Google Has Introduced New Android Add-ons

Recently, Google announced Android add-ons for Docs and Sheets. The new add-ons can be downloaded within Google Docs and Sheets, as well as applications that are found on the Google Play store. You'll be able to use these add-ons for things such as preparing a contract for e-signing or to pull CRM data into the spreadsheet you're working on.
 
Google has worked with a number of partners for the first set of add-ons. For example, you'll be able to complete a signing process in Sheets or Docs by using the add-on DocuSign. Another add-on, ProsperWorks, will let you pull CRM data into your sheets. AppSheet will let you use data in sheets to create mobile apps, while Scanbot will allow you to scan documents using OCR.

PandaDoc, Teacher Aide, EasyBin and ZohoCRM are other partners. Furthermore, Google has introduced its educational platform called Classroom.

Those who want to access the add-ons can do so from add-on menus in Google Docs and Sheets on mobile. This is in addition to Google Play.

For years, add-ons have been common to software programs for desktop computers. It's also worth mentioning that Google has a large list of third-party plugins that can be used with Google Drive and Google Apps. However, more and more people are using their phones to access office programs and this is one of the reasons Google has taken this mobile approach, which is the first time it has done so.

Supported Android Add-ons can be found in Google Play, but the chances are more partners will be brought into the mix, so expect the list to expand in the near future.

Kroger Profit Boosted By Higher Sales

Kroger Co.'s recent expansion of online ordering services and other services has been rewarded in higher sales leading to a fiscal first-quarter profit rise of 9.8%.

Thursday's report has led to shares rising by almost 3% during morning trading.

Wall Street expectations for the supermarket chain have been exceeded with earnings reaching $680 million - equating to 70 cents per share. Zacks Investment Research had predicted 69 per cents per share according to a mean estimate based on 13 analysts.

Meanwhile, while Zacks predicted revenue of $34.66 billion (based on 8 analysts), revenue for the period actually rose to $34.6 billion - an increase of 4.7%.

At the same time, there was a same-store sales rise of only 0.4%, or 2.4% excluding fuel centers.

Full-year earnings are predicted by Kroger to be in the region of $2.19 - $2.28 per share.

Expansion over the last year has been helped by the purchase of the Midwest grocer Roundy's for around $178 million. The Cincinnati-based retailer now operates 1.387 fuel centers as well as 2,778 food stores such as Fred Meyer, Ralphs, King Soopers, Ralph and other brands.

There has been a 15% decrease in Kroger shares this year to date despite an increase of more than 1% on the Standard & Poor's 500 index.

H And R Block Troubles Presents Investor Opportunities

In just the last month, H and R Block shares dropped a whopping 21% following an unsatisfactory third quarter that led to investors fleeing to save themselves. On the other hand, it is believed that the fourth quarter could turn everything around and H and R Block stock can provide incredible investment opportunities for investors with a keen eye.

While the third quarter generally performs lower than other quarters every year, this year's loss was much more than ever anticipated. Its revenue dropped below the expected $502 million to approximately $475 million. That is a $79 million loss, which is far greater than the $37 million loss in 2015, during the same quarter. If that's not enough, the company also demonstrated four consecutive years of decreased volume, which worried its stockholders.

So the question is, is this an income opportunity for a savvy investor? We believe it may be. As disposable income increases this tax season, the public feels there is less urgency to complete their tax returns early. As a result, the possibility remains that the fourth-quarter earnings may be much higher than expected. The potential that exists for greater than anticipated earnings makes H and R Block stock attractive in this particular quarter.

Lower Than Expected H&R Block Earnings

Taxpayers aren't rushing to file their taxes early this year, and it's impacting H&R Block earnings.  It was announced that the company had huge fourth quarter losses because taxpayers are waiting later to file taxes.  H&R Block earnings are lower in other countries too.

Usually, H&R Block has losses for quarters that are outside of the regular season.  But the most recent losses were higher during the tax season, and this isn't what Wall Street anticipated.  Thus, the company shares dropped by 5.1 percent, which resulted $31.22 per share.  This is 2.5 percent lower than last year.  H&R Blocks also reported that they had 6 percent fewer U.S. tax returns during the first three quarters of  the year.

According to H&R Block, these loses were attributed to ongoing fraud and late tax filing.  When taxpayers file late, it takes longer for the company to process their returns.  The company also stated that the federal government as well as state governments were trying to find a way to combat growing instances of tax fraud.  Hopefully, this will result in changes within the tax industry.

H&R Block earnings had a loss of $81.7 million for the quarter.  This is equivalent to 35 cents per share.  The loss was just $36.9 million during the previous year.  This equates to 34 cents a share, and sales went up by 6.8 percent to $475 million.

Tax Group To Sponsor Lottery In Future Television Ads

This may help pay taxes but this helps beat the Axis. Stay on the job. - NARA - 534946 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The last massive Powerball Jackpot left many people disappointed. However, these people shouldn't worry much because H&R Block is giving the public another chance to win some cash. One-thousand individuals will have the chance to win $1000 in the H&R Block Giveaway. The drawing starts Saturday, and it will continue to run for 32 consecutive days. The entrance fee for this remarkable lottery is currently $32 per person.

Kathy Collins, the Chief Marketing Officer for H&R block is pushing this lottery to encourage early filing. Those who file their taxes in a timely manner will have a better chance of being one of the lucky winners. H&R block prepared taxes for 24 million individuals worldwide in 2014. They also gave people an incentive to save by offering 50% discounts. By combining this lottery with their other promotions, they hope to prepare even more taxes in 2016.

They are using television ads and social media platforms to promote this lottery. Two 30-second television ads are presently running at key periods throughout the day. H&R Block is also using television ads to promote their do-it-yourself filing option. For $9.99, individuals can file their own federal taxes through the company's interface.

Promoting the H&R block Giveaway inspires the team because they get to assist individuals in two ways. Not only will they try to get the maximum return for their clients, they also give them a chance to win $1000. According to Mrs Collins, they spent about the same on advertising as they spent in the previous year. Despite the cost, she still seems content with the current direction and success of the company.