- Sustained Growth in Revenue and Earnings
- Returned $810 Million to Stockholders in the First Half of
Fiscal 2025
Paychex, Inc. (the "Company," "Paychex," "we," "our," or "us")
today reported results for the fiscal quarter ended November 30,
2024 (the "second quarter"). Results compared with the same period
last year were as follows:
For the three months
ended
For the six months
ended
November 30,
November 30,
In millions, except per share
amounts
2024
2023
Change(2)
2024
2023
Change(2)
Total revenue
$
1,316.9
$
1,257.9
5
%
$
2,635.4
$
2,543.9
4
%
Operating income
$
538.1
$
506.2
6
%
$
1,084.8
$
1,042.5
4
%
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.14
$
1.08
6
%
$
2.32
$
2.24
4
%
Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1)
$
1.14
$
1.08
6
%
$
2.30
$
2.23
3
%
(1)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share is not a United States ("U.S.")
generally accepted accounting principle ("GAAP") measure. Please
refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section on page 3 of
this press release for a discussion of non-GAAP measures.
(2)
Percentage changes are calculated based on unrounded numbers.
President and Chief Executive Officer, John Gibson commented,
"We are pleased to report strong financial results for the second
quarter of fiscal 2025 with a 5% increase in total revenue.
Excluding the impact of the expiration of the Employee Retention
Tax Credit ("ERTC") program, revenue growth was 7% for the quarter.
Additionally, our diluted earnings per share grew by 6% and our
operating margins expanded by approximately 60 basis points,
despite the ERTC headwind, demonstrating our ongoing efforts to
enhance operational efficiency through the strategic use of
technology and data."
Mr. Gibson also noted, "The demand for our comprehensive suite
of solutions remains solid as we head into the selling season with
a new set of award-winning solutions tailored to meet the unique
needs of small and medium-sized businesses. In the face of
challenging labor market conditions and rising healthcare and
benefits costs, many businesses are reevaluating their HR
strategies as we head into the new year. Paychex is uniquely
positioned to help them navigate these challenges by providing
industry-leading HR technology and advisory solutions."
Second Quarter Business Highlights
Total revenue increased to $1.3 billion for the second quarter,
growth of 5% over the prior year period. Highlights as compared
with the corresponding prior year period are as follows:
- Management Solutions revenue increased 3% to $962.9 million for
the second quarter primarily impacted by the following factors:
- Growth in the number of clients served across our suite of
human capital management ("HCM") solutions and client worksite
employees for Human Resources ("HR") Solutions;
- Higher product penetration, including HR Solutions and
Retirement; and
- Lower revenue from ancillary services, primarily due to the
expiration of our ERTC program.
- Professional Employer Organization ("PEO") and Insurance
Solutions revenue increased 7% to $317.9 million for the second
quarter primarily due to the following:
- Growth in the number of average PEO worksite employees;
and
- Increase in PEO insurance revenues.
- Interest on funds held for clients increased 15% to $36.1
million for the second quarter primarily due to higher average
interest rates and average investment balances.
Total expenses increased 4% to $778.8 million for the second
quarter primarily due to the following:
- Increase in PEO direct insurance costs related to growth in
average worksite employees and PEO insurance revenues; and
- Continued investment in technology, sales, and marketing.
Operating income grew 6% to $538.1 million for the second
quarter. Operating margin (operating income as a percentage of
total revenue) was 40.9% for the second quarter compared to 40.2%
for the prior year period. Operating income was impacted by the
expiration of the ERTC program.
Other income, net was $5.6 million for the second quarter
compared to $11.7 million in the prior year period primarily as a
result of lower average interest rates earned on our corporate
investments as well as lower average investment balances.
Our effective income tax rate was 24.0% for the second quarter
compared to 24.2% for the prior year period. Both periods were
impacted by the recognition of net discrete tax benefits related to
employee stock-based compensation payments.
Diluted earnings per share and adjusted diluted earnings per
share(1) increased 6% to $1.14 per share for the second
quarter.
(1)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share is not a U.S. GAAP measure.
Please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section on page 3
of this press release for a discussion of non-GAAP measures.
Fiscal Year-To-Date Business Highlights
Highlights for the six months ended November 30, 2024 (the "six
months") as compared to the corresponding prior year period are as
follows:
- Total revenue increased 4% to $2.6 billion.
- Operating income increased 4% to $1.1 billion.
- Diluted earnings per share increased 4% to $2.32 per share.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) increased 3% to $2.30 per
share.
(1)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share is not a U.S. GAAP measure.
Please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section on page 3
of this press release for a discussion of non-GAAP measures.
Financial Position and Liquidity
Our financial position and cash flow generation remained strong
during the first half of the fiscal year. As of November 30, 2024,
we had:
- Cash, restricted cash, and total corporate investments of $1.3
billion.
- Short-term and long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance
costs, of $817.1 million.
- Cash flow from operations was $841.1 million for the six
months.
Return to Stockholders During the Six Months
- Paid cumulative dividends of $1.96 per share totaling $706.2
million.
- Repurchased 828,855 shares of our common stock for $104.0
million.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
For the three months
ended
For the six months
ended
November 30,
November 30,
$ in millions
2024
2023
Change
2024
2023
Change
Net income
$
413.4
$
392.7
5
%
$
840.8
$
811.9
4
%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Excess tax benefits related to employee
stock-based compensation payments(1)
(2.4
)
(1.1
)
(8.6
)
(5.2
)
Adjusted net income
$
411.0
$
391.6
5
%
$
832.2
$
806.7
3
%
Diluted earnings per share(2)
$
1.14
$
1.08
6
%
$
2.32
$
2.24
4
%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Excess tax benefits related to employee
stock-based compensation payments(1)
(0.01
)
—
(0.02
)
(0.01
)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
$
1.14
$
1.08
6
%
$
2.30
$
2.23
3
%
Net income
$
413.4
$
392.7
5
%
$
840.8
$
811.9
4
%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Interest income, net
(6.3
)
(11.8
)
(16.6
)
(23.9
)
Income taxes
130.3
125.2
260.0
255.1
Depreciation and amortization expense
41.7
44.9
80.7
86.1
Total non-GAAP adjustments
165.7
158.3
324.1
317.3
EBITDA
$
579.1
$
551.0
5
%
$
1,164.9
$
1,129.2
3
%
(1)
Net tax windfall benefits related to employee stock-based
compensation payments recognized in income taxes. This item is
subject to volatility and will vary based on employee decisions on
exercising employee stock options and fluctuations in our stock
price, neither of which is within the control of management.
(2)
The calculation of the impact of non-GAAP adjustments on diluted
earnings per share is performed on each line independently. The
table may not add down by +/- $0.01 due to rounding.
In addition to reporting net income and diluted earnings per
share, which are U.S. GAAP measures, we present adjusted net
income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA"), which
are non-GAAP measures. We believe these additional measures are
indicators of the performance of our core business operations
period over period. Adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings
per share, and EBITDA are not calculated through the application of
U.S. GAAP and are not required forms of disclosure by the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). As such, they should
not be considered a substitute for the U.S. GAAP measures of net
income, and diluted earnings per share, and, therefore, they should
not be used in isolation but in conjunction with the U.S. GAAP
measures. The use of any non-GAAP measure may produce results that
vary from the U.S. GAAP measure and may not be comparable to a
similarly defined non-GAAP measure used by other companies.
Business Outlook
Our business outlook for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2025
("fiscal 2025") incorporates current assumptions and market
conditions. Changes in the macroeconomic environment could alter
our guidance. With consideration of these impacts, our business
outlook for fiscal 2025 remains unchanged from what we previously
provided in the first quarter.
Corporate Responsibility
As part of what it means to be Paychex, we are focusing our
corporate responsibility efforts on actions we can take to create
positive impact. To learn more about our latest initiatives, please
visit https://www.paychex.com/corporate/corporate-responsibility.
The information available on our website is not a part of, and is
not incorporated into, this press release.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q ("Form 10-Q")
We anticipate filing our Form 10-Q for the second quarter within
the next day, and it will be available at
https://investor.paychex.com. This press release should be read in
conjunction with the Form 10-Q and the related Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained
in that Form 10-Q.
Webcast Details
Interested parties may access the webcast of our Earnings
Release Conference Call, scheduled for December 19, 2024, at 9:30
a.m. Eastern Time, at https://investor.paychex.com. The webcast
will be archived for approximately 90 days. Our news releases,
current financial information, SEC filings, and investor
presentations are also accessible at
https://investor.paychex.com.
About Paychex
Paychex, Inc. (Nasdaq: PAYX) is an industry-leading HCM company
delivering a full suite of technology and advisory services in
human resources, employee benefit solutions, insurance, and
payroll. The company serves over 745,000 customers in the U.S. and
Europe and pays one out of every 12 American private sector
employees. The more than 16,000 people at Paychex are committed to
helping businesses succeed and building thriving communities where
they work and live. To learn more, visit www.paychex.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain written statements in this press release may contain,
and members of management may from time to time make or discuss
statements which constitute, "forward-looking statements" within
the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking
statements can be identified by such words and phrases as "expect,"
"outlook," "will," guidance," "projections," "anticipate,"
"believe," "can," "could," "design," "may," "possible,"
"potential," "should" and other similar words or phrases.
Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, all matters
that are not historical facts. Examples of forward-looking
statements include, among others, statements we make regarding
operating performance, events, or developments that we expect or
anticipate will occur in the future, including statements relating
to our outlook, revenue growth, earnings, earnings-per-share
growth, and similar projections.
Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor
assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on
our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the
future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections,
anticipated events and trends, the economy, and other future
conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the
future, they are subject to known and unknown uncertainties, risks,
changes in circumstances, and other factors that are difficult to
predict, many of which are outside our control. Our actual
performance and outcomes, including without limitation, our actual
results and financial condition, may differ materially from those
indicated in or suggested by the forward-looking statements.
Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking
statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results
and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated
in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the
following:
- our ability to keep pace with changes in technology or provide
timely enhancements to our solutions and support;
- software defects, undetected errors, and development delays for
our solutions;
- the possibility of cyberattacks, security vulnerabilities or
Internet disruptions, including data security and privacy leaks,
and data loss and business interruptions;
- the possibility of failure of our business continuity plan
during a catastrophic event;
- the failure of third-party service providers to perform their
functions;
- the possibility that we may be exposed to additional risks
related to our co-employment relationship with our PEO
business;
- changes in health insurance and workers’ compensation insurance
rates and underlying claim trends;
- risks related to acquisitions and the integration of the
businesses we acquire;
- our clients’ failure to reimburse us for payments made by us on
their behalf;
- the effect of changes in government regulations mandating the
amount of tax withheld or the timing of remittances;
- our failure to comply with covenants in our debt
agreements;
- changes in governmental regulations, laws, and policies;
- our ability to comply with U.S. and foreign laws and
regulations;
- our compliance with data privacy and artificial intelligence
laws and regulations;
- our failure to protect our intellectual property rights;
- potential outcomes related to pending or future litigation
matters;
- the impact of macroeconomic factors on the U.S. and global
economy, and in particular on our small- and medium-sized business
clients;
- volatility in the political and economic environment, including
inflation and interest rate changes;
- our ability to attract and retain qualified people; and
- the possible effects of negative publicity on our reputation
and the value of our brand.
Any of these factors, as well as such other factors as discussed
in our SEC filings, could cause our actual results to differ
materially from our anticipated results. The information provided
in this document is based upon the facts and circumstances known as
of the date of this press release, and any forward-looking
statements made by us in this document speak only as of the date on
which they are made. Except as required by law, we undertake no
obligation to update these forward-looking statements after the
date of issuance of this press release to reflect events or
circumstances after such date, or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events.
PAYCHEX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
INCOME (Unaudited)
(In millions, except per share
amounts)
For the three months
ended
For the six months
ended
November 30,
November 30,
2024
2023
Change(2)
2024
2023
Change(2)
Revenue:
Management Solutions
$
962.9
$
930.7
3
%
$
1,924.6
$
1,886.2
2
%
PEO and Insurance Solutions
317.9
295.7
7
%
637.2
593.5
7
%
Total service revenue
1,280.8
1,226.4
4
%
2,561.8
2,479.7
3
%
Interest on funds held for clients(1)
36.1
31.5
15
%
73.6
64.2
15
%
Total revenue
1,316.9
1,257.9
5
%
2,635.4
2,543.9
4
%
Expenses:
Cost of service revenue
379.1
364.1
4
%
759.1
724.3
5
%
Selling, general and administrative
expenses
399.7
387.6
3
%
791.5
777.1
2
%
Total expenses
778.8
751.7
4
%
1,550.6
1,501.4
3
%
Operating income
538.1
506.2
6
%
1,084.8
1,042.5
4
%
Other income, net(1)
5.6
11.7
n/m
16.0
24.5
n/m
Income before income taxes
543.7
517.9
5
%
1,100.8
1,067.0
3
%
Income taxes
130.3
125.2
4
%
260.0
255.1
2
%
Net income
$
413.4
$
392.7
5
%
$
840.8
$
811.9
4
%
Basic earnings per share
$
1.15
$
1.09
6
%
$
2.34
$
2.25
4
%
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.14
$
1.08
6
%
$
2.32
$
2.24
4
%
Weighted-average common shares
outstanding
360.0
360.5
360.1
360.6
Weighted-average common shares
outstanding, assuming dilution
361.7
362.1
361.8
362.4
(1)
Further information on interest on funds
held for clients and other income, net, and the short- and
long-term effects of changing interest rates can be found in our
filings with the SEC, including our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q
and our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as applicable, under the
caption "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and subheadings "Results of
Operations" and "Market Risk Factors." These filings are accessible
at https://investor.paychex.com.
(2)
Percentage changes are calculated based on unrounded numbers.
n/m — not meaningful
PAYCHEX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In millions, except per share
amounts)
November 30,
May 31,
2024
2024
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,202.1
$
1,468.9
Restricted cash
63.1
47.8
Corporate investments
38.0
33.9
Interest receivable
23.7
23.3
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
credit losses
1,256.9
1,059.6
PEO unbilled receivables, net of advance
collections
598.9
542.4
Prepaid income taxes
92.2
47.5
Prepaid expenses and other current
assets
345.6
321.9
Current assets before funds held for
clients
3,620.5
3,545.3
Funds held for clients
3,809.1
3,706.2
Total current assets
7,429.6
7,251.5
Long-term corporate investments
—
3.7
Property and equipment, net of accumulated
depreciation
432.1
411.7
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
of accumulated amortization
46.3
46.9
Intangible assets, net of accumulated
amortization
179.8
194.5
Goodwill
1,879.8
1,882.7
Long-term deferred costs
468.0
477.1
Other long-term assets
119.1
115.0
Total assets
$
10,554.7
$
10,383.1
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable
$
89.2
$
104.3
Accrued corporate compensation and related
items
112.9
135.0
Accrued worksite employee compensation and
related items
704.3
662.4
Short-term borrowings
18.2
18.7
Deferred revenue
50.7
50.2
Other current liabilities
458.9
469.8
Current liabilities before client fund
obligations
1,434.2
1,440.4
Client fund obligations
3,895.0
3,868.7
Total current liabilities
5,329.2
5,309.1
Accrued income taxes
113.2
102.6
Deferred income taxes
95.3
86.0
Long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance
costs
798.9
798.6
Operating lease liabilities
45.7
49.0
Other long-term liabilities
246.7
236.8
Total liabilities
6,629.0
6,582.1
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized:
600.0 shares; Issued and outstanding: 360.1 shares as of November
30, 2024 and May 31, 2024
3.6
3.6
Additional paid-in capital
1,789.4
1,729.5
Retained earnings
2,224.6
2,213.0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(91.9
)
(145.1
)
Total stockholders’ equity
3,925.7
3,801.0
Total liabilities and stockholders’
equity
$
10,554.7
$
10,383.1
PAYCHEX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In millions)
For the six months
ended
November 30,
2024
2023
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income
$
840.8
$
811.9
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
80.7
86.1
Amortization of premiums and discounts on
available-for-sale ("AFS") securities, net
(5.6
)
(2.9
)
Amortization of deferred contract
costs
117.3
115.1
Stock-based compensation costs
32.9
30.7
Benefit from deferred income taxes
(9.5
)
(6.4
)
Provision for credit losses
12.4
10.0
Net realized (gains)/losses on sales of
AFS securities
(0.0
)
0.0
Changes in operating assets and
liabilities:
Interest receivable
(0.4
)
0.7
Accounts receivable and PEO unbilled
receivables, net
(68.6
)
52.9
Prepaid expenses and other current
assets
(68.9
)
(46.3
)
Accounts payable and other current
liabilities
6.7
66.6
Deferred costs
(107.8
)
(123.1
)
Net change in other long-term assets and
liabilities
14.0
10.1
Net change in operating lease right-of-use
assets and liabilities
(2.9
)
(1.1
)
Net cash provided by operating
activities
841.1
1,004.3
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of AFS securities
(5,168.5
)
(3,303.7
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of AFS
securities
5,163.6
3,607.0
Net purchases of short-term accounts
receivable
(200.1
)
(104.8
)
Purchases of property and equipment
(82.6
)
(79.4
)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash
acquired
—
(208.3
)
Purchases of other assets, net
(15.1
)
(20.5
)
Net cash used in investing
activities
(302.7
)
(109.7
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net change in client fund obligations
26.3
1,332.8
Net change in short-term borrowings
—
3.8
Dividends paid
(706.2
)
(642.1
)
Repurchases of common shares including
excise tax
(104.5
)
(169.2
)
Activity related to equity-based plans
8.0
7.0
Net cash (used in)/provided by
financing activities
(776.4
)
532.3
Net change in cash, restricted cash,
and equivalents
(238.0
)
1,426.9
Cash, restricted cash, and equivalents,
beginning of period
1,897.0
2,134.9
Cash, restricted cash, and equivalents,
end of period
$
1,659.0
$
3,561.8
Reconciliation of cash, restricted
cash, and equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,202.1
$
1,363.1
Restricted cash
63.1
47.9
Restricted cash and restricted cash
equivalents included in funds held for clients
393.8
2,150.8
Total cash, restricted cash, and
equivalents
$
1,659.0
$
3,561.8
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219860405/en/
Investor Relations: Jason Harbes,
Director, Investor Relations Phil Nicosia, Manager, Investor
Relations (800) 828-4411 investors@paychex.com Media Inquiries: Tracy Volkmann Manager, Public
Relations (585) 387-6705 tvolkmann@paychex.com
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