This case is about STRATEGY
PUBLICATION DATE: July 01, 2004
H&R Block and “Everyday Financial Services”Case Solution
H&R Block, the U.S. market leader in tax preparation services, must decide whether to offer financial services to its low income clients. H&R Block is facing increased competition from branded and nonbranded tax preparers, and the number of returns prepared by the firm has dropped in recent years.
The CEO, Mark Ernst, considers a proposal for Block to differentiate itself from these competitors by offering its low-income clients a variety of financial services, including check cashing, money transfer, and savings products. Ernst must decide whether this new suite of services would be profitable for the company and determine its impact on the brand of Block and the company and the marketplace would receive it.
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