H&R Block Reports Fiscal 2009 First Quarter Results

Company Reports Net Loss From Continuing Operations of $0.40 per Share Compared to Prior Period Loss of $0.34 per Share; Consolidated Loss Improves to $0.41 per Share; Loss From Discontinued Operations Improves Significantly

H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) today reported a net loss from continuing operations for the fiscal 2009 first quarter ended July 31, 2008 of $129.4 million, or 40 cents per share compared to a loss of $109.8 million, or 34 cents in the first quarter a year ago. Improved off-season results from Tax Services were offset by a loss in the Consumer Financial Services segment, mainly due to an approximately $20.4 million increase in loss reserves and asset write-downs at H&R Block Bank. The company typically reports a first-quarter operating loss primarily because of seasonality within its Tax Services and Business Services segments.

"Compared with a year ago, operating results have improved, and losses from discontinued operations have diminished significantly. The decision to take additional loss reserves against the Bank's mortgage portfolio lowered performance slightly from what it would otherwise have been, but the company intends to maintain appropriate financial reserves while this portfolio runs off," said Richard C. Breeden, Chairman of the Board of H&R Block. "Our Texas acquisition increases opportunities to grow the client base and to use franchising more aggressively in that market. Selling our securities brokerage unit should enhance returns on invested capital while reducing operating risks. These and other strategic steps improve opportunities to grow earnings and shareholder value," added Breeden.

Results from discontinued operations improved significantly, to a net loss of $3.4 million compared to a net loss of $192.8 million in the first quarter a year ago, reflecting the company's exit from the subprime mortgage business. There were only $7 million in loan repurchases for representation and warranty claims in the current year quarter. Consolidated net loss for the quarter was $132.7 million, or 41 cents per share, much lower than the loss of $302.6 million, or 93 cents per share, in the first quarter a year ago.

"We saw continued positive momentum in Tax Services and Business Services in our first quarter. Tax Services reported solid top-line growth during the pre-season period while also achieving meaningful expense control. RSM cGladrey improved its bottom line, again reflecting good cost management," said Russ Smyth, president and chief executive officer of H&R Block. "Meanwhile, results from Consumer Financial Services were negatively impacted by difficult conditions in the housing and financial markets."

Tax Services

First quarter Tax Services revenues rose 7.7 percent year-over-year to $75.3 million, primarily due to a 16 percent increase in U.S. retail clients served. About 7 percentage points of the increase in clients stemmed from one-time Economic Stimulus Act filers. The success of H&R Block's Second Look product also contributed to client growth.

The segment reported a pretax loss of $163.9 million, a 4.9 percent improvement year-over-year largely due to more efficient management of expenses including the company's recent cost reduction program. International operations also contributed to the improved results with Canada achieving 13 percent growth in volume and 5 percent growth in pricing. For the full year of fiscal 2009, Tax Services is expected to achieve a pretax margin improvement of more than 200 basis points reflecting growth and cost control.

Business Services

RSM McGladrey saw a slight earnings improvement year-over-year, despite a 9.4 percent decline in revenues to $174.7 million. The decline in reported revenue is largely due to a change in the manner of recording leased employee revenues related to the TBS business acquired from American Express. This change had no impact on earnings.

The pretax loss for the fiscal first quarter was $0.3 million compared to a loss of $1.9 million last year, reflecting savings in ongoing operating expenses and earlier reductions made to costs. The company expects these trends to continue and result in significant margin improvement for RSM cGladrey in fiscal 2009.

Consumer Financial Services

Consumer Financial Services, which includes H&R Block Bank and H&R Block Financial Advisors, reported a pretax loss of $17.7 million compared with pretax income of $6.2 million a year ago. The loss was driven by an increase in mortgage loan loss reserves at the Bank and poor financial market conditions impacting HRBFA's business.

H&R Block Bank reported a pretax loss of $14.1 million versus pretax income of $4.8 million in the first quarter last year, primarily due to a $15.0 million loan loss reserve recorded in the current-year period and a $5.4 million write down of other real estate owned. Increases in loan loss reserves reflect both increased foreclosures and ongoing declines in housing values.

The Bank ended the first quarter with $869 million of net mortgage loans held for investment, down $98 million from fiscal year end. The decline in the mortgage loan balance resulted from net principal repayments of $31.6 million, the aforementioned increase in loan loss reserves and transfers of loans to other real estate owned.

H&R Block Financial Advisors reported a pretax loss of $3.6 million for the fiscal first quarter compared with pretax income of $1.4 million for the same period a year ago. H&R Block signed an agreement to sell HRBFA to Ameriprise Financial for $315 million. The transaction is expected to close in three to six months. Beginning in its fiscal second quarter, the company will report HRBFA's results in discontinued operations.

Corporate

The Corporate segment's pretax loss in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 increased by $17.1 million compared to the prior-year period primarily due to $11.7 million in incremental net interest expense and a $5.0 million net impairment of residual interests in securitizations related to former mortgage operations of Option One. This segment includes some interest costs and overhead expenses that are not allocated to the company's operating segments. The bulk of the positive benefit from the company's cost reduction efforts are reflected in the operating results of the business segments through reduced allocation of overhead expenses. The company remains on track to achieve more than $125 million in annual savings in fiscal 2009 as a result of these cost reduction efforts.

The incremental net interest expense reported in Corporate operations results from the segment absorbing current-year financing costs for all long-term debt. In the prior year, financing costs were primarily related to borrowings incurred to cover losses of the company's mortgage business, and were therefore reported in discontinued operations.

Guidance

On Sept. 3, 2008, the company announced that it plans to acquire the operator of H&R Block franchises in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. This acquisition is expected to add approximately $0.05 to earnings per share for FY09. The company is maintaining its previous FY09 earnings guidance of $1.60 - $1.70 per share at this time in light of the fact that it generates its earnings almost entirely in the fiscal fourth quarter. This decision also reflects consideration of other factors including higher loss reserves for H&R Block Bank in the first quarter and an assumed earnings contribution from HRBFA that will now be reported in discontinued operations starting in the fiscal second quarter.

Conference Call

At 4:30 p.m. EDT today, the company will host a conference call for analysts, institutional investors and shareholders. Richard Breeden, chairman of the board, Russ Smyth, president and chief executive officer, Becky Shulman, chief financial officer, and Tim Gokey, president of retail tax services will discuss the results and future expectations, as well as respond to analysts' questions. To access the call, please dial the number below approximately five to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time:

U.S./Canada (888) 679-8040- Access Code: 77315620

International (617) 213-4851- Access Code: 77315620

Pre-registration is available for the conference call on H&R Block's Investor Relations Web site at http://investor-relations.hrblock.com. Those who pre-register will receive a PIN to minimize connection time when accessing the live call. The call also will be webcast in a listen-only format for the media and public. The link to the webcast and a supporting slide presentation can be accessed directly at http://investor-relations.hrblock.com.

A replay of the call will be available beginning at 6:30 p.m. EDT September 3, 2008, and continuing until September 10, 2008, by dialing (888) 286-8010 (U.S./Canada) or (617) 801-6888 (international). The replay passcode is 38318456. The webcast will be available for replay on the company's Investor Relations Web site at http://investor-relations.hrblock.com

About H&R Block

H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world's preeminent tax services provider, having served more than 400 million clients since 1955 and generating annual revenues of $4.4 billion in fiscal year 2008. H&R Block provides income tax return preparation and related services and products via a nationwide network of approximately 13,000 company-owned and franchised offices and through TaxCut® online and software solutions. The company also provides business services through RSM McGladrey and certain consumer financial services. For more information visit our Online Press Center at www.hrblock.com.

H&R BLOCK
KEY OPERATING RESULTS
Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share data


                                      Three Months Ended July 31,
                            -----------------------------------------------
                                   Revenues             Income (loss)
                            ----------------------- ----------------------
                               2008        2007        2008        2007
                            ----------- ----------- ----------  ----------
Tax Services                $    75,265 $    69,863 $ (163,923) $ (172,289)
Business Services               174,651     192,823       (295)     (1,906)
Consumer Financial Services      86,679     114,372    (17,736)      6,206
Corporate and Eliminations        3,043       4,151    (32,662)    (15,591)
                            ----------- ----------- ----------  ----------
                            $   339,638 $   381,209   (214,616)   (183,580)
                            =========== ===========
Income tax benefit                                     (85,247)    (73,757)
                                                    ----------  ----------
Net loss from continuing operations                   (129,369)   (109,823)
Net loss from discontinued operations                   (3,350)   (192,757)
                                                    ----------  ----------
Net loss                                            $ (132,719) $ (302,580)
                                                    ==========  ==========
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:
   Net loss from continuing operations              $    (0.40) $    (0.34)
   Net loss from discontinued operations                 (0.01)      (0.59)
                                                    ----------  ----------
   Net loss                                         $    (0.41) $    (0.93)
                                                    ==========  ==========
Basic and diluted shares outstanding                   327,141     323,864



NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of
shares outstanding.  The dilutive effect of potential common shares is
included in diluted earnings per share, except in those periods with a loss
from continuing operations.

   Discontinued operations includes mortgage businesses historically
engaged in the origination of non-prime and prime mortgage loans, the sale
and securitization of mortgage loans and residual interests, and the
servicing of non-prime loans. During fiscal year 2008, we terminated all
origination activities and sold the loan servicing operations. Our current
year discontinued operations reflect the wind-down of our mortgage loan
origination business. Included in the prior year are the results of three
smaller lines of business previously reported in our Business Services
segment.

   On August 12, 2008, we announced the signing of a definitive agreement
to sell H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc. (HRBFA) to Ameriprise Financial,
Inc. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, and is
expected to close in three to six months. The purchase price is $315
million in cash, subject to working capital and advisor retention
adjustments at closing. The transaction is not expected to result in a
material gain or loss for financial reporting purposes. The transaction
involves the sale of all outstanding common stock of HRB Financial
Corporation, HRBFA’s direct parent, and is expected to result in a capital
loss for income tax purposes.  We currently do not expect to be able to
realize a benefit for this capital loss. HRBFA will be presented as
held-for-sale and as discontinued operations beginning with our quarter
ending October 31, 2008.



H&R BLOCK
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Amounts in thousands, except share data


                                                    July 31,    April 30,
                                                      2008         2008
                                                  -----------  -----------
                      ASSETS
Current assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents                      $   355,998  $   726,845
   Cash and cash equivalents - restricted             221,338      219,031
   Receivables from customers, brokers, dealers
    and clearing organizations, net                   401,859      438,899
   Receivables, net                                   383,224      552,871
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets          438,872      443,934
                                                  -----------  -----------
      Total current assets                          1,801,291    2,381,580

   Mortgage loans held for investment                 868,603      966,301
   Property and equipment, net                        380,804      380,738
   Intangible assets, net                             142,533      147,368
   Goodwill, net                                    1,006,207    1,005,268
   Other assets                                       704,044      742,170
                                                  -----------  -----------
Total assets                                      $ 4,903,482  $ 5,623,425
                                                  ===========  ===========

       LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
   Short-term borrowings                          $         -  $    25,000
   Customer banking deposits                          777,080      785,624
   Accounts payable to customers, brokers and
    dealers                                           592,688      559,658
   Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other       665,973      782,280
   Accrued salaries, wages and payroll taxes          142,690      393,148
   Accrued income taxes                               263,784      439,380
   Current portion of long-term debt                  108,839      111,286
                                                  -----------  -----------
      Total current liabilities                     2,551,054    3,096,376

Long-term debt                                      1,034,117    1,031,784
Other noncurrent liabilities                          481,589      507,447
                                                  -----------  -----------
      Total liabilities                             4,066,760    4,635,607
                                                  -----------  -----------

Stockholders' equity:
   Common stock, no par, stated value $.01 per
    share                                               4,359        4,359
   Additional paid-in capital                         686,802      695,959
   Accumulated other comprehensive income                 833        2,486
   Retained earnings                                2,204,940    2,384,449
   Less cost of 107,802,043 and 109,879,996
    shares of common stock in treasury             (2,060,212)  (2,099,435)
                                                  -----------  -----------
      Total stockholders' equity                      836,722      987,818
                                                  -----------  -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity        $ 4,903,482  $ 5,623,425
                                                  ===========  ===========



H&R BLOCK
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share data


                                                      Three Months Ended
                                                           July 31,
                                                    ----------------------
                                                       2008        2007
                                                    ----------  ----------
Revenues:
   Service revenues                                 $  301,521  $  325,090
   Other revenues:
      Interest income                                   25,238      41,838
      Product and other revenues                        12,879      14,281
                                                    ----------  ----------
                                                       339,638     381,209
                                                    ----------  ----------

Operating expenses:
   Cost of services                                    369,606     385,115
   Cost of other revenues                               42,823      43,529
   Selling, general and administrative                 140,470     144,109
                                                    ----------  ----------
                                                       552,899     572,753
                                                    ----------  ----------

Operating loss                                        (213,261)   (191,544)
Other income (expense), net                             (1,355)      7,964
                                                    ----------  ----------

Loss from continuing operations before tax benefit    (214,616)   (183,580)
Income tax benefit                                     (85,247)    (73,757)
                                                    ----------  ----------

Net loss from continuing operations                   (129,369)   (109,823)
Net loss from discontinued operations                   (3,350)   (192,757)
                                                    ----------  ----------

Net loss                                            $ (132,719) $ (302,580)
                                                    ==========  ==========

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:
   Net loss from continuing operations              $    (0.40) $    (0.34)
   Net loss from discontinued operations                 (0.01)      (0.59)
                                                    ----------  ----------
   Net loss                                         $    (0.41) $    (0.93)
                                                    ==========  ==========

   Basic and diluted shares outstanding                327,141     323,864



H&R BLOCK
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Unaudited, amounts in thousands

                                                      Three Months Ended
                                                           July 31,
                                                    ----------------------
                                                       2008        2007
                                                    ----------  ----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net loss                                         $ (132,719) $ (302,580)
   Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
    used in operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization                     29,556      37,075
      Stock-based compensation                           5,487       7,398
      Operating cash flows of discontinued
       operations                                            -     212,323
      Other, net of business acquisitions             (218,660)   (289,562)
                                                    ----------  ----------
      Net cash used in operating activities           (316,336)   (335,346)
                                                    ----------  ----------

Cash flows from investing activities:
   Principal payments on mortgage loans held for
    investment, net                                     31,619      14,327
   Purchases of property and equipment                 (16,189)    (14,497)
   Payments made for business acquisitions, net of
    cash acquired                                       (2,251)    (20,887)
   Net cash provided by investing activities of
    discontinued operations                                  -       3,068
   Other, net                                            2,891       6,699
                                                    ----------  ----------
      Net cash provided by (used in) investing
       activities                                       16,070     (11,290)
                                                    ----------  ----------

Cash flows from financing activities:
   Repayments of commercial paper                            -  (3,463,719)
   Proceeds from issuance of commercial paper                -   3,622,874
   Repayments of other short-term borrowings           (40,000)   (560,000)
   Proceeds from other short-term borrowings            15,000     485,000
   Customer banking deposits                            (8,795)    (90,378)
   Dividends paid                                      (46,790)    (43,937)
   Acquisition of treasury shares                       (4,116)     (5,372)
   Proceeds from exercise of stock options              20,520       9,788
   Net cash used in financing activities of
    discontinued operations                                  -     (47,535)
   Other, net                                           (6,400)    (44,252)
                                                    ----------  ----------
      Net cash used in financing activities            (70,581)   (137,531)
                                                    ----------  ----------

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents             (370,847)   (484,167)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the
 period                                                726,845     921,838
                                                    ----------  ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period      $  355,998  $  437,671
                                                    ==========  ==========

Supplementary cash flow data:
   Income taxes paid, net of refunds received       $   83,111  $    9,653
   Interest paid on borrowings                          27,258      27,833
   Interest paid on deposits                             4,048      15,792