H&R Block Reports Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter Results
-- Income from continuing operations of $0.20 per share, up from $0.02
per share in FY2008
-- Total revenues increase nearly $100 million, or 11%, to $993.4 million
-- Consolidated net income of $47.4 million, or $0.14 per share, compared
with a net loss of ($47.4) million or ($0.14) per share in FY2008
-- Tax services revenues up 15.1%; total retail tax returns through
January 31 increase 1.6%
-- Tax services pretax income of $130.4 million, up 184% from $45.9
million
-- RSM McGladrey pretax income of $10.7 million, up 62% from prior year
on 3.5% decline in revenue
-- Total debt reduced by $2.5 billion compared to January 31, 2008, and
net worth increases 81% year on year to $840 million
-- Total tax preparation revenues, including digital, through February 28
up 6.5%; total tax returns prepared down 1.8%.
H&R Block, Inc. today reported income from continuing operations for the fiscal 2009 third quarter ended Jan. 31, 2009, of $66.8 million, or $0.20 per share(1), up from income of $7.1 million, or $0.02 per share in the prior period. Third quarter revenues from continuing operations rose 11 percent to $993.4 million, compared with $894.8 million a year ago. This revenue increase reflects both growth in the number of tax returns prepared and higher net average tax preparation fees.
"H&R Block's fiscal third quarter results reflect significantly enhanced financial strength and improving profitability," said Richard C. Breeden, H&R Block Chairman. "Continued cost reductions coupled with double digit top line revenue growth have expanded profits in our core business. Paying down more than $2.5 billion in debt has greatly improved our financial strength, which was one of our major goals for this year. While the fiscal fourth quarter is always the critical driver for H&R Block's annual performance, we are nonetheless pleased with our results notwithstanding the headwinds in the broader economy," added Mr. Breeden.
The company experienced a net loss of $19.5 million from discontinued operations for the quarter compared to a net loss of $54.4 million in the prior-year period. Discontinued operations for both periods include the results of H&R Block Financial Advisors, which was sold in November, 2008, while the year earlier period included losses, which did not recur in 2009, relating to the shutdown of mortgage lending operations.
Consolidated net income for the quarter was $47.4 million, or 14 cents per share. This was up from a consolidated net loss of $47.4 million, or 14 cents per share, in the prior year period.
For the nine months ended January 31, 2009, H&R Block reported a net loss from continuing operations of $194.8 million, or $0.59 per share, an improvement over a net loss of $240.0 million, or $0.74 per share, for the nine months ended January 31, 2008. Discontinued operations recorded a net loss of $26.5 million, or $0.08 per share for the nine months ended Jan. 31, 2009, down significantly from a year-ago loss of $612.2 million, or $1.89 per share, which reflected substantial losses associated with the former mortgage loan business. For the nine month period, consolidated net loss was $221.2 million, or $0.67 per share, compared with a net loss of $852.2 million, or $2.63 per share, for the same period in fiscal 2008. Nine month revenues were $1.62 billion in fiscal 2009 versus $1.55 billion in fiscal 2008.
Tax Services
Third quarter Tax Services revenues rose 15.1% year-over-year to $761.7 million. This increase reflects growth in tax returns prepared in U.S. retail offices of 1.6% compared with the year earlier period (excluding ESA filers during 2008), and an increase of 11.1% in retail net average fee per return. This increase in retail net average fee resulted from a combination of planned pricing increases, higher complexity of tax returns, a shift in client mix to higher AGI levels and lower discounts. However, part of the increase in revenues reflects the November, 2008 acquisition of a major franchisee in the Southwest. Excluding the effects of this acquisition, Tax Services revenues increased 10.6%.
The company's digital tax business, consisting of H&R Block Online tax filing products and TaxCut(R) software, generated an increase of 100,000 tax returns prepared during the fiscal third quarter. This represented growth during the quarter of 6.7% in the total number of filings compared with the prior period. During the quarter H&R Block Online returns grew by 247,000, or 62%, compared with the same period in fiscal 2008. Among other things, this growth reflects the introduction this year of a "free" online filing product and associated fee-bearing upgrades, which the company did not offer in 2008. The strong growth in online returns was partially offset by a small decline in software-based returns and a larger decline in filings through the Free File Alliance as clients migrate to H&R Block Online offerings.
The Tax Services segment reported pretax income of $130.4 million for the quarter, up 184% from $45.9 million a year ago. Approximately $10 million of the increase in pretax income stemmed from an appreciable shift by clients to use of RACs rather than RALs. In addition to being less costly for clients, RACs do not involve revenue deferrals into the fourth quarter as is true with RALs. This timing difference in the recognition of RAC revenues compared with RALs should net out in the fiscal fourth quarter.
During the fiscal third quarter Tax Services expenses increased 2.5% compared with a 15.1% increase in revenues. This reflects in large part the net impact of the company's cost reduction initiatives, despite higher field variable compensation reflecting growth in return volumes and complexity, and greater marketing expense.
"With our strong third quarter results, we remain on track to significantly improve the profitability of our businesses in FY09. We continue to see solid improvements in operating effectiveness and efficiency," said Russ Smyth, president and chief executive officer of H&R Block. "Our positive third quarter results in both Tax Services and RSM McGladrey reflect good execution and strong focus on our core businesses. We are still at an early stage in our efforts to drive improved client satisfaction and quality, but I am encouraged at our opportunities in these areas as well," added Smyth.
For the first nine months of fiscal 2009, Tax Services revenues of $936.1 million were up 13.8% from $822.5 million in the prior year. Fiscal year-to-date the pretax loss was $218.0 million, an improvement compared with a pretax loss of $325.6 million in the prior fiscal year period.
Interim Tax Results through Feb. 28 (excluding leap year and 2008 ESA only filings)
For the 2009 tax season through February 28, total tax returns prepared decreased 1.8% compared to tax season 2008. This reflects a decline in retail tax returns prepared of 3.9%, partially offset by a 4.0% increase in digital returns. For the 2009 tax season through February 28, tax preparation revenues, including digital, are up approximately $77 million, or 6.5%, over the comparable period in 2008. This reflects the impact of an increase of 8.5% in net average fees per retail return, offset partially by the lower number of total returns. The increase in these revenues also reflects the shift of more than 600 franchise offices to company ownership as a result of the Southwest acquisition.
"This year we are seeing a number of changes in tax filings," said Russ Smyth, Block CEO. "While in 2009 we did not have the AMT issues experienced in 2008, the overall tax season started slower, in part due to the IRS beginning acceptance of efiling a week later in 2009 than last year. There was also a significant delay in the availability of Form 1099s, which delayed filings of more complex returns. H&R Block has seen a decline in the number of returns showing adjusted gross incomes of less than $20,000, but an increase in 'expertise' filings with AGI of more than $90,000, which involve materially higher preparation fees per customer. The economic stimulus of 2008 was delivered through tax return filings, while the initial phase of the 2009 economic stimulus for ordinary Americans is being delivered through changes in payroll tax withholding. We believe growth in total returns filed is below last year and that decline is pronounced in clients with the lowest incomes. At the same time we are definitely seeing a shift this year from assisted returns to digital filings, with particular popularity of 'free' online filings. We have seen strong results in the second half of the tax season in each of the last three years, and we are working hard to match that performance again in 2009," Smyth added.
RSM McGladrey
Pretax income for the quarter at RSM McGladrey (Business Services segment) increased 62% to $10.7 million, compared to $6.6 million in fiscal 2008. Increased profitability reflected the effect of cost reduction initiatives on margins, as total revenues fell 3.5 % during the quarter compared to the prior year period. Core accounting, tax and consulting revenues increased $4.4 million, or 3%, over the prior-year period. Those gains were offset by a decline in capital markets revenues and lower sub-contractor revenues.
RSM revenues for the nine months ended January 31, 2009 were $592.9 million, down 5% from $623.8 million in the comparable period for the prior year. Pretax income for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 was $23.5 million, up 42% compared with income of $16.5 million in the prior-year period.
H&R Block Bank
H&R Block Bank (Consumer Financial Services segment) reported a fiscal third quarter pretax loss of $3.3 million compared to pretax income of $12.3 million in the prior period. Income from the Emerald suite of products offered to tax clients increased during the period, but this was more than offset by a $13.5 million increase in loan loss reserves compared with the prior-year period. The bank continues to be affected by ongoing declines in housing values as well as higher delinquencies on mortgage loans owned by bank. The company expects to participate in the Obama Administration's recently announced mortgage loan modification program, paralleling prior efforts to modify and restructure mortgage loans on owner-occupied properties.
For the first nine months of fiscal 2009, the Bank posted a pretax loss of $36.0 million, compared with pretax income of $12.8 million for the nine month period in fiscal 2008. This primarily reflects a $39.6 million increase in loan loss reserves, and a $5.7 million impairment of other real estate owned, during the current fiscal year period.
Conference Call
At 8:00 a.m. EST today, the Company will host a conference call for analysts, institutional investors and shareholders. Richard Breeden, chairman of the board, Russ Smyth, chief executive officer, Becky Shulman, chief financial officer, and Tim Gokey, president of retail tax services will discuss quarterly results and future expectations, as well as respond to analysts' questions. To access the call, please dial the number below approximately five to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time:
U.S./Canada (877) 247-6355 - Access Code: 87179378 International (706) 679-0371 - Access Code: 87179378
The call also will be webcast in a listen-only format for the media and public. The link to the webcast and a supporting slide presentation can be accessed directly at http://investor-relations.hrblock.com.
A replay of the call will be available beginning at 10:00 a.m. EST March 6, 2009, and continuing until March 20, 2009, by dialing (800) 642-1687 (U.S./Canada) or (706) 645-9291 (international). The conference id is 75298862. The webcast will be available for replay on the Company's Investor Relations Web site at http://investor-relations.hrblock.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, which are any statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements, as well as the Company's guidance, are based upon the Company's current expectations and there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and speak only as of the date on which they are made, the Company's actual results could differ materially from these statements. These risks and uncertainties relate to, among other things, uncertainties and potential contingent liabilities arising from our former mortgage loan origination and servicing business; uncertainties in the residential mortgage market and its impact on loan loss provisions; uncertainties pertaining to the commercial debt market; competitive factors; the Company's effective income tax rate; litigation; and changes in market, economic, political or regulatory conditions. Information concerning these risks and uncertainties is contained in Item 1A of the Company's 2008 annual report on Form 10-K and in other filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
About H&R Block
H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world's preeminent tax services provider, having served more than 400 million clients since 1955 and generating annual revenues of $4.1 billion in fiscal year 2008. H&R Block provides income tax return preparation and related services and products via a nationwide network of approximately 13,000 Company-owned and franchised offices and through TaxCut(R) online and software solutions. The Company also provides business services through RSM McGladrey. For more information visit our Online Press Center at www.hrblock.com.
(1) All per share amounts are based on fully diluted shares.
H&R BLOCK
KEY OPERATING RESULTS
Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share data
Three months ended January 31,
------------------------------------------
Revenues Income (loss)
--------------------- --------------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
---------- ---------- --------- ---------
Tax Services $ 761,735 $ 661,787 $ 130,443 $ 45,879
Business Services 185,177 191,884 10,695 6,614
Consumer Financial Services 45,195 39,305 (3,268) 12,318
Corporate and Eliminations 1,339 1,828 (36,131) (64,395)
---------- ---------- --------- ---------
$ 993,446 $ 894,804 101,739 416
========== ==========
Income taxes (benefit) 34,909 (6,674)
--------- ---------
Net income from continuing
operations 66,830 7,090
Net loss from discontinued
operations (19,467) (54,448)
--------- ---------
Net income (loss) $ 47,363 $ (47,358)
========= =========
Basic earnings (loss) per
share:
Net income from continuing
operations $ 0.20 $ 0.02
Net loss from discontinued
operations (0.06) (0.17)
--------- ---------
Net income (loss) $ 0.14 $ (0.15)
========= =========
Basic shares outstanding 337,338 325,074
Diluted earnings (loss) per
share:
Net income from continuing
operations $ 0.20 $ 0.02
Net loss from discontinued
operations (0.06) (0.16)
--------- ---------
Net income (loss) $ 0.14 $ (0.14)
========= =========
Diluted shares outstanding 338,687 327,202
Nine months ended January 31,
--------------------- --------------------
Revenues Income (loss)
---------- ---------- --------- ---------
2009 2008 2009 2008
---------- ---------- --------- ---------
Tax Services $ 936,104 $ 822,454 $(218,045) $(325,559)
Business Services 592,873 623,755 23,481 16,489
Consumer Financial Services 80,980 89,608 (36,014) 12,751
Corporate and Eliminations 6,867 9,697 (108,106) (112,587)
---------- ---------- --------- ---------
$1,616,824 $1,545,514 (338,684) (408,906)
========== ==========
Income tax benefit (143,930) (168,893)
--------- ---------
Net loss from continuing
operations (194,754) (240,013)
Net loss from discontinued
operations (26,476) (612,196)
--------- ---------
Net loss $(221,230) $(852,209)
========= =========
Basic and diluted loss per
share:
Net loss from continuing
operations $ (0.59) $ (0.74)
Net loss from discontinued
operations (0.08) (1.89)
--------- ---------
Net loss $ (0.67) $ (2.63)
========= =========
Basic and diluted shares
outstanding 331,429 324,544
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding. The dilutive effect of potential common shares is included in diluted earnings per share, except in those periods with a loss from continuing operations.
Effective November 1, 2008, we sold HRB Financial Corporation, including our securities brokerage business formerly conducted through H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc. (HRBFA), to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. As a result of this transaction, we received cash proceeds, net of selling costs, of $304.0 million, plus repayment of net intercompany liabilities of $46.6 million. The carrying value of our investment in this business at the date of disposition was $293.7 million. We deferred recognition of a portion of the sale proceeds totaling $7.0 million, which represents the estimated value of an ongoing collaboration arrangement with our Tax Services businesses, and recorded a liability for indemnification obligations at an estimated fair value of $15.5 million. The transaction resulted in a capital loss for income tax purposes and, with the exception of benefits of approximately $10 million recorded during the quarter ended October 31, 2008, is not currently expected to result in a tax benefit. Net of selling expenses, deferrals, and indemnification liabilities, we recorded a loss during the quarter ended January 31, 2009 in connection with the disposition of this business totaling $12.2 million.
As of January 31, 2009, the results of operations of HRBFA and its direct corporate parent are presented as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated financial statements. All periods presented reflect our discontinued operations.
Discontinued operations also include mortgage businesses historically engaged in the origination of non-prime and prime mortgage loans, the sale and securitization of mortgage loans and residual interests, and the servicing of non-prime loans. During fiscal year 2008, we terminated all origination activities and sold the loan servicing operations. Also included in the prior year are the results of three smaller lines of business previously reported in our Business Services segment.
H&R BLOCK
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Amounts in thousands, except share data
January 31, April 30, January 31,
2009 2008 2008
------------ ------------ ------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,269,203 $ 664,897 $ 1,332,936
Cash and cash equivalents -
restricted 75,893 7,031 70,289
Receivables, net 2,642,951 534,229 2,679,446
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets 425,042 420,738 230,454
Assets of discontinued
operations, held for sale - 987,592 4,045,206
------------ ------------ ------------
Total current assets 4,413,089 2,614,487 8,358,331
Mortgage loans held for
investment, net 781,755 966,301 1,040,854
Property and equipment, net 383,704 363,664 372,790
Intangible assets, net 394,106 147,368 154,163
Goodwill 848,443 831,314 836,767
Other assets 480,795 700,291 812,306
------------ ------------ ------------
Total assets $ 7,301,892 $ 5,623,425 $ 11,575,211
============ ============ ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings $ 690,485 $ - $ 1,711,485
Customer banking deposits 2,115,708 785,624 1,958,490
Accounts payable, accrued
expenses and other current
liabilities 734,755 739,887 473,274
Accrued salaries, wages and
payroll taxes 206,959 365,712 255,422
Accrued income taxes 143,791 439,380 78,547
Current portion of long-term
debt 9,030 7,286 8,332
Federal Home Loan Bank
borrowings 104,000 129,000 -
Liabilities of discontinued
operations, held for sale - 644,446 3,199,626
------------ ------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 4,004,728 3,111,335 7,685,176
Long-term debt 2,002,647 1,031,784 2,813,411
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings - - 104,000
Other noncurrent liabilities 454,512 492,488 508,692
------------ ------------ ------------
Total liabilities 6,461,887 4,635,607 11,111,279
------------ ------------ ------------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, no par, stated
value $.01 per share 4,442 4,359 4,359
Additional paid-in capital 835,329 695,959 685,013
Accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) (16,614) 2,486 (348)
Retained earnings 2,015,650 2,384,449 1,887,466
Less treasury shares, at cost (1,998,802) (2,099,435) (2,112,558)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity 840,005 987,818 463,932
------------ ------------ ------------
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity $ 7,301,892 $ 5,623,425 $ 11,575,211
============ ============ ============
H&R BLOCK
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share data
Three months Nine months
ended January 31, ended January 31,
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
2009 2008 2009 2008
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Revenues:
Service revenues $ 799,687 $ 710,250 $ 1,356,744 $ 1,267,924
Other revenues:
Product and other
revenues 135,155 137,444 166,582 176,232
Interest income 58,604 47,110 93,498 101,358
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
993,446 894,804 1,616,824 1,545,514
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating expenses:
Cost of services 572,854 552,807 1,272,762 1,264,880
Cost of other revenues 111,713 96,234 216,890 194,929
Selling, general and
administrative 208,814 247,320 464,054 514,403
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
893,381 896,361 1,953,706 1,974,212
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income (loss) 100,065 (1,557) (336,882) (428,698)
Other income (expense),
net 1,674 1,973 (1,802) 19,792
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) from
continuing operations
before taxes (benefit) 101,739 416 (338,684) (408,906)
Income taxes (benefit) 34,909 (6,674) (143,930) (168,893)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) from
continuing operations 66,830 7,090 (194,754) (240,013)
Net loss of
discontinued
operations (19,467) (54,448) (26,476) (612,196)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) $ 47,363 $ (47,358) $ (221,230) $ (852,209)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Basic earnings (loss)
per share:
Net income (loss) from
continuing
operations $ 0.20 $ 0.02 $ (0.59) $ (0.74)
Net loss from
discontinued
operations (0.06) (0.17) (0.08) (1.89)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) $ 0.14 $ (0.15) $ (0.67) $ (2.63)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Basic shares
outstanding 337,338 325,074 331,429 324,544
Diluted earnings (loss)
per share:
Net income (loss) from
continuing
operations $ 0.20 $ 0.02 $ (0.59) $ (0.74)
Net loss from
discontinued
operations (0.06) (0.16) (0.08) (1.89)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) $ 0.14 $ (0.14) $ (0.67) $ (2.63)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Diluted shares
outstanding 338,687 327,202 331,429 324,544
H&R BLOCK
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Unaudited, amounts in thousands
Nine months ended
January 31,
------------------------
2009 2008
----------- -----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $ (221,230) $ (852,209)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 90,455 82,710
Stock-based compensation expense 20,364 30,131
Change in participation in tax client loans
receivable (1,048,993) (1,693,506)
Operating cash flows of discontinued
operations 99,425 (34,297)
Other, net of acquisitions (1,363,583) (872,946)
----------- -----------
Net cash used in operating activities (2,423,562) (3,340,117)
----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Principal repayments on mortgage loans held for
investment, net 72,150 106,721
Purchases of property and equipment, net (73,913) (77,226)
Payments made for business acquisitions, net
of cash acquired (290,868) (23,835)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities of discontinued operations:
Proceeds from sale of operating units, net 303,983 -
Other (48,917) (1,675)
Other, net 23,839 7,382
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities (13,726) 11,367
----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of commercial paper - (5,125,279)
Proceeds from issuance of commercial paper - 4,133,197
Repayments of other short-term borrowings (928,983) (2,161,177)
Proceeds from other short-term borrowings 2,565,281 5,097,662
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes - 599,376
Customer deposits, net 1,326,584 828,872
Dividends paid (147,569) (137,049)
Acquisition of treasury shares (7,387) (7,237)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 69,891 14,527
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net 141,450 -
Net cash provided by financing activities of
discontinued operations 4,783 634,208
Other, net 17,544 (32,331)
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 3,041,594 3,844,769
----------- -----------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 604,306 516,019
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the
period 664,897 816,917
----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period $ 1,269,203 $ 1,332,936
=========== ===========
Supplementary cash flow data:
Income taxes paid (net of income tax refunds
received) $ (13,006) $ (55,975)
Interest paid on borrowings 70,891 129,694
Interest paid on deposits 11,484 39,498
Non-cash investing activities:
Foreclosed assets 62,774 -
H&R BLOCK
Preliminary U.S. Tax Operating Data
(amounts in thousands, except average fee)
Period
------------------------
Tax Season
February
11/1-1/31 YTD (1)
----------- -----------
Net tax preparation fees: (2)
Fiscal year 2009
Company-owned operations $ 520,386 $ 1,206,429
Franchise operations 229,439 530,675
----------- -----------
$ 749,825 $ 1,737,104
=========== ===========
Fiscal year 2008 (3)
Company-owned operations $ 439,757 $ 1,115,231
Franchise operations 225,035 552,499
----------- -----------
$ 664,792 $ 1,667,729
=========== ===========
Percent change
Company-owned operations 18.3% 8.2%
----------- -----------
Franchise operations 2.0% -4.0%
----------- -----------
Total retail operations 12.8% 4.2%
----------- -----------
Total returns prepared:
Fiscal year 2009
Company-owned operations 2,579 6,251
Franchise operations 1,339 3,199
----------- -----------
Total retail offices 3,918 9,450
----------- -----------
Digital Software 780 1,552
Digital Online 643 1,743
Digital Free File Alliance 178 501
----------- -----------
Total Digital tax solutions 1,601 3,796
----------- -----------
5,519 13,246
=========== ===========
Fiscal year 2008 (3), (4)
Company-owned operations 2,430 6,285
Franchise operations 1,427 3,548
----------- -----------
Total retail offices 3,857 9,833
----------- -----------
Digital Software 799 1,645
Digital Online 396 1,114
Digital Free File Alliance 306 890
----------- -----------
Total Digital tax solutions 1,501 3,649
----------- -----------
5,358 13,482
=========== ===========
Percent change
Company-owned operations 6.1% -0.5%
----------- -----------
Franchise operations -6.2% -9.8%
----------- -----------
Total retail operations 1.6% -3.9%
----------- -----------
Digital Software -2.4% -5.7%
----------- -----------
Digital Online 62.4% 56.5%
----------- -----------
Digital Free File Alliance -41.8% -43.7%
----------- -----------
Digital tax solutions 6.7% 4.0%
----------- -----------
Total 3.0% -1.8%
Net average fee - retail: (5)
Fiscal year 2009
Company-owned operations $ 202.07 $ 193.58
Franchise operations 171.67 166.65
----------- -----------
$ 191.68 $ 184.47
=========== ===========
Fiscal year 2008 (3)
Company-owned operations $ 181.19 $ 177.76
Franchise operations 157.91 156.15
----------- -----------
$ 172.58 $ 169.97
=========== ===========
Percent change
Company-owned operations 11.5% 8.9%
----------- -----------
Franchise operations 8.7% 6.7%
----------- -----------
Total retail operations 11.1% 8.5%
----------- -----------
(1) Results are through 2/28/09 and 2/28/08, excluding the extra day due
to leap year. The additional day in 2008 represented approximately
83,000 company-owned, 48,000 franchise and 19,000 digital returns.
(2) Amounts include gross tax preparation fees less coupons and discounts.
(3) Prior year numbers have not been reclassified between company-owned
and franchise offices for offices which commenced company-owned
operations during fiscal year 2009. Through 2/28/09, approximately
320,000 returns were from the major franchise operator acquired on
11/3/08. Prior year numbers have also been restated to include tax
returns only.
(4) Amounts exclude Economic Stimulus Act only filers of approximately
17,000 and 16,000 for company-owned and franchise, respectively,
through 2/29/2008.
(5) Amounts are calculated as net tax preparation fees divided by retail
tax returns.
For Further Information: Investor Relations Derek Drysdale 816. 854.4513 Email Contact Media Relations Nancy Mays 816.854.4537 Email Contact
SOURCE: H & R Block
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=C7EB5BF68B1397F9 http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=96C1029B3A7F8CAD