Reaffirmed Full-Year Financial Outlook
Management reaffirmed fiscal 2026 guidance: revenue $3.875B–$3.895B, EBITDA $1.015B–$1.035B, adjusted EPS $4.85–$5.00, and an effective tax rate of ~25%.
Strong Capital Returns to Shareholders
Returned $508 million to shareholders in H1 via dividends and share repurchases, with approximately $700 million remaining on the current repurchase program.
Stable Cash Flow and Disciplined Capital Allocation
Company emphasizes significant, stable cash flow and a disciplined capital allocation strategy (invest in business, grow dividend, repurchase shares) as a multi-year priority.
Industry and Pricing Assumptions
Outlook assumes industry growth in line with historical norms (~1%) and low single-digit price increases across both assisted and DIY channels; management expects assisted to regain ~20 basis points of share from DIY.
Technology and AI Investments
Notable investments: AI-enabled tax pro assistance (AI Assist), embedding AI into tax pro tools, TPR improvements, and optimized assisted virtual experience intended to reduce manual work and improve funnel consistency.
Strategic Growth Initiatives
Management expects expanding contribution from small business revenue and continued franchise acquisitions when attractive EBITDA multiples arise; focus on assisted and paid DIY as highest lifetime value segments.
Cost Efficiency and Marketing Discipline
Engaged consulting for strategic sourcing (engagement completed in H1) expected to yield sustainable savings; no material change in historical marketing spend, with marketing focused on high-LTV customers and tax-pro expertise.