H&R Block Reports Fiscal 2010 Financial Results
KANSAS CITY, MO, Jun 24, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) --H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB)
- Consolidated net income of $479 million, or $1.43 per share, compared to $486 million, or $1.45 per share, in prior year
- Net income from continuing operations of $489 million, or $1.46 per share, compared to $513 million, or $1.53 per share, in prior year
- Total revenues of $3.9 billion, down 5.1% compared to $4.1 billion in prior year
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) today reported consolidated net income for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2010 of $479.2 million, or $1.43 per share(1), down 1.3 percent from the prior year period of $485.7 million, or $1.45 per share. Net income from continuing operations fell 4.7 percent to $488.9 million, or $1.46 per share, compared to income of $513.1 million, or $1.53 per share in the prior year period. Total revenues declined 5.1 percent to $3.9 billion.
"Our business results reflect the challenging economic conditions of this tax season, caused by record levels of sustained unemployment that led to fewer returns being filed by our core retail tax client base," said Russ Smyth, H&R Block's president and chief executive officer. "Despite these difficult conditions, we were able to minimize the impact on consolidated net income. At the same time we positioned our business for future success by improving the overall client experience, increasing client retention rates and optimizing our operating cost structure," added Smyth.
Tax Services
Tax Services reported pretax income of $867.4 million, down 6.4 percent from $927.0 million in the prior year. Total segment revenues fell 5.0 percent year-over-year to $3.0 billion, primarily due to a 6.1 percent decline in total retail returns prepared, partially offset by an increase of 1.1 percent in net average fees per retail return. Same-office tax returns prepared in retail operations fell 3.9 percent over the prior tax season.
The company's continued focus on cost-control measures, including reductions in the size of its retail office network and renegotiation of lease payments, resulted in a declining fixed expense base during the fiscal year.
Total digital tax returns prepared by H&R Block increased 0.4 percent, driven by a 5.0 percent decline in software-based returns that was entirely due to the company's decision to exit two unprofitable distribution channels. Online returns grew by 4.3 percent, while returns prepared through the Free File Alliance (FFA) increased 2.8 percent.
Overall, total tax returns prepared (including software and online) by H&R Block were down 4.3 percent compared to the prior year period. Volume declines were more pronounced in the early-season, as total tax returns prepared were down 7.8 percent from Jan. 1 - Feb. 28.
In tax season 2010, total industry-wide filings at the IRS fell by 1.7 percent to 129.3 million returns. This decline was the largest since 1971, primarily due to continued high levels of unemployment.
RSM McGladrey
RSM McGladrey reported fiscal 2010 pretax income of $58.7 million, down nearly 39 percent from $96.1 million in the prior year. Revenues declined 4.2 percent to $860.3 million, primarily due to the impact of the overall weak economic environment, which continues to pressure billable rates and hours within the industry. Profitability was negatively impacted by costs associated with previously resolved arbitration proceedings involving McGladrey & Pullen and other costs of litigation totaling $14.5 million in the aggregate, as well as a $15.0 million goodwill impairment charge at our capital markets business unit.
Excluding these charges, pretax income would have been approximately $88 million and pretax margin for the segment would have been 10.3 percent, essentially flat with the prior year. The shortfall in revenues was partially mitigated by cost reduction efforts throughout the year. These efforts included headcount reductions to reflect lower client demand, as well as other non-client facing cost reduction initiatives.
Corporate
Corporate operations includes corporate support department costs, such as finance and legal, as well as net interest margin and other gains/losses associated with H&R Block Bank's mortgage portfolio. Corporate operations reported a fiscal 2010 pretax loss of $141.9 million compared to a loss of $183.8 million in the prior year. Lower losses were primarily due to reductions in insurance costs, reduced loss provisions on mortgage loans held for investment and gains on residual interest assets from the company's former mortgage business.
The company's effective tax rate for continuing operations in fiscal 2010 was 37.6 percent, compared to 38.9 percent in the prior year. The effective tax rate declined from the prior year due to tax-planning strategies which resulted in a reduction in the company's deferred tax valuation allowance, and non-taxable benefits on company-owned life insurance.
Balance Sheet
At April 30, 2010, the Company had cash of $1.8 billion and total outstanding debt of $1.1 billion. Shareholder equity at fiscal year-end was $1.4 billion, essentially flat to the prior year as the company returned substantially all earnings to shareholders in the form of share repurchases and dividends.
Share Repurchases and Dividends
The company repurchased and retired 12.8 million shares in fiscal 2010 at a cost of $250.0 million, including repurchases of 6.0 million shares in the fourth quarter at a cost of $100.0 million. A previously announced quarterly cash dividend of 15 cents per share is payable July 1, 2010, to shareholders of record June 10, 2010.
Outlook
The company expects to reduce annual operating expenses by $140 - $150 million per year by the end of fiscal year 2012 as a result of a realignment of field and support services announced May 19, 2010. The realignment resulted in the elimination of 400 full-time positions and closure of 400 tax offices.
Due to the seasonality of its business and the current uncertainty in certain external variables that could significantly impact operating results (including but not limited to employment levels, the changing settlement product environment and tax law changes), the company is not currently providing detailed earnings guidance. However, the company will provide directional insights for certain key business metrics on today's earnings conference call.
"Moving forward, in our retail business we will aggressively market in the early season and leverage our access to best-in-class financial products, while continuing to improve our service levels for all clients. In our digital business, we will attract more new clients to our online segment and enhance the leadership talent to drive accelerated growth. At McGladrey, we will leverage our enhanced partnership agreement to extend our leadership in the middle market segment. In each of our business segments, we will continue to optimize our operating cost structure to better match our future business needs. The combination of these initiatives will allow us to provide all of our clients with an outstanding value proposition, create a rewarding work environment for our employees, and further improve our returns to shareholders," said Smyth.
Conference Call
At 4:30 p.m. EDT today, the company will host a conference call for analysts, institutional investors and shareholders. 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 or International (706) 679-0371 Conference ID: 76468825
The call will also be webcast in a listen-only format for the media and public. The link to the webcast can be accessed directly at http://investor-relations.hrblock.com.
A replay of the call will be available beginning at 6 p.m. EDT on June 24, and continuing until July 15, 2010, by dialing (800) 642-1687 (U.S./Canada) or (706) 645-9291 (International). The conference ID is 76468825. The webcast will be available for replay beginning on June 25 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 regarding the Company's ability to attract and retain clients; meet its prepared returns targets; 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 defense expenses and costs of judgments or settlements; uncertainties regarding the level of share repurchases; and changes in market, economic, political or regulatory conditions. Information concerning these risks and uncertainties is contained in Item 1A of the Company's 2009 annual report on Form 10-K and in other filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
About H&R Block
H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is one of the world's largest tax services providers, having prepared more than 550 million tax returns worldwide since 1955. In fiscal 2010, H&R Block had annual revenues of $3.9 billion and prepared more than 23 million tax returns worldwide, utilizing more than 100,000 highly trained tax professionals. The Company provides tax return preparation services in person, through H&R Block At Home(TM) online and desktop software products, and through other channels. The Company is also one of the leading providers of 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 April 30,
--------------------------------------------
Revenues Income (loss)
--------------------- ----------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Tax Services $2,030,299 $2,148,777 $1,080,335 $1,145,357
Business Services 297,647 304,936 68,441 72,616
Corporate and Eliminations 9,948 13,040 (38,366) (39,919)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
$2,337,894 $2,466,753 1,110,410 1,178,054
========== ==========
Income taxes 417,978 470,245
---------- ----------
Net income from continuing
operations 692,432 707,809
Net loss from discontinued
operations (1,604) (906)
---------- ----------
Net income $ 690,828 $ 706,903
========== ==========
Basic earnings (loss) per
share:
Net income from continuing
operations $ 2.11 $ 2.09
Net loss from discontinued
operations - -
---------- ----------
Net income $ 2.11 $ 2.09
========== ==========
Basic shares outstanding 326,255 336,859
Diluted earnings (loss) per
share:
Net income from continuing
operations $ 2.11 $ 2.08
Net loss from discontinued
operations (0.01) -
---------- ----------
Net income $ 2.10 $ 2.08
========== ==========
Diluted shares outstanding 327,314 337,963
Year ended April 30,
--------------------------------------------
Revenues Income (loss)
--------------------- ----------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Tax Services $2,975,252 $3,132,077 $ 867,362 $ 927,048
Business Services 860,349 897,809 58,714 96,097
Corporate and Eliminations 38,731 53,691 (141,941) (183,775)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
$3,874,332 $4,083,577 784,135 839,370
========== ==========
Income taxes 295,189 326,315
---------- ----------
Net income from continuing
operations 488,946 513,055
Net loss from discontinued
operations (9,704) (27,382)
---------- ----------
Net income $ 479,242 $ 485,673
========== ==========
Basic earnings (loss) per
share:
Net income from continuing
operations $ 1.47 $ 1.53
Net loss from discontinued
operations (0.03) (0.08)
---------- ----------
Net income $ 1.44 $ 1.45
========== ==========
Basic shares outstanding 332,283 332,787
Diluted earnings (loss) per
share:
Net income from continuing
operations $ 1.46 $ 1.53
Net loss from discontinued
operations (0.03) (0.08)
---------- ----------
Net income $ 1.43 $ 1.45
========== ==========
Diluted shares outstanding 333,236 334,539
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Basic earnings per share is computed using the two-class method and is
based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding. The dilutive
effect of potential common shares is included in diluted earnings per
share.
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform
to the current year presentation. Effective May 1, 2009, we realigned
certain segments of our business to reflect a new management reporting
structure. The operations of H&R Block Bank, which were previously
reported as the Consumer Financial Services segment, have now been
reclassified, with activities that support our retail tax network included
in the Tax Services segment, and income and expenses of our static
portfolio of mortgage loans held for investment and related assets
included in Corporate. These reclassifications had no effect on our total
operating expenses, results of operations or stockholders' equity as
previously reported.
H&R Block
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Amounts in thousands, except per share data
April 30, April 30,
2010 2009
---------- ----------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $1,804,045 $1,654,663
Cash and cash equivalents - restricted 34,350 51,656
Receivables, net 517,986 512,814
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 292,655 351,947
---------- ----------
Total current assets 2,649,036 2,571,080
Mortgage loans held for investment, net 595,405 744,899
Property and equipment, net 345,470 368,289
Intangible assets, net 367,432 385,998
Goodwill 840,447 850,230
Other assets 436,528 439,226
---------- ----------
Total assets $5,234,318 $5,359,722
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Customer banking deposits $ 852,555 $ 854,888
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other
current liabilities 756,577 705,945
Accrued salaries, wages and payroll taxes 199,496 259,698
Accrued income taxes 459,175 543,967
Current portion of long-term debt 3,688 8,782
Current Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings 50,000 25,000
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 2,321,491 2,398,280
Long-term debt 1,035,144 1,032,122
Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings 25,000 75,000
Other noncurrent liabilities 412,053 448,461
---------- ----------
Total liabilities 3,793,688 3,953,863
---------- ----------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, no par, stated value $.01 per share 4,314 4,442
Additional paid-in capital 832,604 836,477
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 1,678 (11,639)
Retained earnings 2,658,586 2,671,437
Less treasury shares, at cost (2,056,552) (2,094,858)
---------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity 1,440,630 1,405,859
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $5,234,318 $5,359,722
========== ==========
H&R Block
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share data
Three months ended
April 30, Year ended April 30,
---------------------- ----------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Revenues:
Service revenues $1,944,217 $2,081,162 $3,231,487 $3,437,906
Product and other revenues 344,018 324,573 520,440 491,155
Interest income 49,659 61,018 122,405 154,516
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
2,337,894 2,466,753 3,874,332 4,083,577
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenues 1,024,850 1,106,566 2,467,996 2,596,218
Selling, general and
administrative 203,936 184,436 631,499 648,490
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
1,228,786 1,291,002 3,099,495 3,244,708
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating income 1,109,108 1,175,751 774,837 838,869
Other income, net 1,302 2,303 9,298 501
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income from continuing
operations before taxes 1,110,410 1,178,054 784,135 839,370
Income taxes 417,978 470,245 295,189 326,315
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income from continuing
operations 692,432 707,809 488,946 513,055
Net loss from discontinued
operations (1,604) (906) (9,704) (27,382)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income $ 690,828 $ 706,903 $ 479,242 $ 485,673
========== ========== ========== ==========
Basic earnings (loss) per
share:
Net income from continuing
operations $ 2.11 $ 2.09 $ 1.47 $ 1.53
Net loss from discontinued
operations - - (0.03) (0.08)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income $ 2.11 $ 2.09 $ 1.44 $ 1.45
========== ========== ========== ==========
Basic shares outstanding 326,255 336,859 332,283 332,787
Diluted earnings (loss) per
share:
Net income from continuing
operations $ 2.11 $ 2.08 $ 1.46 $ 1.53
Net loss from discontinued
operations (0.01) - (0.03) (0.08)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income $ 2.10 $ 2.08 $ 1.43 $ 1.45
========== ========== ========== ==========
Diluted shares outstanding 327,314 337,963 333,236 334,539
H&R Block
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Unaudited, amounts in thousands
Year ended April 30,
----------------------
2010 2009
---------- ----------
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 587,469 $1,024,439
---------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Available-for-sale securities:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities (5,365) (5,092)
Sales of and payments received on
available-for-sale securities 15,758 15,075
Principal payments on mortgage loans held for
investment, net 72,832 91,329
Purchases of property and equipment (90,515) (97,880)
Payments made for business acquisitions, net of
cash acquired (10,539) (293,805)
Net cash provided by investing activities of
discontinued operations - 255,066
Other, net 49,182 40,867
---------- ----------
Net cash provided by investing activities 31,353 5,560
---------- ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of commercial paper (1,406,013) -
Proceeds from commercial paper 1,406,013 -
Repayments of other borrowings (4,267,773) (4,762,294)
Proceeds from other borrowings 4,242,727 4,733,294
Customer banking deposits 17,539 64,357
Dividends paid (200,899) (198,685)
Repurchase of common stock, including shares
surrendered (254,250) (106,189)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 16,682 71,594
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net - 141,415
Net cash provided by financing activities of
discontinued operations - 4,783
Other, net (35,144) 11,492
---------- ----------
Net cash used in financing activities (481,118) (40,233)
---------- ----------
Effects of exchange rates on cash 11,678 -
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 149,382 989,766
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the
period 1,654,663 664,897
---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period $1,804,045 $1,654,663
========== ==========
Supplementary cash flow data:
Income taxes paid (refunds received), net $ 359,559 $ (1,593)
Interest paid on borrowings 78,305 89,541
Interest paid on deposits 10,156 14,004
Transfers of loans to foreclosed assets 19,341 65,171
H&R Block
INTERIM U.S. TAX OPERATING DATA
(amounts in thousands, except net average fee)
Year ended April 30,
--------------------- Percent
2010 2009 (1) Change
---------- ---------- ------
Net tax preparation fees - retail: (2)
Company-owned operations $1,812,715 $1,929,751 -6.1%
Franchise operations 882,683 906,337 -2.6%
---------- ----------
Total retail operations $2,695,398 $2,836,088 -5.0%
========== ==========
Total returns prepared:
Company-owned operations 9,182 9,844 -6.7%
Franchise operations 5,064 5,323 -4.9%
---------- ----------
Total retail operations 14,246 15,167 -6.1%
---------- ----------
Digital software 2,193 2,309 -5.0%
Digital online 2,893 2,775 4.3%
---------- ----------
Sub-total 5,086 5,084 0.0%
Digital Free File Alliance 810 788 2.8%
---------- ----------
Total digital tax solutions 5,896 5,872 0.4%
---------- ----------
20,142 21,039 -4.3%
========== ==========
Net average fee - retail: (2,3)
Company-owned operations $ 197.42 $ 196.21 0.6%
Franchise operations 174.32 170.31 2.4%
---------- ----------
Total retail operations $ 189.21 $ 187.12 1.1%
========== ==========
(1) Prior year numbers have been reclassified between company-owned and
franchise operations for offices which were refranchised during either
year.
(2) Amounts include gross tax preparation fees less coupons and discounts.
(3) Amounts are calculated as net retail tax preparation fees divided by
retail tax returns.
H&R Block
NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION
Unaudited, amounts in thousands
We report our financial results in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP). However, we believe certain non-GAAP
performance measures and ratios used in managing the business may provide
additional meaningful comparisons between current year results and prior
periods. Reconciliations to GAAP financial measures are provided below.
These non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, not
as an alternative for, our reported GAAP results.
Year ended April 30,
-----------------
2010
-----------------
Business Services revenues $ 860,349
-----------------
Business Services pretax income $ 58,714
Add back:
Goodwill impairment 15,000
Cost of M&P arbitration and increases in legal reserves 14,505
-----------------
29,505
-----------------
-----------------
Business Services pretax income - adjusted $ 88,219
=================
Pretax margin 6.8%
Pretax margin - adjusted 10.3%
For Further Information
Investor Relations:
Derek Drysdale
(816) 854-4513
Email Contact
Media Relations:
Jennifer Love
(816)854-4448
Email Contact
SOURCE: H & R Block
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