H&R Block

Mentioned 1 time across 1 podcast this week

This Week's Pulse

H&R Block reported fiscal 2026 third-quarter revenue of $2.4 billion, a 5.3% year-over-year increase, while simultaneously raising its full-year revenue guidance and authorizing an additional $100 million in stock buybacks.

While the financial world focused on the earnings report, Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! host Peter Sagal took a more historical look at the tax giant during a recent quiz segment, asking: "no one, so Henry just invented someone with the initial R so people would think the company wasn't just him."

The contrast between the firm's modern-day dominance—evidenced by maintaining its assisted tax preparation market share for three straight years—and the humble, almost accidental origins described by Sagal highlights a company that has successfully pivoted from a bootstrap operation into a financial powerhouse.

Where it's discussed

We make Ken Jennings relive the worst moment of his life

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

Peter Sagalneutralfrom “Ken Jennings Quiz Segment

The tax preparation company that is the subject of the quiz questions.

All right. Here's your first question, Ken. H&R Block was originally a bookkeeping business called The United Business Company, founded by Henry Block and his brother. After his brother went back to law school, Henry took out a help wanted ad, which was answer