Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 fiscal 2026, the company reported revenue of $199 million, an increase of 11% year-over-year, driven by higher assisted tax preparation volume and increased DIY software sales [20][21] - The second-quarter EBITDA loss was $266 million compared to a loss of $261 million in the prior year, with a net loss from continuing operations of $242 million, reflecting a 40 basis point improvement [22][23] - Adjusted loss per share was $1.84, up from $1.73 last year, indicating a year-over-year increase despite an improved net loss [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company saw strong demand for tax preparation services, leading to improved conversion rates year-over-year in company-owned offices [21] - Continued double-digit growth in the Wave segment, particularly in the high-margin subscription product Pro Tier, was noted [21] - The introduction of the Second Look service as a core component of the new client experience is expected to deepen engagement and improve retention [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates industry growth of approximately 1% for the tax season, with expectations for assisted services to gain market share from DIY due to increased complexity from tax law changes [20][32] - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to drive clients towards seeking assistance, reinforcing the company's position in the assisted tax preparation market [7][33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing client experiences through technology-enabled services and expert-led interactions, aiming to reduce friction and build client confidence [5][10] - A multi-year client-centered strategy is being implemented to shift from a seasonal approach to a long-term view, emphasizing continuous testing and learning [16][18] - The integration of AI tools is seen as a critical enabler for improving client experiences and operational efficiency [19][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the upcoming tax season, highlighting the preparedness of tax professionals to navigate complexities arising from new tax laws [30][32] - The company is reaffirming its fiscal 2026 outlook, projecting revenue between $3.875 and $3.895 billion and EBITDA between $1.015 and $1.035 billion [24][25] - Management emphasized the importance of disciplined execution and the potential for long-term growth through strategic initiatives [26] Other Important Information - The company returned $508 million to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases in the first half of the fiscal year, with approximately $700 million remaining on the current share repurchase program [23] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 24.3%, compared to 22.4% in the prior year [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of the government shutdown on tax filing - Management indicated no material impact from the government shutdown, noting the company's extensive experience in navigating such situations [30] Question: Trends observed in the early tax season - Management stated it is early in the season but expressed confidence in the preparations made and the expected industry growth [31][32] Question: Expectations for refund amounts this year - Management suggested that some clients may see larger refunds due to changes in deductions and tax laws, although it is still early to confirm specific data [40][42] Question: Outlook for assisted share loss - Management explained that while there have been challenges in maintaining market share, they are focused on improving client experiences through technology [48][49] Question: Marketing approach for the season - Management confirmed no significant changes in marketing spend but emphasized a focus on meeting high lifetime value customers and leveraging AI in marketing strategies [58][59]

Jessica Hazel Vice President, Investor Relations H&R BLOCK Q2 FY26 FINANCIAL RESULTS CONFERENCE CALL February 3, 2026 Second Quarter FY26 Financial Results Conference Call H&R BLOCK Q2 FY26 FINANCIAL RESULTS CONFERENCE CALL Safe Harbor Statement Forward -Looking Statements This presentation contains forward -looking statements within the meaning of the securities laws . Forward -looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts . They often incl ...

Core Insights - H&R Block (HRB) has a Growth Score of B, indicating a fair assessment of its growth quality and sustainability [2] - Earnings are projected to increase by 6% in fiscal 2026 and 7.9% in fiscal 2027, while revenues are expected to grow by 3.3% in fiscal 2026 and 2.4% in fiscal 2027 [2][9] Revenue Growth Drivers - Revenue growth is primarily driven by increased volume in U.S. assisted tax preparation, attributed to a rise in net average charge (NAC) and higher company-owned tax return volumes [3] - The DIY software offers comprehensive tax preparation services, empowering clients to manage their taxes independently through various platforms [3] Customer Relationship Enhancement - The Second Look offering reviews clients' past three years' tax returns to identify missed refund opportunities, thereby strengthening customer relationships [4] Technology Integration - H&R Block's commitment to technology advancement fosters customer trust and loyalty, with AI-powered tools enhancing the DIY tax preparation experience [5] Diversification and Client Base Expansion - Additional offerings such as Refund Transfers, credit products, and the Spruc mobile banking platform demonstrate the company's strategy to diversify and expand its client base [6] - The Spruc platform has achieved approximately 476,000 sign-ups and $1.75 billion in customer deposits by the end of fiscal 2025 [6][9]

Core Insights - H&R Block (HRB) has a Growth Score of A, indicating strong growth quality and sustainability [1][8] - Earnings are projected to increase by 6% in 2025 and 7.9% in 2026, while revenues are expected to grow by 3.3% in 2025 and 2.4% in 2026 [1][8] Revenue Growth Drivers - Revenue growth is driven by higher volumes in U.S. assisted tax preparation, an increase in net average charge (NAC), and higher company-owned tax return volumes [2][8] - The company generated $204 million in total revenues in Q1 of fiscal 2026, reflecting a 5% year-over-year growth [2] Client Engagement Initiatives - The Second Look offering enhances customer relationships by reviewing clients' past three years' tax returns for missed refund opportunities [2] - The mobile banking platform, Spruc, supports year-round financial wellness, with approximately 476,000 sign-ups and $1.75 billion in customer deposits by the end of fiscal 2025 [3] - Integration of AI-powered technology into DIY tax preparation tools like MyBlock, AI TaxAssist, and TaxProReview improves customer experience without additional charges [4] Risk Factor - H&R Block reported a current ratio of 0.76, which is below the industry average of 0.82, indicating potential challenges in meeting short-term obligations [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a revenue growth of 5% in the first quarter, generating $204 million in total revenue, an increase of $10 million over the prior year [6][10] - EBITDA improved by 9.4% compared to the prior year, with a first quarter EBITDA loss of $170 million, an improvement of $18 million [6][8] - The effective tax rate decreased to 23.6% from 26.2% in the prior year, contributing to a net loss from continuing operations of $165 million, representing a 3.5% improvement [8][10] - Approximately $455 million was returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, bringing the cumulative total of capital return since 2016 to nearly $5 billion [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. assisted business saw higher volumes and net average charges, contributing to the overall revenue growth [6][7] - WAVE continued to experience double-digit growth, particularly in its high-margin subscription product, Pro Tier [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. consumer tax preparation total addressable market (TAM) is estimated between $20 billion and $25 billion, while the small business TAM is over $100 billion [12][13] - The market is split roughly 55% assisted and 45% DIY, with assisted services projected to gain further market share in 2026 [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on more complex paid filers who demonstrate stronger loyalty and value additional services [13][14] - Investments will continue in improving customer experience and innovating products, such as the Second Look offering and Spruce for financial wellness [14][15] - The company aims to leverage technology and AI to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [15][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the upcoming tax season, with no indications of a late start despite potential complexities from new tax legislation [30][31] - The company remains cautiously optimistic about the impact of the new tax bill, expecting it to serve as a tailwind for the assisted business [31][32] - The leadership transition is seen as smooth, with a strong belief in the company's potential for long-term value creation [18] Other Important Information - The company reported a disciplined approach to capital allocation, including a 12% increase in dividends announced in August [9][10] - The leadership team is aligned on key themes for future growth, emphasizing the importance of meeting customer needs through various channels [15][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in marketing and operations in Assisted to stem share losses - Management highlighted investments in the Second Look service and AI to improve productivity and client outcomes [22][23] Question: Pricing strategy in DIY and its impact on margins and market share - The pricing strategy remains consistent with prior years, expecting low single-digit price increases across both channels [24] Question: Anticipated complexity from the new tax bill and government shutdown impact - Management indicated no expected delays for the tax season and expressed optimism about the new tax bill serving as a tailwind [30][31] Question: AI differentiation and addressing threats - AI is viewed as an opportunity to enhance client experiences and optimize operations, with ongoing developments in AI Tax Assist [34] Question: Marketing to free customers versus those likely to pay - The focus is on understanding consumer cohorts to effectively reach those likely to convert to paying clients [35][36]

Financial Performance - H&R Block announced a 12% increase to its quarterly dividend in August[28] - The company repurchased 7.9 million shares for $400 million, retiring approximately 6% of outstanding shares[29] - H&R Block reaffirms its FY26 outlook with revenue projected between $3.875 billion and $3.895 billion, and adjusted EPS between $4.85 and $5.00[33] - The company anticipates an effective tax rate of approximately 25% for FY26[33] Strategic Initiatives - H&R Block is finalizing tax season plans, incorporating learnings from the previous year[12] - The company focuses on strengthening marketing messaging, personalizing experiences, and optimizing the sales funnel[15] - H&R Block aims to enhance the client experience in retail and DIY channels, reducing friction and increasing conversion from marketing demand[15] - Key products like Second Look, AI Tax Assist, Tax Pro Review, and Spruce are being leveraged to deliver value and differentiation[15] Market Focus - H&R Block is prioritizing growth among more complex, higher lifetime value filers[53] - The company aims to meet customers where they are, both digitally and in person, combining trusted human expertise with innovation[72]