1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
-----------------------
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 31, 2001
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
-------------- --------------
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-6089
H&R BLOCK, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
MISSOURI 44-0607856
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
4400 MAIN STREET
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64111
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES, INCLUDING ZIP CODE)
(816) 753-6900
(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
----- -----
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock, without par
value, at the close of business on February 28, 2001 was 91,377,167 shares.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
PART I Financial Information
Consolidated Balance Sheets
January 31, 2001 and April 30, 2000 .................................................... 1
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three Months Ended January 31, 2001 and 2000 ........................................... 2
Nine Months Ended January 31, 2001 and 2000 ............................................ 3
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended January 31, 2001 and 2000 ............................................ 4
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ................................................ 5
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations..................................................... 12
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk................................. 34
PART II Other Information.......................................................................... 35
SIGNATURES................................................................................................. 36
3
H&R BLOCK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS
JANUARY 31, APRIL 30,
2001 2000
---- ----
ASSETS (UNAUDITED) (AUDITED)
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 380,918 $ 379,901
Marketable securities - available-for-sale 8,288 16,966
Marketable securities - trading 42,690 45,403
Receivables from customers, brokers, dealers and clearing organ-
izations, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $878 and $759 1,913,319 2,857,379
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $37,042
and $49,602 1,072,466 434,722
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 182,149 129,172
------------- -------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 3,599,830 3,863,543
INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS
Investments in available-for-sale marketable securities 227,416 176,395
Excess of cost over fair value of net tangible assets acquired,
net of accumulated amortization 1,069,302 1,095,074
Other 400,916 303,672
------------- -------------
1,697,634 1,575,141
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost less accumulated
depreciation and amortization 245,059 260,666
------------- -------------
$ 5,542,523 $ 5,699,350
============= =============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Notes payable $ 1,626,806 $ 283,797
Accounts payable to customers, brokers and dealers 1,626,612 2,570,200
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and deposits 294,930 222,362
Accrued salaries, wages and payroll taxes 141,744 173,333
Accrued taxes on earnings 8,145 202,779
Current portion of long-term debt 50,419 67,978
------------- -------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 3,748,656 3,520,449
LONG-TERM DEBT 869,249 872,396
OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES 100,328 87,916
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, no par, stated value $.01 per share 1,089 1,089
Additional paid-in capital 419,517 420,594
Retained earnings 1,101,135 1,277,324
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (24,476) (26,241)
------------- -------------
1,497,265 1,672,766
Less cost of 17,647,006 and 10,937,683 shares of common stock
in treasury 672,975 454,177
------------- -------------
824,290 1,218,589
------------- -------------
$ 5,542,523 $ 5,699,350
============= =============
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
-1-
4
H&R BLOCK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
UNAUDITED, AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
THREE MONTHS ENDED
------------------
JANUARY 31,
-----------
2001 2000
---- ----
REVENUES
Service revenues $ 503,733 $ 406,564
Product revenues 117,360 81,941
Royalties 28,633 16,124
Other 11,628 7,878
------------- -------------
661,354 512,507
------------- -------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Employee compensation and benefits 305,404 230,943
Occupancy and equipment 63,717 63,842
Interest 68,048 50,271
Depreciation and amortization 52,848 36,539
Marketing and advertising 37,598 39,221
Supplies, freight and postage 19,539 26,755
Bad debt 29,194 15,937
Other 78,349 64,148
------------- -------------
654,697 527,656
------------- -------------
Operating earnings (loss) 6,657 (15,149)
OTHER INCOME
Investment income, net 1,099 1,517
Other, net 2,060 109
------------- -------------
3,159 1,626
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (benefit) 9,816 (13,523)
Income taxes (benefit) 4,171 (6,448)
------------- -------------
Net earnings (loss) $ 5,645 $ (7,075)
============= =============
Basic net earnings (loss) per share $ .06 $ (.07)
============= =============
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share $ .06 $ (.07)
============= =============
Dividends per share $ .30 $ .275
============= =============
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
-2-
5
H&R BLOCK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
UNAUDITED, AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
NINE MONTHS ENDED
-----------------
JANUARY 31,
-----------
2001 2000
---- ----
REVENUES
Service revenues $ 1,009,831 $ 632,766
Product revenues 225,429 176,182
Royalties 33,791 20,264
Other 33,887 14,801
------------- -------------
1,302,938 844,013
------------- -------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Employee compensation and benefits 624,844 424,601
Occupancy and equipment 180,175 152,036
Interest 195,219 85,089
Depreciation and amortization 148,990 79,270
Marketing and advertising 62,100 59,076
Supplies, freight and postage 37,123 39,646
Bad debt 43,448 26,058
Other 185,983 130,643
------------- -------------
1,477,882 996,419
------------- -------------
Operating loss (174,944) (152,406)
OTHER INCOME
Investment income, net 6,354 6,570
Other, net 2,057 359
------------- -------------
8,411 6,929
Loss before income tax benefit (166,533) (145,477)
Income tax benefit (70,777) (56,591)
------------- -------------
Net loss $ (95,756) $ (88,886)
============= =============
Basic and diluted net loss per share $ (1.04) $ (.91)
============= =============
Dividends per share $ .875 $ .80
============= =============
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
-3-
6
H&R BLOCK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
UNAUDITED, AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS
NINE MONTHS ENDED
-----------------
JANUARY 31,
-----------
2001 2000
---- ----
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss $ (95,756) $ (88,886)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 148,990 79,270
Net gain on sale of subsidiary (2,040) -
Provision for bad debt 43,448 26,058
Accretion of acquisition liabilities 8,766 7,266
Changes in:
Receivables from customers, brokers, dealers and
clearing organizations 942,791 (423,288)
Receivables (836,004) (519,942)
Marketable securities - trading 2,713 7,413
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (53,877) (54,171)
Accounts payable to customers, brokers and dealers (943,588) 403,954
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and deposits 72,219 (56,815)
Accrued salaries, wages and payroll taxes (31,185) (81,032)
Accrued taxes on earnings (204,753) (144,933)
Other, net (2,396) (7,771)
-------------- --------------
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES (950,672) (852,877)
-------------- --------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities (5,413) (3,797)
Maturities of marketable securities 32,375 33,003
Purchases of property and equipment (44,669) (68,855)
Payments made for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (13,285) (960,518)
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary 23,200 -
Other, net (16,685) (9,837)
-------------- --------------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (24,477) (1,010,004)
-------------- --------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of notes payable (11,864,855) (31,187,422)
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable 13,207,864 33,210,422
Payments on acquisition debt (67,643) (3,278)
Dividends paid (80,433) (78,811)
Payments to acquire treasury shares (222,894) (32,366)
Proceeds from stock options exercised 3,019 36,178
Other, net 1,108 658
-------------- --------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 976,166 1,945,381
-------------- --------------
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 1,017 82,500
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD 379,901 193,240
-------------- --------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE PERIOD $ 380,918 $ 275,740
============== ==============
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES:
Income taxes paid $ 123,296 $ 87,168
Interest paid 173,137 79,672
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
-4-
7
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Unaudited, dollars in thousands, except share data
1. The Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 31, 2001, the Consolidated
Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended January 31,
2001 and 2000, and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine
months ended January 31, 2001 and 2000 have been prepared by the Company,
without audit. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include
only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the
financial position, results of operations and cash flows at January 31,
2001 and for all periods presented have been made.
Reclassifications have been made to prior periods to conform with the
current period presentation.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
notes thereto included in the Company's April 30, 2000 Annual Report to
Shareholders.
Operating revenues of U.S. tax operations and Business services are
seasonal in nature with peak revenues occurring in the months of January
through April. Thus, the nine-month results are not indicative of results
to be expected for the year.
2. Receivables consist of the following:
January 31, April 30,
----------- ---------
2001 2000
---- ----
(Unaudited) (Audited)
Mortgage loans held for sale $ 173,471 $ 163,033
Participation in refund anticipation loans 548,540 47,581
Business services accounts receivable 156,378 148,109
Tax related fees due from Household Bank 75,561 3,878
Loans to franchisees 40,735 24,888
Other 114,823 96,835
-------------- ---------------
1,109,508 484,324
Allowance for doubtful accounts 37,042 49,602
-------------- ---------------
$ 1,072,466 $ 434,722
============== ===============
3. The Company files its Federal and state income tax returns on a calendar
year basis. The Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the effective
tax rates expected to be applicable for the respective full fiscal years.
-5-
8
4. Basic net earnings (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average
number of shares outstanding during each period. The dilutive effect of
potential common shares is included in diluted net earnings per share. The
computations of basic and diluted net earnings per share are as follows
(shares in thousands):
Three months ended Nine months ended
------------------ -----------------
January 31, January 31,
----------- -----------
2001 2000 2001 2000
---- ---- ---- ----
Net earnings (loss) $ 5,645 $ (7,075) $ (95,756) $ (88,886)
------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------
Basic weighted average shares 91,299 98,358 91,988 97,962
Effect of dilutive securities:
Common stock options 736 - - -
Convertible preferred stock 1 - - -
------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------
Dilutive potential shares 92,036 98,358 91,988 97,962
============= ============= ============== ===============
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic $ .06 $ (.07) $ (1.04) $ (.91)
Diluted .06 (.07) (1.04) (.91)
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share excludes the impact of common
stock options outstanding of 5,251,323 shares for the three months ended
January 31, 2001 and 9,990,380 shares and the conversion of 608 shares of
preferred stock to common stock for the nine months ended January 31,
2001, as they are antidilutive. Diluted net loss per share excludes the
impact of common stock options outstanding of 8,464,234 shares and the
conversion of 608 shares of preferred stock to common stock for the three
and nine months ended January 31, 2000, as they are antidilutive.
The weighted average shares outstanding for the nine months ended January
31, 2001 decreased to 91,988,000 from 97,962,000 last year, due to the
purchase of treasury shares by the Company predominantly during the first
three months of fiscal 2001.
5. During the nine months ended January 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company issued
106,775 and 953,865 shares, respectively, pursuant to provisions for
exercise of stock options under its stock option plans. In addition, the
Company issued 475,443 shares of its common stock for an U.S. tax
operations' major franchise acquisition in the second quarter of fiscal
2000. The issuance of common stock for the acquisition was treated as a
noncash investing activity in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for
the nine months ended January 31, 2000. During the nine months ended
January 31, 2001, the Company acquired 6,816,098 shares of its common stock
at an aggregate cost of $222,894. During the nine months ended January 31,
2000, the Company acquired 721,800 shares of its common stock at an
aggregate cost of $32,366.
-6-
9
6. CompuServe Corporation (CompuServe), certain current and former officers
and directors of CompuServe and the Company were named as defendants in six
lawsuits pending before the state and Federal courts in Columbus, Ohio. All
suits alleged similar violations of the Securities Act of 1933 based on
assertions of omissions and misstatements of fact in connection with
CompuServe's public filings related to its initial public offering in April
1996. One state lawsuit brought by the Florida State Board of
Administration also alleged certain oral omissions and misstatements in
connection with such offering. Relief sought in the lawsuits was
unspecified, but included pleas for rescission and damages.
In July 2000, the class representatives and the defendants in the class
action pending in state court, by their authorized counsel, entered into a
Stipulation of Settlement, pursuant to which the defendants were required
to pay a gross settlement amount of $9,500 in exchange for dismissal of the
class action suit and a release of all claims. The court preliminarily
approved the settlement in August 2000 and notices to the class were mailed
and published. The fairness hearing relating to the settlement was held on
November 30, 2000, and the court issued its order approving the settlement.
Payment of plaintiffs' attorneys' fees and expenses were to be paid out of
the gross settlement fund. The gross settlement fund was paid in its
entirety by the Company's insurance carrier. The Stipulation and payment of
the gross settlement fund are not admissions of the validity of any claim
or any fact alleged by the plaintiffs and defendants continue to deny any
wrongdoing and any liability. The Stipulation states that the defendants
consider it desirable to settle to avoid further expense, inconvenience,
and delay, and put to rest all controversy concerning all claims.
The Florida State Board of Administration opted out of the class action
settlement and that litigation continues separately from the state court
class action. The parties have reached a settlement that will dispose of
the case in its entirety with no material adverse impact on the Company's
consolidated financial position or results of operations.
7. Summarized financial information for Block Financial Corporation, an
indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is presented below.
January 31, April 30,
----------- ---------
2001 2000
---- ----
(Unaudited) (Audited)
Condensed balance sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 255,138 $ 256,823
Finance receivables, net 2,648,234 3,054,792
Other assets 1,629,813 1,247,710
-------------- ---------------
Total assets $ 4,533,185 $ 4,559,325
============== ===============
Notes payable $ 1,626,806 $ 283,797
Long-term debt 746,088 745,600
Other liabilities 1,920,190 3,304,740
Stockholder's equity 240,101 225,188
-------------- ---------------
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity $ 4,533,185 $ 4,559,325
============== ===============
-7-
10
Three months ended Nine months ended
------------------ -----------------
January 31, January 31,
----------- -----------
2001 2000 2001 2000
---- ---- ---- ----
Condensed statements of operations:
Revenues $ 283,316 $ 220,892 $ 709,581 $ 394,716
Earnings before income taxes 28,653 26,336 37,625 51,626
Net earnings 14,043 19,710 10,350 34,846
8. The Company utilizes forward contracts on FNMA mortgage-backed securities
to reduce interest rate risk related to its fixed rate mortgage portfolio.
The position on certain or all of the fixed rate mortgages is closed, on
standard Public Securities Association (PSA) settlement dates, when the
Company enters into a forward commitment to sell those mortgages or decides
to securitize the mortgages. The Company in the past had applied hedge
accounting treatment for these forward contracts, however, these
instruments no longer qualify for hedge accounting treatment because the
Company does not hold the mortgage loans on its balance sheet (the asset
that was being hedged). These instruments are now carried at fair market
value and changes in the fair market value are recorded in revenues on the
income statement instead of being deferred. There are no FNMA forward
contracts open at January 31, 2001. The contract value and market value of
the forward commitment at January 31, 2001 were $185,000 and $184,525,
respectively.
9. The Company's comprehensive income is comprised of net earnings (loss),
foreign currency translation adjustments and the change in the net
unrealized gain or loss on marketable securities. The components of
comprehensive income (loss) during the three and nine months ended January
31, 2001 and 2000 were:
Three months ended Nine months ended
------------------ -----------------
January 31, January 31,
----------- -----------
2001 2000 2001 2000
---- ---- ---- ----
Net earnings (loss) $ 5,645 $ (7,075) $ (95,756) $ (88,886)
Change in net unrealized
gain (loss) on mkt. securities 9,027 (3,390) 7,414 1,867
Change in foreign currency
translation adjustments 526 2,474 (5,649) 4,304
------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------
Comprehensive income (loss) $ 15,198 $ (7,991) $ (93,991) $ (82,715)
============= ============= ============== ===============
10. In July 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on
Issue 99-20, "Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased
and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets" (EITF
99-20), and subsequently clarified its consensus in September 2000,
November 2000 and January 2001. EITF 99-20 addresses how the holder of
beneficial interests should recognize cash flows on the date of the
transaction and how interest income is recognized over the life of the
interests. EITF 99-20 will be effective for the Company in the first
quarter of fiscal year 2002. The Company has not yet determined the
effect of EITF 99-20 on the consolidated financial statements.
-8-
11
11. In September 2000, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, "Accounting for
Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of
Liabilities" (SFAS 140). SFAS 140 is effective for transfers and servicing
of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities occurring after
March 31, 2001 and is effective for recognition and reclassification of
collateral and for disclosures relating to securitization transactions and
collateral for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2000. SFAS 140 is a
replacement of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 125,
"Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and
Extinguishments of Liabilities" (SFAS 125). SFAS 140 revises the standards
for accounting for securitizations and other transfers of financial assets
and collateral and requires certain new disclosures, but carries over most
of the SFAS 125 provisions without reconsideration. The Company has adopted
the disclosure requirements of SFAS 140 as of January 31, 2001. Disclosures
relating to mortgage servicing assets and liabilities have been omitted
because they are immaterial. The Company believes that the implementation
of SFAS 140 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2001 will not have a
material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
12. Included in Investments in available-for-sale marketable securities
on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 2001 and April 30,
2000 are residual interests in securitizations (residuals) of real estate
mortgage investment conduits (REMICs). The Company estimates future cash
flows from these residuals and values them utilizing assumptions that it
believes are consistent with those that would be utilized by an
unaffiliated third-party purchaser and records them as available-for-sale
securities at fair value in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Debt and Equity
Securities." Unrealized gains and losses are included in Other
Comprehensive Income. If losses are determined to be other-than-temporary,
the residual is written down to fair value with the realized loss included
in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The fair value of residuals is determined by computing the present value of
the excess of the weighted average coupon on the loans sold over the sum of
(1) the coupon on the senior interests, (2) a base servicing fee paid to
the servicer of the loans (which is usually the Company), (3) expected
losses to be incurred on the portfolio of the loans sold (as projected to
occur) over the lives of the loans, (4) fees payable to the trustee and
insurer, (5) estimated collections of prepayment penalty fees, and (6)
other fees. Prepayment and loss assumptions used in estimating the cash
flows are based on evaluation of the actual experience of the Company's
servicing portfolio or on market rates on new portfolios, taking into
consideration the current and expected interest rate environment and its
expected impact on future prepayment and default rates. The estimated cash
flows expected to be received by the Company are discounted at an interest
rate the Company believes an unaffiliated third-party purchaser would
require as a rate of return on such a financial instrument. To the extent
that actual future excess cash flows are different from estimated excess
cash flows, the fair value of the Company's residual could increase or
decrease. The key assumptions the Company utilizes to estimate the cash
flows of the residual interests are as follows:
-9-
12
Estimated annual prepayments 23% to 75%
Estimated annual credit losses .5% to 2.90%
Discount rate 12% to 15%
The fair value of the residuals at January 31, 2001 and April 30, 2000 were
$196,222 and $123,043, respectively. At January 31, 2001, the sensitivity
of the current fair value of the residuals to 10% and 20% adverse changes
in the above key assumptions are as follows:
Residential Mortgage Loans
Fixed & Adjustable Rate
--------------------------
Carrying amount/fair value of residuals $ 196,222
Weighted average life (in years) 3.6
Annual prepayments:
Adverse 10% - $ impact on fair value $ (7,566)
Adverse 20% - $ impact on fair value (12,819)
Annual credit losses:
Adverse 10% - $ impact on fair value $ (4,257)
Adverse 20% - $ impact on fair value (7,683)
Discount rate:
Adverse 10% - $ impact on fair value $ (5,479)
Adverse 20% - $ impact on fair value (9,960)
Variable interest rates:
Adverse 10% - $ impact on fair value $ (9,159)
Adverse 20% - $ impact on fair value (17,319)
Sensitivity analysis for favorable changes of 10% and 20% in the key
assumptions would approximate the above dollar amounts having a positive
impact on fair value instead of a negative impact. The Company's residuals
consist mainly of residuals whose collateral is cross-collateralized,
therefore the sensitivity analysis for fixed and adjustable rate mortgages
is combined. These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with
caution. As the figures indicate, changes in fair value based on a 10%
variation in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the
relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may
not be linear. Also in this table, the effect of a variation of a
particular assumption on the fair value of the retained interest is
calculated without changing any other assumptions; in reality, changes in
one factor may result in changes in another, which might magnify or
counteract the sensitivities.
13. In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued
SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial
Statements" (SAB 101). SAB 101 summarizes certain of the SEC's views in
applying generally accepted accounting principles to revenue recognition
in financial statements. SAB 101 will be effective for the Company in the
fourth quarter of fiscal year 2001. The Company believes that implementing
SAB 101 in the fourth quarter will be immaterial to results of operations,
financial position and cash flows for fiscal year 2001.
-10-
13
14. During the third quarter of fiscal 2001, management reevaluated its
reportable operating segments to more closely reflect how the Company's
business is now analyzed and evaluated under the guidance of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information." As a result, the Company's Financial
services segment is now separated into Mortgage operations and Investment
services. Mortgage operations includes all of the Company's wholesale and
retail mortgage operations. This segment is primarily engaged in the
origination, servicing, and sale of nonconforming and conforming mortgage
loans offered though a network of mortgage brokers, through H&R Block
Financial Centers and through H&R Block Mortgage Corporation retail
offices. Investment services essentially consists of H&R Block Financial
Advisors, Inc. (formerly OLDE Discount Corporation). This segment is
primarily engaged in offering full-service investment opportunities to the
general public. Financial planning and investment advice are offered
through H&R Block Financial Centers, H&R Block Financial Advisor offices
and tax offices, and stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other products and
securities are offered though a nationwide network of registered
representatives, including representatives located at H&R Block Financial
Centers and tax offices.
15. Information concerning the Company's operations by reportable operating
segments for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2001 and 2000 is
as follows:
Three months ended Nine months ended
------------------ -----------------
January 31, January 31,
----------- -----------
2001 2000 2001 2000
---- ---- ---- ----
Revenues:
U.S. tax operations $ 327,310 $ 237,851 $ 365,063 $ 270,649
International tax operations 7,857 8,478 27,655 27,259
Mortgage operations 114,169 85,643 279,459 249,917
Investment services 118,164 96,776 380,404 103,459
Business services 92,729 82,806 247,093 190,165
Unallocated corporate 1,125 953 3,264 2,564
------------ -------------- -------------- --------------
$ 661,354 $ 512,507 $ 1,302,938 $ 844,013
============ ============== ============== ==============
Earnings (loss) from:
U.S. tax operations $ 7,438 $ (29,427) $ (167,635) $ (184,160)
International tax operations (6,141) (7,134) (12,531) (15,299)
Mortgage operations 38,317 24,998 80,843 69,451
Investment services 6,609 18,978 31,449 14,282
Business services 1,063 3,135 (2,731) 1,795
Unallocated corporate (11,418) (6,671) (22,758) (13,448)
Interest exp-acquisition debt (23,988) (19,451) (75,760) (31,916)
------------ -------------- -------------- --------------
11,880 (15,572) (169,123) (159,295)
Investment income, net 1,099 1,517 6,354 6,570
Intercompany interest (3,163) 532 (3,764) 7,248
------------ -------------- -------------- --------------
Earnings (loss) before
income taxes (benefit) $ 9,816 $ (13,523) $ (166,533) $ (145,477)
============ ============== ============== ==============
-11-
14
Intercompany interest represents net interest expense charged to financial
related businesses for corporate cash that was borrowed to fund their operating
activities and, in fiscal 2001, it also includes net unallocated interest
expense attributable to commitment fees on the unused portion of the Company's
credit facility.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
OVERVIEW OF REPORTABLE OPERATING SEGMENTS
The principal business activity of the Company's operating subsidiaries is
providing tax and financial services to the general public. The Company operates
in the following reportable segments:
U.S. tax operations: This segment primarily consists of the Company's
traditional tax business - which served 16.9 million taxpayers in fiscal
year 2000, more than any other company. This segment is primarily engaged
in providing tax return preparation, filing, and related services in the
United States. Tax-related service revenues include fees from
company-owned tax offices and royalties from franchised offices. This
segment also participates in the refund anticipation loan products
offered by a third-party lending institution to tax clients. This segment
includes the Company's tax preparation software - Kiplinger TaxCut(R)
from H&R Block, other personal productivity software, online tax
preparation through a tax preparer (whereby the client fills out an
online tax organizer and sends it to a tax preparer for preparation),
online do-it-yourself-tax preparation, online professional tax review and
online tax advice through the hrblock.com website. Revenues from this
segment are seasonal.
International tax operations: This segment is primarily engaged in
providing local tax return preparation, filing and related services in
Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. In addition, there are
franchise offices in 10 countries that prepare U.S. tax returns for U.S.
citizens living abroad. Tax-related service revenues include fees from
company-owned tax offices and royalties from franchised offices. Revenues
from this segment are seasonal.
Mortgage operations: This segment is primarily engaged in the
origination, servicing, and sale of nonconforming and conforming mortgage
loans. This segment mainly offers a flexible product line to borrowers
who are creditworthy but do not meet traditional underwriting criteria
through a network of mortgage brokers. Conforming mortgage loan products,
as well as the same flexible product line available through brokers are
offered through H&R Block Financial Centers and H&R Block Mortgage
Corporation retail offices.
Investment services: This segment is primarily engaged in offering full
service investment advice through H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc., a
full-service discount securities broker. Financial planning and
investment advice are offered through H&R Block Financial Centers, H&R
Block Financial Advisors offices and tax offices, and stocks,
-12-
15
bonds, mutual funds and other products and securities are offered through
a nationwide network of registered representatives, at the same
locations.
Business services: This segment is primarily engaged in providing
accounting, tax and consulting services to business clients and tax,
estate planning and financial planning services to individuals. Revenues
from this segment are seasonal.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
These comments should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Balance
Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows found on pages 1 and 4,
respectively.
LIQUIDITY
Working capital decreased to a negative $151.1 million at January 31, 2001 from
$343.1 million at April 30, 2000. The working capital ratio at January 31, 2001
is .96 to 1, compared to 1.10 to 1 at April 30, 2000. The decrease in working
capital and the working capital ratio is attributable to the increase in
short-term borrowings due to the seasonal nature of the Company's U.S. tax
operations segment, including Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) participations,
payments on Business services acquisitions, the share repurchase program and
interest, tax and dividend payments. In addition, due to market conditions at
January 31, 2001, the Company was holding excess borrowings in cash equivalents.
Historically a large portion of tax return preparation occurs in the fourth
quarter and has the effect of increasing certain assets and liabilities during
the fourth quarter, including cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accrued
salaries, wages and payroll taxes and accrued taxes on earnings.
The Company incurs short-term borrowings throughout the year primarily to fund
receivables associated with its mortgage loans held for sale, Business services
and participation in RALs, and to fund seasonal working capital needs. These
short-term borrowings in the U.S. are supported by a $1.86 billion back-up
credit facility through October 2001, subject to annual renewal.
In April 2000, the Company entered into third party off-balance sheet
arrangements and whole-loan sale arrangements for Option One Mortgage
Corporation (Option One). These arrangements allow the Company to originate
mortgage loans and then sell the loans to a qualified special purpose entity
without having to use short-term borrowings to fund the loans. The arrangements,
which are not guaranteed by H&R Block, freed up excess cash and short-term
borrowing capacity ($824.7 million at January 31, 2001), improved liquidity and
flexibility, and reduced balance sheet risk, while providing stability and
access to liquidity in the secondary market for mortgage loans. The Company has
commitments to fund mortgage loans of $548.8 million at January 31, 2001, as
long as there is no violation of any conditions established in the contracts.
External market forces impact the probability of commitments being exercised,
and therefore, total commitments outstanding do not necessarily represent future
cash requirements. If the commitments are exercised they will be funded using
the Company's off-balance sheet arrangements.
-13-
16
At January 31, 2001, short-term borrowings increased to $1.6 billion from $283.8
million at April 30, 2000. The Company's capital expenditures, dividend
payments, share repurchase program, Business services acquisition payments and
normal operating activities, including RALs, during the first nine months were
funded through both internally-generated funds and short-term borrowings.
For the nine months ended January 31, 2001 and 2000, interest expense was $195.2
million and $85.1 million, respectively. The increase in interest expense is due
to the inclusion of operating interest expense to external parties at OLDE
Financial Corporation (OLDE) for a full nine months ($92.7 million) compared to
only two months in the prior year and acquisition interest expense of $54.5
million related to the OLDE acquisition in December 1999. These increases were
partially offset by lower interest expense from Mortgage operations because the
Company no longer incurs short-term borrowings to fund its mortgage loans.
In March 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved a plan to repurchase up
to 12 million shares of its common stock. At January 31, 2001, 7.2 million
shares had been repurchased under this plan, with only 1,898 shares purchased
during the third quarter of fiscal 2001. The Company plans to continue to
purchase its shares on the open market in accordance with this authorization,
subject to various factors including the price of the stock, the ability to
maintain progress toward a financial and capital structure that will support a
mid single A rating (Moody's - A2; Standard & Poors - A; and Fitch - A), the
availability of excess cash, the ability to maintain liquidity and financial
flexibility, securities laws restrictions and other investment opportunities
available. The Company does not anticipate any significant share repurchases
through the remainder of the fiscal year.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
The information contained in this Form 10-Q and the exhibits hereto may contain
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such
statements are based upon current information, expectations, estimates and
projections regarding the Company, the industries and markets in which the
Company operates, and management's assumptions and beliefs relating thereto.
Words such as "will," "plan," "expect," "remain," "intend," "estimate,"
"approximate," and variations thereof and similar expressions are intended to
identify such forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the
date on which they are made, are not guarantees of future performance, and
involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to
predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results could materially differ from
what is expressed, implied or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Such
differences could be caused by a number of factors including, but not limited
to, the uncertainty of laws, legislation, regulations, supervision and licensing
by Federal, state and local authorities and their impact on any lines of
business in which the Company's subsidiaries are involved; unforeseen compliance
costs; the uncertainty that the Company will achieve or exceed its revenue,
earnings, client and pricing growth goals for fiscal year 2001; the uncertainty
that the level of growth experienced in the third quarter of fiscal year 2001
and early 2001 tax season will continue throughout the remainder of the tax
season and fiscal year; the uncertainty of the success of the Company's
marketing and business development programs; changes in economic, political or
regulatory environments; changes in competition and the effects of such changes;
the inability to implement
-14-
17
the Company's strategies; changes in management and management strategies; the
Company's inability to successfully design, create, modify and operate its
computer systems and networks; the uncertainty that actual future excess cash
flows from residual interests in securitizations of REMIC certificates
will differ from estimated future excess cash flows from such items; litigation
involving the Company; the uncertainty of the impact of share repurchases on
earnings per share; and risks described from time to time in reports and
registration statements filed by the Company and its subsidiaries with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers should take these factors into
account in evaluating any such forward-looking statements. The Company
undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL 2001 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2000
The analysis that follows should be read in conjunction with the tables below
and the Consolidated Statements of Operations found on pages 2 and 3. All
amounts in the following tables are in thousands.
THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2001 COMPARED TO
THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2000
Consolidated H&R Block, Inc.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarter Ended Variance
January 31, Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2001 2000 $ %
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
Total revenues $ 661,354 $ 512,507 $148,847 29.0%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax earnings (loss) 9,816 (13,523) 23,339 172.6%
Net earnings (loss) $ 5,645 $ (7,075) $ 12,720 179.8%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated revenues for the three months ended January 31, 2000 increased
29.0% primarily due to the U.S. tax operations segment, which increased $89.5
million or 37.6% over the prior year. All of the Company's segments, except for
International tax operations, showed improved revenues for the quarter. Mortgage
operations and Investment services increased 33.3% and 22.1%, respectively.
The Company reported pretax earnings of $9.8 million for the third quarter of
fiscal 2001 compared to a loss of $13.5 million in the prior year. The
improvement over the prior year is almost entirely due to the U.S. tax
operations segment that reported earnings of $7.4 million, a $36.9 million
improvement over last year.
The Company's performance as measured by earnings before interest (including
interest expense on acquisition debt, investment income and interest allocated
to operating business units), taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)
improved 119.5% to $88.7 million compared to $40.4
-15-
18
million in the prior year's third quarter. EBITDA is utilized by management to
evaluate the performance of its operating segments because many of the segments
reflect substantial amortization of acquired intangible assets and goodwill
resulting from recent acquisitions. Management believes the EBITDA is a good
measure of cash flow generation because the Company is not historically capital
intensive and it also removes the effects of purchase accounting. The
calculation of EBITDA may not be comparable to the calculation of EBITDA by
other companies.
Net earnings were $5.6 million, or $.06 per share compared to a loss of $7.1
million, or $.07 per share in the third quarter of fiscal 2000. The effective
income tax rate decreased from 47.7% last year to 42.5% this year. The higher
rate in the prior year is a result of adjusting the effective tax rate from
38.0% to the rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year (38.9%)
during the third quarter due to the acquisition of OLDE Financial Corporation
that resulted in non-deductible intangible asset and goodwill amortization.
An analysis of operations by reportable operating segments follows.
U.S Tax Operations
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarter Ended Variance
January 31, Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2001 2000 $ %
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
Tax preparation and related fees $ 239,321 $ 179,167 $ 60,154 33.6%
Royalties 27,874 15,102 12,772 84.6%
RAL participation fees 25,403 12,085 13,318 110.2%
Software sales 24,167 21,150 3,017 14.3%
Other 10,545 10,347 198 1.9%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues 327,310 237,851 89,459 37.6%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Compensation & benefits 154,373 113,094 (41,279) -36.5%
Occupancy & equipment 43,800 42,382 (1,418) -3.3%
Depreciation & amortization 20,820 15,004 (5,816) -38.8%
Cost of software sales 14,301 13,659 (642) -4.7%
Bad debt expense 21,632 11,634 (9,998) -85.9%
Marketing & advertising 25,732 25,129 (603) -2.4%
Other 39,214 46,376 7,162 15.4%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses 319,872 267,278 (52,594) -19.7%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax earnings (loss) $ 7,438 $ (29,427) $ 36,865 125.3%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-16-
19
U.S. Tax Operating Data
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Company-owned tax offices For the period January 1
and E-commerce through January 31, Percent
2001 2000 Change
------------ ------------- -------------
Total clients served 2,192 1,792 22.3%
Tax returns prepared 2,029 1,704 19.1%
Returns filed electronically 2,094 1,691 23.8%
Average fee per client $ 109.62 $ 96.35 13.8%
Refund anticipation loans 1,025 864 18.6%
Offices 5,060 5,162 -2.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues increased 37.6% to $327.3 million for the three months ended January
31, 2001 compared to the same period last year. This increase is primarily
attributable to higher tax preparation and related fees that are a direct
result of increases in both the number of clients served and average fees per
client. The number of clients served in company-owned operations increased
22.3% to 2.2 million for the first month of the tax season and the average fee
per client served increased to $109.62 from $96.35 last year. The increase in
the average fee is due in part to a reduction in the number of discounts taken
at the point of sale and to more complex returns processed this year. In
addition, the number of tax returns filed electronically increased 23.8% in
company-owned operations resulting in the electronic filing of 95.5% of all
returns processed in company-owned operations. Also contributing to the
increase were revenues from participations in RALs which increased $13.3
million over the prior year. This increase is a result of both an increase in
the average revenue per RAL (55.9%) and an increase in the number of RALs
(44.7%). The Company participates with Household Tax Masters in offering RALs
to customers through tax offices (49.9% in company-owned offices and 25% in
major franchise offices). Revenue from this participation is calculated as our
percentage participation times the fee that the customer pays for the RAL. The
fee that the customer pays for the RAL is set by Household Tax Masters and is
based on the dollar amount of the RAL. The increase in pricing is due to
adjustments made to offset the increased risk of bad debt resulting from the
IRS's heightened review of returns containing earned income tax credits.
Although the first month of the tax season started strongly, based on an
analysis of returns filed through February 16, 2001, it appears that a
significant portion of the growth is attributable to a shift in the filing
pattern from the first two weeks of February into late January. In addition,
royalty revenues increased 84.6% over the same period last year due primarily
to an increase in the number of clients served in franchise offices. Royalty
revenues were also favorably impacted by the shift from February to January.
Accordingly, this level of growth in royalty revenue is not sustainable and
historically trends with the growth in tax preparation revenues.
U.S. tax operations reported pretax earnings of $7.4 million compared to a loss
of $29.4 million in the third quarter last year. The improved results are
primarily due to the increase in revenues. Pretax earnings from participations
in RALs increased $5.0 million or 192.6% over last year. Also contributing to
the improvement over last year is the performance of Kiplinger TaxCut software
and the new online tax solutions, increasing $4.7 million over the same period
last year.
-17-
20
Due to the nature of this segment's business, the results for the first month of
the tax-filing season are not necessarily indicative of the expected results for
the entire tax season.
International Tax Operations
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarter Ended Variance
January 31, Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2001 2000 $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Canada $ 3,002 $ 3,833 $ (831) -21.7%
Australia 4,413 4,282 131 3.1%
United Kingdom 344 319 25 7.8%
Overseas franchises 98 44 54 122.7%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues 7,857 8,478 (621) -7.3%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Canada (6,271) (7,419) 1,148 15.5%
Australia 716 937 (221) -23.6%
United Kingdom (443) (526) 83 15.8%
Overseas franchises (143) (126) (17) -13.5%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax loss $ (6,141) $ (7,134) $ 993 13.9%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues decreased 7.3% to $7.9 million from $8.5 million last year. The
decrease was driven primarily by management's decision to reduce the
non-profitable early discounted return business in Canada and by the continued
strength of the U.S. dollar.
The pretax loss improved 13.9% to $6.1 million compared to a loss of $7.1
million. The improved performance is primarily attributed to reduced operating
costs from the non-performing early discounted return business in Canada as well
as additional cost control mainly in marketing, administrative labor and
supplies. The Australian results were negatively affected by the timing of
certain marketing expenses.
-18-
21
Mortgage Operations
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarter Ended Variance
January 31, Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2001 2000 $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Interest income $ 12,176 $ 22,397 $(10,221) -45.6%
Loan servicing income 29,579 16,673 12,906 77.4%
Gain on sale of mortgage loans 71,903 45,882 26,021 56.7%
Other 511 691 (180) -26.0%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues 114,169 85,643 28,526 33.3%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Compensation & benefits 33,555 25,792 (7,763) -30.1%
Variable servicing & processing 9,826 5,934 (3,892) -65.6%
Occupancy & equipment 5,899 4,227 (1,672) -39.5%
Interest expense 6,660 15,230 8,570 56.3%
Bad debt expense 4,116 3,798 (318) -8.4%
Amortization of intangibles 3,394 3,506 112 3.2%
Other 12,402 2,158 (10,244) -474.7%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses 75,852 60,645 (15,207) -25.1%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax earnings $ 38,317 $ 24,998 $ 13,319 53.3%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues increased 33.3% to $114.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2001.
The increase is primarily due to an increase in production volume, a favorable
secondary market environment and a larger servicing portfolio. Revenues related
to the sale of mortgage loans increased $26.0 million over the prior year
resulting from favorable secondary market pricing and better pricing execution
on mortgage loan sales. During the three months ended January 31, 2001, the
Company originated $1.6 billion in mortgage loans compared to $1.4 billion last
year. The total execution price representing gain on sale of mortgage loans for
the third quarter was 5.04% compared to 4.36% for the third quarter ended
January 31, 2000. In the third quarter of fiscal 2001, $1.5 billion in mortgage
loans were sold compared to $1.4 billion in the same period last year. Servicing
revenues increased 77.4% over the prior year's third quarter. The increase is
principally attributable to a higher loan servicing portfolio balance, increased
servicing operations efficiencies and an increase in the collection of borrower
late fees. The average number of loans being serviced increased by 68,108 to an
average portfolio balance for the period of $15.3 billion compared to $8.1
billion for the same period last year.
Pretax earnings increased $13.3 million or 53.3% to $38.3 million for the three
months ended January 31, 2001. The improved performance is primarily due to the
increase in revenues. Mortgage operations operating margin of 33.6% improved 437
basis points from 29.2% in the prior year. The decrease in both interest income
and interest expense is a result of the move to off-balance sheet arrangements
for the funding of mortgage loans. Utilizing the off-balance sheet arrangements,
the Company no longer incurs short-term borrowings to fund its mortgage loans.
The results of the wholesale and retail mortgage operations were slightly
reduced by costs associated with the winding down of certain mortgage
activities.
-19-
22
Investment Services
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarter Ended Variance
January 31, Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2001 2000 $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Commission & fee income $ 60,192 $ 66,340 $ (6,148) -9.3%
Margin interest income 50,381 26,605 23,776 89.4%
Other 7,591 3,831 3,760 98.1%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues 118,164 96,776 21,388 22.1%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Compensation & benefits 42,745 32,965 (9,780) -29.7%
Interest expense 26,280 13,145 (13,135) -99.9%
Occupancy & equipment 6,373 4,792 (1,581) -33.0%
Commission, floor brokerage & fees 2,062 4,758 2,696 56.7%
Amortization of intangibles 11,387 5,514 (5,873) -106.5%
Other 22,708 16,624 (6,084) -36.6%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses 111,555 77,798 (33,757) -43.4%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax earnings $ 6,609 $ 18,978 $(12,369) -65.2%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue increased 22.1% to $118.2 million from $96.8 million in the same period
last year. The increase is attributable primarily to the acquisition of OLDE,
the parent company of H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc. (formerly OLDE Discount
Corporation) on December 1, 1999, and reflects a full three months of revenue
for the acquired companies in the third quarter of fiscal 2001 as compared with
only two months of revenue in the same quarter of fiscal 2000.
Pretax earnings for this segment decreased by 65.2% to $6.6 million from $19.0
million earned last year. During the third quarter of fiscal 2001, Investment
services experienced industry-wide declines in average daily trading volume and
average margin loan balances which negatively impacted earnings compared to the
prior year. Pretax earnings were also reduced by expenditures related to the
development of investment services over and above the individual stock selection
and research, which were the mainstays of OLDE's investment services prior to
the acquisition. Services introduced since the acquisition include financial
planning, on-line trading and Express IRA's offered to tax preparation clients.
Under development are cash management and fee-based account offerings, among
others. The Investment services segment has yet to experience significant
revenues from these additional services. Expenses for the development of
cross-sell marketing systems also impacted the decline in pretax earnings.
-20-
23
Business Services
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarter Ended Variance
January 31, Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2001 2000 $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Accounting, consulting & tax $ 76,537 $ 67,023 $ 9,514 14.2%
Product sales 5,654 4,818 836 17.4%
Management fee income 4,050 7,757 (3,707) -47.8%
Other 6,488 3,208 3,280 102.2%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues 92,729 82,806 9,923 12.0%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Compensation & benefits 64,288 49,913 (14,375) -28.8%
Occupancy & equipment 4,245 8,891 4,646 52.3%
Amortization of intangibles 8,477 5,740 (2,737) -47.7%
Other 14,656 15,127 471 3.1%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses 91,666 79,671 (11,995) -15.1%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax earnings $ 1,063 $ 3,135 $(2,072) -66.1%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Business services revenues of $92.7 million increased 12.0% from $82.8 million
in the prior year. The increase in revenues over the prior year is due to an
increase in productivity, tax consulting revenue and revenue from an alliance
with three insurance carriers to provide life insurance solutions through the
Company's new wealth management planning program. The increases in these areas
were offset by a decrease in revenue from technology consulting fees associated
with year 2000 engagements and the decision to close certain unprofitable
technology consulting practices.
As of January 31, 2001, the operations of all of the remaining original regional
accounting firms acquired had been merged into RSM McGladrey, the national
accounting firm that acquired substantially all of the non-attest assets of
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP on August 2, 1999. Prior to the mergers, for the
regional accounting firms, the Company was required, in accordance with Emerging
Issues Task Force No. 97-2 - "Application of FASB Statement No. 94 and APB
Opinion No. 16 to Physician Practice Management Entities and Certain Other
Entities with Contractual Management Arrangements," to consolidate revenues and
expenses from the non-attest business that the Company owned and the attest
business of firms located in Kansas City, Chicago, Baltimore and Philadelphia
that the Company did not own, but for whom it performed management services.
Revenues are no longer consolidated as a result of the change in organizational
structure. This decline in revenue was offset by revenue from three
acquisitions, which were completed during the first nine months of fiscal year
2001 in Boston, Washington D.C. and New York.
The pretax earnings were $1.1 million compared to $3.1 million in the prior
year. The primary reason for the decrease is an increase in purchased goodwill
and intangible asset amortization of $2.7 million related to new acquisitions.
Somewhat offsetting the decline in
-21-
24
pretax earnings, the Company recorded a pretax gain of $2.0 million in December
2000 on the sale of the assets of its Indianapolis-based regional accounting
firm.
Due to the nature of this segment's business, revenues are seasonal, while
expenses (except for partner compensation) are relatively fixed throughout the
year. Results for the third quarter are not indicative of the expected results
for the entire fiscal year.
Unallocated Corporate &
Interest Expense on Acquisition Debt
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarter Ended Variance
January 31, Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2001 2000 $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues $ 1,125 $ 953 $ 172 18.0%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Compensation & benefits 4,184 2,386 (1,798) -75.4%
Interest expense 5,835 1,445 (4,390) -303.8%
Other 2,524 3,793 1,269 33.5%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses 12,543 7,624 (4,919) -64.5%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax loss $ (11,418) $ (6,671) $ (4,747) -71.2%
=============== ============== ============= =============
Interest expense on acquisition debt $ 23,988 $ 19,451 $ (4,537) -23.3%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The unallocated corporate pretax loss for the third quarter increased 71.2% to
$11.4 million from $6.7 million in the comparable period last year. The
increase is primarily a result of interest expense related to borrowings for
funding of operations.
The increase in interest expense on acquisition debt is attributable to the
acquisition of OLDE in December 1999 which is somewhat offset by lower interest
expense related to the acquisition of the non-attest assets of McGladrey &
Pullen, LLP due to payment of a portion of the acquisition debt in August 2000.
-22-
25
THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2001 (THIRD QUARTER) COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS
ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2000 (SECOND QUARTER)
Consolidated H&R Block, Inc.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year Variance
2001 Quarter Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
3rd 2nd $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues $ 661,354 $ 337,474 $323,880 96.0%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax earnings (loss) 9,816 (86,356) 96,172 111.4%
Net earnings (loss) $ 5,645 $(49,655) $ 55,300 111.4%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated revenues for the three months ended January 31, 2001 increased
96.0% primarily due to revenues from U.S. tax operations related to the
beginning of the U.S. tax-filing season. In addition, Mortgage operations and
Business services revenues increased 34.8% and 18.5%, respectively.
The Company reported pretax earnings of $9.8 million compared to a loss of $86.4
million in the second quarter of fiscal 2001. The improved performance is due to
U.S. tax operations with earnings of $7.4 million, a $94.6 million improvement
over the second quarter. Mortgage operations also contributed with earnings of
$38.3 million, an 85.1% increase over the three months ended October 31, 2000.
Net earnings were $5.6 million, or $.06 per share compared to a loss of $49.7
million, or $.54 per share, in the second quarter.
An analysis of operations by reportable operating segments follows.
-23-
26
U.S Tax Operations
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year Variance
2001 Quarter Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
3rd 2nd $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Tax preparation and related fees $ 239,321 $ 9,366 $ 229,955 **
Royalties 27,874 1,768 26,106 **
RAL participation fees 25,403 19 25,384 **
Software sales 24,167 590 23,577 **
Other 10,545 14,660 (4,115) -28.1%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues 327,310 26,403 300,907 **
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Compensation & benefits 154,373 36,479 (117,894) -323.2%
Occupancy & equipment 43,800 34,608 (9,192) -26.6%
Depreciation & amortization 20,820 16,232 (4,588) -28.3%
Cost of software sales 14,301 325 (13,976) **
Bad debt expense 21,632 325 (21,307) **
Marketing & advertising 25,732 7,607 (18,125) -238.3%
Other 39,214 18,030 (21,184) -117.5%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses 319,872 113,606 (206,266) -181.6%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax earnings (loss) $ 7,438 $ (87,203) $ 94,641 108.5%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ------------------------------------------------ --------------- --- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Revenues increased $300.9 million over the second quarter of fiscal 2001. U.S.
tax operations reported pretax earnings of $7.4 million in the third quarter
compared to a loss of $87.2 million in the second quarter. The improved results
are due to the start of the U.S. tax-filing season.
International Tax Operations
- ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- -- -------------------------------
Fiscal Year Variance
2001 Quarter Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
3rd 2nd $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Canada $ 3,002 $ 2,540 $ 462 18.2%
Australia 4,413 11,789 (7,376) -62.6%
United Kingdom 344 409 (65) -15.9%
Overseas franchises 98 161 (63) -39.1%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues 7,857 14,899 (7,042) -47.3%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Canada (6,271) (4,932) (1,339) -27.1%
Australia 716 4,932 (4,216) -85.5%
United Kingdom (443) (419) (24) -5.7%
Overseas franchises (143) (48) (95) -197.9%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax loss $(6,141) $ (467) $(5,674) **
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-24-
27
Revenues decreased by $7.0 million from the second quarter. This decrease was
driven primarily by the end of the Australian tax season, which primarily occurs
in the second quarter.
The pretax loss increased by $5.7 million over the second quarter. The end of
the Australian tax season and the preparation for the beginning of the Canadian
tax season are the primary drivers of this change.
Due to the nature of this segment's business, third quarter operating results
are not indicative of the expected results for the entire fiscal year.
Mortgage Operations
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year Variance
2001 Quarter Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
3rd 2nd $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Interest income $ 12,176 $ 6,856 $ 5,320 77.6%
Loan servicing income 29,579 26,567 3,012 11.3%
Gain on sale of mortgage loans 71,903 50,817 21,086 41.5%
Other 511 450 61 13.6%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues 114,169 84,690 29,479 34.8%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Compensation & benefits 33,555 28,608 (4,947) -17.3%
Variable servicing & processing 9,826 8,990 (836) -9.3%
Occupancy & equipment 5,899 5,615 (284) -5.1%
Interest expense 6,660 714 (5,946) -832.8%
Bad debt expense 4,116 5,550 1,434 25.8%
Amortization of intangibles 3,394 3,394 - **
Other 12,402 11,121 (1,281) -11.5%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses 75,852 63,992 (11,860) -18.5%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax earnings $ 38,317 $ 20,698 $ 17,619 85.1%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues increased 34.8% to $114.2 million in the third quarter compared to
$84.7 million in the second quarter. The increase is primarily due to revenues
generated from loan sale activity that is a result of higher gains recognized
due to better pricing execution on loan sales. Total loan funding for the third
quarter ending January 31, 2001 increased $91.5 million to $1.6 billion compared
to $1.5 billion for the quarter ending October 31, 2000. The total execution
price representing gain on sale for the third quarter increased a total of 109
basis points from 3.95% to 5.04%. In the fourth quarter we expect net cash
proceeds to be lower than the third quarter due to mortgage rates catching up to
market rates. The declining interest rate environment also led to higher
interest income due to a widening spread before loans are sold. The mortgage
rates on loans funded significantly lagged market rates, because the rates
charged to borrowers are locked approximately 20-30 days prior to funding.
Assuming interest rates remain static, we believe the positive impact of
declining rates on interest income will not continue in the fourth quarter.
Servicing revenues also contributed to the increase due to a higher
loan-servicing portfolio. The
-25-
28
average loan-servicing portfolio increased to $17.2 billion from $15.6 billion
in the second quarter, an increase of 10.1%.
Pretax earnings increased $17.6 million or 85.1% to $38.3 million in the third
quarter of fiscal 2001. The improved performance is primarily due to the
increase in revenues. Mortgage operations operating margin of 33.6% improved
from 24.4% in the second quarter.
Investment Services
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year Variance
2001 Quarter Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
3rd 2nd $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Commission & fee income $ 60,192 $ 65,380 $(5,188) -7.9%
Margin interest income 50,381 59,508 (9,127) -15.3%
Other 7,591 6,685 906 13.6%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues 118,164 131,573 (13,409) -10.2%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Compensation & benefits 42,745 43,134 389 .9%
Interest expense 26,280 33,382 7,102 21.3%
Occupancy & equipment 6,373 6,786 413 6.1%
Commission, floor brokerage & fees 2,062 3,043 981 32.2%
Amortization of intangibles 11,387 11,348 (39) -.3%
Other 22,708 22,152 (556) -2.5%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses 111,555 119,845 8,290 6.9%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax earnings $ 6,609 $ 11,728 $(5,119) -43.6%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues decreased 10.2% to $118.2 million from $131.6 million in the prior
quarter. Pretax earnings decreased 43.6% to $6.6 million from $11.7 million in
the three months ended October 31, 2000 due to the decrease in revenues. Total
expenses were less in the third quarter than in the second quarter. Even though
the average daily trading volumes were slightly higher in the third quarter as
compared with the second quarter, there were three fewer trading days in the
third quarter, and there was a decline in revenue per trade from $70.52 to
$68.61 in the third quarter. Together these items accounted for $4.2 million of
the decline in revenue. A drop in margin loan balances from $2.6 billion at the
beginning of the third quarter to $1.9 billion at the end of the quarter also
impacted revenues. The lower margin balances resulted in lower margin interest
charges, accounting for $9.1 million of the decline in revenues.
-26-
29
Business Services
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year Variance
2001 Quarter Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
3rd 2nd $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Accounting, consulting & tax $ 76,537 $ 69,265 $ 7,272 10.5%
Product sales 5,654 5,278 376 7.1%
Management fee income 4,050 4,639 (589) -12.7%
Other 6,488 (915) 7,403 809.1%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues 92,729 78,267 14,462 18.5%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Compensation & benefits 64,288 54,816 (9,472) -17.3%
Occupancy & equipment 4,245 5,555 1,310 23.6%
Amortization of intangibles 8,477 7,847 (630) -8.0%
Other 14,656 10,830 (3,826) -35.3%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses 91,666 79,048 (12,618) -16.0%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax earnings (loss) $ 1,063 $ (781) $ 1,844 236.1%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Business services revenues increased 18.5% in comparison to the quarter ended
October 31, 2000. The increase is due to the seasonal nature of the business
where January revenues are much higher than the previous months, the growth in
the tax consulting business and revenues from an alliance with three insurance
carriers to provide life insurance solutions through the Company's new wealth
management planning program that began in October 2000.
As of January 31, 2001, the operations of all of the remaining original regional
accounting firms acquired had been merged into RSM McGladrey, the national
accounting firm that acquired substantially all of the non-attest assets of
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP on August 2, 1999. Prior to the mergers, for the
regional accounting firms, the Company was required to consolidate revenues and
expenses from the non-attest business that the Company owned and the attest
business of firms located in Kansas City, Chicago, Baltimore and Philadelphia
that the Company did not own, but for whom it performed management services.
Revenues are no longer consolidated as a result of the change in organizational
structure. As of October 31, 2000, there were still two original accounting
firms for which the Company was consolidating the attest revenues and expenses.
The decline in revenue was partially offset by revenue from acquisitions during
the quarter.
The pretax earnings were $1.8 million greater than the previous quarter. This is
due to the increase in revenues. The increase in compensation and benefits is
due to the seasonal nature of the business and is a direct result of the
increase in revenues. Additionally, in December 2000, the Company sold the
assets of its Indianapolis-based regional accounting firm, which resulted in a
pretax gain on sale of $2.0 million.
-27-
30
Unallocated Corporate &
Interest Expense on Acquisition Debt
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year Variance
2001 Quarter Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
3rd 2nd $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues $ 1,125 $ 1,642 $ (517) -31.5%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Compensation & benefits 4,184 3,255 (929) -28.5%
Interest expense 5,835 2,703 (3,132) -115.9%
Other 2,524 2,411 (113) -4.7%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses 12,543 8,369 (4,174) -49.9%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax loss $ (11,418) $(6,727) $(4,691) -69.7%
=============== ============== ============= =============
Interest expense on acquisition debt $ 23,988 $ 24,484 $ 496 2.0%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The unallocated corporate pretax loss for the third quarter increased 69.7% to
$11.4 million from $6.7 million in the second quarter. The increase is due to
interest expense related to borrowings for funding of operations.
NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2001 COMPARED TO
NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2000
Consolidated H&R Block, Inc.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nine Months Ended Variance
January 31, Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2001 2000 $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues $1,302,938 $ 844,013 $458,925 54.4%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax loss (166,533) (145,477) (21,056) -14.5%
Net loss $ (95,756) $ (88,886) $(6,870) -7.7%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated revenues for the nine months ended January 31, 2001 increased 54.4%
due primarily to Investment services which includes nine months of revenues in
fiscal 2001 compared to two months of revenues in fiscal 2000, as OLDE was
acquired on December 1, 1999. All of the Company's segments contributed improved
revenues over the prior year.
The pretax loss increased 14.5% to $166.5 million compared to $145.5 million in
the nine months ended January 31, 2000. The increased loss is primarily due to
interest expense on the OLDE acquisition of $54.5 million, an increase of $43.0
million over the prior year. This increase was partially offset by the inclusion
of OLDE for a full nine months in fiscal 2001 compared to two months in the
prior year, and improved results in U.S. tax operations and Mortgage operations.
-28-
31
The Company's performance as measured by earnings before interest (including
interest expense on acquisition debt, investment income and interest allocated
to operating business units), taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)
improved $103.7 million to $55.6 million compared to a negative $48.1 million in
the prior year.
The net loss was $95.8 million, or $1.04 per share compared to $88.9 million, or
$.91 per share, for the same period last year. The effective income tax rate
increased from 38.9% to 42.5% this year as a result of the non-deductible
intangible asset and goodwill amortization resulting from the OLDE acquisition,
and helped reduce the loss for the nine-month period.
An analysis of operations by reportable operating segments follows.
U.S Tax Operations
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nine Months Ended Variance
January 31, Better/(worse) than
----------------------------------- -------------------------------
2001 2000 $ %
--------------- ---------------- ------------- -------------
Tax preparation and related fees $ 256,698 $ 198,474 $ 58,224 29.3%
Royalties 30,389 16,851 13,538 80.3%
RAL participation fees 25,634 12,268 13,366 109.0%
Software sales 24,796 22,113 2,683 12.1%
Other 27,546 20,943 6,603 31.5%
--------------- ---------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues 365,063 270,649 94,414 34.9%
--------------- ---------------- ------------- -------------
Compensation & benefits 222,629 176,363 (46,266) -26.2%
Occupancy & equipment 112,977 106,096 (6,881) -6.5%
Depreciation & amortization 52,715 36,425 (16,290) -44.7%
Cost of software sales 14,973 14,838 (135) -.9%
Bad debt expense 22,032 11,299 (10,733) -95.0%
Marketing & advertising 36,138 34,963 (1,175) -3.4%
Other 71,234 74,825 3,591 4.8%
--------------- ---------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses 532,698 454,809 (77,889) -17.1%
--------------- ---------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax loss $ (167,635) $ (184,160) $ 16,525 9.0%
=============== ================ ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues increased 34.9% to $365.1 million for the nine months ended January 31,
2001. The increase is primarily attributable to higher tax preparation and
related fees that are a direct result of increases in both the number of clients
served and average fees per client. The number of clients served in
company-owned operations increased 22.3% to 2.2 million for the first month of
the tax season and the average fee per client served increased to $109.62 from
$96.35 last year. In addition, the number of tax returns filed electronically
increased 23.8% in company-owned operations resulting in the electronic filing
of 95.5% of all returns processed in company-owned operations. Although the
first month of the tax season started strongly, based on an analysis of returns
filed through February 16, 2001, it appears that a significant portion of the
growth is attributable to a shift in the filing pattern from the first two weeks
of February into late January. Royalty revenues increased 80.3% over the same
period last year due primarily to an increase in
-29-
32
the number of clients served in franchise offices. Royalty revenues were also
favorably impacted by the shift from February to January. Accordingly, this
level of growth in royalty revenue is not sustainable and historically trends
with the growth in tax preparation revenues. Also contributing to the increase
were revenues from participations in RALs which
increased $13.4 million over the prior year. This increase is a result of both
an increase in the average revenue per RAL of 55.9% and a 44.7% increase in the
number of RALs. The Company participates with Household Tax Masters in offering
RALs to customers through tax offices (49.9% in company-owned offices and 25% in
major franchise offices). Revenue from this participation is calculated as our
percentage participation times the fee that the customer pays for the RAL. The
fee that the customer pays for the RAL is set by Household Tax Masters and is
based on the dollar amount of the RAL. The increase in pricing is due to
adjustments made to offset the increased risk of bad debt resulting from the
IRS's heightened review of returns containing earned income tax credits.
The pretax loss decreased 9.0% to $167.6 million compared to $184.2 million for
the nine months ended January 31, 2000. The decreased loss is mainly due to the
increase in revenues as well as good cost control.
Due to the nature of this segment's business, the nine-month operating results
are not indicative of expected results for the entire fiscal year.
International Tax Operations
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nine Months Ended Variance
January 31, Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2001 2000 $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Canada $ 8,837 $ 9,195 $ (358) -3.9%
Australia 16,797 16,534 263 1.6%
United Kingdom 1,391 1,278 113 8.8%
Overseas franchises 630 252 378 150.0%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues 27,655 27,259 396 1.5%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Canada (15,705) (17,945) 2,240 12.5%
Australia 4,209 4,031 178 4.4%
United Kingdom (1,034) (1,233) 199 16.1%
Overseas franchises (1) (152) 151 99.3%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax loss $ (12,531) $ (15,299) $ 2,768 18.1%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues increased 1.5% to $27.7 million from $27.3 million last year. The
revenue decrease in Canada was primarily driven by management's decision to
reduce the non-profitable early discounted return business. The continued
strength of the U.S. dollar continues to have a negative impact on Canadian and
Australian revenue. The revenue increase in Overseas franchise operations has
been driven by the new child tax credit in Puerto Rico.
-30-
33
The improvement in pretax loss of 18.1% down to $12.5 million from $15.3 million
is attributed to reduced operating costs on the early discounted return business
in Canada. Also, contributing to the improvement were cost control measures
primarily in administrative and supply items in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Mortgage Operations
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nine Months Ended Variance
January 31, Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2001 2000 $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Interest income $ 27,674 $ 69,137 $(41,463) -60.0%
Loan servicing income 79,081 43,809 35,272 80.5%
Gain on sale of mortgage loans 171,568 135,582 35,986 26.5%
Other 1,136 1,389 (253) -18.2%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues 279,459 249,917 29,542 11.8%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Compensation & benefits 88,476 72,109 (16,367) -22.7%
Variable servicing & processing 26,724 15,733 (10,991) -69.9%
Occupancy & equipment 16,924 11,639 (5,285) -45.4%
Interest expense 10,748 43,221 32,473 75.1%
Bad debt expense 12,309 9,539 (2,770) -29.0%
Amortization of intangibles 10,183 10,518 335 3.2%
Other 33,252 17,707 (15,545) -87.8%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses 198,616 180,466 (18,150) -10.1%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax earnings $ 80,843 $ 69,451 $ 11,392 16.4%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues increased 11.8% to $279.5 million for the nine months ended January 31,
2001. The increase is primarily due to higher production volume and a larger
servicing portfolio. During the first nine months of fiscal 2001, $4.5 billion
in mortgage loans were originated compared to $4.2 billion in the same period
last year. The total execution price representing gain on sale for the nine
months was 4.63% compared to 4.06% for last year. The increase in total premium
is primarily attributable to the reduction in interest rates. Servicing revenues
increased 80.5% over the prior year due to a higher servicing portfolio. The
average loan-servicing portfolio increased 90.7% to $15.2 billion from $8.1
billion last year.
Pretax earnings improved $11.4 million or 16.4% to $80.8 million compared to
$69.5 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2000. The increase is mainly
due to the increase in revenues as well as continued cost controls and improved
efficiencies related to servicing. Total servicing expense decreased to 31.8
basis points compared to 34.4 basis points. Mortgage operations operating margin
of 28.9% improved from 27.8% in the prior year. The decrease in both interest
income and interest expense is a result of the move to off-balance sheet
arrangements for the funding of mortgage loans. Utilizing the off-balance sheet
arrangements, the Company no longer incurs short-term borrowings to fund its
mortgage loans. The results of the wholesale and retail mortgage operations were
slightly reduced by costs associated with the winding down of certain mortgage
activities.
-31-
34
Investment Services
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nine Months Ended Variance
January 31, Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2001 2000 $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Commission & fee income $ 190,360 $ 72,870 $ 117,490 161.2%
Margin interest income 168,925 26,605 142,320 534.9%
Other 21,119 3,984 17,135 430.1%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues 380,404 103,459 276,945 267.7%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Compensation & benefits 127,380 35,273 (92,107) -261.1%
Interest expense 92,655 13,145 (79,510) -604.9%
Occupancy & equipment 20,625 5,084 (15,541) -305.7%
Commission, floor brokerage & fees 8,643 10,108 1,465 14.5%
Amortization of intangibles 34,414 5,626 (28,788) -511.7%
Other 65,238 19,941 (45,297) -227.2%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses 348,955 89,177 (259,778) -291.3%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax earnings $ 31,449 $ 14,282 $ 17,167 120.2%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues increased 267.7% to $380.4 million from $103.5 million in the same
period last year. Pretax earnings increased by 120.2% to $31.4 million for the
nine-month period ended January 31, 2001. The increases are primarily
attributable to inclusion of the results of OLDE, which was acquired on December
1, 1999, for a full nine months in fiscal 2001 as compared with only two months
in the fiscal 2000 period. However, the Company incurred expenses that
significantly impacted results, including expenses related to the development of
investment services over and above individual stock selection and research,
which were the mainstays of OLDE's investment services prior to the acquisition.
Services introduced since the acquisition include financial planning, on-line
trading and Express IRAs offered to tax preparation clients. Under development
are cash management and fee-based account offerings, among others. The
Investment services segment has yet to experience significant revenues from
these additional services. Also included in the expenses were costs for the
development of cross-sell marketing systems and amortization of goodwill
resulting from the acquisition.
-32-
35
Business Services
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nine Months Ended Variance
January 31, Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2001 2000 $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Accounting, consulting & tax $ 207,184 $156,622 $ 50,562 32.3%
Product sales 15,609 11,831 3,778 31.9%
Management fee income 9,217 16,068 (6,851) -42.6%
Other 15,083 5,644 9,439 167.2%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues 247,093 190,165 56,928 29.9%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Compensation & benefits 159,529 116,639 (42,890) -36.8%
Occupancy & equipment 19,134 19,221 87 .5%
Amortization of intangibles 23,299 12,690 (10,609) -83.6%
Other 47,862 39,820 (8,042) -20.2%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses 249,824 188,370 (61,454) -32.6%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax earnings (loss) $ (2,731) $ 1,795 $ (4,526) -252.1%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Business services revenues of $247.1 million increased 29.9% from $190.2 million
in the prior year. The increase in revenues over the prior year is due to the
inclusion of RSM McGladrey for nine months as compared to six months for the
previous year. The increases in these areas were offset by a decrease in revenue
from technology consulting fees associated with year 2000 engagements and the
decision to close certain unprofitable technology consulting practices.
As of January 31, 2001, the operations of all of the original regional
accounting firms acquired (with the exception of the Indianapolis-based regional
firm, whose assets were sold in December 2000) had been merged into RSM
McGladrey, the national accounting firm that acquired substantially all of the
non-attest assets of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP on August 2, 1999. Prior to the
mergers, for the regional accounting firms, the Company was required, in
accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force No. 97-2 -- "Application of FASB
Statement No. 94 and APB Opinion No. 16 to Physician Practice Management
Entities and Certain Other Entities with Contractual Management Arrangements,"
to consolidate revenues and expenses from the non-attest business that the
Company owned and the attest business of firms located in Kansas City, Chicago,
Baltimore and Philadelphia that the Company did not own, but for whom it
performed management services. Revenues are no longer consolidated as a result
of the change in organizational structure. This decline in revenues from the
change in organizational structure was offset by revenues from three
acquisitions which were completed during the first nine months of fiscal year
2001 in Boston, Washington D.C. and New York.
The pretax loss was $4.5 million greater than a year ago. This is due primarily
to an increase in purchased goodwill and intangible asset amortization of $10.6
million. This increase is a result of amortization of RSM goodwill and
intangible assets for nine months rather than six months.
-33-
36
Due to the nature of this segment's business, revenues are seasonal, while
expenses (except for partner compensation) are relatively fixed throughout the
year. Results for the nine-months are not indicative of the expected results for
the entire fiscal year.
Unallocated Corporate &
Interest Expense on Acquisition Debt
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nine Months Ended Variance
January 31, Better/(worse) than
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2001 2000 $ %
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues $ 3,264 $ 2,564 $ 700 27.3%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Compensation & benefits 9,862 6,533 (3,329) -51.0%
Interest expense 8,538 1,445 (7,093) -490.9%
Other 7,622 8,034 412 5.1%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses 26,022 16,012 (10,010) -62.5%
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Pretax loss $ (22,758) $ (13,448) $ (9,310) -69.2%
=============== ============== ============= =============
Interest expense on acquisition debt $ 75,760 $ 31,916 $(43,844) -137.4%
=============== ============== ============= =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The unallocated corporate pretax loss for the nine months increased 69.2% to
$22.8 million from $13.4 million in the comparable period last year. The
increase is primarily a result of interest expense related to borrowings for
funding of operations.
Interest expense on acquisition debt increased $43.8 million in the nine months
ended January 31, 2001 compared to the prior year. The increase is primarily
attributable to the acquisition of OLDE in December 1999, and to a lesser
extent, the acquisition of the non-attest assets of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP in
August 1999.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no material changes in market risk from those reported at April
30, 2000.
-34-
37
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
CompuServe Corporation (CompuServe), certain current and former officers and
directors of CompuServe and the Company were named as defendants in six lawsuits
pending before the state and Federal courts in Columbus, Ohio. All suits alleged
similar violations of the Securities Act of 1933 based on assertions of
omissions and misstatements of fact in connection with CompuServe's public
filings related to its initial public offering in April 1996. One state lawsuit
brought by the Florida State Board of Administration also alleged certain oral
omissions and misstatements in connection with such offering. Relief sought in
the lawsuits was unspecified, but included pleas for rescission and damages.
In July 2000, the class representatives and the defendants in the class action
pending in state court, by their authorized counsel, entered into a Stipulation
of Settlement, pursuant to which the defendants were required to pay a gross
settlement amount of $9,500 in exchange for dismissal of the class action suit
and a release of all claims. The court preliminarily approved the settlement in
August 2000 and notices to the class were mailed and published. The fairness
hearing relating to the settlement was held on November 30, 2000, and the court
issued its order approving the settlement. Payment of plaintiffs' attorneys'
fees and expenses were to be paid out of the gross settlement fund. The gross
settlement fund was paid in its entirety by the Company's insurance carrier. The
Stipulation and payment of the gross settlement fund are not admissions of the
validity of any claim or any fact alleged by the plaintiffs and defendants
continue to deny any wrongdoing and any liability. The Stipulation states that
the defendants consider it desirable to settle to avoid further expense,
inconvenience, and delay, and put to rest all controversy concerning all claims.
The Florida State Board of Administration opted out of the class action
settlement and that litigation continues separately from the state court class
action. The parties have reached a settlement that will dispose of the case in
its entirety with no material adverse impact on the Company's consolidated
financial position or results of operations.
The lawsuits discussed herein were previously reported in Forms 10-K and 10-Q
filed by the Company, including the Form 10-Qs for the quarterly periods ended
July 31, 2000 and October 31, 2000.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
a) Exhibits
10.1 Agreement dated December 22, 2000, among Block Financial
Corporation, David J. Kasper and Kathleen M. Kasper, without
exhibits.
10.2 Amendment No. 7 to the H&R Block Deferred Compensation Plan
for Directors.
b) Reports on Form 8-K
The registrant did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the third quarter of
fiscal 2001.
-35-
38
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
H&R BLOCK, INC.
------------------------------------
(Registrant)
DATE 03/19/00 BY /s/ Frank J. Cotroneo
---------------------- ------------------------------------
Frank J. Cotroneo
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
DATE 03/19/00 BY /s/ Cheryl L. Givens
---------------------- ------------------------------------
Cheryl L. Givens
Vice President and Corporate Controller
-36-