H&R Block, Inc. (HRB) AI Stock Analysis
HRB AI stock analysis summary
AI ResearchH&R Block, Inc. (HRB) provides assisted and DIY tax preparation services alongside consumer financial products across North America and Australia. In FY2026, the company generated $3.95B in revenue with a net margin of 18.6% and free cash flow of $756.1M. It trades at a trailing P/E of 8.6x while maintaining an annual dividend yield of 3.78%.
- Market cap
- $5.96B
- Revenue (TTM)
- $3.95B
- P/E
- 8.6x fwd 6.8x
- 1Y return
- -1.0% S&P 500 16.8%
- Avg. target
- $51.67 6.2% vs last close
Bull case
- H&R Block produced strong cash generation in FY2026, delivering $756.1M in free cash flow and returning $512.9M via share buybacks.
- The company trades at a forward P/E of 6.8x, well below the median of its US-listed Consumer Cyclical peers at 14.1x.
- Earnings momentum remains steady, with 4 consecutive quarterly EPS beats and FY2027 EPS projected to grow 15.8% to $6.15.
Bear case
- Total debt of $2.10B relative to shareholders' equity of $117.5M leaves the firm with an elevated debt-to-equity ratio of 17.89.
- Operating margin for FY2026 fell to -32.7%, down from 22.0% reported in FY2025.
- Short interest is pronounced, with short percent of float standing at 20.7%.
What H&R Block does
H&R Block, Inc., operating through its subsidiaries, provides tax preparation services and financial products to individuals in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Established in 1955 and based in Kansas City, Missouri, the company delivers assisted and DIY tax preparation solutions through retail offices operated directly or by franchisees. Its offerings include financial products such as Refund Transfers, the H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard, and refund advance loans. In addition, the firm provides Peace of Mind extended service plans, Tax Identity Shield protection, and specialized financial solutions for entrepreneurs and small businesses both online and in-person.
Growth and profitability
H&R Block grew revenue from $3.46B in FY2022 to $3.95B in FY2026, representing a 5-year revenue CAGR of 2.6%. Annual revenue growth reached 4.9% in FY2026, up from 4.2% in FY2025 and 4.0% in FY2024. Gross margin stood at 44.3% in FY2026, while operating margin was -32.7%. Net income expanded to $733.6M in FY2026, resulting in an 18.6% net margin and EPS of $5.36. For the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2026, operating margin was 32.9% and EPS was $5.69. In the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, quarterly revenue grew 3.0% year-over-year and quarterly earnings grew 4.5%.
Balance sheet and cash flow
As of June 30, 2026, H&R Block held $958.7M in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $2.10B, resulting in net debt of $1.14B. Total assets were $3.26B and shareholders' equity was $117.5M, yielding a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 17.89. In FY2026, operating cash flow reached $838.7M and free cash flow was $756.1M. Capital expenditures totaled $82.6M, while capital returns included $512.9M in share buybacks and $211.0M in dividends paid, contributing to a 5-year share count change of -26.8%.
Valuation and performance
H&R Block trades at a trailing P/E of 8.6x and a forward P/E of 6.8x, compared to medians of 18.0x and 14.1x, respectively, for the median of its US-listed Consumer Cyclical peers. Its EV to EBITDA multiple is 6.0x versus the peer median of 11.1x, while price-to-sales of 1.5x sits above the peer median of 0.7x. The company's PEG ratio is 0.54 and enterprise value is $6.39B. Over the past year, HRB delivered a return of -1.0%, trailing the S&P 500 (SPY) return of 16.8%, though its 5-year return of 132.1% outperformed the SPY return of 83.0%.
HRB dividend
H&R Block pays a quarterly dividend with an annual forward payout of $1.84, delivering a dividend yield of 3.78%. The payout ratio is 32.1%, supported by 42 consecutive years of dividend payments. Over the past five years, its annualized dividend growth rate was 8.9%. The stock's most recent ex-dividend date was September 3, 2026.
What analysts expect
Wall Street analysts coverage consists of 0 Strong Buy, 1 Buy, 3 Hold, 0 Sell, and 1 Strong Sell ratings. The mean price target is $51.67, which is 6.2% above the last close of $48.67. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, consensus estimates project revenue of $4.14B and EPS of $6.15, implying EPS growth of 15.8%. The company beat EPS estimates in each of the last 4 quarters, with its next earnings release scheduled for November 5, 2026.
Key risks and what to watch
- The net debt burden of $1.14B creates financial exposure if free cash flow drops below the FY2026 level of $756.1M.
- Top-line expansion has been modest, with a 5-year revenue CAGR of just 2.6% from FY2021 to FY2026.
- A high short interest level of 20.7% of float indicates that a substantial portion of market participants anticipate downward price pressure.
- A trailing 1-year stock return of -1.0% significantly lagged the S&P 500 (SPY) return of 16.8%.
AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer
About this HRB AI stock analysis
This page is an AI-written research summary of H&R Block, Inc. (HRB). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.
Related: HRB income statement, HRB balance sheet, HRB key metrics, HRB analyst forecast, HRB chart. See the HRB stock overview for the latest quote and news.
HRB AI stock analysis FAQ
What is H&R Block's dividend yield and payout track record?
H&R Block pays an annual forward dividend of $1.84 per share, translating to a 3.78% dividend yield. The company has paid dividends for 42 consecutive years with a payout ratio of 32.1%.
What is H&R Block's valuation compared to sector peers?
HRB trades at a trailing P/E of 8.6x and EV to EBITDA of 6.0x. Both multiples trade at a discount to the median of its US-listed Consumer Cyclical peers, which sit at 18.0x and 11.1x, respectively.
How much debt does H&R Block have on its balance sheet?
As of June 30, 2026, the company held total debt of $2.10B and cash and short-term investments of $958.7M, resulting in net debt of $1.14B and a debt-to-equity ratio of 17.89.
When does H&R Block report earnings next?
H&R Block's next earnings date is scheduled for November 5, 2026.