Welcome to our dedicated page for Block (H.&R.) news (Ticker: HRB), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Block (H.&R.) stock.
Overview
Block (H.&R.), Inc. (HRB) has established itself as a trusted provider of tax preparation and financial services over many decades. As the world's largest tax services provider, the company combines traditional in-office assistance with cutting-edge digital tax solutions, serving millions of individuals and small business owners across the United States, Canada, Australia, and beyond. With its rich heritage and expansive retail footprint, Block (H.&R.), Inc. remains a vital resource for customers seeking both professional and self-service tax preparation options.
Business Model and Operations
The company primarily generates revenue through income tax return preparation services delivered via a dual-channel model. Its robust network of company-owned offices and franchise retail locations offers personalized, face-to-face tax assistance, while its digital platform provides streamlined, do-it-yourself tax filing solutions. This integrated approach allows the company to address a range of customer needs—from complex tax situations requiring expert support to straightforward filing processes that benefit from digital convenience. Furthermore, Block (H.&R.), Inc. extends its service offerings to include financial products designed to provide flexible financial relief and enhanced money management options.
Innovative Digital Solutions
Block (H.&R.), Inc. has been at the forefront of digital innovation within the tax services sector. Its user-friendly online platforms empower customers to file tax returns independently while still retaining access to live support when necessary. The digital framework not only simplifies the tax filing process but also integrates additional financial services, such as refund advance loans and mobile banking solutions, thereby creating a seamless and interactive client experience that is both secure and efficient.
Comprehensive Financial Products
Beyond traditional tax preparation, the company offers a range of financial products aimed at addressing immediate liquidity needs and promoting sound money management. These offerings include innovative refund advance loans that provide quick access to funds without impacting a customer's credit score, as well as a mobile banking service that facilitates everyday financial transactions. This diverse product suite underscores Block (H.&R.), Inc.'s holistic approach to financial wellness, catering to customers who require both tax expertise and supportive financial tools.
Client-Centric Expertise and Global Reach
With a commitment to delivering personalized service, Block (H.&R.), Inc. employs thousands of bilingual tax and client service professionals. Their expert guidance, combined with a widespread network of retail locations and digital touchpoints, ensures that clients receive high-quality, tailored advice regardless of their individual tax complexities. The company's expansive global operational footprint, spanning various U.S. territories as well as international markets, reinforces its ability to deliver efficient and reliable tax and financial services across diverse communities.
Competitive Landscape and Market Position
In a competitive industry marked by several specialized tax and financial service providers, Block (H.&R.), Inc. differentiates itself through its enduring legacy, extensive physical reach, and forward-thinking digital solutions. The company continuously refines its operational strategies by integrating technological enhancements with its core service offerings. This synthesis of traditional expertise and modern digital innovation not only bolsters its market position but also provides a comprehensive support system for individual taxpayers and small business owners alike.
Service Spectrum at a Glance
- Tax Preparation: Combining in-office expert assistance with intuitive digital do-it-yourself platforms for efficient tax return filing.
- Digital Transformation: Leveraging technology to deliver secure, user-friendly online tax solutions and financial services.
- Financial Products: Offering refund advance loans and mobile banking options that enhance customer financial flexibility.
- Global Reach: Operating an extensive network of retail and franchise locations across the United States and select international markets.
- Client Expertise: Employing a large team of bilingual and experienced professionals to ensure personalized and high-quality service.
Through its comprehensive service framework, Block (H.&R.), Inc. continues to empower its clients by offering reliable tax preparation, innovative digital solutions, and valuable financial products. This balanced approach, sustained by decades of industry experience, positions the company as a pivotal figure in the tax services and financial solutions market.
H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) reported fiscal 2025 second quarter results with total revenue of $179.1 million, flat compared to the prior year. The company posted a pretax loss of $312.3 million, increasing by $29.4 million from the previous year. Loss per share from continuing operations increased to $(1.79) from $(1.33).
During Q2, H&R Block repurchased 3.2 million shares for $190.5 million at an average price of $58.65 per share. The company reaffirmed its fiscal 2025 outlook, projecting revenue between $3.69 to $3.75 billion and EBITDA of $975 million to $1.02 billion. Adjusted diluted EPS is expected to range from $5.15 to $5.35, with an effective tax rate of approximately 13%.
H&R Block announces significant changes to Form 1099-K reporting requirements for tax year 2024. Payment platforms must now issue 1099-K forms to individuals receiving $5,000 or more in payments on any single platform, down from the previous threshold of $20,000 and 200 transactions. The IRS expects this change to impact approximately 20 million people over the next two years.
The new requirements particularly affect gig workers, freelancers, and casual sellers who must now track their income more carefully. While this means more complex tax filing, self-employed individuals can benefit from various business tax deductions, including expenses for materials, shipping, advertising, and platform fees.
H&R Block recommends creating separate business and personal profiles, maintaining detailed transaction records, tracking expenses, and considering professional tax assistance to ensure compliance and maximize deductions. The company offers support through Block Advisors' small business certified tax pros and their Resource Center.
H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) has announced it will release its fiscal 2025 second quarter results on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, after the New York Stock Exchange market close. The company will hold a conference call at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time on the same day to discuss the quarterly results, outlook, and provide a general business update.
The conference call will be accessible to analysts, institutional investors, and shareholders through registration. A webcast will also be available in listen-only format for media and public, with replay access available for 90 days after the call.
H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) announces key updates for the 2025 tax season, with e-file opening on January 27. The company highlights significant changes including the lowered 1099-K reporting threshold from $20,000 to $5,000, increased Child Tax Credit to $1,700, and new requirements for Clean Vehicle Tax Credits.
The company offers multiple filing options including assisted filing with 60,000 tax professionals across 9,000 offices, DIY online tools with AI Tax Assist, and downloadable software. New features include free Second Look® tax review for up to three years of prior returns, and a -time Price Match offer up to 50% off for new clients.
H&R Block's DIY options include free federal filing for simple returns, which served about 3.5 million clients in 2024. Premium services include unlimited expert help at no extra charge, with tax professionals available extended hours during tax season starting January 20.
H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) has announced the return of its Refund Advance loan program for the 2025 tax season, offering qualifying taxpayers no-interest loans of up to $4,000 between January 3 and February 28, 2025. The loans, issued by Pathward®, N.A, are available in amounts of $250, $500, $750, $1,250, or $4,000, featuring no interest and no loan fees.
Key features include same-day fund availability, no credit score impact, high approval rates, and automatic repayment from tax refunds. Approved funds can be deposited into a Spruce account or loaded onto an Emerald Card®. The program is accessible through H&R Block's 60,000 tax professionals nationwide during virtual or in-office appointments.
H&R Block's 2024 Outlook on American Life report reveals a complex financial landscape where 66% of Americans feel optimistic about income growth and financial stability, while simultaneously facing significant debt challenges. The report highlights that nearly 1 in 2 Americans holds credit card debt, with Gen X carrying the highest burden at 55%, followed by Millennials (49%), Boomers (47%), and Gen Z (39%).
Despite financial pressures, holiday spending has increased, with higher-than-expected Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Notably, one-third of respondents reported spending more than they earned in the last 12 months, and 1 in 5 Americans couldn't cover household expenses for a week without income. The study also found that 1 in 6 Americans hold student debt, with over a third reporting unmanageable debt levels.
H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) has promoted George Agurkis to Vice President of Government Relations. In his new role, Agurkis will lead the government relations team and oversee the company's legislative, regulatory, and policy initiatives across state, federal, and local levels.
During his three-year tenure at H&R Block, Agurkis has made significant contributions, particularly in advancing enhanced identity verification standards and real-time data sharing to combat fraud. Prior to joining H&R Block, he served as Senior Director of Advocacy at the Credit Union National Association and spent ten years with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Rules in various leadership positions.
H&R Block's 2024 Outlook on American Life report reveals positive economic trends across generations. Based on analysis of 11.4 million tax returns and surveys of 7,852 Americans, the report shows that 66% of Americans feel optimistic about their financial future. 71% of Gen Z, 62% of Millennials, 56% of Gen X, and 51% of Boomers are earning income above inflation rates. Gen Z experienced a notable 30% earnings increase in 2023. However, debt remains a significant concern, with up to two-thirds of credit card holders reporting unmanageable debt levels. The report also highlights increasing trends in DINK households and investment participation, with 32% of tax filers reporting investment income in 2023.
H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) reported its fiscal 2025 first-quarter results, revealing a 5% revenue increase to $193.8 million, driven by higher company office volumes and increased charges in the Assisted category. The company repurchased $210 million in shares and reaffirmed its full-year outlook. Despite the revenue growth, operating expenses rose to $422.1 million, leading to a pretax loss of $232.3 million and an increased loss per share from continuing operations to $(1.23). H&R Block continues its share repurchase program with $1.3 billion remaining and has consistently paid quarterly dividends since 1962. The company expects full-year revenue between $3.69 to $3.75 billion, EBITDA of $975 million to $1.02 billion, and adjusted diluted EPS of $5.15 to $5.35.
H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.375 per share, payable on January 6, 2025, to shareholders of record as of December 5, 2024. The company has maintained an unbroken streak of quarterly dividend payments for over 60 years since going public in 1962. Notably, H&R Block has increased its dividend by 88% since 2016 and has returned more than $3.9 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.