iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) - The iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) closed at $85.43, down by $0.03 (-0.04%) with a 52-week range between $85.04 and $101.64 [1] - The ETF has a dividend yield of 4.39% and assets under management totaling $50.35 billion [1] - Bond prices recovered after a brief sell-off following the NFP report, indicating potential buying opportunities [1] - Goldman Sachs has recommended bonds, suggesting a potential upward trend for the bond ETF [1] Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) Report Impact - The NFP report exceeded consensus expectations by nearly 100,000 jobs, leading to a significant sell-off in the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) [5] - The report showed job growth primarily in the financial and retail sectors, driven by seasonal factors [5] - The manufacturing sector experienced a 28-month consecutive contraction in employment, while the services sector added mostly part-time and seasonal jobs [7][9] - The NFP report may not reflect real economic growth, as full-time jobs are more indicative of economic expansion [6] Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) - The Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is not among the top five stocks recommended by top-rated analysts [3] - The ETF offers a dividend yield of 9.38% with assets under management of $65.32 billion [14] - Shareholders receive up to $2.56 in dividend payouts per share, providing a cushion against potential economic volatility [14] Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) - The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) closed at $90.25, up by $1.86 (+2.10%) with a 52-week range between $78.98 and $98.97 [10] - The fund has a dividend yield of 3.57% and assets under management of $33.71 billion [10] - Goldman Sachs and Warren Buffett have both shown a preference for oil, with Buffett acquiring up to 29% of Occidental Petroleum Co. (OXY) [11] - Hedge funds are increasing positions in oil futures, indicating a bet on higher oil prices [12] Market Implications - Higher bond prices lead to lower bond yields, prompting income-focused investors to seek alternatives such as dividend stocks [13] - The economy may face downward revisions in job numbers, similar to the 818,000 jobs erased from the NFP in August 2024 [9] - Investors are advised to consider opportunities in bonds, dividend stocks, and the energy sector to navigate potential economic volatility [5][14][12]

H&R Block combines 70 years of trusted expertise with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled support to ensure hardworking Americans get every dollar they deserve at tax timeKANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With e-file set to open on Jan. 27, H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) is arming taxpayers with the latest information regarding significant changes to tax laws, deductions and credits that could impact individual returns, and the resources needed to minimize tax liabilities and receive their max ...

Core Points - H&R Block has reintroduced the Refund Advance loan, offering no-interest loans up to $4,000 for qualifying taxpayers filing between January 3 and February 28, 2025 [1][2][3] - The Refund Advance loan aims to provide quick financial relief to taxpayers while they await their tax refunds, with funds potentially available within minutes of filing [2][3][6] Summary by Sections Loan Features - The Refund Advance loan is available in amounts of $250, $500, $750, $1,250, or $4,000, making it one of the largest no-interest refund advance loans among national brands [8] - There are no interest charges or loan fees associated with the Refund Advance loan, making it an affordable option for consumers [8] - Funds can be available the same day if approved, ensuring quick access to financial assistance [8] - The loan application does not impact the taxpayer's credit score, and the program boasts high approval rates [8] Application Process - Taxpayers can apply for the Refund Advance loan with the assistance of H&R Block's 60,000 tax professionals during virtual or in-office appointments [5] - For approved applicants, funds can be deposited into a Spruce account or loaded onto an Emerald Card [5][8] - Repayment of the loan is automatically deducted from the taxpayer's tax refund, providing a seamless repayment process [8] Company Perspective - H&R Block emphasizes the importance of the Refund Advance loan for clients, particularly for those who rely on tax refunds as a significant financial milestone [3][6] - The company aims to better serve its clients by providing quick access to funds, which can help with various financial needs such as paying bills or managing daily expenses [6]

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- H&R Block (NYSE:HRB) is excited to announce the return of Refund Advance loan1, a no-interest loan of up to $4,000, issued by Pathward®, N.A, available to qualifying taxpayers who file their taxes with H&R Block between Jan. 3 and Feb. 28, 2025. Designed to help hardworking Americans access funds more quickly than waiting for their refund, Refund Advance loan provides financial relief to filers while they wait for their refund to be processed. Unlike loans ...

Core Insights - Despite rising debt levels straining household budgets, holiday spending is on the rise, indicating a paradox of optimism amidst financial pressures [1][2][3] Group 1: Consumer Sentiment and Spending - A significant 66% of Americans across various income levels and generations express optimism regarding income growth and financial stability, despite the looming threat of debt [2] - Holiday shopping exceeded expectations during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, reflecting an increase in buying power among consumers [3][4] - One-third of respondents reported spending more than they earned in the past year, highlighting a disconnect between income and expenditure [6] Group 2: Debt Burden - Gen X carries the highest credit card debt at 55%, followed by Millennials at 49%, Boomers at 47%, and Gen Z at 39%, with Gen Z feeling the most burdened by their debt [4] - Approximately 66% of individuals with credit card debt consider their debt levels unmanageable, indicating a widespread financial strain [4][5] - One in six Americans holds student debt, with over a third reporting that their debt is unmanageable [5] Group 3: Financial Management and Support - H&R Block emphasizes its commitment to helping consumers navigate financial pressures by providing tools and guidance to manage finances effectively [3][7] - The insights from the Outlook on American Life report aim to enhance understanding of generational financial concerns, allowing H&R Block to better assist clients [7]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly seeking growth stocks that demonstrate above-average growth potential, with H&R Block identified as a strong candidate due to its favorable growth metrics and Zacks Rank [1][2]. Group 1: Earnings Growth - H&R Block has a historical EPS growth rate of 24%, with projected EPS growth of 19.6% for the current year, significantly outperforming the industry average of 11.2% [4]. Group 2: Cash Flow Growth - The company exhibits a year-over-year cash flow growth of 3.5%, which is notably higher than the industry average of -5.7% [5]. - Over the past 3-5 years, H&R Block's annualized cash flow growth rate has been 17.8%, compared to the industry average of 3.4% [6]. Group 3: Earnings Estimate Revisions - There have been upward revisions in current-year earnings estimates for H&R Block, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 0.5% over the past month [8]. - The positive trend in earnings estimate revisions supports the stock's favorable outlook and correlates with potential near-term stock price movements [7]. Group 4: Overall Positioning - H&R Block holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a Growth Score of B, positioning it well for potential outperformance in the growth stock category [9][11].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of value investing and highlights H&R Block (HRB) as a strong value stock based on its financial metrics and Zacks Rank [2][4][7]. Company Analysis - H&R Block (HRB) currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a Value grade of A, indicating strong potential for value investors [4]. - The stock has a Forward P/E ratio of 11.53, which is lower than the industry average of 12.16, suggesting it may be undervalued [4]. - Over the past 52 weeks, HRB's Forward P/E has fluctuated between 10.06 and 13.96, with a median of 10.85 [4]. Valuation Metrics - HRB has a PEG ratio of 0.92, which is comparable to the industry average of 0.96, indicating a favorable valuation considering expected earnings growth [5]. - The PEG ratio for HRB has ranged from 0.81 to 1.12 over the last 12 months, with a median of 0.87 [5]. - The company also has a P/CF ratio of 11.81, significantly lower than the industry average of 17.95, further supporting the notion of undervaluation [6]. - HRB's P/CF has varied between 8.59 and 13.17 in the past year, with a median of 9.86 [6]. Investment Outlook - The combination of HRB's favorable financial metrics and strong earnings outlook positions it as a compelling value stock at the moment [7].

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly seeking growth stocks that demonstrate above-average growth potential, but identifying such stocks can be challenging due to inherent risks and volatility [1] Group 1: H&R Block's Growth Potential - H&R Block (HRB) is highlighted as a recommended growth stock due to its favorable Growth Score and top Zacks Rank [2] - The company has a historical EPS growth rate of 24%, with projected EPS growth of 19.6% this year, significantly outperforming the industry average of 11.8% [5] - H&R Block's year-over-year cash flow growth stands at 3.5%, compared to an industry average of -8.5%, indicating strong cash flow performance [6] - The company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 17.8%, well above the industry average of 3.4% [7] Group 2: Earnings Estimate Revisions - Positive trends in earnings estimate revisions are correlated with stock price movements, and H&R Block's current-year earnings estimates have been revised upward by 0.5% over the past month [8][9] - The combination of a Zacks Rank 2 and a Growth Score of B positions H&R Block favorably for potential outperformance in the market [9][10]

Core Insights - H&R Block reported revenue of $193.81 million for the quarter ended September 2024, marking a year-over-year increase of 5.5% and a surprise of +2.66% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $188.78 million [1] - The company reported an EPS of -$1.17, which is a decline from -$1.05 a year ago, but exceeded the consensus EPS estimate of -$1.21 by +3.31% [1] Revenue Performance by Segment - U.S. assisted tax preparation revenue was $42.96 million, exceeding the average estimate of $39.93 million, with a year-over-year increase of +9.4% [3] - U.S. royalties generated $5.85 million, surpassing the average estimate of $5.54 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +2.7% [3] - U.S. DIY tax preparation revenue was $3.24 million, below the average estimate of $4.13 million, showing a year-over-year decline of -15.9% [3] - International revenue reached $64.86 million, exceeding the estimated $61.36 million, with a year-over-year increase of +7.1% [3] - Tax Identity Shield revenue was $3.91 million, below the average estimate of $4.46 million, representing a year-over-year decline of -14.7% [3] - Emerald Card revenue was $8.83 million, slightly below the average estimate of $8.92 million, with a year-over-year increase of +2.2% [3] - Peace of Mind Extended Service Plan revenue was $23.10 million, below the average estimate of $24.85 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of -7% [3] - Other revenues totaled $13.81 million, exceeding the average estimate of $11.85 million, with a year-over-year increase of +25.8% [3] - Wave revenue was $26.40 million, slightly below the average estimate of $26.51 million, with a year-over-year increase of +10.3% [3] - Refund Transfers revenue was $0.86 million, below the average estimate of $1.16 million, showing a year-over-year decline of -24.7% [3] Stock Performance - H&R Block shares have returned +1.3% over the past month, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +3.2% change, with a current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) indicating potential performance in line with the broader market [4]

Group 1 - H&R Block reported a quarterly loss of $1.17 per share, which was better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $1.21, but worse than the loss of $1.05 per share a year ago, indicating an earnings surprise of 3.31% [1] - The company posted revenues of $193.81 million for the quarter ended September 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.66% and showing an increase from $183.8 million in the same quarter last year [2] - H&R Block shares have increased approximately 29.3% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 24.3% [3] Group 2 - The company's earnings outlook is crucial for investors, as it includes current consensus earnings expectations for upcoming quarters and any recent changes to these expectations [4] - The estimate revisions trend for H&R Block is currently mixed, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future [6] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is -$1.44 on revenues of $184.48 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $5.25 on revenues of $3.72 billion [7] Group 3 - The outlook for the Consumer Services - Miscellaneous industry, where H&R Block operates, is currently in the bottom 25% of over 250 Zacks industries, which may negatively impact stock performance [8]