Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio bought a new stake in shares of H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE:HRB – Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm bought 38,343 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,460,000.
A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in HRB. Elevation Wealth Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of H&R Block by 34.5% during the second quarter. Elevation Wealth Partners LLC now owns 1,040 shares of the company’s stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 267 shares during the period. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. increased its position in H&R Block by 1.4% in the fourth quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 22,496 shares of the company’s stock worth $980,000 after purchasing an additional 309 shares during the period. Vise Technologies Inc. increased its position in H&R Block by 7.4% in the third quarter. Vise Technologies Inc. now owns 4,486 shares of the company’s stock worth $227,000 after purchasing an additional 311 shares during the period. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB raised its holdings in H&R Block by 54.0% during the 2nd quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 895 shares of the company’s stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 314 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC lifted its position in H&R Block by 10.0% during the 3rd quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 3,835 shares of the company’s stock valued at $194,000 after purchasing an additional 348 shares during the period. 90.14% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.
Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings raised shares of H&R Block from a “hold (c-)” rating to a “hold (c)” rating in a research note on Thursday, July 2nd. Zacks Research downgraded shares of H&R Block from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Monday, July 27th. Stephens assumed coverage on shares of H&R Block in a report on Tuesday, July 28th. They issued an “equal weight” rating and a $47.00 price objective on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of H&R Block from $29.00 to $33.00 and gave the company a “sell” rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 12th. Finally, Barrington Research lifted their target price on shares of H&R Block from $50.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Wednesday, August 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, H&R Block presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $46.67.
Check Out Our Latest Research Report on H&R Block H&R Block Price Performance Shares of HRB opened at $48.93 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.69. H&R Block, Inc. has a 1 year low of $28.16 and a 1 year high of $58.67. The stock has a market cap of $6.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.55, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 0.36. The stock’s 50-day moving average price is $45.93 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $37.96.
H&R Block (NYSE:HRB – Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 11th. The company reported $2.38 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.21 by $0.17. The company had revenue of $1.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $1.12 billion. H&R Block had a negative return on equity of 214.84% and a net margin of 18.59%.H&R Block’s revenue was up 255.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.27 EPS. H&R Block has set its FY 2027 guidance at 6.040-6.240 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that H&R Block, Inc. will post 6.11 earnings per share for the current year.
H&R Block Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 6th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 3rd will be paid a $0.46 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 3rd. This is a boost from H&R Block’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.8%. H&R Block’s payout ratio is currently 32.17%.
H&R Block Profile (Free Report)
H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) is a leading provider of tax preparation services and software solutions, serving individual and small-business clients through a combination of retail offices, online platforms and mobile applications. The company offers assisted tax preparation at its network of retail offices, where clients work with trained tax professionals, as well as do-it-yourself (DIY) software and online filing services designed to guide users through the complexities of federal and state tax returns.
Founded in 1955 by brothers Henry W.
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Curtis A. Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of H&R Block (HRB +0.08%), reported a disposition of 2,833 shares of common stock on August 31, 2026 according to a recent SEC Form 4 filing.
Transaction summaryMetricValueTransaction value~$146,324Shares sold2,833Post-transaction shares (directly held)89,283Post-transaction value$4.61 millionOwnership percentage0.0704%Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average sale price ($51.65); post-transaction value based on August 31, 2026 market close ($51.65).
Key questionsWhat initiated this disposal of common stock?
This non-discretionary disposition was performed to satisfy tax withholding requirements tied to the vesting of restricted stock units (RSUs). The automated execution of this sale is a standard procedure for managing equity compensation taxes and does not reflect a discretionary decision by the insider.How many shares were acquired through the underlying award?
Curtis Campbell received 49,129 shares of common stock through a vesting event on August 31, 2026. The 2,833 shares disposed of in this filing represent the portion of that award utilized for immediate tax settlement.What is the current valuation of the CEO's direct equity holdings?
Following this transaction, the insider holds 89,283 shares directly, representing an ownership interest of 0.07%. This direct position is valued at $4.61 million based on the market close price of $51.65 on the August 31, 2026 transaction date.What vesting schedule applies to the remaining equity awards?
The restricted share units granted under the 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan vest in three equal annual installments. Campbell also holds derivative securities under the same incentive program, though the specific count was not reported in this filing.Company OverviewMetricValueShare Price (as of market close 2026-09-01)$50.92Market Capitalization$6.5 billionRevenue (TTM)$3.9 billionNet Income (TTM)$733.6 millionCompany SnapshotH&R Block provides assisted and do-it-yourself tax return preparation services across the United States, Canada, and Australia, generating revenue through tax preparation fees and other proprietary financial products including the H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard and Spruce debit card offerings.The company operates a diversified business model that combines high-margin tax preparation services with complementary financial products and services, including audit representation and tax refund acceleration solutions that enhance client retention and lifetime value.H&R Block serves individual taxpayers and small business owners seeking professional tax preparation assistance or accessible DIY solutions, with a primary customer base concentrated among middle-income households and self-employed individuals requiring tax compliance support.H&R Block is a leading provider of tax preparation services with a market cap of $6.5 billion, demonstrating substantial scale within the consumer financial services sector. The company leverages its extensive retail footprint and digital capabilities to deliver integrated tax and financial solutions, maintaining competitive advantages through brand recognition, customer relationships, and a comprehensive suite of complementary financial products that extend beyond traditional tax preparation.
What this transaction means for investorsCEO Curtis Campbell's Aug. 31 sale of H&R Block stock is not a cause for investor concern. It was a non-discretionary transaction, executed to fulfill tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of RSUs.
An RSU is a form of compensation where a company grants an employee shares of stock at a future date. When that vesting date arrives, as was the case here, a "sell to cover" transaction occurs to pay the related taxes.
H&R Block stock hit a 52-week high of $58.67 on Aug. 12 thanks to a great conclusion to the company's 2026 fiscal year ended June 30. It reported sales of $3.9 billion for the year, representing a 5% year-over-year increase.
H&R Block forecasted revenue to see further growth in its 2027 fiscal year, projecting sales in the range of $4.1 to $4.2 billion. It also boosted its dividend by 10%, the ninth consecutive year of increases. This performance validates that the company is doing well despite Wall Street's concerns earlier in 2026 that the artificial intelligence boom will result in AI taking business away.
Robert Izquierdo has positions in H&R Block. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- H&R Block (NYSE: HRB), a global leader in tax preparation, today announced applications are open for its third annual Fund Her Future grant program, marking its most ambitious commitment yet to the long-term financial success of women-owned small businesses. New for 2026, every applicant will receive year-long, community-focused programming based on needs unveiled in last year’s survey. In addition, four applicants will receive $45,000 in funding, plus a full year of small business services, including tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and a business structure analysis.
“As a trusted partner to millions of small business owners, we recognize that overcoming business challenges requires more than simply access to capital,” said John Towle, director of global retail operations at H&R Block. “For entrepreneurs, the difference between thriving and surviving often lies in building a strong foundation for growth, which can include business guidance from our experts and other mentors.”
Year-round support where they need it most
Data from past applicant surveys uncovered that nearly one-third of small business owners identified the need for a mentor, and nearly 60 percent said critical business tasks like tax prep, bookkeeping, compliance, payroll, or incorporation are areas they need the most support.
Heather Jiang, a prior grant recipient, founded her company, Allégorie, to turn food waste into stylish, functional accessories. With H&R Block’s expertise, she was able to focus on growing her small business, including hiring new employees, expanding her product line, and improving her marketing strategy.
“H&R Block helped free up my time. I’ve expanded the team and launched a new collection to reach more customers. My accountant streamlined my books and gave me peace of mind. I feel relieved knowing my business is in good hands.”
How to apply
Applications for the 2026 Fund Her Future grant program are now open. To apply, applicants must be at least 18 years old and an owner of a U.S.-based business. For more information about H&R Block and its year-round services for small businesses, visit hrblock.com.
About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small business solutions. Named CNET’s Best Overall online tax service for 2026, the company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and also be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News.
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Stock to Watch: H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) H&R Block Inc. is a leading provider of tax preparation services. The company provides assisted income tax return preparation, do-it-yourself (DIY) tax solutions, and other products and services associated with income tax return preparation in the United States, Canada, and Australia. All these continuing operations are reported under a single segment.
HRB is a #2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 8.83; value investors should take notice.
Two analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2027, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.30 to $5.95 per share. HRB also boasts an average earnings surprise of +8.2%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, HRB should be on investors' short list.
Archer Investment Corp bought a new position in shares of H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE:HRB – Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 16,300 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $621,000.
Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in H&R Block in the fourth quarter valued at $69,441,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp acquired a new stake in H&R Block during the 2nd quarter valued at $56,220,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in H&R Block by 50.9% during the 1st quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 3,761,094 shares of the company’s stock valued at $119,377,000 after buying an additional 1,269,064 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of H&R Block by 60.4% in the third quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,593,290 shares of the company’s stock worth $130,961,000 after acquiring an additional 976,069 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ranmore Fund Management Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of H&R Block during the fourth quarter valued at $41,314,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.14% of the company’s stock.
H&R Block Stock Up 0.1% HRB stock opened at $52.57 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.69, a current ratio of 1.13 and a quick ratio of 1.13. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $44.22 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $37.09. H&R Block, Inc. has a 1-year low of $28.16 and a 1-year high of $58.67. The firm has a market cap of $6.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.19, a PEG ratio of 0.68 and a beta of 0.34.
H&R Block (NYSE:HRB – Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, August 11th. The company reported $2.38 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.21 by $0.17. H&R Block had a net margin of 18.59% and a negative return on equity of 214.84%. The firm had revenue of $1.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $1.12 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.27 EPS. H&R Block’s quarterly revenue was up 255.5% on a year-over-year basis. H&R Block has set its FY 2027 guidance at 6.040-6.240 EPS. Research analysts predict that H&R Block, Inc. will post 6.14 EPS for the current year. H&R Block Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 6th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 3rd will be issued a dividend of $0.46 per share. This is a positive change from H&R Block’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.5%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 3rd. H&R Block’s dividend payout ratio is presently 29.37%.
Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades HRB has been the subject of several analyst reports. Barrington Research upped their target price on H&R Block from $50.00 to $60.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 12th. Weiss Ratings upgraded H&R Block from a “hold (c-)” rating to a “hold (c)” rating in a report on Thursday, July 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of H&R Block from $29.00 to $33.00 and gave the company a “sell” rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 12th. Zacks Research cut shares of H&R Block from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, July 27th. Finally, Stephens assumed coverage on shares of H&R Block in a research report on Tuesday, July 28th. They set an “equal weight” rating and a $47.00 price target for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $46.67.
Read Our Latest Stock Report on H&R Block
H&R Block Company Profile (Free Report)
H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) is a leading provider of tax preparation services and software solutions, serving individual and small-business clients through a combination of retail offices, online platforms and mobile applications. The company offers assisted tax preparation at its network of retail offices, where clients work with trained tax professionals, as well as do-it-yourself (DIY) software and online filing services designed to guide users through the complexities of federal and state tax returns.
Founded in 1955 by brothers Henry W.
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Key Takeaways H&R Block shares gained 22% in a month, outpacing its industry and the S&P 500.AI Tax Assist handled 4.1 million client messages in FY26, up 88% y/y.HRB held $958.7M in cash, had no current debt and increased the operating cash flow 23% y/y. H&R Block, Inc. (HRB - Free Report) stock has gained 22.1% in a month, outperforming the industry’s 7.1% uptick and the Zacks S&P 500 Composite's 3.6% return.
1-Month Share Price Performance Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Let us delve deeper into the factors that have contributed to the company’s outperformance.
AI-backed ScalabilityH&R Block integrated AI Tax Assist, a GenAI-powered technology, into DIY tax preparation to improve revenues. This technology strengthened the customer experience by assisting clients who prepare a paid DIY online return without extra charges.
In fiscal 2025, HRB generated $383.7 million in DIY tax preparation (accounting for nearly 10% of the top line), increasing 10.2% from the preceding year. Notably, AI Tax Assist addressed 4.1 million client messages and responses, representing an 88% year-over-year upsurge during the fiscal 2026 tax season.
Robust Liquidity ProfileAs of June 30, 2026, HRB held $958.7 million in cash and cash equivalents against no current debt. This solid cash position, which is further enhanced by 23% year-over-year growth in operating cash flow, provides HRB sufficient flexibility to invest in its scalability without hampering its short-term debt position.
The company’s current ratio of 1.13, which stands above the industry benchmark of 1.03, bolsters investor morale as it highlights heightened efficacy in paying off short-term obligations easily.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Shareholder-Friendly StrategyIn fiscal 2023, 2024 and 2025, the company distributed $177.9 million, $179.8 million and $197.3 million in dividends, respectively. It also returned $569 million, $379.6 million and $437.1 million through share repurchases in fiscal 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively. These actions reflect HRB’s dedication to enhancing shareholder value and its confidence in the business's long-term potential.
Zacks Rank & Stocks to ConsiderHRB currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some higher-ranked stocks in the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector are Lifetime Brands (LCUT - Free Report) and TAL Education Group (TAL - Free Report) , each currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Lifetime Brandshas a long-term earnings growth expectation of 14%. LCUT delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 271.1%, on average.
TAL Education has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 13.6%. TAL delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 210%, on average.
Key Takeaways EnerSys declared a $0.29 dividend, with four increases over the past five years.H&R Block declared a $0.46 dividend and has raised its payout five times in five years.United Community Banks declared a $0.26 dividend after seven increases over five years. Continued geopolitical tensions surrounding uncertainty over an end to the Middle East crisis have turned markets volatile again. Oil prices are surging every day, and bond yields are rising on fears of the crisis deepening further.
Also, investors are unclear about the Federal Reserve’s future monetary path after it left interest rates unchanged in its last FOMC meeting.
Amid continued market uncertainty, conservative investors looking for steady income and greater capital protection may want to consider dividend-paying stocks. These stocks can offer a regular stream of income through dividend payouts while also providing some stability during periods of market volatility.
Here are four dividend stocks worth considering: EnerSys (ENS - Free Report) , H&R Block, Inc. (HRB - Free Report) , Badger Meter, Inc. (BMI - Free Report) and United Community Banks, Inc. (UCB - Free Report) .
Middle East Crisis Rattles StocksBond yields have been surging lately on fears that oil prices could rise further as the Middle East crisis deepened over the past few days. The 30-year Treasury yield hit its highest level in 19 years on Tuesday. U.S. crude futures rose 0.5% on the same day to settle at $84.94 a barrel.
Oil prices have now surged for the fifth straight day. Talks between the United States and Iran appear to have stalled after the ceasefire ended on Monday. President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post on Tuesday that the United States is presently not planning any “talks or conversations” with Iran, dashing hopes of a peace deal anytime soon.
A surge in oil prices after war broke out between the United States and Iran saw inflation climbing in April and May. However, inflation fell in June and July as oil prices eased after the two warring nations signed a memorandum of understanding.
This saw the Federal Reserve hold interest rates steady at the end of its July FOMC meeting. The Federal Reserve is expected to hike interest rates by a quarter percentage point this year. The central bank had adopted a wait-and-watch stance but will be compelled to hike interest rates if inflation remains high.
4 Stocks That Recently Announced Dividend HikesEnerSysEnerSys engages in manufacturing, marketing and distribution of various industrial batteries. Additionally, ENS develops battery chargers and accessories, power equipment and outdoor cabinet enclosures. Apart from this, it provides support services for clients. EnerSys has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
On Aug. 12, EnerSys announced that its shareholders would receive a dividend of $0.29 a share on Oct. 2. ENS has a dividend yield of 0.52%. Over the past five years, EnerSys has increased its dividend four times, and its payout ratio presently sits at 9% of earnings. Check EnerSys’ dividend history here.
H&R BlockH&R Block, Inc. is a leading provider of tax preparation services. HRB provides assisted income tax return preparation, do-it-yourself tax solutions and other products and services associated with income tax return preparation in the United States, Canada and Australia. H&R Block has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
On Aug. 12, H&R Block declared that its shareholders would receive a dividend of $0.46 a share on Oct. 6. HRB has a dividend yield of 3.35%. Over the past five years, H&R Block has increased its dividend five times, and its payout ratio presently sits at 35% of earnings. Check H&R Block’s dividend history here.
Badger MeterBadger Meter, Inc. is a leading provider of water solutions, which include flow measurement, quality and other system parameters. BMI’s products measure water, oil, chemicals, and other fluids and are known for accuracy, long-lasting durability, and providing valuable and timely measurement data. Badger Meter has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
On Aug. 14, Badger Meter announced that its shareholders would receive a dividend of $0.44 a share on Sept. 11. BMI has a dividend yield of 1.24%. Over the past five years, Badger Meter has increased its dividend six times, and its payout ratio presently sits at 37% of earnings. Check Badger Meter’s dividend history here.
United Community BanksUnited Community Banks, Inc. conducts its operations through a community-focused operating model of separate community banks. The community banks offer a range of retail and corporate banking services, including checking, savings and time deposit accounts, secured and unsecured loans, wire transfers, brokerage services and other financial services. Currently, UCB has a Zacks Rank #3.
On Aug. 13, United Community Banks declared that its shareholders would receive a dividend of $0.26 a share on Oct. 5. UCB has a dividend yield of 2.73%. Over the past five years, United Community Bank has increased its dividend seven times, and its payout ratio presently sits at 35% of earnings. Check United Community Bank’s dividend history here.
H&R Block has historically been a great example of a predictable, dependable business. This past year, however, shareholders really seem to have gotten a case of “the sky is falling” syndrome. Shares have lost close to 50% over the prior year and have then pretty much regained all those losses, despite the underlying business performing as it always has.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of HRB either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
In this article series, I summarize dividend announcements of the past week. This week, 12 stocks announced dividend increases, while one announced a 52% dividend cut. BMI stands out with a 10% dividend increase, an excellent quality score of 8.04, a very safe dividend, and a valuation with 11.97% upside. CBOE leads dividend hikes with a 19.44% increase, a top-quality score of 8.64, and robust dividend safety metrics.
Shares of H&R Block (HRB +1.09%) rose more than 16% this past week after the tax preparation leader boosted its cash payments to investors.
Image source: Getty Images.
Gobbling up its own shares H&R Block's revenue rose 4.9% year over year to $3.95 billion in its fiscal year ended June 30. The financial services purveyor's adjusted net income from continuing operations, in turn, climbed 6.9% to $688 million.
"Research tells us that clients with more complex financial lives value assistance, expertise, and trusted advice," CEO Curtis Campbell said during a conference call with analysts. "This is exactly where H&R Block stands apart."
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Yet it's H&R Block's per-share profit metrics that perhaps best highlight the benefits of its excellent cash generation capabilities.
The tax and small-business solutions provider used its strong free cash flow to repurchase nearly 8% of its outstanding shares at an average price of $47.48 per share in fiscal 2026. Going back to 2016, H&R Block has bought back a whopping 48% of its shares.
All told, the company's adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations jumped 13.9% to $5.31.
Investors can expect steadily growing cash payouts Looking ahead to fiscal 2027, management guided for revenue of more than $4.1 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $6.04 to $6.24.
This healthy profitability enabled H&R Block to raise its quarterly dividend by 10% to $0.46 per share, marking its ninth straight annual increase. The income-paying stalwart has not missed a quarterly dividend payment since it became a public company way back in 1962.
"Entering fiscal 2027, we are well positioned to build on this momentum and continue delivering meaningful long-term value," chief financial officer Tiffany Mason said.
Joe Tenebruso has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Key Takeaways H&R Block's Q4 adjusted EPS rose 4.8% to $2.38, while revenues increased 3% y/y to $1.14 billion.HRB expects fiscal 2027 revenues of $4.11B-$4.16B and adjusted EPS of $6.04-$6.24.H&R Block returned $713.7M to shareholders in fiscal 2026 and raised its quarterly dividend by 10%.
H&R Block, Inc. (HRB - Free Report) reported impressive fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with both earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
HRB’s adjusted earnings of $2.38 per share topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.23 by 6.7% and increased 4.8% year over year.
Revenues of $1.14 billion surpassed the consensus mark of $1.12 billion by 2.5% and rose 3% year over year. Assisted tax preparation and Wave contributed to growth. During fiscal 2026, client conversion improved 200 basis points, while retention increased 190 basis points.
The better-than-expected results and strong fiscal 2027 guidance impressed investors, as the stock has gained 14.3% since the company released results on Aug. 11.
HRB expects its fiscal 2027 revenues to be between $4.11 billion and $4.16 billion. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the same is pegged at $4.03 billion. The company has guided its adjusted earnings in the range of $6.04 to $6.24 per share. The consensus estimate for the same is $5.81 per share.
HRB’s shares have risen 6.4% over the past year against the industry’s 13.7% dip. The Zacks S&P 500 composite has risen 22.3% over the same time frame.
HRB's Assisted Tax Business Supports GrowthU.S. tax preparation and related services revenues increased 2.8% year over year to $1 billion in the fiscal fourth quarter. Assisted tax preparation revenues rose 4.1% to $714.2 million, while Refund Transfer revenues advanced 6.4% to $23.7 million. Tax Identity Shield revenues increased 15.8% to $17.3 million.
The company maintained Assisted category market share during the 2026 tax season after two consecutive years of improvement. Company-owned tax returns increased 2% for fiscal 2026, while net average charge at company-owned operations rose 4% to $282.89. Management attributed stronger performance to improved conversion, retention and a shift toward more complex clients.
H&R Block Sees Wave & International GainsInternational revenues increased 5.6% year over year to $94.9 million in the quarter. Wave revenues climbed 12.3% to $33.2 million, continuing momentum in the company's small-business offering.
For fiscal 2026, Wave posted its second consecutive year of double-digit revenue growth, supported by paid ProTier subscriptions and higher payments volume. Management continues to view small-business services as an important growth opportunity as it integrates expert advice, products and digital capabilities.
HRB's Expense Growth Moderates Profit GainsFiscal fourth-quarter operating expenses increased 3.8% year over year to $768.1 million. Compensation and benefits rose to $396.8 million from $383.1 million, while occupancy costs increased to $117.5 million from $112.8 million. Marketing and advertising expenses advanced to $69.1 million.
EBITDA increased 1.8% to $420.5 million. Adjusted net income declined 1.6% to $304.2 million, but adjusted earnings per share rose as the weighted-average share count fell 6.3% to 127 million. The reduction reflects H&R Block's continued share repurchases.
H&R Block Strengthens Client EconomicsManagement highlighted continued improvement in the quality of its client base. The share of clients within its targeted household adjusted gross income range of $50,000-$200,000 has increased from 38% to 50% over the past few years. H&R Block is serving more clients with investment income, small-business needs and more complex income streams.
Technology remained central to the strategy. Artificial Intelligence Tax Assist handled 4.2 million client interactions during the season and generated nearly twice the engagement of the prior year. Client Experience Monitors contributed to a 550-basis-point increase in product attachment, while the company's Sidekick AI assistant supported tax professionals handling complex questions.
HRB Delivers Strong Cash FlowH&R Block generated $838.7 million of operating cash flow in fiscal 2026 and $756.1 million of free cash flow. It returned $713.7 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, including $500.3 million spent to repurchase about 10.5 million shares.
The board raised the quarterly dividend by 10% to 46 cents per share.
HRB Provides Other Fiscal 2027 Guidance With Higher OutlookFor fiscal 2027, adjusted EBITDA is projected in the range of $1.11 billion to $1.14 billion. The effective tax rate is forecasted at roughly 23%.
HRB expects about $400 million of share repurchases in fiscal 2027 and has approximately $600 million remaining under its current $1.5 billion authorization.
Management expects industry growth to remain below the historical norm but sees opportunities from Assisted market-share performance, small-business growth and selective franchise acquisitions. The company plans greater investment in automation and its consultative client experience while maintaining cost discipline.
Currently, H&R Block carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Recent Earnings SnapshotsClean Harbors, Inc. (CLH - Free Report) posted better-than-expected second-quarter 2026 results. CLH’s adjusted earnings of $3.22 per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 17.5% and rose 36.4% year over year. Total revenues of $1.74 billion surpassed the consensus estimate by 6.8% and increased 12% from the year-ago quarter.
Rollins, Inc. (ROL - Free Report) posted unimpressive second-quarter 2026 results. ROL’s adjusted earnings of 32 cents per share missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.9% but rose 6.7% year over year. Total revenues of $1.08 billion fell short of the consensus estimate by 1.7% but increased 7.9% from the year-ago quarter.
Here at Zacks, we focus on our proven ranking system, which places an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions, to find winning stocks. But we also understand that investors develop their own strategies, so we are constantly looking at the latest trends in value, growth, and momentum to find strong companies for our readers.
Looking at the history of these trends, perhaps none is more beloved than value investing. This strategy simply looks to identify companies that are being undervalued by the broader market. Value investors use fundamental analysis and traditional valuation metrics to find stocks that they believe are being undervalued by the market at large.
On top of the Zacks Rank, investors can also look at our innovative Style Scores system to find stocks with specific traits. For example, value investors will want to focus on the "Value" category. Stocks with high Zacks Ranks and "A" grades for Value will be some of the highest-quality value stocks on the market today.
One company value investors might notice is H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) . HRB is currently sporting a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and an A for Value. The stock has a Forward P/E ratio of 10.01. This compares to its industry's average Forward P/E of 10.52. Over the past year, HRB's Forward P/E has been as high as 12.43 and as low as 9.63, with a median of 10.77.
We also note that HRB holds a PEG ratio of 0.80. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. HRB's industry has an average PEG of 0.81 right now. Within the past year, HRB's PEG has been as high as 0.99 and as low as 0.77, with a median of 0.86.
These figures are just a handful of the metrics value investors tend to look at, but they help show that H&R Block is likely being undervalued right now. Considering this, as well as the strength of its earnings outlook, HRB feels like a great value stock at the moment.
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What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.
Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) H&R Block Inc. is a leading provider of tax preparation services. The company provides assisted income tax return preparation, do-it-yourself (DIY) tax solutions, and other products and services associated with income tax return preparation in the United States, Canada, and Australia. All these continuing operations are reported under a single segment.
HRB is a #2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
Momentum investors should take note of this Consumer Discretionary stock. HRB has a Momentum Style Score of B, and shares are up 31.7% over the past four weeks.
One analyst revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2027, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.16 to $5.81 per share. HRB also boasts an average earnings surprise of +8.2%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, HRB should be on investors' short list.
H&R Block remains a compelling 'Buy,' with strong fundamentals, robust cash flow, and consistent operational execution despite a 73% rally since April. Q4 saw revenue of $1.15 billion (+3.6% y/y), EBITDA margin improvement to 26.8%, and adjusted EPS of $5.31 (+14% y/y), all exceeding consensus. Management's FY27 guidance implies further margin expansion and higher-quality revenue, targeting higher-income households for sustained profitability.
Have you been paying attention to shares of H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 31.7% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $58.67 in the previous session. H&R Block has gained 24.3% since the start of the year compared to the -7.5% gain for the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector and the 22.1% return for the Zacks Consumer Services - Miscellaneous industry.
What's Driving the Outperformance?The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on August 11, 2026, H&R Block reported EPS of $2.38 versus consensus estimate of $2.23.
Valuation MetricsWhile H&R Block has moved to its 52-week high over the past few weeks, investors need to be asking, what is next for the company? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company is due for a pullback from this level.
On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as they provide investors with an additional way to sort through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). These styles are represented by grades running from A to F in the categories of Value, Growth, and Momentum, while there is a combined VGM Score as well. The idea behind the style scores is to help investors pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.
H&R Block has a Value Score of A. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are B and B, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of A.
In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 9.3X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is not in-line with the peer industry average of 23.5X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 9.5X versus its peer group's average of 7.1X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 0.75. This is good enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective, making H&R Block an interesting choice for value investors.
Zacks RankWe also need to consider the stock's Zacks Rank, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, H&R Block currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to a solid earnings estimate revision trend.
Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if H&R Block passes the test. Thus, it seems as though H&R Block shares could still be poised for more gains ahead.
Assenagon Asset Management S.A. purchased a new stake in shares of H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE:HRB – Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 116,980 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $4,455,000. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. owned approximately 0.09% of H&R Block at the end of the most recent reporting period.
Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in HRB. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its stake in H&R Block by 96.9% in the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,315 shares of the company’s stock valued at $88,000 after buying an additional 1,139 shares during the last quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB lifted its position in shares of H&R Block by 54.0% during the 2nd quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 895 shares of the company’s stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 314 shares in the last quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in shares of H&R Block by 29.9% in the 1st quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 692,760 shares of the company’s stock worth $21,988,000 after buying an additional 159,369 shares during the last quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems purchased a new position in shares of H&R Block in the 1st quarter worth approximately $655,000. Finally, Lodge Hill Capital LLC grew its holdings in shares of H&R Block by 31.2% in the first quarter. Lodge Hill Capital LLC now owns 1,050,000 shares of the company’s stock valued at $33,327,000 after acquiring an additional 250,000 shares in the last quarter. 90.14% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
H&R Block Price Performance H&R Block stock opened at $54.16 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.47, a PEG ratio of 0.66 and a beta of 0.34. H&R Block, Inc. has a one year low of $28.16 and a one year high of $58.67. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $40.33 and a 200-day moving average price of $35.82.
H&R Block (NYSE:HRB – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 11th. The company reported $2.38 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.21 by $0.17. The company had revenue of $1.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $1.12 billion. H&R Block had a net margin of 18.59% and a negative return on equity of 147.59%. H&R Block’s revenue for the quarter was up 255.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $2.27 earnings per share. H&R Block has set its FY 2027 guidance at 6.040-6.240 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that H&R Block, Inc. will post 5.65 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
H&R Block Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 6th. Investors of record on Thursday, September 3rd will be paid a $0.46 dividend. This is a boost from H&R Block’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 3rd. H&R Block’s payout ratio is currently 29.37%.
H&R Block News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting H&R Block this week:
Positive Sentiment: Quarterly results exceeded expectations. H&R Block reported fiscal fourth-quarter adjusted EPS of $2.38, above the $2.21-$2.23 analyst estimates, while revenue reached $1.14 billion versus expectations near $1.12 billion. Annual revenue grew 5%, and operating cash flow increased 23%. H&R Block Fiscal 2026 Results Positive Sentiment: Fiscal 2027 outlook topped consensus. Management forecast adjusted EPS of $6.04-$6.24 and revenue of approximately $4.11-$4.16 billion, ahead of analyst expectations of roughly $5.82 EPS and $4.0 billion in revenue. The company is prioritizing higher-value customers, retention and an AI-enabled expert service model. H&R Block Fiscal 2027 Outlook Positive Sentiment: Shareholder returns increased. H&R Block raised its quarterly dividend 9.5% to $0.46 per share, equivalent to an annualized yield of about 3.4%, marking another year of dividend growth. H&R Block Dividend Increase Positive Sentiment: Analyst sentiment improved. Barrington Research raised its HRB price target from $50 to $60 and assigned an “outperform” rating, implying additional upside based on the cited reference price. Barrington Research Price Target Update Neutral Sentiment: Call-option volume was unusually high, with 2,201 calls purchased versus an average of 736. This signals bullish speculative positioning but does not guarantee continued gains. Neutral Sentiment: Institutional positioning was mixed: some major investors added HRB shares while others reduced or exited positions, offering no clear consensus signal. Negative Sentiment: The shift toward a more consultative, AI-enabled model requires increased investment, which could raise near-term expenses and execution risk even as management targets stronger long-term growth. Analysts Set New Price Targets HRB has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Stephens assumed coverage on H&R Block in a research report on Tuesday, July 28th. They set an “equal weight” rating and a $47.00 price target for the company. Zacks Research cut H&R Block from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, July 27th. Weiss Ratings upgraded H&R Block from a “hold (c-)” rating to a “hold (c)” rating in a research note on Thursday, July 2nd. Barrington Research raised their target price on H&R Block from $50.00 to $60.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on H&R Block from $29.00 to $33.00 and gave the company a “sell” rating in a research report on Wednesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $46.67.
Check Out Our Latest Analysis on HRB
H&R Block Company Profile (Free Report)
H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) is a leading provider of tax preparation services and software solutions, serving individual and small-business clients through a combination of retail offices, online platforms and mobile applications. The company offers assisted tax preparation at its network of retail offices, where clients work with trained tax professionals, as well as do-it-yourself (DIY) software and online filing services designed to guide users through the complexities of federal and state tax returns.
Founded in 1955 by brothers Henry W.
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Key Takeaways H&R Block expects fiscal 2027 revenues of $4.11B-$4.16B and adjusted earnings of $6.04-$6.24.H&R Block's target $50,000-$200,000 AGI group rose from 38% to 50%, while retention gained 190 bps.HRB's AI Tax Assist handled 4.2M client interactions as its consultative model moves toward wider expansion. H&R Block, Inc. (HRB - Free Report) used its fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings call to emphasize higher-value clients, stronger retention and a more technology-enabled expert model. President and CEO Curtis Campbell said that those gains support confidence entering fiscal 2027.
Adjusted earnings of $2.38 topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.23, while revenues of $1.14 billion exceeded the consensus mark of $1.12 billion.
HRB Targets Higher-Value ClientsCampbell said that H&R Block is prioritizing complex, higher lifetime-value clients over volume alone. Its targeted $50,000-to-$200,000 household AGI group has risen from 38% to 50% of clients over the last few years.
Campbell said that the mix now includes more clients with investment income, small-business needs and diverse income streams.
He also mentioned that those relationships can strengthen retention and create more opportunities to provide assistance and advice over time.
H&R Block Builds on Conversion and RetentionCampbell said that Assisted category share was maintained in 2026 as the client experience and customer mix improved.
Campbell stated that conversion rose 200 basis points, a gain management believes was the largest single-year improvement in its recorded history. Retention improved 190 basis points.
Campbell also highlighted Second Look. New clients receiving the service returned at a rate more than 600 basis points higher than those who did not.
HRB Expands AI and Consultative ServiceCampbell said that technology is extending tax-pro expertise. Sidekick was deployed across offices, while AI Tax Assist supported 4.2 million client interactions for paid DIY filers.
Campbell said that AI Tax Assist engagement was nearly double the prior-year level. Client Experience Monitors contributed to a 550-basis-point increase in product attachment.
After five pilot offices tested a more consultative experience, Campbell said that H&R Block will expand it to a full designated market area for tax season 2027. Automation is intended to reduce manual work and create more time for advice.
H&R Block Sets Fiscal 2027 ParametersCFO Tiffany Mason expects fiscal 2027 revenues at $4.11-$4.16 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $1.11-$1.14 billion and adjusted earnings of $6.04-$6.24.
Mason said that the low end assumes H&R Block maintains Assisted category market share, while the high end assumes share growth. Industry growth is expected to moderate from the historical norm of about 1% as job growth slows.
Mason said that higher strategic investment will support the consultative client model and tax-workflow automation while the company maintains cost discipline.
HRB Balances Investment and Capital ReturnsMason said that fiscal 2026 free cash flow reached $756 million. H&R Block returned $714 million through dividends and share repurchases during the year.
For fiscal 2027, Mason said that the outlook contemplates about $400 million of share repurchases, subject to market conditions. Roughly $600 million remains under the $1.5 billion authorization.
Mason also noted a 10% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.46 per share, alongside continued investment in the business.
H&R Block Pushes Faster Testing Into OperationsCampbell said that H&R Block ran more than 150 experiments during tax season and is using the results to decide where to scale investment.
Campbell mentioned that the company is shifting from seasonal office leadership to a year-round model supported by Area Experience Leaders to improve coaching and execution.
Mason said that the transition and related streamlining produced an approximately $8.3 million first-quarter fiscal 2027 severance charge that is excluded from the outlook.
HRB Keeps Focus on ExecutionCampbell closed with an emphasis on stronger client outcomes, higher-quality relationships and faster scaling of ideas that perform well in testing.
Mason’s outlook pairs those priorities with cost discipline, continued investment and capital returns as H&R Block enters fiscal 2027.
H&R Block’s Zacks Rank and Style Score SignalsHRB currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). That places the stock outside the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) that Zacks pairs most strongly with a favorable Style Score for potential near-term outperformance. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The stock has a Value Score of A, a Growth Score of A, a Momentum Score of C and a VGM Score of A. The A grades are more favorable within the A-to-F hierarchy, while the C Momentum Score is less favorable. The Zacks Rank can change as estimates are revised after the just-reported results.
What PMI Data Says About the NFP Report: 3 Hidden OpportunitiesH&R Block NYSE: HRB reported fiscal 2026 revenue growth of 4.9% and adjusted earnings-per-share growth of 13.9%, as the tax-preparation company cited improved client conversion, retention and demand from more complex filers.
For the fiscal year, revenue totaled $3.95 billion, while EBITDA increased 8.3% to $1.06 billion. Adjusted diluted EPS rose to $5.31, compared with the prior year, and adjusted net income was $688 million. Net income from continuing operations was $736 million, or $5.69 per share.
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3 High-Quality Value Stocks You Should KnowChief Financial Officer Tiffany Mason said revenue growth was led by higher net average charge and company-owned volume in U.S. assisted tax preparation, international revenue growth and continued momentum at small-business platform Wave. Wave posted its second consecutive year of double-digit revenue growth, supported by paid professional-tier subscriptions and higher payments volume.
Operating expenses increased 3.6% to $3.04 billion, primarily reflecting higher tax-professional wages, occupancy costs and technology-related expenses. EBITDA margin expanded by 80 basis points during the year.
Client Trends and Technology Initiatives 3 Unstoppable Value Stocks You Did Not Expect President and Chief Executive Officer Curtis Campbell said the company maintained share in the assisted tax-preparation category after two years of improving trends. Conversion improved by 200 basis points, which Campbell described as the largest single-year improvement in H&R Block’s recorded history, while client retention increased 190 basis points.
Campbell said the company is emphasizing clients with more complex financial needs and higher lifetime value rather than pursuing transaction-oriented volume. The share of H&R Block clients within its target household adjusted gross income range of $50,000 to $200,000 increased to 50% from 38% over the past several years, according to the company.
The company also highlighted its “Second Look” offering, which reviews up to three prior years of returns for new clients to identify potential missed opportunities. New clients receiving Second Look returned at a rate more than 600 basis points above clients who did not receive the service, Campbell said. H&R Block has automated the process using newer artificial-intelligence capabilities and is working toward offering it to nearly all new assisted clients.
Technology initiatives included the rollout of Sidekick, an AI assistant for tax professionals, and AI Tax Assist for paid do-it-yourself filers. AI Tax Assist supported 4.2 million client interactions during the season and drove nearly twice the engagement recorded a year earlier, Campbell said.
Management said it views AI as a tool to enhance professional expertise rather than replace tax professionals. Campbell said higher-stakes and more complex tax situations require “confidence, judgment, and accountability,” and that the company’s strategy is to automate data collection, data entry and other mechanical tasks so tax professionals can focus more on client advice.
Advisory Model Expansion H&R Block conducted more than 150 experiments during the tax season, Campbell said, including a pilot in five offices designed to provide a more consultative and advisory client experience. The pilot offices generated higher client satisfaction, greater client belief in the company’s expertise and value, and increased engagement beyond tax season, according to management.
Based on those results, the company plans to expand the model to a full designated market area for the 2027 tax season. Investments will include labor and training, tax-preparation and workflow automation, and integration of Wave into the company’s broader small-business strategy, Mason said.
The company is also transitioning from seasonal office leadership to a year-round leadership model. Area experience leaders will oversee a small number of offices, develop talent, coach associates and seek to improve consistency in the field. The transition and streamlining of support functions resulted in an approximately $8.3 million severance charge in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, which is excluded from the company’s outlook.
Cash Flow, Capital Returns and Outlook H&R Block generated $756 million of free cash flow in fiscal 2026 and returned $714 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. During the year, the company repurchased and retired about 10.5 million shares, or 7.9% of shares outstanding, for $500 million.
The board approved a 10% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.46 per share. The company expects to repurchase about $400 million in stock during fiscal 2027, subject to market conditions, and had approximately $600 million remaining under its $1.5 billion repurchase authorization.
For fiscal 2027, H&R Block forecast:
Revenue of $4.11 billion to $4.16 billion. Adjusted EBITDA of $1.11 billion to $1.14 billion. An effective tax rate of approximately 23%. Adjusted diluted EPS of $6.04 to $6.24. Mason said the outlook assumes tax-industry growth will moderate but remain positive, as stable unemployment supports tax filings while slower job growth limits new filings. At the low end of its forecast, H&R Block expects to maintain its assisted-category market share; at the high end, it assumes market-share growth.
The company expects to continue taking low-single-digit pricing increases. In fiscal 2026, assisted-channel volume rose 2%, net average charge increased 4.1%, price increased about 3%, and mix contributed about 1%, Mason said. H&R Block also expects to make approximately 100 to 125 opportunistic franchise buybacks during fiscal 2027, compared with 160 in fiscal 2026.
About H&R Block (NYSE:HRB)H&R Block NYSE: HRB is a leading provider of tax preparation services and software solutions, serving individual and small-business clients through a combination of retail offices, online platforms and mobile applications. The company offers assisted tax preparation at its network of retail offices, where clients work with trained tax professionals, as well as do-it-yourself (DIY) software and online filing services designed to guide users through the complexities of federal and state tax returns.
Founded in 1955 by brothers Henry W.
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H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) came out with quarterly earnings of $2.38 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.23 per share. This compares to earnings of $2.27 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +6.73%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this tax preparer would post earnings of $5.69 per share when it actually produced earnings of $6.02, delivering a surprise of +5.8%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times.
H&R Block, which belongs to the Zacks Consumer Services - Miscellaneous industry, posted revenues of $1.14 billion for the quarter ended June 2026, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.48%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $1.11 billion. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates four times over the last four quarters.
The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.
H&R Block shares have added about 5.4% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 13.3%.
What's Next for H&R Block?While H&R Block has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for H&R Block was mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is -$1.28 on $199.51 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $5.65 on $4.01 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Consumer Services - Miscellaneous is currently in the bottom 29% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. (ASO - Free Report) , another stock in the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector, has yet to report results for the quarter ended July 2026.
This company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $2.12 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +9.3%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc.'s revenues are expected to be $1.66 billion, up 3.7% from the year-ago quarter.
H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) reported $1.14 billion in revenue for the quarter ended June 2026, representing a year-over-year increase of 3.1%. EPS of $2.38 for the same period compares to $2.27 a year ago.
The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.12 billion, representing a surprise of +2.48%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +6.73%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $2.23.
While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health.
As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately.
Here is how H&R Block performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:
Revenues- U.S. assisted tax preparation: $714.2 million versus $701.97 million estimated by two analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +4.1% change.Revenues- U.S. royalties: $46.29 million compared to the $42.71 million average estimate based on two analysts. The reported number represents a change of -6.6% year over year.Revenues- U.S. DIY tax preparation: $148.82 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $148.24 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of -2.2%.Revenues- International: $94.88 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $87.03 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +5.6%.Revenues- Refund Transfers: $23.72 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $21.86 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +6.4%.Revenues- Tax Identity Shield: $17.33 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $15.51 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +15.8%.Revenues- Peace of Mind Extended Service Plan: $30.52 million versus $33.85 million estimated by two analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a -6% change.Revenues- Interest and fee income on Emerald Advance: $2.01 million versus $2.37 million estimated by two analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a -15% change.Revenues- Other: $21.66 million versus $18.85 million estimated by two analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +19.6% change.Revenues- Wave: $33.19 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $31.64 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +12.4%.Revenues- Emerald Card and Spruce: $12.25 million versus $14.48 million estimated by two analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a -10.7% change.View all Key Company Metrics for H&R Block here>>>
Shares of H&R Block have returned +12.4% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.5% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
- Delivered Revenue Growth of 5% - - Generated Strong Operating Cash Flow, Up 23% - - Returned $714 Million to Shareholders via Dividends and Share Repurchases - - Raises Quarterly Dividend by 10% - KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) (the "Company") today released financial results1 for its fiscal 2026 year ended June 30, 2026.
Key Takeaways H&R Block is set to report fiscal Q4 results on Aug. 11, with revenues estimated to rise 0.6% y/y to $1.12B.Assisted tax preparation revenues expected to rise 2.3% y/y, supported by expert-led, tech-enabled services.H&R Block's EPS is estimated to fall 1.8% y/y to $2.23 amid higher AI investments and operational expenses. H&R Block, Inc. (HRB - Free Report) is set to report its fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results on Aug. 11, after the closing bell.
The company has an impressive earnings surprise history. HRB’s earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four reported quarters and missed once, delivering an average surprise of 1.8%.
Shares of HRB have had a decent run over the past month. The stock has risen 17.4% compared with the industry’s 10.1% gain and the Zacks S&P 500 composite’s 2.8% growth.
Q4 Expectations From HRBThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pinned at $1.12 billion, suggesting a 0.6% rise from fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 actuals.
Multiple factors such as strong client retention, increased investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and robust assisted tax preparation demand are collectively expected to have boosted the company’s top line in the June-end quarter of fiscal 2026.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues from U.S. assisted tax preparation is pegged at $702 million, suggesting a 2.3% year-over-year increase. The consensus estimate for Service revenues is pegged at $1.08 billion, indicating a 3.8% year-over-year rise. High demand for expert-led, technology-enabled tax preparation and operational improvements is likely to have driven the expected growth.
HRB’s consistent expansion of its AI capabilities is likely to have positively impacted the top line. The recent expansion of HRB’s AI assistants designed for tax professionals, such as SideKick and AI Tax Assist, is anticipated to have boosted client engagements. The usage of AI to automate the company’s Second Look program, which helps tax professionals review prior-year returns more efficiently, is expected to have improved customer retention.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in the to-be-reported quarter is pegged at $2.23 per share, indicating a 1.8% year-over-year decline. We expect increasing investments in AI and rising operational expenses to have impacted the bottom line in the quarter.
What Our Model Says About HRBOur proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for H&R Block this time. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. However, that is not the case here. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
H&R Block has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Stocks to ConsiderHere are a few stocks, which, according to our model, have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings this season.
Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +2.37% and a Zacks Rank of 2. The company is scheduled to report its third-quarter fiscal 2026 results on Aug. 19.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ADI’s third-quarter fiscal 2026 revenues is pegged at $3.92 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of 36.3%. For earnings, the consensus mark is pegged at $3.33 per share, implying a 62.4% increase from the year-ago quarter’s actual. ADI beat the consensus estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average earnings surprise being 5.5%.
Coherent Corp. (COHR - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +2.65% and a Zacks Rank of 3. The company is scheduled to announce its fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results on Aug. 12.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for COHR’s fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 revenues is pegged at $1.99 billion, indicating 30.1% year-over-year growth. The consensus estimate for earnings is pegged at $1.62 per share, implying a year-over-year increase of 62%. COHR beat the consensus estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average earnings surprise of 6.2%.
Ahead of H&R Block, Inc‘s (NYSE:HRB) fourth-quarter earnings release on Tuesday, Aug. 11, investors may be eyeing potential gains from the company’s dividends.
Currently, HRB has an annual dividend yield of 3.66%. That equates to a quarterly dividend amount of 42 cents per share ($1.68 a year).
To figure out how to earn $500 monthly from H&R Block, we start with the yearly target of $6,000 ($500 x 12 months).
Next, we take this amount and divide it by H&R Block’s $1.68 dividend: $6,000 / $1.68 = 3,571 shares.
So, an investor would need to own approximately $164,087 worth of H&R Block, or 3,571 shares to generate a monthly dividend income of $500.
Assuming a more conservative goal of $100 monthly ($1,200 annually), we do the same calculation: $1,200 / $1.68 = 714 shares, or $32,808 to generate a monthly dividend income of $100.
Note that dividend yield can change on a rolling basis. The dividend payment and the stock price both fluctuate over time.
The dividend yield is calculated by dividing the annual dividend payment by the current stock price. As the stock price changes, the dividend yield will also change.
For example, if a stock pays an annual dividend of $2 and its current price is $50, its dividend yield would be 4%. However, if the stock price increases to $60, the dividend yield would decrease to 3.33% ($2/$60).
Conversely, if the stock price decreases to $40, the dividend yield would increase to 5% ($2/$40).
Further, the dividend payment itself can also change over time, which can also impact the dividend yield. If a company increases its dividend payment, the dividend yield will increase even if the stock price remains the same. Similarly, if a company decreases its dividend payment, the dividend yield will decrease.
HRB Price ActionShares of H&R Block gained by 0.2% to close at $45.95 on Thursday.
Analysts expect the company to report quarterly earnings of $2.21 per share, down from $2.27 per share in the year-ago period. The consensus estimate for H&R Block’s quarterly revenue is $1.12 billion. It reported $1.11 billion last year, according to Benzinga Pro.
Stephens & Co. analyst Thomas Wendler initiated coverage on H&R Block on July 28 with an Equal-Weight rating and set a price target of $47.
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Wall Street analysts forecast that H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) will report quarterly earnings of $2.23 per share in its upcoming release, pointing to a year-over-year decline of 1.8%. It is anticipated that revenues will amount to $1.12 billion, exhibiting an increase of 0.6% compared to the year-ago quarter.
The current level reflects no revision in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter over the past 30 days. This demonstrates how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reappraised their initial projections over this period.
Prior to a company's earnings release, it is of utmost importance to factor in any revisions made to the earnings projections. These revisions serve as a critical gauge for predicting potential investor behaviors with respect to the stock. Empirical studies consistently reveal a strong link between trends in earnings estimate revisions and the short-term price performance of a stock.
While investors typically rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates to gauge how the business may have fared during the quarter, examining analysts' projections for some of the company's key metrics often helps gain a deeper insight.
Bearing this in mind, let's now explore the average estimates of specific H&R Block metrics that are commonly monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts.
The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Revenues- U.S. assisted tax preparation' will likely reach $701.97 million. The estimate points to a change of +2.3% from the year-ago quarter.
The average prediction of analysts places 'Revenues- U.S. royalties' at $42.71 million. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -13.8%.
The consensus estimate for 'Revenues- U.S. DIY tax preparation' stands at $148.24 million. The estimate suggests a change of -2.5% year over year.
The consensus among analysts is that 'Revenues- International' will reach $87.03 million. The estimate suggests a change of -3.2% year over year.
Analysts forecast 'Revenues- Refund Transfers' to reach $21.86 million. The estimate indicates a change of -2% from the prior-year quarter.
Analysts expect 'Revenues- Tax Identity Shield' to come in at $15.51 million. The estimate indicates a change of +3.6% from the prior-year quarter.
Analysts' assessment points toward 'Revenues- Peace of Mind Extended Service Plan' reaching $33.85 million. The estimate indicates a change of +4.3% from the prior-year quarter.
Analysts predict that the 'Revenues- Other' will reach $18.85 million. The estimate suggests a change of +4.1% year over year.
The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Revenues- Wave' of $31.64 million. The estimate points to a change of +7.1% from the year-ago quarter.
It is projected by analysts that the 'Revenues- Emerald Card and Spruce' will reach $14.48 million. The estimate indicates a change of +5.5% from the prior-year quarter.
View all Key Company Metrics for H&R Block here>>>
Over the past month, H&R Block shares have recorded returns of +17.3% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +3.3% change. Based on its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), HRB will likely exhibit a performance that aligns with the overall market in the upcoming period. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Amundi boosted its holdings in shares of H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE:HRB – Free Report) by 2,344.4% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 229,207 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 219,830 shares during the quarter. Amundi owned 0.18% of H&R Block worth $7,275,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.
Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in H&R Block during the fourth quarter valued at $28,000. Valley National Advisers Inc. acquired a new stake in H&R Block during the fourth quarter worth about $34,000. Signaturefd LLC raised its position in H&R Block by 82.1% during the fourth quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 843 shares of the company’s stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 380 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its holdings in H&R Block by 100.8% in the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 711 shares of the company’s stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 357 shares during the period. Finally, Bogart Wealth LLC grew its stake in shares of H&R Block by 51.4% during the 1st quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 1,311 shares of the company’s stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 445 shares during the period. 90.14% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Barrington Research reiterated an “outperform” rating and issued a $50.00 target price on shares of H&R Block in a research note on Monday, April 27th. Stephens started coverage on shares of H&R Block in a report on Tuesday, July 28th. They issued an “equal weight” rating and a $47.00 price objective for the company. Zacks Research downgraded shares of H&R Block from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, July 27th. Finally, Weiss Ratings raised shares of H&R Block from a “hold (c-)” rating to a “hold (c)” rating in a research note on Thursday, July 2nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, H&R Block has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $43.00.
View Our Latest Analysis on H&R Block
H&R Block Trading Down 0.6% NYSE:HRB opened at $45.80 on Thursday. H&R Block, Inc. has a 12 month low of $28.16 and a 12 month high of $55.95. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $39.41 and a two-hundred day moving average of $35.58. The firm has a market cap of $5.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.65 and a beta of 0.34.
H&R Block (NYSE:HRB – Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, May 6th. The company reported $6.02 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $5.77 by $0.25. The business had revenue of $2.40 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $2.34 billion. H&R Block had a negative return on equity of 211.62% and a net margin of 18.90%.The business’s revenue was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $5.38 earnings per share. On average, research analysts forecast that H&R Block, Inc. will post 5.18 earnings per share for the current year.
H&R Block Profile (Free Report)
H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) is a leading provider of tax preparation services and software solutions, serving individual and small-business clients through a combination of retail offices, online platforms and mobile applications. The company offers assisted tax preparation at its network of retail offices, where clients work with trained tax professionals, as well as do-it-yourself (DIY) software and online filing services designed to guide users through the complexities of federal and state tax returns.
Founded in 1955 by brothers Henry W.
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H&R Block (NYSE:HRB – Get Free Report) and Skillful Craftsman Education Technology (NASDAQ:EDTK – Get Free Report) are both consumer discretionary companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, profitability, risk, valuation, earnings, institutional ownership and dividends.
Institutional & Insider Ownership 90.1% of H&R Block shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 2.5% of Skillful Craftsman Education Technology shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.4% of H&R Block shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 32.0% of Skillful Craftsman Education Technology shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.
Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for H&R Block and Skillful Craftsman Education Technology, as reported by MarketBeat.
Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score H&R Block 1 3 1 0 2.00 Skillful Craftsman Education Technology 1 0 0 0 1.00 H&R Block presently has a consensus price target of $43.00, suggesting a potential downside of 2.38%. Given H&R Block’s stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts clearly believe H&R Block is more favorable than Skillful Craftsman Education Technology.
Risk & Volatility H&R Block has a beta of 0.34, suggesting that its share price is 66% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Skillful Craftsman Education Technology has a beta of -0.47, suggesting that its share price is 147% less volatile than the S&P 500.
Valuation and Earnings This table compares H&R Block and Skillful Craftsman Education Technology”s gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.
Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio H&R Block $3.76 billion 1.48 $605.77 million $5.62 7.84 Skillful Craftsman Education Technology $893,690.00 16.61 -$7.58 million N/A N/A H&R Block has higher revenue and earnings than Skillful Craftsman Education Technology.
Profitability This table compares H&R Block and Skillful Craftsman Education Technology’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets H&R Block 18.90% -211.62% 22.70% Skillful Craftsman Education Technology N/A N/A N/A Summary H&R Block beats Skillful Craftsman Education Technology on 9 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.
About H&R Block (Get Free Report)
H&R Block, Inc. engages in the provision of tax return preparation solutions, financial products and small business solutions. The company was founded by Henry W. Bloch and Richard A. Bloch on January 25, 1955, and is headquartered in Kansas City, MO.
About Skillful Craftsman Education Technology (Get Free Report)
Skillful Craftsman Education Technology Limited provides vocational online education and technology services to college students and graduates in the People's Republic of China. The company's education services cover a range of subjects, including vocational, continuing, basic, and higher education. It operates three education platforms, including the Lifelong Education Public Service Platform that offers approximately 200 courses; Vocational Training platform, which provides 642 courses covering mechanics, electronics, auto repair, and construction subjects; and Virtual Simulation Experimental Training platform that offers 12 experimental programs. The company also offers technology services, including software development and maintenance, hardware installation, and testing and related consulting and training services; and cloud services for private companies, academic institutions, and government agencies. In addition, it provides financial education services through financial investment educational platform, which offers global securities market, basic securities knowledge, fundamental analysis, and technical analysis courses; and flexible employment service by providing recruitment outsourcing services for employer's permanent staff hires. Skillful Craftsman Education Technology Limited was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Wuxi, the People's Republic of China.
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KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) will report fourth quarter and fiscal 2026 full year results on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, after the New York Stock Exchange market close. At that time, a copy of the press release and presentation will be available on the company's investor relations website at https://investors.hrblock.com/.
A conference call for analysts, institutional investors, and shareholders will be held at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. During the conference call the company will give a general business update and discuss fiscal 2026 results and fiscal 2027 outlook. To join live, participants must register at https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI60bdfcc5143e4b4bab4f944036d27add. Once registered, the participant will receive a dial-in number and unique PIN to access the call. Please join approximately 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
The call, along with a presentation for viewing, will also be webcast in a listen-only format for the media and public. The webcast can be accessed directly at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/yc868747/lan/en and will be available for replay 2 hours after the call is concluded and continuing for 90 days.
About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and also be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News.
California Public Employees Retirement System reduced its holdings in shares of H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE:HRB – Free Report) by 16.0% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 296,419 shares of the company’s stock after selling 56,662 shares during the quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System owned approximately 0.23% of H&R Block worth $9,408,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.
Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Ceera Investments LLC increased its holdings in shares of H&R Block by 299.1% in the 1st quarter. Ceera Investments LLC now owns 42,228 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,340,000 after acquiring an additional 31,648 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its stake in H&R Block by 6.8% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,516,885 shares of the company’s stock worth $48,146,000 after purchasing an additional 96,928 shares during the last quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund lifted its stake in H&R Block by 30.5% during the first quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 137,280 shares of the company’s stock worth $4,357,000 after purchasing an additional 32,116 shares during the last quarter. RWWM Inc. acquired a new position in H&R Block in the first quarter valued at approximately $11,438,000. Finally, Archer Investment Corp boosted its holdings in H&R Block by 1,937.5% in the first quarter. Archer Investment Corp now owns 16,300 shares of the company’s stock valued at $517,000 after purchasing an additional 15,500 shares in the last quarter. 90.14% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have commented on HRB. Zacks Research upgraded shares of H&R Block from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, May 7th. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of H&R Block from a “hold (c-)” rating to a “hold (c)” rating in a research report on Thursday, July 2nd. Finally, Barrington Research restated an “outperform” rating and issued a $50.00 target price on shares of H&R Block in a report on Monday, April 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $41.00.
Get Our Latest Stock Report on H&R Block
H&R Block Stock Performance NYSE HRB opened at $40.78 on Friday. The firm’s fifty day moving average is $38.42 and its two-hundred day moving average is $35.56. H&R Block, Inc. has a one year low of $28.16 and a one year high of $56.51. The firm has a market cap of $5.17 billion, a PE ratio of 7.26, a P/E/G ratio of 0.58 and a beta of 0.36.
H&R Block (NYSE:HRB – Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, May 6th. The company reported $6.02 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.77 by $0.25. H&R Block had a net margin of 18.90% and a negative return on equity of 211.62%. The business had revenue of $2.40 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.34 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $5.38 earnings per share. The business’s quarterly revenue was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. H&R Block has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.100-5.20 EPS. Research analysts predict that H&R Block, Inc. will post 5.18 earnings per share for the current year.
H&R Block Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 7th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, June 3rd were given a dividend of $0.42 per share. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 3rd. H&R Block’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.89%.
About H&R Block (Free Report)
H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) is a leading provider of tax preparation services and software solutions, serving individual and small-business clients through a combination of retail offices, online platforms and mobile applications. The company offers assisted tax preparation at its network of retail offices, where clients work with trained tax professionals, as well as do-it-yourself (DIY) software and online filing services designed to guide users through the complexities of federal and state tax returns.
Founded in 1955 by brothers Henry W.
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For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.
Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.
Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.
VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.
Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) H&R Block Inc. is a leading provider of tax preparation services. The company provides assisted income tax return preparation, do-it-yourself (DIY) tax solutions, and other products and services associated with income tax return preparation in the United States, Canada, and Australia. All these continuing operations are reported under a single segment.
HRB is a #2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 7.05; value investors should take notice.
For fiscal 2026, one analyst revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.06 to $5.18 per share. HRB boasts an average earnings surprise of +1.8%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, HRB should be on investors' short list.
Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today July 6th:
Pitney Bowes (PBI - Free Report) : This global technology company, which is powering billions of transactions - physical and digital - in the connected and borderless world of commerce, carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6.6% over the last 60 days.
Pitney Bowes has a PEG ratio of 0.75 compared with 0.80 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of A.
Alliance Laundry Holdings Inc. (ALH - Free Report) : This company, which is a provider of commercial laundry systems, carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 10.3% over the last 60 days.
Alliance Laundry has a PEG ratio of 1.21 compared with 1.40 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of A.
H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) : This company, which is a leading provider of tax preparation services, carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 4% over the last 60 days.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of HRB either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Joel Greenblatt’s Magic Formula ranks stocks on two factors: earnings yield (EBIT divided by enterprise value) and return on capital. It surfaces good companies trading at cheap prices.
For retirees, “cheap and high-quality” is only the starting point. Income reliability, drawdown control, and earnings predictability matter as much as a low multiple. Here is a look at how three Magic Formula candidates stack up, ranked from least to most appropriate for a retirement portfolio.
3. Peabody Energy Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU | BTU Price Prediction) screens as the deep-value, optionality-rich name Greenblatt enthusiasts love. Shares closed most recently at $23.69, with a price-to-book ratio of 0.85 and a forward P/E near 22x. The one-year return of 83.8% reflects renewed enthusiasm for coal tied to AI data-center power demand.
The retirement case breaks down on consistency. Q1 FY26 produced an EPS of −$0.26 versus a $0.22 estimate, a −218% earnings surprise, after Centurion mine commissioning issues caused roughly $80 million of damage to the Seaborne Met segment. CEO Jim Grech cited “temporary equipment and roof control challenges.” The $0.075 quarterly dividend has held since Q3 2023. However, the historical record shows cuts from $0.145 to $0.115 during the 2018 downturn and losses from 2015 through 2020. Cyclical coal is a trade, rarely a retirement holding.
2. Molina Healthcare Molina Healthcare (NYSE: MOH) is the classic Magic Formula recovery setup. The managed-care operator trades at a forward P/E of 38x against trailing revenue of $43.1 billion. Shares rebounded 24.5% year to date to $216.04, though that still is 26.6% below year-ago levels.
Q4 2025 delivered an ugly adjusted EPS of −$2.75 against a $0.50 estimate, but Q1 2026 turned with reported EPS of $2.35 versus $1.91 expected, a 23.04% beat. CEO Joseph Zubretsky stated: “We believe that the imbalance between rates and trend marks 2026 as a trough year for Medicaid industry margins.” Management guides to at least $5.00 in adjusted EPS for 2026, burdened by Florida contract costs and MAPD underperformance, with embedded earnings above $11.00 by 2027 to 2029.
For retirees, the problem is income. Molina pays no dividend, regulatory risk on Medicaid rates is real, and operating cash flow turned negative $535 million in FY2025. It is a value bet on a regulated turnaround that offers no income while investors wait..
1. H&R Block H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) is the cleanest fit for the Magic Formula and retirement portfolios. The tax-prep franchise trades at a trailing P/E of 6x and forward P/E of 6x, with a return on equity of 67.9% and an operating margin of 43.2%. That combination of a low multiple and high capital returns is precisely what Greenblatt targets.
Q3 FY26 results were strong: adjusted diluted EPS of $6.02 beat the $5.77 estimate, revenue of $2.40 billion grew 5.31% year over year, and net income rose 17.51%. Management raised FY2026 guidance to adjusted EPS of $5.10 to $5.20 on roughly $3.91 billion to $3.92 billion in revenue. CEO Curtis Campbell called the quarter “an important inflection point” as the assisted channel gained share for a third consecutive year.
Capital return crystallizes the retirement thesis. The quarterly dividend stepped up to $0.42 from $0.375, extending a 60-year streak of consecutive quarterly dividends. The board added an additional $100 million buyback authorization on top of the roughly $700 million remaining under the existing $1.5 billion program. Year-to-date capital returns reached $560.9 million. The dividend held flat through both the 2008 crisis and the 2020 pandemic. With a beta of 0.37 and a 4.7% yield, the volatility profile matches what an income-focused investor needs, though seasonal revenue concentration and AI-native tax competition remain genuine risks.
Bringing the Formula Back to Retirement Greenblatt’s framework surfaces all three names as cheap businesses generating real returns on capital. The retirement filter separates them. Peabody is a commodity play masquerading as a value stock. Molina is a regulated turnaround with no income to collect during the wait. H&R Block pairs a high-margin, cash-generative franchise with the longest dividend history in this group and a management team that is actively shrinking the share count. For a retiree using the Magic Formula as a starting point, H&R Block stock survives the second screen.
It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.
Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.
#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +24% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.
Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) H&R Block Inc. is a leading provider of tax preparation services. The company provides assisted income tax return preparation, do-it-yourself (DIY) tax solutions, and other products and services associated with income tax return preparation in the United States, Canada, and Australia. All these continuing operations are reported under a single segment.
HRB is a #1 (Strong Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 6.64; value investors should take notice.
For fiscal 2026, three analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.20 to $5.18 per share. HRB boasts an average earnings surprise of +1.8%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, HRB should be on investors' short list.
Key Takeaways HRB posted Q3 adjusted EPS of $6.02, topping estimates by 5.8% and increasing 11.9% year over year.H&R Block reported $2.4 billion in revenues, up 5.3% y/y, led by tax preparation and Wave growth.HRB raised its fiscal 2026 EPS and revenue guidance above current consensus estimates. H&R Block Inc. (HRB - Free Report) reported impressive third-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with both earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
HRB’s adjusted earnings of $6.02 per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.8% and increased 11.9% year over year. Revenues of $2.4 billion topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.5% and rose 5.3% year over year.
Over the past year, HRB shares have declined 49.7% compared with the industry's 24.9% decline. The Zacks S&P 500 composite has gained 33.4% in the said time frame.
HRB’s Quarterly NumbersRevenues from U.S. tax preparation and related services were $2.2 billion, up 5.1% year over year. Revenues from Financial services totaled $54.8 million, marking a marginal year-over-year rise. International revenues of $70 million rose 16%, while Wave revenues jumped 11.8% to $29.9 million.
Key Balance Sheet & Cash Flow Figures of HRBH&R Block exited the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $867 million. Long-term debt was $1.5 billion compared with $2.4 billion at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2026. The company generated $1.5 billion of cash in operating activities, while capital expenditures totaled $18.4 million.
Fiscal 2026 Guidance of HRBHRB guided adjusted earnings in the range of $5.10-$5.20 per share for fiscal 2026. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the same is $4.98.
Revenues are expected to be between $3.910 billion and $3.920 billion. The consensus estimate for the same stands at $3.89 billion.
The company guided EBITDA between $1.025 billion and $1.035 billion and an effective tax rate of 14%.
Currently, H&R Block carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Recent Earnings SnapshotsEquifax Inc. (EFX - Free Report) reported better-than-expected first-quarter 2026 results. EFX’s adjusted earnings per share of $1.86 beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10.1% and increased 21.6% from the year-ago quarter. EFX’s revenues of $1.6 billion surpassed the consensus estimate by 2.3% and improved 14.4% year over year.
Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN - Free Report) posted impressive first-quarter 2026 results. WCN’s adjusted earnings of $1.23 per share outpaced the consensus mark by 3.4% and rose 8.9% from the year-ago quarter. WCN’s total revenues of $2.37 billion beat the consensus mark by 0.7% and increased 6.4% year over year.
H&R Block remains a compelling long-term buy, trading at just 7x forward earnings despite double-digit EPS growth. HRB's Q3 FY2026 delivered a triple beat: EPS, revenue, and guidance all exceeded expectations, driving a 26% share price surge. Shareholder yield approaches 13% through aggressive buybacks and a 4.55% dividend, with further dividend increases likely in August.
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It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.
The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.
VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.7% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) H&R Block Inc. is a leading provider of tax preparation services. The company provides assisted income tax return preparation, do-it-yourself (DIY) tax solutions, and other products and services associated with income tax return preparation in the United States, Canada, and Australia. All these continuing operations are reported under a single segment.
HRB is a #1 (Strong Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 7.28; value investors should take notice.
Two analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.14 to $5.12 per share. HRB boasts an average earnings surprise of +1.8%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, HRB should be on investors' short list.
Consumer-focused stocks have faced mounting pressure in 2026 as investors weigh tariff concerns, cautious consumer spending patterns, and macroeconomic uncertainty fueled by elevated energy prices.
However, sharp pullbacks can create opportunities for value-minded investors, especially when fundamentally sound companies continue to reward shareholders with attractive dividends.
Three stocks that stand out in this regard right now are H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) ), Kohl’s (KSS - Free Report) ), and Upbound Group (UPBD - Free Report) ).
Each appears technically oversold after recent weakness, offers an enticing dividend yield above 3%, and has earned a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) thanks to a trend of positive earnings estimate revisions.
H&R Block: Oversold Tax Specialist With Reliable Income
H&R Block shares have cooled off considerably from their highs despite the company continuing to generate solid cash flow and steady earnings growth. The recent weakness has left HRB looking oversold at under $40 a share, potentially creating an attractive entry point for income-focused investors.
The tax preparation giant currently sports a dividend yield above 4.5%, making it appealing for investors seeking dependable portfolio income. H&R Block has also consistently returned cash to shareholders through buybacks as well, and implemented a double-digit dividend increase last July, bumping its quarterly payout from $0.38 per share to $0.42.
Operationally, H&R Block continues to benefit from resilient demand for assisted tax preparation services and expanding digital offerings. Recently topping earnings expectations for its fiscal third quarter earlier in the month, H&R Block has reinforced confidence in its underlying business momentum.
Most importantly for momentum investors, earnings estimates have been trending higher since the Q3 EPS beat. Zacks data shows analysts have raised current-year and next-year EPS estimates by 3% and 5%, in the last 30 days respectively, to projections of $5.12 and $5.57.
With a low forward P/E and P/S valuation, strong cash generation, and a healthy dividend, HRB could appeal to investors looking for a defensive consumer-centric stock that still appears to be oversold.
Kohl’s: Deeply Discounted Retail Play With Attractive Yield
Kohl’s has remained under pressure as investors continue to worry about discretionary retail spending trends. However, the selloff has pushed Kohl’s stock into what could end up being bargain territory at around $11 a share. Furthermore, at current levels, Kohl’s dividend yield is at an attractive 4.25% with a healthy payout ratio of around 30%.
Although retail conditions remain challenging, Kohl’s has shown signs of operational stabilization. To that point, Kohl’s most recently posted a sizable Q4 earnings surprise back in March, demonstrating that expectations may have become too pessimistic.
Kohl’s will be reporting Q1 results on Thursday, May 28, after previously posting Q4 EPS of $1.07, which was nearly 26% above expectations of $0.85 while rising from $0.95 per share a year ago.
Considering its improving earnings outlook, Kohl’s may represent a compelling turnaround candidate for contrarian investors, especially if consumer spending trends stabilize later in the year.
Upbound Group: High-Yield Opportunity Trading Near Depressed Levels
Upbound Group may be one of the most intriguing oversold income plays in the consumer space. Shares of the lease-to-own consumer household products provider and fintech-focused company have struggled amid broader concerns about lower-income consumers. This weakness has pushed Upbound’s dividend yield above 9% with UPBD trading under $20.
Despite the volatility, Upbound continues to generate solid operating performance. Upbound edged Q1 earnings expectations back in late April and maintained guidance that suggests continued profitability.
The improving earnings picture has translated into favorable analyst revisions, and income investors may also appreciate the company’s commitment to shareholder returns. While the elevated yield reflects market concerns, some analysts note that Upbound's dividend remains supported by cash flow generation.
Given Upbound’s depressed valuation of just 4X forward earnings, oversized dividend yield, and improving earnings outlook, UPBD could appeal to aggressive investors looking for a high-risk, high-reward recovery opportunity.
Summary & Final ThoughtsOversold stocks with improving earnings outlooks can often provide fertile ground for investors searching for value and income opportunities. H&R Block, Kohl’s, and Upbound Group each combine generous dividend yields with positive earnings estimate revisions strong enough to earn a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
While consumer-focused names may remain volatile in the near term, these three stocks could reward patient investors if improving fundamentals eventually drive a rebound in sentiment.
On May 21, 2026, H&R Block Inc HRB shares fell 4.8% to a current price of $37.89. The stock has experienced a 52-week range of $28.16 to $59.05, showcasing significant volatility over the past year. Despite the recent decline, HRB has shown positive momentum over the last month, increasing by 17.3%.
GF Value™ verdict: Current price is $37.89 versus GF Value™ of $62.23, indicating a 39.1% undervaluation.GF Score™ is 74/100, which suggests the stock is above average in quality based on GuruFocus metrics.Notable signal: There have been no insider transactions in the last 3 months, indicating a lack of insider trading activity. Is HRB Overvalued or Undervalued? According to the GF Value™, H&R Block Inc HRB is significantly undervalued at its current price of $37.89 compared to the estimated fair value of $62.23. This 39.1% margin of safety presents a compelling opportunity for value-oriented investors. The GF Valuation label indicates that the stock is not only undervalued but offers a favorable risk-reward profile for potential investment.
GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates. The current valuation suggests that HRB may be an attractive option, provided that investors consider market conditions and potential risks associated with the company's future earnings and growth prospects.
How Does HRB's Valuation Compare to Its History? Metric Current Historical P/E (TTM) 6.7x 12.2x Forward P/E 6.5x N/A The current P/E (TTM) of 6.7x is significantly below the 5-year median P/E of 12.2x, indicating that the stock is trading at a lower valuation compared to its historical averages. This analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict, reinforcing the view that HRB is undervalued based on historical performance metrics.
What Does HRB's GF Score™ Tell Us? Metric Rating GF Score™ 74 Financial Strength 5/10 Profitability 9/10 Growth 8/10 Valuation 4/10 Momentum 1/10 The GF Score™ of 74/100 indicates an above-average stock quality, with notable strengths in Profitability (9/10) and Growth (8/10), suggesting robust operational performance and potential for future expansion. However, the Valuation rank of 4/10 and a low Momentum rank of 1/10 signal caution, as the stock has exhibited weak price movement recently, which could hinder short-term performance.
What Are Insiders Doing with HRB Stock? There have been no insider transactions in the last three months, which suggests a lack of significant buying or selling activity by executives or board members. This inactivity could indicate that insiders are either confident in the company's future prospects or are waiting for more favorable market conditions.
What This Means for Investors Based on the GF Value™ assessment, H&R Block Inc HRB is currently undervalued. With a significant margin of safety and strong profitability metrics, it presents an interesting opportunity for potential investors looking for value stocks. However, investors should remain mindful of the overall market conditions and the company's performance moving forward.
For the complete analysis, visit the H&R Block Inc HRB stock page. You can also explore the GF Value™ page for detailed valuation methodology, or use the GuruFocus Stock Screener to find similar opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions What is HRB's GF Score™?
HRB's GF Score™ is 74/100, indicating that it is above average in quality based on key metrics such as financial strength, profitability, growth, valuation, and momentum.
Is HRB overvalued or undervalued?
H&R Block Inc HRB is currently undervalued, with a GF Value™ of $62.23 compared to its price of $37.89, representing a significant margin of safety.
What is HRB's P/E ratio?
HRB's P/E (TTM) is 6.7x, which is 45% below its 5-year median P/E of 12.2x, indicating that the stock is trading at a lower valuation compared to its historical averages.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today May 27th:
Alliance Laundry Holdings Inc. (ALH - Free Report) : This company, which is a provider of commercial laundry systems, carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 3.2% over the last 60 days.
Alliance Laundry has a PEG ratio of 1.17 compared with 1.27 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of A.
ASE Technology (ASX - Free Report) : This company, which is a provider of semiconductor manufacturing services in assembly and testing, carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 36.4% over the last 60 days.
ASE Technology has a PEG ratio of 0.78 compared with 1.71 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of A.
H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) : This company, which is a leading provider of tax preparation services, carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 2.8% over the last 60 days.
H&R Block has a PEG ratio of 0.61 compared with 0.87 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B.
See the full list of top ranked stocks here.
Learn more about the Growth score and how it is calculated here.
Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today May 29th:
Sanmina (SANM - Free Report) : This company, which is a global provider of electronics contract manufacturing services, carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 11.5% over the last 60 days.
Sanmina has a PEG ratio of 0.84 compared with 1.06 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of A.
Alliance Laundry Holdings Inc. (ALH - Free Report) : This company, which is a provider of commercial laundry systems, carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 3.2% over the last 60 days.
Alliance Laundry has a PEG ratio of 1.17 compared with 1.27 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of A.
H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) : This company, which is a leading provider of tax preparation services, carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 4% over the last 60 days.
H&R Block has a PEG ratio of 0.59 compared with 0.77 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B.
See the full list of top ranked stocks here.
Learn more about the Growth score and how it is calculated here.
Key Takeaways HRB stock has jumped 26.1% in three months, beating the industry's 22.5% return.HRB's FY26 EPS estimate rose 4% in 60 days to $5.18, suggesting 11.2% y/y growth.HRB's AI Tax Assist aided paid DIY returns; DIY generated $383.7M, 10% of FY25 revenues. Shares of H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) have jumped 26.1% over the past three months, outperforming the industry’s 22.5% return.
What Makes HRB Stock an Attractive Pick?Solid Rank: H&R Block currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and has a VGM Score of A. Our research shows that stocks with a VGM Score of A or B, when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 or 2 (Buy), offer the best investment opportunities for investors. Thus, the company appears to be a compelling investment proposition at the moment.
Northward Estimate Revisions: Three estimates for fiscal 2026 moved north in the past 60 days versus no southward revision, reflecting analysts’ confidence in the company. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 earnings has moved up 4% in the past 60 days.
Strong Growth Prospects: The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HRB’s earnings is pegged at $5.18 per share, indicating 11.2% year-over-year growth. Earnings are expected to register a 9.2% increase in fiscal 2027.
AI Tax Assist Boost Top Line: HRB integrated AI Tax Assist into DIY tax preparation, which is improving its top line. This technology enhances customer experience as it aids clients who prepare a paid DIY online return without extra changes. In fiscal 2025, the company generated $383.7 million in DIY tax preparation, representing 10% of the total revenues.
Active Share Repurchases: In fiscal 2023, 2024 and 2025, the company distributed $177.9 million, $179.8 million and $197.3 million in dividends, respectively. Additionally, it returned $569 million, $379.6 million and $437.1 million through share repurchases in fiscal 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively. This strategy improves shareholder value and their confidence in the business's long-term potential.
Solid Liquidity Profile: H&R Block’s ratio at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2026 was 1, higher than the industry’s 0.92. While the company is positioned to precisely cover its short-term obligations, it held $887 million in cash as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2026, hinting at a cash-heavy balance sheet.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Other Stocks to ConsiderSome other top-ranked stocks from the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector are PVH Corp. (PVH - Free Report) and Flexsteel Industries, Inc. (FLXS - Free Report) , each currently flaunting a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
PVH Corp has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 7.5%. PVH delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 14.2%, on average.
Flexsteel Industries has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 12%. FLXS delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 59%, on average.
Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today, June 2:
H&R Block, Inc. (HRB - Free Report) : This DIY tax return preparation services company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 4% over the last 60 days.
H&R Block has a PEG ratio of 0.59 compared with 0.78 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B.
DaVita Inc. (DVA - Free Report) : This dialysis services company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6.4% over the last 60 days.
DaVita has a PEG ratio of 0.64 compared with 2.21 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B.
Lifetime Brands, Inc. (LCUT - Free Report) : This home appliances company dealing primarily in kitchenware carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 19.7% over the last 60 days.
Lifetime Brands has a PEG ratio of 0.84 compared with 1.16 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of A.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Learn more about the Growth score and how it is calculated here.
Key Takeaways Rising P/E ratios often signal investor confidence, earnings strength and further upside potential. The screen identifies stocks with accelerating earnings growth and sustained price momentum. ADBE, HRB, GLBE, ADSK and INTU pair rising P/Es with strong earnings performance. Investors often opt for the stock-picking approach that involves stocks with a low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio. This strategy is based on the notion that the lower the P/E ratio is, the higher the stock value. The reasoning behind this is straightforward — when a stock's current market price does not adequately reflect its higher earnings, it suggests potential for growth.
But there is more to this whole P/E story. Because not only low P/E, stocks with a rising P/E can also fetch strong returns. In this regard, investors can bet on the likes of Adobe (ADBE - Free Report) , H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) , Global-E Online (GLBE - Free Report) , Autodesk (ADSK - Free Report) and Intuit (INTU - Free Report) .
Rising P/E: A Useful ToolThe concept is that as earnings rise, so should the price of the stock. As forecasts for expected earnings come in higher, strong demand for the stock should continue to push up its prices. After all, astock's P/E gives an indication of how much investors are ready to shell out per dollar of earnings.
Suppose an investor wants to buy a stock with a P/E ratio of 30. This means that he is willing to shell out $30 for only $1 worth of earnings as he expects earnings of the company to rise at a faster pace in the future owing to strong fundamentals.
So, if the P/E of a stock is rising steadily, it means that investors are assured of its inherent strength and expect some strong positives out of it.
Also, studies have revealed that stocks have seen their P/E ratios jump over 100% from their breakout point in the cycle. So, if you can pick stocks early in their breakout cycle, you can end up seeing considerable gains.
The Winning StrategyIn order to shortlist stocks that are exhibiting an increasing P/E, we chose the following as our primary screening parameters.
EPS growth estimate for the current year is greater than or equal to last year’s actual growth
Percentage change in last year EPS should be greater than or equal zero
(These two criteria point to flat earnings or a growth trend over the years.)
Percentage change in price over four weeks greater than the percentage change in price over 12 weeks
Percentage change in price over 12 weeks greater than percentage change in price over 24 weeks
(These two criteria show that price of the stock is increasing consistently over the said timeframes.)
Percentage price change for four weeks relative to the S&P 500 greater than the percentage price change for 12 weeks relative to the S&P 500
Percentage price change for 12 weeks relative to the S&P 500 greater than the percentage price change for 24 weeks relative to the S&P 500
(Here, the case for consistent price gains gets even stronger as it displays percentage price changes relative to the S&P 500.)
Percentage price change for 12 weeks is 20% higher than or equal to the percentage price change for 24 weeks, but it should not exceed 100%
(A 20% increase in the price of a stock from the breakout point gives cues of an impending uptrend. But a jump of over 100% indicates that there is limited scope for further upside and that the stock might be due for a reversal.)
In addition, we place a few other criteria that lead us to some likely outperformers.
Zacks Rank less than or equal to 2: Only companies with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) can get through.
Average 20-day Volume greater than or equal to 50,000: High trading volume implies that the stocks have adequate liquidity.
Just these few criteria narrowed down the universe from over 7,700 stocks to just 65.
Here are five out of the 65 stocks:
Adobe: This leading technology company, currently with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy),offers a personalized digital experience through the infusion of artificial intelligence (AI) in its solutions. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The average four-quarter earnings surprise of ADBE is 2.46%.
H&R Block: The Zacks Rank #1 company is a leading provider of tax preparation services.
The average four-quarter earnings surprise of HRB is 1.75%.
Global-E Online: The Zacks Rank #2 company provides a platform to enable and accelerate global, direct-to-consumer cross-border e-commerce.
The average four-quarter earnings surprise of GLBE is 56.95%.
Autodesk: The Zacks Rank #2 develops model-based design, engineering and documentation software. The company serves customers in architecture, engineering and construction; product design and manufacturing; and digital media and entertainment industries.
The average four-quarter earnings surprise of ADSK is 7.07%.
Intuit: The Zacks Rank #2 business and financial software company develops and sells financial, accounting and tax preparation software, and related services for small businesses, consumers and accounting professionals globally.
The average four-quarter earnings surprise of INTU is 6.87%.
Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today, June 4:
H&R Block, Inc. (HRB - Free Report) : This DIY tax return preparation services company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 4% over the last 60 days.
H&R Block has a PEG ratio of 0.60 compared with 0.76 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B.
DaVita Inc. (DVA - Free Report) : This dialysis services company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6.4% over the last 60 days.
DaVita has a PEG ratio of 0.62 compared with 2.15 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B.
Valero Energy Corporation (VLO - Free Report) : This transportation fuels and petrochemical products company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 67.2% over the last 60 days.
Vareo has a PEG ratio of 0.38 compared with 0.49 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Learn more about the Growth score and how it is calculated here.
