Common Shares

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2023

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Common Shares

Note 16: Common Shares

Voting: The Amended Articles of Incorporation provide that each holder of a common share outstanding is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the shareholders.

Repurchase Programs: During the fourth quarter of 2023, we repurchased approximately 2.4 million common shares for $358.0 pursuant to the authorizations of the Board. Under the repurchase plan, a total of approximately 3.5 million common shares remain available for repurchase as of April 30, 2023. In accordance with the Inflation Reduction Act, a one percent excise tax was applied to share repurchases after December 31, 2022. As a result, an excise tax of $3.6 was accrued on the repurchased shares during 2023, and included within additional capital in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. A total of 2.0 million common shares were repurchased for $262.5 during 2022 under authorizations by the Board, and no excise tax was accrued on the repurchased shares. All other share repurchases during 2023 and 2022 consisted of shares repurchased from stock plan recipients in lieu of cash payments.

On March 2, 2023, we also entered into the 10b5-1 Plan that was established in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act in connection with the remaining common shares authorized for repurchase by the Board. In accordance with the 10b5-1 Plan, our designated broker has the authority to repurchase approximately 2.4 million commons shares, which commenced on the consummation of the sale of certain pet food brands on April 28, 2023, and will expire 45 calendar days after the closure of the transaction, which is in the first quarter of 2024, unless terminated earlier in accordance with the terms of the 10b5-1 Plan. Subsequent to April 30, 2023, we repurchased approximately 2.4 million common shares for $362.8 under this 10b5-1 Plan, and approximately 1.1 million common shares remain available for repurchase. An excise tax of $3.6 was also accrued on the repurchased shares during the first quarter of 2024.