QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended
January 31, 2021
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 1-06089
H&R Block, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Missouri
44-0607856
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, Missouri64105
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(816) 854-3000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, without par value
HRB
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)
Large accelerated filer☑ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐No ☑
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock, without par value, at the close of business on February 26, 2021: 181,431,272 shares.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION – The consolidated balance sheets as of January 31, 2021 and 2020, the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021 and 2020, the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended January 31, 2021 and 2020, and the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021 and 2020 have been prepared by the Company, without audit. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows as of January 31, 2021 and 2020 and for all periods presented, have been made.
"H&R Block," "the Company," "we," "our," and "us" are used interchangeably to refer to H&R Block, Inc. or to H&R Block, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as appropriate to the context.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our April 30, 2020 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K. All amounts presented herein as of April 30, 2020 or for the year then ended are derived from our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
MANAGEMENT ESTIMATES – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates, assumptions and judgments are applied in the evaluation of contingent losses arising from our discontinued mortgage business, contingent losses associated with pending claims and litigation, reserves for uncertain tax positions, fair value of reporting units, and related matters. Estimates have been prepared based on the best information available as of each balance sheet date. As such, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
SEASONALITY OF BUSINESS – Our operating revenues are seasonal in nature with peak revenues typically occurring in the months of February through April. Therefore, results for interim periods are not indicative of results to be expected for the full year.
IMPACTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC - During March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to be a global pandemic. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 21, 2020, the federal tax filing deadline in the United States (U.S.) for individual 2019 tax returns was extended from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. Substantially all U.S. states with an April 15 individual state income tax filing requirement extended their respective deadlines. In Canada, the deadline for individuals to file was extended to June 1, 2020. These extensions impacted the typical seasonality of our business and the comparability of our financial results. Consequently, a portion of revenues and expenses that would have normally been recognized in our fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 shifted to the first two quarters of fiscal year 2021.
On January 15, 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that it would begin accepting and processing 2020 individual income tax returns on February 12, 2021. Historically, the IRS has begun accepting and processing returns during our third fiscal quarter. This delay has impacted the timing of recognizing a portion of revenue for the returns that we prepared during the quarter but were not able to electronically file with the IRS. See note 2 for additional information.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS – Our discontinued operations include the results of operations of Sand Canyon Corporation, previously known as Option One Mortgage Corporation (including its subsidiaries, collectively, SCC), which exited its mortgage business in fiscal year 2008. See note 10 for additional information on litigation, claims, and other loss contingencies related to our discontinued operations.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS –
Current Expected Credit Losses. In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 (ASU 2016-13), "Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments," which
replaces the existing incurred credit loss model for an expected credit loss model. We adopted ASU 2016-13 as of May 1, 2020, which did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 2: REVENUE RECOGNITION
The majority of our revenues are from our U.S. Tax Services business. The following table disaggregates our U.S. Tax Services revenues by major service line, with revenues from our international tax services businesses and from Wave included as separate lines:
(in 000s)
Three months ended January 31,
Nine months ended January 31,
2021
2020
2021
2020
Revenues:
U.S. assisted tax preparation
$
154,489
$
283,956
$
541,139
$
358,174
U.S. royalties
23,902
44,965
67,427
59,644
U.S. DIY tax preparation
21,681
34,089
94,331
42,040
International
15,671
11,804
132,347
97,311
Refund Transfers
7
50,494
11,752
52,794
Emerald Card®
21,951
16,657
48,801
39,128
Peace of Mind® Extended Service Plan
16,101
16,954
72,871
75,451
Tax Identity Shield®
4,927
8,138
19,129
17,308
Interest and fee income on Emerald AdvanceSM
27,590
32,741
28,754
33,780
Wave
14,803
11,213
41,197
25,740
Other
7,105
8,194
28,059
28,998
Total revenues
$
308,227
$
519,205
$
1,085,807
$
830,368
Revenue is recognized upon satisfaction of performance obligations by the transfer of a product or service to the customer. The majority of our services and products have multiple performance obligations. For our tax preparation services, the various performance obligations are generally provided simultaneously at a point in time, and revenue is recognized at that time. We allocate the transaction price to the various performance obligations based on relative standalone selling prices. The value of point-of-sale discounts and coupons are recorded as a reduction of revenue.
U.S. Assisted tax preparation services include tax preparation and electronic filing or printing of the completed tax return. Revenues from tax preparation services, including printing for clients that choose to print and mail their returns, are recognized when a completed return is accepted by the customer, and revenues for electronic filing a completed return are recognized when the return is electronically filed.
Royalties are based on contractual percentages of franchise gross receipts and are generally recognized in the period in which the services are provided by the franchisee to the customer.
U.S. DIY tax preparation includes fees for online and desktop tax preparation software and for electronic filing or printing. Revenues for online software, including printing for clients that choose to print and mail their returns, are recognized when the customer uses the software to complete a return and revenues for desktop software are recognized when the software is sold to the end user. Revenues for electronic filing are recognized when the return is electronically filed.
Refund Transfer revenues are recognized when the IRS filing acknowledgment is received and the bank account is established at our banking partner.
Revenues for electronic filing of U.S. returns totaling $18.7 million were deferred as of January 31, 2021 and will be recognized in February 2021 when the associated tax returns are electronically filed.
Changes in the balances of deferred revenue and wages for our Peace of Mind® Extended Service Plan (POM) are as follows:
(in 000s)
POM
Deferred Revenue
Deferred Wages
Nine months ended January 31,
2021
2020
2021
2020
Balance, beginning of the period
$
183,685
$
212,511
$
21,618
$
27,306
Amounts deferred
35,977
28,686
1,118
1,827
Amounts recognized on previous deferrals
(84,573)
(87,850)
(9,652)
(12,134)
Balance, end of the period
$
135,089
$
153,347
$
13,084
$
16,999
As of January 31, 2021, deferred revenue related to POM was $135.1 million. We expect that $94.2 million will be recognized over the next twelve months, while the remaining balance will be recognized over the following sixty months.
As of January 31, 2021 and 2020, Tax Identity Shield® (TIS) deferred revenue was $20.4 million and $21.2 million, respectively. Deferred revenue related to TIS was $30.8 million and $29.7 million as of April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. All deferred revenue related to TIS will be recognized within the next fifteen months.
NOTE 3: EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
EARNINGS PER SHARE – Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines net income per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Per share amounts are computed by dividing net income or loss from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during each period. The dilutive effect of potential common shares is included in diluted earnings per share except in those periods with a loss from continuing operations. Diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of shares of common stock issuable upon the lapse of certain restrictions or the exercise of options to purchase 5.4 million shares for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021 and 3.7 million shares for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2020, as the effect would be antidilutive due to the net loss from continuing operations during those periods.
The computations of basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations are as follows:
(in 000s, except per share amounts)
Three months ended January 31,
Nine months ended January 31,
2021
2020
2021
2020
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to shareholders
$
(231,831)
$
(128,026)
$
(360,755)
$
(457,304)
Amounts allocated to participating securities
(210)
(169)
(592)
(468)
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders
$
(232,041)
$
(128,195)
$
(361,347)
$
(457,772)
Basic weighted average common shares
183,438
194,077
188,548
198,064
Potential dilutive shares
—
—
—
—
Dilutive weighted average common shares
183,438
194,077
188,548
198,064
Loss per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders:
Basic
$
(1.27)
$
(0.66)
$
(1.92)
$
(2.31)
Diluted
(1.27)
(0.66)
(1.92)
(2.31)
The decrease in the weighted average shares outstanding for both the three and nine month periods is due to share repurchases completed in the current and prior fiscal years.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION – During the nine months ended January 31, 2021, we granted awards of 2.5 million shares under our stock-based compensation plans, consisting primarily of nonvested units. Stock-based compensation expense of our continuing operations totaled $5.8 million and $20.7 million for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021, respectively, and $6.6 million and $22.7 million for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2020, respectively. As of January 31, 2021, unrecognized compensation cost for stock options totaled $0.8 million, and for nonvested shares and units totaled $40.9 million.
NOTE 4: RECEIVABLES
Receivables, net of their related allowance, consist of the following:
(in 000s)
As of
January 31, 2021
January 31, 2020
April 30, 2020
Short-term
Long-term
Short-term
Long-term
Short-term
Long-term
Loans to franchisees
$
24,558
$
39,106
$
36,372
$
42,079
$
25,397
$
31,329
Receivables for U.S. assisted and DIY tax preparation and related fees
168,905
3,111
316,987
3,716
47,030
3,112
H&R Block Instant RefundTM receivables
1,398
314
6,733
563
15,031
1,325
H&R Block Emerald Advance®lines of credit
314,015
4,937
373,271
6,179
10,001
14,081
Software receivables from retailers
4,434
—
8,101
—
7,341
—
Royalties and other receivables from franchisees
31,346
214
55,645
67
9,861
42
Wave payment processing receivables
2,633
—
3,363
—
3,200
—
Other
15,800
1,448
19,474
1,444
15,336
1,828
Total
$
563,089
$
49,130
$
819,946
$
54,048
$
133,197
$
51,717
Balances presented above as short-term are included in receivables, while the long-term portions are included in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
LOANS TO FRANCHISEES –Franchisee loan balances consist of term loans made primarily to finance the purchase of franchises and revolving lines of credit primarily for the purpose of funding working capital needs. As of January 31, 2021 and 2020 loans with a principal balance of $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, were more than 90 days past due. We had no loans to franchisees on non-accrual status.
H&R BLOCK INSTANT REFUNDTM PROGRAM –H&R Block Instant RefundTM amounts are generally received from the Canada Revenue Agency within 60 days of filing the client's return, with the remaining balance collectible from the client.
We review the credit quality of our Instant Refund receivables based on pools, which are segregated by the year of origination, with older years being deemed more unlikely to be repaid. Current balances and amounts on non-accrual status and classified as impaired, or more than 60 days past due, by year of origination, as of January 31, 2021 are as follows:
H&R BLOCK EMERALD ADVANCE® LINES OF CREDIT –We review the credit quality of our purchased participation interests in Emerald AdvanceSM (EA) receivables based on pools, which are segregated by the year of origination, with older years being deemed more unlikely to be repaid. Balances and amounts on non-accrual status and classified as impaired, or more than 60 days past due, as of January 31, 2021, by year of origination, are as follows:
(in 000s)
Year of origination:
Balance
Non-Accrual
2021
$
309,382
$
—
2020 and prior
12,039
12,039
Revolving loans
23,699
14,246
345,120
$
26,285
Allowance
(26,168)
Net balance
$
318,952
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES –Activity in the allowance for credit losses for our EA and all other short-term and long-term receivables for the nine months ended January 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
(in 000s)
EAs
All Other
Total
Balances as of May 1, 2020
$
32,034
$
50,446
$
82,480
Provision
12,783
12,859
25,642
Charge-offs, recoveries and other
(18,649)
(54,457)
(73,106)
Balances as of January 31, 2021
$
26,168
$
8,848
$
35,016
Balances as of May 1, 2019
$
27,535
$
53,938
$
81,473
Provision
17,862
19,655
37,517
Charge-offs, recoveries and other
(17,273)
(55,101)
(72,374)
Balances as of January 31, 2020
$
28,124
$
18,492
$
46,616
NOTE 5: GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended January 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
(in 000s)
Goodwill
Accumulated Impairment Losses
Net
Balances as of May 1, 2020
$
850,435
$
(138,297)
$
712,138
Acquisitions
6,924
—
6,924
Disposals and foreign currency changes, net
26,554
—
26,554
Impairments
—
—
—
Balances as of January 31, 2021
$
883,913
$
(138,297)
$
745,616
Balances as of May 1, 2019
$
552,234
$
(32,297)
$
519,937
Acquisition of Wave
300,560
—
300,560
Other acquisitions
23,421
—
23,421
Disposals and foreign currency changes, net
(5,088)
—
(5,088)
Impairments
—
—
—
Balances as of January 31, 2020
$
871,127
$
(32,297)
$
838,830
We test goodwill for impairment annually in our fourth quarter, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change which would, more likely than not, reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.
(1) Represents franchisee and competitor business acquisitions for which final purchase price allocations have not yet been determined.
We made payments to acquire businesses totaling $15.0 million and $450.3 million during the nine months ended January 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The nine months ended January 31, 2020 included the acquisition of Wave. The amounts and weighted-average lives of intangible assets acquired during the nine months ended January 31, 2021, including amounts capitalized and placed in service related to internally-developed software, are as follows:
Amortization of intangible assets for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021 was $21.7 million and $62.1 million, respectively, compared to $21.5 million and $61.3 million for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2020, respectively. Estimated amortization of intangible assets for fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 is $83.5 million, $75.5 million, $57.7 million, $38.4 million and $20.3 million, respectively.
NOTE 6: LONG-TERM DEBT
The components of long-term debt are as follows:
(in 000s)
As of
January 31, 2021
January 31, 2020
April 30, 2020
Senior Notes, 4.125%, due October 2020
$
—
$
650,000
$
650,000
Senior Notes, 5.500%, due November 2022
500,000
500,000
500,000
Senior Notes, 5.250%, due October 2025
350,000
350,000
350,000
Senior Notes, 3.875%, due August 2030
650,000
—
—
Committed line of credit borrowings
880,000
1,035,000
2,000,000
Debt issuance costs and discounts
(10,426)
(5,389)
(4,743)
Total long-term debt
2,369,574
2,529,611
3,495,257
Less: Current portion
—
(649,022)
(649,384)
Long-term portion
$
2,369,574
$
1,880,589
$
2,845,873
Estimated fair value of long-term debt
$
2,499,000
$
2,618,000
$
3,526,000
On August 7, 2020, we issued $650.0 million of 3.875% Senior Notes due August 15, 2030 (2030 Senior Notes). The 2030 Senior Notes are not redeemable by the bondholders prior to maturity, although we have the right to redeem some or all of these notes at any time, at specified redemption prices. The proceeds of the 2030 Senior Notes were used to repay the $650 million Senior Notes that matured on October 1, 2020.
UNSECURED COMMITTED LINE OF CREDIT – Our unsecured committed line of credit (CLOC) provides for an unsecured senior revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of $2.0 billion, which includes a $200.0 million sublimit for swingline loans and a $50.0 million sublimit for standby letters of credit. We may request increases in the aggregate principal amount of the revolving credit facility of up to $500.0 million, subject to obtaining commitments from lenders and meeting certain other conditions. The CLOC will mature on September 21, 2023, unless extended pursuant to the terms of the CLOC, at which time all outstanding amounts thereunder will be due and payable. Our CLOC includes an annual facility fee, which will vary depending on our then current credit ratings.
The CLOC is subject to various conditions, triggers, events or occurrences that could result in earlier termination and contains customary representations, warranties, covenants and events of default, including, without limitation: (1) a covenant requiring the Company to maintain a debt-to-EBITDA ratio calculated on a consolidated basis of no greater than (a) 3.50 to 1.00 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter ending on April 30, July 31, and October 31 of each year and (b) 4.50 to 1.00 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter ending on January 31 of each year; (2) a covenant requiring us to maintain an interest coverage ratio (EBITDA-to-interest expense) calculated on a consolidated basis of not less than 2.50 to 1.00 as of the last date of any fiscal quarter; and (3) covenants restricting our ability to incur certain additional debt, incur liens, merge or consolidate with other companies, sell or dispose of assets (including equity interests), liquidate or dissolve, engage in certain transactions with affiliates or enter into certain restrictive agreements. The CLOC includes provisions for an equity cure which could potentially allow us to independently cure certain defaults. Proceeds under the CLOC may be used for working capital needs or for other general corporate purposes. We were in compliance with these requirements as of January 31, 2021.
In September 2020, we utilized our cash on hand to repay the outstanding $2.0 billion balance on our CLOC. We had an outstanding balance of $880.0 million under the CLOC as of January 31, 2021 and amounts available to borrow were limited by the debt-to-EBITDA covenant to approximately $520 million as of January 31, 2021.
We file a consolidated federal income tax return in the U.S. with the IRS and file tax returns in various state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. Tax returns are typically examined and either settled upon completion of the examination or through the appeals process. Our U.S. federal income tax returns for 2017 and later years remain open for examination. Our U.S. federal income tax returns for 2016 and all prior periods are currently closed. With respect to state and local jurisdictions and countries outside of the U.S., we are typically subject to examination for three to six years after the income tax returns have been filed. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, we believe that adequate amounts of tax, interest, and penalties have been provided for in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for any adjustments that might be incurred due to federal, state, local or foreign audits.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the CARES Act) was signed into law. The CARES Act includes, among other items, modifications to net operating loss carryback periods, net interest deduction limitations, and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. The CARES Act allows a five-year carryback of net operating losses generated between 2018 and 2021 to fully offset taxable income previously subject to a 35% statutory tax rate. As a result of the CARES Act and changes to our methods of accounting for items under the Internal Revenue Code, we anticipate generating a loss for tax purposes on our calendar 2020 tax return, plan to carry back the loss to two of the five preceding tax years, and obtain a refund of previously paid federal income taxes. The net operating loss carryback has been factored into our annual effective tax rate which has reduced our effective tax rate and income taxes payable and increased our unrecognized tax benefits, income tax refund receivables, and deferred tax liabilities. We also expect that the net operating loss carryback will reopen our 2015 tax return to examination.
Our effective tax rate for continuing operations, including the effects of discrete tax items was 9.0% and 29.2% for the nine months ended January 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Discrete items decreased the effective tax rate for the nine months ended January 31, 2021 by 4.9% and increased the effective tax rate for the nine months ended January 31, 2020 by 4.3%. A discrete income tax expense of $19.5 million was recorded in the nine months ended January 31, 2021 compared to a discrete tax benefit of $27.7 million in the same period of the prior year. The discrete tax expense recorded in the current period primarily resulted from uncertain tax benefits related to the net operating loss carryback offset by settlements with tax authorities and statute of limitation expirations. The discrete tax benefit recorded in the prior year resulted from the settlement of various matters, including expiration of statute of limitations and resolutions with tax authorities and valuation allowance changes related to utilization of foreign losses. Due to the loss through the third quarter, a discrete tax benefit increases the tax rate while an item of discrete tax expense decreases the tax rate. The impact of discrete tax items combined with the seasonal nature of our business can cause the effective tax rate through our third quarter to be significantly different than the rate for our full fiscal year.
Consistent with prior years, our pretax loss for the nine months ended January 31, 2021 is expected to be offset by income in the fourth quarter due to the established pattern of seasonality in our primary business operations. As such, management has determined that it is more-likely-than-not that realization of tax benefits recorded in our financial statements will occur within our fiscal year. The amount of tax benefit recorded for the nine months ended January 31, 2021 reflects management’s estimate of the annual effective tax rate applied to year-to-date loss from continuing operations adjusted for the tax impact of discrete items for the periods presented.
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits for nine months ended January 31, 2021 are as follows:
(in 000s)
Nine months ended January 31, 2021
Amount
Balance, beginning of the period
$
168,062
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years
117,770
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years
(31,958)
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
11,795
Reductions related to settlements with tax authorities
(26,556)
Expiration of statute of limitations
(5,423)
Balance, end of the period
$
233,690
We had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $233.7 million, $148.7 million and $168.1 million as of January 31, 2021 and 2020 and April 30, 2020, respectively. The gross unrecognized tax benefits increased $65.6 million and decreased $36.4 million during the nine months ended January 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in unrecognized tax benefits during the nine months ending January 31, 2021 is primarily related to the net operating loss carryback. We believe it is reasonably possible that the balance of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $71.0 million within the next twelve months. The anticipated decrease is due to the expiration of statutes of limitations and anticipated closure of various state matters currently under examination. For such matters where a change in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits is not yet deemed reasonably possible, no estimate has been included.
NOTE 8: OTHER INCOME AND OTHER EXPENSES
The following table shows the components of other income (expense), net:
(in 000s)
Three months ended January 31,
Nine months ended January 31,
2021
2020
2021
2020
Interest income
$
123
$
2,397
$
2,011
$
12,648
Foreign currency gains (losses), net
489
(139)
544
(25)
Other, net
1,755
(379)
2,204
1,118
$
2,367
$
1,879
$
4,759
$
13,741
NOTE 9: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
All assisted tax returns,are covered by our 100% accuracy guarantee, whereby we will reimburse a client for penalties and interest attributable to an H&R Block error on a return. DIY tax returns are covered by our 100% accuracy guarantee, whereby we will reimburse a client up to a maximum of $10,000 if our software makes an arithmetic error that results in payment of penalties and/or interest to the IRS that a client would otherwise not have been required to pay. Our liability related to estimated losses under the 100% accuracy guarantee was $9.2 million, $7.0 million and $9.4 million as of January 31, 2021 and 2020 and April 30, 2020, respectively. The short-term and long-term portions of this liability are included in deferred revenue and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Liabilities related to acquisitions for (1) estimated contingent consideration based on expected financial performance of the acquired business and economic conditions at the time of acquisition and (2) estimated accrued compensation related to continued employment of key employees were $18.8 million, $11.4 million and $14.2 million as of January 31, 2021 and 2020 and April 30, 2020, respectively, with amounts recorded in deferred revenue and other liabilities. Should actual results differ from our estimates, future payments made will differ from the above estimate and any differences will be recorded in results from continuing operations.
We have contractual commitments to fund certain franchises with approved revolving lines of credit. Our total obligation under these lines of credit was $29.3 million at January 31, 2021, and net of amounts drawn and outstanding, our remaining commitment to fund totaled $13.7 million.
Both the U.S. and Canada implemented emergency economic relief programs as a way of minimizing the economic impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic. In the U.S., the CARES Act includes, among other items, provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits and deferment of certain tax payments through the end of calendar 2020. In Canada the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan includes the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). For our U.S. businesses we have elected to defer the employer-paid portion of social security taxes and are evaluating the employee retention credit, and in Canada we have received $15.9 million in wage subsidies during the nine months ended January 31, 2021 which has been treated as a government subsidy to offset related operating expenses.
On August 5, 2020, we entered into a Program Management Agreement with MetaBank®, N.A. (Meta), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meta Financial Group, Inc. Under the Meta Program Management Agreement and its ancillary agreements and related product schedules, Meta acts as the bank provider of H&R Block-branded financial products. Emerald AdvanceSM lines of credit (EAs) are originated by Meta, and we purchase a 90% participation interest, at par, in the advances originated by Meta. At January 31, 2021, the principal balance of purchased participation interests for the current year totaled $303.2 million.
Refund Advance loans are originated by Meta and offered to certain assisted U.S. tax preparation clients, based on client eligibility as determined by Meta. We pay fees based on loan size and customer type. The fees are intended to cover expected loan losses and payments to capital providers, among other items. We have provided two guarantees related to this agreement. We have provided a guarantee up to $18.0 million related to certain loans to clients prior to the IRS accepting electronic filing. At January 31, 2021, we accrued an estimated liability of $1.3 million related to this guarantee, compared to $1.9 million at January 31, 2020, under a similar guarantee with our prior bank partner. Additionally, we provided a guarantee related to loans to virtual assisted clients. There is no maximum exposure under this guarantee. At January 31, 2021, we had no amounts accrued under this guarantee and we do not expect that a material amount will be paid for this guarantee under anticipated loss scenarios related to the fiscal year 2021 tax season.
NOTE 10: LITIGATION AND OTHER RELATED CONTINGENCIES
We are a defendant in numerous litigation matters, arising both in the ordinary course of business and otherwise, including as described below. The matters described below are not all of the lawsuits to which we are subject. In some of the matters, very large or indeterminate amounts, including punitive damages, are sought. U.S. jurisdictions permit considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief. Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the court. In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters. We believe that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or a claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value due to this variability in pleadings and our experience in litigating or resolving through settlement of numerous claims over an extended period of time.
The outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may be difficult to ascertain. Among other things, uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law.
In addition to litigation matters, we are also subject to claims and other loss contingencies arising out of our business activities, including as described below.
We accrue liabilities for litigation, claims, including indemnification and contribution claims, and other related loss contingencies and any related settlements (each referred to, individually, as a "matter" and, collectively, as "matters") when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If a range of loss is estimated, and some amount within that range appears to be a better estimate than any other amount within that range, then that amount is accrued. If no amount within the range can be identified as a better estimate than any other amount, we accrue the minimum amount in the range.
For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, or the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, no accrual has been made. It is possible that such matters could require us to pay damages
or make other expenditures or accrue liabilities in amounts that could not be reasonably estimated as of January 31, 2021. While the potential future liabilities could be material in the particular quarterly or annual periods in which they are recorded, based on information currently known, we do not believe any such liabilities are likely to have a material adverse effect on our business and our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. As of January 31, 2021 and 2020 and April 30, 2020, our total accrued liabilities were $5.5 million, $1.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
Our estimate of the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses includes (1) matters where a liability has been accrued and there is a reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued for that liability, and (2) matters where a liability has not been accrued but we believe a loss is reasonably possible. This aggregate range only represents those losses as to which we are currently able to estimate a reasonably possible loss or range of loss. It does not represent our maximum loss exposure.
Matters for which we are not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss are not included in this range. We are often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss, such as precise information about the amount of damages or other remedies being asserted, the defenses to the claims being asserted, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by courts on motions or appeals, analysis by experts, or the status or terms of any settlement negotiations.
The estimated range of reasonably possible loss is based upon currently available information and is subject to significant judgment and a variety of assumptions, as well as known and unknown uncertainties. The matters underlying the estimated range will change from time to time, and actual results may vary significantly from the current estimate. As of January 31, 2021, we believe the estimate of the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued, where the range of loss can be estimated, is not material.
On a quarterly and annual basis, we review relevant information with respect to litigation and other loss contingencies and update our accruals, disclosures, and estimates of reasonably possible loss or range of loss based on such reviews. Costs incurred with defending matters are expensed as incurred. Any receivable for insurance recoveries is recorded separately from the corresponding liability, and only if recovery is determined to be probable and reasonably estimable.
We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims asserted in the various matters described in this note, and we intend to defend them vigorously. The amounts claimed in the matters are substantial, however, and there can be no assurances as to their outcomes. In the event of unfavorable outcomes, it could require modifications to our operations; in addition, the amounts that may be required to be paid to discharge or settle the matters could be substantial and could have a material adverse impact on our business and our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
LITIGATION, CLAIMS OR OTHER LOSS CONTINGENCIES PERTAINING TO CONTINUING OPERATIONS –
Free File Litigation. On May 6, 2019, the Los Angeles City Attorney filed a lawsuit on behalf of the People of the State of California in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles (Case No. 19STCV15742). The case is styled The People of the State of California v. HRB Digital LLC, et al. The complaint alleges that H&R Block, Inc. and HRB Digital LLC engaged in unfair, fraudulent and deceptive business practices and acts in connection with the IRS Free File Program in violation of the California Unfair Competition Law, California Business and Professions Code §§17200 et seq. The complaint seeks injunctive relief, restitution of monies paid to H&R Block by persons in the State of California who were eligible to file under the IRS Free File Program for the time period starting 4 years prior to the date of the filing of the complaint, pre-judgment interest, civil penalties and costs. The City Attorney subsequently dismissed H&R Block, Inc. from the case and amended its complaint to add HRB Tax Group, Inc. We filed a motion to stay the case based on the primary jurisdiction doctrine, which was denied. A trial date has been set for August 9, 2022. We have not concluded that a loss related to this matter is probable, nor have we accrued a liability related to this matter.
On May 17, 2019, a putative class action complaint was filed against H&R Block, Inc., HRB Tax Group, Inc. and HRB Digital LLC in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco (Case No. CGC-19576093). The case is styled Snarr v. HRB Tax Group, Inc., et al. The case was removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on June 21, 2019 (Case No. 3:19-cv-03610-SK). The plaintiff filed a first amended
complaint on August 9, 2019, dropping H&R Block, Inc. from the case. In the amended complaint, the plaintiff seeks to represent classes of all persons, between May 17, 2015 and the present, who (1) paid to file one or more federal tax returns through H&R Block’s internet-based filing system, (2) were eligible to file those tax returns for free through the H&R Block Free File offer of the IRS Free File Program, and (3) resided in and were citizens of California at the time of the payments. The plaintiff generally alleges unlawful, unfair, fraudulent and deceptive business practices and acts in connection with the IRS Free File Program in violation of the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act, California Civil Code §§1750, et seq., California False Advertising Law, California Business and Professions Code §§17500, et seq., and California Unfair Competition Law, California Business and Professions Code §§17200 et seq. The plaintiff seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, restitution, compensatory damages, punitive damages, interest, attorneys’ fees and costs. We filed a motion to stay the proceedings based on the primary jurisdiction doctrine and a motion to compel arbitration, both of which were denied. We filed an appeal of the denial of the motion to compel arbitration, which was denied on December 9, 2020. We filed an answer to the amended complaint on April 7, 2020, and a renewed motion to compel arbitration and to stay the litigation on February 22, 2021. A trial date has been set for October 18, 2022. We have not concluded that a loss related to this matter is probable, nor have we accrued a liability related to this matter.
On September 26, 2019, a putative class action complaint was filed against H&R Block, Inc., HRB Tax Group, Inc., HRB Digital LLC and Free File, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri (Case No. 4:19-cv-00788-GAF) styled Swanson v. H&R Block, Inc., et al. The plaintiff seeks to represent both a nationwide class and a California subclass of all persons eligible for the IRS Free File Program who paid to use an H&R Block product to file an online tax return for the 2002 through 2018 tax filing years. The plaintiff generally alleges unlawful, unfair, fraudulent and deceptive business practices and acts in connection with the IRS Free File Program in violation of the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act, California Civil Code §§1750, et seq., California False Advertising Law, California Business and Professions Code §§17500, et seq., California Unfair Competition Law, California Business and Professions Code §§17200, et seq., in addition to breach of contract and fraud. The plaintiff seeks injunctive relief, disgorgement, compensatory damages, statutory damages, punitive damages, interest, attorneys’ fees and costs. The court granted a motion to dismiss filed by defendant Free File, Inc. for lack of personal jurisdiction. The court granted our motion to compel arbitration and stayed the case pending the outcome of arbitration. We have not concluded that a loss related to this matter is probable, nor have we accrued a liability related to this matter.
We have also received and are responding to certain governmental inquiries relating to the IRS Free File Program.
LITIGATION, CLAIMS, INCLUDING INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION CLAIMS, OR OTHER LOSS CONTINGENCIES PERTAINING TO DISCONTINUED MORTGAGE OPERATIONS – Although SCC ceased its mortgage loan origination activities in December 2007 and sold its loan servicing business in April 2008, SCC or the Company has been, remains, and may in the future be, subject to litigation, claims, including indemnification and contribution claims, and other loss contingencies pertaining to SCC's mortgage business activities that occurred prior to such termination and sale. These lawsuits, claims, and other loss contingencies include actions by regulators, third parties seeking indemnification or contribution, including depositors, underwriters, and securitization trustees, individual plaintiffs, and cases in which plaintiffs seek to represent a class of others alleged to be similarly situated. Among other things, these lawsuits, claims, and contingencies allege or may allege discriminatory or unfair and deceptive loan origination and servicing (including debt collection, foreclosure, and eviction) practices, other common law torts, rights to indemnification or contribution, breach of contract, violations of securities laws, and violations of a variety of federal statutes, including the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Housing Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), Home Ownership & Equity Protection Act (HOEPA), as well as similar state statutes. It is difficult to predict either the likelihood of new matters being initiated or the outcome of existing matters. In many of these matters it is not possible to estimate a reasonably possible loss or range of loss due to, among other things, the inherent uncertainties involved in these matters, some of which are beyond the Company's control, and the indeterminate damages sought in some of these matters.
Mortgage loans originated by SCC were sold either as whole loans to single third-party buyers, who generally securitized such loans, or in the form of residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBSs). In connection with the sale of loans and/or RMBSs, SCC made certain representations and warranties. Claims under these representations
and warranties together with any settlement arrangements related to these losses are collectively referred to as "representation and warranty claims." The statute of limitations for a contractual claim to enforce a representation and warranty obligation is generally six years or such shorter limitations period that may apply under the law of a state where the economic injury occurred. On June 11, 2015, the New York Court of Appeals, New York’s highest court, held in ACE Securities Corp. v. DB Structured Products, Inc., that the six-year statute of limitations under New York law starts to run at the time the representations and warranties are made, not the date when the repurchase demand was denied. This decision applies to claims and lawsuits brought against SCC where New York law governs. New York law governs many, though not all, of the RMBS transactions into which SCC entered. However, this decision would not affect representation and warranty claims and lawsuits SCC has received or may receive, for example, where the statute of limitations has been tolled by agreement or a suit was timely filed.
In response to the statute of limitations rulings in the ACE case and similar rulings in other state and federal courts, parties seeking to pursue representation and warranty claims or lawsuits have sought, and may in the future seek, to distinguish certain aspects of the ACE decision, pursue alternate legal theories of recovery, or assert claims against other contractual parties such as securitization trustees. For example, a 2016 ruling by a New York intermediate appellate court, followed by the federal district court in the second Homeward case described below, allowed a counterparty to pursue litigation on additional loans in the same trust even though only some of the loans complied with the condition precedent of timely pre-suit notice and opportunity to cure or repurchase. Additionally, plaintiffs in litigation to which SCC is not party have alleged breaches of an independent contractual duty to provide notice of material breaches of representations and warranties and pursued separate claims to which, they argue, the statute of limitations ruling in the ACE case does not apply. The impact on SCC from alternative legal theories seeking to avoid or distinguish the ACE decision, or judicial limitations on the ACE decision, is unclear. SCC has not accrued liabilities for claims not subject to a tolling arrangement or not relating back to timely filed litigation.
On May 31, 2012, a lawsuit was filed by Homeward Residential, Inc. (Homeward) in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, against SCC styled Homeward Residential, Inc. v. Sand Canyon Corporation (Index No. 651885/2012). SCC removed the case to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on June 28, 2012 (Case No. 12-cv-5067). The plaintiff, in its capacity as the master servicer for Option One Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-2 and for the benefit of the trustee and the certificate holders of such trust, asserts claims for breach of contract, anticipatory breach, indemnity, and declaratory judgment in connection with alleged losses incurred as a result of the breach of representations and warranties relating to SCC and to loans sold to the trust. The trust was originally collateralized with approximately 7,500 loans. The plaintiff seeks specific performance of alleged repurchase obligations or damages to compensate the trust and its certificate holders for alleged actual and anticipated losses, as well as a repurchase of all loans due to alleged misrepresentations by SCC as to itself and as to the loans' compliance with its underwriting standards and the value of underlying real estate. In response to a motion filed by SCC, the court dismissed the plaintiff's claims for breach of the duty to cure or repurchase, anticipatory breach, indemnity, and declaratory judgment. The case proceeded on the remaining claims. Representatives of a holder of certificates in the trust filed a motion to intervene to add H&R Block, Inc. to the lawsuit and assert claims against H&R Block, Inc. based on alter ego, corporate veil-piercing, and agency law. On February 12, 2018, the court denied the motion to intervene. Discovery in the case closed on September 30, 2019, with motions for summary judgment filed on December 6, 2019. On November 9, 2020, the court granted SCC's motion for summary judgment and dismissed Homeward's claims in their entirety as untimely under the applicable statute of limitations. Homeward appealed that ruling on December 4, 2020, and the appeal remains pending. We have not concluded that a loss related to this matter is probable, nor have we accrued a liability related to this matter.
On September 28, 2012, a second lawsuit was filed by Homeward in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against SCC styled Homeward Residential, Inc. v. Sand Canyon Corporation (Case No. 12-cv-7319). The plaintiff, in its capacity as the master servicer for Option One Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-3 and for the benefit of the trustee and the certificate holders of such trust, asserts claims for breach of contract and indemnity in connection with losses allegedly incurred as a result of the breach of representations and warranties relating to 96 loans sold to the trust. The trust was originally collateralized with approximately 7,500 loans. The plaintiff seeks specific performance of alleged repurchase obligations or damages to compensate the trust and its certificate holders for alleged actual and anticipated losses. In response to a motion filed by SCC, the court
dismissed the plaintiff's claims for breach of the duty to cure or repurchase and for indemnification of its costs associated with the litigation. On September 30, 2016, the court granted a motion allowing the plaintiff to file a second amended complaint to include breach of contract claims with respect to 649 additional loans in the trust and to allow such claims with respect to other loans in the trust proven to be in material breach of SCC’s representations and warranties. SCC filed a motion for reconsideration, followed by a motion for leave to appeal the ruling, both of which were denied. On October 6, 2016, the plaintiff filed its second amended complaint. In response to a motion filed by SCC, the court dismissed the plaintiff's claim for breach of one of the representations. The case proceeded on the remaining claims. Representatives of a holder of certificates in the trust filed a motion to intervene to add H&R Block, Inc. to the lawsuit and assert claims against H&R Block, Inc. based on alter ego, corporate veil-piercing, and agency law. On February 12, 2018, the court denied the motion to intervene. The settlement payments that were made in fiscal year 2018 for representation and warranty claims related to some of the loans in this case. Discovery in the case closed on September 30, 2019, with motions for summary judgment filed on December 6, 2019. On November 9, 2020, the court granted SCC's motion for summary judgment and dismissed Homeward's claims in their entirety as untimely under the applicable statute of limitations. Homeward appealed that ruling on December 4, 2020, and the appeal remains pending. We have not concluded that a loss related to this matter is probable, nor have we accrued a liability related to this matter.
Parties, including underwriters, depositors, and securitization trustees, are, or have been, involved in multiple lawsuits, threatened lawsuits, and settlements related to securitization transactions in which SCC participated. A variety of claims are alleged in these matters, including violations of federal and state securities laws and common law fraud, based on alleged materially inaccurate or misleading disclosures, that originators, depositors, securitization trustees, or servicers breached their representations and warranties or otherwise failed to fulfill their obligations, or that securitization trustees violated statutory requirements by failing to properly protect the certificate holders’ interests. SCC has received notices of claims for indemnification or potential indemnification obligations relating to such matters, including lawsuits or settlements to which underwriters, depositors, or securitization trustees are party. Additional lawsuits against the parties to the securitization transactions may be filed in the future, and SCC may receive additional notices of claims for indemnification, contribution or similar obligations with respect to existing or new lawsuits or settlements of such lawsuits or other claims. Certain of the notices received included, and future notices may include, a reservation of rights to assert claims for contribution, which are referred to herein as "contribution claims." Contribution claims may become operative if indemnification is unavailable or insufficient to cover all of the losses and expenses involved. We have not concluded that a loss related to any of these indemnification or contribution claims is probable, nor have we accrued a liability related to any of these claims.
If the amount that SCC is ultimately required to pay with respect to claims and litigation related to its past sales and securitizations of mortgage loans, together with payment of SCC's related administration and legal expense, exceeds SCC's net assets, the creditors of SCC, other potential claimants, or a bankruptcy trustee if SCC were to file or be forced into bankruptcy, may attempt to assert claims against us for payment of SCC's obligations. Claimants may also attempt to assert claims against or seek payment directly from the Company even if SCC's assets exceed its liabilities. SCC's principal assets, as of January 31, 2021, total approximately $271 million and consist of an intercompany note receivable. We believe our legal position is strong on any potential corporate veil-piercing arguments; however, if this position is challenged and not upheld, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
OTHER – We are from time to time a party to litigation, claims and other loss contingencies not discussed herein arising out of our business operations. These matters may include actions by state attorneys general, other state regulators, federal regulators, individual plaintiffs, and cases in which plaintiffs seek to represent others who may be similarly situated.
While we cannot provide assurance that we will ultimately prevail in each instance, we believe the amount, if any, we are required to pay to discharge or settle these other matters will not have a material adverse impact on our business and our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On July 1, 2020, we provided written notice to Axos Bank (Axos) of the termination of the Program Management Agreement by and between Emerald Financial Services, LLC , a wholly–owned indirect subsidiary of the Company, and Axos, effective July 1, 2020. On August 5, 2020, we entered into a Program Management Agreement with MetaBank®, N.A. (Meta), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meta Financial Group, Inc. Under the Meta Program Management Agreement and its ancillary agreements and related product schedules, Meta acts as the bank provider of H&R Block-branded financial products, including Emerald AdvanceSM, Emerald Card®, Emerald Savings, Refund Advance, and Refund Transfer in the United States.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
With the economic impact of the pandemic being felt across the U.S., we remain committed to helping people gain access to their refunds while shifting how we operate to help promote the safety and well-being of associates and clients. We continue to provide in-person appointments where permitted and have instituted guidelines for our tax offices based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. Clients may also choose to drop-off at our locations nationwide or choose to file with a tax pro virtually.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 21, 2020, the federal tax filing deadline in the U.S. for individual 2019 tax returns was extended from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020, and substantially all U.S. states with an April 15 individual state income tax filing requirement extended their respective deadlines. In Canada, the deadline for individuals to file was extended to June 1, 2020. In addition, governments around the world took a variety of actions to contain the spread of COVID-19. Jurisdictions in which we operate imposed various restrictions on our business, including capacity and other operational limitations, social distancing requirements, and in limited instances required us to close certain offices. Consequently, a portion of revenues and expenses that would have normally been recognized in our fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 shifted to the first two quarters of fiscal year 2021.
We believe that the ongoing pandemic, coupled with the timing of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) and the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) announcement to not accept and process returns until February 12, has resulted in a delayed start to the current tax season. Historically, the IRS has begun accepting and processing returns during our third fiscal quarter. These delays have impacted tax return volumes and the timing of recognizing a portion of revenue for the returns that we prepared during the quarter but were not able to electronically file with the IRS.
These events have impacted the typical seasonality of our business and the comparability of our financial results.
Our revenues for the three months ended January 31, 2021 decreased $211.0 million, or 40.6%, when compared to the prior year period, primarily due to a delayed start to the 2021 tax season, and we recorded a pretax loss of $283.5 million compared to $177.0 million in the prior year. Our revenues for the nine months ended January 31, 2021, increased $255.4 million, or 30.8%, when compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the extension of the 2020 tax season, partially offset by a delayed start to the 2021 tax season, and we recorded pretax loss of $396.5 million compared to $645.5 million in the prior year.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our subsidiaries provide assisted and DIY tax preparation solutions through multiple channels (including in-person, online and mobile applications, virtual, and desktop software) and distribute H&R Block-branded products and services, including those of our financial partners, to the general public primarily in the U.S., Canada and Australia. Tax returns are either prepared by H&R Block tax professionals (in company-owned or franchise offices, virtually or via an internet review) or prepared and filed by our clients through our DIY tax solutions. We also offer small business financial solutions through our company-owned and franchise offices and online through Wave. We report a single segment that includes all of our continuing operations.
(1) An assisted tax return is defined as a current or prior year individual or business tax return that has been accepted and paid for by the client. A DIY online return is defined as a current year individual or business tax return that has been accepted and paid for by the client. A DIY desktop return is defined as a current year individual or business tax return that has been electronically submitted to the IRS.
(2) Net average charge is calculated as total tax preparation fees, including any amounts deferred, divided by tax returns prepared. A portion of tax preparation fees were deferred as of January 31, 2021 due to the delay in the IRS accepting returns.
(3) Net average charge related to H&R Block Franchise operations represents tax preparation fees collected by H&R Block franchisees divided by returns prepared in franchise offices. H&R Block will recognize a portion of franchise revenues as franchise royalties based on the terms of franchise agreements.
We provide net average charge as a key operating metric because we consider it an important supplemental measure useful to analysts, investors, and other interested parties as it provides insights into pricing and tax return mix relative to our customer base, which are significant drivers of revenue. Our definition of net average charge may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
(1) See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" at the end of this item for a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures.
Three months ended January 31, 2021 compared to January 31, 2020
Revenues decreased $211.0 million, or 40.6%, from the prior year period. We believe that the ongoing pandemic, coupled with the timing of EIPs, has resulted in a delayed start to the tax season. Additionally, the IRS delayed the date that it will begin accepting and processing tax returns. This resulted in a decrease in the volume of U.S. tax returns prepared and a deferral of $18.7 million of revenues related to electronic filing causing declines in U.S. assisted tax preparation, royalties and U.S. DIY tax preparation revenues.
Refund Transfer revenues decreased $50.5 million as a result of the IRS not accepting electronically filed returns. Emerald Card® revenues increased $5.3 million, or 31.8%, due to higher card activity as some EIPs were loaded on to Emerald Cards. Interest and fees on Emerald Advances decreased $5.2 million, or 15.7%, due to lower Emerald AdvanceSM volumes. Wave revenues increased $3.6 million, or 32.0%, due to higher small business payments processing volumes as small business owners shift to online payment options.
Total operating expenses decreased $100.0 million, or 14.9%, from the prior year. Field wages decreased $38.4 million, or 23.2%, due to lower tax preparation volumes resulting from the delayed start to the tax season. Benefits and other compensation decreased $5.8 million, or 12.7%, due to lower payroll taxes and lower stock-based compensation expense. Marketing and advertising expense decreased $17.9 million, or 21.2%, due to the timing of television and online advertising. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $4.3 million, or 9.7%, due to lower depreciation on leasehold improvements and lower amortization of acquired intangibles. Bad debt decreased $10.7 million, or 29.4%, due to lower Refund Transfer and Emerald AdvanceSM volumes.
Other expenses decreased $19.4 million, or 15.0%. The components of other expenses are as follows:
Three months ended January 31,
2021
2020
$ Change
% Change
Consulting and outsourced services
$
30,116
$
32,124
$
(2,008)
(6.3)
%
Bank partner fees
11,716
29,448
(17,732)
(60.2)
%
Client claims and refunds
7,215
6,604
611
9.3
%
Employee travel and related expenses
5,838
10,921
(5,083)
(46.5)
%
Technology-related expenses
19,725
19,199
526
2.7
%
Credit card/bank charges
13,038
10,627
2,411
22.7
%
Insurance
3,126
3,309
(183)
(5.5)
%
Legal fees and settlements
2,825
4,838
(2,013)
(41.6)
%
Supplies
9,266
6,412
2,854
44.5
%
Other
6,709
5,465
1,244
22.8
%
$
109,574
$
128,947
$
(19,373)
(15.0)
%
Bank partner fees decreased $17.7 million, or 60.2%, primarily due to lower Refund Advance and Refund Transfer volumes. Employee travel and related expenses decreased $5.1 million, or 46.5%, due to travel restrictions as a result of COVID-19.
We recorded an income tax benefit in the current year of $51.7 million compared to $49.0 million in the prior year, primarily due to discrete benefits of $12.6 million in the current quarter versus $2.5 million in the prior year period. The effective tax rate for the three months ended January 31, 2021, and 2020 was 18.2% and 27.7%, respectively. See Item 1, note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for additional discussion.
Total U.S. return volume from January 1, 2021 through February 28, 2021 decreased 15.0% compared to the prior year period due to fewer Assisted and DIY tax returns prepared due to the delayed start to the current tax season. Our business is highly seasonal and results for the three months ended January 31, as well as results for the period ended February 28, may not be indicative of results for the current tax season.
(1) An assisted tax return is defined as a current or prior year individual or business tax return that has been accepted and paid for by the client. A DIY online return is defined as a current year individual or business tax return that has been accepted and paid for by the client. A DIY desktop return is defined as a current year individual or business tax return that has been electronically submitted to the IRS.
(2) Net average charge is calculated as total tax preparation fees, including any amounts deferred, divided by tax returns prepared. A portion of tax preparation fees were deferred as of January 31, 2021 due to the delay in the IRS accepting returns.
(3) Net average charge related to H&R Block Franchise operations represents tax preparation fees collected by H&R Block franchisees divided by returns prepared in franchise offices. H&R Block will recognize a portion of franchise revenues as franchise royalties based on the terms of franchise agreements.
(1) See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" at the end of this item for a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures.
Nine months ended January 31, 2021 compared to January 31, 2020
Due to the extension of the 2020 tax season related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had significant increases in the number of tax returns and revenues in all categories during the first half of fiscal year 2021. These increases were partially offset by the delayed start to the 2021 tax season. As a result, total revenues increased $255.4 million, or 30.8%, compared to the prior year period.
International revenues increased $35.0 million, or 36.0%, primarily due to the 2020 tax season extension in Canada. Refund Transfer revenues decreased $41.0 million, or 77.7%, as a result of the IRS not accepting electronically filed returns. Emerald Card® revenues increased $9.7 million, or 24.7%, due to due to higher card activity as some EIPs were loaded on to Emerald Cards. Wave revenues increased $15.5 million, or 60.1% due to
higher small business payments processing volumes over the prior year as small business owners shift to online payment options and an additional two months of revenue in the current year, as we acquired Wave on June 28, 2019.
Total operating expenses decreased $19.1 million, or 1.3%, from the prior year period. Field wages increased $26.3 million, or 9.4%, due to the extended 2020 tax season, partially offset by Canadian wage subsidies and lower 2021 tax season volumes. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $8.2 million, or 6.6%, due to lower depreciation on leasehold improvements and lower amortization of acquired intangibles. Bad debt expense decreased $8.8 million, or 23.5%, due to lower Refund Transfer and Emerald AdvanceSM volumes.
Other expenses decreased $36.2 million, or 11.9%. The components of other expenses are as follows:
Nine months ended January 31,
2021
2020
$ Change
% Change
Consulting and outsourced services
$
69,742
$
74,597
$
(4,855)
(6.5)
%
Bank partner fees
11,066
32,303
(21,237)
(65.7)
%
Client claims and refunds
17,888
25,305
(7,417)
(29.3)
%
Employee travel and related expenses
15,298
33,159
(17,861)
(53.9)
%
Technology-related expenses
55,554
50,178
5,376
10.7
%
Credit card/bank charges
39,727
24,455
15,272
62.4
%
Insurance
9,340
11,548
(2,208)
(19.1)
%
Legal fees and settlements
16,110
21,139
(5,029)
(23.8)
%
Supplies
16,218
14,958
1,260
8.4
%
Other
17,891
17,373
518
3.0
%
$
268,834
$
305,015
$
(36,181)
(11.9)
%
Bank partner fees decreased $21.2 million, or 65.7%, primarily due to lower Refund Advance and Refund Transfer volumes. Employee travel and related expenses decreased $17.9 million, or 53.9%, due to travel restrictions as a result of COVID-19. Credit card and bank charges increased $15.3 million, or 62.4%, as a result of higher transaction volumes for assisted and DIY tax preparation and higher Wave payments processing fees.
Other income (expense), net decreased $9.0 million primarily due to lower interest income as a result of lower interest rates.
Interest expense on borrowings increased $16.6 million primarily due to higher CLOC borrowings and our 2030 Senior Notes.
Income tax benefits decreased $152.4 million, 81.0% due to lower losses in the current year and a lower effective tax rate of 9.0% compared to 29.2% in the prior year. See Item 1, note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for additional discussion.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
These comments should be read in conjunction with the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows included in Part 1, Item 1.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY –
OVERVIEW – Our primary sources of capital and liquidity include cash from operations (including changes in working capital), draws on our CLOC, and issuances of debt. We use our sources of liquidity primarily to fund working capital, service and repay debt, pay dividends, repurchase shares of our common stock, and acquire businesses.
Our operations are highly seasonal and substantially all of our revenues and cash flow are generated during the period from February through April in a typical year. Therefore, we normally require the use of cash to fund losses and working capital needs, periodically resulting in a working capital deficit, from May through January. We typically have relied on available cash balances from the prior tax season and borrowings to meet liquidity needs in our first three quarters.
Given the likely availability of a number of liquidity options discussed herein, we believe that, in the absence of any unexpected developments, our existing sources of capital as of January 31, 2021 are sufficient to meet our operating, investing and financing needs.
DISCUSSION OF CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS – The following table summarizes our statements of cash flows for the nine months ended January 31, 2021 and 2020. See Item 1 for the complete consolidated statements of cash flows for these periods.
(in 000s)
Nine months ended January 31,
2021
2020
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities
$
(908,679)
$
(1,467,791)
Investing activities
(74,112)
(489,702)
Financing activities
(1,442,825)
611,912
Effects of exchange rates on cash
14,004
(359)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
(2,411,612)
$
(1,345,940)
Operating Activities. Cash used in operations decreased, primarily due to the extension of the 2020 tax season into this fiscal year due to COVID-19 and the delayed start to the 2021 tax season.
Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities totaled $74.1 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2021 compared to $489.7 million in the prior year period. This change is due to the prior year acquisition of Wave.
Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities totaled $1.4 billion for the nine months ended January 31, 2021 compared to cash provided by financing activities of $611.9 million in the prior year period. This change resulted primarily from the repayment of the $2.0 billion draw outstanding on our CLOC during the current year.
CASH REQUIREMENTS –
Dividends and Share Repurchases. Returning capital to shareholders in the form of dividends and the repurchase of outstanding shares has historically been a significant component of our capital allocation plan.
We have consistently paid quarterly dividends. Dividends paid totaled $147.9 million and $154.8 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Although we have historically paid dividends and plan to continue to do so, there can be no assurances that circumstances will not change in the future that could affect our ability or decisions to pay dividends.
Our current share repurchase program has remaining authorization of $601.8 million which is effective through June 2022. During the nine months ended January 31, 2021, we repurchased $150.1 million of our common stock at an average price of $15.83 per share. In the prior year period, we repurchased $246.8 million of our common stock at an average price of $24.36 per share.
Share repurchases may be effectuated through open market transactions, some of which may be effectuated under SEC Rule 10b5-1. The Company may cancel, suspend, or extend the period for the purchase of shares at any time. Any repurchases will be funded primarily through available cash and cash from operations. Although we may continue to repurchase shares, there is no assurance that we will purchase up to the full Board authorization.
Capital Investment. Capital expenditures totaled $48.0 million and $66.5 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Our capital expenditures relate primarily to recurring improvements to retail offices, as well as investments in computers, software and related assets. In addition to our capital expenditures, we also made payments to acquire businesses. We acquired franchisee and competitor businesses totaling $15.0 million in the current year compared to Wave and franchisee and competitor businesses totaling $450.3 million in the prior year. See Item 1, note 5 for additional information on our acquisitions.
FINANCING RESOURCES – In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020, we drew down the full $2.0 billion available under our CLOC to increase our cash position and maximize flexibility in light of the uncertainty surrounding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which we repaid in full in September 2020. We had an outstanding balance of $880.0 million under the CLOC as of January 31, 2021.
On August 7, 2020, we issued the 2030 Senior Notes. We used the net proceeds from the 2030 Senior Notes to repay our $650 million Senior Notes that matured on October 1, 2020.
The following table provides ratings for debt issued by Block Financial as of January 31, 2021 and April 30, 2020:
As of
January 31, 2021
April 30, 2020
Short-term
Long-term
Outlook
Short-term
Long-term
Outlook
Moody's
P-3
Baa3
Stable
P-3
Baa3
Negative
S&P
A-2
BBB
Negative
A-2
BBB
Negative
Other than described above, there have been no material changes in our borrowings from those reported as of April 30, 2020 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS – As of January 31, 2021, we held cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted amounts, of $280.2 million, including $71.1 million held by our foreign subsidiaries.
Foreign Operations. When necessary, our international businesses are funded by our U.S. operations. To mitigate foreign currency exchange rate risk, we sometimes enter into foreign exchange forward contracts. There was one forward contract outstanding as of January 31, 2021, which had a recorded amount of $2.0 million.
We do not currently intend to repatriate any non-borrowed funds held by our foreign subsidiaries.
The impact of changes in foreign exchange rates during the period on our international cash balances resulted in an increase of $14.0 million during the nine months ended January 31, 2021 compared to an decrease of $0.4 million in the prior year.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS – Except as described in Item 1, note 9 related to the Emerald AdvanceSM purchased participation interests and Refund Advance guarantees under the Program Management Agreement with Meta, and in Item 1, note 6 related to the 2030 Senior Notes issuance, there have been no material changes in our contractual obligations and commercial commitments from those reported as of April 30, 2020 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
SUMMARIZED GUARANTOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS –Block Financial is a 100% owned subsidiary of H&R Block, Inc. Block Financial is the Issuer and H&R Block, Inc. is the full and unconditional Guarantor of our Senior Notes, CLOC and other indebtedness issued from time to time.
The following table presents summarized financial information for H&R Block, Inc. (Guarantor) and Block Financial (Issuer) on a combined basis after intercompany eliminations and excludes investments in and equity earnings in non-guarantor subsidiaries.
SUMMARIZED BALANCE SHEET - GUARANTOR AND ISSUER
(in 000s)
As of
January 31, 2021
April 30, 2020
Current assets
$
355,197
$
53,865
Noncurrent assets
2,178,757
3,644,369
Current liabilities
43,677
697,797
Noncurrent liabilities
2,378,024
2,854,211
SUMMARIZED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - GUARANTOR AND ISSUER
(in 000s)
Nine months ended January 31, 2021
Twelve months ended April 30, 2020
Total revenues
$
90,925
$
184,415
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
(33,862)
30,231
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
(22,272)
23,559
Net income (loss)
(27,065)
10,497
The table above reflects $2.1 billion and $3.6 billion of non-current intercompany receivables due to the Issuer from non-guarantor subsidiaries as of January 31, 2021 and April 30, 2020, respectively.
On November 17, 2017, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) published its final rule changing the regulation of certain consumer credit products, including payday loans, vehicle title loans, and high-cost installment loans (Payday Rule). Certain limited provisions of the Payday Rule became effective on January 16, 2018, but most provisions were scheduled to go into effect on August 19, 2019. On November 6, 2018, a judge from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas issued a stay of the Payday Rule's August 19, 2019 compliance date, which stay remains in effect until further notice from the Court. On July 7, 2020, the CFPB issued a final rule revoking the mandatory underwriting provisions of the Payday Rule.
Given these developments and the recent change in administration, we are unsure whether, when, or in what form the Payday Rule will go into effect. The timing to resolve the litigation is unclear. We do not currently expect the Payday Rule to have a material adverse impact on the Emerald AdvanceSM product, our business, or our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. We will continue to monitor and analyze the potential impact of any further Payday Rule developments on the Company.
There have been no other material changes in our regulatory environment from what was reported as of April 30, 2020 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Because these measures are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and are susceptible to varying calculations, they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures for other companies.
We consider our non-GAAP financial measures to be performance measures and a useful metric for management and investors to evaluate and compare the ongoing operating performance of our business. We make adjustments for certain non-GAAP financial measures related to amortization of intangibles from acquisitions and goodwill impairments. We may consider whether other significant items that arise in the future should be excluded from our non-GAAP financial measures.
We measure the performance of our business using a variety of metrics, including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) from continuing operations, adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, EBITDA margin from continuing operations, adjusted EBITDA margin from continuing operations, adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations and free cash flow. We also use EBITDA from continuing operations and pretax income of continuing operations, each subject to permitted adjustments, as performance metrics in incentive compensation calculations for our employees.
The following is a reconciliation of net loss to EBITDA from continuing operations, which is a non-GAAP financial measure:
(in 000s)
Three months ended January 31,
Nine months ended January 31,
2021
2020
2021
2020
Net loss - as reported
$
(232,994)
$
(129,683)
$
(365,461)
$
(467,929)
Discontinued operations, net
1,163
1,657
4,706
10,625
Net loss from continuing operations - as reported
(231,831)
(128,026)
(360,755)
(457,304)
Add back:
Income tax benefit of continuing operations
(51,669)
(49,004)
(35,730)
(188,146)
Interest expense of continuing operations
22,333
26,305
85,319
68,682
Depreciation and amortization of continuing operations
The following is a reconciliation of our results from continuing operations to our adjusted results from continuing operations, which are non-GAAP financial measures:
(in 000s, except per share amounts)
Three months ended January 31,
Nine months ended January 31,
2021
2020
2021
2020
Net loss from continuing operations - as reported
$
(231,831)
$
(128,026)
$
(360,755)
$
(457,304)
Adjustments:
Amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions (pretax)
16,293
19,179
52,176
54,997
Tax effect of adjustments (1)
1,012
(4,956)
(4,143)
(13,667)
Adjusted net loss from continuing operations
$
(214,526)
$
(113,803)
$
(312,722)
$
(415,974)
Diluted loss per share - as reported
$
(1.27)
$
(0.66)
$
(1.92)
$
(2.31)
Adjustments, net of tax
0.10
0.07
0.26
0.21
Adjusted loss per share
$
(1.17)
$
(0.59)
$
(1.66)
$
(2.10)
(1)Tax effect of adjustments is the difference between the tax provision calculated on a GAAP basis and on an adjusted non-GAAP basis.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This report and other documents filed with the SEC may contain forward-looking statements. In addition, our senior management may make forward-looking statements orally to analysts, investors, the media and others. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words or variation of words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "commits," "seeks," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," "targets," "would," "will," "should," "goal," "could," "may" or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements provide management's current expectations or predictions of future conditions, events or results. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future are forward-looking statements. They may include estimates of revenues, client trajectory, income, effective tax rate, earnings per share, cost savings, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases, liquidity, capital structure, market share, industry volumes or other financial items, descriptions of management's plans or objectives for future operations, services or products, or descriptions of assumptions underlying any of the above. They may also include the expected impact of the coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic, including, without limitation, the impact on economic and financial markets, the Company's capital resources and financial condition, future expenditures, potential regulatory actions, such as extensions of tax filing deadlines or other related relief, changes in consumer behaviors and modifications to the Company's operations relating thereto.
All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and reflect the Company's good faith beliefs, assumptions and expectations, but they are not guarantees of future performance or events. Furthermore, the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions, factors, or expectations, new information, data or methods, future events or other changes, except as required by law.
By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, a variety of economic, competitive, operational and regulatory factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. In addition, factors that may cause the Company’s actual effective tax rate to differ from estimates include the Company’s actual results from operations compared to current estimates, future discrete items, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, and future actions of the Company. Investors should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and, consequently, should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties.
Details about risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could affect various aspects of our business are included throughout our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020 and are also described from time to time in other filings with the SEC. Investors should carefully consider all of these risks, and should pay particular attention to Item 1A, "Risk Factors," and Item 7 under "Critical Accounting Policies" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no material changes in our market risks from those reported at April 30, 2020 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES – As of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q, management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING – There were no changes during the last fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For a description of our material pending legal proceedings, see discussion in Part I, Item 1, note 10 to the consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
We face legal actions in connection with our various business activities, and current or future legal actions may damage our reputation, impair our product offerings, or result in material liabilities and losses.
We have been named, and from time to time will likely continue to be named, in various legal actions, including arbitrations, class or representative actions, actions or inquiries by state attorneys general and other regulators, and other litigation arising in connection with our various business activities, including relating to our various service and product offerings. For example, as previously reported, we are subject to litigation and have received and are responding to certain governmental inquiries relating to the IRS Free File program. These inquiries include requests for information and, in some cases, subpoenas from regulators and state attorneys general. On July 15, 2020, the New York State Department of Financial Services issued a press release and report on its investigation of certain tax preparers, including us, related to the IRS Free File program. We cannot predict whether this report or other inquiries could lead to further inquiries, further litigation, fines, injunctions or other regulatory or legislative actions or impacts on our brand, reputation and business. See discussion in Part I, Item 1, note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, and Item 8, note 13 to the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020. We also grant our franchisees a limited license to use our registered trademarks and, accordingly, there is risk that one or more of the franchisees may be alleged to be controlled by us. Third parties, regulators or courts may seek to hold us responsible for the actions or failures to act by our franchisees. Adverse outcomes related to legal actions could result in substantial damages and could cause our earnings to decline. Negative public opinion could also result from our or our franchisees’ actual or alleged conduct in such claims, possibly damaging our reputation, which, in turn, could adversely affect our business prospects and cause the market price of our securities to decline.
Except as indicated above, there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those reported at April 30, 2020 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
A summary of our purchases of H&R Block common stock during the third quarter of fiscal year 2021 is as follows:
(in 000s, except per share amounts)
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)
November 1 - November 30
—
—
$
601,837
December 1 - December 31
1
$
18.33
—
$
601,837
January 1 - January 31
—
—
$
601,837
1
$
18.33
—
(1)We purchased approximately 1 thousand shares in connection with funding employee income tax withholding obligations arising upon the lapse of restrictions on restricted share units.
(2)In September 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a $3.5 billion share repurchase program, effective through June 2019. In June 2019, our Board of Directors extended the share repurchase program through June 2022.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are numbered in accordance with the Exhibit Table of Item 601 of Regulation S-K:
Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
