e10vq
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
     
(Mark One)    
[X]
  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2011
   
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 1-6089
 
(H & R BLOCK LOGO)
 
H&R Block, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
     
MISSOURI
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  44-0607856
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
One H&R Block Way
Kansas City, Missouri 64105
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
 
(816) 854-3000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
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   Ö    No        
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, 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   Ö    No        
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
             
Large accelerated filer Ö 
  Accelerated filer        Non-accelerated filer         Smaller reporting company     
     
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes          No   Ö  
 
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock, without par value, at the close of business on February 28, 2011 was 305,250,229 shares.


 

 
(H & R BLOCK LOGO)
 
Form 10-Q for the Period Ended January 31, 2011
 
 
Table of Contents
 
             
        Page
 
PART I
 
Financial Information
       
           
      1  
           
        2  
           
        3  
           
        4  
           
      28  
           
      35  
           
      35  
           
PART II  
Other Information
       
           
      36  
           
      39  
           
      40  
           
      40  
       
    41  
 
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2
 EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
 EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT


Table of Contents

 
(H & R BLOCK LOGO)
 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  (amounts in 000s, except share and per share amounts)
 
                 
    January 31, 2011     April 30, 2010  
 
    (Unaudited)        
 
ASSETS
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,465,690     $ 1,804,045  
Cash and cash equivalents – restricted
    36,113       34,350  
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $125,561 and $112,475
    1,371,152       517,986  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    401,106       292,655  
                 
Total current assets
    3,274,061       2,649,036  
Mortgage loans held for investment, less allowance for loan losses
of $87,876 and $93,535
    513,192       595,405  
Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $700,649 and $657,008
    321,075       345,470  
Intangible assets, net
    375,644       367,432  
Goodwill
    849,028       840,447  
Other assets
    469,735       436,528  
                 
Total assets
  $ 5,802,735     $ 5,234,318  
                 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
Liabilities:
               
Customer banking deposits
  $ 1,855,195     $ 852,555  
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    671,682       756,577  
Accrued salaries, wages and payroll taxes
    153,613       199,496  
Accrued income taxes
    95,990       459,175  
Current portion of long-term debt
    3,583       3,688  
Commercial paper borrowings
    632,566       -  
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
    50,000       50,000  
                 
Total current liabilities
    3,462,629       2,321,491  
Long-term debt
    1,049,358       1,035,144  
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
    25,000       25,000  
Other noncurrent liabilities
    438,065       412,053  
                 
Total liabilities
    4,975,052       3,793,688  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, no par, stated value $.01 per share, 800,000,000 shares authorized, shares issued of 412,440,599 and 431,390,599
    4,124       4,314  
Additional paid-in capital
    809,733       832,604  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    7,162       1,678  
Retained earnings
    2,045,447       2,658,586  
Less treasury shares, at cost
    (2,038,783 )     (2,056,552 )
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    827,683       1,440,630  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 5,802,735     $ 5,234,318  
                 
 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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Table of Contents

 
(H & R BLOCK LOGO)
 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited, amounts in 000s,
except per share amounts)
 
                                 
 
    Three Months Ended January 31,     Nine Months Ended January 31,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
 
Revenues:
                               
Service revenues
  $ 677,295     $ 744,327     $ 1,220,853     $ 1,287,270  
Interest income
    56,109       48,346       77,046       72,746  
Product and other revenues
    118,078       142,179       150,946       176,422  
                                 
      851,482       934,852       1,448,845       1,536,438  
                                 
Operating expenses:
                               
Cost of revenues
    635,163       645,747       1,396,129       1,443,146  
Selling, general and administrative
    235,799       194,661       461,771       427,563  
                                 
      870,962       840,408       1,857,900       1,870,709  
                                 
Operating income (loss)
    (19,480 )     94,444       (409,055 )     (334,271 )
Other income, net
    2,031       3,007       9,170       7,996  
                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes (benefit)
    (17,449 )     97,451       (399,885 )     (326,275 )
Income taxes (benefit)
    (13,074 )     43,848       (161,060 )     (122,789 )
                                 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
    (4,375 )     53,603       (238,825 )     (203,486 )
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (8,346 )     (2,968 )     (13,626 )     (8,100 )
                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (12,721 )   $ 50,635     $ (252,451 )   $ (211,586 )
                                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                               
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ (0.01 )   $ 0.16     $ (0.77 )   $ (0.61 )
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (0.03 )     (0.01 )     (0.04 )     (0.02 )
                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (0.04 )   $ 0.15     $ (0.81 )   $ (0.63 )
                                 
Basic shares
    305,144       332,999       310,546       334,293  
                                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
                               
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ (0.01 )   $ 0.16     $ (0.77 )   $ (0.61 )
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (0.03 )     (0.01 )     (0.04 )     (0.02 )
                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (0.04 )   $ 0.15     $ (0.81 )   $ (0.63 )
                                 
Diluted shares
    305,144       334,297       310,546       334,293  
                                 
Dividends paid per share
  $ 0.15     $ 0.15     $ 0.45     $ 0.45  
                                 
                                 
Comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Net income (loss)
  $ (12,721 )   $ 50,635     $ (252,451 )   $ (211,586 )
Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net
    646       (464 )     7       (882 )
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments
    4,101       1,484       5,477       13,607  
                                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (7,974 )   $ 51,655     $ (246,967 )   $ (198,861 )
                                 
 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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Table of Contents

 
(H & R BLOCK LOGO)
 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited, amounts in 000s)
 
                 
Nine Months Ended January 31,   2011     2010  
 
 
Net cash used in operating activities
  $ (1,505,418 )   $ (2,648,962 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Principal repayments on mortgage loans held for investment, net
    45,316       56,114  
Purchases of property and equipment, net
    (51,198 )     (63,242 )
Payments made for business acquisitions, net
    (50,832 )     (10,828 )
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net
    62,298       66,760  
Loans made to franchisees
    (90,304 )     (88,564 )
Other, net
    48,577       30,849  
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (36,143 )     (8,911 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Repayments of short-term borrowings
    (2,654,653 )     (982,774 )
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
    3,286,603       2,657,436  
Customer banking deposits, net
    1,002,274       1,365,163  
Dividends paid
    (140,926 )     (151,317 )
Repurchase of common stock, including shares surrendered
    (283,494 )     (154,201 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    (866 )     15,678  
Other, net
    (10,062 )     (29,434 )
                 
Net cash provided by financing activities
    1,198,876       2,720,551  
                 
                 
Effects of exchange rates on cash
    4,330       10,336  
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (338,355 )     73,014  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
    1,804,045       1,654,663  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
  $ 1,465,690     $ 1,727,677  
                 
Supplementary cash flow data:
               
Income taxes paid
  $ 159,916     $ 269,774  
Interest paid on borrowings
    69,313       61,118  
Interest paid on deposits
    6,191       8,654  
Transfers of loans to foreclosed assets
    12,931       12,689  
 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
 
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2011, the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010 have been prepared by the Company, without audit. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows at January 31, 2011 and for all periods presented have been made.
A restatement was made to the historical condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended January 31, 2010. Loans made to franchisees and cash receipts from franchise loans of $88.6 million and $8.5 million, respectively, were previously reported in cash flows from operating activities and are now reported in cash flows from investing activities.
“H&R Block,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” are used interchangeably to refer to H&R Block, Inc. or to H&R Block, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as appropriate to the context.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our April 30, 2010 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K. All amounts presented herein as of April 30, 2010 or for the year then ended, are derived from our April 30, 2010 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K.
 
Management Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates, assumptions and judgments are applied in the determination of our allowance for loan losses, potential losses from loan repurchase and indemnity obligations associated with our discontinued mortgage business, contingent losses associated with pending litigation, fair value of reporting units, reserves for uncertain tax positions, credit losses on receivable balances and related matters. We revise our estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. As such, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
 
Seasonality of Business
Our operating revenues are seasonal in nature with peak revenues occurring in the months of January through April. Therefore, results for interim periods are not indicative of results to be expected for the full year.
 
Concentrations of Risk
Our mortgage loans held for investment include concentrations of loans to borrowers in certain states, which may result in increased exposure to loss as a result of changes in real estate values and underlying economic or market conditions related to a particular geographical location. Approximately 51% of our mortgage loan portfolio consists of loans to borrowers located in the states of Florida, California and New York.
 
Financing Receivables and Related Allowances
Our financing receivables consist primarily of mortgage loans held for investment, Emerald Advance lines of Credit (EAs), tax client receivables related to refund anticipation loans (RALs) and loans made to franchisees. Policies related to our mortgage loans held for investment and the related allowance are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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Table of Contents

 
The current portion of EAs, tax client receivables and loans made to franchisees is included in accounts receivable, while the noncurrent portion is included in other assets in the condensed consolidated financial statements. These amounts as of January 31, 2011 are as follows:
 
                         
(in 000s)  
    Emerald Advance
    Tax Client
    Loans
 
    Lines of Credit     Receivables - RALs     to Franchisees  
   
 
Current
  $ 674,317     $ 4,874     $ 85,269  
Noncurrent
    13,608       5,856       131,340  
                         
    $ 687,925     $ 10,730     $ 216,609  
                         
 
 
Related allowance for doubtful accounts is detailed in note 4.
Emerald Advance lines of credit. Interest income on EAs is calculated using the average daily balance method and is recognized based on the principal amount outstanding until the outstanding balance is paid or becomes delinquent. Loan commitment fees on EAs, net of related expenses, are initially deferred and recognized as revenue over the commitment period, which is typically two months. EAs are placed on non-accrual status as soon as they become delinquent.
We review the credit quality of these receivables based on the year the loans were originated, with different bad debt rates applied to each year. As of January 31, 2011, we had EA receivables of $648.1 million, $12.3 million and $14.7 million which were originated in fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009 and prior, respectively. We also had receivables of $12.8 million related to EA receivables of clients who paid off their original EA and qualified to maintain their loan year-round. As of January 31, 2011, $33.2 million of EAs were on non-accrual status. Payments on past due amounts are recorded as a reduction in the receivable balance.
We determine our allowance for these receivables collectively, based on a review of receipts taking into consideration historical experience. These receivables are not specifically identified and charged-off, but are evaluated on a pooled basis. Initial bad debt rates also consider whether the loan was made to a new or repeat client. At the end of each tax season the outstanding balances on these receivables are evaluated based on collections received and expected collections over the upcoming tax season. We adjust our allowance accordingly, with these adjustments reflected as bad debt expense.
Tax client receivables related to RALs. Historically, RALs were offered in our US retail tax offices through a contractual relationship with HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC). We purchased a 49.9% participation interest in all RALs obtained through our retail offices. In December 2010, HSBC terminated its contract with us based on restrictions placed on HSBC by its regulator and RALs are not being offered in our tax offices this tax season. In connection with the contract termination, we obtained the remaining rights to collect on the outstanding balances of RALs originated in years 2006 and later. All tax client receivables outstanding at January 31, 2011 were originated prior to fiscal year 2011 and are past due. We do not accrue interest on these receivables. Payments on past due amounts are recorded as a reduction in the receivable balance.
We review the credit quality of these receivables based on the year the loans were originated, with different bad debt rates applied to each year. As of January 31, 2011, we had tax client receivables of $1.7 million, $2.7 million and $6.4 million which were originated by HSBC in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 and prior, respectively. These receivables are not specifically identified and charged-off, but are evaluated on a pooled basis. At the end of each tax season the outstanding balances on these receivables are evaluated based on collections received and expected collections over the upcoming tax season. We adjust our allowance accordingly, with these adjustments reflected as bad debt expense.
Loans made to franchisees. Interest income on loans made to franchisees is calculated using the average daily balance method and is recognized based on the principal amount outstanding until the outstanding balance is paid or becomes delinquent. Loans made to franchisees totaled $216.6 million at January 31, 2011, and consisted of $145.4 million in term loans made to finance the purchase of franchises and $71.2 million in revolving lines of credit made to existing franchisees primarily for the purpose of funding their off-season needs. The credit quality of these receivables is determined on a specific franchisee basis, taking into account the franchisee’s credit score, their payment history on existing loans and operational amounts due to us, the loan-to-value ratio and debt-to-income ratio. Credit scores,


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loan-to-value ratio and debt-to-income ratio are obtained at the time of underwriting. Payment history is monitored on a regular basis. We believe all loans to franchisees fall within the same credit quality category. Loans are evaluated for impairment when they become delinquent. Amounts deemed to be uncollectible are written off to bad debt expense and bad debt related to these loans has typically been insignificant. Additionally, the franchise office serves as collateral for the loan. In the event the franchisee is unable to repay the loans, we revoke their franchise rights, write off the remaining balance of the loans and assume control of the office. We had no loans to franchisees past due or on non-accrual status as of January 31, 2011 and we had no allowance for bad debts recorded related to loans to franchisees at January 31, 2011.
 
2.  Business Combinations
Effective July 20, 2010, our Business Services segment acquired certain non-attest assets and liabilities of Caturano & Company, Inc. (Caturano), a Boston-based accounting firm, for an aggregate purchase price of $40.2 million. We expect this acquisition to expand our presence in the Boston market. We made cash payments of $32.6 million, including $29.8 million at closing. Payment of the remaining purchase price is deferred and will be paid over 14 years. The following table summarizes the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the resulting goodwill as of January 31, 2011:
 
         
(in 000s)  
   
 
Customer relationships (1)
  $ 6,733  
Non-compete agreements (2)
    2,766  
Attest firm affiliation (3)
    7,629  
Goodwill
    27,289  
Fixed assets
    2,500  
Other assets
    831  
Other liabilities
    (1,640)  
Unfavorable leasehold (2)
    (5,890)  
         
Total purchase price
  $ 40,218  
         
 
 
(1) Estimated life of 12 years.
(2) Estimated life of 7 years.
(3) Estimated life of 18 years. Represents the benefits to be received from the Alternative Practice Structure arrangement and affiliation with attest clients.
In connection with the acquisition a deferred compensation plan, an employee retention program and a performance bonus plan were put in place for eligible employees. Expenses related to these plans will be treated as compensation and will be expensed as incurred. We incurred expenses totaling $2.0 million under these plans during the nine months ended January 31, 2011.
In October 2010, we signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of 2SS Holdings, Inc., developer of TaxACT digital tax preparation solutions, for $287.5 million in cash. Completion of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.
 
3.  Earnings (Loss) Per Share and Stockholders’ Equity
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines net income per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Per share amounts are computed by dividing net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during each period. The dilutive effect of potential common shares is included in diluted earnings per share except in those periods with a loss from continuing operations. Diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of shares of common stock issuable upon the lapse of certain restrictions or the exercise of options to purchase 9.6 million shares for the three months ended January 31, 2010, as the effect would be antidilutive. Diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of shares of common stock issuable upon the lapse of certain restrictions or the exercise of options to purchase 12.6 million shares for the three and nine months ended January 31,


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2011, and 16.8 million shares for the nine months ended January 31, 2010, as the effect would be antidilutive due to the net loss from continuing operations during each period.
 
The computations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations are as follows:
 
                                 
    (in 000s, except per share amounts)  
   
    Three Months Ended January 31,     Nine Months Ended January 31,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
   
 
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to shareholders
  $ (4,375 )   $ 53,603     $ (238,825 )   $ (203,486 )
Amounts allocated to participating securities (nonvested shares)
    (148 )     (203 )     (142 )     (530 )
                                 
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable
to common shareholders
  $ (4,523 )   $ 53,400     $ (238,967 )   $ (204,016 )
                                 
Basic weighted average common shares
    305,144       332,999       310,546       334,293  
Potential dilutive shares
    -       1,298       -       -  
                                 
Dilutive weighted average common shares
    305,144       334,297       310,546       334,293  
                                 
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders:
                               
Basic
  $ (0.01 )   $ 0.16     $ (0.77 )   $ (0.61 )
Diluted
    (0.01 )     0.16       (0.77 )     (0.61 )
 
 
The weighted average shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2011 decreased to 305.1 million and 310.5 million, respectively, from 333.0 million and 334.3 million for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2010, respectively. During the nine months ended January 31, 2011, we purchased and immediately retired 19.0 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $279.9 million. We may continue to repurchase and retire common stock or retire shares held in treasury from time to time in the future. The cost of shares retired during the period was allocated to the components of stockholders’ equity as follows:
 
         
(in 000s)  
   
 
Common stock
  $ 190  
Additional paid-in capital
    11,370  
Retained earnings
    268,387  
         
    $ 279,947  
         
 
 
During the nine months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010, we issued 1.1 million and 2.2 million shares of common stock, respectively, due to the exercise of stock options, employee stock purchases and vesting of nonvested shares.
During the nine months ended January 31, 2011, we acquired 0.2 million shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $3.5 million, and during the nine months ended January 31, 2010, we acquired 0.2 million shares at an aggregate cost of $4.2 million. Shares acquired during these periods represented shares swapped or surrendered to us in connection with the vesting of nonvested shares and the exercise of stock options.
During the nine months ended January 31, 2011, we granted 2.1 million stock options and 0.8 nonvested shares and units in accordance with our stock-based compensation plans. The weighted average fair value of options granted was $2.25 for management options. These awards vest over a four year period with one-fourth vesting each year. Stock-based compensation expense of our continuing operations totaled $4.4 million and $10.6 million for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2011, respectively, and $7.2 million and $19.3 million for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2010, respectively. At January 31, 2011, unrecognized compensation cost for options totaled $5.4 million, and for nonvested shares and units totaled $13.8 million.


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4.  Receivables
Current receivables consist of the following:
 
                                 
          (in 000s)        
   
As of   January 31, 2011     January 31, 2010     April 30, 2010        
   
 
Emerald Advance lines of credit
  $ 674,317     $ 667,859     $ 57,914          
Business Services receivables
    220,404       324,085       326,681          
Receivables for tax preparation and related fees
    280,364       286,732       45,248          
Loans to franchisees
    85,269       70,706       55,047          
Royalties from franchisees
    84,049       82,943       3,845          
RAC fees receivable
    51,704       19,850       -          
Tax client receivables related to RALs
    4,874       1,109,795       21,646          
Other
    95,732       91,713       120,080          
                                 
      1,496,713       2,653,683       630,461          
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (125,561 )     (86,853 )     (112,475 )        
                                 
    $ 1,371,152     $ 2,566,830     $ 517,986          
                                 
 
 
The decrease in tax client receivables from January 2010 is due to the termination of our contract with HSBC to offer RALs during the current tax season. See additional discussion in note 1. The decrease in Business Services receivables from January 2010 is primarily a result of the change in the administrative services agreement between RSM and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP (M&P) in February 2010.
Our allowance for doubtful accounts as of January 31, 2011 consists of the following:
 
         
(in 000s)  
   
 
Allowance related to:
       
Emerald Advance lines of credit
  $ 73,645  
Tax client receivables related to RALs
    -  
Loans to franchisees
    -  
All other receivables
    51,916  
         
    $ 125,561  
         
 
 
There were no changes to our methodology related to the calculation of our allowance for doubtful accounts during the quarter.
 
5.  Mortgage Loans Held for Investment and Related Assets
The composition of our mortgage loan portfolio as of January 31, 2011 and April 30, 2010 is as follows:
 
                                 
                      (dollars in 000s)  
   
As of   January 31, 2011     April 30, 2010  
   
    Amount     % of Total     Amount     % of Total  
   
 
Adjustable-rate loans
  $ 348,523       58 %   $ 411,122       60 %
Fixed-rate loans
    248,252       42 %     272,562       40 %
                                 
      596,775       100 %     683,684       100 %
Unamortized deferred fees and costs
    4,293               5,256          
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    (87,876 )             (93,535 )        
                                 
    $ 513,192             $ 595,405          
                                 
 
 
Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the nine months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:
(in 000s)
                     
 
Nine Months Ended January 31,   2011     2010      
 
 
Balance, beginning of the period
  $ 93,535     $ 84,073      
Provision
    24,100       36,050      
Recoveries
    169       38      
Charge-offs
    (29,928 )     (22,892 )    
                     
Balance, end of the period
  $ 87,876     $ 97,269      
                     
 
 


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Our loan loss reserve as a percent of mortgage loans was 14.7% at January 31, 2011 compared to 13.7% at April 30, 2010.
When determining our allowance for loan losses, we evaluate loans less than 60 days past due on a pooled basis, while loans we consider impaired (which includes those loans more than 60 days past due or that have been modified) are evaluated individually. The balance of these loans and the related allowance is as follows at January 31, 2011:
                     
    (in 000s)
 
    Portfolio Balance     Related Allowance      
 
 
Pooled (less than 60 days past due)
  $ 319,424     $ 11,071      
Individually (modified)
    112,433       9,712      
Individually (60 days or more past due)
    164,918       67,093      
                     
    $ 596,775     $ 87,876      
                     
 
 
We review the credit quality of our portfolio based on the following criteria: (1) originator, (2) the level of documentation obtained for loan at origination, (3) occupancy status of property at origination, (4) geography, and (5) credit score and loan to value at origination. We specifically evaluate each loan and assign an internal risk rating of high, medium or low to each loan. The risk rating is based upon multiple loan characteristics that correlate to delinquency and loss. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, the five criteria listed above, plus loan to value. These loan attributes are tested annually against a variety of additional characteristics to ensure the appropriate data is being utilized to determine the level of risk within the portfolio.
All criteria are obtained at the time of origination and are only subsequently updated if the loan is refinanced.
Our portfolio includes loans originated by Sand Canyon Corporation (SCC) and purchased by H&R Block Bank (HRB Bank) which constitute approximately 63% of the total loan portfolio at January 31, 2011. We have experienced higher rates of delinquency and have greater exposure to loss with respect to this segment of our loan portfolio. Our remaining loan portfolio totaled $221.9 million and is characteristic of a prime loan portfolio, and we believe subject to a lower loss exposure. Detail of our mortgage loans held for investment and the related allowance at January 31, 2011 is as follows:
 
                                 
                (dollars in 000s)  
   
    Outstanding
    Loan Loss Allowance     %30+ Days
 
    Principal Balance     Amount     % of Principal     Past Due  
   
 
Purchased from SCC
  $ 374,870     $ 73,900       19.7%       41.5%  
All other
    221,905       13,976       6.3%       11.2%  
                                 
    $ 596,775     $ 87,876       14.7%       30.3%  
                                 
 
 
Detail of the aging of the mortgage loans in our portfolio that are past due as of January 31, 2011 is as follows:
                                                 
                            (in 000s)  
   
    Less than 60
    60-89 Days
    90+ Days
    Total
             
    Days Past Due     Past Due     Past Due     Past Due     Current     Total  
   
 
Purchased from SCC
  $ 33,484     $ 6,647     $ 134,503     $ 174,634     $ 200,236     $ 374,870  
All other
    12,146       1,843       18,610       32,599       189,306       221,905  
                                                 
    $ 45,630     $ 8,490     $ 153,113     $ 207,233     $ 389,542     $ 596,775  
                                                 
 
 


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Credit quality indicators at January 31, 2011 include the following:
 
         
    (in 000s)  
   
Credit Quality Indicators   Portfolio Balance  
   
 
Occupancy status:
       
Owner occupied
  $ 401,287  
Non-owner occupied
    195,488  
         
    $ 596,775  
         
Documentation level:
       
Full documentation
  $ 274,116  
Limited documentation
    35,200  
Stated income
    238,385  
No documentation
    49,074  
         
    $ 596,775  
         
Internal risk rating:
       
High
  $ 161,099  
Medium
    213,771  
Low
    221,905  
         
    $ 596,775  
         
 
 
In cases where we modify a loan and in so doing grant a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, the modification is considered a troubled debt restructuring (TDR). TDR loans totaled $112.4 million and $145.0 million at January 31, 2011 and April 30, 2010, respectively. The principal balance of non-performing assets as of January 31, 2011 and April 30, 2010 is as follows:
                     
    (in 000s)
 
As of   January 31, 2011     April 30, 2010      
 
 
Impaired loans:
                   
30 – 59 days past due
  $ 1,094     $ 330      
60 – 89 days past due
    8,490       11,851      
90+ days past due, non-accrual
    153,113       153,703      
TDR loans, accrual
    108,075       113,471      
TDR loans, non-accrual
    4,358       31,506      
                     
      275,130       310,861      
Real estate owned (1)
    21,841       29,252      
                     
Total non-performing assets
  $ 296,971     $ 340,113      
                     
 
 
(1) Includes loans accounted for as in-substance foreclosures of $8.9 million and $12.5 million at January 31, 2011 and April 30, 2010, respectively.
Activity related to our real estate owned (REO) is as follows:
(in 000s)
                     
 
Nine Months Ended January 31,   2011     2010      
 
 
Balance, beginning of the period
  $ 29,252     $ 44,533      
Additions
    12,931       12,689      
Sales
    (16,900 )     (17,528 )    
Writedowns
    (3,442 )     (8,183 )    
                     
Balance, end of the period
  $ 21,841     $ 31,511      
                     
 
 
 
6.  Fair Value
We use the following valuation methodologies for assets and liabilities measured at fair value and the general classification of these instruments pursuant to the fair value hierarchy.
  •  Available-for-sale securities – Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value on a recurring basis. When available, fair value is based on quoted prices in an active market and as such, would be classified as Level 1. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are estimated using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics. Available-for-sale securities that we classify as Level 2


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include certain agency and non-agency mortgage-backed securities, U.S. states and political subdivisions debt securities and other debt and equity securities.
  •  Real estate owned – REO includes foreclosed properties securing mortgage loans. Foreclosed assets are adjusted to fair value less costs to sell upon transfer of the loans to REO. Fair value is generally based on independent market prices or appraised values of the collateral. Subsequent holding period losses and losses arising from the sale of REO are expensed as incurred. REO is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. These assets are classified as Level 3.
  •  Impaired mortgage loans held for investment – The fair value of impaired mortgage loans held for investment is generally based on the net present value of discounted cash flows for TDR loans or the appraised value of the underlying collateral for all other loans. These loans are classified as Level 3.
The following table presents for each hierarchy level the assets that were remeasured at fair value on both a recurring and non-recurring basis during the nine months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010:
 
                                 
    (dollars in 000s)  
   
    Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
   
 
Nine months ended January 31, 2011:
                               
Recurring:
                               
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 19,927     $ -     $ 19,927     $ -  
Municipal bonds
    8,740       -       8,740       -  
Non-recurring:
                               
REO
    19,532       -       -       19,532  
Impaired mortgage loans held for investment
    174,062       -       -       174,062  
                                 
    $ 222,261     $ -     $ 28,667     $ 193,594  
                                 
As a percentage of total assets
    3.8%       -%       0.5%       3.3%  
Nine months ended January 31, 2010:
                               
Recurring:
                               
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 24,259     $ -     $ 24,259     $ -  
Municipal bonds
    9,966       -       9,966       -  
Non-recurring:
                               
REO
    27,492       -       -       27,492  
Impaired mortgage loans held for investment
    188,891       -       -       188,891  
                                 
    $ 250,608     $ -     $ 34,225     $ 216,383  
                                 
As a percentage of total assets
    3.4%       -%       0.5%       2.9%  
 
 
There were no changes to the unobservable inputs used in determining the fair values of our level 2 and level 3 financial assets.
The following methods were used to determine the fair values of our other financial instruments:
  •  Cash equivalents, accounts receivable, demand deposits, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, commercial paper borrowings and the current portion of long-term debt – The carrying values reported in the balance sheet for these items approximate fair market value due to the relative short-term nature of the respective instruments.
  •  Mortgage loans held for investment – The fair value of mortgage loans held for investment is generally determined using market pricing sources based on origination channel and performance characteristics.
  •  IRAs and other time deposits – The fair value is calculated based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows.
  •  Long-term borrowings and Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) borrowings – The fair value of borrowings is based on rates currently available to us for obligations with similar terms and maturities, including current market rates on our Senior Notes.


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The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments at January 31, 2011 are as follows:
 
(in 000s)
                     
 
    Carrying
    Estimated
     
    Amount     Fair Value      
 
 
Mortgage loans held for investment
  $ 513,192     $ 306,962      
IRAs and other time deposits
    669,786       672,614      
Long-term borrowings
    1,052,941       1,085,456      
FHLB advances
    75,000       75,417      
 
 
 
7.  Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended January 31, 2011 consist of the following:
                         
(in 000s)  
   
    Tax Services     Business Services     Total  
   
 
Balance at April 30, 2010:
                       
Goodwill
  $ 453,884     $ 403,751     $ 857,635  
Accumulated impairment losses
    (2,188 )     (15,000 )     (17,188 )
                         
      451,696       388,751       840,447  
                         
Changes:
                       
Acquisitions
    14,674       28,544       43,218  
Disposals and other
    (8,681 )     (3,256 )     (11,937 )
Impairments
    (22,700 )     -       (22,700 )
                         
Balance at January 31, 2011:
                       
Goodwill
    459,877       429,039       888,916  
Accumulated impairment losses
    (24,888 )     (15,000 )     (39,888 )
                         
    $ 434,989     $ 414,039     $ 849,028  
                         
 
 
We test goodwill for impairment annually at the beginning of our fourth quarter, or more frequently if events occur which could, more likely than not, reduce the fair value of a reporting unit’s net assets below its carrying value.
The RedGear reporting unit within our Tax Services segment experienced lower than expected settlement product revenues, and as a result, we evaluated this reporting unit’s goodwill for impairment at January 31, 2011. The measurement of impairment of goodwill consists of two steps. In the first step, we compared the fair value of this reporting unit, determined using discounted cash flows, to its carrying value. As the results of the first test indicated that the fair value was less than its carrying value, we then performed the second step, which was to determine the implied fair value of its goodwill and to compare that to its carrying value. The second step included hypothetically valuing all of the tangible and intangible assets of this reporting unit. As a result, we recorded an impairment of the reporting unit’s goodwill of $22.7 million during the three months ended January 31, 2011, leaving a remaining goodwill balance of approximately $14 million. The impairment is included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.


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Intangible assets consist of the following:
                                                 
                                  (in 000s)  
   
As of   January 31, 2011     April 30, 2010  
   
    Gross
                Gross
             
    Carrying
    Accumulated
          Carrying
    Accumulated
       
    Amount     Amortization     Net     Amount     Amortization     Net  
   
 
Tax Services:
                                               
Customer relationships
  $ 88,311     $ (38,940 )   $ 49,371     $ 67,705     $ (33,096 )   $ 34,609  
Noncompete agreements
    23,461       (21,859 )     1,602       23,062       (21,278 )     1,784  
Reacquired franchise rights
    214,330       (8,983 )     205,347       223,773       (6,096 )     217,677  
Franchise agreements
    19,201       (2,773 )     16,428       19,201       (1,813 )     17,388  
Purchased technology
    14,700       (7,941 )     6,759       14,500       (6,266 )     8,234  
Trade name
    1,325       (550 )     775       1,325       (400 )     925  
Business Services:
                                               
Customer relationships
    152,082       (126,723 )     25,359       145,149       (120,037 )     25,112  
Noncompete agreements
    35,818       (24,001 )     11,817       33,052       (22,118 )     10,934  
Attest firm affiliation
    7,629       (212 )     7,417       -       -       -  
Trade name – amortizing
    2,600       (2,600 )     -       2,600       (2,600 )     -  
Trade name – non-amortizing
    55,637       (4,868 )     50,769       55,637       (4,868 )     50,769  
                                                 
    $ 615,094     $ (239,450 )   $ 375,644     $ 586,004     $ (218,572 )   $ 367,432  
                                                 
 
 
Amortization of intangible assets for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2011 was $7.4 and $21.6 million respectively, and $7.1 million and $21.4 million for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2010, respectively. Estimated amortization of intangible assets for fiscal years 2011 through 2015 is $30.7 million, $29.1 million, $24.7 million, $21.1 million and $15.7 million, respectively.
In connection with the acquisition of Caturano, as discussed in note 2, we recorded a liability related to unfavorable operating lease terms in the amount of $5.9 million, which will be amortized over the remaining contractual life of the operating lease. The net balance was $5.6 million at January 31, 2011.
 
8.  Borrowings
Borrowings consist of the following:
                         
   
As of         (in 000s)  
   
    January 31, 2011     January 31, 2010     April 30, 2010  
   
 
Short-term borrowings:
                       
Commercial paper
  $ 632,566     $ 792,594     $ -  
HSBC credit facility
    -       882,500       -  
                         
    $ 632,566     $ 1,675,094     $ -  
                         
Long-term borrowings:
                       
Senior Notes, 7.875%, due January 2013
  $ 599,758     $ 599,633     $ 599,664  
Senior Notes, 5.125%, due October 2014
    399,117       398,882       398,941  
Other
    54,066       36,861       40,227  
                         
      1,052,941       1,035,376       1,038,832  
Less: Current portion
    (3,583 )     (2,576 )     (3,688 )
                         
    $ 1,049,358     $ 1,032,800     $ 1,035,144  
                         
 
 
We had commercial paper borrowings of $632.6 million at January 31, 2011, compared to $792.6 million at the same time last year. These borrowings were used to fund our off-season losses and cover our seasonal working capital needs. We also had other short-term borrowings of $882.5 million outstanding at January 31, 2010 to fund our participation interests in RALs.
At January 31, 2011, we maintained a committed line of credit (CLOC) agreement to support commercial paper issuances, general corporate purposes or for working capital needs. This facility provides funding up to $1.7 billion and matures July 31, 2013. This facility bears interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus 1.30% to 2.80% or PRIME plus 0.30% to 1.80% (depending on the type of borrowing) and includes an annual facility fee of 0.20% to 0.70% of the committed amounts, based on our credit ratings. Covenants in this facility include: (1) maintenance of a minimum net worth of $650.0 million on the last day of any fiscal


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quarter; and (2) reduction of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of short-term debt, as defined in the agreement, to $200.0 million or less for thirty consecutive days during the period March 1 to June 30 of each year (“Clean-down requirement”). At January 31, 2011, we were in compliance with these covenants and had net worth of $827.7 million. We had no balance outstanding under the CLOCs at January 31, 2011.
HRB Bank is a member of the FHLB of Des Moines, which extends credit to member banks based on eligible collateral. At January 31, 2011, HRB Bank had total FHLB advance capacity of $226.2 million. There was $75.0 million outstanding on this facility, leaving remaining availability of $151.2 million. Mortgage loans held for investment of $381.5 million serve as eligible collateral and are used to determine total capacity.
 
9.  Income Taxes
We file a consolidated federal income tax return in the United States and file tax returns in various state and foreign jurisdictions. The U.S. Federal consolidated tax returns for the years 1999 through 2007 are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service, with the 1999-2005 years currently at the appellate level. Federal returns for tax years prior to 1999 are closed by statute. Historically, tax returns in various foreign and state jurisdictions are examined and settled upon completion of the exam.
During the nine months ended January 31, 2011, we accrued additional gross interest and penalties of $4.5 million related to our uncertain tax positions. We had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $131.5 million and $129.8 million at January 31, 2011 and April 30, 2010, respectively. The gross unrecognized tax benefits increased $1.7 million in the current year, due to accruals of tax and interest on positions related to prior years. Except as noted below, we have classified the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including corresponding accrued interest, as long-term at January 31, 2011, and included this amount in other noncurrent liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Based upon the expiration of statutes of limitations, payments of tax and other factors in several jurisdictions, we believe it is reasonably possible that the gross amount of reserves for previously unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by approximately $16.5 million within twelve months of January 31, 2011. This portion of our liability for unrecognized tax benefits has been classified as current and is included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
 
10.  Interest Income and Expense
The following table shows the components of interest income and expense of our continuing operations:
 
                                 
(in 000s)  
   
    Three Months Ended January 31,     Nine Months Ended January 31,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
   
 
Interest income:
                               
Mortgage loans held for investment
  $ 5,923     $ 7,567     $ 18,771     $ 23,535  
Emerald Advance lines of credit
    46,132       36,867       47,590       39,944  
Other
    4,054       3,912       10,685       9,267  
                                 
    $ 56,109     $ 48,346     $ 77,046     $ 72,746  
                                 
Interest expense:
                               
Borrowings
  $ 22,244     $ 19,617     $ 63,778     $ 57,088  
Deposits
    2,587       3,340       6,457       7,673  
FHLB advances
    397       509       1,189       1,526  
                                 
    $ 25,228     $ 23,466     $ 71,424     $ 66,287  
                                 
 
 


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11.  Regulatory Requirements
HRB Bank files its regulatory Thrift Financial Report (TFR) on a calendar quarter basis with the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS). The following table sets forth HRB Bank’s regulatory capital requirements at December 31, 2010, as calculated in the most recently filed TFR:
 
                                     
                        (dollars in 000s)
 
            To Be Well
            Capitalized
            Under Prompt
        For Capital Adequacy
  Corrective
    Actual   Purposes   Action Provisions
 
    Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio
 
 
Total risk-based capital ratio (1)
  $ 426,848     36.4%   $ 93,864     8.0%   $ 117,330     10.0%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio (2)
  $ 412,139     35.1%     N/A     N/A   $ 70,398     6.0%
Tier 1 capital ratio (leverage) (3)
  $ 412,139     23.0%   $ 215,244     12.0%   $ 89,685     5.0%
Tangible equity ratio (4)
  $ 412,139     23.0%   $ 26,905     1.5%     N/A     N/A
 
 
(1) Total risk-based capital divided by risk-weighted assets.
(2) Tier 1 (core) capital less deduction for low-level recourse and residual interest divided by risk-weighted assets.
(3) Tier 1 (core) capital divided by adjusted total assets.
(4) Tangible capital divided by tangible assets.
As of January 31, 2011, HRB Bank’s leverage ratio was 20.7%.
 
12.  Variable Interests
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued revised authoritative guidance associated with the consolidation of variable interest entities (VIEs). The revised guidance replaced the previous quantitative-based assessment for determining whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE and focuses primarily on a qualitative assessment. This assessment requires identifying the enterprise that has (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that can most significantly impact the entity’s performance; and (2) the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to such entity. The revised guidance also requires that the enterprise continually reassess whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE rather than conducting a reassessment only upon the occurrence of specific events.
We implemented this guidance on May 1, 2010 and evaluated our financial interests to determine if we had interests in VIEs and if we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE.
The following is a description of our financial interests in VIEs which we consider significant or where we are the sponsor. For these VIEs we have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary and, therefore have not consolidated the VIEs. Prior to implementation of this new guidance we did not consolidate these entities.
  •  McGladrey & Pullen LLP – The administrative services agreement with M&P and compensation arrangements between RSM McGladrey (RSM) and their managing directors represent a variable interest in M&P. These agreements are described more fully in our 2010 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K.
We have concluded that RSM is not the primary beneficiary of M&P and, therefore, we have not consolidated M&P. RSM does not have an equity interest in M&P, nor does it have the power to direct any activities of M&P and does not receive any of its income. We have no assets or liabilities included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets related to our variable interests. We believe RSM’s maximum exposure to economic loss, resulting from various agreements with M&P, relates primarily to shared office space from operating leases under the administrative services agreement equal to approximately $112.4 million at January 31, 2011, and variability in our operating results due to the compensation agreements with RSM managing directors. We do not provide any support that is not contractually required.
  •  Securitization Trusts – SCC holds an interest in and is the sponsor (issuer) of 56 REMIC Trusts and 14 NIM Trusts (collectively, “Trusts”) related to previously originated mortgage loans that were securitized. These Trusts are variable interest entities. The REMIC Trusts hold static pools of sub-prime residential mortgage loans. The NIM Trusts hold beneficial interests in certain REMIC Trusts. The


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  Trusts were designed to collect and pass through to the beneficial interest holders the cash flows of the underlying mortgage loans. The REMIC Trusts were financed with bonds and equity. The NIM Trusts were financed with notes and equity. All bonds and notes are held by third-party investors.
Our identification of the primary beneficiary of the Trusts was based on a determination that the servicer of the underlying mortgage loans has the power to direct the most significant activities of the Trusts because the servicer handles all of the loss mitigation activities for the mortgage loans.
SCC is not the servicer of the mortgage loans underlying the REMIC Trusts. Therefore, SCC is not the primary beneficiary of the REMIC Trusts because it does not have the power to direct the most significant activities of the REMIC Trusts, which is the servicing of the underlying mortgage loans.
SCC does have the exclusive right to appoint a servicer when certain conditions have been met for specific loans related to two of the NIM Trusts. As of January 31, 2011, those conditions have been met for a minority portion of the loans underlying those Trusts. As this right pertains only to a minority of the loans, we have concluded that SCC does not have the power to direct the most significant activities of these two NIM Trusts, as the servicer has the power to direct significant activities over the majority of the mortgage loans. In the remaining NIM Trusts, SCC has a shared right to appoint a servicer under certain conditions. For these NIM Trusts, we have concluded that SCC is not the primary beneficiary because the power to direct the most significant activities, which is the servicing of the underlying mortgage loans, is shared with other unrelated parties.
At January 31, 2011, we had no significant assets or liabilities included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets related to SCC’s variable interests in the Trusts. We have a liability, as discussed in note 13, and a deferred tax asset recorded in our condensed consolidated balance sheets related to obligations for representations and warranties SCC made in connection with the transfer of mortgage loans, including mortgage loans held by the securitization trusts. We have no remaining exposure to economic loss arising from impairment of SCC’s beneficial interest in the Trusts. If SCC receives cash flows in the future as a holder of beneficial interests we would record gains as other income in our income statement. Neither we nor SCC has liquidity arrangements, guarantees or other commitments for the Trusts, nor has any support been provided that was not contractually required.
 
13.  Commitments and Contingencies
Changes in deferred revenue balances related to our Peace of Mind (POM) program, the current portion of which is included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities and the long-term portion of which is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, are as follows:
 
                 
          (in 000s)  
   
Nine Months Ended January 31,   2011     2010  
   
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 141,542     $ 146,807  
Amounts deferred for new guarantees issued
    19,376       21,139  
Revenue recognized on previous deferrals
    (59,882)       (58,122)  
                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 101,036     $ 109,824  
                 
 
 
In addition to amounts accrued for our POM guarantee, we had accrued $11.9 million and $14.5 million at January 31, 2011 and April 30, 2010, respectively, related to our standard guarantee which is included with our standard tax preparation services.
The following table summarizes certain of our other contractual obligations and commitments:
 
                 
          (in 000s)  
   
As of   January 31, 2011     April 30, 2010  
   
 
Franchise Equity Lines of Credit – undrawn commitment
  $ 13,828     $ 36,806  
Contingent business acquisition obligations
    25,765       20,697  
Media advertising purchase obligation
    8,897       26,548  
 
 
We routinely enter into contracts that include embedded indemnifications that have characteristics similar to guarantees. Guarantees and indemnifications of the Company and its subsidiaries include obligations to protect counterparties from losses arising from the following: (1) tax, legal and other risks


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related to the purchase or disposition of businesses; (2) penalties and interest assessed by federal and state taxing authorities in connection with tax returns prepared for clients; (3) indemnification of our directors and officers; and (4) third-party claims relating to various arrangements in the normal course of business. Typically, there is no stated maximum payment related to these indemnifications, and the terms of the indemnities may vary and in many cases are limited only by the applicable statute of limitations. The likelihood of any claims being asserted against us and the ultimate liability related to any such claims, if any, is difficult to predict. While we cannot provide assurance we will ultimately prevail in the event any such claims are asserted, we believe the fair value of guarantees and indemnifications relating to our continuing operations is not material as of January 31, 2011.
 
Discontinued Operations
SCC, previously known as Option One Mortgage Corporation, ceased originating mortgage loans in December 2007 and, in April 2008, sold its servicing assets and discontinued its remaining operations. The sale of servicing assets did not include the sale of any mortgage loans.
In connection with the securitization and sale of loans, SCC made certain representations and warranties, including, but not limited to, representations relating to matters such as ownership of the loan, validity of lien securing the loan, and the loan’s compliance with SCC’s underwriting criteria. Representations and warranties in whole loan sale transactions to institutional investors included a “knowledge qualifier” which limits SCC liability for borrower fraud to those instances where SCC had knowledge of the fraud at the time the loans were sold. In the event that there is a breach of a representation and warranty and such breach materially and adversely affects the value of a mortgage loan, SCC may be obligated to repurchase a loan or otherwise indemnify certain parties for losses incurred as a result of loan liquidation. Generally, these representations and warranties are not subject to a stated term, but would be subject to statutes of limitation applicable to the contractual provisions.
Claims received by SCC have primarily related to alleged breaches of representations and warranties related to a loan’s compliance with the underwriting standards established by SCC at origination, borrower fraud and credit exceptions without sufficient compensating factors. Claims received since May 1, 2008 follows:
 
                                                                         
(in millions)
 
    Fiscal Year 2009   Fiscal Year 2010   Fiscal Year 2011    
 
    Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   Q1   Q2   Q3   Total
 
 
Loan Origination Year:
2005
  $ 40   $ 21   $ 1   $ -   $ -   $ 15   $ -   $ -   $ 6   $ 1   $ -   $ 84
2006
    89     10     111     7     2     57     4     45     100     15     29     469
2007
    43     10     85     15     4     11     7     -     3     5     4     187
                                                                         
Total
  $ 172   $ 41   $ 197   $ 22   $ 6   $ 83   $ 11   $ 45   $ 109   $ 21   $ 33   $ 740
                                                                         
 
 
Note: The table above excludes amounts related to an indemnity agreement dated April 2008, which is discussed below.
For those claims determined to be valid, SCC has complied with its obligations by either repurchasing the mortgage loans or REO properties, providing for the reimbursement of losses in connection with liquidated REO properties, or reaching other settlements. SCC has denied approximately 85% of all claims received, excluding resolution reached under other settlements. Counterparties could reassert claims that SCC has denied. Of claims determined to be valid, approximately 23% resulted in loan repurchases, and 77% resulted in indemnification or settlement payments. Losses on loan repurchase, indemnification and settlement payments totaled approximately $88 million for the period May 1, 2008 through January 31, 2011. Loss severity rates on repurchases and indemnification have approximated 60% and SCC has not observed any material trends related to average losses by counterparty. Repurchased loans are considered held for sale and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The net balance of all mortgage loans held for sale by SCC was $13.8 million at January 31, 2011.
SCC generally has 60 to 120 days to respond to representation and warranty claims and performs a loan-by-loan review of all repurchase claims during this time. SCC has completed its review of all claims, with the exception of claims totaling approximately $14 million, which remained subject to review as of


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January 31, 2011. Of the claims still subject to review, approximately $2 million are from private-label securitizations related to rescissions of mortgage insurance, and $10 million are from monoline insurers, with the remainder from government sponsored entities.
All claims asserted against SCC since May 1, 2008 relate to loans originated during calendar years 2005 through 2007, of which, approximately 89% relate to loans originated in calendar years 2006 and 2007. During calendar year 2005 through 2007, SCC originated approximately $84 billion in loans, of which less than 1% were sold to government sponsored entities. SCC is not subject to loss on loans that have been paid in full, repurchased, or were sold without recourse.
The majority of claims asserted since May 1, 2008, which have been determined by SCC to represent a valid breach of its representations and warranties, relate to loans that became delinquent within the first two years following the origination of the mortgage loan. SCC believes the longer a loan performs prior to an event of default, the less likely the default will be related to a breach of a representation and warranty. The balance of loans originated in 2005, 2006 and 2007 which defaulted in the first two years is $4.0 billion, $6.3 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively, at January 31, 2011.
SCC estimates losses relating to representation and warranty claims by estimating loan repurchase and indemnification obligations on both known claims and projections of future claims. Projections of future claims are based on an analysis that includes a combination of reviewing repurchase demands and actual defaults and loss severities by counterparty, inquiries from various third-parties, the terms and provisions of related agreements and the historical rate of repurchase and indemnification obligations related to breaches of representations and warranties. SCC’s methodology for calculating this liability considers the probability that individual counterparties (whole-loan purchasers, private label securitization trustees and monoline insurers) will assert future claims.
SCC has recorded a liability for estimated contingent losses related to representation and warranty claims as of January 31, 2011, of $155.0 million, which represents SCC’s best estimate of the probable loss that may occur. This overall liability amount includes $24.2 million that was established under an indemnity agreement dated April 2008 with a specific counterparty in exchange for a full and complete release of such party’s ability to assert representation and warranty claims. This indemnity agreement was given as part of obtaining the counterparty’s consent to SCC’s sale of its mortgage servicing business in 2008. During the current year, payments totaling $25.6 million were made under this agreement. We expect the remaining obligation of $24.2 million to be paid in the fourth quarter of this fiscal year.
The recorded liability represents SCC’s estimate of losses from future claims where assertion of a claim and a related contingent loss are both deemed probable. Because the rate at which future claims may be deemed valid and loss severity rates may differ significantly from historical experience, SCC is not able to estimate reasonably possible loss outcomes in excess of its current accrual. A 1% increase in both assumed validity rates and loss severities would result in losses above SCC’s accrual of approximately $21 million. This sensitivity is hypothetical and is intended to provide an indication of the impact of a change in key assumptions on the representations and warranties liability. In reality, changes in one assumption may result in changes in other assumptions, which may or may not counteract the sensitivity.
While SCC uses the best information available to it in estimating its liability, assessing the likelihood that claims will be asserted in the future and estimating probable losses are inherently difficult to estimate and require considerable management judgment. Although net losses on settled claims since May 1, 2008 have been within initial loss estimates, to the extent that the level of claims asserted, the level of valid claim volumes, the counterparties asserting claims, the nature of claims, or the value of residential home prices differ in the future from current estimates, future losses may be greater than the current estimates and those differences may be significant.


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A rollforward of our liability for losses on repurchases for the nine months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:
 
                 
          (in 000s)  
   
Nine Months Ended January 31,   2011     2010  
   
 
Balance, beginning of period:
               
Amount related to repurchase and indemnifications
  $ 138,415     $ 156,659  
Amount related to indemnity agreement dated April 2008
    49,785       49,936  
                 
      188,200       206,595  
                 
Changes:
               
Provisions
    -       -  
Losses on repurchase and indemnifications
    (7,652)       (8,234)  
Payments under indemnity agreement dated April 2008
    (25,562)       (103)  
                 
Balance, end of period:
               
Amount related to repurchase and indemnifications
    130,763       148,425  
Amount related to indemnity agreement dated April 2008
    24,223       49,833  
                 
    $ 154,986     $ 198,258  
                 
 
 
The repurchase liability is included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. There have been no provisions for additional losses included in the income statement since April 30, 2008; however, loss provisions would be recorded net of tax in discontinued operations.
 
14.  Litigation and Related Contingencies
We are party to investigations, legal claims and lawsuits arising out of our business operations. As required, we accrue our best estimate of loss contingencies when we believe a loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate the amount of any such loss. Amounts accrued, including obligations under indemnifications, totaled $43.9 million and $35.5 million at January 31, 2011 and April 30, 2010, respectively. Litigation is inherently unpredictable and it is difficult to project the outcome of particular matters with reasonable certainty and, therefore, the actual amount of any loss may prove to be larger or smaller than the amounts reflected in our consolidated financial statements.
 
RAL Litigation
We have been named in multiple lawsuits as defendants in litigation regarding our refund anticipation loan program in past years. All of those lawsuits have been settled or otherwise resolved, except for one.
The sole remaining case is a putative class action styled Sandra J. Basile, et al. v. H&R Block, Inc., et al., April Term 1992 Civil Action No. 3246 in the Court of Common Pleas, First Judicial District Court of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County, instituted on April 23, 1993. The plaintiffs allege inadequate disclosures with respect to the RAL product and assert claims for violation of consumer protection statutes, negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, common law fraud, usury, and violation of the Truth In Lending Act. Plaintiffs seek unspecified actual and punitive damages, injunctive relief, attorneys’ fees and costs. A Pennsylvania class was certified, but later decertified by the trial court in December 2003. An appellate court subsequently reversed the decertification decision. We are appealing the reversal. We have not concluded that a loss related to this matter is probable nor have we accrued a loss contingency related to this matter. Plaintiffs have not provided a dollar amount of their claim and we are not able to estimate a possible range of loss. We believe we have meritorious defenses to this case and intend to defend it vigorously. There can be no assurances, however, as to the outcome of this case or its impact on our consolidated results of operations.
 
Express IRA Litigation
We have been named defendants in lawsuits regarding our former Express IRA product. All of those lawsuits have been settled or otherwise resolved, except for one.
The one remaining case was filed on January 2, 2008 by the Mississippi Attorney General in the Chancery Court of Hinds County, Mississippi First Judicial District (Case No. G 2008 6 S 2) and is styled Jim Hood, Attorney for the State of Mississippi v. H&R Block, Inc., H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc., et al. The complaint alleges fraudulent business practices, deceptive acts and practices, common law


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fraud and breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the sale of the product in Mississippi and seeks equitable relief, disgorgement of profits, damages and restitution, civil penalties and punitive damages. We are not able to estimate a possible range of loss. We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims in this case, and we intend to defend this case vigorously, but there can be no assurances as to its outcome or its impact on our consolidated results of operations.
Although we sold H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc. (HRBFA) effective November 1, 2008, we remain responsible for any liabilities relating to the Express IRA litigation, among other things, through an indemnification agreement. A portion of our accrual is related to these indemnity obligations.
 
RSM McGladrey Litigation
RSM EquiCo, its parent and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, are parties to a class action filed on July 11, 2006 and styled Do Right’s Plant Growers, et al. v. RSM EquiCo, Inc., et al. (the “RSM Parties”), Case No. 06 CC00137, in the California Superior Court, Orange County. The complaint contains allegations relating to business valuation services provided by RSM EquiCo, including allegations of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract, conversion and unfair competition. Plaintiffs seek unspecified actual and punitive damages, in addition to pre-judgment interest and attorneys’ fees. On March 17, 2009, the court granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification on all claims. The defendants filed two requests for interlocutory review of the decision, the last of which was denied by the Supreme Court of California on September 30, 2009. A trial date has been set for May 2011.
The certified class consists of RSM EquiCo’s U.S. clients who signed platform agreements and for whom RSM EquiCo did not ultimately market their business for sale. A portion of our loss contingency accrual is related to this matter for the amount of loss that we consider probable and estimable, although it is possible that our losses could exceed the amount we have accrued. The fees paid to RSM EquiCo in connection with these agreements total approximately $185 million, a number which substantially exceeds the equity of RSM EquiCo. Plaintiffs seek to recover restitution in an amount equal to the fees paid, in addition to punitive damages and attorney fees. We believe the RSM Parties have meritorious defenses to the case and intend to defend the case vigorously. The amount claimed in this action is substantial and could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations. There can be no assurance regarding the outcome of this matter.
On December 7, 2009, a lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (2010-L-014920) against M&P, RSM and H&R Block styled Ronald R. Peterson ex rel. Lancelot Investors Fund, L.P., et al. v. McGladrey & Pullen LLP, et al. The case was removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on December 28, 2009 (Case No. 1:10-CV-00274). The complaint, which was filed by the trustee for certain bankrupt investment funds, seeks unspecified damages and asserts claims against RSM for vicarious liability and alter ego liability and against H&R Block for equitable restitution relating to audit work performed by M&P. The amount claimed in this case is substantial. On November 3, 2010, the court dismissed the case against all defendants in its entirety with prejudice. The trustee has filed an appeal to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which remains pending.
RSM and M&P operate in an alternative practice structure (“APS”). Accordingly, certain claims and lawsuits against M&P could have an impact on RSM. More specifically, any judgments or settlements arising from claims and lawsuits against M&P that exceed its insurance coverage could have a direct adverse effect on M&P’s operations. Although RSM is not responsible for the liabilities of M&P, significant M&P litigation and claims could impair the profitability of the APS and impair the ability to attract and retain clients and quality professionals. This could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on RSM’s operations and impair the value of our investment in RSM. There is no assurance regarding the outcome of any claims or litigation involving M&P.
 
Litigation and Claims Pertaining to Discontinued Mortgage Operations
Although mortgage loan origination activities were terminated and the loan servicing business was sold during fiscal year 2008, SCC and HRB remain subject to investigations, claims and lawsuits pertaining to its loan origination and servicing activities that occurred prior to such termination and sale. These investigations, claims and lawsuits include actions by state attorneys general, other state and federal regulators, municipalities, individual plaintiffs, and cases in which plaintiffs seek to represent a class of others alleged to be similarly situated. Among other things, these investigations, claims and lawsuits allege


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discriminatory or unfair and deceptive loan origination and servicing practices, public nuisance, fraud, and violations of securities laws, the Truth in Lending Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act. In the current non-prime mortgage environment, the number of these investigations, claims and lawsuits has increased over historical experience and is likely to continue at increased levels. The amounts claimed in these investigations, claims and lawsuits are substantial in some instances, and the ultimate resulting liability is difficult to predict and thus cannot be reasonably estimated. In the event of unfavorable outcomes, the amounts that may be required to pay in the discharge of liabilities or settlements could be substantial and, because SCC’s operating results are included in our consolidated financial statements, could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations.
On June 3, 2008, the Massachusetts Attorney General filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of Suffolk County, Massachusetts (Case No. 08-2474-BLS) styled Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. H&R Block, Inc., et al., alleging unfair, deceptive and discriminatory origination and servicing of mortgage loans and seeking equitable relief, disgorgement of profits, restitution and statutory penalties. In November 2008, the court granted a preliminary injunction limiting the ability of the owner of SCC’s former loan servicing business to initiate or advance foreclosure actions against certain loans originated by SCC or its subsidiaries without (1) advance notice to the Massachusetts Attorney General and (2) if the Attorney General objects to foreclosure, approval by the court. An appeal of the preliminary injunction was denied. A trial date has been set for June 2011. A portion of our loss contingency accrual is related to this matter for the amount of loss that we consider probable and estimable. We do not believe losses in excess of our accrual would be material to our financial statements, although it is possible that our losses could exceed the amount we have accrued. We and SCC believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims presented and intend to defend them vigorously. There can be no assurances, however, as to its outcome or its impact on our consolidated results of operations.
On October 15, 2010, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (Case No. 10CH45033) styled Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago v. Bank of America Funding Corporation, et al. against multiple defendants, including various SCC related entities and H&R Block, Inc. related entities, arising out of FHLB’s purchase of mortgage-backed securities. Plaintiff asserts claims for rescission and damages under Illinois securities law and for common law negligent misrepresentation in connection with its purchase of two securities originated and securitized by SCC. These two securities had a total initial principal amount of approximately $50 million, of which approximately $42 million remains outstanding. We have not concluded that a loss related to this matter is probable nor have we established a loss contingency related to this matter. We believe the claims in this case are without merit and we intend to defend them vigorously. There can be no assurances, however, as to its outcome or its impact on our consolidated results of operations.
 
Other Claims and Litigation
We have been named in several wage and hour class action lawsuits throughout the country, respectively styled Alice Williams v. H&R Block Enterprises LLC, Case No.RG08366506 (Superior Court of California, County of Alameda, filed January 17, 2008) (alleging improper classification of office managers in California); Arabella Lemus v. H&R Block Enterprises LLC, et al., Case No. CGC-09-489251 (United States District Court, Northern District of California, filed June 9, 2009) (alleging failure to timely pay compensation to tax professionals in California and to include itemized information on wage statements); Delana Ugas v. H&R Block Enterprises LLC, et al., Case No. BC417700 (United States District Court, Central District of California, filed July 13, 2009) (alleging failure to compensate tax professionals in California and eighteen other states for all hours worked and to provide meal periods); and Barbara Petroski v. H&R Block Eastern Enterprises, Inc., et al., Case No. 10-CV-00075 (United States District Court, Western District of Missouri, filed January 25, 2010) (alleging failure to compensate tax professionals nationwide for off-season training). A class was certified in the Lemus case in December 2010 consisting of all tax professionals who worked in company-owned offices in California from 2007 to 2010. The plaintiffs in the wage and hour class action lawsuits seek actual damages, pre-judgment interest and attorneys’ fees, in addition to statutory penalties under California and federal law, which could equal up to 30 days of wages per tax season for class members who worked in California. The potential loss related to the wage and hour class action lawsuits cannot be reasonably estimated, but our losses could


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exceed the amount we have accrued. We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims in these cases and intend to defend them vigorously. The amounts claimed in these matters are substantial in some instances and the ultimate liability with respect to these matters is difficult to predict. There can be no assurances as to the outcome of these cases or their impact on our consolidated results of operations, individually or in the aggregate.
In addition, we are from time to time party to investigations, claims and lawsuits not discussed herein arising out of our business operations. These investigations, claims and lawsuits include actions by state attorneys general, other state regulators, individual plaintiffs, and cases in which plaintiffs seek to represent a class of others similarly situated. We believe we have meritorious defenses to each of these investigations, claims and lawsuits, and we are defending or intend to defend them vigorously. The amounts claimed in these matters are substantial in some instances, however, the ultimate liability with respect to such matters is difficult to predict. In the event of an unfavorable outcome, the amounts we may be required to pay in the discharge of liabilities or settlements could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations.
We are also party to claims and lawsuits that we consider to be ordinary, routine litigation incidental to our business, including claims and lawsuits (collectively, “Other Claims”) concerning the preparation of customers’ income tax returns, the fees charged customers for various products and services, relationships with franchisees, intellectual property disputes, employment matters and contract disputes. While we cannot provide assurance that we will ultimately prevail in each instance, we believe the amount, if any, we are required to pay in the discharge of liabilities or settlements in these Other Claims will not have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations.
 
15.  Segment Information
Results of our continuing operations by reportable operating segment are as follows:
 
                                 
                      (in 000s)  
   
    Three Months Ended January 31,     Nine Months Ended January 31,  
   
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
   
 
Revenues:
                               
Tax Services
  $ 672,810     $ 747,685     $ 875,376     $ 944,953  
Business Services
    171,309       178,482       549,445       562,702  
Corporate
    7,363       8,685       24,024       28,783  
                                 
    $ 851,482     $ 934,852     $ 1,448,845     $ 1,536,438  
                                 
Pretax income (loss):
                               
Tax Services
  $ 4,114     $ 131,189     $ (324,865)     $ (212,973)  
Business Services
    8,587       (11,222)       16,551       (9,727)  
Corporate
    (30,150)       (22,516)       (91,571)       (103,575)  
                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes (benefit)
  $ (17,449)     $ 97,451     $ (399,885)     $ (326,275)  
                                 
 
 
 
16.  Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2010 the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2010-20, “Disclosures About Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses.” This guidance requires enhanced disclosures about the allowance for credit losses and the credit quality of financing receivables and would apply to financing receivables held by all creditors. The requirements for period end disclosures are effective beginning with the first interim or annual reporting period ending after December 15, 2010. We have included all required disclosures in notes 1, 4 and 5. The requirements for activity-based disclosures will be adopted as of April 30, 2011. The requirements for TDR disclosures will be adopted when finalized by the FASB.
In October 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2009-13, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) – Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements.” This guidance amends the criteria for separating consideration in multiple-deliverable arrangements to enable vendors to account for products or


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services (deliverables) separately rather than as a combined unit. This guidance establishes a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable, which is based on: (1) vendor-specific objective evidence; (2) third-party evidence; or (3) estimates. This guidance also eliminates the residual method of allocation and requires that arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method. In addition, this guidance significantly expands required disclosures related to a vendor’s multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements. This guidance is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified beginning with our fiscal year 2012. We believe this guidance will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2010-28, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts.” The amendments affect reporting units whose carrying amount is zero or negative, and require performance of Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, a reporting unit would consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. The qualitative factors are consistent with existing guidance. The reporting unit would evaluate if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This guidance is effective beginning with our fiscal year 2012. We believe this guidance will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance, under Topic 860 – Transfers and Servicing. This guidance requires more disclosure about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and where entities have continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. It eliminates the concept of a qualifying special purpose entity and changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets. We adopted this guidance as of May 1, 2010 and it did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
 
17.  Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements
Block Financial LLC (BFC) is an indirect, wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary of the Company. BFC is the Issuer and the Company is the Guarantor of the Senior Notes issued on January 11, 2008 and October 26, 2004, our CLOCs and other indebtedness issued from time to time. These condensed consolidating financial statements have been prepared using the equity method of accounting. Earnings of subsidiaries are, therefore, reflected in the Company’s investment in subsidiaries account. The elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries, related stockholders’ equity and other intercompany balances and transactions.
 
                               
 
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations               (in 000s)
 
Three Months Ended
  H&R Block, Inc.
  BFC
  Other
      Consolidated
January 31, 2011   (Guarantor)   (Issuer)   Subsidiaries   Elims   H&R Block
 
 
Total revenues
  $ -   $ 74,103   $ 777,379   $ -   $ 851,482
                               
Cost of revenues
    -     118,708     516,455     -     635,163
Selling, general and administrative
    -     10,220     225,579     -     235,799
                               
Total expenses
    -     128,928     742,034     -     870,962
                               
Operating income (loss)
    -     (54,825)     35,345     -     (19,480)
Other income (expense), net
    (17,449)     (521)     2,552     17,449     2,031
                               
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes (benefit)
    (17,449)     (55,346)     37,897     17,449     (17,449)
Income taxes (benefit)
    (13,074)     (26,783)     13,709     13,074     (13,074)
                               
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
    (4,375)     (28,563)     24,188     4,375     (4,375)
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (8,346)     (8,283)     (63)     8,346     (8,346)
                               
Net income (loss)
  $ (12,721)   $ (36,846)   $ 24,125   $ 12,721   $ (12,721)
                               
 
 
 


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Three Months Ended
  H&R Block, Inc.
    BFC
    Other
          Consolidated
 
January 31, 2010   (Guarantor)     (Issuer)     Subsidiaries     Elims     H&R Block  
   
 
Total revenues
  $     $ 83,291     $ 851,581     $ (20 )   $ 934,852  
                                         
Cost of revenues
          86,020       559,799       (72 )     645,747  
Selling, general and administrative
          2,881       191,800       (20 )     194,661  
                                         
Total expenses
          88,901       751,599       (92 )     840,408  
                                         
Operating income (loss)
          (5,610 )     99,982       72       94,444  
Other income (expense), net
    97,451       (1,609 )     4,688       (97,523 )     3,007  
                                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes (benefit)
    97,451       (7,219 )     104,670       (97,451 )     97,451  
Income taxes (benefit)
    43,848       (2,721 )     46,569       (43,848 )     43,848  
                                         
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
    53,603       (4,498 )     58,101       (53,603 )     53,603  
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (2,968 )     (2,968 )           2,968       (2,968 )
                                         
Net income (loss)
  $ 50,635     $ (7,466 )   $ 58,101     $ (50,635 )   $ 50,635  
                                         
 
 
 
                                         
   
Nine Months Ended
  H&R Block, Inc.
    BFC
    Other
          Consolidated
 
January 31, 2011   (Guarantor)     (Issuer)     Subsidiaries     Elims     H&R Block  
   
 
Total revenues
  $     $ 112,423     $ 1,336,422     $     $ 1,448,845  
                                         
Cost of revenues
          193,695       1,202,434             1,396,129  
Selling, general and administrative
          21,689       440,082             461,771  
                                         
Total expenses
          215,384       1,642,516             1,857,900  
                                         
Operating loss
          (102,961 )     (306,094 )           (409,055 )
Other income (expense), net
    (399,885 )     4,751       4,419       399,885       9,170  
                                         
Loss from continuing operations before tax benefit
    (399,885 )     (98,210 )     (301,675 )     399,885       (399,885 )
Income tax benefit
    (161,060 )     (42,278 )     (118,782 )     161,060       (161,060 )
                                         
Net loss from continuing operations
    (238,825 )     (55,932 )     (182,893 )     238,825       (238,825 )
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (13,626 )     (12,617 )     (1,009 )     13,626       (13,626 )
                                         
Net loss
  $ (252,451 )   $ (68,549 )   $ (183,902 )   $ 252,451     $ (252,451 )
                                         
 
 
 
                                         
   
Nine Months Ended
  H&R Block, Inc.
    BFC
    Other
          Consolidated
 
January 31, 2010   (Guarantor)     (Issuer)     Subsidiaries     Elims     H&R Block  
   
 
Total revenues
  $     $ 127,513     $ 1,409,001     $ (76 )   $ 1,536,438  
                                         
Cost of revenues
          177,441       1,265,777       (72 )     1,443,146  
Selling, general and administrative
          7,836       419,803       (76 )     427,563  
                                         
Total expenses
          185,277       1,685,580       (148 )     1,870,709  
                                         
Operating loss
          (57,764 )     (276,579 )     72       (334,271 )
Other income (expense), net
    (326,275 )     (5,449 )     13,517       326,203       7,996  
                                         
Loss from continuing operations before tax benefit
    (326,275 )     (63,213 )     (263,062 )     326,275       (326,275 )
Income tax benefit
    (122,789 )     (25,707 )     (97,082 )     122,789       (122,789 )
                                         
Net loss from continuing operations
    (203,486 )     (37,506 )     (165,980 )     203,486       (203,486 )
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (8,100 )     (8,100 )           8,100       (8,100 )
                                         
Net loss
  $ (211,586 )   $ (45,606 )   $ (165,980 )   $ 211,586     $ (211,586 )
                                         
 
 
 

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Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets                       (in 000s)  
   
    H&R Block, Inc.
    BFC
    Other
          Consolidated
 
January 31, 2011   (Guarantor)     (Issuer)     Subsidiaries     Elims     H&R Block  
   
 
Cash & cash equivalents
  $     $ 1,289,689     $ 177,320     $ (1,319 )   $ 1,465,690  
Cash & cash equivalents – restricted
    -       783       35,330             36,113  
Receivables, net
    27       707,713       663,412             1,371,152  
Mortgage loans held for investment
    -       513,192                   513,192  
Intangible assets and goodwill, net
                1,224,672             1,224,672  
Investments in subsidiaries
    2,664,240             19       (2,664,240 )     19  
Other assets
    12,733       365,198       813,966             1,191,897  
                                         
Total assets
  $ 2,677,000     $ 2,876,575     $ 2,914,719     $ (2,665,559 )   $ 5,802,735  
                                         
Customer deposits
  $     $ 1,856,514     $     $ (1,319 )   $ 1,855,195  
Long-term debt
          998,875       50,483             1,049,358  
FHLB borrowings
          75,000                   75,000  
Short-term borrowings
          632,566                   632,566  
Other liabilities
    160       35,406       1,327,367             1,362,933  
Net intercompany advances
    1,849,157       (736,295 )     (1,112,862 )            
Stockholders’ equity
    827,683       14,509       2,649,731       (2,664,240 )     827,683  
                                         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 2,677,000     $ 2,876,575     $ 2,914,719     $ (2,665,559 )   $ 5,802,735  
                                         
 
 
                                         
                                         
   
    H&R Block, Inc.
    BFC
    Other
          Consolidated
 
April 30, 2010   (Guarantor)     (Issuer)     Subsidiaries     Elims     H&R Block  
   
 
Cash & cash equivalents
  $     $ 702,021     $ 1,102,135     $ (111 )   $ 1,804,045  
Cash & cash equivalents – restricted
          6,160       28,190             34,350  
Receivables, net
    57       105,192       412,737             517,986  
Mortgage loans held for investment, net
    -       595,405                   595,405  
Intangible assets and goodwill, net
                1,207,879             1,207,879  
Investments in subsidiaries
    3,276,597             231       (3,276,597 )     231  
Other assets
    19,014       332,782       722,626             1,074,422  
                                         
Total assets
  $ 3,295,668     $ 1,741,560     $ 3,473,798     $ (3,276,708 )   $ 5,234,318  
                                         
Customer deposits
  $     $ 852,666     $     $ (111 )   $ 852,555  
Long-term debt
          998,605       36,539             1,035,144  
FHLB borrowings
          75,000                   75,000  
Other liabilities
    48,775       153,154       1,629,060             1,830,989  
Net intercompany advances
    1,806,263       (431,696 )     (1,374,567 )            
Stockholders’ equity
    1,440,630       93,831       3,182,766       (3,276,597 )     1,440,630  
                                         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 3,295,668     $ 1,741,560     $ 3,473,798     $ (3,276,708 )   $ 5,234,318  
                                         
 
 
 

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Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows                       (in 000s)  
   
Nine Months Ended
  H&R Block, Inc.
    BFC
    Other
          Consolidated
 
January 31, 2011   (Guarantor)     (Issuer)     Subsidiaries     Elims     H&R Block  
   
 
Net cash used in operating activities:
  $ (43,026 )   $ (725,197 )   $ (737,195 )   $     $ (1,505,418 )
                                         
Cash flows from investing:
                                       
Mortgage loans originated for investment, net
          45,316                   45,316  
Purchase property & equipment
                (51,198 )           (51,198 )
Payments made for business acquisitions, net
                (50,832 )           (50,832 )
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net
                62,298             62,298  
Loans made to franchisees
          (90,304 )                 (90,304 )
Net intercompany advances
    467,873                   (467,873 )      
Other, net
          38,538       10,039             48,577  
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    467,873       (6,450 )     (29,693 )     (467,873 )     (36,143 )
                                         
Cash flows from financing:
                                       
Repayments of short-term borrowings
          (2,654,653 )                 (2,654,653 )
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
          3,286,603                   3,286,603  
Customer banking deposits
          1,003,482             (1,208 )     1,002,274  
Dividends paid
    (140,926 )                       (140,926 )
Repurchase of common stock
    (283,494 )                       (283,494 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    (866 )                       (866 )
Net intercompany advances
          (315,752 )     (152,121 )     467,873        
Other, net
    439       (365 )     (10,136 )           (10,062 )
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (424,847 )     1,319,315       (162,257 )     466,665       1,198,876  
                                         
Effects of exchange rates on cash
                4,330             4,330  
                                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash
          587,668       (924,815 )     (1,208 )     (338,355 )
Cash – beginning of period
          702,021       1,102,135       (111 )     1,804,045  
                                         
Cash – end of period
  $     $ 1,289,689     $ 177,320     $ (1,319 )   $ 1,465,690  
                                         
 
 
 

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Nine Months Ended
  H&R Block, Inc.
    BFC
    Other
          Consolidated
 
January 31, 2010   (Guarantor)     (Issuer)     Subsidiaries     Elims     H&R Block  
   
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
  $ 11,590     $ (1,788,487 )   $ (872,065 )   $     $ (2,648,962 )
                                         
Cash flows from investing:
                                       
Mortgage loans originated for investment, net
          56,114                   56,114  
Purchase property & equipment
          616       (63,858 )           (63,242 )
Payments made for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
                (10,828 )           (10,828 )
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net
                66,760             66,760  
Loans made to franchisees
          (88,564 )                 (88,564 )
Net intercompany advances
    276,743                   (276,743 )      
Other, net
          32,468       (1,619 )           30,849  
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    276,743       634       (9,545 )     (276,743 )     (8,911 )
                                         
Cash flows from financing:
                                       
Repayments of short-term borrowings
          (982,774 )                 (982,774 )
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
          2,657,436                   2,657,436  
Customer banking deposits
          1,366,106             (943 )     1,365,163  
Dividends paid
    (151,317 )                       (151,317 )
Repurchase of common stock
    (154,201 )                       (154,201 )
Proceeds from stock options
    15,678                         15,678  
Net intercompany advances
          (151,334 )     (125,409 )     276,743        
Other, net
    1,507       (9,052 )     (21,889 )           (29,434 )
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (288,333 )     2,880,382       (147,298 )     275,800       2,720,551  
                                         
Effects of exchange rates on cash
                10,336             10,336  
                                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash
          1,092,529       (1,018,572 )     (943 )     73,014  
Cash – beginning of period
          241,350       1,419,535       (6,222 )     1,654,663  
                                         
Cash – end of period
  $     $ 1,333,879     $ 400,963     $ (7,165 )   $ 1,727,677  
                                         
 
 

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ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our subsidiaries provide tax preparation, retail banking and various business advisory and consulting services. We are the only company offering a full range of software, online and in-office tax preparation solutions to individual tax clients.
 
RECENT EVENTS
Historically, refund anticipation loans (RALs) were offered in our US retail tax offices through a contractual relationship with HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC). We purchased a 49.9% participation interest in all RALs obtained through our retail offices. In December 2010, HSBC terminated its contract with us based on restrictions placed on HSBC by its regulator and, therefore, RALs are not being offered in our tax offices this tax season. In connection with the contract termination, we obtained the remaining rights to collect on the outstanding balances of RALs originated in years 2006 and later. The impact of this is discussed in the Tax Services segment results below.
 
TAX SERVICES
This segment primarily consists of our income tax preparation businesses – retail, online and software. This segment includes our tax operations in the U.S., Canada and Australia. Additionally, this segment includes the product offerings and activities of H&R Block Bank (HRB Bank) that primarily support the tax network, our prior participations in refund anticipation loans, and our commercial tax businesses, which provide tax preparation software to CPAs and other tax preparers.
 
                 
   
Tax Services – Operating Statistics (U.S. only)  
   
    Three Months Ended January 31,  
    2011     2010  
   
 
Tax returns prepared (in 000s): (1) 
Company-owned operations
    2,046       2,292  
Franchise operations
    1,382       1,347  
                 
Total retail operations
    3,428       3,639  
                 
Software
    601       635  
Online
    942       719  
Free File Alliance
    167       201  
                 
Total digital tax solutions
    1,710       1,555  
                 
      5,138       5,194  
                 
Net average fee per tax return prepared: (2)
Company-owned operations
  $ 191.20       205.06  
Franchise operations
    175.03       181.20  
                 
    $ 184.68     $ 196.23  
                 
Offices:
               
Company-owned
    5,921       6,431  
Company-owned shared locations(3)
    572       760  
                 
Total company-owned offices
    6,493       7,191  
                 
Franchise
    4,178       3,909  
Franchise shared locations(3)
    397       406  
                 
Total franchise offices
    4,575       4,315  
                 
      11,068       11,506  
                 
 
 
 
(1) Fiscal year 2011 returns include approximately 69,000 and 35,000 company-owned and franchise returns, respectively, which were completed and ready to file at January 31, 2011, but could not be filed due to delays by the IRS in processing returns including Schedule A. Revenue related to these returns was deferred at January 31, 2011 and will be recognized in our fourth quarter. Fiscal year 2010 returns


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include approximately 102,000 returns prepared in offices we sold or franchised in fiscal year 2011. Tax returns prepared in these offices are presented within company-owned operations for fiscal year 2010.
 
(2) Calculated as net tax preparation fees divided by retail tax returns prepared.
 
(3) Shared locations include offices located within Sears and other third-party businesses.
 
                                 
   
Tax Services – Operating Results     (in 000s)  
   
    Three Months Ended January 31,     Nine Months Ended January 31,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
   
 
Tax preparation fees
  $ 387,558     $ 485,277     $ 485,693     $ 578,207  
Fees from refund anticipation checks
    74,010       31,119       75,321       32,593  
Royalties
    72,008       75,174       84,640       84,836  
Interest income on Emerald Advance
    46,132       36,867       47,590       39,944  
Fees from Emerald Card activities
    18,864       21,814       36,132       42,933  
Loan participation and related fees
    16,252       38,163       17,144       38,463  
Fees from Peace of Mind guarantees
    11,524       11,079       59,882       58,122  
Other
    46,462       48,192       68,974       69,855  
                                 
Total revenues
    672,810       747,685       875,376       944,953  
                                 
Compensation and benefits:
                               
Field wages
    178,006       208,466       269,443       302,783  
Other wages
    27,963       29,634       84,955       88,355  
Benefits and other compensation
    39,475       44,023       91,872       85,134  
                                 
      245,444       282,123       446,270       476,272  
Marketing and advertising
    97,419       87,670       117,938       109,770  
Occupancy and equipment
    90,211       98,625       260,977       279,568  
Bad debt
    92,228       56,762       94,654       59,034  
Depreciation and amortization
    22,450       23,226       67,413       67,952  
Supplies
    11,049       15,409       18,273       23,255  
Goodwill impairment
    22,700             22,700        
Other
    86,122       64,676       176,079       155,659  
Loss (gain) on sale of tax offices, net
    1,073       (11,995 )     (4,063 )     (13,584 )
                                 
Total expenses
    668,696       616,496       1,200,241       1,157,926  
                                 
Pretax income (loss)
  $ 4,114     $ 131,189     $ (324,865 )   $ (212,973 )
                                 
 
 
 
Three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to January 31, 2010
Tax Services’ revenues decreased $74.9 million, or 10.0%, for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to the prior year. Tax preparation fees decreased $97.7 million, or 20.1%, primarily due to a decline of 10.7% in tax returns prepared in company-owned offices coupled with a decline of 6.8% in our net average charge. Declines in tax returns prepared were primarily the result of an industry-wide slow start to the tax season, which resulted in part from an IRS delay in processing returns including Schedule A. Additionally, we deferred $17.4 million of revenue related to tax returns prepared which we were unable to file electronically with the IRS due to the processing delay. This revenue will be recognized in our fourth quarter. Our net average charge declined due to the IRS processing delay, which primarily impacted more complex filings with higher fees, and new client growth resulting from our promotion of a free Federal EZ filing. We expect our net average charge for the full fiscal year will be between 2% and 4% lower than the average in fiscal year 2010. We also expect tax returns prepared for the full fiscal year to increase 0.5% to 1.5%
The business of our Tax Services segment is highly seasonal and results for our third quarter represent only a small portion of the tax season. Third quarter results are not indicative of the results we expect for the entire fiscal year. Tax returns prepared in company-owned and franchise offices through February 28, 2011 increased 3.2% from the prior year compared with a 5.8% decrease through January 31.
Fees earned on refund anticipation checks (RACs) increased $42.9 million, or 137.8%, primarily due to an increase in the number of RACs issued as a portion of our clients chose to receive their refunds via RAC, as an alternative to a RAL.
RALs were historically offered to our clients by HSBC. In December 2010, HSBC terminated its contract with us based on restrictions placed on HSBC by its regulator and, therefore, RALs are not being offered this tax season. Current quarter revenues include the recognition of net deferred fees from HSBC of $16.3 million that


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would have normally been recognized over the 2011 tax season, but was accelerated upon the termination of our contract with HSBC. This compares with revenues resulting from loans participations and related fees in the prior year of $38.2 million. Termination of this contract could have adverse effects on our operating results this fiscal year, including declines in tax returns prepared as a result of clients seeking alternate preparers who continue to offer RALs, and declines in settlement product and related revenues to the extent prior RAL clients do not purchase a RAC or change their refund disbursement elections. A decline in clients could have other adverse impacts, including increased credit losses on loan balances with those clients.
Interest income earned on Emerald Advance lines of credit (EAs) increased $9.3 million, or 25.1%, over the prior year primarily due to an increase in loan volume, which resulted from offering the product to a wider client base.
Total expenses increased $52.2 million, or 8.5%, for the three months ended January 31, 2011. Compensation and benefits decreased $36.7 million, or 13.0%, primarily due to lower commission-based wages and related payroll taxes resulting from the decline in the number of tax returns prepared. Marketing and advertising expenses increased $9.7 million, or 11.1%, as a result of additional media spend focused on early-season clients. Occupancy and equipment expenses decreased $8.4 million, or 8.5%, primarily due to the decline in the number of offices. Bad debt expense increased $35.5 million, or 62.5%, primarily due to increased volumes on EAs and RACs, which typically have higher bad debt rates than RALs. Additionally, bad debt was negatively impacted by a decline in tax returns prepared for certain client segments. During the current quarter, we recorded a $22.7 million impairment of goodwill in an ancillary reporting unit, as discussed in note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. Other expenses increased $21.4 million, or 33.2%, primarily due to $17.5 million in incremental legal accruals recorded in the current quarter.
During the current quarter, we recognized net losses of $1.1 million on the sale of certain company-owned offices to franchises, compared to gains of $12.0 million in the prior year.
Pretax income for the three months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010 was $4.1 million and $131.2 million, respectively.
 
Nine months ended January 31, 2011 compared to January 31, 2010
Tax Services’ revenues decreased $69.6 million, or 7.4%, for the nine months ended January 31, 2011 compared to the prior year. Tax preparation fees decreased $92.5 million, or 16.0%, primarily due to a decline in tax returns prepared in company-owned offices coupled with a decline in our net average charge. These declines were the result of an industry-wide slow start to the tax season, which resulted in part due to the IRS’ delay in accepting certain forms that were updated for changes in tax laws. Additionally, we deferred $17.4 million of revenue related to tax returns prepared which were not filed electronically with the IRS due to the IRS acceptance delay.
Fees earned on RACs increased $42.7 million, or 131.1%, primarily due to an increase in the number of RACs issued as a portion of our clients chose to receive their refunds via RAC, as an alternative to a RAL.
As a result of RALs not being offered this tax season, revenue related to RAL participations and related fees were $21.3 million lower than in the prior year.
Emerald Card revenues declined $6.8 million, or 15.8%, as a result of fewer income tax refunds funding directly to our prepaid debit cards, primarily due to the decline in clients.
Interest income earned on EAs increased $7.6 million, or 19.1%, over the prior year primarily due to an increase in EAs, which resulted from offering the product to a wider client base.
Total expenses increased $42.3 million, or 3.7%, for the nine months ended January 31, 2011. Compensation and benefits decreased $30.0 million, or 6.3%, primarily due to lower commission-based wages resulting from the decline in the number of tax returns prepared. This decline was partially offset by severance costs and related payroll taxes recorded during the first quarter of this year. Marketing and advertising expenses increased $8.2 million, or 7.4%, as a result of additional media spend focused on early-season clients. Occupancy and equipment expenses decreased $18.6 million, or 6.6%, primarily due to the decrease in the number of offices. Bad debt expense increased $35.6 million, or 60.3%, primarily due to increased volumes on RACs and EAs, which typically have higher bad debt rates than RALs. During the current year, we recorded a $22.7 million impairment of goodwill in an ancillary reporting unit, as discussed in note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. Other expenses increased $20.4 million, or 13.1%, primarily due to $16.2 million in incremental legal accruals recorded in the current year.


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During the current year, we recognized net gains of $4.1 million on the sale of certain company-owned offices to franchises, compared to $13.6 million in the prior year.
The pretax loss for the nine months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010 was $324.9 million and $213.0 million, respectively.
 
BUSINESS SERVICES
This segment consists of RSM McGladrey, Inc. (RSM), a national firm offering tax, consulting and accounting services and capital market services to middle-market companies.
 
                                 
   
Business Services – Operating Results     (in 000s)  
   
    Three Months Ended January 31,     Nine Months Ended January 31,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
   
 
Tax services
  $ 84,078     $ 79,707     $ 277,068     $ 269,988  
Business consulting
    60,015       70,499       186,215       192,490  
Accounting services
    9,143       11,716       29,238       35,123  
Capital markets
    3,952       3,225       7,824       5,754  
Reimbursed expenses
    3,920       5,658       16,047       16,011  
Other
    10,201       7,677       33,053       43,336  
                                 
Total revenues
    171,309       178,482       549,445       562,702  
                                 
Compensation and benefits
    119,508       116,606       385,424       400,295  
Occupancy
    9,805       14,678       34,376       33,601  
Depreciation
    4,801       5,224       14,336       16,054  
Marketing and advertising
    2,779       4,733       16,952       14,287  
Amortization of intangible assets
    2,888       2,896       8,781       8,803  
Other
    22,941       45,567       73,025       99,389  
                                 
Total expenses
    162,722       189,704       532,894       572,429  
                                 
Pretax income (loss)
  $ 8,587     $ (11,222 )   $ 16,551     $ (9,727 )
                                 
 
 
 
Three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to January 31, 2010
Business Services’ revenues for the three months ended January 31, 2011 decreased $7.2 million, or 4.0% from the prior year. Tax services revenues increased primarily as a result of the acquisition of Caturano & Company, Inc. (Caturano), as discussed in note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. Business consulting revenues declined $10.5 million, or 14.9%, primarily due to the slowdown of services performed on a large multi-year engagement in our consulting practice.
Total expenses decreased $27.0 million, or 14.2%, from the prior year. Other expenses declined $22.6 million, or 49.7%, primarily due to a $15.0 million impairment of goodwill and litigation costs recorded in the prior year.
Pretax income for the three months ended January 31, 2011 was $8.6 million compared to a loss of $11.2 million in the prior year.
 
Nine months ended January 31, 2011 compared to January 31, 2010
Business Services’ revenues for the nine months ended January 31, 2011 decreased $13.3 million, or 2.4% from the prior year. Tax services revenues increased primarily as a result of the acquisition of Caturano. Business consulting revenues declined $6.3 million, or 3.3%, primarily due to the slowdown of services performed on a large multi-year engagement in our consulting practice. Other revenues declined $10.3 million, or 23.7%, primarily as a result of a reduction in management fees received related to the new administrative services agreement with McGladrey & Pullen LLP (M&P), as discussed in note 12 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Total expenses decreased $39.5 million, or 6.9%, from the prior year. Compensation and benefits decreased $14.9 million, or 3.7%, primarily due to reduced spend on employee insurance benefits and a reduction of costs directly related to the large multi-year consulting engagement detailed above.
Other expenses declined $26.4 million, or 26.5%, primarily due to a $15.0 million impairment of goodwill and litigation costs recorded in the prior year.
Pretax income for the nine months ended January 31, 2011 was $16.6 million compared to a loss of $9.7 million in the prior year.


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CORPORATE, ELIMINATIONS AND INCOME TAXES ON CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Corporate operating losses include interest income from U.S. passive investments, interest expense on borrowings, net interest margin and gains or losses relating to mortgage loans held for investment, real estate owned, residual interests in securitizations and other corporate expenses, principally related to finance, legal and other support departments.
 
                                 
   
Corporate – Operating Results     (in 000s)  
   
    Three Months Ended January 31,     Nine Months Ended January 31,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
   
 
Interest income on mortgage loans held for investment
  $ 5,923     $ 7,567     $ 18,771     $ 23,535  
Other
    1,440       1,118       5,253       5,248  
                                 
Total revenues
    7,363       8,685       24,024       28,783  
                                 
Interest expense
    21,715       19,762       63,364       58,636  
Provision for loan losses
    7,800       9,050       24,100       36,050  
Compensation and benefits
    6,643       11,805       29,307       38,592  
Other, net
    1,355       (9,416 )     (1,176 )     (920 )
                                 
Total expenses
    37,513       31,201       115,595       132,358  
                                 
Pretax loss
  $ (30,150 )   $ (22,516 )   $ (91,571 )   $ (103,575 )
                                 
 
 
 
Three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to January 31, 2010
Compensation and benefits declined $5.2 million, or 43.7%, primarily due to reductions in force during the current year. Other expenses increased $10.8 million primarily due to a gain of $9.5 million recorded in the prior year on the transfer of liabilities relating to previously retained insurance risk to a third-party, which is reported above as a reduction of other expenses, net.
 
Nine months ended January 31, 2011 compared to January 31, 2010
Interest income earned on mortgage loans held for investment decreased $4.8 million, or 20.2%, from the prior year, primarily as a result of declining rates and non-performing loans. The provision for loan losses declined $12.0 million from the prior year as a result of the continued run-off of our portfolio. Compensation and benefits declined $9.3 million, or 24.1%, primarily due to reductions in force.
 
Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate for continuing operations was 40.3% and 37.6% for the nine months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. This increase resulted from a decline in gains from investments in company-owned life insurance assets which are not subject to tax, an increase in the state effective tax rate and other favorable net discrete adjustments booked in the current year compared to unfavorable adjustments recorded in the prior year. During the current quarter, the increase in our base tax rate, coupled with a discrete adjustment to taxes for the release of a valuation allowance due to changes in certain state tax positions, resulted in a tax benefit of $13.1 million on a consolidated pretax loss of $17.4 million. We expect our effective tax rate for full fiscal year 2011 to be approximately 39%.
 
Discontinued Operations
Sand Canyon Corporation (“SCC”, previously known as Option One Mortgage Corporation) ceased originating mortgage loans in December of 2007 and, in April 2008, sold its servicing assets and discontinued its remaining operations. The sale of servicing assets did not include the sale of any mortgage loans. SCC retained contingent liabilities that arose from the operations of SCC prior to its disposal, including certain mortgage loan repurchase obligations, contingent liabilities associated with litigation and related claims, lease commitments, and employee termination benefits. SCC also retained residual interests in certain mortgage loan securitization transactions prior to cessation of its origination business. The net loss from discontinued operations totaled $8.3 million and $13.6 million for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2011 compared to $3.0 million and $8.1 million for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2010. Increased losses are primarily attributable to higher litigation costs.


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In connection with the securitization and sale of mortgage loans, SCC made certain representations and warranties. In the event that there is a breach of a representation and warranty and such breach materially and adversely affects the value of a mortgage loan, SCC may be obligated to repurchase a loan or otherwise indemnify certain parties for losses incurred as a result of loan liquidation. Losses on valid claims totaled $7.7 million and $8.2 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Additionally, SCC made payments of $25.6 million under its indemnity obligation dated April 2008.
These amounts were recorded as reductions of our loan repurchase liability. Claims received since May 1, 2008 are as follows:
 
                                                                                                 
(in millions)  
   
    Fiscal Year 2009     Fiscal Year 2010     Fiscal Year 2011        
    Q1     Q2     Q3     Q4     Q1     Q2     Q3     Q4     Q1     Q2     Q3     Total  
   
 
Loan Origination Year:
                                                                                               
2005
  $ 40     $ 21     $ 1     $     $     $ 15     $     $     $ 6     $ 1     $     $ 84  
2006
    89       10       111       7       2       57       4       45       100       15       29       469  
2007
    43       10       85       15       4       11       7             3       5       4       187  
                                                                                                 
Total
  $ 172     $ 41     $ 197     $ 22     $ 6     $ 83     $ 11     $ 45     $ 109     $ 21     $ 33     $ 740  
                                                                                                 
 
 
 
Note: The table above excludes amounts related to an indemnity agreement dated April 2008, which is discussed below.
 
SCC has recorded a liability for estimated contingent losses related to representation and warranty claims as of January 31, 2011, of $155.0 million, which represents SCC’s best estimate of the probable loss that may occur. This overall liability amount includes $24.2 million, which was established under an indemnity agreement dated April 2008 with a specific counterparty in exchange for a full and complete release of such party’s ability to assert representation and warranty claims. This indemnity agreement was given as part of obtaining the counterparty’s consent to SCC’s sale of its mortgage servicing business in 2008. During the current quarter, payments totaling $25.6 million were made under this agreement. We expect the remaining obligation of $24.2 million to be paid in the fourth quarter of this fiscal year.
The recorded liability represents SCC’s estimate of losses from future claims where assertion of a claim and a related contingent loss are both deemed probable. Because the rate at which future claims may be deemed valid and loss severity rates may differ significantly from historical experience, SCC is not able to estimate reasonably possible loss outcomes in excess of its current accrual. A 1% increase in both assumed validity rates and loss severities would result in losses above SCC’s accrual of approximately $21 million. This sensitivity is hypothetical and is intended to provide an indication of the impact of a change in key assumptions on the representations and warranties liability. In reality, changes in one assumption may result in changes in other assumptions, which may or may not counteract the sensitivity.
While SCC uses the best information available to it in estimating its liability, assessing the likelihood that claims will be asserted in the future and estimating probable losses are inherently difficult to estimate and require considerable management judgment. Although net losses on settled claims since May 1, 2008 have been within initial loss estimates, to the extent that the level of claims asserted, the level of valid claim volumes, the counterparties asserting claims, the nature of claims, or the value of residential home prices differ in the future from current estimates, future losses may be greater than the current estimates and those differences may be significant.
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION
These comments should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated balance sheets and condensed consolidated statements of cash flows found on pages 1 and 3, respectively.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY – Our sources of capital include cash from operations, cash from customer deposits, issuances of common stock and debt. We use capital primarily to fund working capital, pay dividends, repurchase shares of common stock and acquire businesses. Our operations are highly seasonal and therefore generally require the use of cash to fund operating losses during the period May through mid-January.
Given the likely availability of a number of liquidity options discussed herein, including borrowing capacity under our unsecured committed lines of credit (CLOCs), we believe, that in the absence of any unexpected developments, our existing sources of capital at January 31, 2011 are sufficient to meet our operating needs.


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CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES – Cash used in operations totaled $1.5 billion for the first nine months of fiscal year 2011, compared with $2.6 billion for the same period last year. The decrease was primarily due to the lack of RAL participations purchased in the current year. See discussion under Recent Events at the beginning of Part I, Item 2.
CASH FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES – Cash used in investing activities totaled $36.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2011, compared to $8.9 million in the same period last year.
Mortgage Loans Held for Investment. We received net payments of $45.3 million and $56.1 million on our mortgage loans held for investment for the first nine months of fiscal years 2011 and 2010, respectively. Cash payments declined primarily due to non-performing loans and continued run-off of our portfolio.
Purchases of Property and Equipment. Total cash paid for property and equipment was $51.2 million and $63.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal years 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Business Acquisitions. Total cash paid for acquisitions was $50.8 million and $10.8 million during the nine months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In July 2010 our Business Services segment acquired a Boston-based accounting firm, and cash used in investing activities includes payments totaling $32.6 million related to this acquisition. See additional discussion in note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
In October 2010, we signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of 2SS Holdings, Inc., developer of TaxACT digital tax preparation solutions, for $287.5 million in cash. We expect this acquisition will be funded by excess available liquidity from cash-on-hand or short-term borrowings. Completion of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.
Sales of Businesses. Proceeds from the sales of businesses totaled $62.3 million and $66.8 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2011, we sold 280 tax offices to franchisees, compared to the sale of 267 tax offices in the prior year. The majority of these sales were financed through affiliate loans.
Loans Made to Franchisees. Loans made to franchisees totaled $90.3 million and $88.6 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These amounts included both the financing of sales of tax offices and franchisee draws under our Franchise Equity Lines of Credit (FELCs).
CASH FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES – Cash provided by financing activities totaled $1.2 billion for the first nine months of fiscal year 2011, compared to $2.7 billion in the same period last year.
Short-Term Borrowings. We had commercial paper borrowings of $632.6 million at January 31, 2011, compared to $792.6 million at the same time last year. These borrowings were used to fund our off-season losses and cover our seasonal working capital needs. We also had other short-term borrowings of $882.5 million outstanding at January 31, 2010 to fund our participation interests in RALs. Our commercial paper borrowings peaked at $674.7 million in the current year.
Customer Banking Deposits. Customer banking deposits increased $1.0 billion for the nine months ended January 31, 2011 compared to an increase of $1.4 billion in the prior year. We utilize cash provided by deposit balances as a funding source for our Emerald Advance lines of credit during the tax season.
Dividends. We have consistently paid quarterly dividends. Dividends paid totaled $140.9 million and $151.3 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Repurchase and Retirement of Common Stock. During the nine months ended January 31, 2011, we purchased and immediately retired 19.0 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $279.9 million. We may continue to repurchase and retire common stock or retire treasury stock in the future.
Issuances of Common Stock. Cash used for the issuance of common stock totaled $0.9 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2011 compared to proceeds of $15.7 million for the prior year. This decline is due to a reduction in stock option exercises and the related tax benefits.


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BORROWINGS
The following chart provides the debt ratings for Block Financial LLC (BFC) as of January 31, 2011 and April 30, 2010:
 
                                                 
   
    January 31, 2011     April 30, 2010  
   
    Short-term     Long-term     Outlook     Short-term     Long-term     Outlook  
   
 
Moody’s
    P-2       Baa2       Negative       P-2       Baa1       Stable  
S&P(1)
    A-2       BBB       Negative       A-2       BBB       Positive  
DBRS
    R-2 (high )     BBB (high )     Stable       R-2 (high )     BBB (high )     Positive  
 
 
At January 31, 2011, we maintained a committed line of credit (CLOC) agreement to support commercial paper issuances, general corporate purposes or for working capital needs. This facility provides funding up to $1.7 billion and matures July 31, 2013. This facility bears interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus 1.30% to 2.80% or PRIME plus 0.30% to 1.80% (depending on the type of borrowing) and includes an annual facility fee of 0.20% to 0.70% of the committed amounts, based on our credit ratings. Covenants in the new facility are substantially similar to those in the previous CLOCs including: (1) maintenance of a minimum net worth of $650.0 million on the last day of any fiscal quarter; and (2) reduction of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of short-term debt, as defined in the agreement, to $200.0 million or less for thirty consecutive days during the period March 1 to June 30 of each year (“Clean-down requirement”). At January 31, 2011, we were in compliance with these covenants and had net worth of $827.7 million. We had no balance outstanding under the CLOCs at January 31, 2011.
There have been no other material changes in our borrowings or debt ratings from those reported at April 30, 2010 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
There have been no material changes in our contractual obligations and commercial commitments from those reported at April 30, 2010 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
There have been no material changes in our regulatory environment from those reported at April 30, 2010 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This report and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may contain forward-looking statements. In addition, our senior management may make forward-looking statements orally to analysts, investors, the media and others. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” or “may.” Forward-looking statements provide management’s current expectations or predictions of future conditions, events or results. They may include projections of revenues, income, earnings per share, capital expenditures, dividends, liquidity, capital structure or other financial items, descriptions of management’s plans or objectives for future operations, products or services, or descriptions of assumptions underlying any of the above. They are not guarantees of future performance. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date made and management does not undertake to update them to reflect changes or events occurring after that date except as required by federal securities laws.
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no material changes in our market risks from those reported at April 30, 2010 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and


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15d-15(e)). The controls evaluation was done under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
There were no changes that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
RAL Litigation
We have been named in multiple lawsuits as defendants in litigation regarding our refund anticipation loan program in past years. All of those lawsuits have been settled or otherwise resolved, except for one.
The sole remaining case is a putative class action styled Sandra J. Basile, et al. v. H&R Block, Inc., et al., April Term 1992 Civil Action No. 3246 in the Court of Common Pleas, First Judicial District Court of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County, instituted on April 23, 1993. The plaintiffs allege inadequate disclosures with respect to the RAL product and assert claims for violation of consumer protection statutes, negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, common law fraud, usury, and violation of the Truth In Lending Act. Plaintiffs seek unspecified actual and punitive damages, injunctive relief, attorneys’ fees and costs. A Pennsylvania class was certified, but later decertified by the trial court in December 2003. An appellate court subsequently reversed the decertification decision. We are appealing the reversal. We have not concluded that a loss related to this matter is probable nor have we accrued a loss contingency related to this matter. Plaintiffs have not provided a dollar amount of their claim and we are not able to estimate a possible range of loss. We believe we have meritorious defenses to this case and intend to defend it vigorously. There can be no assurances, however, as to the outcome of this case or its impact on our consolidated results of operations.
 
Express IRA Litigation
We have been named defendants in lawsuits regarding our former Express IRA product. All of those lawsuits have been settled or otherwise resolved, except for one.
The one remaining case was filed on January 2, 2008 by the Mississippi Attorney General in the Chancery Court of Hinds County, Mississippi First Judicial District (Case No. G 2008 6 S 2) and is styled Jim Hood, Attorney for the State of Mississippi v. H&R Block, Inc., H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc., et al. The complaint alleges fraudulent business practices, deceptive acts and practices, common law fraud and breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the sale of the product in Mississippi and seeks equitable relief, disgorgement of profits, damages and restitution, civil penalties and punitive damages. We are not able to estimate a possible range of loss. We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims in this case, and we intend to defend this case vigorously, but there can be no assurances as to its outcome or its impact on our consolidated results of operations.
Although we sold H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc. (HRBFA) effective November 1, 2008, we remain responsible for any liabilities relating to the Express IRA litigation, among other things, through an indemnification agreement. A portion of our accrual is related to these indemnity obligations.
 
RSM McGladrey Litigation
RSM EquiCo, its parent and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, are parties to a class action filed on July 11, 2006 and styled Do Right’s Plant Growers, et al. v. RSM EquiCo, Inc., et al. (the “RSM Parties”), Case No. 06 CC00137, in the California Superior Court, Orange County. The complaint contains allegations relating to business valuation services provided by RSM EquiCo, including allegations of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract, conversion and unfair competition. Plaintiffs seek unspecified actual and punitive damages, in addition to pre-judgment interest and attorneys’ fees. On March 17, 2009, the court granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification on all claims. The defendants filed two requests for interlocutory review


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of the decision, the last of which was denied by the Supreme Court of California on September 30, 2009. A trial date has been set for May 2011.
The certified class consists of RSM EquiCo’s U.S. clients who signed platform agreements and for whom RSM EquiCo did not ultimately market their business for sale. A portion of our loss contingency accrual is related to this matter for the amount of loss that we consider probable and estimable, although it is possible that our losses could exceed the amount we have accrued. The fees paid to RSM EquiCo in connection with these agreements total approximately $185 million, a number which substantially exceeds the equity of RSM EquiCo. Plaintiffs seek to recover restitution in an amount equal to the fees paid, in addition to punitive damages and attorney fees. We believe the RSM Parties have meritorious defenses to the case and intend to defend the case vigorously. The amount claimed in this action is substantial and could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations. There can be no assurance regarding the outcome of this matter.
On December 7, 2009, a lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (2010-L-014920) against M&P, RSM and H&R Block styled Ronald R. Peterson ex rel. Lancelot Investors Fund, L.P., et al. v. McGladrey & Pullen LLP, et al. The case was removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on December 28, 2009 (Case No. 1:10-CV-00274). The complaint, which was filed by the trustee for certain bankrupt investment funds, seeks unspecified damages and asserts claims against RSM for vicarious liability and alter ego liability and against H&R Block for equitable restitution relating to audit work performed by M&P. The amount claimed in this case is substantial. On November 3, 2010, the court dismissed the case against all defendants in its entirety with prejudice. The trustee has filed an appeal to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which remains pending.
RSM and M&P operate in an alternative practice structure (“APS”). Accordingly, certain claims and lawsuits against M&P could have an impact on RSM. More specifically, any judgments or settlements arising from claims and lawsuits against M&P that exceed its insurance coverage could have a direct adverse effect on M&P’s operations. Although RSM is not responsible for the liabilities of M&P, significant M&P litigation and claims could impair the profitability of the APS and impair the ability to attract and retain clients and quality professionals. This could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on RSM’s operations and impair the value of our investment in RSM. There is no assurance regarding the outcome of any claims or litigation involving M&P.
 
Litigation and Claims Pertaining to Discontinued Mortgage Operations
Although mortgage loan origination activities were terminated and the loan servicing business was sold during fiscal year 2008, SCC and HRB remain subject to investigations, claims and lawsuits pertaining to its loan origination and servicing activities that occurred prior to such termination and sale. These investigations, claims and lawsuits include actions by state attorneys general, other state and federal regulators, municipalities, individual plaintiffs, and cases in which plaintiffs seek to represent a class of others alleged to be similarly situated. Among other things, these investigations, claims and lawsuits allege discriminatory or unfair and deceptive loan origination and servicing practices, public nuisance, fraud, and violations of securities laws, the Truth in Lending Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act. In the current non-prime mortgage environment, the number of these investigations, claims and lawsuits has increased over historical experience and is likely to continue at increased levels. The amounts claimed in these investigations, claims and lawsuits are substantial in some instances, and the ultimate resulting liability is difficult to predict and thus cannot be reasonably estimated. In the event of unfavorable outcomes, the amounts that may be required to pay in the discharge of liabilities or settlements could be substantial and, because SCC’s operating results are included in our consolidated financial statements, could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations.
On June 3, 2008, the Massachusetts Attorney General filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of Suffolk County, Massachusetts (Case No. 08-2474-BLS) styled Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. H&R Block, Inc., et al., alleging unfair, deceptive and discriminatory origination and servicing of mortgage loans and seeking equitable relief, disgorgement of profits, restitution and statutory penalties. In November 2008, the court granted a preliminary injunction limiting the ability of the owner of SCC’s former loan servicing business to initiate or advance foreclosure actions against certain loans originated by SCC or its subsidiaries without (1) advance notice to the Massachusetts Attorney General and (2) if the Attorney General objects to foreclosure, approval by the court. An appeal of the preliminary injunction was denied. A trial date has been set for June 2011. A portion of our loss contingency accrual is related to this matter for the amount of loss that we consider probable


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and estimable. We do not believe losses in excess of our accrual would be material to our financial statements, although it is possible that our losses could exceed the amount we have accrued. We and SCC believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims presented and intend to defend them vigorously. There can be no assurances, however, as to its outcome or its impact on our consolidated results of operations.
On October 15, 2010, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (Case No. 10CH45033) styled Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago v. Bank of America Funding Corporation, et al. against multiple defendants, including various SCC related entities and H&R Block, Inc. related entities, arising out of FHLB’s purchase of mortgage-backed securities. Plaintiff asserts claims for rescission and damages under Illinois securities law and for common law negligent misrepresentation in connection with its purchase of two securities originated and securitized by SCC. These two securities had a total initial principal amount of approximately $50 million, of which approximately $42 million remains outstanding. We have not concluded that a loss related to this matter is probable nor have we established a loss contingency related to this matter. We believe the claims in this case are without merit and we intend to defend them vigorously. There can be no assurances, however, as to its outcome or its impact on our consolidated results of operations.
 
Other Claims and Litigation
We have been named in several wage and hour class action lawsuits throughout the country, respectively styled Alice Williams v. H&R Block Enterprises LLC, Case No.RG08366506 (Superior Court of California, County of Alameda, filed January 17, 2008) (alleging improper classification of office managers in California); Arabella Lemus v. H&R Block Enterprises LLC, et al., Case No. CGC-09-489251 (United States District Court, Northern District of California, filed June 9, 2009) (alleging failure to timely pay compensation to tax professionals in California and to include itemized information on wage statements); Delana Ugas v. H&R Block Enterprises LLC, et al., Case No. BC417700 (United States District Court, Central District of California, filed July 13, 2009) (alleging failure to compensate tax professionals in California and eighteen other states for all hours worked and to provide meal periods); and Barbara Petroski v. H&R Block Eastern Enterprises, Inc., et al., Case No. 10-CV-00075 (United States District Court, Western District of Missouri, filed January 25, 2010) (alleging failure to compensate tax professionals nationwide for off-season training). A class was certified in the Lemus case in December 2010 consisting of all tax professionals who worked in company-owned offices in California from 2007 to 2010. The plaintiffs in the wage and hour class action lawsuits seek actual damages, pre-judgment interest and attorneys’ fees, in addition to statutory penalties under California and federal law, which could equal up to 30 days of wages per tax season for class members who worked in California. The potential loss related to the wage and hour class action lawsuits cannot be reasonably estimated, but our losses could exceed the amount we have accrued. We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims in these cases and intend to defend them vigorously. The amounts claimed in these matters are substantial in some instances and the ultimate liability with respect to these matters is difficult to predict. There can be no assurances as to the outcome of these cases or their impact on our consolidated results of operations, individually or in the aggregate.
In addition, we are from time to time party to investigations, claims and lawsuits not discussed herein arising out of our business operations. These investigations, claims and lawsuits include actions by state attorneys general, other state regulators, individual plaintiffs, and cases in which plaintiffs seek to represent a class of others similarly situated. We believe we have meritorious defenses to each of these investigations, claims and lawsuits, and we are defending or intend to defend them vigorously. The amounts claimed in these matters are substantial in some instances, however, the ultimate liability with respect to such matters is difficult to predict. In the event of an unfavorable outcome, the amounts we may be required to pay in the discharge of liabilities or settlements could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations.
We are also party to claims and lawsuits that we consider to be ordinary, routine litigation incidental to our business, including claims and lawsuits (collectively, “Other Claims”) concerning the preparation of customers’ income tax returns, the fees charged customers for various products and services, relationships with franchisees, intellectual property disputes, employment matters and contract disputes. While we cannot provide assurance that we will ultimately prevail in each instance, we believe the amount, if any, we are required to pay in the discharge of liabilities or settlements in these Other Claims will not have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations.


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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
 
The elimination of the IRS debt indicator has caused federal and state regulators to scrutinize the RAL underwriting practices of third-party financial institutions that provide RALs.
 
In August 2010, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that, as of the beginning of the upcoming tax season, it would no longer furnish the debt indicator (DI), to tax preparers or financial institutions. The DI is an underwriting tool that lenders use when considering whether to loan money to taxpayers who apply for a RAL, which is short term loan, secured by the taxpayer’s federal tax refund.
On December 23, 2010, HSBC terminated its contract with us to provide RALs in our retail tax offices based on restrictions placed on HSBC by its regulators due to the DI no longer being available. As a result, RALs were not offered in our retail tax offices this tax season. Subsequently, two other banks offering RALs this tax season through our competitors announced that due to regulatory concerns they will not be offering RALs next tax season. Additionally, a third bank offering RALs this tax season through our competitors announced that it was appealing a notice it had received from its regulator that its practice of originating RALs without the DI is “unsafe and unsound” and has recently filed a lawsuit in federal court against its regulator. Based on these developments and the overall limited amount of banks that offer RALs, there can be no assurances as to the availability of RALs in our retail tax offices in the future.
In addition, termination of the contract with HSBC could have adverse effects on our operating results this fiscal year, including declines in tax returns prepared as a result of clients seeking alternate preparers who continue to offers RALs this tax season, and declines in settlement product and related revenues to the extent prior RAL clients do not purchase a refund anticipation check or change their refund disbursement elections. A decline in clients could have other adverse impacts, including increased credit losses on loan balances with those clients.
 
Recent legislative and regulatory reforms may have a significant impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
In July 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Reform Act) was signed into law, which contains a comprehensive set of provisions designed to govern the practices and oversight of financial institutions and other participants in the financial markets.
The full impact of the Reform Act is difficult to assess because many provisions require federal agencies to adopt implementing regulations. In addition, the Reform Act mandates multiple studies, which could result in additional legislative or regulatory action. The Reform Act, as well as other legislative and regulatory changes, could have a significant impact on us and on our subsidiary, HRB Bank, by, for example, requiring us to change our business practices, requiring us to meet more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage ratio requirements, limiting our ability to pursue business opportunities, imposing additional costs on us, limiting fees we can charge for services, impacting the value of our assets, or otherwise adversely affecting our businesses. Specific provisions of the Reform Act include:
 
•  changes to the thrift supervisory structure as the responsibility and authority of the Office of Thrift Supervision moves to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in July 2011;
•  changes which may require the Company, as a thrift holding company, to meet regulatory capital, liquidity, leverage or other standards;
•  regulation of interchange fees charged by payment card issuers for transactions in which a person uses a debit or general-use prepaid card, and enforcement of a new statutory requirement that such fees be reasonable and proportional to the actual cost of the transaction to the issuer; and
•  establishment of a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad authority to implement new consumer protection regulations.
The effect of the Reform Act on our business and operations could be significant, depending upon final implementation of regulations, the actions of our competitors and the behavior of other marketplace participants. In addition, we may be required to invest significant management time and resources to address the various provisions of the Reform Act and the numerous regulations that are required to be issued under it. The


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Reform Act and any related legislation or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
There have been no other material changes in our risk factors from those reported at April 30, 2010 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
A summary of our purchases of H&R Block common stock during the third quarter of fiscal year 2011 is as follows:
                         
(in 000s, except per share amounts)
            Total Number of Shares
  Maximum $Value
    Total
  Average
  Purchased as Part of
  of Shares that May
    Number of Shares
  Price Paid
  Publicly Announced
  Be Purchased Under
    Purchased(1)   per Share   Plans or Programs(2)   the Plans or Programs
 
 
November 1 – November 30
    1   $ 11.63     -   $ 1,371,957
December 1 – December 31
    -   $ -     -   $ 1,371,957
January 1 – January 31
    1   $ 11.91     -   $ 1,371,957
 
 
 
(1) We purchased 2,067 shares in connection with the funding of employee income tax withholding obligations arising upon the exercise of stock options or the lapse of restrictions on nonvested shares.
 
(2) In June 2008, our Board of Directors rescinded previous authorizations to repurchase shares of our common stock, and approved an authorization to purchase up to $2.0 billion of our common stock through June 2012.
 
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
         
  31 .1   Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31 .2   Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32 .1   Certification by Chief Executive Officer furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32 .2   Certification by Chief Financial Officer furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  101 .INS   XBRL Instance Document
  101 .SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
  101 .CAL   XBRL Extension Calculation Linkbase
  101 .LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
  101 .PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
  101 .REF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Reference Linkbase
 
 


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
H&R BLOCK, INC.
 
(-s- Alan M. Bennett)
 
Alan M. Bennett
President and Chief Executive Officer
March 9, 2011
 
(-s- Jeffrey T. Brown)
 
Jeffrey T. Brown
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
March 9, 2011
 
(-s- Colby R. Brown)
 
Colby R. Brown
Vice President and
Corporate Controller
March 9, 2011


41

exv31w1
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Alan M. Bennett, Chief Executive Officer, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of H&R Block, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
         
     
Date: March 9, 2011  /s/ Alan M. Bennett    
  Alan M. Bennett   
  Chief Executive Officer
H&R Block, Inc. 
 
 

 

exv31w2
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Jeffrey T. Brown, Chief Financial Officer, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of H&R Block, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
         
     
Date: March 9, 2011  /s/ Jeffrey T. Brown    
  Jeffrey T. Brown   
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
H&R Block, Inc. 
 
 

 

exv32w1
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
     In connection with the quarterly report of H&R Block, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ending January 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Alan M. Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
  (1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
  (2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
         
     
  /s/ Alan M. Bennett    
  Alan M. Bennett   
  Chief Executive Officer
H&R Block, Inc.
March 9, 2011 
 
 

 

exv32w2
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
     In connection with the quarterly report of H&R Block, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ending January 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Jeffrey T. Brown, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
  (1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
  (2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
         
     
  /s/ Jeffrey T. Brown    
  Jeffrey T. Brown   
  Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
H&R Block, Inc.
March 9, 2011