Updating H&R Block Inc., Gannett Co. Inc., McGraw-Hill Companies Inc., and Snap-on Inc.

Article Excerpt

H&R BLOCK INC. $17 (New York symbol HRB) has processed 3.2% fewer tax returns through March 15, 2009, than a year earlier. That’s because more people filed earlier in 2008 in order to receive government stimulus cheques. However, revenue rose 1.1% because H&R Block charged higher fees to clients with complex returns. Buy. GANNETT CO. INC. $2.35 (New York symbol GCI) has cut its quarterly dividend by 90%, to $0.04 a share from $0.40. The new annual rate of $0.16 yields 6.8%. Gannett continues to cut costs, including layoffs and unpaid leave for employees. These moves should help it survive. Buy. MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES INC. $23 (New York symbol MHP) has increased its dividend each year for the past 36 years. Last month, the company set the new annual rate at $0.90 a share (3.9% yield). Buy. SNAP-ON INC. $27 (New York symbol SNA) should gain as the recession will prompt drivers to hang on to their older cars. This will mean more demand…