Core Viewpoint - H&R Block has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system reflects changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - For the fiscal year ending June 2025, H&R Block is expected to earn $5.22 per share, with a 0.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months [8]. Institutional Investor Influence - Institutional investors utilize earnings estimates to determine the fair value of stocks, leading to buying or selling actions that impact stock prices [4]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks, which have generated an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - H&R Block's upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].

Intuit (NASDAQ: INTU ) is an application software heavyweight that specializes in providing financial solutions to clients, such as accounting, marketing, and tax preparation services. Incorporated in 1984, the company has about 18,200 employees serving nearly 100Ever since I was eleven years old, I have been an ardent follower of the Stock Market and avid of learning new investing concepts. By providing fundamental analysis on dividend and growth equities across diverse sectors, I aim to guide new and inex ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the growing gig economy and the launch of H&R Block's "Make It Legit" contest aimed at supporting gig workers in establishing themselves as legitimate small business owners [1][3][5] Group 1: Contest Overview - The "Make It Legit" contest will accept entries until May 4, providing three winners with professional business services and marketing support [2] - Winners will receive free business formation services, year-round tax expertise, and custom marketing materials, including a commercial [5] Group 2: Gig Economy Context - There are over 70 million individuals classified as gig workers in the U.S., many of whom do not view themselves as legitimate business owners despite being taxed as such [3][4] - A recent change in the 1099-K reporting threshold now requires independent workers to report earnings of $5,000 or more, significantly lowering the previous threshold of $20,000 [3] Group 3: Awareness and Education - A study by H&R Block found that nearly half of gig workers were unaware of the 1099-K change, and 50% remained unclear on the details as tax season began [4] - Many gig workers may be missing out on tax credits and deductions available to small businesses, potentially limiting their income [4] Group 4: Brand Promotion - H&R Block is promoting the contest through creative content creators who have successfully turned their passions into legitimate businesses, showcasing their stories through commercials [6]

Core Insights - The article discusses the impact of the new 1099-K earning threshold, which has lowered the reporting requirement for gig workers and side hustlers from $20,000 to $5,000, effectively classifying many as small business owners [3][4] - H&R Block has launched the "Make It Legit" contest to encourage gig workers to recognize their status as small business owners and to provide them with essential business services and marketing support [2][5] Group 1: Contest Details - The "Make It Legit" contest will accept entries until May 4, aiming to help three gig workers by providing professional business services and marketing support [2] - Winners will receive free business formation services, year-round tax expertise from H&R Block professionals, and custom marketing materials, including a commercial [5][6] Group 2: Gig Economy Insights - A study by H&R Block found that nearly 50% of gig workers were unaware of the 1099-K threshold change, and even after learning about it, 50% remained unclear on the details [4] - Many gig workers may be missing out on tax credits and deductions available to small businesses, potentially limiting their income [4] Group 3: H&R Block's Role - H&R Block has been providing tax assistance for 70 years and aims to inspire gig workers to operate confidently as small business owners [3][6] - The company blends digital innovation with human expertise to support clients in tax preparation and financial management [9]