing model to a global provider of content-enabled solutions with a focus on digital products and services. The acquisitions of Deltak.edu, LLC (“Deltak”), Inscape Holdings, Inc. (“Inscape”), Profiles International (“Profiles”), CrossKnowledge Group Limited (“CrossKnowledge”), and The Learning House, Inc. (“Learning House”), comprise our Solutions reporting segment and, along with Atypon in our Research segment, represent examples of strategic initiatives that were implemented as part of our business transformation. We will continue to explore opportunities to develop new business models and enhance the efficiency of our organizational structure. The rapid pace and scope of change increases the risk that not all of our strategic initiatives will deliver the expected benefits within the anticipated timeframes. In addition, these efforts may somewhat disrupt our business activities, which could adversely affect our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
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We continue to restructure and realign our cost base with current and anticipated future market conditions. Significant risks associated with these actions that may impair our ability to achieve the anticipated cost savings or that may disrupt our business include delays in the implementation of anticipated workforce reductions in highly regulated locations outside of the U.S., decreases in employee morale, the failure to meet operational targets due to the loss of key employees, and disruptions of third parties to whom we have outsourced business functions. In addition, our ability to achieve the anticipated cost savings and other benefits from these actions within the expected timeframe is subject to many estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are subject to significant economic, competitive, and other uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. If these estimates and assumptions are incorrect, if we experience delays, or if other unforeseen events occur, our business and consolidated financial position and results of operations could be adversely affected.

We may not realize the anticipated cost savings and processing efficiencies associated with the outsourcing of certain business processes.

We have outsourced certain business functions, principally in technology, content management, printing, manufacturing, warehousing, fulfillment, distribution, returns processing, and certain other transactional processing functions, to third-party service providers to achieve cost savings, and efficiencies. If these third-party service providers do not perform effectively, we may not be able to achieve the anticipated cost savings, and depending on the function involved, we may experience business disruption or processing inefficiencies, all with potential adverse effects on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

We may be susceptible to information technology risks that may adversely impact our business, consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Information technology is a key part of our business strategy and operations. As a business strategy, Wiley’s technology enables us to provide customers with new and enhanced products and services and is critical to our success in migrating from print to digital business models. Information technology is also a fundamental component of all of our business processes, collecting and reporting business data, and communicating internally and externally with customers, suppliers, employees, and others.

Our business is dependent on information technology systems to support our businesses. We provide internet-based products and services to our customers. We also use complex information technology systems and products to support our business activities, particularly in infrastructure, and as we move our products and services to an increasingly digital delivery platform.

We face technological risks associated with internet-based product and service delivery in our businesses, including with respect to information technology capability, reliability and security, enterprise resource planning, system implementations and upgrades. Failures of our information technology systems and products (including because of operational failure, natural disaster, computer virus, or hacker attacks) could interrupt the availability of our internet-based products and services, result in corruption or loss of data or breach in security, and result in liability or reputational damage to our brands and/or adversely impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Management has designed and implemented policies, processes and controls to mitigate risks of information technology failure and to provide security from unauthorized access to our systems. In addition, we have disaster recovery plans in place to maintain business continuity.  The size and complexity of our information technology and information security systems, and those of our third-party vendors with whom we contract, make such systems potentially vulnerable to cyber-attacks common to most industries from inadvertent or intentional actions by employees, vendors, or malicious third parties. Such attacks are of ever-increasing levels of sophistication and are made by groups and individuals with a wide range of motives. While we have taken steps to address these risks, there can be no assurance that a system failure, disruption, or data security breach would not adversely affect our business and could have an adverse impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

We are continually improving and upgrading our computer systems and software. We are in the process of implementing a new global Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) system as part of a multi-year plan to integrate and upgrade our operational and financial systems and processes. As of April 30, 2019, we have completed the implementation of record-to-report, purchase-to-pay, and several other business processes within all locations through fiscal year 2017. We completed the implementation of order-to-cash for certain businesses in May 2018 and may continue to roll out additional processes and functionality of the ERP system in phases in the foreseeable future. Implementation of a new ERP system involves risks and uncertainties. Any disruptions, delays, or deficiencies in the design or implementation of a new system could result in increased costs, disruptions in operations, or delays in the collection of cash from our customers, as well as having an adverse effect on our ability to timely report our financial results, all of which could materially adversely affect our business, consolidated financial position and results of operations.
14
Cyber risk and the failure to maintain the integrity of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of third parties with which we do business, could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, and results of operations.

Cyber-attacks and hackers are becoming more sophisticated and pervasive. Our business is dependent on information technology systems to support our businesses. We provide internet-based products and services to our customers. We also use complex information technology systems and products to support our business activities, particularly in infrastructure and as we move our products and services to an increasingly digital delivery platform. Across our businesses, we hold personal data, including that of employees and customers.

Efforts to prevent cyber-attacks and hackers from entering our systems are expensive to implement and may limit the functionality of our systems. Individuals may try to gain unauthorized access to our systems and data for malicious purposes, and our security measures may fail to prevent such unauthorized access. Cyber-attacks and/or intentional hacking of our systems could adversely affect the performance or availability of our products, result in loss of customer data, adversely affect our ability to conduct business, or result in theft of our funds or proprietary information, the occurrence of which could have an adverse impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates could materially impact our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

Non-U.S. revenues, as well as our substantial non-U.S. net assets, expose our consolidated results to volatility from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Non-U.S. dollar revenues accounted for 46% of our total consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2019, which primarily includes revenues in British pound sterling of 26% and euro of 12%. In addition, our interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subject to risk from changes in interest rates. These risks and the measures we have taken to help mitigate them are discussed in Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We may, from time-to-time, use derivative instruments to hedge such risks. Notwithstanding our efforts to foresee and mitigate the effects of changes in external market or fiscal circumstances, we cannot predict with certainty changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, inflation, or other related factors affecting our business, consolidated financial position and results of operations.

We may not be able to mitigate the impact of inflation and cost increases, which could have an adverse impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

From time to time, we experience cost increases reflecting, in part, general inflationary factors. There is no guarantee that we can increase selling prices or reduce costs to fully mitigate the effect of inflation on our costs, which may adversely impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Changes in tax laws, including regulations and other guidance in connection with the U.S. Federal tax legislation originally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”), could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

We are subject to tax laws within the jurisdictions in which we conduct business, including the U.S. and many foreign jurisdictions. In addition to the Tax Act in the U.S., changes in tax laws and interpretations in other jurisdictions where we do business, such as the U.K. and Germany, could significantly impact the taxation of our non-U.S. earnings. This could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations as most of our income is earned outside the U.S. In addition, we are subject to audit by tax authorities and are regularly audited by various tax authorities. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Challenges and uncertainties associated with operating in developing markets has a higher risk due to political instability, economic volatility, crime, terrorism, corruption, social and ethnic unrest, and other factors, which may adversely impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

We sell our products to customers in certain sanctioned and previously sanctioned developing markets where we do not have operating subsidiaries. We do not own any assets or liabilities in these markets except for trade receivables. In the year ended April 30, 2019, we recorded an immaterial amount of revenue and net earnings related to sales to Cuba, Sudan, Syria and Iran. While sales in these markets are not material to our consolidated financial position and results of operations, adverse developments related to the risks associated with these markets may cause actual results to differ from historical and forecasted future consolidated operating results.
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We have certain technology development operations in Russia and Sri Lanka related to software development and architecture, digital content production, and system testing services. Due to the political instability within these regions, there is the potential for future government embargos and sanctions, which could disrupt our operations in this area. While we have developed business continuity plans to address these issues, further adverse developments in the region could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Approximately 19% of Research journal articles are sourced from authors in China. Any restrictions on exporting intellectual property could adversely affect our business and consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Changes in global economic conditions could impact our ability to borrow funds and meet our future financing needs.

Changes in global financial markets have not had, nor do we anticipate they will have, a significant impact on our liquidity. Due to our significant operating cash flow, financial assets, access to capital markets, and available lines of credit and revolving credit agreements, we continue to believe that we have the ability to meet our financing needs for the foreseeable future. As market conditions change, we will continue to monitor our liquidity position. However, there can be no assurance that our liquidity or our consolidated financial position and results of operations will not be adversely affected by possible future changes in global financial markets and global economic conditions. Unprecedented market conditions including illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency rates, and economic recession could affect future results.

Changes in pension costs and related funding requirements may impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

We provide defined benefit pension plans for certain employees worldwide. Our Board of Directors approved amendments to the U.S., Canada and U.K. defined benefit plans that froze the future accumulation of benefits effective June 30, 2013, December 31, 2015, and April 30, 2015, respectively. The funding requirements and costs of these plans are dependent upon various factors, including the actual return on plan assets, discount rates, plan participant population demographics, and changes in pension regulations. Changes in these factors affect our plan funding, consolidated financial position, and results of operations.

We may not be able to realize the expected benefits of our growth strategies, including successfully integrating acquisitions, which could adversely impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Our growth strategy includes title, imprint, and other business acquisitions, including knowledge-enabled services, which complement our existing businesses. Acquisitions may have a substantial impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations. Acquisitions involve risks and uncertainties, including difficulties in integrating acquired operations and in realizing expected opportunities, cost synergies, diversions of management resources, and loss of key employees, challenges with respect to operating new businesses, and other uncertainties.

As a result of acquisitions, we may record a significant amount of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets and we may never realize the full carrying value of these assets.

As a result of acquisitions, we record a significant amount of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets, including customer relationships, trademarks and developed technologies. At April 30, 2019, we had $1,095.7 million of goodwill and $865.6 million of intangible assets, of which $217.1 million are indefinite-lived intangible assets, on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The intangible assets are principally composed of content and publishing rights, customer relationships, and brands and trademarks. Failure to achieve business objectives and financial projections could result in an asset impairment charge, which would result in a non-cash charge to our consolidated results of operations. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment on an annual basis and also when events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Intangible assets with determinable lives, which were $648.5 million at April 30, 2019, are tested for impairment only when events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. Determining whether an impairment exists can be difficult as a result of increased uncertainty and current market dynamics and requires management to make significant estimates and judgments. A non-cash intangible asset impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
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If we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls, our ability to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis could be impaired.

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (“Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) and the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. We are required to perform system and process evaluations and testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This may require us to incur substantial additional professional fees and internal costs to further expand our accounting and finance functions and expend significant management efforts.

We may in the future discover material weaknesses in our system of internal financial and accounting controls and procedures that could result in a material misstatement of our financial statements. In addition, our internal control over financial reporting will not prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to errors or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud will be detected.

If we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner, or if we are unable to maintain proper and effective internal controls, we may not be able to produce timely and accurate financial statements. If that were to happen, the market price of our stock could decline and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the New York Stock Exchange, the SEC, or other regulatory authorities.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None

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Item 2. Properties

We occupy office, warehouse, and distribution facilities in various parts of the world, as listed below (excluding those locations with less than 10,000 square feet of floor area, none of which is considered material property). All of the buildings and the equipment owned or leased are believed to be in good operating condition and are suitable for the conduct of our business.

Location
  
Purpose
  
Owned or Leased
  
Approx. Sq. Ft.
United States:
            
New Jersey
  
Corporate Headquarters
  
Leased
  
294,000
   
Office
  
Leased
  
185,000
Indiana
  
Offices
  
Leased
  
166,000
California
  
Office
  
Leased
  
11,000
Massachusetts
  
Office
  
Leased
  
26,000
Illinois
  
Office
  
Leased
  
52,000
Florida
  
Office
  
Leased
  
58,000
Minnesota
  
Office
  
Leased
  
22,000
Texas
  
Office
  
Leased
  
11,000
Colorado
  
Office
  
Leased
  
15,000
Kentucky
  
Office
  
Leased
  
47,000
             
International:
            
Australia
  
Offices
  
Leased
  
34,000
Canada
  
Office
  
Leased
  
12,000
England
  
Distribution Centers
  
Leased
  
298,000
   
Offices
  
Leased
  
80,000
   
Offices
  
Owned
  
70,000
France
  
Offices
  
Leased
  
36,000
Germany
  
Office
  
Owned
  
104,000
   
Office
  
Leased
  
18,000
Jordan
  
Office
  
Leased
  
24,000
Singapore
  
Office
  
Leased
  
35,000
Russia
  
Office
  
Leased
  
27,000
China
  
Offices
  
Leased
  
18,000
India
  
Distribution Centers
  
Leased
  
12,000
   
Office
  
Leased
  
25,000
Greece
  
Office
  
Leased
  
16,000

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

The information set forth in Note 15, “Commitment and Contingencies,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is incorporated herein by reference.

We are involved in routine litigation in the ordinary course of our business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of all pending litigation will not have a material effect upon our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

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Information About Our Executive Officers
Set forth below are the current executive officers of the Company. Each of the officers listed will serve until the next organizational meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company and until each of the respective successors are duly elected and qualified.

Name, Current and Former Positions
  
Age
  
First Elected to
Current Position
         
BRIAN A. NAPACK
  
57
  
December 2017
President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
        
March 2012 – Senior Advisor, Providence Equity Partners LLC
        
         
JOHN A. KRITZMACHER
  
58
  
July 2013
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Operations
        
October 2012 – Senior Vice President of Business Operations, Organizational Planning & Structure at WebMD Health Corp
        
         
MATTHEW S. KISSNER
  
65
  
February 2019
Executive Vice President, Group Executive
        
December 2017 – Chairman of Company's Board of Directors
        
May 2017 – Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company
        
October 2015 – Chairman of Company's Board of Directors
        
         
GARY M. RINCK
  
67
  
September 2014
Executive Vice President, General Counsel
        
2004 – Senior Vice President, General Counsel
        
         
JUDY VERSES
  
62
  
October 2016
Executive Vice President, Research
        
October 2011 – President – Global Enterprise and Education, Rosetta Stone Inc.
        
         
CHRISTOPHER F. CARIDI
  
53
  
March 2017
Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
        
March 2014 – Vice President Finance, Thomson Reuters
        
September 2009 – Vice President, Controller/Global Head of Accounting Operations, Thomson Reuters
        
         
KEVIN MONACO
  
55
  
October 2018
Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Tax
        
October 2009 – SVP, Finance, Treasurer and Investor Relations, Coty Inc.
        
         
AREF MATIN
  
60
  
May 2018
Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer
        
February 2015 – Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, Ascend Learning
        
July 2012 – Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, Pearson Learning Technologies & Pearson Higher Education
        
         
TANELI D. RUDA
  
45
  
July 2018
Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer
        
March 2018 – Head of Corporate Strategy, Thomson Reuters
        
March 2014 – SVP and Managing Director, Global Trade Management, Thomson Reuters
        
January 2010 – SVP, Strategy, Thomson Reuters
        

19
PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our Class A and Class B shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols JW.A and JW.B, respectively.

On a quarterly basis, the Board of Directors considers the payment of cash dividends based upon its review of earnings, our financial position, and other relevant factors. As of May 31, 2019, the approximate number of holders of our Class A and Class B Common Stock were 758 and 57, respectively, based on the holders of record.

During the year ended April 30, 2017, our Board of Directors approved an additional share repurchase program of four million shares of Class A or B Common Stock. During the fourth quarter of 2019, we made the following purchases of Class A Common Stock under this publicly announced stock repurchase program.

   
Total Number
of Shares Purchased
    
Average Price
Paid Per Share
    
Total Number
of Shares Purchased
as Part of a Publicly
Announced Program
    
Maximum Number
of Shares that
May be Purchased
Under the Program
  
February 2019
    
—
    
$
—
      
—
      
2,446,640
  
March 2019
    
557,665
      
44.83
      
557,665
      
1,888,975
  
April 2019
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
1,888,975
  
Total
    
557,665
    
$
44.83
      
557,665
      
1,888,975
  

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

   
For the Years Ended April 30, (a)(b)
  
Dollars (in millions, except per share data)
  
2019
    
2018
    
2017
    
2016
    
2015
  
Revenue, net
  
$
1,800.1
    
$
1,796.1
    
$
1,718.5
    
$
1,727.0
    
$
1,822.4
  
Operating Income (c)
    
224.0
      
231.5
      
211.5
      
188.1
      
237.7
  
Net Income (a)
    
168.3
      
192.2
      
113.6
      
145.8
      
176.9
  
Working Capital (d)
    
(379.8
)
    
(394.3
)
    
(428.1
)
    
(111.1
)
    
(62.8
)
Contract Liability (Deferred Revenue) in Working Capital (d)
    
(507.4
)
    
(486.4
)
    
(436.2
)
    
(426.5
)
    
(372.1
)
Total Assets
    
2,937.0
      
2,839.5
      
2,606.2
      
2,921.1
      
3,004.2
  
Long-Term Debt
    
478.8
      
360.0
      
365.0
      
605.0
      
650.1
  
Shareholders' Equity
    
1,181.3
      
1,190.6
      
1,003.1
      
1,037.1
      
1,055.0
  
Per Share Data
                                        
Earnings Per Share
                                        
Basic
  
$
2.94
    
$
3.37
    
$
1.98
    
$
2.51
    
$
3.01
  
Diluted
  
$
2.91
    
$
3.32
    
$
1.95
    
$
2.48
    
$
2.97
  
Cash Dividends
                                        
Class A Common
  
$
1.32
    
$
1.28
    
$
1.24
    
$
1.20
    
$
1.16
  
Class B Common
  
$
1.32
    
$
1.28
    
$
1.24
    
$
1.20
    
$
1.16
  

(a)
See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” for a discussion of the factors that contributed to our consolidated operating results for the three years ended April 30, 2019. Certain tax benefits and charges included in the years ended April 30, 2019 – 2015 include:
•
The year ended April 30, 2019 includes a favorable benefit of $2.9 million, or $0.05 per share in connection with the reduction in our deferred tax liabilities as a result of a lower U.S. state tax rate resulting from more favorable apportionment factors in 2019. Refer to Note 12, “Income Taxes,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
•
The year ended April 30, 2018 includes a favorable impact of $25.1 million ($0.43 per share) from the U.S. government enacted comprehensive Federal tax legislation originally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”). Refer to Note 12, “Income Taxes,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
•
The year ended April 30, 2017 includes the effect of the German Tax litigation of $49.1 million ($0.85 per share).
•
The years ended April 30, 2017 and 2016 include tax benefits of $2.6 million ($0.04 per share) and $5.9 million ($0.10 per share), respectively, principally associated with a reduction in our deferred tax liabilities from consecutive tax legislation enacted in the United Kingdom that reduced the U.K. corporate income tax rates.
•
The year ended April 30, 2015 includes a non-recurring tax benefit of $3.1 million ($0.05 per share) related to tax deductions claimed on the write-up of certain foreign tax assets to fair market value.

20
(b)
On May 1, 2018, we adopted the U.S. accounting standard regarding revenue recognition ("Topic 606," or "ASC 606"). The adoption of Topic 606 did not have a material impact to our consolidated results of operations. Refer to Note 2, " Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards," in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
(c)
Due to the retrospective adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-07, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost,”, total net benefits (costs) of $8.1 million and $(5.3) million related to the non-service components of defined benefit and other post-employment benefit plans were reclassified from Operating and Administrative Expenses to Interest and Other Income (Expense) for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Total net benefits related to the non-service components of defined benefit and other post-employment benefit plans were $8.8 million for the year ended April 30, 2019. Refer to Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards," in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
(d)
The primary driver of the negative working capital is unearned contract liabilities (deferred revenue) related to subscriptions for which cash has been collected in advance. Cash received in advance for subscriptions is used by us for a number of purposes, including acquisitions, debt repayments, funding operations, dividend payments, and purchasing treasury shares. The contract liabilities (deferred revenue) will be recognized as income when the products are shipped or made available online to the customers over the term of the subscription period.

21
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The information in our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes set forth in Part II, Item 8, as well as the discussion included above, “Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995” and “Non-GAAP Financial Measures,” along with Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  All amounts and percentages are approximate due to rounding and all dollars are in thousands, except per share amounts or where otherwise noted. When we cross-reference to a “Note,” we are referring to our “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” unless the context indicates otherwise.

Recent Events

•
On July 1, 2019, we completed the acquisition of Zyante Inc. ("Zyante"), a leading provider of computer science and STEM education courseware. Under the terms of the agreement, Zyante shareholders received $56 million in cash. Zyante will be included in our Education Publishing segment.
•
On June 28, 2019, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.34 per share, or approximately $19.2 million, on our Class A and Class B Common Stock.  The dividend is payable on July 24, 2019 to shareholders of record on July 10, 2019.
•
On May 31, 2019, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of Knewton, Inc. (“Knewton”), included in our Publishing segment. Knewton is a provider of affordable courseware and adaptive learning technology for an undisclosed amount.
 •
On May 30, 2019, we amended and restated our existing credit agreement with a (i) five-year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount up to $1.25 billion, and (ii) a five-year term loan A facility consisting of $250 million.

Fourth Quarter Highlights

•
Increase in GAAP Results: Revenue of $491.2 million, an increase of 3%, Operating Income of $80.0 million, an increase of 10% and Diluted EPS of $1.10, an increase of 19%;
•
Non-GAAP Adjusted Results on a constant currency basis: Adjusted Revenue increase of 7%, Adjusted Operating Income increase of 14%, and Adjusted EPS increase of 19%;
•
Non-GAAP Adjusted Results on a constant currency basis and excluding the impact from Learning House acquisition: Adjusted Revenue increase of 3%, Adjusted Operating Income increase of 17%, and Adjusted EPS increase of 26%.

Results of Operations

FISCAL YEAR 2019 AS COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 2018 SUMMARY RESULTS

Revenue:

Revenue for the year ended April 30, 2019 was flat at $1,800 million, as compared with prior year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased 2% as compared with prior year. This increase was primarily due to the following:
•
the incremental impact of the acquisition of Learning House on November 1, 2018, which contributed $31.5 million of revenue,
•
increased revenue in our Research segment primarily driven by Open Access; and to a lesser extent, Licensing, Reprints, Backfiles, and Other offerings; and,
•
increased revenue in all of our Solutions segment businesses, excluding the impact of Learning House.

These increases were offset by declines in Publishing print product sales.

Refer to Note 4, “Acquisition,” for more information related to the acquisition of Learning House.

See the “Segment Operating Results” below for additional details on each segment’s revenue and contribution to profit performance.

Cost of Sales:

Cost of sales for the year ended April 30, 2019 increased $23.7 million, or 4%, as compared with prior year.  On a constant currency basis, cost of sales increased 6%. This increase was primarily due to the following factors:
•
the incremental impact of Learning House, primarily due to marketing and employment related costs,
•
an increase in legacy Education Services business marketing costs of $8.1 million primarily due to increased investments to support revenue growth;

22
•
higher royalty costs of $6.6 million; and, to a lesser extent,
•
higher employment costs of $3.4 million.

These increases were offset by lower inventory costs of $5.8 million primarily due to lower Publishing print sales.

In connection with the acquisition of Learning House, we changed our accounting policy for certain advertising and marketing costs incurred by our Education Services business to fulfill performance obligations from contracts with educational institutions. Under the new accounting policy, these costs are included in Cost of Sales whereas they were previously included in Operating and Administrative Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Including these expenses in Cost of Sales will better align these costs with the related revenue and conform with the presentation of such costs for Learning House. This change in accounting policy was applied retrospectively. The amount reclassified for the year ended April 30, 2018 was $45.8 million. Refer to “Change in Accounting Policy” in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards,” for more information on the accounting policy change and Note 4, “Acquisition,” for more information related to the acquisition of Learning House.

Gross Profit Margin:

Gross profit margin for the year ended April 30, 2019 was 69.2% compared with 70.4% in the prior year. On a constant currency basis, the gross profit margin would have been 69.3%.

Operating and Administrative Expenses:

Operating and administrative expenses for the year ended April 30, 2019 increased $6.8 million, or 1%, as compared with prior year and 2% on a constant currency basis. The increase was primarily due to higher costs related to increased resources in editorial resources to increase article output, as well as higher marketing, advertising and sales costs and the incremental impact of the acquisition of Learning House. These factors were partially offset by lower technology costs and the impairment charge in the prior year related to one of our Publishing brands of $3.6 million.

Restructuring and Related Charges:

In the years ended April 30, 2019 and 2018, we recorded pre-tax restructuring charges of $3.1 million and $28.6 million, respectively, related to the Restructuring and Reinvestment Program.

These charges are reflected in Restructuring and Related Charges on the Consolidated Statements of Income and summarized in the following table:
   
2019
    
2018
    
Total Charges
Incurred to Date
  
Charges by Segment:
                  
Research
  
$
1,131
    
$
5,257
    
$
26,544
  
Publishing
    
650
      
6,443
      
39,581
  
Solutions
    
878
      
3,695
      
7,125
  
Corporate Expenses
    
459
      
13,171
      
96,378
  
Total Restructuring and Related Charges
  
$
3,118
    
$
28,566
    
$
169,628
  
                         
Charges (Credits) by Activity:
                        
Severance
  
$
1,456
    
$
27,213
    
$
116,259
  
Consulting and Contract Termination Costs
    
526
      
1,815
      
21,155
  
Other activities
    
1,136
      
(462
)
    
32,214
  
Total Restructuring and Related Charges
  
$
3,118
    
$
28,566
    
$
169,628
  

The charges above are net of changes in estimates for previously accrued restructuring charges. Other Activities for the year ended April 30, 2019 reflect lease impairment related costs. The credits in Other Activities for the year ended April 30, 2018 mainly reflect changes in estimates for previously accrued restructuring charges related to facility lease reserves.

We currently do not anticipate any further material charges related to the Restructuring and Reinvestment Program.

Amortization of Intangibles:

Amortization of intangibles was $54.7 million for the year ended April 30, 2019, an increase of $6.4 million as compared with prior year. On a constant currency basis, amortization of intangibles increased 14%. The increase in amortization was primarily due to the acquisition of intangibles as part of the acquisition of Learning House and, to a lesser extent, in the Research segment due to the timing of the acquisitions of publishing rights in the second half of 2018.

23
Operating Income:

Operating income was $224.0 million for the year ended April 30, 2019, a decrease of $7.5 million, or 3%, as compared with prior year. On a constant currency basis, excluding the impact from Learning House, which reported an operating loss of $8.0 million, and restructuring charges and the brand impairment charge in the prior year, operating income decreased 6%, due to higher expenses, partially offset by higher revenue.

Interest Expense:

Interest expense for the year ended April 30, 2019 increased $2.8 million to $16.1 million on a reported basis. This increase was due to a higher average debt balances outstanding, which included borrowings for the funding of the acquisition of Learning House, and a higher weighted average effective borrowing rate.

Foreign Exchange Transaction (Losses) Gains:

Foreign exchange transaction losses were $6.0 million for the year ended April 30, 2019 and were primarily due to the net impact of the change in average foreign exchange rates as compared to the U.S. dollar on our intercompany accounts receivable and payable balances. For the year ended April 30, 2018, foreign exchange transaction losses were $12.8 million which were primarily due to the impact of changes in average foreign exchange rates as compared to the U.S. dollar on our intercompany and third-party accounts receivable and payable balances.

Provision for Income Taxes:

The following table summarizes the effective tax rate for the years ended April 30, 2019 and 2018:
 
2019
  
2018
Effective tax rate as reported
  
21.0%
    
10.2%
State tax adjustment in 2019
  
1.3%
    
—
Deferred Tax from the Tax Act Rate Change
  
(0.1)%
    
11.7%
Effective tax rate excluding the deferred tax from the Tax Act and state tax adjustment
  
22.2%
    
21.9%

The effective tax rate for the year ended April 30, 2019 was greater than the rate for the year ended April 30, 2018 due to the net deferred tax benefit from the Tax Act in the year ended April 30, 2018 compared to the relatively small net deferred benefit in the year ended April 30, 2019 from state tax apportionment changes.

The effective tax rate was equal to the U.S. statutory rate for the year ended April 30, 2019 as the increase from higher taxes on non-U.S. income and various other items was offset by a state tax benefit from more favorable apportionment factors which reduced our deferred tax liabilities, net of federal benefit.

The Tax Act
The information set forth in Note 12, "Income Taxes” under the caption "The Tax Act," is incorporated herein by reference and further describes the impact of the Tax Act.

Diluted Earnings Per Share (“EPS”):

EPS for the year ended April 30, 2019 was $2.91 per share compared with $3.32 per share in the prior year. Excluding the impact of the items included in the table below, Adjusted EPS for the year ended April 30, 2019 decreased 14% to $2.96 per share compared with $3.43 per share in the prior year.

24
Below is a reconciliation of our GAAP EPS to Non-GAAP Adjusted EPS:
   
2019
    
2018
  
GAAP EPS
  
$
2.91
    
$
3.32
  
Adjustments:
                
Restructuring and related charges
    
0.04
      
0.39
  
Foreign exchange losses on intercompany transactions
    
0.06
      
0.15
  
Impact of Tax Cuts and Job Act
    
—
      
(0.43
)
Impact of reduction in certain U.S. state tax rates in 2019
    
(0.05
)
    
—
  
Non-GAAP Adjusted EPS
  
$
2.96
    
$
3.43
  

On a constant currency basis, Adjusted EPS decreased 8% due to lower Adjusted Operating Income. Adjusted EPS for the year ended April 30, 2019 was also lower as compared with prior year due to an $0.15 per share dilutive impact of the Learning House acquisition.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS:
   
2019
    
2018
    
% Change
    
% Change
w/o FX (b)
  
RESEARCH:
                        
Revenue:
                        
Journal Subscriptions
  
$
661,055
    
$
677,685
      
(2
)%
    
—
  
Open Access
    
54,671
      
41,997
      
30
%
    
33
%
Licensing, Reprints, Backfiles, and Other
    
185,619
      
181,806
      
2
%
    
4
%
Total Journal Revenue
  
$
901,345
    
$
901,488
      
—
      
3
%
                                 
Publishing Technology Services (Atypon)
    
35,968
      
32,907
      
9
%
    
9
%
                                 
Total Research Revenue
  
$
937,313
    
$
934,395
      
—
      
3
%
                                 
Cost of Sales
    
254,338
      
247,654
      
3
%
    
5
%
                                 
Gross Profit
  
$
682,975
    
$
686,741
      
(1
)%
    
2
%
Gross Profit Margin
    
72.9
%
    
73.5
%
                
                                 
Operating Expenses (a)
    
394,870
      
383,329
      
3
%
    
4
%
Amortization of Intangibles
    
28,099
      
26,829
      
5
%
    
6
%
Restructuring Charges (See Note 7)
    
1,131
      
5,257
      
(78
)%
    
(78
)%
                                 
Contribution to Profit
  
$
258,875
    
$
271,326
      
(5
)%
    
(1
)%
Contribution Margin
    
27.6
%
    
29.0
%
                

(a)
Due to the retrospective adoption of ASU 2017-07, total net benefits related to defined benefit and other post-employment benefit plans were reclassified from Operating and Administrative Expenses to Interest and Other Income (Expense). The amount for the year ended April 30, 2018 for the Research segment was $4.2 million. Refer to Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards," for more information.

(b)  Adjusted to exclude FX impact and Restructuring Charges.

Revenue:

Research revenue for the year ended April 30, 2019 increased $2.9 million, or flat as compared with prior year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased 3%, compared with prior year, primarily due to continued strong growth in publication volumes for Open Access, particularly hybrid journals.

Gross Profit:

Gross profit for the year ended April 30, 2019 decreased 1% compared with prior year and, on a constant currency basis, increased 2%. This was due to higher revenues, partially offset by higher costs of sales, primarily due to increased royalty costs.

25
Gross profit margin was 72.9% compared with prior year of 73.5%. On a constant currency basis, gross profit margin would have been 73%.

Contribution to Profit:

Contribution to profit decreased 5% to $258.9 million for the year ended April 30, 2019 as compared with the prior year. On a constant currency basis and excluding restructuring charges, contribution to profit decreased 1% as compared with prior year. This decrease was due to higher operating costs partially offset by higher gross profit.  The higher operating costs include additional resources in editorial to support increased journal publishing of $11.2 million, increased costs related to advertising and marketing of $3.0 million, and sales resources of $2.5 million, which were partially offset by lower administrative costs.

Society Partnerships

For calendar year 2019, 17 new society contracts were signed, with combined annual revenue of approximately $5.4 million, and 4 society contracts were not renewed with combined annual revenue of approximately $1.8 million.

Projekt DEAL

In the third quarter of 2019, we completed a new agreement with a national consortium representing all 700 German academic institutions. This new three-year agreement provides those German libraries and their researchers with both subscriptions access and open access publishing. We expect to generate modestly more revenue from this new arrangement and the opportunity to grow revenue through higher publishing volumes.

   
2019
    
2018
    
% Change
    
% Change
w/o FX (b)
  
PUBLISHING:
                        
Revenue:
                        
STM and Professional Publishing
  
$
265,719
    
$
287,315
      
(8
)%
    
(6
)%
Education Publishing
    
157,579
      
187,178
      
(16
)%
    
(14
)%
Courseware (WileyPLUS)
    
63,485
      
59,475
      
7
%
    
7
%
Test Preparation and Certification
    
40,606
      
35,534
      
14
%
    
15
%
Licensing, Distribution, Advertising and Other
    
46,803
      
48,146
      
(3
)%
    
(1
)%
                                 
Total Publishing Revenue
  
$
574,192
    
$
617,648
      
(7
)%
    
(6
)%
                                 
Cost of Sales
    
178,050
      
194,900
      
(9
)%
    
(7
)%
                                 
Gross Profit
  
$
396,142
    
$
422,748
      
(6
)%
    
(5
)%
Gross Profit Margin
    
69.0
%
    
68.4
%
                
                                 
Operating Expenses (a)
    
268,425
      
282,958
      
(5
)%
    
(4
)%
Amortization of Intangibles
    
8,166
      
8,108
      
1
%
    
1
%
Restructuring Charges (see Note 7)
    
650
      
6,443
      
(90
)%
    
(90
)%
Publishing brand impairment charge
    
—
      
3,600
      
(100
)%
    
(100
)%
                                 
Contribution to Profit
  
$
118,901
    
$
121,639
      
(2
)%
    
(8
)%
Contribution Margin
    
20.7
%
    
19.7
%
                

(a)
Due to the retrospective adoption of ASU 2017-07, total net benefits related to defined benefit and other post-employment benefit plans were reclassified from Operating and Administrative Expenses to Interest and Other Income (Expense). The amount for the year ended April 30, 2018 for the Publishing segment was $2.3 million. Refer to Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards," for more information.

(b)
Adjusted to exclude FX impact and Restructuring Charges, and in the year ended April 30, 2018, a Publishing brand impairment charge was also excluded.

Revenue:

Publishing revenue decreased 7% to $574.2 million on a reported basis, and 6% on a constant currency basis as compared with prior year. The decrease was primarily due to a decline in Education Publishing and STM and Professional Publishing due to a continued shift in market demand for print products. This decline was partially offset by an increase in volume of Test Preparation and Certification product offerings and an increase in WileyPLUS mainly due to the timing of revenue recognition.

26
Gross Profit:

Gross profit decreased 6% as compared with prior year and 5% on a constant currency basis, due to the decline in Education Publishing and STM and Professional Publishing revenue; partially offset by a decrease in inventory costs and to a lesser extent, book composition and product development amortization expense.

Contribution to Profit:

Contribution to profit decreased 2% to $118.9 million for the year ended April 30, 2019 as compared with the prior year. On a constant currency basis and excluding restructuring charges and a brand impairment charge in the prior year, contribution to profit decreased 8% as compared with the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to lower gross profit, partially offset by, lower operating expenses including employee related costs, content related costs and, to a lesser extent, technology costs.
   
2019
    
2018
    
% Change
    
% Change
w/o FX (b)
  
SOLUTIONS:
                        
Revenue:
                        
Education Services
  
$
157,549
    
$
119,131
      
32
%
    
32
%
Professional Assessment
    
65,889
      
61,094
      
8
%
    
8
%
Corporate Learning
    
65,126
      
63,835
      
2
%
    
6
%
                                 
Total Solutions Revenue
  
$
288,564
    
$
244,060
      
18
%
    
19
%
                                 
Cost of Sales (a)
    
122,337
      
88,462
      
38
%
    
39
%
                                 
Gross Profit
  
$
166,227
    
$
155,598
      
7
%
    
8
%
Gross Profit Margin
    
57.6
%
    
63.8
%
                
                                 
Operating Expenses (a)
    
131,989
      
116,513
      
13
%
    
15
%
Amortization of Intangibles
    
18,393
      
13,291
      
38
%
    
39
%
Restructuring Charges (see Note 7)
    
878
      
3,695
      
(76
)%
    
(76
)%
                                 
Contribution to Profit
  
$
14,967
    
$
22,099
      
(32
)%
    
(39
)%
Contribution Margin
    
5.2
%
    
9.1
%
                

(a)
In connection with the acquisition of Learning House, we changed our accounting policy for certain advertising and marketing costs incurred by our Education Services business to fulfill performance obligations from contracts with educational institutions. Under the new accounting policy, these costs are included in Cost of Sales whereas they were previously included in Operating and Administrative Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The impact of this reclassification was an increase to Cost of Sales and a corresponding decrease to Operating and Administrative Expenses of $45.8 million for the year ended April 30, 2018. This reclassification had no impact on Revenue, net or Contribution to Profit.  Refer to “Change in Accounting Policy” in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards,” for more information on the accounting policy change and Note 4, “Acquisition,” for more information related to the acquisition of Learning House.

(b)
Adjusted to exclude FX impact and Restructuring Charges.
  
Revenue:

Solutions revenue increased 18% to $288.6 million on a reported basis and 19% on a constant currency basis as compared with prior year. The increase was mainly driven by the impact of the acquisition of Learning House on November 1, 2018 which contributed $31.5 million in revenue, and to a lesser extent, higher revenue in the legacy Education Services business, Professional Assessment services and Corporate Learning.

27
Gross Profit:

Gross profit increased 7% to $166.2 million, and 8%, on a constant currency basis, as compared with prior year. The increase is primarily due to the impact of higher revenues as described above, partially offset by higher costs of sales due to the incremental impact of the acquisition of Learning House and higher marketing related costs of $8.1 million, due to the legacy Education Services business primarily due to increased investments to support revenue growth; and to a lesser extent, higher composition and product development amortization and employment related costs.

Contribution to Profit:

Contribution to profit for the year ended April 30, 2019 includes an operating loss from Learning House of $8.0 million.  On a constant currency basis, excluding restructuring charges and the impact from Learning House, contribution to profit decreased 8% as compared with prior year. This was due to higher operating expenses, including increased sales related costs, content costs, and, to a lesser extent, increased technology costs. These factors were partially offset by lower administrative costs.

Legacy Education Services Partners and Programs:

As of April 30, 2019, we had 39 university partners and 276 programs under contract.

CORPORATE EXPENSES:

Corporate Expenses for the year ended April 30, 2019 decreased 8% to $168.8 million as compared with prior year. On a constant currency basis and excluding restructuring charges, these expenses decreased 1%. This decrease was primarily due to lower employment related costs, including incentive compensation costs, partially offset by higher stock-based compensation expense of $2.3 million and costs associated with strategic planning of $1.4 million.

FISCAL YEAR 2018 AS COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 2017 SUMMARY RESULTS

Revenue:

Revenue for the year ended April 30, 2018 increased 5% to $1,796.1 million, or 1% on a constant currency basis as compared with prior year. The increase was mainly driven by an increase in Research revenue due to a full year of revenue from the Atypon acquisition in the year ended April 30, 2018 and growth in Open Access and, to a lesser extent, higher Education Services (OPM) revenue in Solutions. These increases were partially offset by a decline in Publishing revenue, primarily in STM and in Professional and Education Publishing, which reflected market conditions.

See the "Segment Operating Results" below for additional details on each segment's revenue and contribution to profit performance.

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit:

Cost of Sales for the year ended April 30, 2018 increased 6% to $531.0 million, or 3% on a constant currency basis as compared with prior year. The increase was primarily a result of higher revenues and higher royalty costs on Research journals due to title mix and an increase in new titles at a higher royalty rate.

Gross profit margin for the year ended April 30, 2018 was 70.4% and decreased slightly compared with the prior year on a constant currency basis, primarily in our Publishing segment as a result of the decline in revenue.

As noted above, in connection with the acquisition of Learning House, we changed our accounting policy for certain advertising and marketing costs incurred by our Education Services business to fulfill performance obligations from contracts with educational institutions. Under the new accounting policy, these costs are included in Cost of Sales whereas they were previously included in Operating and Administrative Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The amount reclassified for the year ended April 30, 2018 and 2017 was $45.8 million and $40.0 million, respectively. Refer to “Change in Accounting Policy” in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards,” for more information on the accounting policy change and Note 4, “Acquisition,” for more information related to the acquisition of Learning House.

28
Operating and Administrative Expenses:

Operating and administrative expenses for the year ended April 30, 2018 increased 1% to $956.8 million, but decreased 1% on a constant currency basis as compared with prior year due to the following:
•
lower technology costs in the current year of $18 million associated with our ERP implementation and other reductions in outsourcing and system development consulting costs;
•
a one-time pension settlement charge in the prior year related to changes in our retiree and long-term disability plans of $9 million; and
•
savings from operational excellence initiatives and restructuring activities.

The factors were partially offset by:
•
one-time benefits in the prior year related to the changes in our retiree and long-term disability plans of $4 million and a life insurance recovery of $2 million;
•
a full year of costs in the year ended April 30, 2018 associated with the Atypon acquisition, which resulted in an incremental impact of $9 million;
•
an increase in strategy consultation costs in the current year of $7 million; and
•
an impairment charge in the current year related to one of our Publishing brands of $4 million.

Restructuring and Related Charges:

Beginning in the year ended April 30, 2013, we initiated a program (the “Restructuring and Reinvestment Program”) to restructure and realign its cost base with current and anticipated future market conditions. We are targeting a majority of the cost savings achieved to improve margins and earnings, while the remainder will be reinvested in high-growth digital business opportunities.

In the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, we recorded pre-tax restructuring charges of $29 million and $13 million, respectively, related to this program. These charges are reflected in Restructuring and Related Charges on the Consolidated Statements of Income and summarized in the following table:
   
2018
    
2017
  
Charges by Segment:
            
Research
  
$
5,257
    
$
1,949
  
Publishing
    
6,443
      
1,596
  
Solutions
    
3,695
      
1,787
  
Corporate Expenses
    
13,171
      
8,023
  
Total Restructuring and Related Charges
  
$
28,566
    
$
13,355
  
                 
Charges (Credits) by Activity:
                
Severance
  
$
27,213
    
$
8,386
  
Process reengineering consulting
    
1,815
      
148
  
Other activities
    
(462
)
    
4,821
  
Total Restructuring and Related Charges
  
$
28,566
    
$
13,355
  

The credits in Other Activities in 2018 mainly reflect changes in estimates for previously accrued restructuring charges related to facility lease reserves. Other Activities for the year ended April 30, 2017, reflect facility relocation and lease impairment related costs.

Amortization of Intangibles:

Amortization of intangibles for the year ended April 30, 2018 declined 3% to $48 million, or 5% on a constant currency basis compared with prior year. The decrease was a result of the completion of amortization of certain acquired intangible assets.

Interest Expense:

Interest expense for the year ended April 30, 2018 decreased $4 million to $13 million on a reported and constant currency basis. This decrease was due to lower average debt balances outstanding, partially offset by a higher average effective borrowing rate.

Foreign Exchange Transaction (Losses) Gains:

We reported foreign exchange transaction losses of $13 million for the year ended April 30, 2018 compared to gains of $0.4 million in the prior year. The losses in the year ended April 30, 2018 were primarily due to the impact of the change in average foreign exchange rates as compared to the U.S. dollar on our intercompany and third-party accounts receivable and payable balances.

29
Provision for Income Taxes:

The following table summarizes the effective tax rate for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
2018
  
2017
Effective tax rate as reported
  
10.2%
    
40.5%
Estimated net impact in the year ended April 30, 2018 of non-recurring items from Tax Act
  
11.7
    
—
Impact of unfavorable German court decision in the year ended April 30, 2017
  
—
    
(25.7)
Impact of reduction in U.K. statutory rate on deferred tax balances in the year ended April 30, 2017
  
—
    
1.3
Effective tax rate excluding the impact of non-recurring items from the Tax Act in the year ended April 30, 2018 and the unfavorable German court decision and U.K. tax rate reduction in the year ended April 30, 2017
  
21.9%
    
16.1%

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive Federal tax legislation originally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Act").  In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("SAB 118"), which allowed us to record provisional amounts related to the effect of the Tax Act during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date. As the Tax Act was passed in December 2017, and ongoing guidance and accounting interpretation were expected over the 12 months following enactment, we considered the accounting of the transition tax, deferred tax re-measurements, and other items to be provisional due to the forthcoming guidance and our ongoing analysis of final data and tax positions.

The effective tax rate was lower in the year ended April 30, 2018 as compared with the year ended April 30, 2017 due to the net tax benefit from non-recurring items in the Tax Act and the effect of the German Tax litigation in the year ended April 30, 2017 as described below. Estimated non-recurring items in the Tax Act reduced our income tax expense by approximately $25 million ($0.43/share) or a reduction in our effective tax rate of 11.7 percentage points for the year ended April 30, 2018. Excluding the effect of the Tax Act, the rate was 21.9% for the year ended April 30, 2018.

The rate excluding the benefit from the non-recurring items in the Tax Act was lower than the U.S. statutory rate for the year ended April 30, 2018, primarily due to lower rates applicable to non-U.S. earnings.

German Tax Litigation Expense: In the year ended April 30, 2017, the German Federal Fiscal Court affirmed a lower court decision disallowing deductions related to a stepped-up basis in certain assets. As a result, we incurred an income tax charge of approximately $49 million ($0.85 per share).

Deferred Tax Benefit from U.K. Statutory Tax Rate Change: In the year ended April 30, 2016, the U.K. reduced its statutory rate to 19% beginning April 1, 2017 and 18% beginning April 1, 2020, and in the year ended April 30, 2017, the U.K. further reduced its statutory rate beginning on April 1, 2020, from 18% to 17%. This resulted in a non-cash deferred tax benefit from the re-measurement of our applicable U.K. deferred tax balances of $6 million ($0.10 per share) in the year ended April 30, 2016 and $3 million ($0.04 per share) in the year ended April 30, 2017.

The Tax Act
The information set forth in Note 12, "Income Taxes” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under the caption "The Tax Act," is incorporated herein by reference and further describes the impact of the Tax Act.

EPS:

EPS for the year ended April 30, 2018 was $3.32 per share compared with $1.95 per share in the prior year. EPS results included the following items, which impacted comparability:
   
2018
    
2017
  
GAAP EPS
  
$
3.32
    
$
1.95
  
Adjustments:
                
Restructuring and related charges
    
0.39
      
0.15
  
Foreign exchange losses on intercompany transactions
    
0.15
      
0.01
  
Estimated impact of the Tax Act
    
(0.43
)
    
—
  
Pension settlement
    
—
      
0.09
  
Unfavorable tax decisions
    
—
      
0.85
  
Deferred income tax benefit on U.K. tax rate change
    
—
      
(0.04
)
Non-GAAP Adjusted EPS
  
$
3.43
    
$
3.01
  

30

Excluding the impact of the items included above, Adjusted EPS for the year ended April 30, 2018 increased 14% to $3.43 per share compared with $3.01 per share in the prior year. On a constant currency basis, Adjusted EPS increased 3%.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS:

   
2018
    
2017
    
% Change
    
% Change
w/o FX (b)
  
RESEARCH:
                        
Revenue:
                        
Journal Subscriptions
  
$
677,685
    
$
639,720
      
6
%
    
—
  
Open Access
    
41,997
      
30,633
      
37
%
    
34
%
Licensing, Reprints, Backfiles, and Other
    
181,806
      
164,070
      
11
%
    
8
%
Total Journal Revenue
  
$
901,488
    
$
834,423
      
8
%
    
3
%
                                 
Publishing Technology Services (Atypon)
    
32,907
      
19,066
      
73
%
    
73
%
                                 
Total Research Revenue
  
$
934,395
    
$
853,489
      
9
%
    
4
%
                                 
Cost of Sales
    
247,654
      
219,773
      
13
%
    
8
%
                                 
Gross Profit
  
$
686,741
    
$
633,716
      
8
%
    
3
%
Gross Profit Margin
    
73.5
%
    
74.3
%
                
                                 
Operating Expenses (a)
    
383,329
      
354,986
      
8
%
    
6
%
Amortization of Intangibles
    
26,829
      
26,133
      
3
%
    
—
  
Restructuring Charges (See Note 7)
    
5,257
      
1,949
                  
                                 
Contribution to Profit
  
$
271,326
    
$
250,648
      
8
%
    
(1
)%
Contribution Margin
    
29.0
%
    
29.4
%
                

(a)
Due to the retrospective adoption of ASU 2017-07, total net benefits related to defined benefit and other post-employment benefit plans were reclassified from Operating and Administrative Expenses to Interest and Other Income (Expense). The amounts for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017 for the Research segment were $4.2 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Refer to Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards," for more information.

(b)  Adjusted to exclude FX impact and Restructuring Charges

Revenue:

Research revenue increased 9% to $934.4 million, or 4% on a constant currency basis as compared with prior year. The increase was primarily due to:
•
a full year of revenue from Atypon, which was acquired in September 2016, of which $14 million was the incremental impact;
•
Open Access growth driven by the strong performance of existing titles and, to a lesser extent, new title launches; and
•
other Journal revenue increases, particularly in reprints, backfiles and the licensing of intellectual content.

As of April 30, 2018, calendar year 2018 journal subscription renewals were 2% higher than calendar year 2017 on a constant currency basis with approximately 97% of targeted business under contract.

Gross Profit:

Gross Profit increased 8% to $686.7 million, or 3% on a constant currency basis as compared with prior year. The increase was driven by higher revenues. Gross profit margin declined by 80 basis points due primarily to higher journal royalty costs associated with title mix and an increase in new titles at higher royalty rates. We anticipate that we will continue to experience gross margin pressure due to higher journal royalty rates in the year ended April 30, 2019. To offset this gross margin pressure, we will continue to pursue additional operations efficiencies.
31
Contribution to Profit:

Contribution to Profit increased 8% to $271.3 million as compared with prior year. On a constant currency basis and excluding restructuring charges, contribution to profit decreased 1% as compared with prior year as the increase in gross profit was offset by higher operating expenses.

The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to:
•
a full year of costs in the year ended April 30, 2018 from Atypon which resulted in an incremental impact of $9 million;
•
higher employment-related costs of $5 million, which included higher incentive compensation from the achievement of certain financial goals and targets;
•
higher content and editorial costs of $3 million; and
•
an increase in product technology costs of $5 million.

These factors were partially offset by savings from operational excellence initiatives and restructuring activities.

Society Partnerships

For calendar year 2018, 15 new society contracts were signed, with combined annual revenue of approximately $14 million, and 10 society contracts were not renewed with combined annual revenue of approximately $3 million.

PUBLISHING:
  
2018
    
2017
    
% Change
    
% Change
w/o FX (b)
  
Revenue:
                        
STM and Professional Publishing
  
$
287,315
    
$
291,255
      
(1
)%
    
(3
)%
Education Publishing
    
187,178
      
196,343
      
(5
)%
    
(6
)%
Courseware (WileyPLUS)
    
59,475
      
62,348
      
(5
)%
    
(5
)%
Test Preparation and Certification
    
35,534
      
35,609
      
—
      
—
  
Licensing, Distribution, Advertising, and Other
    
48,146
      
47,894
      
1
%
    
(2
)%
                                 
Total Publishing Revenue
  
$
617,648
    
$
633,449
      
(2
)%
    
(4
)%
                                 
Cost of Sales
    
194,900
      
194,837
      
—
      
(1
)%
                                 
Gross Profit
  
$
422,748
    
$
438,612
      
(4
)%
    
(5
)%
Gross Profit Margin
    
68.4
%
    
69.2
%
                
                                 
Operating Expenses (a)
    
282,958
      
302,682
      
(7
)%
    
(7
)%
Amortization of Intangibles
    
8,108
      
9,803
      
(17
)%
    
(17
)%
Restructuring Charges (see Note 7)
    
6,443
      
1,596
                  
Publishing brand impairment charge
    
3,600
      
—
                  
                                 
Contribution to Profit
  
$
121,639
    
$
124,531
      
(2
)%
    
1
%
Contribution Margin
    
19.7
%
    
19.7
%
                

(a)
Due to the retrospective adoption of ASU 2017-07, total net benefits related to defined benefit and other post-employment benefit plans were reclassified from Operating and Administrative Expenses to Interest and Other Income (Expense). The amounts for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017 for the Publishing segment were $2.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Refer to Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards," for more information.

(b)  Adjusted in the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017 to exclude FX impact and Restructuring Charges, and in the year ended April 30, 2018 also excludes a Publishing brand impairment charge.

Revenue:

Publishing revenue decreased 2% to $617.6 million, or 4% on a constant currency basis as compared with prior year. The decline was driven by lower print book revenues, particularly in Education Publishing, due to overall softness in the market as well as other retail options such as rental and digital. Also contributing to the decline in Publishing revenue was a decline in Courseware (WileyPLUS), primarily due to the timing of revenue recognition associated with multi-semester offerings, which are recognized in periods extending across two semesters.

32
Gross Profit:

Gross Profit decreased 4% to $422.7 million, or 5% on a constant currency basis as compared with prior year. The decrease was mainly driven by the decline in revenues, partially offset by lower inventory costs due to cost savings initiatives.

Contribution to Profit:

Contribution to Profit decreased 2% to $121.6 million as compared with prior year. On a constant currency basis and excluding restructuring charges and a brand impairment charge in the first quarter of the year ended April 30, 2018, contribution to profit increased 1%. This was primarily due to lower operating expenses, which were primarily savings from operational excellence initiatives and restructuring activities.
   
2018
    
2017
    
% Change
    
% Change
w/o FX (b)
  
SOLUTIONS:
                        
Revenue:
                        
Education Services
  
$
119,131
    
$
111,638
      
7
%
    
7
%
Professional Assessment
    
61,094
      
59,868
      
2
%
    
2
%
Corporate Learning
    
63,835
      
60,086
      
6
%
    
(1
)%
                                 
Total Solutions Revenue
  
$
244,060
    
$
231,592
      
5
%
    
3
%
                                 
Cost of Sales (a)
    
88,462
      
86,184
      
3
%
    
1
%
                                 
Gross Profit
  
$
155,598
    
$
145,408
      
7
%
    
5
%
Gross Profit Margin
    
63.8
%
    
62.8
%
                
                                 
Operating Expenses (a)
    
116,513
      
115,066
      
1
%
    
(1
)%
Amortization of Intangibles
    
13,291
      
13,733
      
(3
)%
    
(6
)%
Restructuring Charges (see Note 7)
    
3,695
      
1,787
                  
                                 
Contribution to Profit
  
$
22,099
    
$
14,822
      
49
%
    
56
%
Contribution Margin
    
9.1
%
    
6.4
%
                

(a)
In connection with the acquisition of Learning House, we changed our accounting policy for certain advertising and marketing costs incurred by our Education Services business to fulfill performance obligations from contracts with educational institutions. Under the new accounting policy, these costs are included in Cost of Sales whereas they were previously included in Operating and Administrative Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The impact of this reclassification was an increase to Cost of Sales and a corresponding decrease to Operating and Administrative Expenses of $45.8 million and $40.0 million for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This reclassification had no impact on Revenue, net or Contribution to Profit.  Refer to “Change in Accounting Policy” in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards,” for more information on the accounting policy change and Note 4, “Acquisition,” for more information related to the acquisition of Learning House.

(b)  Adjusted to exclude FX impact and Restructuring Charges.

Revenue:

Solutions revenue increased 5% to $244.1 million, or 3%, on a constant currency basis as compared with prior year, mainly driven by growth in Education Services tuition revenue growth due to higher enrollments, partially offset by a decline in Corporate Learning (CrossKnowledge) where French government funding slowed for unemployment initiatives and blended learning programs.

Gross Profit:

Gross Profit increased 7% to $155.6 million, or 5% on a constant currency basis as compared with prior year. The increase primarily reflected the impact of higher revenue.

33
A 100-basis-point improvement in gross profit margin was due to higher revenues and increased efficiency in recruiting Education Services students, which resulted in lower recruitment costs.

Contribution to Profit:

Contribution to Profit increased 49% to $22.1 million as compared with prior year. On a constant currency basis and excluding restructuring charges, contribution to profit increased 56%, primarily due to the improvement in gross profit partially offset by higher operating expenses, including higher advertising and marketing expenses of $6 million to support sales growth.

Education Services Partners and Programs

As of April 30, 2018, we had 34 university partners and 239 programs under contract.

CORPORATE EXPENSES:

Corporate Expenses were $183.6 million and $178.5 million in the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. On a constant currency basis and excluding restructuring charges and a one-time pension settlement charge in the prior year, these expenses decreased 2%, primarily due to the following:
•
lower technology costs of approximately $10 million driven by reduced spending on our ERP system and other reductions in depreciation, outsourcing, and systems development consulting costs; and
•
savings from operational excellence initiatives and restructuring activities;
partially offset by:
•
strategy consultation costs in the current year of $7.1 million; and
•
one-time benefits in the prior year related to changes in our retiree and long-term disability plans of $4.2 million and a life insurance recovery of $2 million.
FISCAL YEAR 2020 OUTLOOK
(amounts in millions, except Adjusted EPS)

We are currently in the process of realigning our existing reporting structure to our new strategic focus areas. This realignment will include the following changes to our segment reporting structure: (1) Education and Professional Publishing, which now consists of the current Publishing segment plus our Corporate Learning and Professional Assessment businesses, and (2) Education Services, which will now include our OPM businesses, including Learning House. Our Research segment will be renamed Research Publishing and Platforms and will continue to include our current Research and Atypon businesses.
Item
  
Fiscal Year
2019 Actual
    
Fiscal Year 2020 Outlook
Constant Currency
  
Revenue
  
$
1,800
    
$
1,840 - 1,870
  
Research Publishing & Platforms
    
937
      
950-960
  
Education & Professional Publishing
    
705
      
690-700
  
Education Services
    
158
      
200-210
  
Adjusted EBITDA
  
$
388
    
$
360-375
  
Adjusted EPS
  
$
2.96
    
$
2.45-2.55
  
Free Cash Flow
  
$
149
    
$
210-230
  

•
Fiscal year 2020 Adjusted EPS is expected to decline primarily due to non-cash amortization expense related to acquisitions and increased investment to grow and optimize Research and Education Services.
•
Forward-looking metrics include impact from Learning House and Knewton acquisitions.
•
Fiscal year 2020 results exclude the impact of the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 restructuring charges related to our multi-year Business Optimization Program. We anticipate approximately $15 million to $20 million of restructuring charges, of which approximately $10 million to $15 million to be severance-related costs and the remainder to be related to non-cash costs. We estimate that this multi-year program will potentially yield approximately $30 million in operating savings over time, with half of those savings to be realized in fiscal year 2020.
•
Fiscal year 2020 Outlook reflects fiscal year 2019 average exchange rates.

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Adjusted EBITDA:

Below is a reconciliation of GAAP net income to Non-GAAP EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:
   
Year Ended
  
   
April 30,
  
   
2019
  
Net Income
  
$
168,263
  
Interest expense
    
16,121
  
Provision for income taxes
    
44,689
  
Depreciation and amortization
    
161,155
  
Non-GAAP EBITDA
    
390,228
  
Restructuring and related (credits) charges
    
3,118
  
Foreign exchange transaction losses
    
6,016
  
Interest and other income
    
(11,100
)
Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA
  
$
388,262
  

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:

Principal Sources of Liquidity

We believe that our operating cash flow, together with our revolving credit facilities and other available debt financing, will be adequate to meet our operating, investing, and financing needs in the foreseeable future, although there can be no assurance that continued or increased volatility in the global capital and credit markets will not impair our ability to access these markets on terms commercially acceptable. We do not have any off-balance-sheet debt.

As of April 30, 2019, we had cash and cash equivalents of $92.9 million, of which approximately $81.0 million, or 87% was located outside the U.S.  Maintenance of these cash and cash equivalent balances outside the U.S. does not have a material impact on the liquidity or capital resources of our operations. Notwithstanding the Tax Act which generally eliminated federal income tax on future cash repatriation to the U.S., cash repatriation may be subject to state and local taxes or withholding or similar taxes. As described in Note 12, “Income Taxes,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, since April 30, 2018, we no longer intend to permanently reinvest earnings outside the U.S. We have a $2.0 million liability related to the estimated taxes that would be incurred upon repatriating certain non-U.S. earnings.

As of April 30, 2019, we had $478.8 million of debt outstanding and approximately $623.9 million of unused borrowing capacity under our Revolving Credit and other facilities. Our credit agreement contains certain restrictive covenants related to our consolidated leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio, which we were in compliance with as of April 30, 2019.
On May 30, 2019, we entered into a credit agreement that amended and restated the existing agreement. The credit agreement provides for senior unsecured credit facilities comprised of a (i) five-year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount up to $1.25 billion, and (ii) a five-year term loan A facility consisting of $250 million. The agreement contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including a financial covenant in the form of a consolidated net leverage ratio and consolidated interest coverage ratio. We incurred approximately $4.0 million of costs related to this agreement.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

A summary of contractual obligations and commercial commitments, excluding unrecognized tax benefits further described in Note 12, “Income Taxes,” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as of April 30, 2019 is as follows:

         
Payments Due by Period
  
   
Total
    
Within
Year 1
    
2–3
Years
    
4–5
Years
    
After 5
Years
  
Total Debt
  
$
478.8
    
$
—
    
$
478.8
    
$
—
    
$
—
  
Interest on Debt (1)
    
31.9
      
17.5
      
14.4
      
—
      
—
  
Non-Cancelable Leases
    
248.6
      
30.9
      
50.5
      
37.8
      
129.4
  
Minimum Royalty Obligations
    
469.8
      
101.1
      
160.1
      
106.1
      
102.5
  
Other Operating Commitments
    
57.4
      
36.1
      
20.8
      
0.5
      
—
  
Total
  
$
1,286.5
    
$
185.6
    
$
724.6
    
$
144.4
    
$
231.9
  

(1)
Interest on Debt includes the effect of our interest rate swap agreements and the estimated future interest payments on our unhedged variable rate debt, assuming that the interest rates as of April 30, 2019 remain constant until the maturity of the debt.

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Analysis of Historical Cash Flow

The following table shows the changes in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
   
Year Ended April 30,
  
   
2019
    
2018
    
2017
  
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
  
$
250,831
    
$
382,322
    
$
314,903
  
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
    
(301,502
)
    
(177,411
)
    
(243,010
)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
    
(17,595
)
    
(96,831
)
    
(346,172
)
Effect of Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
    
(8,443
)
    
3,661
      
(31,011
)

Free Cash Flow less Product Development Spending helps assess our ability, over the long term, to create value for our shareholders, as it represents cash available to repay debt, pay common dividends, and fund share repurchases and new acquisitions. Below are the details of Free Cash Flow less Product Development Spending for the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017.

Cash flow from operations is seasonally a use of cash in the first half of Wiley’s fiscal year principally due to the timing of collections for annual journal subscriptions, which occurs in the beginning of the second half of our fiscal year.

Free Cash Flow less Product Development Spending:
   
Year Ended April 30,
  
   
2019
    
2018
    
2017
  
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
  
$
250,831
    
$
382,322
    
$
314,903
  
Less: Additions to Technology, Property and Equipment
    
(77,167
)
    
(114,225
)
    
(105,058
)
Less: Product Development Spending
    
(24,426
)
    
(36,503
)
    
(43,603
)
Free Cash Flow less Product Development Spending
  
$
149,238
    
$
231,594
    
$
166,242
  

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

2019 compared to 2018

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities in the year ended April 30, 2019 decreased $131.5 million compared to the year ended April 30, 2018 to $250.8 million primarily due to the following factors:
•
lower net earnings adjusted for non-cash items of $24 million, including Learning House;
•
the unfavorable net impact on accounts receivable and deferred revenue (contract liabilities) from the delay in billings and subsequent collections of calendar year 2019 journal subscriptions of $57 million;
•
the net use of cash for other working capital items, including the payment of accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $26 million, primarily due to timing of payments and lower accruals for incentive compensation;
•
a net use of cash related to employee retirement plan contributions of $13 million, which includes a $10.0 million tax-advantage discretionary contribution to the U.S. Employees' Retirement Plan in fiscal year 2019; and
•
certain one-time closing costs related to the Learning House acquisition of $10 million.

Our negative working capital was $379.8 million and $394.3 million as of April 30, 2019, and April 30, 2018, respectively, due to the seasonality of our businesses. The primary driver of the negative working capital is unearned contract liabilities (deferred revenue) related to subscriptions for which cash has been collected in advance. Cash received in advance for subscriptions is used by us for a number of purposes, including acquisitions, debt repayments, funding operations, dividend payments and purchasing treasury shares.

Our change in working capital of $14.6 million was primarily due to the delay in billings and subsequent cash collections for calendar year 2019 subscriptions partly related to our ERP transition. We estimate that approximately $35 million of cash collections for calendar year 2019 journal subscriptions collections were delayed into fiscal year 2020.

The contract liabilities (deferred revenue) will be recognized as income when the products are shipped or made available online to the customers over the term of the subscription. Current liabilities as of April 30, 2019 and as of April 30, 2018 includes $507.4 million and $486.4 million, respectively, primarily related to deferred subscription revenue for which cash was collected in advance.

36
We expect that our fiscal year 2020 cash flow from operations will benefit from the expected recovery on the timing of journal subscriptions collections. We expect timing related changes in working capital will not be as pronounced as we enter into fiscal 2021. During that time, we expect our cash flow from operations and financial position to continue to provide us with the opportunity and capacity to execute our strategies.

2018 compared to 2017

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities in the year ended April 30, 2018 increased $67.4 million from the year ended April 30, 2017 to $382.3 million. This was primarily due to:
•
a $40.7 million favorable impact on accounts payable from the timing of vendor payments;
•
a $12.1 million favorable impact from lower employee retirement plan contributions; and
•
a $15.7 million favorable impact on accounts receivable from the timing of customer payments.

The factors above were partially offset by a $15.0 million unfavorable impact from higher taxes paid in the year ended April 30, 2018 as compared with prior year.

Our negative working capital was $394.3 million and $428.1 million as of April 30, 2018, and April 30, 2017, respectively. The primary driver of the negative working capital is unearned deferred revenue related to subscriptions for which cash has been collected in advance. Cash received in advance for subscriptions is used by us for a number of purposes, including funding operating activities, acquisitions, debt repayments, dividend payments, and repurchasing treasury shares. The deferred revenue will be recognized as income when the products are shipped or made available online to the customers over the term of the subscription period. Current liabilities as of April 30, 2018 include $486.4 million of such deferred subscription revenue for which cash was collected in advance.

The $33.8 million change in working capital was primarily due to the seasonality of our businesses and the impact from the changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable discussed above. For the year ended April 30, 2019, working capital performance from accounts receivable and accounts payable is expected to be in line with the year ended April 30, 2018.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

2019 compared to 2018

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities in the year ended April 30, 2019 was $301.5 million compared to $177.4 million in the prior year. The increase was due to $190.4 million of net cash used to acquire Learning House.  This was partially offset by a decrease of $37.1 million due to lower spending for technology, property and equipment in the year ended April 30, 2019 as a result of the May 2018 implementation of our enterprise resource planning system (“ERP”) order to cash release for journal subscriptions and the completion of our headquarters renovations. In addition, a $12.1 million decrease in product development spending, which was primarily due to the adoption of Topic 606 whereby certain costs to fulfill contracts, which were previously included in product development spending are now included in cash flow from operations. As well as a decrease of $17.2 million in cash used for the acquisition of publication rights.

Projected capital spending for Technology, Property and Equipment and Product Development Spending for the year ended April 30, 2020 is forecast to be approximately $125 million. Projected spending for author advances, which is classified as an operating activity, is forecast to be approximately $134 million for the year ended April 30, 2020.

2018 compared to 2017

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities in the year ended April 30, 2018 was $177.4 million, compared to $243.0 million in the prior year. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities in the year ended April 30, 2018 was primarily due to:
•
our investment in the year ended April 30, 2017 in acquisitions of $125.9 million compared to no investments in the year ended April 30, 2018. The year ended April 30, 2017 includes cash used for the acquisitions of Atypon ($121 million) and Ranku ($5 million), net of cash acquired;
partially offset by:
•
$60.4 million in proceeds we received in the year ended April 30, 2017 related to the settlement of a foreign exchange forward contract that was entered into in the year ended April 30, 2016 to manage foreign currency exposures on intercompany loans.

37
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities

2019 compared to 2018

Net Cash Used In Financing Activities was $17.6 million in the year ended April 30, 2019 compared to $96.8 million in fiscal year 2018. This decrease in cash used in financing activities was due to an increase in net borrowings of $128.7 million in the year ended April 30, 2019 compared to the year ended April 30, 2018. This was partially offset by $25.5 million of lower cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options and an increase in cash used of $20.3 million to repurchase shares of our Class A Common Stock.

During the year ended April 30, 2019, we repurchased 1,191,496 shares of Class A Common stock at an average price of $50.35 compared to 713,177 shares of Class A Common Stock at an average price of $55.65 in the prior year. In the year ended April 30, 2019, we increased our quarterly dividend to shareholders by 3% to $1.32 per share annualized versus $1.28 per share annualized in the prior year.

As of April 30, 2019, we had authorization from our Board of Directors to purchase up to 1,888,975 additional shares.

2018 compared to 2017

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities was $96.8 million in the year ended April 30, 2018 compared to $346.2 million in the year ended April 30, 2017. This decrease in cash used was due to lower net debt repayments in the year ended April 30, 2018. Net debt repayments in the year ended April 30, 2018 were $8.6 million compared to $240.0 million in the prior year.

During the year ended April 30, 2018, we repurchased 713,177 shares of common stock at an average price of $55.65, compared to 953,188 shares at an average price of $52.80 in the prior year. As of April 30, 2018, we had authorization from our Board of Directors to purchase up to 3,080,471 additional shares.

RECENTLY ISSUED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS, ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE, AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

We are subject to numerous recently issued statements of financial accounting standards, accounting guidance, and disclosure requirements. The information set forth in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K is incorporated by reference and describes these new accounting standards.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES:

The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates include, among other items, revenue recognition, sales return reserves, allocation of acquisition purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, intangible assets with finite lives and other long-lived assets, and retirement plans.  We review these estimates and assumptions periodically using historical experience and other factors and reflect the effects of any revisions on the Consolidated Financial Statements in the period we determine any revisions to be necessary. Actual results could differ from those estimates, which could affect the reported results. Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” includes a summary of the significant accounting policies and methods used in preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements. Set forth below is a discussion of our more critical accounting policies and methods.

Revenue Recognition:

See Note 3, “Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details of our revenue recognition policy.

Sales Return Reserves:

The process that we use to determine our sales returns and the related reserve provision charged against revenue is based on applying an estimated return rate to current year returnable print book sales. This rate is based upon an analysis of actual historical return experience in the various markets and geographic regions in which we do business. We collect, maintain, and analyze significant amounts of sales returns data for large volumes of homogeneous transactions. This allows us to make reasonable estimates of the amount of future returns. All available data is utilized to identify the returns by market and as to which fiscal year the sales returns apply. This enables management to track the returns in detail and identify and react to trends occurring in the marketplace, with the objective of being able to make the most informed judgments possible in setting reserve rates. Associated with the estimated sales return reserves, we also include a related increase to inventory and a reduction to accrued royalties as a result of the expected returns. Print book sales return reserves amounted to a net liability balance of $18.5 million and $18.6 million as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

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The reserves are reflected in the following accounts of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position – increase (decrease):

   
2019
    
2018
  
Accounts receivable, net (1)
  
$
—
    
$
(28,302
)
Inventories, net
  
$
3,739
    
$
4,626
  
Accrued royalties
  
$
(3,653
)
  
$
(5,048
)
Contract liability (Deferred revenue) (1)
  
$
25,934
    
$
—
  
Decrease in Net Assets
  
$
(18,542
)
  
$
(18,628
)

(1) Due to the adoption of the new revenue standard (See Note 3, Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers), the sales return reserve as of April 30, 2019 of $25.9 million is recorded in Contract Liability (Deferred Revenue). In prior periods, the sales return reserve of $28.3 million was recorded as a reduction to Accounts Receivable, net on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

A one percent change in the estimated sales return rate could affect net income by approximately $1.5 million. A change in the pattern or trends in returns could also affect the estimated allowance.

Allocation of Acquisition Purchase Price to Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed:

In connection with acquisitions, we allocate the cost of the acquisition to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on the estimates of fair value for such items, including intangible assets and technology acquired. Such estimates include discounted estimated cash flows expected to be generated by those assets and the expected useful lives based on historical experience and current market trends to be achieved from the acquisition and the expected tax basis of assets acquired. We may use a third-party valuation consultant to assist in the determination of such estimates.

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:

Goodwill is reviewed for possible impairment at least annually on a reporting unit level during the fourth quarter of each year. A review of goodwill may be initiated before or after conducting the annual analysis if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may no longer be recoverable.

A reporting unit is the operating segment unless, at businesses one level below that operating segment– the “component” level–discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management, and the component has economic characteristics that are different from the economic characteristics of the other components of the operating segment, in which case the component is the reporting unit.

As part of the annual impairment test, we may conduct an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. In a qualitative assessment, we would consider the macroeconomic conditions, including any deterioration of general conditions and industry and market conditions, including any deterioration in the environment where the reporting unit operates, increased competition, changes in the products/services and regulatory and political developments, cost of doing business, overall financial performance, including any declining cash flows and performance in relation to planned revenues and earnings in past periods, other relevant reporting unit specific facts, such as changes in management or key personnel or pending litigation, and events affecting the reporting unit, including changes in the carrying value of net assets.

If an optional qualitative goodwill impairment assessment is not performed, we are required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit using the two-step process. In step one, we compare the fair value of each of our reporting units with goodwill to its carrying value, including the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, there is no indication of impairment and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, we must perform step two of the impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. In step two, the reporting unit’s fair value is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical analysis that calculates the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit were being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is less than the carrying value, the difference is recorded as an impairment loss.

39
We derive an estimate of fair values for each of our reporting units using a combination of an income approach and a market approach, each based on an applicable weighting. We assess the applicable weighting based on such factors as current market conditions and the quality and reliability of the data. Absent an indication of fair value from a potential buyer or similar specific transactions, we believe that the use of these methods provides a reasonable estimate of a reporting unit’s fair value.

Fair value computed by these methods is arrived at using a number of factors, including projected future operating results, anticipated future cash flows, effective income tax rates, comparable marketplace data within a consistent industry grouping, and the cost of capital. There are inherent uncertainties, however, related to these factors and to our judgment in applying them to this analysis. Nonetheless, we believe that the combination of these methods provides a reasonable approach to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. Assumptions for sales, net earnings, and cash flows for each reporting unit were consistent among these methods.

Annual Goodwill Impairment Test

As of February 1, 2019, we completed step one of our annual goodwill impairment test for our reporting units. We concluded that the fair values of these reporting units were above their carrying values and, therefore, there was no indication of impairment.

Income Approach Used to Determine Fair Values

The income approach is based upon the present value of expected cash flows. Expected cash flows are converted to present value using factors that consider the timing and risk of the future cash flows. The estimate of cash flows used is prepared on an unleveraged debt-free basis. We use a discount rate that reflects a market-derived weighted average cost of capital. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting unit’s expected long-term operating and cash flow performance. The projections are based upon our best estimates of projected economic and market conditions over the related period including growth rates, estimates of future expected changes in operating margins, and cash expenditures. Other significant estimates and assumptions include terminal value long-term growth rates, provisions for income taxes, future capital expenditures, and changes in future cashless, debt-free working capital.

Market Approach Used to Determine Fair Values

The market approach used estimates the fair value of the reporting unit by applying multiples of operating performance measures to the reporting unit’s operating performance (the “Guideline Public Company Method”). These multiples are derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar investment characteristics to the reporting unit, and such comparable data are reviewed and updated as needed annually. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate using multiples from entities with operations and economic characteristics comparable to our reporting units and Wiley.

The key estimates and assumptions that are used to determine fair value under this market approach include current and forward 12-month operating performance results, as applicable, and the selection of the relevant multiples to be applied. Under the Guideline Public Company Method, a control premium, or an amount that a buyer is usually willing to pay over the current market price of a publicly traded company, is considered and applied, to the calculated equity values to adjust the public trading value upward for a 100% ownership interest, where applicable.

In order to assess the reasonableness of the calculated fair values of our reporting units, we also compare the sum of the reporting units’ fair values to our market capitalization and calculate an implied control premium (the excess of the sum of the reporting units’ fair values over the market capitalization). We evaluate the control premium by comparing it to control premiums of recent comparable market transactions. If the implied control premium is not reasonable in light of these recent transactions, we will reevaluate our fair value estimates of the reporting units by adjusting the discount rates and/or other assumptions.

If our assumptions and related estimates change in the future, or if we change our reporting unit structure or other events and circumstances change (such as a sustained decrease in the price of our common stock, a decline in current market multiples, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climates, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, heightened competition, strategic decisions made in response to economic or competitive conditions, or a more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or disposed of), we may be required to record impairment charges in future periods. Any impairment charges that we may take in the future could be material to our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

See Note 11, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details of our goodwill balance and the goodwill review performed in 2019 and other related information.

40
Intangible Assets with Finite Lives and Other Long-Lived Assets:

Finite-lived intangible assets principally consist of brands, trademarks, content and publication rights, customer relationships, and non-compete agreements and are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The most significant factors in determining the estimated lives of these intangibles are the history and longevity of the brands, trademarks, and content and publication rights acquired combined with the strength of cash flows.

Intangible assets with finite lives as of April 30, 2019, are amortized on a straight line basis over the following weighted average estimated useful lives: content and publishing rights – 34 years, customer relationships – 18 years, brands and trademarks – 16 years, non-compete agreements – 3 years.

Assets with finite lives are evaluated for impairment upon a significant change in the operating or macroeconomic environment. In these circumstances, if an evaluation of the projected undiscounted cash flows indicates impairment, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value based on the discounted future cash flows.

Retirement Plans:

We provide defined benefit pension plans for certain employees worldwide. Our Board of Directors approved amendments to the U.S., Canada and U.K. defined benefit plans that froze the future accumulation of benefits effective June 30, 2013, December 31, 2015, and April 30, 2015, respectively. Under the amendments, no new employees will be permitted to enter these plans and no additional benefits for current participants for future services will be accrued after the effective dates of the amendments.

The accounting for benefit plans is highly dependent on assumptions concerning the outcome of future events and circumstances, including discount rates, long-term return rates on pension plan assets, healthcare cost trends, compensation increases and other factors. In determining such assumptions, we consult with outside actuaries and other advisors.

The discount rates for the U.S., Canada and U.K. pension plans are based on the derivation of a single-equivalent discount rate using a standard spot rate curve and the timing of expected benefit payments as of the balance sheet date. The spot rate curves are based upon portfolios of corporate bonds rated at Aa or above by a respected rating agency. The discount rate for Germany is based on a similar published index with a duration comparable to that of the plan’s liabilities. The expected long-term rates of return on pension plan assets are estimated using market benchmarks for equities, real estate, and bonds applied to each plan’s target asset allocation and are estimated by asset class, including an anticipated inflation rate. The expected long-term rates are then compared to the historic investment performance of the plan assets as well as future expectations and estimated through consultation with investment advisors and actuaries. Salary growth and healthcare cost trend assumptions are based on our historical experience and future outlook. While we believe that the assumptions used in these calculations are reasonable, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions could materially affect the expense and liabilities related to our defined benefit pension plans. A hypothetical one percent increase in the discount rate would increase net income and decrease the accrued pension liability by approximately $1.4 million and $135.1 million, respectively. A one percent decrease in the discount rate would decrease net income and increase the accrued pension liability by approximately $0.6 million and $165.9 million, respectively. A one percent change in the expected long-term rate of return would affect net income by approximately $4.7 million.
41

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk primarily related to interest rates, foreign exchange, and credit risk. It is our policy to monitor these exposures and to use derivative financial investments and/or insurance contracts from time to time to reduce fluctuations in earnings and cash flows when it is deemed appropriate to do so. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Interest Rates:

From time to time, we may use interest rate swaps, collars, or options to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. It is management’s intention that the notional amount of interest rate swaps be less than the variable rate loans outstanding during the life of the derivatives.

The information set forth in Note 14, "Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under the caption "Interest Rate Contracts," is incorporated herein by reference.

On an annual basis, a hypothetical one percent change in interest rates for the $128.8 million of unhedged variable rate debt as of April 30, 2019 would affect net income and cash flow by approximately $1.0 million.

Foreign Exchange Rates:

Fluctuations in the currencies of countries where we operate outside the U.S. may have a significant impact on financial results. We are primarily exposed to movements in British pound sterling, euros, Canadian and Australian dollars, and certain currencies in Asia. The Statements of Financial Position of non-U.S. business units are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and the Statements of Income are translated into U.S. dollars using weighted-average exchange rates for revenues and expenses. The percentage of Consolidated Revenue for the year ended April 30, 2019 recognized in the following currencies (on an equivalent U.S. dollar basis) were approximately: 54% U.S dollar, 26% British pound sterling, 12% euro, and 8% other currencies.

Our significant investments in non-U.S. businesses are exposed to foreign currency risk. Adjustments resulting from translating assets and liabilities are reported as a separate component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss within Shareholders’ Equity under the caption Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment. During the year ended April 30, 2019, we recorded foreign currency translation losses in other comprehensive income of approximately $60.5 million primarily as a result of the fluctuations of the U.S. dollar relative to the British pound sterling and, to a lesser extent, the euro.

Exchange rate gains or losses related to foreign currency transactions are recognized as transaction gains or losses on the Consolidated Statements of Income as incurred. Under certain circumstances, we may enter into derivative financial instruments in the form of foreign currency forward contracts to hedge against specific transactions, including intercompany purchases and loans.

We may enter into forward exchange contracts to manage our exposure on certain foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.  As of April 30, 2019, and 2018, we did not maintain any open forward contracts.

The information set forth in Note 14, "Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under the caption "Foreign Currency Contracts," is incorporated herein by reference.

Customer Credit Risk:

In the journal publishing business, subscriptions are primarily sourced through journal subscription agents who, acting as agents for library customers, facilitate ordering by consolidating the subscription orders/billings of each subscriber with various publishers. Cash is generally collected in advance from subscribers by the subscription agents and is principally remitted to us between the months of December and April. Although at fiscal year-end we had minimal credit risk exposure to these agents, future calendar-year subscription receipts from these agents are highly dependent on their financial condition and liquidity. Subscription agents account for approximately 20% of total annual consolidated revenue and one affiliated group of subscription agents accounts for approximately 10% of total annual consolidated revenue.

Our book business is not dependent upon a single customer; however, the industry is concentrated in national, regional, and online bookstore chains. Although no one book customer accounts for more than 8% of total consolidated revenue and 11% of accounts receivable at April 30, 2019, the top 10 book customers account for approximately 13% of total consolidated revenue and approximately 21% of accounts receivable at April 30, 2019. We maintain approximately $25 million of trade credit insurance, covering balances due from certain named customers, subject to certain limitations and annual renewal.

42
Disclosure of Certain Activities Relating to Iran:

The European Union, Canada and the U.S. have imposed sanctions on business relationships with Iran, including restrictions on financial transactions and prohibitions on direct and indirect trading with listed “designated persons.” In the year ended April 30, 2019, we recorded an immaterial amount of revenue and net earnings related to the sale of scientific and medical content to certain publicly funded universities, hospitals and institutions that meet the definition of the “Government of Iran” as defined under section 560.304 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations. We assessed our business relationship and transactions with Iran and believe we are in compliance with the regulations governing the sanctions. We intend to continue in these or similar sales as long as they continue to be consistent with all applicable sanction-related regulations.
43

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The following Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes are filed as part of this report.

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 
   
Financial Statements
  
49
50
51
52
54
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  
55
55
63
69
71
71
71
72
73
73
74
76
79
79
80
81
85
87
88
90
91
   
Financial Statement Schedule
  
97

44

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

To our Shareholders
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.:

The management of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and subsidiaries is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f).

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by COSO, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of April 30, 2019.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:

The Company acquired Learning House during fiscal year 2019, which represented approximately 1% of total consolidated assets, excluding goodwill and intangibles which are included within the scope of the assessment, and approximately 2% of total consolidated revenues of the Company as of and for the year ended April 30, 2019.  Learning House was excluded from the Company's assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2019.

We are in the process of implementing a new global enterprise resource planning system (“ERP”) that will enhance our business and financial processes and standardize our information systems. We have completed the implementation of record-to-report, purchase-to-pay and several other business processes within all locations and will continue to roll out the ERP in phases over the next year.

As with any new information system we implement, this application, along with the internal controls over financial reporting included in this process, will require testing for effectiveness. In connection with this ERP implementation, we are updating our internal controls over financial reporting, as necessary, to accommodate modifications to our business processes and accounting procedures. We do not believe that the ERP implementation will have an adverse effect on our internal control over financial reporting.

Except as described above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting during fiscal year 2019.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2019 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

The Company’s Corporate Governance Principles, Committee Charters, Business Conduct and Ethics Policy and the Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers are published on our web site at www.wiley.com under the “About Wiley—Corporate Governance” captions.  Copies are also available free of charge to shareholders on request to the Corporate Secretary, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774.

/s/ Brian A. Napack
 
Brian A. Napack
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 

/s/ John A. Kritzmacher
 
John A. Kritzmacher
 
Chief Financial Officer and
 
Executive Vice President, Operations
 

/s/ Christopher F. Caridi
 
Christopher F. Caridi
 
Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and
 
Chief Accounting Officer
 
 
 
July 1, 2019
 

45

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended April 30, 2019, and the related notes and financial statement schedule (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended April 30, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated July 1, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Change in Accounting Principle
As described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has elected to change its method of accounting for certain advertising and marketing costs. This change in accounting principle has been retrospectively applied to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017.
As described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for revenue recognition effective May 1, 2018 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


/s/ KPMG LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.

New York, New York
July 1, 2019
46

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated statements of financial position of the Company as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended April 30, 2019, and the related notes and financial statement schedule (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated July 1, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
The Company acquired Learning House during fiscal year 2019, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2019, Learning House’s internal control over financial reporting associated with approximately 1% of total consolidated assets, excluding goodwill and intangibles which are included within the scope of the assessment, and approximately 2% of total consolidated revenues of the Company as of and for the year ended April 30, 2019. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Learning House.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

47
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ KPMG LLP

New York, New York
July 1, 2019
48


John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Dollars in thousands

   
April 30,
  
   
2019
    
2018
  
Assets:
            
Current Assets
            
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
92,890
    
$
169,773
  
Accounts receivable, net
    
294,867
      
212,377
  
Inventories, net
    
35,582
      
39,489
  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    
67,441
      
58,332
  
Total Current Assets
    
490,780
      
479,971
  
                 
Product Development Assets
    
62,470
      
78,814
  
Royalty Advances, net
    
36,185
      
37,058
  
Technology, Property and Equipment, net
    
289,021
      
289,934
  
Intangible Assets, net
    
865,572
      
848,071
  
Goodwill
    
1,095,666
      
1,019,801
  
Other Non-Current Assets
    
97,308
      
85,802
  
Total Assets
  
$
2,937,002
    
$
2,839,451
  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
                
Current Liabilities
                
Accounts payable
  
$
90,980
    
$
90,097
  
Accrued royalties
    
78,062
      
73,007
  
Contract liability (Deferred revenue)
    
507,365
      
486,353
  
Accrued employment costs
    
97,230
      
116,179
  
Accrued income taxes
    
21,025
      
13,927
  
Other accrued liabilities
    
75,900
      
94,748
  
Total Current Liabilities
    
870,562
      
874,311
  
                 
Long-Term Debt
    
478,790
      
360,000
  
Accrued Pension Liability
    
166,331
      
190,301
  
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities
    
143,775
      
143,518
  
Other Long-Term Liabilities
    
96,197
      
80,764
  
Total Liabilities
    
1,755,655
      
1,648,894
  
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
                
Preferred Stock, $1 par value: Authorized – 2 million, Issued – 0
    
—
      
—
  
Class A Common Stock, $1 par value: Authorized – 180 million, Issued – 70,126,963 and 70,110,603 as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively
    
70,127
      
70,111
  
Class B Common Stock, $1 par value:  Authorized – 72 million, Issued – 13,054,707 and 13,071,067 as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively
    
13,055
      
13,071
  
Additional paid-in capital
    
422,305
      
407,120
  
Retained earnings
    
1,931,074
      
1,834,057
  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss):
                
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    
(312,107
)
    
(251,573
)
Unamortized retirement costs, net of tax
    
(196,057
)
    
(191,026
)
Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate swap, net of tax
    
(574
)
    
3,019
  
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
    
(508,738
)
    
(439,580
)
Less: Treasury Shares At Cost (Class A – 22,633,869 and 21,853,257 as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, Class B – 3,917,574 and 3,917,574 of April 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively)
    
(746,476
)
    
(694,222
)
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    
1,181,347
      
1,190,557
  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  
$
2,937,002
    
$
2,839,451
  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
49

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Dollars in thousands, except per share data

   
For the Years Ended April 30,
  
   
2019
    
2018 (1)(2)
    
2017 (1)(2)
  
Revenue, net
  
$
1,800,069
    
$
1,796,103
    
$
1,718,530
  
                         
Costs and Expenses
                        
Cost of sales (2)
    
554,722
      
531,024
      
500,794
  
Operating and administrative expenses (1)(2)
    
963,582
      
956,822
      
943,242
  
Restructuring and related charges
    
3,118
      
28,566
      
13,355
  
Amortization of intangibles
    
54,658
      
48,230
      
49,669
  
Total Costs and Expenses
    
1,576,080
      
1,564,642
      
1,507,060
  
                         
Operating Income
    
223,989
      
231,461
      
211,470
  
                         
Interest Expense
    
(16,121
)
    
(13,274
)
    
(16,938
)
Foreign Exchange Transaction (Losses) Gains
    
(6,016
)
    
(12,819
)
    
421
  
Interest and Other Income (Expense) (1)
    
11,100
      
8,563
      
(3,837
)
                         
Income Before Taxes
    
212,952
      
213,931
      
191,116
  
Provision for Income Taxes
    
44,689
      
21,745
      
77,473
  
                         
Net Income
  
$
168,263
    
$
192,186
    
$
113,643
  
                         
Earnings Per Share
                        
Basic
  
$
2.94
    
$
3.37
    
$
1.98
  
Diluted
  
$
2.91
    
$
3.32
    
$
1.95
  
                         
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
                        
Basic
    
57,192
      
57,043
      
57,337
  
Diluted
    
57,840
      
57,888
      
58,199
  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(1)
Due to the retrospective adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-07, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost,”, total net benefits (costs) of $8.1 million and $(5.3) million related to the non-service components of defined benefit and other post-employment benefit plans were reclassified from Operating and Administrative Expenses to Interest and Other Income (Expense) for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Total net benefits (costs) related to the non-service components of defined benefit and other post-employment benefit plans were $8.8 million for the year ended April 30, 2019. Refer to Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards," in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

(2)
In connection with the acquisition of The Learning House, Inc. (“Learning House”), we changed our accounting policy for certain advertising and marketing costs incurred by our Education Services business to fulfill performance obligations from contracts with educational institutions. Under the new accounting policy, these costs are included in Cost of Sales whereas they were previously included in Operating and Administrative Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Including these expenses in Cost of Sales will better align these costs with the related revenue and conform with the presentation of such costs for Learning House. This change in accounting policy was applied retrospectively.

The Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended April 30, 2018, and 2017 have been reclassified to reflect this change in accounting policy. The impact of this reclassification was an increase to Cost of Sales and a corresponding decrease to Operating and Administrative Expenses of $45.8 million and $40.0 million for the years ended April 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively. This reclassification had no impact on Revenue, net, Operating Income, Net Income, or Earnings per Share. Refer to “Change in Accounting Policy” in Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards," for more information on the accounting policy change and Note 4, “Acquisition,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to the acquisition of Learning House.

50

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Dollars in thousands

   
For the Years Ended April 30,
  
   
2019
    
2018
    
2017
  
Net Income
  
$
168,263
    
$
192,186
    
$
113,643
  
                         
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income:
                        
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    
(60,534
)
    
67,639
      
(51,292
)
Unrealized retirement costs, net of tax benefit of $1,337, $252, and $3,286, respectively
    
(5,031
)
    
(524
)
    
(11,097
)
Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate swaps, net of tax benefit (expense) of $1,161, $(459), and $(1,709), respectively
    
(3,593
)
    
592
      
2,788
  
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
    
(69,158
)
    
67,707
      
(59,601
)
                         
Comprehensive Income
  
$
99,105
    
$
259,893
    
$
54,042
  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

51

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Dollars in thousands

   
For the Years Ended April 30,
  
   
2019
    
2018
    
2017
  
Operating Activities
                  
Net Income
  
$
168,263
    
$
192,186
    
$
113,643
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                        
Amortization of intangibles
    
54,658
      
48,230
      
49,669
  
Amortization of product development assets
    
37,079
      
41,432
      
40,209
  
Depreciation and amortization of technology, property and equipment
    
69,418
      
64,327
      
66,683
  
Restructuring charges
    
3,118
      
28,566
      
13,355
  
Deferred income tax benefit on U.K. rate changes
    
—
      
—
      
(2,575
)
Stock-based compensation expense
    
18,327
      
11,244
      
17,552
  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    
—
      
—
      
(414
)
Employee retirement plan expense
    
5,236
      
7,388
      
13,169
  
Royalty advances
    
(129,949
)
    
(122,602
)
    
(112,370
)
Earned royalty advances
    
129,125
      
116,620
      
114,647
  
Impairment of publishing brand
    
—
      
3,600
      
—
  
Foreign currency gains (losses)
    
6,016
      
12,819
      
(421
)
Unfavorable tax litigation
    
—
      
—
      
49,029
  
One-time pension settlement
    
—
      
—
      
8,842
  
Other non-cash credits
    
(11,934
)
    
(30,752
)
    
(6,450
)
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities
                        
Accounts receivable, net
    
(52,939
)
    
(14,209
)
    
(29,886
)
Inventories, net
    
3,820
      
13,517
      
8,003
  
Accounts payable
    
7,369
      
16,543
      
(24,182
)
Accrued royalties
    
6,169
      
3,664
      
4,325
  
Contract liability (Deferred revenue)
    
18,106
      
36,243
      
22,692
  
Accrued income taxes
    
9,613
      
(565
)
    
19,479
  
Restructuring payments
    
(15,219
)
    
(30,595
)
    
(22,854
)
Other accrued liabilities
    
(32,713
)
    
1,022
      
10,367
  
Employee retirement plan contributions
    
(40,470
)
    
(27,550
)
    
(39,687
)
Other
    
(2,262
)
    
11,194
      
2,078
  
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    
250,831
      
382,322
      
314,903
  
Investing Activities
                        
Product development spending
    
(24,426
)
    
(36,503
)
    
(43,603
)
Additions to technology, property and equipment
    
(77,167
)
    
(114,225
)
    
(105,058
)
Acquisitions of publication rights and other
    
(9,494
)
    
(26,683
)
    
(28,842
)
Businesses acquired in purchase transactions, net of cash acquired
    
(190,415
)
    
—
      
(125,924
)
Proceeds from settlement of foreign exchange forward contracts
    
—
      
—
      
60,417
  
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
    
(301,502
)
    
(177,411
)
    
(243,010
)
Financing Activities
                        
Repayment of long-term debt
    
(476,246
)
    
(467,915
)
    
(923,007
)
Borrowing of long-term debt
    
596,320
      
459,304
      
683,000
  
Purchase of treasury shares
    
(59,994
)
    
(39,688
)
    
(50,326
)
Change in book overdrafts
    
(5,674
)
    
(4,191
)
    
(214
)
Cash dividends
    
(75,752
)
    
(73,542
)
    
(71,545
)
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options and other
    
3,751
      
29,201
      
15,506
  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    
—
      
—
      
414
  
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
    
(17,595
)
    
(96,831
)
    
(346,172
)
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (1)
    
(8,443
)
    
3,661
      
(31,011
)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (1)
                        
(Decrease)/Increase for year
    
(76,709
)
    
111,741
      
(305,290
)
Balance at beginning of year
    
170,257
      
58,516
      
363,806
  
Balance at end of year
    
93,548
      
170,257
      
58,516
  
Cash Paid During the Year for
                        
Interest
  
$
14,867
    
$
12,221
    
$
15,733
  
Income taxes, net of refunds
  
$
48,264
    
$
48,709
    
$
33,674
  
                         
Non-cash items:
                        
Non-cash items associated with the acquisition of Learning House:
                        
Warrants to purchase 0.4 million shares of Wiley Class A Common Stock issued in connection with the Learning House acquisition
  
$
565
      
—
      
—
  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

52
(1)
Due to the retrospective adoption of ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash,” we are now required to include restricted cash as part of the change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. As a result, amounts which were previously classified as cash flows from operating activities have been reclassified as they are recognized in the total change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. Refer to Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards," in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
53

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Dollars in thousands

   
Common Stock
Class A
    
Common Stock
Class B
    
Additional
Paid-in Capital
    
Retained
Earnings
    
Treasury
Stock
    
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
    
Total
Shareholder’s Equity
  
Balance at April 30, 2016
  
$
69,798
    
$
13,392
    
$
368,698
    
$
1,673,325
    
$
(640,421
)
  
$
(447,686
)
  
$
1,037,106
  
                                                         
Restricted Shares Issued under Stock-based Compensation Plans
    
—
      
—
      
(7,617
)
    
—
      
8,013
      
—
      
396
  
Net (Payments)/Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options and Other
    
—
      
—
      
8,849
      
—
      
6,657
      
—
      
15,506
  
Excess Tax Benefits from Stock-based Compensation
    
—
      
—
      
414
      
—
      
—
      
—
      
414
  
Stock-based Compensation Expense
    
—
      
—
      
17,552
      
—
      
—
      
—
      
17,552
  
Purchase of Treasury Shares
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
—
      
(50,326
)
    
—
      
(50,326
)
Class A Common Stock Dividends ($1.24 per share)
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
(60,143
)
    
—
      
—
      
(60,143
)
Class B Common Stock Dividends ($1.24 per share)
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
(11,402
)
    
—
      
—
      
(11,402
)
Common Stock Class Conversions
    
288
      
(296
)
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
—
      
(8
)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
113,643
      
—
      
(59,601
)
    
54,042
  
Balance at April 30, 2017
  
$
70,086
    
$
13,096
    
$
387,896
    
$
1,715,423
    
$
(676,077
)
  
$
(507,287
)
  
$
1,003,137
  
                                                         
Restricted Shares Issued under Stock-based Compensation Plans
    
—
      
—
      
(7,646
)
    
(10
)
    
7,968
      
—
      
312
  
Net Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options and Other
    
—
      
—
      
15,686
      
—
      
13,515
      
—
      
29,201
  
Stock-based Compensation Expense
    
—
      
—
      
11,184
      
—
      
60
      
—
      
11,244
  
Purchase of Treasury Shares
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
—
      
(39,688
)
    
—
      
(39,688
)
Class A Common Stock Dividends ($1.28 per share)
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
(61,813
)
    
—
      
—
      
(61,813
)
Class B Common Stock Dividends ($1.28 per share)
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
(11,729
)
    
—
      
—
      
(11,729
)
Common Stock Class Conversions
    
25
      
(25
)
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
—
      
—
  
Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
192,186
      
—
      
67,707
      
259,893
  
Balance at April 30, 2018
  
$
70,111
    
$
13,071
    
$
407,120
    
$
1,834,057
    
$
(694,222
)
  
$
(439,580
)
  
$
1,190,557
  
                                                         
Restricted Shares Issued under Stock-based Compensation Plans
    
—
      
—
      
(8,544
)
    
3
      
8,826
      
—
      
285
  
Net Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options and Other
    
—
      
—
      
4,837
      
—
      
(1,086
)
    
—
      
3,751
  
Stock-based Compensation Expense
    
—
      
—
      
18,327
      
—
      
—
      
—
      
18,327
  
Purchase of Treasury Shares
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
—
      
(59,994
)
    
—
      
(59,994
)
Class A Common Stock Dividends ($1.32 per share)
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
(63,684
)
    
—
      
—
      
(63,684
)
Class B Common Stock Dividends ($1.32 per share)
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
(12,068
)
    
—
      
—
      
(12,068
)
Common Stock Class Conversions
    
16
      
(16
)
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
—
      
—
  
Issuance of Warrants Related to Acquisition of a Business
    
—
      
—
      
565
      
—
      
—
      
—
      
565
  
Adjustment Due to Adoption of New Revenue Standard
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
4,503
      
—
      
—
      
4,503
  
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
168,263
      
—
      
(69,158
)
    
99,105
  
Balance at April 30, 2019
  
$
70,127
    
$
13,055
    
$
422,305
    
$
1,931,074
    
$
(746,476
)
  
$
(508,738
)
  
$
1,181,347
  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


54

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 – Description of Business

The Company, founded in 1807, was incorporated in the state of New York on January 15, 1904. Throughout this report, when we refer to “Wiley,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us,” we are referring to John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and all of our subsidiaries, except where the context indicates otherwise.

We are a global research and learning company. Through our Research segment, we provide scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, as well as related content and services, to academic, corporate, and government libraries, learned societies, and individual researchers and other professionals. The Publishing segment provides scientific, professional, and education books and related content in print and digital formats, as well as test preparation services and course workflow tools, to libraries, corporations, students, professionals, and researchers. The Solutions segment provides online program management services for higher education institutions and learning, development, and assessment services for businesses and professionals. We have operations primarily located in the United States, United Kingdom (“U.K.”), Germany, Russia, Singapore, and France.

Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation:

Our Consolidated Financial Statements include all of the accounts of the Company and our subsidiaries. We have eliminated all intercompany transactions and balances in consolidation. All amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts, and approximate due to rounding.

Change in Accounting Policy:

In connection with the acquisition of Learning House (See Note 4, “Acquisition”), we changed our accounting policy for certain advertising and marketing costs incurred by our Education Services business to fulfill performance obligations from contracts with educational institutions. Under the new accounting policy, these costs are included in Cost of Sales whereas they were previously included in Operating and Administrative Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Including these expenses in Cost of Sales will better align these costs with the related revenue and conform with the presentation of such costs for Learning House. This change in accounting policy was applied retrospectively.

The Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017 have been reclassified to reflect this change in accounting policy. The impact of this reclassification was an increase to Cost of Sales and a corresponding decrease to Operating and Administrative Expenses of $45.8 million and $40.0 million for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This reclassification had no impact on Revenue, net, Operating Income, Net Income, or Earnings per Share on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Reclassifications:

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Use of Estimates:

The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates include, among other items, revenue recognition, sales return reserves, allocation of acquisition purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, intangible assets with finite lives and other long-lived assets, and retirement plans.  We review these estimates and assumptions periodically using historical experience and other factors and reflect the effects of any revisions on the Consolidated Financial Statements in the period we determine any revisions to be necessary. Actual results could differ from those estimates, which could affect the reported results.

55
Book Overdrafts:

Under our cash management system, a book overdraft balance exists for our primary disbursement accounts. This overdraft represents uncleared checks in excess of cash balances in individual bank accounts. Our funds are transferred from other existing bank account balances or from lines of credit as needed to fund checks presented for payment. As of April 30, 2019 and 2018, book overdrafts of $7.4 million and $13.1 million, respectively, were included in Accounts Payable on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Revenue Recognition:

See Note 3, “Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details of our revenue recognition policy.

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase and are stated at cost, which approximates market value, because of the short-term maturity of the instruments.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

The estimated allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a review of the aging of the accounts receivable balances, historical write-off experience, credit evaluations of customers, and current market conditions. A change in the evaluation of a customer’s credit could affect the estimated allowance. The allowance for doubtful accounts is shown as a reduction of Accounts Receivable, net on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and amounted to $14.3 million and $10.1 million as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Sales Return Reserves:

The process that we use to determine our sales returns and the related reserve provision charged against revenue is based on applying an estimated return rate to current year returnable print book sales. This rate is based upon an analysis of actual historical return experience in the various markets and geographic regions in which we do business. We collect, maintain and analyze significant amounts of sales returns data for large volumes of homogeneous transactions. This allows us to make reasonable estimates of the amount of future returns. All available data is utilized to identify the returns by market and to which fiscal year the sales returns apply. This enables management to track the returns in detail and identify and react to trends occurring in the marketplace, with the objective of being able to make the most informed judgments possible in setting reserve rates. Associated with the estimated sales return reserves, we also include a related increase to inventory and a reduction to accrued royalties as a result of the expected returns. Print book sales return reserves amounted to a net liability balance of $18.5 million and $18.6 million as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The reserves are reflected in the following accounts of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position – increase (decrease):

   
2019
    
2018
  
Accounts receivable, net (1)
  
$
—
    
$
(28,302
)
Inventories, net
  
$
3,739
    
$
4,626
  
Accrued royalties
  
$
(3,653
)
  
$
(5,048
)
Contract liability (Deferred revenue) (1)
  
$
25,934
    
$
—
  
Decrease in Net Assets
  
$
(18,542
)
  
$
(18,628
)

(1) Due to the adoption of the new revenue standard, See Note 3, Revenue from Contracts with Customers the sales return reserve as of April 30, 2019 of $25.9 million is recorded in Contract Liability (Deferred Revenue). In prior periods, the sales return reserve of $28.3 million was recorded as a reduction to Accounts Receivable, net on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Inventories:

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. U.S. book inventories aggregating $21.0 million and $24.0 million at April 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. All other inventories are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

56
Reserve for Inventory Obsolescence:

A reserve for inventory obsolescence is estimated based on a review of damaged, obsolete, or otherwise unsalable inventory. The review encompasses historical unit sales trends by title, current market conditions, including estimates of customer demand compared to the number of units currently on hand, and publication revision cycles. The inventory obsolescence reserve is reported as a reduction of the Inventories, net balance on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and amounted to $15.8 million and $18.2 million as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Product Development Assets: 

Product development assets consist of book composition costs and other product development costs. Costs associated with developing a book publication are expensed until the product is determined to be commercially viable. Book composition costs represent the costs incurred to bring an edited commercial manuscript to publication, which include typesetting, proofreading, design, illustration costs, and digital formatting. Book composition costs are capitalized and are generally amortized on a double-declining basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 1 to 3 years. Other product development costs represent the costs incurred in developing software, platforms, and digital content to be sold and licensed to third parties. Other product development costs are capitalized and generally amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. As of April 30, 2019, the weighted average estimated useful life of other product development costs was approximately 5 years.

Royalty Advances:

Royalty advances are capitalized and, upon publication, are expensed as royalties earned based on sales of the published works. Royalty advances are reviewed for recoverability and a reserve for loss is maintained, if appropriate.

Shipping and Handling Costs:

Costs incurred for third party shipping and handling are primarily reflected in Operating and Administrative Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. We incurred $32.7 million, $33.7 million, and $39.1 million in shipping and handling costs in the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Advertising Expense:

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. We incurred $89.5 million, $68.3 million, and $61.4 million in advertising costs in the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, and these costs are included in Cost of Sales and Operating and Administrative Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Advertising costs of $53.7 million, $38.3 million, and $32.4 million were included in Cost of Sales in the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Advertising costs of $35.8 million, $30.0 million, and $29.0 million were included in Operating and Administrative Expenses in the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Refer to the section above “Change in Accounting Policy” for more information regarding the reclassification of certain advertising and marketing costs incurred by our Education Services business to fulfill performance obligations from contracts with educational institutions.

Technology, Property, and Equipment:

Technology, property, and equipment is recorded at cost. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.

Technology, property and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method based upon the following estimated useful lives: Computer Software – 3 to 10 years, Computer Hardware – 3 to 5 years; Buildings and Leasehold Improvements – the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset up to 40 years or the duration of the lease; Furniture, Fixtures, and Warehouse Equipment – 5 to 10 years.

Costs incurred for computer software internally developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized during the application development stage and expensed as incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages. Costs incurred during the application development stage include costs of materials and services and payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with the software project. Such costs are amortized over the expected useful life of the related software, which is generally 3 to 5 years. Costs related to the investment in our Enterprise Resource Planning and related systems are amortized over an expected useful life of 10 years. Maintenance, training, and upgrade costs that do not result in additional functionality are expensed as incurred.

57
Allocation of Acquisition Purchase Price to Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed:

In connection with acquisitions, we allocate the cost of the acquisition to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on the estimates of fair value for such items, including intangible assets and technology acquired. Such estimates include discounted estimated cash flows to be generated by those assets and the expected useful lives based on historical experience and current market trends to be achieved from the acquisition and the expected tax basis of assets acquired. We may use a third-party valuation consultant to assist in the determination of such estimates.

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:

Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate of the following: (1) consideration transferred, (2) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, and (3) if the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition-date fair value of our previously held equity interest in the acquiree over the net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of brands, trademarks, content, and publishing rights and are typically characterized by intellectual property with a long and well-established revenue stream resulting from strong and well-established imprint/brand recognition in the market.

We use the acquisition method of accounting for all business combinations and do not amortize goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for possible impairment annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.

Intangible Assets with Finite Lives and Other Long-Lived Assets:

Finite-lived intangible assets principally consist of brands, trademarks, content and publication rights, customer relationships, and non-compete agreements and are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The most significant factors in determining the estimated lives of these intangibles are the history and longevity of the brands, trademarks, and content and publication rights acquired combined with the strength of cash flows.

Intangible assets with finite lives as of April 30, 2019, are amortized on a straight line basis over the following weighted average estimated useful lives: content and publishing rights – 34 years, customer relationships – 18 years, brands and trademarks – 16 years, non-compete agreements – 3 years.

Assets with finite lives are evaluated for impairment upon a significant change in the operating or macroeconomic environment. In these circumstances, if an evaluation of the projected undiscounted cash flows indicates impairment, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value based on the discounted future cash flows.

Derivative Financial Instruments:

From time to time, we enter into foreign exchange forward and interest rate swap contracts as a hedge against foreign currency asset and liability commitments, changes in interest rates, and anticipated transaction exposures, including intercompany purchases. All derivatives are recognized as assets or liabilities and measured at fair value.  Derivatives that are not determined to be effective hedges are adjusted to fair value with a corresponding adjustment to earnings. We do not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Foreign Currency Gains/Losses:

We maintain operations in many non-U.S. locations. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using end-of-period exchange rates and revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars using weighted average rates. Our significant investments in non-U.S. businesses are exposed to foreign currency risk. Foreign currency translation adjustments are reported as a separate component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss within Shareholders’ Equity. During the year ended April 30, 2019, we recorded $60.5 million of foreign currency translation losses primarily as a result of the fluctuations of the U.S. dollar relative to the British pound sterling and, to a lesser extent, the euro. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Income as incurred.

Stock-Based Compensation:

We recognize stock-based compensation expense based on the fair value of the stock-based awards on the grant date, reduced by an estimate for future forfeited awards. As such, stock-based compensation expense is only recognized for those awards that are expected to ultimately vest. The fair value of stock-based awards is recognized in net income generally on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The grant date fair value for stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The determination of the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model required us to make judgments and estimates, which include the expected life of an option, the expected volatility of our Common Stock over the estimated life of the option, a risk-free interest rate, and the expected dividend yield. Judgment was also required in estimating the amount of stock-based awards that may be forfeited. Stock-based compensation expense associated with performance-based stock awards is based on actual financial results for targets established three years in advance. The cumulative effect on current and prior periods of a change in the estimated number of performance share awards, or estimated forfeiture rate, is recognized as an adjustment to earnings in the period of the revision. If actual results differ significantly from estimates, our stock-based compensation expense and consolidated results of operations could be impacted.

58
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Stock Compensation – Scope of Modification Accounting

In May 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting,” which clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is only required if the fair value, vesting conditions or classification (equity or liability) of the new award are different from the original award immediately before the original award is modified. We adopted ASU 2017-09 on May 1, 2018 and there was no impact to our consolidated financial statements. The new guidance must be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after the adoption date. The future impact of ASU 2017-09 will be dependent on the nature of future stock award modifications.

Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” The guidance requires that the service cost component of net pension and postretirement benefit costs be reported in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period, while the other components of net benefit costs must be reported separately from the service cost component and below operating income. The guidance also allows only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. We adopted ASU 2017-07 on May 1, 2018. The new guidance must be applied retrospectively for the presentation of net benefit costs in the income statement and prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component of net benefit costs.

The effect of retrospectively adopting this guidance resulted in a reclassification of net benefits (costs) of $8.1 million and $(5.3) million from Operating and Administrative Expenses to Interest and Other Income (Expense) on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The amount included in Interest and Other Income (Expense) on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended April 30, 2019 was a net benefit of $8.8 million. We do not capitalize any service costs.

Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business”, which clarifies the definition of a business in order to allow for the evaluation of whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or business. We adopted ASU 2017-01 on May 1, 2018 and the adoption had no impact for us in fiscal year 2019. The future impact of ASU 2017-01 will be dependent upon the nature of future acquisitions or dispositions made by us.

Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash.” ASU 2016-18 requires that entities include restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents in the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the Statement of Cash Flows. We adopted ASU 2016-18 on May 1, 2018. Retrospective transition method is to be applied to each period presented. As a result of this retrospective adoption, the reclassification of restricted cash into a change in total cash resulted in a reduction in Cash Provided By Operating Activities of $0.5 million for the year ended April 30, 2018. There was no impact for the year ended April 30, 2017.

59
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

   
April 30, 2019
    
April 30, 2018
    
April 30, 2017
    
April 30, 2016
  
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
92,890
    
$
169,773
    
$
58,516
    
$
363,806
  
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    
658
      
484
      
—
      
—
  
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
  
$
93,548
    
$
170,257
    
$
58,516
    
$
363,806
  

Income taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory”, which simplifies the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Current U.S. GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The new guidance states that an entity should recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Consequently, the amendments in this Standard eliminate the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. We adopted ASU 2016-16 on May 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2016-16 did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which provides clarification on classifying a variety of activities within the Statement of Cash Flows. We adopted ASU 2016-15 on May 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not have a material impact to our consolidated statements of cash flows.

Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” Subsequently, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments-Overall.”  ASU 2016-01 requires equity investments except those under the equity method of accounting to be measured at fair value with the changes in fair value recognized in net income. The amendment simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. In addition, it also requires enhanced disclosures about investments. We adopted ASU 2016-01 on May 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2016- 01 did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," (Topic 606) which superseded most existing revenue recognition guidance. We adopted ASU 2014-09 on May 1, 2018. The standard allows for either "full retrospective" adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all periods presented, or "modified retrospective" adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements. Subsequently, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Principal versus Agent Considerations", ASU 2016-10, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing", ASU 2016-12, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients", and ASU 2016-20, "Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which provide clarification and additional guidance related to ASU 2014-09. We also adopted ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12, and ASU 2016-20 with ASU 2014-09 (collectively, the “new revenue standard”) on May 1, 2018.

We utilized a comprehensive approach to assess the impact of the new revenue standard on our contract portfolio by reviewing our current accounting policies and practices to identify differences that would result from applying the new revenue standard to our revenue contracts. Additionally, we reviewed customer agreements representative of our business models and assessed whether changes in revenue recognition were appropriate under the new revenue standard.

We adopted the new revenue standard as of May 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of the new revenue standard did not have a material impact to our consolidated revenues, financial position, or results of operations. Upon adoption, we recorded an immaterial net increase to opening retained earnings resulting from the change in timing of when certain components of our revenue are recognized as required under the new revenue standard as compared to historical policies. Such changes include:

60
 
(i)
perpetual licenses granted in connection with other deliverables; revenue that was previously recognized over the life of the associated subscription for future content is now recognized at a point in time, which is when access to content is initially granted,
 
(ii)
customers’ unexercised rights; revenue which was previously recognized at the end of a pre-determined period for situations where we have received a nonrefundable payment for a customer to receive a good or service and the customer has not exercised such right is now recognized as revenue in proportion to the pattern of rights exercised by the customer,
 
(iii)
recognition of estimated revenue from royalty agreements in the period of usage, and
 
(iv)
recognition of revenue for certain arrangements with minimum guarantees on a time-based (straight-line) basis due to a stand-ready obligation to provide additional rights to content.

The adoption of the new revenue standard resulted in the discontinuance of the historical practice of presenting accounts receivable and deferred revenue balances on a net basis for some of our subscription licensing agreements where we have invoiced a customer in advance of the related revenue being recognized and payment has not yet been received. As of April 30, 2018, the amounts that were previously netted down from accounts receivable and deferred revenue were $59.5 million. The current policy for our subscription licensing agreements is to record accounts receivable when performance occurs and recognize contract liabilities, at the earlier of cash payment being received or the invoice is sent.

In addition, the adoption of the new revenue standard resulted in the reclassification of the sales return reserve provision to Contract Liability (Deferred Revenue) from Accounts Receivable, Net on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. As of April 30, 2019 and 2018 the amount was $25.9 million and $28.3 million, respectively.

The impact of the adoption of the new revenue standard was not material to our Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended April 30, 2019; therefore, we have omitted the disclosure that summarizes the effect of the revenue recognition standard by line item on our Consolidated Statements of Income. The impact to the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position was also not material by line item, except for the reclassification of the sales return reserve provision to contract liability from accounts receivable, net. The cumulative effect of the changes made to our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at May 1, 2018 as a result of adoption of the new revenue standard using the modified retrospective method were as follows:
   
April 30, 2018
    
Adjustments due to Adoption
    
May 1, 2018
  
Assets
                  
Accounts receivable, net
  
$
212,377
    
$
93,349
    
$
305,726
  
Product development assets
    
78,814
      
(3,725
)
    
75,089
  
Technology, property and equipment, net
    
289,934
      
(361
)
    
289,573
  
Other non-current assets
    
85,802
      
5,274
      
91,076
  
Liabilities
                        
Accrued royalties
    
73,007
      
(731
)
    
72,276
  
Contract liability (Deferred revenue)
    
486,353
      
89,364
      
575,717
  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    
143,518
      
1,400
      
144,918
  
Retained earnings
  
$
1,834,057
    
$
4,503
    
$
1,838,560
  

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract.” ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The standard is effective for us on May 1, 2020, and interim periods within that fiscal year, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the impact the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans.” ASU 2018-14 removes certain disclosures that are not considered cost beneficial, clarifies certain required disclosures and added additional disclosures. The standard is effective for us on May 1, 2021, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in ASU 2018-14 would need to be applied on a retrospective basis.  We are currently assessing the impact the new guidance will have on our disclosures.

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Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” ASU 2018-13 removes certain disclosures, modifies certain disclosures and added additional disclosures. The standard is effective for us on May 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Certain disclosures in ASU 2018-13 would need to be applied on a retrospective basis and others on a prospective basis. We are currently assessing the impact the new guidance will have on our disclosures.

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02 “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The standard is effective for us on May 1, 2019, and interim periods within that fiscal year, with early adoption permitted. We adopted ASU 2018-02 on May 1, 2019. We did not elect to reclassify the income tax effects from comprehensive income to retained earnings for the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Our policy for releasing the income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income is when the corresponding pretax accumulated other comprehensive income items are reclassified to earnings.

Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities,” to simplify and improve the application and financial reporting of hedge accounting. Subsequently, in November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-16, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes”.  In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments.” ASU 2017-12 eases the requirements for measuring and reporting hedge ineffectiveness and clarifies that changes in the fair value of hedging instruments for cash flow, net investment, and fair value hedges should be reflected in the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the hedged item. The guidance also permits entities to designate specific components in cash flow and interest rate hedges as the hedged risk, instead of using total cash flows. ASU 2018-16 allows the use of the OIS rate based on the SOFR as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes. These ASUs are effective for us on May 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We adopted ASU 2017-12, 2018-16 and 2019-04, for those portions related to ASU 2017-02, on May 1, 2019 and there was no impact to our consolidated financial statements at the date of adoption. The future impact will depend upon any future hedging activities we may enter into.

Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles–Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”, which simplifies the measurement of a potential goodwill impairment charge by eliminating the requirement to calculate an implied fair value of the goodwill based on the fair value of a reporting unit’s other assets and liabilities. The new guidance eliminates the implied fair value method and instead measures a potential impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying value compared to its fair value. The impairment charge cannot exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The standard is effective for us on May 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Based on our most recent annual goodwill impairment test completed in the year ended April 30, 2019, we expect no initial impact on adoption.

Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” Subsequently, in May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05 - "Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief”, in April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments,” and in November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses”.  ASU 2016-13 requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for most financial assets held at the reporting date based on an expected loss model which includes historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Entities will now use forward-looking information to better form their credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 also requires enhanced disclosures to help financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an entity’s portfolio. ASU 2016-13, ASU 2019-05, ASU 2019-04 and ASU 2018-19 are effective for us on May 1, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal periods, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the impact the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

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Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)”. Subsequently, the FASB issued in March 2019, ASU 2019-01, “Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements”, in December 2018 ASU 2018-20, “Leases (Topic 842): Narrow Scope Improvements for Lessors”, and in July 2018 the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements” and ASU 2018-10, “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases”.  ASU 2016-02 requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset (“ROU”) and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than 12 months and provide enhanced disclosures. Recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses will depend on classification as a finance or operating lease. Similar modifications have been made to lessor accounting in-line with revenue recognition guidance.

The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. We expect to elect the practical expedients to forgo a reassessment of (1) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (2) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (3) initial direct costs.  We do not expect to elect the practical expedient allowing the use-of-hindsight which would require us to reassess the lease term of our leases based on all facts and circumstances through the effective date.  In addition, we do not expect to elect the practical expedient pertaining to land easements.

In addition, the new standard provides as a practical expedient, certain policy elections for ongoing lease accounting to (i) not separate nonlease components from the associated lease component if certain conditions are met, and (ii) not recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities for leases that qualify as short-term. If the short-term recognition exemption is elected, we will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for existing short-term leases in transition. We expect to elect these policy elections.

The standard is effective for us on May 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required, applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application. A company may choose to use either (1) its effective date or (2) the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements as of its date of initial application. We adopted the new standard on May 1, 2019 and used the effective date as the date of initial application. Accordingly, previously reported financial information will not be updated, and the disclosures required under the new standard will not be provided for dates and periods before May 1, 2019.  We expect to recognize operating lease liabilities ranging from approximately $175 to $185 million based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments for existing operating leases and ROU assets ranging from approximately $135 to $145 million on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Additionally, we are in the process of implementing a lease accounting system for our leases, including the conversion of our existing lease data to a new system and implementing relevant internal controls and procedures.

See Note 15, “Commitment and Contingencies,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details of our operating leases and future commitments.

Note 3 — Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized using a five-step model consisting of the following: (1) identify the contract with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy a performance obligation. Performance obligations are satisfied when we transfer control of a good or service to a customer, which can occur over time or at a point in time. The amount of revenue recognized is based on the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services, including the expected value of variable consideration. The customer’s ability and intent to pay the transaction price is assessed in determining whether a contract exists with the customer. If collectability of substantially all the consideration in a contract is not probable, consideration received is not recognized as revenue unless the consideration is nonrefundable, and we no longer have an obligation to transfer additional goods or services to the customer or collectability becomes probable.

63
Disaggregation of Revenue

The following tables present our revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type for the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

   
Years Ended April 30,
  
   
2019
    
2018
    
2017
  
   
Research
    
Publishing
    
Solutions
    
Total
    
Research
    
Publishing
    
Solutions
    
Total
    
Research
    
Publishing
    
Solutions
    
Total
  
Research:
                                                                        
Journals Subscriptions
  
$
661,055
    
$
—
    
$
—
    
$
661,055
    
$
677,685
    
$
—
    
$
—
    
$
677,685
    
$
639,720
    
$
—
    
$
—
    
$
639,720
  
Open Access
    
54,671
      
—
      
—
      
54,671
      
41,997
      
—
      
—
      
41,997
      
30,633
      
—
      
—
      
30,633
  
Licensing, Reprints, Backfiles and Other
    
185,619
      
—
      
—
      
185,619
      
181,806
      
—
      
—
      
181,806
      
164,070
      
—
      
—
      
164,070
  
Publishing Technology Services (Atypon)
    
35,968
      
—
      
—
      
35,968
      
32,907
      
—
      
—
      
32,907
      
19,066
      
—
      
—
      
19,066
  
Publishing:
                                                                                                
STM and Professional Publishing
    
—
      
265,719
      
—
      
265,719
      
—
      
287,315
      
—
      
287,315
      
—
      
291,255
      
—
      
291,255
  
Education Publishing
    
—
      
157,579
      
—
      
157,579
      
—
      
187,178
      
—
      
187,178
      
—
      
196,343
      
—
      
196,343
  
Courseware (WileyPLUS)
    
—
      
63,485
      
—
      
63,485
      
—
      
59,475
      
—
      
59,475
      
—
      
62,348
      
—
      
62,348
  
Test Preparation and Certification
    
—
      
40,606
      
—
      
40,606
      
—
      
35,534
      
—
      
35,534
      
—
      
35,609
      
—
      
35,609
  
Licensing, Distribution, Advertising and Other
    
—
      
46,803
      
—
      
46,803
      
—
      
48,146
      
—
      
48,146
      
—
      
47,894
      
—
      
47,894
  
Solutions:
                                                                                                
Education Services
    
—
      
—
      
157,549
      
157,549
      
—
      
—
      
119,131
      
119,131
      
—
      
—
      
111,638
      
111,638
  
Professional Assessment
    
—
      
—
      
65,889
      
65,889
      
—
      
—
      
61,094
      
61,094
      
—
      
—
      
59,868
      
59,868
  
Corporate Learning
    
—
      
—
      
65,126
      
65,126
      
—
      
—
      
63,835
      
63,835
      
—
      
—
      
60,086
      
60,086
  
Total
  
$
937,313
    
$
574,192
    
$
288,564
    
$
1,800,069
    
$
934,395
    
$
617,648
    
$
244,060
    
$
1,796,103
    
$
853,489
    
$
633,449
    
$
231,592
    
$
1,718,530
  

Description of Revenue Generating Activities

We generate our revenues from sales from our three reportable segments. We report our segment information in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting” (“FASB ASC Topic 280”). Our segment reporting structure consists of three reportable segments, which are listed below, and a Corporate category:
●
Research,
●
Publishing, and
●
Solutions.

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Research Segment

Included within the Research segment are the following revenue streams:
●
Journal Subscriptions,
●
Open Access,
●
Licensing, Reprints, Backfiles and Other, and
●
Publishing Technology Services (Atypon).

Journal Subscriptions

We publish approximately 1,700 academic research journals. We sell journal subscriptions directly through our sales representatives, indirectly through independent subscription agents, through promotional campaigns, and through memberships in professional societies for those journals that are sponsored by societies. Journal subscriptions are primarily licensed through contracts for digital content available online through Wiley Online Library, which we migrated to our Literatum platform, acquired as part of our purchase of Atypon Systems, Inc. (“Atypon”) in March 2018. Contracts are negotiated by us directly with customers or their subscription agents. Subscription periods typically cover calendar years. Print journals are generally mailed to subscribers directly from independent printers. We do not own or manage printing facilities. Subscription revenue is generally collected in advance.

In a typical journal subscription sale, there is a written agreement between us and our customer that cover multiple years.  However, we typically account for these agreements as one-year contracts because our enforceable rights under the agreements are subject to an annual confirmation and negotiation process with the customer.

In journal subscriptions, multiple performance obligations exist, which include a stand-ready promise to provide access to new content for one year and a perpetual license for access to historical journal content. The transaction price consists of fixed consideration.

We allocate revenue to the stand-ready promise to provide access to new content for one year based on its standalone selling price and the revenue for new content is recognized over time as we have a continuous stand-ready obligation to provide the right of access to additional intellectual property. The allocation of revenue to the perpetual licenses for access to historical journal content is done using the expected cost plus a margin approach as permitted by the new revenue standard. Revenue is recognized at the point in time when access to historical content is initially granted.

Open Access

Under the Author-Funded Access business model, accepted research articles are published subject to payment of Article Publication Charges (“APCs”). All Author-Funded articles are immediately free to access online. Contributors of Author-Funded Access articles retain many rights and typically license their work under terms that permit re-use. Author-Funded Access offers authors choices in how to share and disseminate their work, and it serves the needs of researchers who may be required by their research funder to make articles freely accessible without embargo. APCs are typically paid by the individual author or by the author’s funder, and payments are often mediated by the author’s institution. We provide specific workflows and infrastructure to authors, funders and institutions to support the requirements of the Author-Funded Access model.

Customers in open access are typically individual educational institutions or a consortium of universities. Under the Author-Funded Access model, we have a signed contract with the customer that contains enforceable rights.

The Author-Funded Access model in a typical model includes an over-time single performance obligation that combines a promise to host the customer’s content on our open access platform, and a promise to provide a discount on APCs of eligible users (as defined in the contract) in exchange for an upfront payment. Enforceable right to payment occurs over time as we fulfill our obligation to provide a discount to eligible users, as defined, on future APCs. Therefore, the upfront payment is deferred and recognized over time.

In January 2019, Wiley announced a new contractual arrangement in support of Open Access, a countrywide partnership agreement with Projekt DEAL, a representative of nearly 700 academic institutions in Germany. This transformative three-year agreement provides all Projekt DEAL institutions with access to read Wiley’s academic journals back to the year 1997, and researchers at Projekt DEAL institutions can publish articles open access in Wiley’s journals. The partnership will better support institutions and researchers in advancing open science, driving discovery, and developing and disseminating knowledge. We are compensated primarily through a fee per article published.

65
Licensing, Reprints, Backfiles and Other

Licensing, Reprints, Backfiles, and Other includes advertising, backfile sales, the licensing of publishing rights, journal and article reprints, and individual article sales. A backfile license provides access to a historical collection of Wiley journals, generally for a one-time fee. 

Within Licensing, the revenue derived from these contracts is primarily comprised of advance payments, including minimum guarantees and sales- or usage-based royalty agreements. For our sales-or usage-based royalty agreements, we recognize revenue in the period of usage based on the amounts earned. We record revenue under these arrangements for the amounts due and not yet reported to us based on estimates of the sales or usage of these customers and pursuant to the terms of the contracts. We also have certain licenses whereby we receive a non-refundable minimum guarantee against a volume-based royalty throughout the term of the agreement. We recognize revenue for the minimum guarantee on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement because of the stand-ready promise to provide updates during the subscription period. We recognize volume-based royalty income only when cumulative consideration exceeds the minimum guarantee.

Reprints contracts generally contain a single performance obligation which is the delivery of printed articles. Revenue is recognized at the time of delivery of the printed articles.

For Backfiles, the performance obligation is the granting of a functional intellectual property license. Revenue is recognized at the time the functional intellectual property license is granted.

Other includes our Article Select offering, whereby we have a single performance obligation to our customers to give access to an article through the purchase of a token. The customer redeems the token for access to the article for a 24-hour period. The customer purchases the tokens with an upfront cash payment. Revenue is recognized when access to the article is provided.

Publishing Technology Services (Atypon)

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

Publishing Segment

Included within the Publishing segment are the following revenue streams:
●
STM (Scientific, Technical and Medical) and Professional Publishing,
●
Education Publishing,
●
Courseware (WileyPLUS),
●
Test Preparation and Certification, and
●
Licensing, Distribution, Advertising and Other.

STM (Scientific, Technical and Medical) and Professional Publishing and Education Publishing

STM books are sold and distributed globally in digital and print formats through multiple channels, including research libraries and library consortia, independent subscription agents, direct sales to professional society members, bookstores, online booksellers, and other customers.

Professional books, which include business and finance, technology, and other professional categories, as well as the For Dummies brand, are sold to bookstores and online booksellers serving the general public, wholesalers who supply such bookstores, warehouse clubs, college bookstores, individual practitioners, industrial organizations and government agencies. We employ sales representatives who call upon independent bookstores, national and regional chain bookstores, and wholesalers. Sales of professional books also result from direct mail campaigns, telemarketing, online access, advertising, and reviews in periodicals.

Education textbooks and related supplementary material and digital products are sold primarily to bookstores and online booksellers serving both for-profit and nonprofit educational institutions (primarily colleges and universities), and direct-to-students. We employ sales representatives who call on faculty responsible for selecting books to be used in courses, and on the bookstores that serve such institutions and their students. The textbook business is seasonal, with the majority of textbook sales occurring during the July-through-October and December-through-January periods. Book sales for STM, Professional and Education Publishing are generally made on a returnable basis with certain restrictions.

66
Our performance obligations as it relates to STM, Professional and Education Publishing are primarily book products delivered in both print and digital form which could include a single or multiple performance obligations based on the number of International Standard Book Number (“ISBN’s”) purchased.

This revenue stream also includes variable consideration as it relates to discounts and returns for both print and digital books.  Discounts are identifiable by performance obligation and therefore are applied at the point of sale by performance obligation. The process that we use to determine our sales returns and the related reserve provision charged against revenue is based on applying an estimated return rate to current year returnable print book sales. This rate is based upon an analysis of actual historical return experience in the various markets and geographic regions in which we do business. We collect, maintain and analyze significant amounts of sales returns data for large volumes of homogeneous transactions. This allows us to make reasonable estimates of the amount of future returns. All available data is utilized to identify the returns by market and to which fiscal year the sales returns apply. This enables management to track the returns in detail and identify and react to trends occurring in the marketplace, with the objective of being able to make the most informed judgments possible in setting reserve rates. Associated with the estimated sales return reserves, we also include a related reduction in inventory and royalty costs as a result of the expected returns.

As it relates to print and digital books within the STM, Professional and Education Publishing, revenue is recognized at the point when control of product transfers, which for print is upon shipment or for digital when fulfillment of the products has been rendered.

Courseware (WileyPLUS)

We offer high-quality online learning solutions, including WileyPLUS, a research-based, online environment for effective teaching and learning that is integrated with a complete digital textbook. Courseware customers purchase access codes to utilize the product.  This could include a single or multiple performance obligations based on the number of course ISBN’s purchased. Revenue is recognized when the access codes are activated and then over the applicable semester term such product relates to.

Test Preparation and Certification

The Test Preparation and Certification business represents learning solutions, training activities and print and digital formats that are delivered to customers directly through online digital delivery platforms, bookstores, online booksellers, and other customers. Products include CPAExcel, a modular, digital platform comprised of online self-study, videos, mobile apps, and sophisticated planning tools to help professionals prepare for the CPA exam, and test preparation products for the CFA®, CMA, CIA®, CMT®, FRN®, FINRA, Banking, and PMP® exams.

Test Preparation and Certification contracts are generally three-year agreements. This revenue stream includes multiple performance obligations as it relates to the on-line and printed course materials, including such items as text books, e-books, video lectures, flashcards, study guides and test banks. The transaction price is fixed; however, discounts are offered and returns of certain products are allowed. We allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on its standalone selling price.  Depending on the performance obligation, revenue is recognized at the time the product is delivered and control has passed to the customer or over time due to our stand-ready obligation to provide updates to the customer.

Licensing, Distribution, Advertising and Other

Licensing and distribution services are made available to other publishers under agency arrangements. We also engage in co-publishing titles with international publishers and receive licensing revenue from photocopies, reproductions, translations, and digital uses of our content. Wiley also realizes advertising revenue from branded Web sites (e.g., Dummies.com, etc.) and online applications. Licensing, Distribution, Advertising and Other contracts are generally multi-year agreements.

Revenue derived from our licensing contracts is primarily comprised of advance payments and sales- or usage-based royalties. Revenue for advance payments is recognized at the point in time that the functional intellectual property license is granted. For sales- or usage- based royalties, we record revenue under these arrangements for the amounts due and not yet reported to us based on estimates of the sales or usage of these customers and pursuant to the terms of the contracts.

Solutions Segment

Included within the Solutions segment are the following revenue streams:
●
Education Services,
●
Professional Assessment, and
●
Corporate Learning.

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Education Services

As student demand for online degree and certificate programs continues to increase, traditional institutions are partnering with online program management providers to develop and support these programs. Education Services include market research, marketing, student recruitment, enrollment support, proactive retention support, academic services to design courses, faculty support, and access to the Engage Learning Management System, which facilitates the online education experience. Revenue is derived from pre-negotiated contracts with institutions that provide for a share of tuition generated from students who enroll in a program. The duration of Education Services contracts are generally multi-year agreements ranging from a period of 7-10 years, with some having optional renewal periods.

Education Services includes a single performance obligation for the services provided because of the integrated technology and services our institutional clients need to attract, enroll, educate and support students. Consideration is variable since it is based on the number of students enrolled in a program. We begin to recognize revenue at the start of the delivery of the class within a semester, which is also when the variable consideration contingency is resolved.

Professional Assessment

Our Professional Assessment services include pre-hire screening and post-hire personality assessments, which are delivered to business customers through online digital delivery platforms, either directly or through an authorized distributor network of independent consultants, trainers, and coaches. Professional Assessment services contracts are generally one year.

Professional Assessment includes a performance obligation to stand ready to provide assessments to our distributor’s customers or to provide assessments direct to a customer. Revenue for Professional Assessments is recognized at the time the product or service is provided or delivered. Consideration is allocated to assessments based on standalone selling prices. In addition, as it relates to Professional Assessments customers' unexercised rights for situations where we have received a nonrefundable payment for a customer to receive a good or service and the customer is not expected to exercise such right, we will recognize such “breakage” amounts as revenue in proportion to the pattern of rights exercised by the customer.

Corporate Learning

The Corporate Learning business offers online learning and training solutions for global corporations, universities, and small and medium-sized enterprises, which are sold on a subscription or fee basis. Learning formats and modules on topics such as leadership development, value creation, client orientation, change management and corporate strategy are delivered on a cloud-based Learning Management System (“LMS”) platform that hosts over 20,000 content assets (videos, digital learning modules, written files, etc.) in 17 languages. Its Mohive offering also provides a collaborative e-learning publishing and program creation system. Revenue growth is derived from legacy markets, such as France, England, and other European markets, and newer markets, such as the U.S. and Brazil. In addition, content and LMS offerings are continuously refreshed and expanded to serve a wider variety of customer needs. These digital learning solutions are sold directly to corporate customers either direct or through our partners. Corporate Learning contracts are generally multi-year agreements.

The transaction price consists of fixed consideration that is determined at the beginning of each year and received at the same time. Within Corporate Learning there are multiple performance obligations which includes the licenses to learning content and the learning application. Revenue is recognized over time as we have a continuous obligation to provide the right of access to the intellectual property which includes the licenses and learning applications.

Accounts Receivable, net and Contract Liability (Deferred Revenue) Balances

When consideration is received, or such consideration is unconditionally due, from a customer prior to transferring goods or services to the customer under the terms of a contract, a contract liability is recorded. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue when, or as, control of the products or services are transferred to the customer and all revenue recognition criteria have been met.

The following table provides information about receivables and contract liabilities from contracts with customers.
   
April 30, 2019
    
April 30, 2018 (1)
    
Increase/
(Decrease)
  
Balances from contracts with customers:
                  
Accounts receivable, net (2)
  
$
294,867
    
$
212,377
    
$
82,490
  
Contract liability (Deferred revenue) (2)
    
507,365
      
486,353
      
21,012
  
Contract liability (Deferred revenue) (included in Other Long-Term Liabilities)
  
$
10,722
    
$
—
    
$
10,722
  


68
(1) As noted above, prior period amounts have not been adjusted due to adoption of the new revenue standard under the modified retrospective method.

(2) Due to the adoption of the new revenue standard, the sales return reserve as of April 30, 2019 of $25.9 million is recorded in Contract Liability (Deferred Revenue). In prior periods, it was recorded as a reduction to Accounts Receivable, net on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. At April 30, 2018 the sales return reserve was $28.3 million.

Revenue recognized for the year ended April 30, 2019 relating to the contract liability at April 30, 2018 after the adjustments for the adoption of the new revenue standard on May 1, 2018 was $530.4 million.

Remaining Performance Obligations included in Contract Liability (Deferred Revenue)

As of April 30, 2019, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations is approximately $518.1 million, which included the sales return reserve of $25.9 million. Excluding the sales return reserve, we expect that approximately $481.5 million will be recognized in the next twelve months with the remaining $10.7 million to be recognized thereafter.

Assets Recognized for the Costs to Fulfill a Contract

Costs to fulfill a contract are directly related to a contract that will be used to satisfy a performance obligation in the future and are expected to be recovered. These types of costs are incurred in the following revenue streams, (1) Publishing Technology Services (Atypon) and (2) Education Services.

Our assets associated with incremental costs to fulfill a contract were $8.9 million at April 30, 2019 and are included within Other Non-Current Assets on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. We recorded amortization expense of $2.6 million during the year ended April 30, 2019 related to these assets within Cost of Sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The costs related to Education Services were previously included in Product Development Assets on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Certain costs related to Publishing Technology Services (Atypon) were previously included in Technology, Property and Equipment, net on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Sales and value-added taxes are excluded from revenues. Shipping and handling costs, which are primarily incurred within the Publishing segment, occur before the transfer of control of the related goods. Therefore, in accordance with the new revenue standard, it is not considered a promised service to the customer and would be considered a cost to fulfill our promise to transfer the goods. Costs incurred for third party shipping and handling are primarily reflected in Operating and Administrative Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. We incurred $32.7 million, $33.7 million, and $39.1 million in shipping and handling costs in the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

Note 4 – Acquisition

The Learning House, Inc.

On November 1, 2018, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding stock of The Learning House, Inc. (“Learning House”) a diversified education services provider. Headquartered in Louisville, KY, Learning House provides online program management services including graduate and undergraduate programs; short courses, boot camps, and other skills training and credentialing for students and professionals; pathway services for international students; professional development services for teachers; and learning solutions for corporate clients. The combination of Learning House and Wiley Education Services creates a leading provider of tech-enabled education services for colleges and universities. The results of operations of Learning House are included in our Solutions segment.

The fair value of the consideration transferred was approximately $201.3 million which included $200.7 million of cash and $0.6 million of warrants, inclusive of purchase price adjustments which were finalized in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019. We financed the payment of the cash consideration through borrowings under our revolving credit agreement ("RCA").  The warrants were classified as equity and allow the holder to purchase 400,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of $90.00, subject to adjustments. The term of the warrants is three years, expiring on November 1, 2021. The fair value of the warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of the cash consideration transferred, net of $10.3 million of cash acquired was approximately $190.4 million.

The transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. We recorded the preliminary fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date, all of which are included in the Solutions segment. None of the goodwill will be deductible for tax purposes. The allocation of the consideration transferred to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed is preliminary and could be revised as a result of additional information obtained due to the finalization of the third-party valuation report,  tax related matters and contingencies, but such amounts will be finalized within the measurement period, which will not exceed one year from the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the consideration transferred to acquire Learning House and the preliminary allocation of the purchase price among the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.

69

   
Preliminary Allocation as of April 30, 2019
  
Total consideration transferred
  
$
201,274
  
         
Assets: 
        
Current Assets 
        
Cash and cash equivalents 
    
10,293
  
Accounts receivable, net
    
8,621
  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 
    
1,439
  
Total Current Assets 
    
20,353
  
         
Technology, Property and Equipment, net 
    
343
  
Intangible Assets, net
    
109,548
  
Goodwill 
    
110,805
  
Other Non-Current Assets 
    
5,025
  
Total Assets 
  
$
246,074
  
         
Liabilities: 
        
Current Liabilities 
        
Accounts payable 
    
1,542
  
Contract liability (Deferred revenue) 
    
959
  
Accrued employment costs 
    
4,925
  
Other accrued liabilities 
    
9,422
  
Total Current Liabilities 
    
16,848
  
 
        
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities 
    
26,769
  
Other Long-Term Liabilities 
    
1,184
  
Total Liabilities
  
$
44,801
  

The following table summarizes the identifiable intangible assets acquired and their weighted-average useful life at the date of acquisition.

   
Estimated
Fair Value
    
Weighted-Average
Useful Life
(in Years)
  
Customer Relationships
  
$
103,850
      
15
  
Course Content
    
5,698
      
4
  
Total
  
$
109,548
          

Learning House’s revenue and operating loss included in our Solutions segment results for the year ended April 30, 2019 was $31.5 million and $8.0 million, respectively.

Pro forma financial information related to this acquisition has not been provided as it is not material to our consolidated results of operations.

Atypon Systems, Inc.

On September 30, 2016, we acquired the net assets of Atypon, a Silicon Valley-based publishing-software company, for approximately $121 million in cash, net of cash acquired. We finalized our purchase accounting for Atypon on July 31, 2017, and there were no material changes in the purchase accounting allocation compared to April 30, 2017. We recorded the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date, which included $48 million of intangible assets. Goodwill of $70 million was recorded, which is deductible for tax purposes.

70
Atypon's revenue included in our Research segment results for the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $36.0 million, $32.9 million and $19.1 million, respectively. Atypon's operating loss included in our Research segment results for the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $3.9 million, $2.7 million and $3.5 million, respectively.

Note 5 – Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

A reconciliation of the shares used in the computation of earnings per share for the years ended April 30 follows:

 
2019
  
2018
  
2017
Weighted average shares outstanding
  
57,240
    
57,181
    
57,531
Less: Unvested restricted shares
  
(48)
    
(138)
    
(194)
Shares used for basic earnings per share
  
57,192
    
57,043
    
57,337
Dilutive effect of stock options and other stock awards
  
648
    
845
    
862
Shares used for diluted earnings per share
  
57,840
    
57,888
    
58,199

Since their inclusion in the calculation of diluted earnings per share would have been anti-dilutive, options to purchase 260,984, 244,590 and 301,527 shares of Class A Common Stock have been excluded for the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In addition, there were no restricted shares excluded for the year ended April 30, 2019. For the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, restricted shares of 26,740 and none, respectively, have been excluded as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Warrants to purchase 242,402 shares of Class A Common Stock have not been included for the year ended April 30, 2019. There were no warrants issued during the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017.

Note 6 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by component, net of tax, for the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017 were as follows:

   
Foreign Currency
Translation
    
Unamortized
Retirement Costs
    
Interest
Rate Swaps
    
Total
  
Balance at April 30, 2016
  
$
(267,920
)
  
$
(179,405
)
  
$
(361
)
  
$
(447,686
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
    
(51,292
)
    
(18,458
)
    
2,735
      
(67,015
)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
    
—
      
7,361
      
53
      
7,414
  
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
    
(51,292
)
    
(11,097
)
    
2,788
      
(59,601
)
Balance at April 30, 2017
  
$
(319,212
)
  
$
(190,502
)
  
$
2,427
    
$
(507,287
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
    
67,639
      
(4,979
)
    
1,739
      
64,399
  
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
    
—
      
4,455
      
(1,147
)
    
3,308
  
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
    
67,639
      
(524
)
    
592
      
67,707
  
Balance at April 30, 2018
  
$
(251,573
)
  
$
(191,026
)
  
$
3,019
    
$
(439,580
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
    
(60,534
)
    
(9,422
)
    
1,121
      
(68,835
)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
    
—
      
4,391
      
(4,714
)
    
(323
)
Total other comprehensive loss
    
(60,534
)
    
(5,031
)
    
(3,593
)
    
(69,158
)
Balance at April 30, 2019
  
$
(312,107
)
  
$
(196,057
)
  
$
(574
)
  
$
(508,738
)

For the years ended April 30, 2019 and 2018, pre-tax actuarial losses included in Unamortized Retirement Costs of approximately $5.5 million and $5.9 million, respectively, were amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and recognized as pension expense in Operating and Administrative Expenses and Interest and Other Income (Expense) on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Note 7 – Restructuring and Related Charges

In the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we recorded pre-tax restructuring and related charges of $3.1 million, $28.6 million, and $13.4 million, respectively, which are reflected in the Restructuring and Related Charges line item on the Consolidated Statements of Income and described in more detail below:

71
Restructuring and Reinvestment Program:

Beginning in the year ended April 30, 2013, we initiated a global program (the “Restructuring and Reinvestment Program”) to restructure and realign our cost base with current and anticipated future market conditions. We are targeting a majority of the expected cost savings achieved to improve margins and earnings, while the remainder will be reinvested in high-growth digital business opportunities.

The following tables summarize the pre-tax restructuring charges related to this program:
   
2019
    
2018
    
2017
    
Total Charges
Incurred to Date
  
Charges by Segment:
                        
Research
  
$
1,131
    
$
5,257
    
$
1,949
    
$
26,544
  
Publishing
    
650
      
6,443
      
1,596
      
39,581
  
Solutions
    
878
      
3,695
      
1,787
      
7,125
  
Corporate Expenses
    
459
      
13,171
      
8,023
      
96,378
  
Total Restructuring and Related Charges
  
$
3,118
    
$
28,566
    
$
13,355
    
$
169,628
  
                                 
Charges (Credits) by Activity:
                                
Severance
  
$
1,456
    
$
27,213
    
$
8,386
    
$
116,259
  
Consulting and Contract Termination Costs
    
526
      
1,815
      
148
      
21,155
  
Other Activities
    
1,136
      
(462
)
    
4,821
      
32,214
  
Total Restructuring and Related Charges
  
$
3,118
    
$
28,566
    
$
13,355
    
$
169,628
  

Other Activities for the year ended April 30, 2019 reflect lease impairment related costs. The credits in Other Activities for the year ended April 30, 2018 mainly reflect changes in estimates for previously accrued restructuring charges related to facility lease reserves. Other Activities for the year ended April 30, 2017 reflect facility relocation and lease impairment related costs.

The following table summarizes the activity for the Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability for the year ended April 30, 2019:

   
April 30, 2018
    
Charges
    
Payments
    
Foreign Translation & Other Adjustments
    
April 30, 2019
  
Severance
  
$
17,279
    
$
1,456
    
$
(13,388
)
  
$
(460
)
  
$
4,887
  
Consulting and Contract Termination Costs
    
—
      
526
      
(223
)
    
—
      
303
  
Other Activities
    
2,772
      
1,136
      
(1,608
)
    
244
      
2,544
  
Total
  
$
20,051
    
$
3,118
    
$
(15,219
)
  
$
(216
)
  
$
7,734
  

The charges above are net of changes in estimates for previously accrued restructuring charges. The restructuring liability for accrued severance costs of $4.9 million is reflected in Accrued Employment Costs on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The liability for Consulting and Contract Termination Costs is reflected in Other Accrued Liabilities. Approximately $1.1 million and $1.4 million of the Other Activities are included in Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Long-Term Liabilities, respectively on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, and mainly relate to facility relocation and lease impairment related costs. We currently do not anticipate any further material charges related to the Restructuring and Reinvestment Program.

The amount included in Other Long-Term Liabilities that relates to Other Activities is expected to be paid starting in 2021 until 2022.

Note 8 – Inventories

Inventories, net at April 30 were as follows:

   
2019
    
2018
  
Finished Goods
  
$
33,736
    
$
36,503
  
Work-in-Process
    
2,094
      
2,139
  
Paper and Other Materials
    
373
      
550
  
     
36,203
      
39,192
  
Inventory Value of Estimated Sales Returns
    
3,739
      
4,626
  
LIFO Reserve
    
(4,360
)
    
(4,329
)
Total Inventories
  
$
35,582
    
$
39,489
  

72
See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards,” under the caption “Sales Return Reserves,” for a discussion of the Inventory Value of Estimated Sales Returns. Finished Goods are net of a reserve for inventory obsolescence of $15.8 million and $18.2 million as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Note 9 – Product Development Assets

Product development assets consisted of the following at April 30:

   
2019
    
2018
  
Book Composition Costs
  
$
19,197
    
$
24,887
  
Software Costs
    
38,048
      
52,078
  
Content Development Costs
    
5,225
      
1,849
  
Total
  
$
62,470
    
$
78,814
  

Product development assets include $4.3 million and $4.1 million of work-in-process as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, mainly for book composition costs.

Product development assets are net of accumulated amortization of $236.5 million and $238.1 million as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Note 10 – Technology, Property and Equipment

Technology, property and equipment, net consisted of the following at April 30:
   
2019
    
2018
  
Capitalized Software
  
$
440,437
    
$
390,774
  
Computer Hardware
    
68,718
      
57,493
  
Buildings and Leasehold Improvements
    
118,685
      
121,381
  
Furniture, Fixtures, and Warehouse Equipment
    
57,471
      
60,869
  
Land and Land Improvements
    
3,390
      
3,678
  
     
688,701
      
634,195
  
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
    
(399,680
)
    
(344,261
)
Total
  
$
289,021
    
$
289,934
  

The following table details our depreciation and amortization expense for technology, property and equipment, net for the years ended April 30:

   
2019
    
2018
    
2017
  
Capitalized Software Amortization Expense
  
$
50,095
    
$
45,449
    
$
48,343
  
Depreciation and Amortization Expense, Excluding Capitalized Software
    
19,323
      
18,878
      
18,340
  
Total Depreciation and Amortization Expense for Technology, Property and Equipment
  
$
69,418
    
$
64,327
    
$
66,683
  

Technology, property and equipment includes $2.3 million and zero of work-in-process as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, mainly for capitalized software.

The net book value of capitalized software costs was $200.2 million and $198.0 million as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

73
Note 11 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The following table summarizes the activity in goodwill by segment as of April 30:
   
2018 (1)
    
Acquisition (2)
    
Foreign
Translation
Adjustment
    
2019
  
Research
  
$
463,419
    
$
—
    
$
(24,908
)
  
$
438,511
  
Publishing
    
283,851
      
—
      
(706
)
    
283,145
  
Solutions
    
272,531
      
110,805
      
(9,326
)
    
374,010
  
Total
  
$
1,019,801
    
$
110,805
    
$
(34,940
)
  
$
1,095,666
  

(1)
The April 30, 2018 goodwill balances were revised for the Publishing segment which decreased and the Solutions segment which increased to reflect foreign translation adjustments of $11.6 million.

(2)
Refer to Note 4, “Acquisition,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to the acquisition of Learning House on November 1, 2018.

Prior to fiscal year 2019, we reviewed goodwill for impairment on a reporting unit basis annually during the third quarter of each year, using a measurement date of January 31, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. While we are permitted to conduct a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test, for our annual goodwill impairment test in the third quarter of 2018 and 2017 we performed a quantitative test for all of our reporting units.

As discussed below, during the fourth quarter of 2018, we voluntarily changed our annual impairment assessment date from January 31 to February 1 for all of our reporting units and our indefinite-lived intangible assets. For our annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2019 we performed a quantitative test for all of our reporting units and in the fourth quarter of 2018 we performed a qualitative assessment for all of our reporting units.

The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process. In step one, we compare the fair value of each of our reporting units to its carrying value, including the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, there is no indication of impairment and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, we must perform step two of the impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. In step two, the reporting unit’s fair value is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical analysis that calculates the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is less than the carrying value, the difference is recorded as an impairment loss.

2019 Annual Impairment Test as of February 1, 2019

During the fourth quarter of 2019, we completed step one of our annual goodwill impairment test for our reporting units. We concluded that the fair values of these reporting units were above their carrying values and, therefore, there was no indication of impairment.

We estimated the fair value of these reporting units using a weighting of fair values derived from an income and a market approach. Under the income approach, we determined the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Cash flow projections are based on management’s estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins, taking into consideration industry and market conditions. The discount rate used is based on a weighted average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with the characteristics of the business and the projected cash flows. The market approach estimates fair value based on market multiples of current and forward 12-month operating performance results, as applicable, derived from comparable publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit.

As noted above, the fair value determined under step one of the goodwill impairment test completed in the fourth quarter of 2019 exceeded the carrying value for each reporting unit. Therefore, there was no impairment of goodwill. However, if the fair value decreases in future periods, we may fail step one of the goodwill impairment test and be required to perform step two. In performing step two, the fair value would have to be allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. Therefore, any potential goodwill impairment charge would be dependent upon the estimated fair value of the reporting unit at that time and the outcome of step two of the impairment test. The fair values of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including the intangible assets, could vary depending on various factors.

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The future occurrence of a potential indicator of impairment, such as a decrease in expected net earnings, adverse equity market conditions, a decline in current market multiples, a decline in our common stock price, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climates, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, strategic decisions made in response to economic or competitive conditions, or a more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or disposed of, could require an interim assessment for some or all of the reporting units before the next required annual assessment.

We also review our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, which consists of brands and trademarks and certain acquired publishing rights. During the fourth quarter of 2019, we completed our annual impairment test related to the indefinite lived intangible assets. We concluded that the fair values of these indefinite-lived intangible assets were above their carrying values and, therefore, there was no indication of impairment. We also concluded that one of our indefinite-lived trademarks had an excess of estimated fair value over its carrying value of approximately 7% as of the 2019 annual impairment test.

Change in Annual Impairment Assessment Date

During the fourth quarter of 2018, we voluntarily changed our annual impairment assessment date from January 31 to February 1 for all of our reporting units and our indefinite-lived intangible assets. This change was made to improve alignment of impairment testing procedures with year-end financial reporting, our annual business planning and budgeting process and the multi-year strategic forecast, which begins in the fourth quarter of each year. As a result, the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing will reflect the result of inputs from each of the businesses in the development of the budget and forecast process, including the impact of seasonality of our financial results. Accordingly, management considers this accounting change preferable. This change does not accelerate, delay, avoid, or cause an impairment charge, nor does this change result in adjustments to previously issued financial statements.

In connection with the change in the date of the annual goodwill impairment test, we completed a qualitative assessment of the goodwill by reporting unit as of February 1, 2018 and concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each of the reporting units exceeded its carrying amount. In addition, we also completed a qualitative assessment of our indefinite-lived intangible assets as of February 1, 2018 and concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each of the indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeded its carrying amount.

Intangibles

Intangible assets, net as of April 30 were as follows:

   
2019
    
2018
        
   
Cost
    
Accumulated
Amortization
    
Accumulated
Impairment
    
Net
    
Cost
    
Accumulated
Amortization
    
Accumulated
Impairment
    
Net
  
Intangible Assets with Determinable Lives, net
                                                
Content and Publishing Rights (1)
  
$
806,628
    
$
(417,456
)
  
$
—
    
$
389,172
    
$
824,146
    
$
(387,386
)
  
$
—
    
$
436,760
  
Customer Relationships (1)
    
310,977
      
(65,147
)
    
—
      
245,830
      
212,020
      
(50,291
)
    
—
      
161,729
  
Brands and Trademarks
    
32,802
      
(19,809
)
    
—
      
12,993
      
32,111
      
(16,011
)
    
—
      
16,100
  
Covenants not to Compete
    
1,681
      
(1,236
)
    
—
      
445
      
1,499
      
(844
)
    
—
      
655
  
Total
    
1,152,088
      
(503,648
)
    
—
      
648,440
      
1,069,776
      
(454,532
)
    
—
      
615,244
  
Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives
                                                                
Brands and Trademarks
    
134,509
      
—
      
(3,600
)
    
130,909
      
142,189
      
—
      
(3,600
)
    
138,589
  
Content and Publishing Rights
    
86,223
      
—
      
—
      
86,223
      
94,238
      
—
      
—
      
94,238
  
Total
    
220,732
      
—
      
(3,600
)
    
217,132
      
236,427
      
—
      
(3,600
)
    
232,827
  
Total Intangible Assets, Net
  
$
1,372,820
    
$
(503,648
)
  
$
(3,600
)
  
$
865,572
    
$
1,306,203
    
$
(454,532
)
  
$
(3,600
)
  
$
848,071
  

(1) As of April 30, 2019, amounts include intangible assets acquired as part of the acquisition of Learning House on November 1, 2018. Refer to Note 4, “Acquisition,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to the acquisition of Learning House.

Based on the current amount of intangible assets subject to amortization and assuming current foreign exchange rates, the estimated amortization expense for the following years are as follows:

75
Fiscal Year
  
Amount
  
2020
  
$
50,419
  
2021
    
48,517
  
2022
    
44,115
  
2023
    
40,305
  
2024
    
37,929
  
Thereafter
    
427,155
  
Total
  
$
648,440
  

In conjunction with a business review performed in the Publishing segment associated with the restructuring activities in the first quarter of the year ended April 30, 2018, we identified an indefinite-lived brand with forecasted cash flows that did not exceed its carrying value. As a result, an impairment charge of $3.6 million was recorded in the first quarter of the year ended April 30, 2018 to reduce the carrying value of the brand to its fair value of $1.2 million, which will now be amortized over an estimated useful life of 5 years. This impairment charge was included in Operating and Administrative Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Note 12 – Income Taxes

The provisions for income taxes for the years ended April 30 were as follows:

   
2019
    
2018
    
2017
  
Current Provision
                  
U.S. – Federal
  
$
2,384
    
$
(2,216
)
  
$
912
  
International
    
52,518
      
46,112
      
105,228
  
State and Local
    
2,536
      
961
      
100
  
Total Current Provision
  
$
57,438
    
$
44,857
    
$
106,240
  
Deferred Provision (Benefit)
                        
U.S. – Federal
  
$
335
    
$
(26,062
)
  
$
(13,852
)
International
    
(7,630
)
    
2,420
      
(15,330
)
State and Local
    
(5,454
)
    
530
      
415
  
Total Deferred (Benefit) Provision
  
$
(12,749
)
  
$
(23,112
)
  
$
(28,767
)
Total Provision
  
$
44,689
    
$
21,745
    
$
77,473
  

International and United States pretax income for the years ended April 30 were as follows:

   
2019
    
2018
    
2017
  
International
  
$
204,326
    
$
219,178
    
$
192,910
  
United States
    
8,626
      
(5,247
)
    
(1,794
)
Total
  
$
212,952
    
$
213,931
    
$
191,116
  

Our effective income tax rate as a percentage of pretax income differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate as shown below:

 
2019
  
2018
  
2017
U.S. Federal Statutory Rate
21.0%
  
30.4%
  
35.0%
German Tax Litigation Expense
—
  
—
  
25.7
Cost (Benefit) of Higher (Lower) Taxes on Non-U.S. Income
0.9
  
(8.4)
  
(12.7)
State Income Taxes, net of U.S. Federal Tax Benefit
(1.3)
  
0.4
  
0.1
Deferred Tax (Benefit) from U.S. Tax Reform Rate Change
0.1
  
(11.7)
  
—
Deferred Tax Benefit from U.K. Statutory Tax Rate Change
—
  
—
  
(1.3)
Tax Credits and Related Benefits
(0.8)
  
(1.7)
  
(6.2)
Tax Adjustments and Other
1.1
  
1.2
  
(0.1)
Effective Income Tax Rate
21.0%
  
10.2%
  
40.5%

A substantial portion of our 2019 income was earned outside the U.S. in jurisdictions with different statutory income tax rates than our U.S. statutory rate including: U.K. (57%), Germany (24%), and Australia (7%).

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive Federal tax legislation originally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”).  In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“SAB 118”), which allowed us to record provisional amounts related to the effect of the Tax Act during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date.  We completed our analysis during the year ended April 30, 2019 within the measurement period in accordance with SAB 118.

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The effective tax rate for the year ended April 30, 2019 was greater than the year ended April 30, 2018 due to the net deferred tax benefit from the Tax Act in the year ended April 30, 2018. Excluding the effect of the Tax Act, the rate was 21.9% for the year ended April 30, 2018, compared to 21.0% for the year ended April 30, 2019.

The effective tax rate was equal to the U.S. statutory rate for the year ended April 30, 2019. The increase from higher taxes on non-U.S. income and various other items was offset by a state tax benefit from more favorable apportionment factors which reduced our deferred tax liabilities, net of federal benefit. 

German Tax Litigation Expense: In the year ended April 30, 2017, the German Federal Fiscal Court affirmed a lower court decision disallowing deductions related to a stepped-up basis in certain assets. As a result, we incurred an income tax charge of approximately $49 million ($0.85 per share).

Deferred Tax Benefit from U.K. Statutory Tax Rate Change: In fiscal year 2016, the U.K. reduced its statutory rate to 19% beginning April 1, 2017, and 18% beginning April 1, 2020, and in fiscal year 2017, the U.K. further reduced its statutory rate beginning on April 1, 2020, from 18% to 17%. This resulted in a non-cash deferred tax benefit from the re-measurement of our applicable U.K. deferred tax balances of $2.6 million ($0.04 per share) in the year ended April 30, 2017.

Tax Adjustments and Other: In each of the years ended April 30, 2019 and April 30, 2018, we recorded a tax benefit of $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively related to the expiration of the statute of limitations or favorable resolutions of federal, state, and foreign tax matters with tax authorities. 

The Tax Act

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation. The Tax Act significantly revised the U.S. corporate income tax system by, among other changes, the following:
•
lowering the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate to 21% with a potentially lower rate for certain foreign derived income;
•
accelerating deductions for certain business assets;
•
establishing a dividend received deduction, generally eliminating federal income taxes on cash repatriation from foreign subsidiaries;
•
requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on post-1986 unrepatriated cumulative non-U.S. earnings and profits (“E&P”) of foreign subsidiaries;
•
eliminating certain deductions such as the domestic production deduction;
•
establishing limitations on the deductibility of certain expenses including interest and executive compensation; and
•
creating new taxes on certain foreign earnings.

Deferred tax balances – In the year ended April 30, 2018 we remeasured our U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the federal rate at which they are expected to reverse in the future, generally 21% for reversals anticipated to occur after April 30, 2019. In the prior period, the provisional amount recorded related to the re-measurement of our net deferred tax liability was an estimated net benefit of $25.0 million. During the year ended April 30, 2019, in accordance with SAB 118, we completed the analysis and recorded a minimal $0.2 million expense.

Foreign tax effects – In connection with the transition from a global tax system, the Tax Act established a mandatory deemed repatriation tax. The tax was computed using our post-1986 E&P that was previously deferred from U.S. income taxes.  The tax was based on the amount of foreign earnings held in cash equivalents and certain net assets, which were taxed at 15.5%, and those held in other assets, which were taxed at 8.0%. In accordance with the Tax Act including certain rules applicable to non-calendar year taxpayers, we recorded a provisional amount of $14.2 million in the year ended April 30, 2018. Since April 30, 2018, we no longer assert that we intend to permanently reinvest earnings outside the U.S.

The Tax Act reduced the Federal statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018.  As a result, our U.S. federal statutory tax rate was 21.0% for the year ended April 30, 2019 and a blended rate of 30.4% for the year ended April 30, 2018.

The Tax Act created new taxes, effective for us on May 1, 2018, including a provision designed to tax global low taxed income (“GILTI”) and a provision establishing new minimum taxes, such as the base erosion anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”). We have evaluated these provisions and determined there is no material impact to our effective tax rate.

The Tax Act also created a new benefit, effective for us on May 1, 2018, for Foreign Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”), providing a deduction intended to result in a reduced federal income tax rate of approximately 13.125% on certain foreign derived eligible income. For the year ended April 30, 2019, we recorded a tax benefit of $1.2 million.

77
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes:

As of April 30, 2019 and April 30, 2018, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits were $7.7 million and $6.8 million, respectively, of which $0.7 million and $0.6 million represented accruals for interest and penalties recorded as additional tax expense in accordance with our accounting policy. Within the income tax provision for the years ended April 30, 2019 and 2018, we recorded net interest expense on reserves for unrecognized and recognized tax benefits of $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively. As of April 30, 2019, and April 30, 2018, the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that would reduce our income tax provision, if recognized, were approximately $7.7 million and $6.8 million, respectively. We do not expect any significant changes to the unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits included within the Other Long-Term Liabilities line item on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position follows:

   
2019
    
2018
  
Balance at May 1
  
$
6,833
    
$
6,124
  
Additions for Current Year Tax Positions
    
1,473
      
1,372
  
Additions for Prior Year Tax Positions
    
414
      
69
  
Reductions for Prior Year Tax Positions
    
(578
)
    
(38
)
Foreign Translation Adjustment
    
(42
)
    
45
  
Payments and Settlements
    
(136
)
    
(124
)
Reductions for Lapse of Statute of Limitations
    
(305
)
    
(615
)
Balance at April 30
  
$
7,659
    
$
6,833
  

Tax Audits:

We file income tax returns in the U.S. and various states and non-U.S. tax jurisdictions. Our major taxing jurisdictions include the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Except for one immaterial item, we are no longer subject to income tax examinations for years prior to fiscal year 2014 in the major jurisdictions in which we are subject to tax. Our last completed U.S. federal tax audit was for fiscal years 2011 through 2013, which resulted in minimal adjustments related to temporary differences.

Deferred Taxes:

Deferred taxes result from temporary differences in the recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial reporting purposes.

We believe that it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the net deferred tax assets. The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at April 30 were as follows:

   
2019
    
2018
  
Net Operating Losses
  
$
14,491
    
$
8,976
  
Reserve for Sales Returns and Doubtful Accounts
    
2,923
      
2,506
  
Accrued Employee Compensation
    
17,528
      
20,096
  
Foreign and Federal Credits
    
34,401
      
31,109
  
Other Accrued Expenses
    
6,262
      
4,632
  
Retirement and Post-Employment Benefits
    
40,653
      
39,160
  
Total Gross Deferred Tax Assets
  
$
116,258
    
$
106,479
  
Less Valuation Allowance
    
(21,179
)
    
(8,811
)
Total Deferred Tax Assets
  
$
95,079
    
$
97,668
  
                 
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
  
$
(744
)
  
$
(3,203
)
Unremitted Foreign Earnings
    
(1,985
)
    
(1,985
)
Intangible and Fixed Assets
    
(226,898
)
    
(231,869
)
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities
  
$
(229,627
)
  
$
(237,057
)
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities
  
$
(134,548
)
  
$
(139,389
)
                 
Reported As
                
Deferred Tax Assets
  
$
9,227
    
$
4,129
  
Deferred Tax Liabilities
    
(143,775
)
    
(143,518
)
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities
  
$
(134,548
)
  
$
(139,389
)

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The decrease in net deferred tax liabilities is attributable to a foreign exchange driven decrease in our deferred tax liability primarily related to intangible and fixed assets.  Our increase in deferred tax liabilities relating to our acquisition of Learning House was offset by the amortization of our deferred tax liabilities related to intangibles and fixed assets, primarily from prior acquisitions.  Our increase in deferred tax assets, primarily from foreign and federal tax credits as well as net operating losses, was offset by an increase in our valuation allowance related to those assets. We have concluded that after valuation allowances, it is more likely than not that we will realize substantially all of the net deferred tax assets at April 30, 2019. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we take into account related deferred tax liabilities and estimated future reversals of existing temporary differences, future taxable earnings and tax planning strategies to determine which deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized in the future. Changes to tax laws, statutory tax rates and future taxable earnings can have an impact on our valuation allowances.

A $21.2 million valuation allowance has been provided based on the uncertainty of utilizing the tax benefits related to our deferred tax assets for foreign tax credits, state, and, to a small extent, Federal net operating loss carry forwards. As of April 30, 2019, we have apportioned state net operating loss carryforwards totaling $99 million, with a tax effected value of $6 million net of federal benefits, expiring in various amounts over 1 to 20 years.

On June 18, 2019, U.S. Treasury published certain proposed and temporary regulations which would, among other changes, eliminate the dividend received deduction with respect to certain income recognized by us with respect to the transition tax imposed by the Tax Act.  Although we are still reviewing the regulations, if applied, such regulations would not materially impact our consolidated financial position or results of operations, as the decrease in our foreign tax credit carryforward would most likely be offset by a decrease in our valuation allowance.

Since April 30, 2018, we no longer intend to permanently reinvest earnings outside the U.S. We have a $2.0 million liability related to the estimated taxes that would be incurred upon repatriating certain non-U.S. earnings.

Note 13 – Debt and Available Credit Facilities

As of April 30, 2019 and 2018, our debt of $478.8 million and $360.0 million, respectively, consisted of amounts due under our revolving credit facilities.

We have a revolving credit agreement (“RCA”) with a syndicated bank group led by Bank of America. The RCA consists of a $1.1 billion five-year senior revolving credit facility payable March 1, 2021. Under the RCA, which can be drawn in multiple currencies, we have the option of borrowing at the following floating interest rates:  (i) at a rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.98% to 1.50%, depending on our consolidated leverage ratio, as defined, or (ii) for U.S. dollar-denominated loans only, at the lender’s base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from zero to 0.45%, depending on our consolidated leverage ratio. The lender’s base rate is defined as the highest of (i) the U.S. federal funds effective rate plus a  0.50% margin, (ii) the Eurocurrency rate, as defined, plus a 1.00% margin, or (iii) the Bank of America prime lending rate. In addition, we pay a facility fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.25% depending on our consolidated leverage ratio. We also have the option to request an additional credit limit increase of up to $350 million in minimum increments of $50 million, subject to the approval of the lenders. The RCA contains certain restrictive covenants related to our consolidated leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio, which we were in compliance with as of April 30, 2019 and 2018. Due to the fact that there are no principal payments due until the end of the agreement in the year ended April 30, 2021, we have classified our entire debt obligation as long-term as of April 30, 2019 and 2018.

We have other lines of credit aggregating $2.7 million at various interest rates. There were no outstanding borrowings under these credit lines at April 30, 2019 and 2018.

Our total available lines of credit as of April 30, 2019, were approximately $1.1 billion, of which approximately $0.6 billion was unused. The weighted average interest rates on total debt outstanding during the years ended April 30, 2019 and 2018 were 2.69% and 2.44%, respectively. As of April 30, 2019 and 2018, the weighted average interest rates for total debt were 2.88% and 2.58%, respectively. Based on estimates of interest rates currently available to us for loans with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of our debt approximates its carrying value.

On May 30, 2019, we entered into a credit agreement that amended and restated our existing RCA. See Note 21, Subsequent Events, for further details.

Note 14 – Derivative Instruments and Activities

From time-to-time, we enter into forward exchange and interest rate swap contracts as a hedge against foreign currency asset and liability commitments, changes in interest rates, and anticipated transaction exposures, including intercompany purchases. All derivatives are recognized as assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. Derivatives that are not determined to be effective hedges are adjusted to fair value with a corresponding adjustment to earnings. We do not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

79
Interest Rate Contracts:

We had $478.8 million of variable rate loans outstanding at April 30, 2019, which approximated fair value.

As of April 30, 2019 and 2018, the interest rate swap agreements we maintained were designated as fully effective cash flow hedges as defined under Accounting Standards Codification 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” ("ASC 815"). As a result, there was no impact on our Consolidated Statements of Income from changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps, as they were fully offset by changes in the interest expense on the underlying variable rate debt instruments. Under ASC 815, derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges have changes in their fair value recorded initially within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. As interest expense is recognized based on the variable rate loan agreements, the corresponding deferred gain or loss on the interest rate swaps is reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Interest Expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. It is management’s intention that the notional amount of interest rate swaps be less than the variable rate loans outstanding during the life of the derivatives.

On April 4, 2016, we entered into a forward starting interest rate swap agreement, which fixed a portion of the variable interest due on a variable rate debt renewal on May 16, 2016. Under the terms of the agreement, we will pay a fixed rate of 0.92% and receive a variable rate of interest based on one-month LIBOR (as defined) from the counterparty which is reset every month for a three-year period starting May 16, 2016, ending May 15, 2019. As of April 30, 2019, the notional amount of the interest rate swap was $350.0 million.

We record the fair value of our interest rate swaps on a recurring basis using Level 2 inputs of quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets. The fair value of the interest rate swaps as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, was a deferred gain of $0.5 million and $5.1 million, respectively. Based on the maturity dates of the contracts, the entire deferred gain as of April 30, 2019 was recorded within Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and as of April 30, 2018, was recorded within Other Non-Current Assets.

The pre-tax (gains) losses that were reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Interest Expense for the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017 were $(4.7) million, $(1.5) million, and $1.1 million, respectively. Based on the amount in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss at April 30, 2019, approximately $0.2 million, net of tax, of unrecognized gains would be reclassified into net income in the next twelve months.

Foreign Currency Contracts:

We may enter into forward exchange contracts to manage our exposure on certain foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. The forward exchange contracts are marked to market through Foreign Exchange Transaction (Losses) Gains on the Consolidated Statements of Income and carried at their fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are remeasured at spot rates in effect on the balance sheet date, with the effects of changes in spot rates reported in Foreign Exchange Transaction (Losses) Gains on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

As of April 30, 2019 and 2018, we did not maintain any open forward contracts. In addition, we did not maintain any open forward contracts during the years ended April 30, 2019 and 2018.

As of April 30, 2017, we did not maintain any open forward contracts, but we did have open forward contracts during the year ended April 30, 2017. There were two open forward exchange contracts with notional amounts of 31 million euros and 274 million pounds sterling to manage foreign currency exposures on intercompany loans. These contracts matured in May 2016 and February 2017, respectively. For the year ended April 30, 2017, the gains recognized on forward contracts were $59.0 million.

Note 15 – Commitment and Contingencies

The following schedule shows the composition of net rent expense for operating leases:

   
2019
    
2018
    
2017
  
Minimum Rental
  
$
29,066
    
$
31,451
    
$
35,464
  
Less: Sublease Rentals
    
(719
)
    
(708
)
    
(626
)
Total
  
$
28,347
    
$
30,743
    
$
34,838
  

80
At April 30, 2019, estimated future minimum annual rental commitments under non-cancelable real and personal property leases, were as follows:

Fiscal Year
  
Amount
  
2020
  
$
30,887
  
2021
    
27,326
  
2022
    
23,183
  
2023
    
19,257
  
2024
    
18,576
  
Thereafter
    
129,382
  
Total
  
$
248,611
  

Rent expense associated with operating leases that include scheduled rent increases and tenant incentives, such as rent holidays or leasehold improvement allowances, are recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

We are involved in routine litigation in the ordinary course of our business. A provision for litigation is accrued when information available to us indicates that it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment may be required to determine both the probability and estimates of loss. When the amount of the loss can only be estimated within a range, the most likely outcome within that range is accrued. If no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount within the range is accrued. When uncertainties exist related to the probable outcome of litigation and/or the amount or range of loss, we do not record a liability, but disclose facts related to the nature of the contingency and possible losses if management considers the information to be material. Reserves for legal defense costs are recognized when incurred. The accruals for loss contingencies and legal costs are reviewed regularly and may be adjusted to reflect updated information on the status of litigation and advice of legal counsel.  In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of all pending litigation as of April 30, 2019, will not have a material effect upon our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Note 16 – Retirement Plans

We have retirement plans that cover substantially all employees. The plans generally provide for employee retirement between the ages 60 and 65, and benefits based on length of service and compensation, as defined.

Our Board of Directors approved plan amendments that froze the following retirement plans:
•
Retirement Plan for the Employees of John Wiley & Sons, Canada was frozen effective December 31, 2015;
•
Retirement Plan for the Employees of John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., a U.K. plan was frozen effective April 30, 2015 and;
•
U.S. Employees’ Retirement Plan, Supplemental Benefit Plan, and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, were frozen effective June 30, 2013.

We maintain the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for certain officers and senior management which provides for the payment of supplemental retirement benefits after the termination of employment for 10 years or in a lifetime annuity. Under certain circumstances, including a change of control as defined, the payment of such amounts could be accelerated on a present value basis. Future accrued benefits to this plan have been discontinued as noted above.

The components of net pension expense (income) for the defined benefit plans and the weighted average assumptions were as follows:

   
2019
    
2018
    
2017
  
   
U.S.
    
Non-U.S.
    
U.S.
    
Non-U.S.
    
U.S.
    
Non-U.S.
  
Service Cost
  
$
—
    
$
912
    
$
—
    
$
960
    
$
—
    
$
967
  
Interest Cost
    
11,704
      
12,943
      
11,666
      
13,876
      
12,398
      
14,449
  
Expected Return on Plan Assets
    
(13,472
)
    
(25,551
)
    
(13,154
)
    
(26,385
)
    
(14,053
)
    
(21,173
)
Net Amortization of Prior Service Cost
    
(154
)
    
57
      
(154
)
    
57
      
(154
)
    
54
  
Recognized Net Actuarial Loss
    
2,035
      
3,746
      
2,289
      
3,832
      
2,622
      
2,553
  
Curtailment/Settlement Loss
    
—
      
—
      
-
      
19
      
8,842
      
—
  
Net Pension Expense (Income)
  
$
113
    
$
(7,893
)
  
$
647
    
$
(7,641
)
  
$
9,655
    
$
(3,150
)
                                                 
Discount Rate
    
4.3
%
    
2.6
%
    
4.1
%
    
2.6
%
    
4.0
%
    
3.5
%
Rate of Compensation Increase
    
N/A
      
3.0
%
    
N/A
      
3.0
%
    
N/A
      
3.0
%
Expected Return on Plan Assets
    
6.8
%
    
6.5
%
    
6.8
%
    
6.5
%
    
6.8
%
    
6.7
%

81
We adopted ASU 2017-07, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost,” on May 1, 2018.  Refer to Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards," for more information. The guidance requires that the service cost component of net pension and postretirement benefit costs be reported in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. Such amounts are reflected in Operating and Administrative Expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Income. The guidance requires that the other components of net benefit costs be reported separately from the service cost component and below operating income. Such amounts are reflected in Interest Income and Other on our Consolidated Statements of Income. We were required to retrospectively adopt this guidance.

We announced a voluntary, limited-time opportunity for terminated vested employees who are participants in the U.S. Employees’ Retirement Plan of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (the “Pension Plan”) to request early payment of their entire Pension Plan benefit in the form of a single lump sum payment. Eligible participants who wished to receive the lump sum payment were required to make an election by August 29, 2016. Approximately 780 eligible participants made the election to receive the lump sum totaling $28.3 million which was paid from pension plan assets in October 2016. Settlement accounting rules were applied, which resulted in a plan remeasurement and recognition of a pro-rata portion of unamortized net actuarial loss of $8.8 million which was recorded in Operating and Administrative Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income in the year ended April 30, 2017.

The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for the retirement plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $794.2 million, $762.8 million and $621.9 million, respectively, as of April 30, 2019, and $820.4 million, $787.6 million, and $624.4 million, respectively, as of April 30, 2018.

The Recognized Net Actuarial Loss for each fiscal year is calculated using the “corridor method,” which reflects the amortization of the net loss at the beginning of the fiscal year in excess of 10% of the greater of the market value of plan assets or the projected benefit obligation. The amortization period is based on the average expected life of plan participants.

We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit postretirement plans, measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation, on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The change in the funded status of the plan is recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Plan assets and obligations are measured at fair value as of our balance sheet date.

The amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost during the next fiscal year are as follows:
   
U.S.
    
Non-U.S.
    
Total
  
Actuarial Loss
  
$
2,390
    
$
4,091
    
$
6,481
  
Prior Service Cost
    
(154
)
    
82
      
(72
)
Total
  
$
2,236
    
$
4,173
    
$
6,409
  


82
The following table sets forth the changes in and the status of our defined benefit plans’ assets and benefit obligations:

   
2019
    
2018
  
   
U.S.
    
Non-U.S.
    
U.S.
    
Non-U.S.
  
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS
                        
Fair Value of Plan Assets, Beginning of Year
  
$
204,983
    
$
419,448
    
$
200,001
    
$
390,133
  
Actual Return on Plan Assets
    
9,705
      
24,891
      
15,352
      
2,780
  
Employer Contributions
    
14,753
      
11,872
      
5,020
      
8,385
  
Employee Contributions
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
—
  
Settlements
    
—
      
—
      
-
      
(239
)
Benefits Paid
    
(15,813
)
    
(16,282
)
    
(15,390
)
    
(15,909
)
Foreign Currency Rate Changes
    
—
      
(31,680
)
    
—
      
34,298
  
Fair Value, End of Year
  
$
213,628
    
$
408,249
    
$
204,983
    
$
419,448
  
CHANGE IN PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION
                                
Benefit Obligation, Beginning of Year
  
$
(279,644
)
  
$
(540,686
)
  
$
(290,785
)
  
$
(519,588
)
Service Cost
    
—
      
(912
)
    
—
      
(960
)
Interest Cost
    
(11,704
)
    
(12,943
)
    
(11,666
)
    
(13,876
)
Actuarial Gains (Losses)
    
(9,662
)
    
(11,013
)
    
7,417
      
23,528
  
Benefits Paid
    
15,813
      
16,282
      
15,390
      
15,909
  
Foreign Currency Rate Changes
    
—
      
41,143
      
—
      
(45,938
)
Settlements and Other
    
—
      
(886
)
    
-
      
239
  
Benefit Obligation, End of Year
  
$
(285,197
)
  
$
(509,015
)
  
$
(279,644
)
  
$
(540,686
)
Underfunded Status, End of Year
  
$
(71,569
)
  
$
(100,766
)
  
$
(74,661
)
  
$
(121,238
)
AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED ON THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
                                
Current Pension Liability
    
(5,188
)
    
(816
)
    
(4,818
)
    
(780
)
Noncurrent Pension Liability
    
(66,381
)
    
(99,950
)
    
(69,843
)
    
(120,458
)
Net Amount Recognized in Statement of Financial Position
  
$
(71,569
)
  
$
(100,766
)
  
$
(74,661
)
  
$
(121,238
)
AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (BEFORE TAX) CONSIST OF
                                
Net Actuarial (Losses)
  
$
(94,028
)
  
$
(177,157
)
  
$
(82,636
)
  
$
(183,316
)
Prior Service Cost Gains (Losses)
    
2,408
      
(1,154
)
    
2,562
      
(441
)
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
  
$
(91,620
)
  
$
(178,311
)
  
$
(80,074
)
  
$
(183,757
)
Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
  
$
(11,546
)
  
$
5,446
    
$
11,749
    
$
(11,708
)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS USED IN DETERMINING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                                
Discount Rate
    
4.1
%
    
2.4
%
    
4.3
%
    
2.6
%
Rate of Compensation Increase
    
N/A
      
3.0
%
    
N/A
      
3.0
%
Accumulated Benefit Obligations
  
$
(285,197
)
  
$
(477,561
)
  
$
(279,644
)
  
$
(507,932
)

Pension plan assets/investments:

The investment guidelines for the defined benefit pension plans are established based upon an evaluation of market conditions, plan liabilities, cash requirements for benefit payments, and tolerance for risk. Investment guidelines include the use of actively and passively managed securities. The investment objective is to ensure that funds are available to meet the plans benefit obligations when they are due. The investment strategy is to invest in high quality and diversified equity and debt securities to achieve our long-term expectation. The plans’ risk management practices provide guidance to the investment managers, including guidelines for asset concentration, credit rating and liquidity.  Asset allocation favors a balanced portfolio, with a global aggregated target allocation of approximately 50% equity securities and 50% fixed income securities and cash.  Due to volatility in the market, the target allocation is not always desirable and asset allocations will fluctuate between acceptable ranges of plus or minus 5%. We regularly review the investment allocations and periodically rebalance investments to the target allocations. We categorize our pension assets into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to price the assets. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, whereas Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:

• Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. 
• Level 2: Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1. For example, quoted prices for similar assets in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets in inactive markets. 
• Level 3: Unobservable inputs reflecting assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset. 

83
We did not maintain any level 3 assets during the years ended April 30, 2019 and 2018. In accordance with ASU 2015-07, “Fair Value Measurement (“Topic 820”), certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value (“NAV”) per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient do not have to be classified in the fair value hierarchy. We adopted ASU 2015-07 in the year ended April 30, 2018 and it was applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The fair value amounts presented in the following tables are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented for the total pension benefit plan assets. The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, pension plan assets at their fair value as of April 30:

   
2019
    
2018
  
   
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Total
    
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Total
  
U.S. Plan Assets
                                    
Investments measured at NAV:
                                    
Global Equity Securities: Limited Partnership
              
$
109,490
                
$
95,933
  
Fixed Income Securities: Commingled Trust Funds
                
104,138
                  
100,295
  
Other: Real Estate Commingled Trust Fund
                
—
                  
8,755
  
Total Assets at NAV
              
$
213,628
                
$
204,983
  
                                         
Non-U.S. Plan Assets
                                        
Equity Securities:
                                        
U.S. Equities
  
$
—
    
$
39,652
    
$
39,652
    
$
—
    
$
31,203
    
$
31,203
  
Non-U.S. Equities
    
—
      
117,575
      
117,575
      
—
      
96,387
      
96,387
  
Balanced Managed Funds
    
—
      
48,550
      
48,550
      
—
      
91,743
      
91,743
  
Fixed Income Securities: Commingled Funds
    
855
      
199,720
      
200,575
      
—
      
197,804
      
197,804
  
Other:
                                                
Real Estate/Other
    
—
      
501
      
501
      
—
      
549
      
549
  
Cash and Cash Equivalents
    
1,396
      
—
      
1,396
      
1,762
      
—
      
1,762
  
Total Non-U.S. Plan Assets
  
$
2,251
    
$
405,998
    
$
408,249
    
$
1,762
    
$
417,686
    
$
419,448
  
Total Plan Assets
  
$
2,251
    
$
405,998
    
$
621,877
    
$
1,762
    
$
417,686
    
$
624,431
  

Expected employer contributions to the defined benefit pension plans in the year ended April 30, 2020 will be approximately $17.0 million, including $11.7 million of minimum amounts required for our non-U.S. plans. From time to time, we may elect to make voluntary contributions to our defined benefit plans to improve their funded status. Included in our defined benefit pension contributions for the year ended April 30, 2019 was a discretionary contribution of $10.0 million to the U.S. Employees' Retirement Plan of John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Benefit payments to retirees from all defined benefit plans are expected to be the following in the fiscal year indicated:

Fiscal Year
    
U.S.
    
Non-U.S.
    
Total
  
2020
    
$
16,287
    
$
8,868
    
$
25,155
  
2021
      
14,741
      
9,610
      
24,351
  
2022
      
14,894
      
11,019
      
25,913
  
2023
      
15,259
      
11,433
      
26,692
  
2024
      
15,436
      
12,097
      
27,533
  
   2025 – 2029
      
76,053
      
71,732
      
147,785
  
Total
    
$
152,670
    
$
124,759
    
$
277,429
  

We provide contributory life insurance and health care benefits, subject to certain dollar limitations, for substantially all of our eligible retired U.S. employees. The retiree health benefit is no longer available for any employee who retires after December 31, 2017. This resulted in a curtailment gain of $2.5 million which was recognized in the Operating and Administrative Expenses line item in our Consolidated Statement of Income in the year ended April 30, 2017. The cost of such benefits is expensed over the years the employee renders service and is not funded in advance. The accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, was $1.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively. Annual (credits) expenses for these plans for the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017 were $(0.1) million, $(0.1) million and $(0.2) million, respectively.

We have defined contribution savings plans. Our contribution is based on employee contributions and the level of our match. We may make discretionary contributions to all employees as a group. The expense recorded for these plans was approximately $13.1 million, $14.4 million, and $15.5 million in the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017 respectively.

84
Note 17 – Stock-Based Compensation

All equity compensation plans have been approved by shareholders. Under the 2014 Key Employee Stock Plan, (“the Plan”), qualified employees are eligible to receive awards that may include stock options, performance-based stock awards, and other restricted stock awards. Under the Plan, a maximum number of 6.5 million shares of our Class A stock may be issued. As of April 30, 2019, there were approximately 4,355,399 securities remaining available for future issuance under the Plan. We issue treasury shares to fund awards issued under the Plan.

Stock Option Activity:

Under the terms of our stock option plan, the exercise price of stock options granted may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock at the date of grant. Options are exercisable over a maximum period of 10 years from the date of grant. For the years ended April 30, 2015 and prior, options generally vest 50% on the fourth and fifth anniversary date after the award is granted. For the year ended April 30, 2016, options vest 25% per year on April 30. We did not grant any stock option awards in the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017. As of April 30, 2019, all outstanding options have vested allowing the participant the right to exercise their awards.

The following table provides the estimated weighted average fair value for options granted in the year ended April 30, 2016 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the significant weighted average assumptions used in their determination. The expected life represents an estimate of the period of time stock options will be outstanding based on the historical exercise behavior of option recipients. The risk-free interest rate is based on the corresponding U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our Common Stock price over the estimated life of the option, while the dividend yield is based on the expected dividend payments to be made by us.

   
2016
  
Fair Value of Options on Grant Date
  
$
14.77
  
 
        
Weighted Average assumptions:
        
Expected Life of Options (years)
    
7.2
  
Risk-Free Interest Rate
    
2.1
%
Expected Volatility
    
29.7
%
Expected Dividend Yield
    
2.1
%
Fair Value of Common Stock on Grant Date
  
$
55.99
  

A summary of the activity and status of our stock option plans follows:

   
2019
    
2018
    
2017
  
   
Number
of Options
(in 000’s)
    
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
    
Weighted Average
Remaining Term
(in years)
    
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in millions)
    
Number
of Options
(in 000’s)
    
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
    
Number
of Options
(in 000’s)
    
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
  
Outstanding at Beginning of Year
    
611
    
$
48.88
                  
1,429
    
$
47.39
      
1,966
    
$
46.62
  
Granted
    
—
    
$
—
                  
—
    
$
—
      
—
    
$
—
  
Exercised
    
(229
)
  
$
47.21
                  
(788
)
  
$
45.97
      
(469
)
  
$
43.74
  
Expired or Forfeited
    
(10
)
  
$
56.97
                  
(30
)
  
$
54.24
      
(68
)
  
$
49.91
  
Outstanding at End of Year
    
372
    
$
49.70
      
2.8
    
$
0.8
      
611
    
$
48.88
      
1,429
    
$
47.39
  
Exercisable at End of Year
    
372
    
$
49.70
      
2.8
    
$
0.8
      
530
    
$
47.43
      
1,064
    
$
46.04
  
Vested and Expected to Vest in the Future at April 30
    
372
    
$
49.70
      
2.8
    
$
0.8
      
599
    
$
48.90
      
1,249
    
$
45.88
  

The intrinsic value is the difference between our common stock price and the option grant price. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $4.4 million, $10.4 million, and $20.5 million, respectively. The total grant date fair value of stock options vested during the years ended April 30, 2019 and 2018 was $4.8 and $13.4 million, respectively.

As of April 30, 2019, there is no unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to stock options.

85
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at April 30, 2019:

     
Options Outstanding
    
Options Exercisable
  
Range of Exercise Prices
    
Number
of Options
(in 000’s)
    
Weighted Average
Remaining Term
(in years)
    
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
    
Number
of Options
(in 000’s)
    
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
  
$
35.04
      
11
      
0.2
    
$
35.04
      
11
    
$
35.04
  
$
39.53 to $40.02
      
101
      
2.3
    
$
39.71
      
101
    
$
39.71
  
$
48.06 to $49.55
      
106
      
2.3
    
$
48.69
      
106
    
$
48.69
  
$
55.99 to $59.70
      
154
      
3.6
    
$
57.87
      
154
    
$
57.87
  
Total/Average
      
372
      
2.8
    
$
49.70
      
372
    
$
49.70
  

Performance-Based and Other Restricted Stock Activity:

Under the terms of our long-term incentive plans, performance-based restricted unit awards are payable in restricted shares of our Class A Common Stock upon the achievement of certain three-year financial performance-based targets. During each three-year period, we adjust compensation expense based upon our best estimate of expected performance. For the years ended April 30, 2015 and prior, restricted performance shares vest 50% on the first and second anniversary date after the award is earned. For the years ended April 30, 2016 and 2017, restricted performance shares vest 50% on June 30 following the end of the three-year performance cycle and 50% on April 30 of the following year. Beginning in the year ended April 30, 2018, restricted performance share units vest 100% on June 30 following the end of the three-year performance cycle.

We may also grant individual restricted unit awards payable in restricted shares of our Class A Common Stock to key employees in connection with their employment. For the years ended April 30,  2015 and prior, the restricted shares generally vest 50% at the end of the fourth and fifth years following the date of the grant. Starting with the year ended April 30, 2016 grants, restricted shares vest ratably 25% per year.

Under certain circumstances relating to a change of control or termination, as defined, the restrictions would lapse, and shares would vest earlier.

Activity for performance-based and other restricted stock awards during the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017 was as follows (shares in thousands):

   
2019
    
2018
    
2017
  
   
Restricted
Shares
    
Weighted Average
Grant Date Value
    
Restricted
Shares
    
Restricted
Shares
  
 
Nonvested Shares at Beginning of Year
    
861
    
$
53.22
      
913
      
915
  
Granted
    
415
    
$
62.63
      
525
      
509
  
Change in Shares Due to Performance
    
(19
)
  
$
44.17
      
(107
)
    
(67
)
Vested and Issued
    
(357
)
  
$
54.95
      
(318
)
    
(267
)
Forfeited
    
(144
)
  
$
55.37
      
(152
)
    
(177
)
Nonvested Shares at End of Year
    
756
    
$
57.38
      
861
      
913
  

As of April 30, 2019, there was $28.1 million of unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to performance-based and other restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a period up to 4 years, or 2.2 years on a weighted average basis.

Compensation expense for restricted stock awards is measured using the closing market price of our Class A Common Stock at the date of grant. The total grant date value of shares vested during the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $19.6 million, $15.7 million, and $12.1 million, respectively.

President and CEO New Hire Equity Awards

On October 17, 2017, we announced Brian A. Napack as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Wiley effective December 4, 2017 (the "Commencement Date").  Upon the Commencement Date, Mr. Napack also became a member of our Board of Directors (the "Board").  In connection with his appointment, Wiley and Mr. Napack entered into an employment offer letter (the "Employment Agreement"). 

86
The Employment Agreement provides that beginning with the year ended April 30, 2018–2020 performance cycle, eligibility to participate in annual grants under our Executive Long-Term Incentive Program (ELTIP). Targeted long-term incentive for this cycle is equal to 300% of base salary, or $2.7 million. Sixty percent of the ELTIP value will be delivered in the form of target performance share units and forty percent in restricted share units. The grant date fair value for restricted share units was $59.15 per share and included 20,611 restricted share units, which vest 25% each year starting on April 30, 2018 to April 30, 2021. In addition, there was a performance share unit award with a target of 30,916 units and a grant date fair value of $59.15. The performance metrics are based on cumulative EBITDA for the year ended April 30, 2018-2020 and cumulative normalized free cash flow for the year ended April 30, 2018–2020.

The awards are described in further detail in Mr. Napack’s Employment Agreement filed with the SEC as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2017.

In addition, the Employment Agreement provides for a sign-on grant of restricted share units, with a grant value of $4.0 million, converted to shares using our Class A closing stock price as of the Commencement Date, and vesting in two equal installments on the first and second anniversaries of the employment date. The grant date fair value for this award was $59.15 per share and included 67,625 units at the date of grant. Grants are subject to forfeiture in the case of voluntary termination prior to vesting and accelerated vesting in the case of earlier termination of employment without Cause, due to death or Disability or Constructive Discharge, or upon a Change in Control (as such terms are defined in the Employment Agreement).

The awards are described in further detail in Mr. Napack’s Employment Agreement filed with the SEC as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2017.

Director Stock Awards:

Under the terms of our 2018 Director Stock Plan (the “Director Plan”), each non-employee director, other than the Chairman of the Board, receives an annual award of restricted shares of our Class A Common Stock equal in value to 100% of the annual director stock retainer fee, based on the stock price at the close of the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant. Such restricted shares will vest on the earliest of (i) the day before the next Annual Meeting following the grant, (ii) the non-employee director’s death or disability (as determined by the Governance Committee), or (iii) a change in control (as defined in the 2014 Key Employee Stock Plan). The granted shares may not be sold or transferred during the time the non-employee director remains a director. There were 18,991 restricted shares awarded under the Director Plan for the year ended April 30, 2019, and 19,900, and 20,243 shares awarded under the Director Plan for the years ended April 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Note 18 – Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts

Each share of our Class B Common Stock is convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock. The holders of Class A stock are entitled to elect 30% of the entire Board of Directors and the holders of Class B stock are entitled to elect the remainder. On all other matters, each share of Class A stock is entitled to one tenth of one vote and each share of Class B stock is entitled to one vote.

During the year ended April 30, 2017, our Board of Directors approved an additional share repurchase program of four million shares of Class A or B Common Stock. We repurchased in the year ended April 30, 2019 1,191,496 Class A shares at an average price of $50.35 per share. In the year ended April 30, 2018, we repurchased 713,177 shares at an average price of $55.65 per share. In the year ended April 30, 2017, we repurchased 953,188 shares, which included 952,667 Class A shares and 521 Class B shares at an average price of $52.80 per share. As of April 30, 2019, we had authorization from our Board of Directors to purchase up to 1,888,975 additional shares.

87
The following is a summary of changes during the years ended April 30, in shares of our common stock and common stock in treasury (shares in thousands).

Changes in Common Stock A:
2019
  
2018
  
2017
Number of shares, beginning of year
  
70,111
    
70,086
    
69,798
Common stock class conversions and other
  
16
    
25
    
288
Number of shares issued, end of year
  
70,127
    
70,111
    
70,086
                 
Changes in Common Stock A in treasury:
                
Number of shares held, beginning of year
  
21,853
    
22,097
    
21,709
Purchase of treasury shares
  
1,192
    
713
    
953
Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans - non-PSU Awards
  
(210)
    
(153)
    
(74)
Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans - PSU Awards
  
(110)
    
(126)
    
(186)
Stock grants of fully vested Class A shares - common stock
  
—
    
(20)
    
(24)
Restricted shares, forfeited
  
9
    
15
    
8
Restricted shares issued from exercise of stock options
  
(229)
    
(788)
    
(469)
Shares withheld for taxes
  
130
    
116
    
97
Other
  
(1)
    
(1)
    
83
Number of shares held, end of year
  
22,634
    
21,853
    
22,097
Number of Common Stock A outstanding, end of year
  
47,493
    
48,258
    
47,989

Changes in Common Stock B:
2019
  
2018
  
2017
Number of shares, beginning of year
  
13,071
    
13,096
    
13,392
Common stock class conversions and other
  
(16)
    
(25)
    
(296)
Number of shares issued, end of year
  
13,055
    
13,071
    
13,096
                 
Changes in Common Stock B in treasury:
                
Number of shares held, beginning of year
  
3,918
    
3,918
    
3,917
Shares repurchased
  
—
    
—
    
1
Number of shares held, end of year
  
3,918
    
3,918
    
3,918
Number of Common Stock B outstanding, end of year
  
9,137
    
9,153
    
9,178

The following table summarizes the cash dividends paid during the year ended April 30, 2019:

Date of Declaration by Board of Directors
Quarterly Cash Dividend
Total Dividend
Class of Common Stock
Dividend Paid Date
Shareholders of Record as of Date
June 21, 2018
$0.33 per common share
$19.0 million
Class A and
Class B
July 18, 2018
July 3, 2018
September 26, 2018
$0.33 per common share
$18.9 million
Class A and
Class B
October 24, 2018
October 9, 2018
December 19, 2018
$0.33 per common share
$18.9 million
Class A and
Class B
January 16, 2019
January 2, 2019
March 20, 2019
$0.33 per common share
$18.6 million
Class A and
Class B
April 17, 2019
April 2, 2019

Note 19 – Segment Information

Our segment reporting structure consists of three reportable segments, which are listed below and a Corporate category as follows:

• Research; 
• Publishing; and 
• Solutions 

88
Segment information is as follows:

   
For the Years Ended April 30,
  
   
2019
    
2018
    
2017
  
Revenue:
                  
Research
  
$
937,313
    
$
934,395
    
$
853,489
  
Publishing
    
574,192
      
617,648
      
633,449
  
Solutions
    
288,564
      
244,060
      
231,592
  
Total Revenue
  
$
1,800,069
    
$
1,796,103
    
$
1,718,530
  
                         
Contribution to Profit (1):
                        
Research
  
$
258,875
    
$
271,326
    
$
250,648
  
Publishing
    
118,901
      
121,639
      
124,531
  
Solutions
    
14,967
      
22,099
      
14,822
  
Total Contribution to Profit
  
$
392,743
    
$
415,064
    
$
390,001
  
Corporate Expenses
    
(168,754
)
    
(183,603
)
    
(178,531
)
Operating Income
  
$
223,989
    
$
231,461
    
$
211,470
  

(1) Due to the retrospective adoption of ASU 2017-07, total net benefits (costs) of $8.1 million and $(5.3) million related to the non-service components of defined benefit and other post-employment benefit plans were reclassified from Operating and Administrative Expenses to Interest Income and Other for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Refer to Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards," for more information. The impact of the reclassification on Contribution to Profit by segment for the year ended April 30, 2018 was $4.2 million in Research, $2.3 million in Publishing, and $1.6 million in Corporate expenses. The impact of the reclassification on Contribution to Profit by segment for the year ended April 30, 2017 was $1.6 million in Research, $1.2 million in Publishing, and $(8.1) million in Corporate expenses.

See Note 3, “Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers,” for revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type for the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

   
For the Years Ended April 30,
  
   
2019
    
2018
    
2017
  
Total Assets
                  
Research
  
$
1,152,973
    
$
1,238,178
    
$
1,133,846
  
Publishing
    
643,549
      
575,033
      
582,339
  
Solutions
    
751,854
      
563,489
      
575,068
  
Corporate
    
388,626
      
462,751
      
314,964
  
Total
  
$
2,937,002
    
$
2,839,451
    
$
2,606,217
  
                         
Product Development Spending and Additions to Technology, Property and Equipment
                        
Research
  
$
(6,457
)
  
$
(7,538
)
  
$
(154,189
)
Publishing
    
(19,712
)
    
(23,666
)
    
(29,420
)
Solutions
    
(9,001
)
    
(16,786
)
    
(21,210
)
Corporate
    
(66,423
)
    
(102,738
)
    
(98,608
)
Total
  
$
(101,593
)
  
$
(150,728
)
  
$
(303,427
)
                         
Depreciation and Amortization
                        
Research
  
$
37,088
    
$
33,655
    
$
29,330
  
Publishing
    
33,892
      
39,495
      
43,831
  
Solutions
    
34,300
      
27,703
      
26,792
  
Corporate
    
55,875
      
53,136
      
56,608
  
Total
  
$
161,155
    
$
153,989
    
$
156,561
  

89
Revenue from external customers is based on the location of the customer and Technology, Property and Equipment, Net by geographic area were as follows:

   
Revenue, net
    
Technology, Property and Equipment, Net
  
   
2019
    
2018
    
2017
    
2019
    
2018
    
2017
  
United States
  
$
932,927
    
$
913,852
    
$
786,574
    
$
252,459
    
$
249,542
    
$
208,572
  
United Kingdom
    
150,242
      
147,406
      
189,479
      
18,331
      
20,955
      
21,368
  
Germany
    
97,505
      
98,404
      
75,090
      
8,423
      
9,259
      
8,770
  
Japan
    
77,145
      
81,572
      
62,674
      
87
      
72
      
75
  
Australia
    
77,453
      
78,270
      
66,309
      
1,440
      
1,454
      
591
  
China
    
55,024
      
53,076
      
39,653
      
688
      
229
      
270
  
Canada
    
50,882
      
55,568
      
50,740
      
2,659
      
3,635
      
1,232
  
France
    
51,441
      
51,826
      
44,760
      
403
      
635
      
335
  
India
    
36,472
      
41,637
      
34,306
      
1,299
      
1,437
      
245
  
Other Countries
    
270,978
      
274,492
      
368,945
      
3,232
      
2,716
      
1,600
  
Total
  
$
1,800,069
    
$
1,796,103
    
$
1,718,530
    
$
289,021
    
$
289,934
    
$
243,058
  

Note 20 – Supplementary Quarterly Financial Information - Results By Quarter (Unaudited)

Amounts in millions, except per share data
  
2019
    
2018
  
Revenue, net
            
First Quarter
  
$
410.9
    
$
411.4
  
Second Quarter
    
448.6
      
451.7
  
Third Quarter
    
449.4
      
455.7
  
Fourth Quarter
    
491.2
      
477.3
  
Year ended April 30,
  
$
1,800.1
    
$
1,796.1
  
                 
Gross Profit (1)
                
First Quarter
  
$
283.1
    
$
285.5
  
Second Quarter
    
316.0
      
319.6
  
Third Quarter
    
305.5
      
319.3
  
Fourth Quarter
    
340.7
      
340.7
  
Year ended April 30,
  
$
1,245.3
    
$
1,265.1
  
                 
Operating Income (2)
                
First Quarter
  
$
36.1
    
$
12.6
  
Second Quarter
    
57.5
      
80.8
  
Third Quarter
    
50.3
      
65.4
  
Fourth Quarter
    
80.1
      
72.7
  
Year ended April 30,
  
$
224.0
    
$
231.5
  
                 
Net Income
                
First Quarter
  
$
26.3
    
$
9.2
  
Second Quarter
    
43.8
      
60.0
  
Third Quarter
    
34.9
      
68.8
  
Fourth Quarter
    
63.3
      
54.2
  
Year ended April 30,
  
$
168.3
    
$
192.2
  

   
2019
    
2018
  
   
Basic
    
Diluted
    
Basic
    
Diluted
  
Earnings Per Share (3)
                        
First Quarter
  
$
0.46
    
$
0.45
    
$
0.16
    
$
0.16
  
Second Quarter
    
0.76
      
0.76
      
1.06
      
1.04
  
Third Quarter
    
0.61
      
0.61
      
1.21
      
1.19
  
Fourth Quarter
    
1.11
      
1.10
      
0.95
      
0.93
  
Year ended April 30,
  
$
2.94
    
$
2.91
    
$
3.37
    
$
3.32
  

90
(1) In connection with the acquisition of Learning House, we changed our accounting policy for certain advertising and marketing costs incurred by our Education Services business to fulfill performance obligations from contracts with educational institutions. Under the new accounting policy, these costs are included in Cost of Sales whereas they were previously included in Operating and Administrative Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. This change in accounting policy was applied retrospectively.

This reclassification had no impact on Revenue, net, Operating Income, Net Income, or Earnings per Share. Refer to “Change in Accounting Policy” in Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards," for more information on the accounting policy change and Note 4, “Acquisition,” for more information related to the acquisition of Learning House.

(2) Due to the retrospective adoption of ASU 2017-07, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost,”, we reclassified total net benefits related to the non-service components of defined benefit and other post-employment benefit plans from Operating and Administrative Expenses to Interest and Other Income (Expense) on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Refer to Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards,” for more information.

(3) The sum of the quarterly earnings per share amounts may not agree to the respective annual amounts due to rounding.

Note 21 – Subsequent Events

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement:

On May 30, 2019, we entered into a credit agreement that amended and restated our existing RCA. The credit agreement provides for senior unsecured credit facilities comprised of a (i) five-year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount up to $1.25 billion, and (ii) a five-year term loan A facility consisting of $250 million. The agreement contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including a financial covenant in the form of a consolidated net leverage ratio and consolidated interest coverage ratio. We incurred approximately $4.0 million of costs related to this agreement.

Acquisitions:

On May 31, 2019, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of Knewton, Inc. (“Knewton”), included in our Publishing segment. Knewton is a provider of affordable courseware and adaptive learning technology for an undisclosed amount.

On July 1, 2019, we completed the acquisition of Zyante Inc. ("Zyante"), a leading provider of computer science and STEM education courseware. Under the terms of the agreement, Zyante shareholders received $56 million in cash. Zyante will be included in our Education Publishing segment.

Dividend:

On June 28, 2019, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.34 per share, or approximately $19.2 million, on our Class A and Class B Common Stock.  The dividend is payable on July 24, 2019 to shareholders of record on July 10, 2019.

91
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures: The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, together with the Chief Accounting Officer and other members of the Company's management, have conducted an evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting: Our Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act.  Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based upon the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as of April 30, 2019.

KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as part of their audit, has issued their report, included herein, on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting: During fiscal year 2019, we closed on the acquisition of Learning House and we excluded Learning House from the scope of management’s report on internal control over financial reporting for the year ended April 30, 2019. We are in the process of integrating Learning House to our overall internal control over financial reporting and will include them in scope for the year ending April 30, 2020. This process may result in additions or changes to our internal control over financial reporting. Learning House represented approximately 1% of total consolidated assets and approximately 2% of total consolidated revenues of the Company as of and for the year ended April 30, 2019.

We are in the process of implementing a new global ERP that will enhance our business and financial processes and standardize our information systems. As previously disclosed, we have completed the implementation of record-to-report, purchase-to-pay and several other business processes within all locations through fiscal year 2017. We completed the implementation of order-to-cash for certain businesses in May 2018 and may continue to roll out additional processes and functionality of the ERP in phases in the foreseeable future.

As with any new information system we implement, this application, along with the internal controls over financial reporting included in this process, will require testing for effectiveness. In connection with this ERP implementation, we are updating our internal controls over financial reporting, as necessary, to accommodate modifications to our business processes and accounting procedures. We do not believe that the ERP implementation will have an adverse effect on our internal control over financial reporting.

Except as described above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information

None

92

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

For information with respect to Executive Officers of the Company, see “Information About Our Executive Officers” as set forth in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The name, age, and background of each of the directors nominated for election are contained under the caption “Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement for our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“2019 Proxy Statement”) and are incorporated herein by reference.

Information on the audit committee financial experts is contained in the 2019 Proxy Statement under the caption “Report of the Audit Committee” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information on the Audit Committee Charter is contained in the 2019 Proxy Statement under the caption “Committees of the Board of Directors and Certain Other Information concerning the Board.”

Information with respect to the Company's Corporate Governance principles is publicly available on the Company's Corporate Governance website at https://www.wiley.com/en-us/corporategovernance.


Item 11. Executive Compensation

Information on compensation of the directors and executive officers is contained in the 2019 Proxy Statement under the captions “Directors' Compensation” and “Executive Compensation,” respectively, and is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Information on the beneficial ownership reporting for the directors and executive officers is contained under the caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" within the "Beneficial Ownership of Directors and Management" section of the 2019 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. Information on the beneficial ownership reporting for all other shareholders that own 5% of more of the Company's Class A or Class B Common Stock is contained under the caption "Voting Securities, Record Date, Principal Holders" in the 2019 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

The following table summarizes the Company's equity compensation plan information as of April 30, 2019:

Plan Category
  
Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon Exercise
of Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights (1)
    
Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
    
Number of
Securities Remaining
Available for Future
Issuance Under Equity
Compensation Plans (2)
  
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders
    
1,128,823
    
$
49.70
      
4,355,399
  

(1)
This amount includes the following awards issued under the 2014 Key Employee Stock Plan:

• 372,404 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $49.70 
• 756,419 non-vested performance-based and other restricted stock awards. Since these awards have no exercise price, they are not included in the weighted average exercise price calculation. 

(2)
Per the terms of the 2014 Key Employee Stock Plan (“Plan”), a total of 6,500,000 shares shall be authorized for awards granted under the Plan, less one (1) share for every one (1) share that was subject to an option or stock appreciation right granted after April 30, 2014 under the 2009 Key Employee Stock Plan and 1.76 Shares for every one (1) share that was subject to an award other than an option or stock appreciation right granted after April 30, 2014 under the 2009 Key Employee Stock Plan. Any shares that are subject to options or stock appreciation rights shall be counted against this limit as one (1) share for every one (1) share granted, and any shares that are subject to awards other than options or stock appreciation rights shall be counted against this limit as 1.76 Shares for every one (1) share granted. After the Effective Date of the Plan, no awards may be granted under the 2009 Key Employee Stock Plan. 

All of the Company's equity compensation plans are approved by shareholders.

93
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Information on related party transactions and the policies and procedures for reviewing and approving related party transactions are contained under the caption “Transactions with Related Persons” within the “Board and Committee Oversight of Risk” section of the 2019 Proxy Statement and are incorporated herein by reference.

Information on director independence is contained under the caption “Director Independence” within the “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance” section of the 2019 Proxy Statement.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Information required by this item is contained in the 2019 Proxy Statement under the caption “Report of the Audit Committee” and is incorporated herein by reference.

94

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a) Documents filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

(1) Financial Statements

See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(2) Financial Statement Schedule

See Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves — Years Ended April 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The other schedules are omitted as they are not applicable, or the amounts involved are not material.

(3) Exhibits

(a)
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are filed as part of this report.
(b)
Exhibits
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1992).
3.2
Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation dated October 13, 1995 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1996).
3.3
Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation dated as of September 1998 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 31, 1998).
3.4
Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation dated as of September 1999 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 31, 1999).
3.5
 
Amended and Restated By-Laws dated as of September 2007 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2018).
10.1
10.2
Agreement of the Lease dated as of July 14, 2014 between Hub Properties Trust as Landlord, an independent third party and John Wiley and Sons, Inc as Tenant (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 31, 2014).
2018 Director Stock Plan
10.4
2014 Executive Annual Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 31, 2014).
10.5
Amended 2014 Key Employee Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 31, 2014).
10.6
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan as Amended and Restated effective as of January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2010).
10.7
Amendments A and B to the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan as Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 31, 2010).
10.8
Resolution amending the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan to Cease Accruals and Freeze Participation effective June 30, 2013 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2013)
10.9
Supplemental Benefit Plan Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2009, including amendments through August 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended January 31, 2011).
10.10
Resolution amending the Supplemental Benefit (Retirement) Plan to Cease Accruals and Freeze Participation effective June 30, 2013 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2013).
10.11
Deferred Compensation Plan as Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2010).
10.12
Resolution amending the Deferred Compensation Plan effective July 1, 2013 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2013).
10.13
Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors' 2005 & After Compensation (incorporated by reference to the Report on Form 8-K, filed December 21, 2005).
Form of the Fiscal Year 2020 Qualified Executive Long Term Incentive Plan
Form of the Fiscal Year 2020 Qualified Executive Annual Incentive Plan
Form of the Fiscal Year 2020 Executive Annual Strategic Milestones Incentive Plan
10.17
Form of the Fiscal Year 2019 Qualified Executive Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2018).
10.18
Form of the Fiscal Year 2019 Qualified Executive Annual Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2018).
10.19
Form of the Fiscal Year 2019 Executive Annual Strategic Milestones Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2018).
10.20
Form of the Fiscal Year 2018 Qualified Executive Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2017).
10.21
Form of the Fiscal Year 2018 Qualified Executive Annual Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2017).
10.22
Form of the Fiscal Year 2018 Executive Annual Strategic Milestones Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2017).
10.23
Senior Executive Employment Agreement to Arbitrate dated as of April 29, 2003 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2003).
10.24
Senior Executive Non-competition and Non-Disclosure Agreement dated as of April 29, 2003 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2003).
10.25
Senior Executive Employment Agreement dated as of April 15, 2015 between Mark Allin and the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated as of April 15, 2015).
10.26
Separation and Release Agreement, effective June 9, 2017, between Mark Allin, former President and Chief Executive Officer and the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 31, 2017).
10.27
Senior executive Employment Agreement dated as of May 20, 2013 between John A. Kritzmacher and the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated as of June 4, 2013).
10.28
Addendum to the Employment Agreement, effective June 26, 2017, between John A. Kritzmacher, and the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 31, 2017).
10.29
Senior executive Employment Agreement letter dated as of March 15, 2004, between Gary M. Rinck and the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2011).
Employment Letter dated September 26, 2016 between Judy Verses, Executive Vice President, and the Company.
10.31
Employment Letter dated October 12, 2017 between Brian A. Napack, President and Chief Executive Officer, and the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended October 31, 2017).
10.32
Employment Letter dated February 5, 2019 between Matthew Kissner, Group Executive, and the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2019).
List of Subsidiaries of the Company.
Consent of KPMG LLP.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
XBRL Instance Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

*
Filed herewith

** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

None.

96
(2) Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II
JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED APRIL 30, 2019, 2018, AND 2017
(Dollars in thousands)

Description
  
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
    
Charged to
Expenses
    
Deductions
From Reserves and Other(2)
    
Balance at
End of Period
  
Year Ended April 30, 2019
                        
Allowance for Sales Returns (1)
  
$
18,628
    
$
37,483
    
$
37,569
    
$
18,542
  
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
  
$
10,107
    
$
5,279
    
$
1,079
    
$
14,307
  
Allowance for Inventory Obsolescence
  
$
18,193
    
$
7,328
    
$
9,696
    
$
15,825
  
Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets
  
$
8,811
    
$
51
    
$
(12,317
)
  
$
21,179
  
Year Ended April 30, 2018
                                
Allowance for Sales Returns (1)
  
$
24,300
    
$
38,711
    
$
44,383
    
$
18,628
  
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
  
$
7,186
    
$
5,439
    
$
2,518
    
$
10,107
  
Allowance for Inventory Obsolescence
  
$
21,096
    
$
9,182
    
$
12,085
    
$
18,193
  
Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets
  
$
1,300
    
$
7,511
    
$
—
    
$
8,811
  
Year Ended April 30, 2017
                                
Allowance for Sales Returns (1)
  
$
19,861
    
$
53,482
    
$
49,043
    
$
24,300
  
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
  
$
7,254
    
$
2,913
    
$
2,981
    
$
7,186
  
Allowance for Inventory Obsolescence
  
$
21,968
    
$
9,538
    
$
10,410
    
$
21,096
  
Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets
  
$
—
    
$
1,300
    
$
—
      
1,300
  

(1)
Allowance for Sales Returns represents anticipated returns net of a recovery of inventory and royalty costs. The provision is reported as a reduction of gross sales to arrive at revenue and the reserve balance is reported as a reduction of Accounts Receivable, net (in the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017) with a corresponding increase in Inventories, net and a reduction in Accrued Royalties for the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017. Due to the adoption of the new revenue standard, the sales return reserve as of April 30, 2019 is recorded in Contract Liability (Deferred Revenue). In prior periods, it was recorded as a reduction to Accounts Receivable, net. See Note 3, “Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
(2)
Deductions From Reserves and Other for the years ended April 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 include foreign exchange translation adjustments. Included in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts are accounts written off, less recoveries. Included in Allowance for Inventory Obsolescence are items removed from inventory. Included in Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets are foreign tax credits generated and valuation allowances needed in connection with the Tax Act.
97


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

   
JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC.
  
   
(Company)
  
       
Dated: July 1, 2019
By:
/s/ Brian A. Napack
  
   
Brian A. Napack
  
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
  

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signatures
  
Titles
  
Dated
  
           
/s/ Brian A. Napack
  
President and Chief Executive Officer and
  
July 1, 2019
  
Brian A. Napack
  
Director
      
           
/s/ John A. Kritzmacher
  
Chief Financial Officer and
  
July 1, 2019
  
John A. Kritzmacher
  
Executive Vice President, Operations
      
           
/s/ Christopher F. Caridi
  
Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and
  
July 1, 2019
  
Christopher F. Caridi
  
Chief Accounting Officer
      
           
/s/ Jesse C. Wiley
  
Chairman of the Board
  
July 1, 2019
  
Jesse C. Wiley
          
           
/s/ Beth A. Birnbaum
  
Director
  
July 1, 2019
  
Beth A. Birnbaum
          
           
/s/ William J. Pesce
  
Director
  
July 1, 2019
  
William J. Pesce
          
           
/s/ William B. Plummer
  
Director
  
July 1, 2019
  
William B. Plummer
          
           
/s/ Mari J. Baker
  
Director
  
July 1, 2019
  
Mari J. Baker
          
           
/s/ David C. Dobson
  
Director
  
July 1, 2019
  
David C. Dobson
          
           
/s/ Raymond W. McDaniel, Jr.
  
Director
  
July 1, 2019
  
Raymond W. McDaniel, Jr.
          
           
/s/ George D. Bell
  
Director
  
July 1, 2019
  
George D. Bell
          
           
/s/ Laurie A. Leshin
  
Director
  
July 1, 2019
  
Laurie A. Leshin
          
           
/s/ William Pence
  
Director
  
July 1, 2019
  
William Pence
          

98