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SMALL BUSINESS
H&R Block Reports Fiscal 2009 Results With Earnings From Continuing Operations of $1.53 per Share(1)
KANSAS CITY, MO -- (Marketwire) -- 06/29/09 -- H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB)
-- Income from continuing operations grows 15.0% to $513 million
-- EPS from continuing operations grows from $1.36 to $1.53 per share
-- Consolidated net income increases to $486 million, or $1.45 per share,
compared with a net loss of $309 million or $(0.94) per share in FY08
-- Tax Services pretax income increases 13.7%; pretax margin grows by 320
bps
-- RSM McGladrey pretax income up 8.2%; pretax margin grows by 130 bps
-- Net worth grows by 42%; Company ends year with net cash position of
$600 million
-- FY10 earnings from continuing operations expected to be $1.60 - $1.80
per share
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) today reported that income from continuing operations for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2009, grew 15.0% to $513.1 million, or $1.53 per share, compared to $445.9 million, or $1.36 per share in the prior year. The growth in earnings per share came notwithstanding an increase of 2.2% in diluted shares outstanding, and after absorbing $0.11 per share in provisions for loan losses relating to the mortgage loan portfolio held by H&R Block Bank.
Tax Services pretax income was $893.8 million, up 13.7% from $785.8 million in the prior year. Pretax margin for the Tax Services segment improved 320 basis points over the prior year. Business Services (RSM McGladrey) pretax income was $96.1 million, up 8.2% from $88.8 million during the prior year. Pretax margins in Business Services rose 130 basis points over the prior year.
Full year revenues were essentially flat at $4.1 billion. Tax Services revenues grew 1.5% to $3.0 billion, compared to the prior period. Business Services revenues declined 4.7% to $897.8 million from $941.7 million in the prior period due to decreased performance in the Capital Markets business, and a change in reporting relating to accounting for leased employees. Core Tax and Consulting revenues grew 4.1% in 2009.
"During the past year H&R Block significantly improved earnings and profit margins despite the overall economy. We increased net worth by $418.0 million, or 42.3%. A positive swing of $1 billion moved us from a net debt position to a net cash balance sheet at the end of our fiscal year for the first time in four years," said Richard C. Breeden, H&R Block Chairman. "In addition to bringing in Russ Smyth as CEO last August, we recently restructured our tax management to flatten the structure, promote accountability and drive greater innovation and flexibility in retail operations," added Mr. Breeden. "We believe our greatly enhanced financial strength and new management will allow us to achieve significant improvements in both products and client service for the future as well as to achieve further cost reductions," said Mr. Breeden.
Consolidated net income for fiscal 2009 was $485.7 million, or $1.45 per share. This compares to a prior-year loss of $308.6 million, or $(0.94) per share.
Tax Services
Total tax returns prepared in U.S. company-owned offices declined 2.8%, while net average fee per tax return in company-owned offices increased 6.8%. Overall, U.S. retail tax returns prepared fell 5.8% while the net average retail fee per return prepared increased 7.2%. The increase in retail net average fee resulted primarily from the effects of a higher complexity of tax returns and a continuing growth among clients with higher adjusted gross income levels.
Tax returns prepared using H&R Block Online tax products and TaxCut® software increased in fiscal 2009 by more than 900,000, or 21.1%. Returns prepared online grew 45.2% and software-prepared returns increased 1.7%. The substantial online growth reflects H&R Block's introduction this year of new products, including a "free" federal online filing product and associated fee-bearing upgrades, including state tax returns. Returns prepared through the IRS Free File Alliance (FFA) declined by 665,000, or 45.8%, as clients migrated to H&R Block Online offerings. Total returns prepared by H&R Block's digital tax solutions, including FFA, increased 4.2%.
"We achieved ambitious targets for earnings in our tax business in fiscal 2009, and demonstrated we could win market share in the critical digital and online segment of the market. While our retail customer decline was not acceptable, we believe that we have identified a set of initiatives that can significantly improve the overall client experience. We are determined to improve our brand position among clients across the income spectrum, and to drive quality in everything we do. Notwithstanding the challenges last year, we see significant opportunities in the coming years to transform our client service culture," said Russ Smyth, president and CEO.
RSM McGladrey
RSM McGladrey (Business Services) reported an 8.2% improvement in fiscal 2009 pretax income to $96.1 million, despite revenues declining 4.7% to $897.8 million. RSM McGladrey's margin improved to 10.7% from 9.4% in the prior year, reflecting growth in its core businesses and the benefit of cost reduction efforts.
Revenues for the segment's core tax and consulting services were up 3.6% and 5.2%, respectively, for a combined increase of $28.2 million, driven in part by higher billed rates per hour in tax. Those gains were offset by a $32.9 million decline in capital markets revenues, and by lower contract services revenues and a change in financial reporting. Amounts reported in previous years as leased-employee revenue have been eliminated in the current year. However, this reporting change did not affect earnings as related costs were also eliminated.
H&R Block Bank
H&R Block Bank (Consumer Financial Services) reported a pretax loss of $14.5 million for the fiscal year 2009, compared to pretax income of $11.5 million in the prior year. The Emerald suite of products offered to tax clients posted pretax income of approximately $70 million, compared to approximately $10 million in the prior year. During fiscal 2009 the Bank issued more than 2.9 million H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCards® and funded $720 million in Emerald Advance lines of credit.
The Company recorded $63.9 million in loan loss provisions during the year, and an $11.9 million write-down of real estate owned. The Bank experienced a decline of $28.5 million in mortgage loan interest income, reflecting the continuing planned runoff of the aggregate portfolio as well as loan delinquencies. The Bank's total mortgage loan portfolio net of reserves was $966.3 million at April 30, 2008, and was reduced by $221.4 million to $744.9 million at April 30, 2009.
Outlook
The Company expects fiscal 2010 earnings from continuing operations to be in the range of $1.60 to $1.80 per share.
"Moving forward, we are repositioning our core tax business for renewed and sustainable growth, while continuing to take excessive costs out of the retail structure. We have recently changed advertising firms, and plan new and more effective marketing efforts during the coming year. We also plan other steps designed to do a better job of attracting and retaining tax clients, and significantly improving the overall client experience," said Russ Smyth. "At the same time, we believe we have significant opportunities to continue to grow our digital business. We will improve our digital products for next year, and better integrate digital and retail operations and products. We believe we can create a more seamless operation capable of serving our clients the way they want to be served," added Smyth.
Balance Sheet
At April 30, 2009, the Company had unrestricted cash of $1.7 billion, and total outstanding debt of $1.1 billion. Net worth at April 30, 2009, was $1.4 billion, an increase of 42.3% compared with the prior year end. Tangible net worth increased $334.4 million to $169.6 million at April 30, 2009.
Share Repurchase
Pursuant to the previously announced Board of Directors authorization to purchase up to $2.0 billion of the Company's common stock, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company repurchased 5.6 million shares at an aggregate price of $98.7 million, or an average price of $17.53 per share.
Dividends
The Company intends to maintain its FY09 dividend rate in FY10.
Conference Call
At 4:30 pm EDT today, the Company will conduct a conference call for analysts and investors. 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: 15442394
International (706) 679-0371 - Access Code: 15442394
The call will be webcast in a listen-only format for the media and public. The webcast can be accessed directly at http://investor-relations.hrblock.com. A replay of the call will be available beginning at 7:30 pm EDT today, and continuing until July 13, 2009, by dialing (800) 642-1687 (U.S./Canada) or (706) 645-9291 (international). The conference id is 15442394. The webcast will be available for replay 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; 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.
About H&R Block
H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world's preeminent tax services provider, having prepared more than 500 million tax returns since 1955. In fiscal 2009, H&R Block had annual revenues of $4.1 billion and prepared more than 24 million tax returns worldwide, utilizing more than 120,000 highly trained tax professionals. The Company provides tax return preparation services in person, online through H&R Block Online, through its TaxCut® software 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) ------------------------- ------------------------ 2009 2008 2009 2008 ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- Tax Services $ 2,097,019 $ 2,166,163 $ 1,111,850 $ 1,111,398 Business Services 304,936 317,931 72,616 72,308 Consumer Financial Services 60,821 53,098 21,506 (1,267) Corporate and Eliminations 3,977 3,924 (27,918) (38,462) ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- $ 2,466,753 $ 2,541,116 1,178,054 1,143,977 ============ ============ Income taxes 470,245 458,017 ----------- ----------- Net income from continuing operations 707,809 685,960 Net loss from discontinued operations (906) (142,398) ----------- ----------- Net income $ 706,903 $ 543,562 =========== ===========
Basic earnings (loss) per share: Net income from continuing operations $ 2.10 $ 2.11 Net loss from discontinued operations - (0.44) ----------- ----------- Net income $ 2.10 $ 1.67 =========== ===========
Basic shares outstanding 336,859 325,610
Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Net income from continuing operations $ 2.09 $ 2.09 Net loss from discontinued operations - (0.43) ----------- ----------- Net income $ 2.09 $ 1.66 =========== ===========
Diluted shares outstanding 337,963 328,028
Year ended April 30, -------------------------------------------------- Revenues Income (loss) ------------------------- ------------------------ 2009 2008 2009 2008 ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- Tax Services $ 3,033,123 $ 2,988,617 $ 893,805 $ 785,839 Business Services 897,809 941,686 96,097 88,797 Consumer Financial Services 141,801 142,706 (14,508) 11,484 Corporate and Eliminations 10,844 13,621 (136,024) (151,049) ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- $ 4,083,577 $ 4,086,630 839,370 735,071 ============ ============ Income taxes 326,315 289,124 ----------- ----------- Net income from continuing operations 513,055 445,947 Net loss from discontinued operations (27,382) (754,594) ----------- ----------- Net income (loss) $ 485,673 $ (308,647) =========== ===========
Basic earnings (loss) per share: Net income from continuing operations $ 1.54 $ 1.37 Net loss from discontinued operations (0.08) (2.32) ----------- ----------- Net income (loss) $ 1.46 $ (0.95) =========== ===========
Basic shares outstanding 332,787 324,810
Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Net income from continuing operations $ 1.53 $ 1.36 Net loss from discontinued operations (0.08) (2.30) ----------- ----------- Net income (loss) $ 1.45 $ (0.94) =========== ===========
Diluted shares outstanding 334,539 327,468
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. 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. We recorded a loss in connection with the disposition of this business totaling $12.2 million. As of April 30, 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 in the prior year also include our former mortgage businesses and 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
April 30, April 30, 2009 2008 ----------- ----------- ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,654,663 $ 664,897 Cash and cash equivalents - restricted 51,656 7,031 Receivables, net 512,814 534,229 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 351,947 420,738 Assets of discontinued operations, held for sale - 987,592 ----------- ----------- Total current assets 2,571,080 2,614,487
Mortgage loans held for investment, net 744,899 966,301 Property and equipment, net 368,289 363,664 Intangible assets, net 385,998 147,368 Goodwill 850,230 831,314 Other assets 439,226 700,291 ----------- ----------- Total assets $ 5,359,722 $ 5,623,425 =========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Customer banking deposits $ 854,888 $ 785,624 Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities 705,945 739,887 Accrued salaries, wages and payroll taxes 259,698 365,712 Accrued income taxes 543,967 439,380 Current portion of long-term debt 8,782 7,286 Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings 25,000 129,000 Liabilities of discontinued operations, held for sale - 644,446 ----------- ----------- Total current liabilities 2,398,280 3,111,335
Long-term debt 1,032,122 1,031,784 Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings 75,000 - Other noncurrent liabilities 448,461 492,488 ----------- ----------- Total liabilities 3,953,863 4,635,607 ----------- -----------
Stockholders' equity: Common stock, no par, stated value $.01 per share 4,442 4,359 Additional paid-in capital 836,477 695,959 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (11,639) 2,486 Retained earnings 2,671,437 2,384,449 Less treasury shares, at cost (2,094,858) (2,099,435) ----------- ----------- Total stockholders' equity 1,405,859 987,818 ----------- ----------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 5,359,722 $ 5,623,425 =========== ===========
Supplementary balance sheet data: Total cash, as reported $ 1,654,663 $ 664,897 Total debt, as reported (1) 1,040,904 1,039,070 ----------- ----------- Net cash (debt) $ 613,759 $ (374,173) =========== ===========
(1) Excludes Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings and deposits.
H&R BLOCK CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share data
Three months ended Year ended April 30, April 30, ------------------------ ------------------------ 2009 2008 2009 2008 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Revenues: Service revenues $ 2,081,162 $ 2,125,982 $ 3,437,906 $ 3,393,906 Other revenues: Product and other revenues 324,573 364,934 491,155 541,166 Interest income 61,018 50,200 154,516 151,558 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 2,466,753 2,541,116 4,083,577 4,086,630 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Operating expenses: Cost of services 1,023,687 1,015,598 2,296,449 2,280,478 Cost of other revenues 82,879 112,786 299,769 307,715 Selling, general and administrative 184,436 274,495 648,490 788,898 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 1,291,002 1,402,879 3,244,708 3,377,091 ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income 1,175,751 1,138,237 838,869 709,539 Other income, net 2,303 5,740 501 25,532 ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income from continuing operations before taxes 1,178,054 1,143,977 839,370 735,071 Income taxes 470,245 458,017 326,315 289,124 ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income from continuing operations 707,809 685,960 513,055 445,947 Net loss from discontinued operations (906) (142,398) (27,382) (754,594) ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) $ 706,903 $ 543,562 $ 485,673 $ (308,647) =========== =========== =========== ===========
Basic earnings (loss) per share: Net income from continuing operations $ 2.10 $ 2.11 $ 1.54 $ 1.37 Net loss from discontinued operations - (0.44) (0.08) (2.32) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net income (loss) $ 2.10 $ 1.67 $ 1.46 $ (0.95) =========== =========== =========== ===========
Basic shares outstanding 336,859 325,610 332,787 324,810
Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Net income from continuing operations $ 2.09 $ 2.09 $ 1.53 $ 1.36 Net loss from discontinued operations - (0.43) (0.08) (2.30) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net income (loss) $ 2.09 $ 1.66 $ 1.45 $ (0.94) =========== =========== =========== ===========
Diluted shares outstanding 337,963 328,028 334,539 327,468
H&R BLOCK CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Unaudited, amounts in thousands
Year ended April 30, ------------------------ 2009 2008 ----------- ----------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) $ 485,673 $ (308,647) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 123,631 119,514 Provision for bad debts and loan losses 181,829 174,813 Provision for deferred taxes 73,213 (51,695) Stock-based compensation 26,557 40,373 Operating cash flows provided by discontinued operations: Loss on sale of discontinued operations 10,626 45,510 Other 86,952 167,535 Other net changes in working capital, net of acquisitions 35,958 71,357 ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by operating activities 1,024,439 258,760 ----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities: Principal repayments on mortgage loans held for investment, net 91,329 207,606 Purchases of property and equipment, net (97,880) (101,554) Payments made for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (293,805) (24,872) Investing cash flows provided by (used in) discontinued operations: Proceeds from sale of operating units, net of cash 303,983 1,114,535 Other (48,917) (69,545) Other, net 50,850 21,119 ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by investing activities 5,560 1,147,289 ----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities: Repayments of commercial paper - (5,125,279) Proceeds from issuance of commercial paper - 4,133,197 Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes - 599,376 Repayments of other borrowings (4,762,294) (9,055,426) Proceeds from other borrowings 4,733,294 8,505,426 Customer banking deposits 64,357 (345,391) Dividends paid (198,685) (183,628) Acquisition of treasury shares (106,189) (7,280) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 141,415 - Proceeds from exercise of stock options 71,594 23,322 Financing cash flows provided by (used in) discontinued operations 4,783 (64,439) Other, net 11,492 (37,947) ----------- ----------- Net cash used in financing activities (40,233) (1,558,069) ----------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 989,766 (152,020) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year 664,897 816,917 ----------- ----------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year $ 1,654,663 $ 664,897 =========== ===========
Supplementary cash flow data: Income taxes paid, net of refunds received $ (1,593) $ (238,803) Interest paid on borrowings 89,541 173,181 Interest paid on deposits 14,004 44,501 Transfers of loans to foreclosed assets 65,171 -
H&R BLOCK U.S. TAX OPERATING DATA (amounts in thousands, except average fee)
Year ended April 30, ------------------------- Percent 2009 2008 Change ------------ ------------ ------- Net tax preparation fees: (1) Company-owned operations $ 2,000,281 $ 1,930,117 3.6% Franchise operations 828,871 876,579 -5.4% ------------ ------------ $ 2,829,152 $ 2,806,696 0.8% ============ ============
Tax returns prepared: (2),(3) Company-owned operations 10,231 10,530 -2.8% Franchise operations 4,936 5,577 -11.5% ------------ ------------ Total retail operations 15,167 16,107 -5.8% ------------ ------------ Software 2,418 2,378 1.7% Online 2,775 1,911 45.2% ------------ ------------ Total paid digital tax solutions 5,193 4,289 21.1% Free File Alliance 788 1,453 -45.8% ------------ ------------ Total digital tax solutions 5,981 5,742 4.2% ------------ ------------ 21,148 21,849 -3.2% ============ ============
Net average fee per tax return prepared: (4) Company-owned operations $ 196.16 $ 183.68 6.8% Franchise operations 169.04 157.72 7.2% ------------ ------------ $ 187.36 $ 174.70 7.2% ============ ============
(1) Amounts include gross tax preparation fees less coupons and discounts. (2) Prior year numbers have not been reclassified between company-owned and franchise offices for offices which commenced company-owned operations during fiscal year 2009. Fiscal year 2009 returns include approximately 470,000 returns prepared in offices of our last major franchise operator, which we acquired in November 2008. (3) Fiscal year 2008 amounts exclude Economic Stimulus Act only filers of approximately 164,000 and 127,000 for company-owned and franchise operations, respectively. (4) Amounts are calculated as net tax preparation fees divided by retail tax returns prepared.
For Further Information
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