v3.26.1
Stock-Based Compensation
3 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2026
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation
The Company provides stock-based compensation to its employees and non-employee directors, which may include restricted stock units (RSU), performance-based stock awards (PSU), and stock options (collectively, stock-based awards). We recognize the grant date fair value of stock-based compensation in net income generally on a straight-line basis, net of estimated forfeitures over the requisite service period. We recognized stock-based compensation expense on a pretax basis as follows:

Three Months Ended
July 31,
20262025
Stock-based compensation expense
$4,870 $5,899 

Performance-Based and Other Restricted Stock Activity

Under the terms of our long-term incentive plans, PSU awards are payable in restricted shares of our Class A Common Stock upon the achievement of certain three-year or less financial performance-based targets. The measurement of performance is based on actual financial results for targets established up to three years in advance or less. During each three-year period or less, we adjust compensation expense based upon our best estimate of expected performance.
We may also grant individual RSU awards payable in restricted shares of our Class A Common Stock to key employees in connection with their employment.
The following table summarizes awards we granted to employees (shares in thousands):
Three Months Ended
July 31,
20262025
Restricted Stock:
Awards granted (shares)622543
Weighted average fair value of grant$45.14 $43.75 
Stock Option Activity
During the three months ended July 31, 2026, we granted 100,000 stock option awards to employees of our executive leadership team, at a grant price of $50.12, which was 10% above the fair market value at the time of grant. Such options vest 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% on June 30. The options are exercisable over a maximum period of ten years from the date of grant. There were no stock option awards granted during the three months ended July 31, 2025.
The following table provides the estimated weighted average fair value for options granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, and the significant weighted average assumptions used in their determination:
Three Months Ended
July 31,
2026
Weighted average fair value of options on grant date$12.92 
 
Weighted average assumptions:
Expected life of options (years)6.3
Risk-free interest rate4.2 %
Expected volatility36.7 %
Expected dividend yield3.1 %
Fair value of common stock on grant date$45.56 
Exercise price of stock option grant$50.12