UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One) | ||
þ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the quarterly period ended October 31, 2015 | ||
OR | ||
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the transition period from to | ||
Commission file number 1-6089
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.) | |
One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, Missouri 64105
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(816) 854-3000
(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 þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)
Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨ No þ
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock, without par value, at the close of business on November 30, 2015: 235,949,974 shares.
Form 10-Q for the Period Ended October 31, 2015
Table of Contents
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss | ||
Three and six months ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 | 1 | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||
As of October 31, 2015, October 31, 2014 and April 30, 2015 | ||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | ||
Six months ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 | ||
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | ||
Legal Proceedings | ||
Risk Factors | ||
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | ||
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | |
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | |
Exhibits | ||
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS | (unaudited, in 000s, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||
Three months ended October 31, | Six months ended October 31, | |||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||
REVENUES: | ||||||||||||||||
Service revenues | $ | 113,420 | $ | 115,442 | $ | 231,854 | $ | 230,915 | ||||||||
Royalty, product and other revenues | 14,995 | 19,186 | 34,279 | 37,299 | ||||||||||||
128,415 | 134,628 | 266,133 | 268,214 | |||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES: | ||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
Compensation and benefits | 62,694 | 69,381 | 118,483 | 121,236 | ||||||||||||
Occupancy and equipment | 95,051 | 87,626 | 184,906 | 170,932 | ||||||||||||
Provision for bad debt and loan losses | 1,182 | 385 | 3,187 | 4,749 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 28,358 | 28,429 | 55,442 | 53,514 | ||||||||||||
Other | 39,116 | 35,876 | 77,891 | 68,992 | ||||||||||||
226,401 | 221,697 | 439,909 | 419,423 | |||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative: | ||||||||||||||||
Marketing and advertising | 12,965 | 12,513 | 21,496 | 20,658 | ||||||||||||
Compensation and benefits | 61,593 | 54,353 | 116,262 | 115,317 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 13,991 | 10,500 | 27,001 | 19,101 | ||||||||||||
Other selling, general and administrative | 47,298 | 20,013 | 69,280 | 39,503 | ||||||||||||
135,847 | 97,379 | 234,039 | 194,579 | |||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 362,248 | 319,076 | 673,948 | 614,002 | ||||||||||||
Other income, net | 10,505 | — | 10,938 | 523 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense on borrowings | (14,181 | ) | (13,843 | ) | (22,756 | ) | (27,638 | ) | ||||||||
Other expenses, net | (210 | ) | (2,282 | ) | (5,195 | ) | (3,486 | ) | ||||||||
Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit | (237,719 | ) | (200,573 | ) | (424,828 | ) | (376,389 | ) | ||||||||
Income tax benefit | (95,201 | ) | (87,346 | ) | (185,805 | ) | (154,311 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss from continuing operations | (142,518 | ) | (113,227 | ) | (239,023 | ) | (222,078 | ) | ||||||||
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (benefits) of ($1,420), $766, ($3,309) and ($3,798) | (2,489 | ) | 1,229 | (5,643 | ) | (6,152 | ) | |||||||||
NET LOSS | $ | (145,007 | ) | $ | (111,998 | ) | $ | (244,666 | ) | $ | (228,230 | ) | ||||
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE: | ||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations | $ | (0.54 | ) | $ | (0.41 | ) | $ | (0.88 | ) | $ | (0.81 | ) | ||||
Discontinued operations | (0.01 | ) | — | (0.02 | ) | (0.02 | ) | |||||||||
Consolidated | $ | (0.55 | ) | $ | (0.41 | ) | $ | (0.90 | ) | $ | (0.83 | ) | ||||
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.40 | $ | 0.40 | ||||||||
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS: | ||||||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (145,007 | ) | $ | (111,998 | ) | $ | (244,666 | ) | $ | (228,230 | ) | ||||
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of taxes: | ||||||||||||||||
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period | (2,150 | ) | 5,493 | (3,510 | ) | 4,770 | ||||||||||
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in income | (5,124 | ) | (589 | ) | (4,983 | ) | (15 | ) | ||||||||
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments | (700 | ) | (3,810 | ) | (9,455 | ) | (3,355 | ) | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (7,974 | ) | 1,094 | (17,948 | ) | 1,400 | ||||||||||
Comprehensive loss | $ | (152,981 | ) | $ | (110,904 | ) | $ | (262,614 | ) | $ | (226,830 | ) | ||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
H&R Block, Inc. | Q2 FY2016 Form 10-Q | 1 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | (unaudited, in 000s, except share and per share amounts) | |||||||||||
As of | October 31, 2015 | October 31, 2014 | April 30, 2015 | |||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 360,681 | $ | 627,490 | $ | 2,007,190 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents - restricted | 42,781 | 55,543 | 91,972 | |||||||||
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $53,340, $51,746 and $54,527 | 94,760 | 107,705 | 167,964 | |||||||||
Deferred tax assets and income taxes receivable | 145,912 | 197,193 | 174,267 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 80,458 | 88,270 | 70,283 | |||||||||
Investments in available-for-sale securities | 2,116 | 381,180 | 439,625 | |||||||||
Total current assets | 726,708 | 1,457,381 | 2,951,301 | |||||||||
Mortgage loans held for investment, less allowance for loan losses of $7,412, $9,761 and $7,886 | 220,671 | 251,092 | 239,338 | |||||||||
Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $563,158, $491,153 and $518,797 | 298,602 | 318,225 | 311,387 | |||||||||
Intangible assets, net | 466,224 | 414,045 | 432,142 | |||||||||
Goodwill | 442,068 | 464,182 | 441,831 | |||||||||
Deferred tax assets and income taxes receivable | 11,264 | 37,937 | 13,461 | |||||||||
Other noncurrent assets | 124,360 | 148,428 | 125,960 | |||||||||
Total assets | $ | 2,289,897 | $ | 3,091,290 | $ | 4,515,420 | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||||||
LIABILITIES: | ||||||||||||
Customer banking deposits | $ | — | $ | 454,860 | $ | 744,241 | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 141,070 | 97,105 | 231,322 | |||||||||
Accrued salaries, wages and payroll taxes | 37,512 | 36,215 | 144,744 | |||||||||
Accrued income taxes | 67,732 | 147,000 | 434,684 | |||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 808 | 772 | 790 | |||||||||
Deferred revenue and other current liabilities | 319,426 | 339,725 | 322,508 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities | 566,548 | 1,075,677 | 1,878,289 | |||||||||
Long-term debt | 1,501,938 | 505,588 | 505,298 | |||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities and reserves for uncertain tax positions | 140,539 | 151,951 | 142,586 | |||||||||
Deferred revenue and other noncurrent liabilities | 108,115 | 119,398 | 156,298 | |||||||||
Total liabilities | 2,317,140 | 1,852,614 | 2,682,471 | |||||||||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||||||||||||
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: | ||||||||||||
Common stock, no par, stated value $.01 per share, 800,000,000 shares authorized, shares issued of 276,087,566, 316,628,110 and 316,628,110 | 2,761 | 3,166 | 3,166 | |||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 757,816 | 772,662 | 783,793 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (16,208 | ) | 6,577 | 1,740 | ||||||||
Retained earnings | 3,573 | 1,250,465 | 1,836,442 | |||||||||
Less treasury shares, at cost, of 40,138,877, 41,462,487 and 41,353,479 | (775,185 | ) | (794,194 | ) | (792,192 | ) | ||||||
Total stockholders' equity (deficiency) | (27,243 | ) | 1,238,676 | 1,832,949 | ||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 2,289,897 | $ | 3,091,290 | $ | 4,515,420 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2 | Q2 FY2016 Form 10-Q | H&R Block, Inc. |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | (unaudited, in 000s) | |||||||
Six months ended October 31, | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES | $ | (602,713 | ) | $ | (627,577 | ) | ||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Sales, maturities of and payments received on available-for-sale securities | 434,261 | 49,013 | ||||||
Principal payments on mortgage loans held for investment, net | 17,006 | 13,451 | ||||||
Capital expenditures | (38,779 | ) | (70,927 | ) | ||||
Payments made for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (61,846 | ) | (94,230 | ) | ||||
Franchise loans: | ||||||||
Loans funded | (10,281 | ) | (18,251 | ) | ||||
Payments received | 17,473 | 29,637 | ||||||
Other, net | 7,246 | 10,585 | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 365,080 | (80,722 | ) | |||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Repayments of long-term debt | — | (400,000 | ) | |||||
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | 996,831 | — | ||||||
Customer banking deposits, net | (326,705 | ) | (316,269 | ) | ||||
Transfer of HRB Bank deposits | (419,028 | ) | — | |||||
Dividends paid | (110,338 | ) | (109,871 | ) | ||||
Repurchase of common stock, including shares surrendered | (1,517,786 | ) | (10,247 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 16,875 | 14,477 | ||||||
Other, net | (37,820 | ) | (23,392 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (1,397,971 | ) | (845,302 | ) | ||||
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash | (10,905 | ) | (4,216 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (1,646,509 | ) | (1,557,817 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period | 2,007,190 | 2,185,307 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period | $ | 360,681 | $ | 627,490 | ||||
SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW DATA: | ||||||||
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received | $ | 132,096 | $ | 157,680 | ||||
Interest paid on borrowings | 15,606 | 27,379 | ||||||
Transfers of foreclosed loans to other assets | 1,450 | 3,155 | ||||||
Accrued additions to property and equipment | 4,573 | 3,243 | ||||||
Conversion of investment in preferred stock to available-for-sale common stock | — | 5,000 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
H&R Block, Inc. | Q2 FY2016 Form 10-Q | 3 |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION – The consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2015 and 2014, the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 have been prepared by the Company, without audit. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of October 31, 2015 and 2014 and for all periods presented have been made.
"H&R Block," "the Company," "we," "our" and "us" are used interchangeably to refer to H&R Block, Inc. or to H&R Block, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as appropriate to the context.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U. S. (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our April 30, 2015 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K. All amounts presented herein as of April 30, 2015 or for the year then ended are derived from our April 30, 2015 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K.
In connection with the deregistration of H&R Block, Inc., H&R Block Group, Inc. and Block Financial, LLC as savings and loan holding companies (SLHCs), as discussed further in note 2, we no longer present interest income on mortgage loans held for investment and various other investments as revenues. Effective September 1, 2015, these amounts are prospectively reported in other income on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
MANAGEMENT ESTIMATES – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates, assumptions and judgments are applied in the evaluation of contingent losses arising from our discontinued mortgage business, contingent losses associated with pending claims and litigation, valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, reserves for uncertain tax positions and related matters. Estimates have been prepared based on the best information available as of each balance sheet date. As such, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
SEASONALITY OF BUSINESS – Our operating revenues are seasonal in nature with peak revenues typically occurring in the months of January through April. Therefore, results for interim periods are not indicative of results to be expected for the full year.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS – Our discontinued operations include the results of operations of Sand Canyon Corporation, previously known as Option One Mortgage Corporation (including its subsidiaries, collectively, SCC), which exited its mortgage business in fiscal year 2008. See notes 12 and 13 for additional information on litigation, claims and other loss contingencies related to our discontinued operations.
NOTE 2: DIVESTITURE OF H&R BLOCK BANK
On August 4, 2015, H&R Block Bank (HRB Bank) , Block Financial LLC, the sole shareholder of HRB Bank (Block Financial) and BofI Federal Bank, a federal savings bank (BofI) received regulatory approvals for a definitive Amended and Restated Purchase and Assumption Agreement pursuant to which we agreed to sell certain assets and liabilities, including all of the deposit liabilities of HRB Bank, to BofI (P&A Transaction).
On August 31, 2015, we completed the P&A Transaction and made a net cash payment to BofI of approximately $419 million, which was approximately equal to the carrying value of the liabilities (including all deposit liabilities) assumed by BofI. In connection with the closing, we liquidated the available-for-sale (AFS) securities previously held by HRB Bank. We received proceeds of $388.0 million and recognized gains of $8.4 million on these sales.
On the closing date of the P&A Transaction, HRB Bank converted from a federal savings bank to a national banking association, merged with and into its parent company, Block Financial, surrendered its bank charter and ceased to exist as a bank. As a result, effective August 31, 2015, neither we nor any of our subsidiaries is subject to minimum regulatory capital requirements or to regulation as a bank by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). In addition, H&R Block, Inc., H&R Block Group, Inc. and Block Financial (collectively, our Holding Companies) were SLHCs
4 | Q2 FY2016 Form 10-Q | H&R Block, Inc. |
because they controlled HRB Bank. As a result of the P&A Transaction and related actions, our Holding Companies have ceased to be SLHCs and have deregistered as SLHCs under Section 10(b) of the Home Owner's Loan Act. Effective August 31, 2015, our Holding Companies are no longer subject to regulatory capital requirements applicable to SLHCs or regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve).
NOTE 3: LOSS PER SHARE AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
LOSS PER SHARE – Basic and diluted loss per share is computed using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines net income per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Per share amounts are computed by dividing net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during each period. The dilutive effect of potential common shares is included in diluted earnings per share except in those periods with a loss from continuing operations. Diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of shares of common stock issuable upon the lapse of certain restrictions or the exercise of options to purchase 5.0 million shares for the three and six months ended October 31, 2015, and 5.4 million shares for the three and six months ended October 31, 2014, as the effect would be antidilutive due to the net loss from continuing operations during those periods.
The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations are as follows:
(in 000s, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||
Three months ended October 31, | Six months ended October 31, | |||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to shareholders | $ | (142,518 | ) | $ | (113,227 | ) | $ | (239,023 | ) | $ | (222,078 | ) | ||||
Amounts allocated to participating securities | (102 | ) | (97 | ) | (204 | ) | (186 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders | $ | (142,620 | ) | $ | (113,324 | ) | $ | (239,227 | ) | $ | (222,264 | ) | ||||
Basic weighted average common shares | 266,267 | 275,106 | 271,016 | 274,841 | ||||||||||||
Potential dilutive shares | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Dilutive weighted average common shares | 266,267 | 275,106 | 271,016 | 274,841 | ||||||||||||
Loss per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | (0.54 | ) | $ | (0.41 | ) | $ | (0.88 | ) | $ | (0.81 | ) | ||||
Diluted | (0.54 | ) | (0.41 | ) | (0.88 | ) | (0.81 | ) | ||||||||
The weighted average shares outstanding for the three and six months ended October 31, 2015 decreased to 266.3 million and 271.0 million, respectively, from 275.1 million and 274.8 million for the three and six months ended October 31, 2014, respectively, primarily due to share repurchases completed in the current year. In September 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a new $3.5 billion share repurchase program, effective through June 2019. During the six months ended October 31, 2015, we purchased and immediately retired 40.5 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $1.5 billion ($37.00 per share). The cost of shares retired during the current period was allocated to the components of stockholders’ equity as follows:
(in 000s) | ||||
Common stock | $ | 405 | ||
Additional paid-in-capital | 24,325 | |||
Retained earnings | 1,475,270 | |||
Total | $ | 1,500,000 | ||
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION – In addition to the shares repurchased as discussed above, during the six months ended October 31, 2015, we acquired 0.6 million shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $17.8 million.
H&R Block, Inc. | Q2 FY2016 Form 10-Q | 5 |
These shares represent shares swapped or surrendered to us in connection with the vesting or exercise of stock-based awards. During the six months ended October 31, 2014, we acquired 0.3 million shares at an aggregate cost of $10.2 million for similar purposes.
During the six months ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, we issued 1.8 million and 1.2 million shares of common stock, respectively, due to the vesting or exercise of stock-based awards.
During the six months ended October 31, 2015, we granted equity awards equivalent to 1.0 million shares under our stock-based compensation plans, consisting primarily of nonvested units. Nonvested units generally either vest over a three-year period with one-third vesting each year or cliff vest at the end of a three-year period. Stock-based compensation expense of our continuing operations totaled $7.9 million and $13.9 million for the three and six months ended October 31, 2015, respectively, and $7.1 million and $14.6 million for the three and six months ended October 31, 2014, respectively. As of October 31, 2015, unrecognized compensation cost for stock options totaled $0.5 million, and for nonvested shares and units totaled $43.7 million.
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) – Components of other comprehensive income (loss) include foreign currency translation adjustments and the change in net unrealized gains or losses on AFS marketable securities, and are as follows:
(in 000s) | ||||||||||||
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities | Total | ||||||||||
Balances as of May 1, 2015 | $ | (6,789 | ) | $ | 8,529 | $ | 1,740 | |||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: | ||||||||||||
Gross losses arising during the period | (9,455 | ) | (5,769 | ) | (15,224 | ) | ||||||
Income taxes | — | (2,259 | ) | (2,259 | ) | |||||||
(9,455 | ) | (3,510 | ) | (12,965 | ) | |||||||
Amounts reclassified to net income: | ||||||||||||
Gross amount reclassified | — | (8,196 | ) | (8,196 | ) | |||||||
Income taxes | — | (3,213 | ) | (3,213 | ) | |||||||
— | (4,983 | ) | (4,983 | ) | ||||||||
Net other comprehensive loss | (9,455 | ) | (8,493 | ) | (17,948 | ) | ||||||
Balances as of October 31, 2015 | $ | (16,244 | ) | $ | 36 | $ | (16,208 | ) | ||||
Balances as of May 1, 2014 | $ | 3,334 | $ | 1,843 | $ | 5,177 | ||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: | ||||||||||||
Gross gains (losses) arising during the period | (3,355 | ) | 7,483 | 4,128 | ||||||||
Income taxes | — | 2,713 | 2,713 | |||||||||
(3,355 | ) | 4,770 | 1,415 | |||||||||
Amounts reclassified to net income: | ||||||||||||
Gross amount reclassified | — | (24 | ) | (24 | ) | |||||||
Income taxes | — | (9 | ) | (9 | ) | |||||||
— | (15 | ) | (15 | ) | ||||||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) | (3,355 | ) | 4,755 | 1,400 | ||||||||
Balances as of October 31, 2014 | $ | (21 | ) | $ | 6,598 | $ | 6,577 | |||||
Gross gains and losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in other income and other expense, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
6 | Q2 FY2016 Form 10-Q | H&R Block, Inc. |
NOTE 4: RECEIVABLES
Receivables consist of the following:
(in 000s) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of | October 31, 2015 | October 31, 2014 | April 30, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term | Long-term | Short-term | Long-term | Short-term | Long-term | |||||||||||||||||||
Loans to franchisees | $ | 55,970 | $ | 61,428 | $ | 62,568 | $ | 84,462 | $ | 56,603 | $ | 64,472 | ||||||||||||
Receivables for tax preparation and related fees | 37,751 | 6,103 | 36,369 | — | 48,864 | 6,103 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash Back® receivables | 901 | — | 1,955 | — | 42,680 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Emerald Advance lines of credit | 19,373 | 246 | 20,073 | 2,778 | 21,908 | 1,913 | ||||||||||||||||||
Royalties from franchisees | 9,851 | — | 10,060 | — | 8,206 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Other | 24,254 | 7,498 | 28,426 | 14,565 | 44,230 | 8,379 | ||||||||||||||||||
148,100 | 75,275 | 159,451 | 101,805 | 222,491 | 80,867 | |||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | (53,340 | ) | — | (51,746 | ) | — | (54,527 | ) | — | |||||||||||||||
$ | 94,760 | $ | 75,275 | $ | 107,705 | $ | 101,805 | $ | 167,964 | $ | 80,867 | |||||||||||||
Balances presented above as short-term are included in receivables, while the long-term portions are included in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
LOANS TO FRANCHISEES – Franchisee loan balances as of October 31, 2015 and 2014 and April 30, 2015, consisted of $41.1 million, $46.4 million and $40.3 million, respectively, in revolving lines of credit primarily for the purpose of funding off-season working capital needs and $76.3 million, $100.6 million and $80.8 million, respectively, in term loans made primarily to finance the purchase of franchises.
As of October 31, 2015 and 2014 and April 30, 2015, loans with a principal balance of $1.6 million, $2.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively, were more than 30 days past due. We had no loans to franchisees on non-accrual status.
CANADIAN CASH BACK® PROGRAM – Refunds advanced under the Cash Back program are not subject to credit approval, therefore the primary indicator of credit quality is the age of the receivable amount. Cash Back amounts are generally received within 60 days of filing the client's return. As of October 31, 2015 and 2014 and April 30, 2015, $36 thousand, $27 thousand and $1.3 million of Cash Back balances were more than 60 days old, respectively.
H&R BLOCK EMERALD ADVANCE® LINES OF CREDIT – We review the credit quality of our H&R Block Emerald Advance® lines of credit (EA) receivables based on pools, which are segregated by the year of origination, with older years being deemed more unlikely to be repaid. These amounts as of October 31, 2015, by year of origination, are as follows:
(in 000s) | ||||
Credit Quality Indicator – Year of origination: | ||||
2015 | $ | 6,143 | ||
2014 and prior | 1,391 | |||
Revolving loans | 12,085 | |||
$ | 19,619 | |||
As of October 31, 2015 and 2014 and April 30, 2015, $18.2 million, $20.0 million and $18.7 million of EAs were on non-accrual status and classified as impaired, or more than 60 days past due, respectively.
H&R Block, Inc. | Q2 FY2016 Form 10-Q | 7 |
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS – Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for our short-term receivables for the six months ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
(in 000s) | ||||||||||||
EAs | All Other | Total | ||||||||||
Balances as of May 1, 2015 | $ | 7,353 | $ | 47,174 | $ | 54,527 | ||||||
Provision | 877 | 349 | 1,226 | |||||||||
Charge-offs | — | (2,413 | ) | (2,413 | ) | |||||||
Balances as of October 31, 2015 | $ | 8,230 | $ | 45,110 | $ | 53,340 | ||||||
Balances as of May 1, 2014 | $ | 7,530 | $ | 45,048 | $ | 52,578 | ||||||
Provision | 380 | 2,344 | 2,724 | |||||||||
Charge-offs | — | (3,556 | ) | (3,556 | ) | |||||||
Balances as of October 31, 2014 | $ | 7,910 | $ | 43,836 | $ | 51,746 | ||||||
NOTE 5: MORTGAGE LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT
The composition of our mortgage loan portfolio is as follows:
(dollars in 000s) | |||||||||||||||||||||
As of | October 31, 2015 | October 31, 2014 | April 30, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||
Amount | % of Total | Amount | % of Total | Amount | % of Total | ||||||||||||||||
Adjustable-rate loans | $ | 118,612 | 52 | % | $ | 138,808 | 54 | % | $ | 130,182 | 53 | % | |||||||||
Fixed-rate loans | 107,612 | 48 | % | 119,920 | 46 | % | 115,034 | 47 | % | ||||||||||||
226,224 | 100 | % | 258,728 | 100 | % | 245,216 | 100 | % | |||||||||||||
Unamortized deferred fees and costs | 1,859 | 2,125 | 2,008 | ||||||||||||||||||
Less: Allowance for loan losses | (7,412 | ) | (9,761 | ) | (7,886 | ) | |||||||||||||||
$ | 220,671 | $ | 251,092 | $ | 239,338 | ||||||||||||||||
Our loan loss allowance as a percent of mortgage loans was 3.3% as of October 31, 2015, compared to 3.8% as of October 31, 2014 and 3.2% as of April 30, 2015.
Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the six months ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
(in 000s) | ||||||||
Six months ended October 31, | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Balance at beginning of the period | $ | 7,886 | $ | 11,272 | ||||
Provision | (28 | ) | 735 | |||||
Recoveries | 1,050 | 911 | ||||||
Charge-offs | (1,496 | ) | (3,157 | ) | ||||
Balance at end of the period | $ | 7,412 | $ | 9,761 | ||||
Detail of the aging of the mortgage loans in our portfolio as of October 31, 2015 is as follows:
(in 000s) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less than 60 Days Past Due | 60 – 89 Days Past Due | 90+ Days Past Due(1) | Total Past Due | Current | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Purchased from SCC | $ | 8,803 | $ | 1,082 | $ | 43,608 | $ | 53,493 | $ | 80,543 | $ | 134,036 | ||||||||||||
All other | 3,213 | 199 | 6,107 | 9,519 | 82,669 | 92,188 | ||||||||||||||||||
$ | 12,016 | $ | 1,281 | $ | 49,715 | $ | 63,012 | $ | 163,212 | $ | 226,224 | |||||||||||||
(1) | We do not accrue interest on loans past due 90 days or more. |
8 | Q2 FY2016 Form 10-Q | H&R Block, Inc. |
NOTE 6: GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
(in 000s) | ||||||||||||
Goodwill | Accumulated Impairment Losses | Net | ||||||||||
Balances as of April 30, 2015 | $ | 474,128 | $ | (32,297 | ) | $ | 441,831 | |||||
Acquisitions | 1,852 | — | 1,852 | |||||||||
Disposals and foreign currency changes, net | (1,615 | ) | — | (1,615 | ) | |||||||
Impairments | — | — | — | |||||||||
Balances as of October 31, 2015 | $ | 474,365 | $ | (32,297 | ) | $ | 442,068 | |||||
Balances as of April 30, 2014 | $ | 468,414 | $ | (32,297 | ) | $ | 436,117 | |||||
Acquisitions | 28,378 | — | 28,378 | |||||||||
Disposals and foreign currency changes, net | (313 | ) | — | (313 | ) | |||||||
Impairments | — | — | — | |||||||||
Balances as of October 31, 2014 | $ | 496,479 | $ | (32,297 | ) | $ | 464,182 | |||||
The increase in goodwill during the period ended October 31, 2014, resulted from acquired franchisee and competitor businesses where the purchase price allocation had not been finalized. These allocations were finalized by the end of fiscal year 2015.
We test goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change which would, more likely than not, reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.
H&R Block, Inc. | Q2 FY2016 Form 10-Q | 9 |
Components of the intangible assets are as follows:
(in 000s) | ||||||||||||
Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net | ||||||||||
As of October 31, 2015: | ||||||||||||
Reacquired franchise rights | $ | 316,142 | $ | (56,731 | ) | $ | 259,411 | |||||
Customer relationships | 182,137 | (89,340 | ) | 92,797 | ||||||||
Internally-developed software | 123,263 | (88,091 | ) | 35,172 | ||||||||
Noncompete agreements | 32,428 | (24,632 | ) | 7,796 | ||||||||
Franchise agreements | 19,201 | (8,854 | ) | 10,347 | ||||||||
Purchased technology | 54,700 | (22,877 | ) | 31,823 | ||||||||
Acquired assets pending final allocation (1) | 28,878 | — | 28,878 | |||||||||
$ | 756,749 | $ | (290,525 | ) | $ | 466,224 | ||||||
As of October 31, 2014: | ||||||||||||
Reacquired franchise rights | $ | 278,159 | $ | (33,721 | ) | $ | 244,438 | |||||
Customer relationships | 148,407 | (66,714 | ) | 81,693 | ||||||||
Internally-developed software | 110,140 | (77,925 | ) | 32,215 | ||||||||
Noncompete agreements | 28,960 | (22,774 | ) | 6,186 | ||||||||
Franchise agreements | 19,201 | (7,574 | ) | 11,627 | ||||||||
Purchased technology | 54,700 | (16,814 | ) | 37,886 | ||||||||
$ | 639,567 | $ | (225,522 | ) | $ | 414,045 | ||||||
As of April 30, 2015: | ||||||||||||
Reacquired franchise rights | $ | 294,647 | $ | (46,180 | ) | $ | 248,467 | |||||
Customer relationships | 170,851 | (78,157 | ) | 92,694 | ||||||||
Internally-developed software | 118,865 | (80,689 | ) | 38,176 | ||||||||
Noncompete agreements | 30,630 | (23,666 | ) | 6,964 | ||||||||
Franchise agreements | 19,201 | (8,214 | ) | 10,987 | ||||||||
Purchased technology | 54,700 | (19,846 | ) | 34,854 | ||||||||
$ | 688,894 | $ | (256,752 | ) | $ | 432,142 | ||||||
(1) Represents recent business acquisitions, for which final purchase price allocations have not yet been determined.
Amortization of intangible assets for the three and six months ended October 31, 2015 was $17.9 million and $34.5 million, respectively. Amortization of intangible assets for the three and six months ended October 31, 2014 was $13.2 million and $24.5 million, respectively. Estimated amortization of intangible assets for fiscal years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 is $68.8 million, $61.9 million, $54.2 million, $42.2 million and $31.1 million, respectively.
NOTE 7: LONG-TERM DEBT
The components of long-term debt are as follows:
(in 000s) | ||||||||||||
As of | October 31, 2015 | October 31, 2014 | April 30, 2015 | |||||||||
Senior Notes, 4.125%, due October 2020 | $ | 647,918 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
Senior Notes, 5.500%, due November 2022 | 498,034 | 497,753 | 497,894 | |||||||||
Senior Notes, 5.250%, due October 2025 | 348,959 | — | — | |||||||||
Capital lease obligation | 7,835 | 8,607 | 8,194 | |||||||||
1,502,746 | 506,360 | 506,088 | ||||||||||
Less: Current portion | (808 | ) | (772 | ) | (790 | ) | ||||||
$ | 1,501,938 | $ | 505,588 | $ | 505,298 | |||||||
10 | Q2 FY2016 Form 10-Q | H&R Block, Inc. |
On September 25, 2015, we issued $650.0 million of 4.125% Senior Notes due October 1, 2020 (2020 Senior Notes), and $350.0 million of 5.250% Senior Notes due October 1, 2025 (2025 Senior Notes). The Senior Notes are not redeemable by the bondholders prior to maturity, although we have the right to redeem some or all of these notes at any time, at specified redemption prices. Proceeds of the 2020 Senior Notes and 2025 Senior Notes, along with cash on hand, were used to repurchase shares, as discussed in note 3.
In September 2015, we terminated our previous committed line of credit agreement and entered into a new Credit and Guarantee Agreement (2015 CLOC). The 2015 CLOC provides for an unsecured senior revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of $2.0 billion, which includes a $200.0 million sublimit for swingline loans and a $100.0 million sublimit for standby letters of credit. We may request increases in the aggregate principal amount of the revolving credit facility of up to $500.0 million, subject to obtaining commitments from lenders therefor and meeting certain other conditions. The 2015 CLOC will mature on September 21, 2020, unless extended pursuant to the terms of the 2015 CLOC, at which time all outstanding amounts thereunder will be due and payable. The 2015 CLOC includes an annual facility fee, which will vary depending our then current credit ratings.
The 2015 CLOC is subject to various conditions, triggers, events or occurrences that could result in earlier termination and contains customary representations, warranties, covenants and events of default, including, without limitation: (1) a covenant requiring the Company to maintain a debt-to-EBITDA ratio calculated on a consolidated basis of no greater than (a) 3.50 to 1.00 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter ending on April 30, July 31, and October 31 of each year and (b) 4.50 to 1.00 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter ending on January 31 of each year; (2) a covenant requiring us to maintain an interest coverage (EBITDA-to-interest expense) ratio calculated on a consolidated basis of not less than 2.50 to 1.00 as of the last date of any fiscal quarter; and (3) covenants restricting our ability to incur additional debt, incur liens, merge or consolidate with other companies, sell or dispose of assets (including equity interests), liquidate or dissolve, engage in certain transactions with affiliates or enter into certain restrictive agreements. The 2015 CLOC includes provisions for an equity cure which could potentially allow us to independently cure certain defaults. Proceeds under the 2015 CLOC may be used for working capital needs or for other general corporate purposes. We had no outstanding balance under the 2015 CLOC as of October 31, 2015.
NOTE 8: FAIR VALUE
ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments are as follows:
(in 000s) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of | October 31, 2015 | October 31, 2014 | April 30, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Carrying Amount | Estimated Fair Value | Carrying Amount | Estimated Fair Value | Carrying Amount | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 360,681 | $ | 360,681 | $ | 627,490 | $ | 627,490 | $ | 2,007,190 | $ | 2,007,190 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents - restricted | 42,781 | 42,781 | 55,543 | 55,543 | 91,972 | 91,972 | ||||||||||||||||||
Receivables, net - short-term | 94,760 | 94,760 | 107,705 | 107,705 | 167,964 | 167,964 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage loans held for investment, net | 220,671 | 180,437 | 251,092 | 192,411 | 239,338 | 190,196 | ||||||||||||||||||
Investments in AFS securities | 3,173 | 3,173 | 390,954 | 390,954 | 441,709 | 441,709 | ||||||||||||||||||
Receivables, net - long-term | 75,275 | 75,275 | 101,805 | 101,805 | 80,867 | 80,867 | ||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer banking deposits | — | — | 455,308 | 452,351 | 744,699 | 737,261 | ||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt | 1,502,746 | 1,553,633 | 506,360 | 550,332 | 506,088 | 556,769 | ||||||||||||||||||
Contingent consideration payments | 11,932 | 11,932 | 10,555 | 10,555 | 10,667 | 10,667 | ||||||||||||||||||
H&R Block, Inc. | Q2 FY2016 Form 10-Q | 11 |
Fair value estimates, methods and assumptions are set forth below. The fair value was not estimated for assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.
▪ | Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted - Fair value approximates the carrying amount (Level 1). |
▪ | Receivables, net - short-term - For short-term balances the carrying values reported in the balance sheet approximate fair market value due to the relative short-term nature of the respective instruments (Level 1). |
▪ | Mortgage loans held for investment, net - The fair value of mortgage loans held for investment is estimated using a third-party pricing service. The fair value is determined using the present value of expected future cash flows at the asset level, assuming future prepayments and using discount factors determined by prices obtained for residential loans with similar characteristics in the secondary market, as discounted for illiquid assets. Quarterly, we perform analytics to assess the reasonableness of the fair value received from the third-party pricing service based on changes in the portfolio and changes in market conditions. We evaluate whether adjustments to third-party pricing is necessary and historically, we have not made adjustments to prices obtained from our third-party pricing service (Level 3). |
▪ | Investments in AFS securities - For mortgage-backed securities, we historically used a third-party pricing service to determine fair value. The service's pricing model was based on market data and utilizes available trade, bid and other market information for similar securities (Level 2). The fair value of our investment in common stock was determined based on quoted market prices (Level 1). |
▪ | Receivables, net - long-term - The carrying values for the long-term portion of loans to franchisees approximate fair market value due to variable interest rates, low historical delinquency rates and franchise territories serving as collateral (Level 1). Long-term EA receivables are carried at net realizable value which approximates fair value (Level 3). Net realizable value is determined based on historical collection rates. |
▪ | Customer banking deposits - The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest-bearing demand deposits, checking, money market and savings accounts, was equal to the amount payable on demand (Level 1). The fair value of IRAs and other time deposits was estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates currently offered by HRB Bank for products with similar remaining maturities (Level 3). |
▪ | Long-term debt - The fair value of our Senior Notes is based on quotes from multiple banks (Level 2). |
▪ | Contingent consideration payments - Fair value approximates the carrying amount (Level 3). |
NOTE 9: INCOME TAXES
We file a consolidated federal income tax return in the United States (U.S.) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and file tax returns in various state and foreign jurisdictions. Tax returns are typically examined and settled upon completion of the examination, with tax controversies settled either at the exam level or through the appeals process. The Company currently does not have a U.S. federal return under examination; however, our U.S. federal return for calendar 2013 and future returns for all subsequent periods are open to examination. Additionally, the Company is either currently under examination or open to examination in all U.S. states that impose a corporate income tax.
We had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $96.6 million, $112.9 million and $86.3 million as of October 31, 2015 and 2014 and April 30, 2015, respectively. The gross unrecognized tax benefits increased $10.3 million and $1.4 million during the six months ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in unrecognized tax benefits during the six months ending October 31, 2015 is related to various current year federal and state tax positions offset by a law change enacted in the state of Missouri which resulted in a clarification of certain prior year state income tax positions allowing a reduction in certain prior year state income tax reserves.
We believe it is reasonably possible that the balance of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $14.5 million within the next twelve months. The anticipated decrease is due to the expiration of statutes of limitations and anticipated closure of various state matters currently under exam. The portion of unrecognized benefits expected to be cash settled within the next twelve months amounts to $8.5 million and is included in accrued income taxes on our consolidated balance sheet. The remaining liability for uncertain tax positions is classified as long-term and is included in deferred tax liabilities and reserves for uncertain tax positions on the consolidated balance sheet.
12 | Q2 FY2016 Form 10-Q | H&R Block, Inc. |
Consistent with prior years, our pretax loss for the six months ended October 31, 2015 is expected to be offset by income in the fourth quarter due to the established pattern of seasonality in our primary business operations. As such, management has determined that it is more-likely-than-not that realization of tax benefits recorded in our financial statements will occur within our fiscal year. The amount of tax benefit recorded reflects management's estimate of the annual effective tax rate applied to the year-to-date loss from continuing operations. Certain discrete tax adjustments are also reflected in income tax expense for the periods presented.
A discrete income tax benefit of $26.6 million was recorded in the six months ended October 31, 2015, compared to a discrete tax benefit of $12.1 million in the same period of the prior year. The discrete tax benefit recorded in the current fiscal year resulted primarily from a law change enacted in the state of Missouri which provides us the ability to reduce tax expense related to income from our two prior fiscal years that was included on timely filed state tax returns for calendar year 2014 and will be timely filed for the 2015 tax return. The prior fiscal year discrete tax benefit was due largely to tax reserves released resulting from the expiration of statutory limitation periods.
Excluding discrete items, management's estimate of the annualized effective tax rate for the six months ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 was 37.5% and 37.8%, respectively. Our effective tax rate for continuing operations, including the effects of discrete income tax items was 43.7% and 41.0% for the six months ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Due to the loss in both periods, a discrete tax benefit in either period increases the tax rate while an item of discrete tax expense decreases the tax rate. The impact of discrete tax items combined with the seasonal nature of our business can cause the effective tax rate through our second quarter to be significantly different than the rate for our full fiscal year.
NOTE 10: OTHER INCOME AND OTHER EXPENSES
The following table shows the components of other income and other expenses:
(in 000s) | ||||||||||||||||
Three months ended October 31, | Six months ended October 31, | |||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||
Other income, net: | ||||||||||||||||
Mortgage loans and real estate owned | $ | 34 | $ | — | $ | 34 | $ | — | ||||||||
Interest and gains on AFS securities | 8,768 | — | 8,768 | — | ||||||||||||
Other | 1,703 | — | 2,136 | 523 | ||||||||||||
$ | 10,505 | $ | — | $ | 10,938 | $ | 523 | |||||||||
Other expenses, net: | ||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency losses | $ | (23 | ) | $ | (1,807 | ) | $ | (4,622 | ) | $ | (1,807 | ) | ||||
Other | (187 | ) | (475 | ) | (573 | ) | (1,679 | ) | ||||||||
$ | (210 | ) | $ | (2,282 | ) | $ | (5,195 | ) | $ | (3,486 | ) | |||||
In connection with our deregistration as an SLHC, as discussed further in note 2, we no longer present interest income on mortgage loans held for investment and various other investments as revenues. Effective September 1, 2015, these amounts are prospectively reported in other income on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
NOTE 11: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Changes in deferred revenue balances related to our Peace of Mind® Extended Service Plan (POM), which is included in deferred revenue and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, are as follows:
(in 000s) | ||||||||
Six months ended October 31, | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Balance, beginning of the period | $ | 158,169 | $ | 145,237 | ||||
Amounts deferred for new extended service plans issued | 2,437 | 2,104 | ||||||
Revenue recognized on previous deferrals | (47,028 | ) | (40,816 | ) | ||||
Balance, end of the period | $ | 113,578 | $ | 106,525 | ||||
H&R Block, Inc. | Q2 FY2016 Form 10-Q | 13 |
We accrued $6.8 million, $10.7 million and $8.4 million as of October 31, 2015 and 2014 and April 30, 2015, respectively, related to estimated losses under our standard guarantee, which is included with our standard in-office tax preparation services. The short-term and long-term portions of this liability are included in deferred revenue and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. For POM in franchise offices, we deferred revenue of $0.2 million, and recognized revenue of $7.9 million during the six months ended October 31, 2015. At October 31, 2015, our deferred revenue related to POM in franchise offices totaled $23.9 million.
We have accrued estimated contingent consideration payments totaling $11.9 million, $10.6 million and $10.7 million as of October 31, 2015 and 2014 and April 30, 2015, respectively, related to acquisitions, with the short-term amount recorded in deferred revenue and other liabilities. Estimates of contingent payments are typically based on expected financial performance of the acquired business and economic conditions at the time of acquisition. Should actual results differ from our assumptions, future payments made will differ from the above estimate and any differences will be recorded in results from continuing operations.
We have contractual commitments to fund certain franchises with approved revolving lines of credit. Our total obligation under these lines of credit was $74.0 million at October 31, 2015, and net of amounts drawn and outstanding, our remaining commitment to fund totaled $32.9 million.
NOTE 12: LITIGATION AND RELATED CONTINGENCIES
We are a defendant in numerous litigation matters, arising both in the ordinary course of business and otherwise, including as described below. The matters described below are not all of the lawsuits to which we are subject. In some of the matters, very large or indeterminate amounts, including punitive damages, are sought. U.S. jurisdictions permit considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief. Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the court. In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters. We believe that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or a claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value due to this variability in pleadings and our experience in litigating or resolving through settlement of numerous claims over an extended period of time.
The outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may be difficult to ascertain. Among other things, uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law.
In addition to litigation matters, we are also subject to claims and other loss contingencies arising out of our business activities, including as described below.
We accrue liabilities for litigation, claims and other loss contingencies and any related settlements (each referred to, individually, as a "matter" and, collectively, as "matters") when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Liabilities have been accrued for a number of the matters noted below. If a range of loss is estimated, and some amount within that range appears to be a better estimate than any other amount within that range, then that amount is accrued. If no amount within the range can be identified as a better estimate than any other amount, we accrue the minimum amount in the range.
For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, or the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, no accrual has been made. It is possible that such matters could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures or accrue liabilities in amounts that could not be reasonably estimated as of October 31, 2015. While the potential future liabilities could be material in the particular quarterly or annual periods in which they are recorded, based on information currently known, we do not believe any such liabilities are likely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. As of October 31, 2015 and 2014 and April 30, 2015, we accrued liabilities of $6.2 million, $10.3 million and $8.9 million, respectively, for matters addressed in this note.
For some matters where a liability has not been accrued, we are able to estimate a reasonably possible loss or range of loss. This estimated range of reasonably possible loss is based upon currently available information and is
14 | Q2 FY2016 Form 10-Q | H&R Block, Inc. |
subject to significant judgment and a variety of assumptions, as well as known and unknown uncertainties. The matters underlying the estimated range will change from time to time, and actual results may vary significantly from the current estimate. Those matters for which an estimate is not reasonably possible are not included within this estimated range. Therefore, this estimated range of reasonably possible loss represents what we believe to be an estimate of reasonably possible loss only for certain matters meeting these criteria. It does not represent our maximum loss exposure. For those matters, and for matters where a liability has been accrued, as of October 31, 2015, we believe the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued is not material.
For other matters, we are not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. We are often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by courts on motions or appeals, analysis by experts, or the status of any settlement negotiations.
On a quarterly and annual basis, we review relevant information with respect to litigation and other loss contingencies and update our accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible loss or range of loss based on such reviews. Costs incurred with defending matters are expensed as incurred. Any receivable for insurance recoveries is recorded separately from the corresponding liability, and only if recovery is determined to be probable and reasonably estimable.
We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims asserted in the various matters described in this note, and we intend to defend them vigorously, but there can be no assurances as to their outcomes. In the event of unfavorable outcomes, it could require modifications to our operations; in addition, the amounts that may be required to be paid to discharge or settle the matters could be substantial and could have a material adverse impact on our business and consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
LITIGATION, CLAIMS, INCLUDING INDEMNIFICATION CLAIMS, OR OTHER LOSS CONTINGENCIES PERTAINING TO DISCONTINUED MORTGAGE OPERATIONS – Although SCC ceased its mortgage loan origination activities in December 2007 and sold its loan servicing business in April 2008, SCC or the Company has been, remains, or may in the future be subject to litigation, claims, including indemnification and contribution claims, and other loss contingencies pertaining to SCC's mortgage business activities that occurred prior to such termination and sale. These contingencies, claims and lawsuits include actions by regulators, third parties seeking indemnification, including depositors, underwriters and securitization trustees, individual plaintiffs, and cases in which plaintiffs seek to represent a class of others alleged to be similarly situated. Among other things, these contingencies, claims and lawsuits allege or may allege discriminatory or unfair and deceptive loan origination and servicing (including debt collection, foreclosure and eviction) practices, other common law torts, rights to indemnification and contribution, breach of contract, violations of securities laws and a variety of federal statutes, including the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Housing Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), Home Ownership & Equity Protection Act (HOEPA), as well as similar state statutes. Given the impact of the financial crisis on the non-prime mortgage environment, the aggregate volume of these matters is substantial although it is difficult to predict either the likelihood of new matters being initiated or the outcome of existing matters. In many of these matters, including certain of the lawsuits and claims described below, it is not possible to estimate a reasonably possible loss or range of loss due to, among other things, the inherent uncertainties involved in these matters, some of which are beyond the Company's control, and the indeterminate damages sought in some of these matters.
On May 31, 2012, a lawsuit was filed by Homeward Residential, Inc. (Homeward) in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, against SCC styled Homeward Residential, Inc. v. Sand Canyon Corporation (Index No. 651885/2012). SCC removed the case to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on June 28, 2012 (Case No. 12-cv-5067). The plaintiff, in its capacity as the master servicer for Option One Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-2 and for the benefit of the trustee and the certificate holders of such trust, asserts claims for breach of contract, anticipatory breach, indemnity and declaratory judgment in connection with alleged losses incurred as a result of the breach of representations and warranties relating to SCC and to loans sold to the trust. The plaintiff seeks specific performance of alleged repurchase obligations or damages to compensate the trust and its certificate holders for alleged actual and anticipated losses, as well as a repurchase of all loans due to alleged misrepresentations by SCC as to itself and as to the loans' compliance with its underwriting standards and the value of underlying real estate. In response to a motion filed by SCC, the court dismissed the plaintiff's claims for breach of the duty to cure or repurchase,
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anticipatory breach, indemnity, and declaratory judgment. The case is proceeding on the remaining claims. We have not concluded that a loss related to this matter is probable, nor have we accrued a liability related to this matter.
On September 28, 2012, a second lawsuit was filed by Homeward in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against SCC styled Homeward Residential, Inc. v. Sand Canyon Corporation (Case No. 12-cv-7319). The plaintiff, in its capacity as the master servicer for Option One Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-3 and for the benefit of the trustee and the certificate holders of such trust, asserts claims for breach of contract and indemnity in connection with losses allegedly incurred as a result of the breach of representations and warranties relating to 96 loans sold to the trust. The plaintiff seeks specific performance of alleged repurchase obligations or damages to compensate the trust and its certificate holders for alleged actual and anticipated losses. In response to a motion filed by SCC, the court dismissed the plaintiff's claims for breach of the duty to cure or repurchase and for indemnification of its costs associated with the litigation. The case is proceeding on the remaining claims. We have not concluded that a loss related to this matter is probable, nor have we accrued a liability related to this matter.
On April 5, 2013, a third lawsuit was filed by Homeward in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against SCC. The suit, styled Homeward Residential, Inc. v. Sand Canyon Corporation (Case No. 13-cv-2107), was filed as a related matter to the September 2012 Homeward suit mentioned above. In this April 2013 lawsuit, the plaintiff, in its capacity as the master servicer for Option One Mortgage Loan Trust 2007-4 and for the benefit of the trustee and the certificate holders of such trust, asserts claims for breach of contract and indemnity in connection with losses allegedly incurred as a result of the breach of representations and warranties relating to 159 loans sold to the trust. The plaintiff seeks specific performance of alleged repurchase obligations or damages to compensate the trust and its certificate holders for alleged actual and anticipated losses. In response to a motion filed by SCC, the court dismissed the plaintiff's claims for breach of the duty to cure or repurchase and for indemnification of its costs associated with the litigation. The case is proceeding on the remaining claims. We have not concluded that a loss related to this matter is probable, nor have we accrued a liability related to this matter.
Underwriters and depositors are, or have been, involved in multiple lawsuits related to securitization transactions in which SCC participated. These lawsuits allege or alleged a variety of claims, including violations of federal and state securities laws and common law fraud, based on alleged materially inaccurate or misleading disclosures. Based on information currently available to SCC, it believes that the 21 lawsuits in which notice of a claim has been made involve 38 securitization transactions with original investments of approximately $14 billion (of which the outstanding principal amount is approximately $4 billion). Because SCC has not been a party to these lawsuits (with the exception of Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago v. Bank of America Funding Corporation, et al., filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (Case No. 10CH45033)), and has not had control of this litigation or any settlements thereof, SCC does not have precise information about the amount of damages or other remedies being asserted, the defenses to the claims in such lawsuits or the terms of any settlements of such lawsuits. SCC therefore cannot reasonably estimate the amount of potential losses or associated fees and expenses that may be incurred in connection with such lawsuits, which may be material. Additional lawsuits against the underwriters or depositors may be filed in the future, and SCC may receive additional notices of claims for indemnification from underwriters or depositors with respect to existing or new lawsuits or settlements of such lawsuits. Certain of the notices received included, and future notices may include, a reservation of rights, which are referred to as "reserved contribution rights," that encompasses a right of contribution which may become operative if indemnification is unavailable or insufficient to cover all of the losses and expenses involved. We have not concluded that a loss related to any of these indemnification claims or reserved contribution rights is probable, nor have we accrued a liability related to any of these claims or rights.
Securitization trustees also are, or have been, involved in lawsuits related to securitization transactions in which SCC participated. These lawsuits allege or alleged a variety of claims, including claims that originators, depositors, and other parties breached their representations and warranties, and securitization trustees failed to properly protect the certificate holders’ interests in that regard. In connection with a lawsuit against a securitization trustee, SCC has received a notice of potential indemnification obligations for one securitization with alleged losses in the amount of approximately $91 million. SCC may receive additional notices for indemnification with respect to existing or new lawsuits or settlements of such lawsuits. We have not concluded that a loss related to any indemnification claims by securitization trustees is probable, nor have we accrued a liability for such claims.
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LITIGATION, CLAIMS OR OTHER LOSS CONTINGENCIES PERTAINING TO CONTINUING OPERATIONS –
Compliance Fee Litigation. On April 16, 2012, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against us in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri styled Manuel H. Lopez III v. H&R Block, Inc., et al. (Case # 1216CV12290) concerning a compliance fee charged to retail tax clients in the 2011 and 2012 tax seasons. The plaintiff seeks to represent all Missouri citizens who were charged the compliance fee, and asserts claims of violation of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, money had and received, and unjust enrichment. We filed a motion to compel arbitration of the 2011 claims. The court denied the motion. We filed an appeal. On May 6, 2014, the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, reversed the ruling of the trial court and remanded the case for further consideration of the motion. On March 12, 2015, the trial court denied the motion on remand. We filed an appeal, which remains pending. We have not concluded that a loss related to this matter is probable, nor have we accrued a loss contingency related to this matter.
On April 19, 2012, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against us in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri styled Ronald Perras v. H&R Block, Inc., et al. (Case No. 4:12-cv-00450-DGK) concerning a compliance fee charged to retail tax clients in the 2011 and 2012 tax seasons. The plaintiff seeks to represent all persons nationwide (excluding citizens of Missouri) who were charged the compliance fee, and asserts claims of violation of various state consumer laws, money had and received, and unjust enrichment. In November 2013, the court compelled arbitration of the 2011 claims and stayed all proceedings with respect to those claims. In June 2014, the court denied class certification of the remaining 2012 claims. Plaintiff filed an appeal with the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, which was denied on June 18, 2015. The Eighth Circuit denied plaintiff's subsequent petition for rehearing on August 7, 2015. We have not concluded that a loss related to this matter is probable, nor have we accrued a loss contingency related to this matter.
Form 8863 Litigation. A series of putative class action lawsuits were filed against us in various federal courts and one state court beginning on March 13, 2013. Taken together, the plaintiffs in these lawsuits purport to represent certain clients nationwide who filed Form 8863 during tax season 2013 through an H&R Block office or using H&R Block At Home® online tax services or desktop tax preparation software, and allege breach of contract, negligence and violation of state consumer laws in connection with transmission of the form. The plaintiffs seek damages, pre-judgment interest, attorneys' fees and costs. In August 2013, the plaintiff in the state court action voluntarily dismissed her case without prejudice. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation subsequently granted our petition to consolidate the remaining federal lawsuits for coordinated pretrial proceedings in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri in a proceeding styled IN RE: H&R BLOCK IRS FORM 8863 LITIGATION (MDL No. 2474/Case No. 4:13-MD-02474-FJG). On July 11, 2014, the MDL court granted our motion to compel arbitration for those named plaintiffs who agreed to arbitrate their claims. Plaintiffs filed a consolidated class action complaint in October 2014. We filed a motion to strike the class allegations relating to those clients who agreed to arbitration, which the court granted on January 7, 2015. The cases remain stayed with respect to the individual plaintiffs who agreed to arbitration. A portion of our loss contingency accrual is related to this matter for the amount of loss that we consider probable and reasonably estimable.
LITIGATION, CLAIMS AND OTHER LOSS CONTINGENCIES PERTAINING TO OTHER DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS –
Express IRA Litigation. On January 2, 2008, the Mississippi Attorney General in the Chancery Court of Hinds County, Mississippi First Judicial District (Case No. G 2008 6 S 2) filed a lawsuit regarding our former Express IRA product that is styled Jim Hood, Attorney for the State of Mississippi v. H&R Block, Inc., H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc., et al. The complaint alleges fraudulent business practices, deceptive acts and practices, common law fraud and breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the sale of the product in Mississippi and seeks equitable relief, disgorgement of profits, damages and restitution, civil penalties and punitive damages.
Although we sold H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc. (HRBFA) effective November 1, 2008, we remain responsible for any liabilities relating to the Express IRA litigation, among other things, through an indemnification agreement. A portion of our accrual is related to these indemnity obligations.
OTHER – We are from time to time a party to litigation, claims and other loss contingencies not discussed herein arising out of our business operations. These matters may include actions by state attorneys general, other state regulators, federal regulators, individual plaintiffs, and cases in which plaintiffs seek to represent a class of others similarly situated.
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While we cannot provide assurance that we will ultimately prevail in each instance, we believe the amount, if any, we are required to pay to discharge or settle these other matters will not have a material adverse impact on our business or our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims asserted in the various matters described in this note, and we intend to defend them vigorously. The amounts claimed in the matters are substantial, however, and there can be no assurances as to their outcomes. In the event of unfavorable outcomes, it could require modifications to our operations; in addition, the amounts that may be required to be paid to discharge or settle the matters could be substantial and could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
NOTE 13: LOSS CONTINGENCIES ARISING FROM REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF OUR DISCONTINUED MORTGAGE OPERATIONS
SCC ceased originating mortgage loans in December 2007 and, in April 2008, sold its servicing assets and discontinued its remaining operations.
Mortgage loans originated by SCC were sold either as whole loans to single third-party buyers, who generally securitized such loans, or in the form of residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBSs). In connection with the sale of loans and/or RMBSs, SCC made certain representations and warranties. Claims under these representations and warranties together with any settlement arrangements related to these losses are collectively referred to as "representation and warranty claims." These representations and warranties varied based on the nature of the transaction and the buyer's or insurer's requirements, but generally pertained to the ownership of the loan, the validity of the lien securing the loan, borrower fraud, the loan's compliance with the criteria for inclusion in the transaction, including compliance with SCC's underwriting standards or loan criteria established by the buyer, ability to deliver required documentation, and compliance with applicable laws. Representations and warranties related to borrower fraud in whole loan sale transactions to institutional investors, which were generally securitized by such investors and represented approximately 68% of the disposal of loans originated in calendar years 2005, 2006 and 2007, included a "knowledge qualifier" limiting SCC's liability to those instances where SCC had knowledge of the fraud at the time the loans were sold. Representations and warranties made in other sale transactions effectively did not include a knowledge qualifier as to borrower fraud. SCC believes it would have an obligation to repurchase a loan only if it breached a representation and warranty and such breach materially and adversely affects the value of the mortgage loan or certificate holder's interest in the mortgage loan.
Representation and warranty claims received by SCC have primarily related to alleged breaches of representations and warranties related to a loan's compliance with the underwriting standards established by SCC at origination and borrower fraud for loans originated in calendar years 2006 and 2007. SCC has received claims representing an original principal amount of $2.6 billion since May 1, 2008, of which $1.9 billion were received prior to fiscal year 2013.
SETTLEMENT ACTIONS – SCC has entered into tolling agreements with counterparties that have made a significant portion of previously denied representation and warranty claims. These tolling agreements toll the running of any applicable statute of limitations related to potential lawsuits regarding representation and warranty claims and other claims against SCC.
SCC has engaged in discussions with these counterparties since fiscal year 2013 regarding the bulk settlement of previously denied and potential future claims. Based on settlement discussions with these counterparties, SCC believes a bulk settlement approach, rather than the loan-by-loan resolution process, will be needed to resolve all of the representation and warranty and other claims that are the subject of these discussions. On December 5, 2014, SCC entered into a settlement agreement to resolve certain of these claims. The amount paid under the settlement agreement was fully covered by prior accruals. In the event that the ongoing efforts to settle are not successful, SCC believes claim volumes may increase or litigation may result.
SCC will continue to vigorously contest any request for repurchase when it has concluded that a valid basis for repurchase does not exist. SCC's decision whether to engage in bulk settlement discussions is based on factors that vary by counterparty or type of counterparty and include the considerations used by SCC in determining its loss estimate, described below under "Liability for Estimated Contingent Losses."
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LIABILITY FOR ESTIMATED CONTINGENT LOSSES – SCC accrues a liability for losses related to representation and warranty claims when those losses are believed to be both probable and reasonably estimable. Development of loss estimates is subject to a high degree of management judgment and estimates may vary significantly period to period. SCC's loss estimate as of October 31, 2015, is based on the best information currently available, significant management judgment, and a number of factors that are subject to change, including developments in case law and the factors mentioned below. These factors include the terms of prior bulk settlements, the terms expected to result from ongoing bulk settlement discussions, and an assessment of, among other things, historical claim results, threatened claims, terms and provisions of related agreements, counterparty willingness to pursue a settlement, legal standing of counterparties to provide a comprehensive settlement, bulk settlement methodologies used and publicly disclosed by other market participants, the potential pro-rata realization of the claims as compared to all claims and other relevant facts and circumstances when developing its estimate of probable loss. SCC believes that the most significant of these factors are the terms expected to result from ongoing bulk settlement discussions, which have been primarily influenced by the bulk settlement methodologies used and publicly disclosed by other market participants and the anticipated pro-rata realization of the claims of particular counterparties as compared to the anticipated realization if all claims and litigation were resolved together with payment of SCC's related administration and legal expense. Changes in any one of the factors mentioned above could significantly impact the estimate.
The liability is included in deferred revenue and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. A rollforward of SCC's accrued liability for these loss contingencies is as follows:
(in 000s) | ||||||||
Six months ended October 31, | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Balance, beginning of the period | $ | 149,765 | $ | 183,765 | ||||
Provisions | 4,000 | 10,000 | ||||||
Payments | — | — | ||||||
Balance, end of the period | $ | 153,765 | $ | 193,765 | ||||
On June 11, 2015, the New York Court of Appeals, New York's highest appellate court, upheld the New York intermediate appellate court in ACE Securities Corp. v. DB Structured Products, Inc., that the six-year statute of limitations under New York law starts to run at the time the representations and warranties are made, not the date when the repurchase demand was denied. This decision applies to claims and lawsuits brought against SCC where New York law governs. New York law governs many, though not all, of the RMBS transactions into which SCC entered. However this decision would not affect representation and warranty claims and lawsuits SCC has received or may receive, for example, where the statute of limitations has been tolled by agreement or a suit was timely filed. It is possible that in response to the statute of limitations rulings in the ACE case and similar rulings in other state and federal courts, parties seeking to pursue representation and warranty claims or lawsuits with respect to trusts where the statute of limitations for representation and warranty claims against the originator has run, may seek to distinguish certain aspects of the ACE decision, pursue alternate legal theories of recovery or assert claims against other contractual parties such as securitization trustees. For example, a recent ruling by a New York intermediate appellate court allowed a counterparty to pursue litigation on additional loans in the same trust even though only some of the loans complied with the condition precedent of timely pre-suit notice and opportunity to cure or repurchase. The impact on SCC, if any, from alternative legal theories seeking to avoid or distinguish the ACE decision, or judicial limitations on the ACE decision, is unclear. SCC has not accrued liabilities for claims not subject to a tolling arrangement or not asserted prior to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations.
SCC believes it is reasonably possible that future losses related to representation and warranty claims may vary from amounts accrued for these exposures. SCC currently believes the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued is not material. This estimated range is based on the best information currently available, significant management judgment and a number of factors that are subject to change, including developments in case law and the factors mentioned above. The actual loss that may be incurred could differ materially from our accrual or the estimate of reasonably possible losses.
As described more fully in note 12, losses may also be incurred with respect to various indemnification claims or reserved contribution rights by underwriters, depositors and securitization trustees in securitization transactions in which SCC participated. Losses from these indemnification claims or reserved contribution rights are frequently not
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subject to a stated term or limit. We have not concluded that a loss related to any of these indemnification claims or reserved contribution rights is probable, have not accrued a liability for these claims or rights and are not able to estimate a reasonably possible loss or range of loss for these claims or rights. Accordingly, neither the accrued liability described above totaling $153.8 million, nor the estimated range of reasonably possible losses in excess of the amount accrued described above, includes any possible losses which may arise from these indemnification claims or reserved contribution rights. There can be no assurances as to the outcome or impact of these indemnification claims or reserved contribution rights. In the event of unfavorable outcomes on these claims or rights, the amount required to discharge or settle them could be substantial and could have a material adverse impact on our business and our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
If the amount that SCC is ultimately required to pay with respect to claims and litigation related to its past sales and securitizations of mortgage loans, together with payment of SCC's related administration and legal expense, exceeds SCC's net assets, the creditors of SCC, or a bankruptcy trustee if SCC were to file or be forced into bankruptcy, may attempt to assert claims against us for payment of SCC's obligations. Claimants may also attempt to assert claims or seek payment directly from the Company even if SCC's assets exceed its liabilities. SCC's principal assets, as of October 31, 2015, total approximately $479 million and consist primarily of an intercompany note receivable and a deferred tax asset. We believe our legal position is strong on any potential corporate veil-piercing arguments; however, if this position is challenged and not upheld, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
NOTE 14: SEGMENT INFORMATION
We operate as a single segment offering tax preparation and related services and products to clients in our offices or through H&R Block tax software, either online or using our desktop software or mobile applications. Revenues of our continuing operations are as follows:
(in 000s) | ||||||||||||||||
Three months ended October 31, | Six months ended October 31, | |||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||
REVENUES : | ||||||||||||||||
Tax preparation fees: | ||||||||||||||||
U.S. assisted | $ | 36,403 | $ | 31,926 | $ | 63,688 | $ | 57,415 | ||||||||
International | 35,340 | 42,831 | 71,058 | 84,287 | ||||||||||||
U.S. digital | 3,469 | 2,892 | 6,648 | 5,824 | ||||||||||||