Paychex, Inc. Reports Second Quarter and Mid-year Fiscal 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) reports 6% revenue growth and 9-10% increase in diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of fiscal 2024. The company's financial position remains strong with $1.4 billion in cash and investments. The business outlook for fiscal 2024 includes anticipated growth in PEO and Insurance Solutions revenue and adjusted diluted earnings per share.

Positive

• 6% revenue growth and 9-10% increase in diluted earnings per share for the second quarter
• Strong financial position with $1.4 billion in cash and investments
• Anticipated growth in PEO and Insurance Solutions revenue and adjusted diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2024

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Paychex, Inc.'s reported growth in revenue and earnings for the second quarter, alongside raising its full-year earnings outlook, is a strong indicator of the company's operational performance and financial health. The reported 6% increase in total revenue and 10% increase in diluted earnings per share reflect a robust demand for the company's services, particularly in human capital management (HCM), HR and insurance solutions. The growth in these areas suggests that Paychex is effectively capitalizing on the needs of small and mid-sized businesses navigating a challenging economic landscape.

The operating margin improvement from 39.7% to 40.2% indicates efficiency gains, likely from scale advantages and possibly from prudent cost management. The 44% increase in interest on funds held for clients, driven by higher average interest rates, also contributed to the company's financial performance, showcasing the benefit of rising interest rates to Paychex's business model.

Investors should note the company's strong liquidity position with $1.4 billion in cash and investments and a solid cash flow from operations totaling $1.0 billion for the six months. These figures demonstrate Paychex's ability to sustain its operations and shareholder returns, evidenced by the payment of dividends and share repurchases. The use of non-GAAP financial measures, such as adjusted diluted earnings per share and EBITDA, provides additional lenses through which to evaluate the company's performance, though investors should consider these alongside GAAP measures for a complete financial assessment.

Industry Analyst

The PEO (Professional Employer Organization) and Insurance Solutions segment showing an 8% revenue increase is significant, as it indicates that Paychex's diversification strategy is bearing fruit. The growth in PEO worksite employees underscores the increasing trend of outsourcing HR functions, which can be a resilient revenue stream for the company. Furthermore, the demand for Paychex's services amidst increasing regulations hints at the company's competitive positioning in the market, potentially leading to sustained growth.

However, the macro-economic environment remains a factor to watch. Stability in this environment has been beneficial for Paychex's client base, but any shifts could impact client growth and the ability to maintain pricing power. The company's outlook, including the anticipated 7% to 9% growth in PEO and Insurance Solutions revenue, reflects confidence in its business model, but stakeholders should remain aware of potential economic headwinds.

Economist

The performance of Paychex can be seen as a barometer for the broader small and mid-sized business sector. The company's revenue growth is indicative of a stable macroeconomic environment for its core customer base, despite challenges in accessing growth capital and talent. The labor market dynamics and wage inflation trends reported by Paychex's Small Business Employment Watch provide valuable insights into broader economic conditions, which can influence investor sentiment and market forecasts.

The strategic focus on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) efforts mentioned at the end of the report aligns with the growing investor emphasis on sustainable and socially responsible business practices. While not directly affecting the financials, this focus could enhance Paychex's reputation and long-term shareholder value. Investors may view companies with strong ESG commitments as better positioned to navigate regulatory changes and consumer expectations.

• Sustained Growth in Revenue and Earnings in the Second Quarter
• Raises Full Year Earnings Outlook

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Paychex, Inc. (the "Company," "Paychex," "we," "our," or "us") today announced the following results for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2023 (the "second quarter"), as compared to the corresponding prior-year period:

		For the three months ended															For the six months ended
		November 30,															November 30,
In millions, except per share amounts		2023					2022					Change(2)					2023					2022					Change(2)
Total revenue		$		1,257.9			$		1,190.3				6		%		$		2,543.9			$		2,396.5				6		%
Operating income		$		506.2			$		472.3				7		%		$		1,042.5			$		967.9				8		%
Diluted earnings per share		$		1.08			$		0.99				9		%		$		2.24			$		2.04				10		%
Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1)		$		1.08			$		0.99				9		%		$		2.23			$		2.02				10		%

(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 with our results for the second quarter and the first half of fiscal 2024, with total revenue growth of 6% and diluted earnings per share and adjusted diluted earnings per share growth through the first half of the fiscal year of 10%. The macro-economic environment remains stable for small and mid-sized businesses, who continue to face challenges in both the cost of and access to growth capital; and finding quality talent in the current labor market. Our Small Business Employment Watch continues to show moderation in both job growth and wage inflation.”

Mr. Gibson also noted, “We continue to see demand for our HCM technology, HR and insurance solutions, as businesses struggle to comply with increasing regulations and a challenging HR landscape and labor market.”

Second Quarter Business Highlights

Service revenue increased to $1.2 billion for the second quarter, growth of 5% over the prior year period. Highlights as compared to the corresponding prior year period are as follows:

Management Solutions revenue increased 4% to $930.7 million for the second quarter primarily due to the following factors:

• Growth in the number of clients served across our suite of human capital management ("HCM") solutions;
• Higher revenue per client from price realization and product penetration, including HR Solutions and retirement; and
• Growth in ancillary services.

Professional Employer Organization ("PEO") and Insurance Solutions revenue increased 8% to $295.7 million for the second quarter primarily due to the following:

• Growth in the number of average PEO worksite employees;
• Increase in PEO insurance revenues; and
• Higher revenue from ancillary services.

Interest on funds held for clients increased 44% to $31.5 million for the second quarter primarily due to higher average interest rates.

Total expenses increased 5% to $751.7 million for the second quarter primarily due to the following:

• Higher compensation costs driven by increases in average wage rates;
• 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 7% to $506.2 million for the second quarter. Operating margin (operating income as a percentage of total revenue) increased to 40.2% for the second quarter compared to 39.7% for the prior year period.

Other income/(expense) was $11.7 million for the second quarter compared to $2.9 million in the prior year period primarily as a result of higher average interest rates earned on our corporate investments as well as higher average investment balances.

Our effective income tax rate was 24.2% for the second quarter and 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 increased 9% to $1.08 per share for the second quarter and adjusted diluted earnings per share⁽¹⁾ increased 9% to $1.08 per share for the same period.

(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, 2023 (the “six months”) as compared to the corresponding prior year period are as follows:

• Total revenue increased 6% to $2.5 billion.
• Operating income increased 8% to $1.0 billion.
• Diluted earnings per share increased 10% to $2.24 per share. Adjusted diluted earnings per share⁽¹⁾ increased 10% to $2.23 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, 2023, we had:

• Cash, restricted cash, and total corporate investments of $1.4 billion.
• Short-term and long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance costs, of $812.0 million.
• Cash flow from operations was $1.0 billion for the six months.

Return to Stockholders During the Six Months

• Paid cumulative dividends of $1.78 per share totaling $642.1 million.
• Repurchased 1.5 million shares of our common stock for $169.2 million.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

		For the three months ended															For the six months ended
		November 30,															November 30,
$ in millions		2023					2022					Change					2023					2022					Change
Net income		$		392.7			$		360.3				9		%		$		811.9			$		739.5				10		%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Excess tax benefits related to employee stock-based compensation payments(1)				(1.1	)				(0.9	)									(5.2	)				(8.2	)
Adjusted net income		$		391.6			$		359.4				9		%		$		806.7			$		731.3				10		%
Diluted earnings per share(2)		$		1.08			$		0.99				9		%		$		2.24			$		2.04				10		%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Excess tax benefits related to employee stock-based compensation payments(1)				—					—										(0.01	)				(0.02	)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share		$		1.08			$		0.99				9		%		$		2.23			$		2.02				10		%
Net income		$		392.7			$		360.3				9		%		$		811.9			$		739.5				10		%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Interest (income)/expense, net				(11.8	)				(0.9	)									(23.9	)				2.8
Income taxes				125.2					114.9										255.1					227.7
Depreciation and amortization expense				44.9					44.3										86.1					88.3
Total non-GAAP adjustments				158.3					158.3										317.3					318.8
EBITDA		$		551.0			$		518.6				6		%		$		1,129.2			$		1,058.3				7		%

(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 our core business operations’ performance 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, 2024 ("fiscal 2024") incorporates current assumptions and market conditions. Changes in the macroeconomic environment could alter our guidance. With consideration of these impacts, we have updated our business outlook as follows:

• PEO and Insurance Solutions revenue is now anticipated to grow in the range of 7% to 9%.
• Other income, net is now expected to be in the range of $35 million to $40 million.
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share⁽¹⁾ is now anticipated to grow in the range of 10% to 11%.
• Other aspects of our guidance for fiscal 2024 remain unchanged from what we provided previously.

(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.

Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG")

As part of what it means to be Paychex, we are focusing our ESG efforts on actions we can take to create positive impact. To learn more about our latest initiatives, please visit our Corporate Social Responsibility webpage. 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 21, 2023, 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 approximately 740,000 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 and stay connected on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain written and oral statements made by us may 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," "could," "may," "possible," "potential" and other similar words or phrases. 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, or 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 inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict, many of which are outside our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance upon 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 and policies;
• our ability to comply with U.S. and foreign laws and regulations;
• our compliance with data privacy 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 changes in interest rates;
• changes in the availability and retention of 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,
		2023					2022					Change(2)					2023					2022					Change(2)
Revenue:
Management Solutions		$		930.7			$		895.3				4		%		$		1,886.2			$		1,800.8				5		%
PEO and Insurance Solutions				295.7					273.3				8		%				593.5					556.1				7		%
Total service revenue				1,226.4					1,168.6				5		%				2,479.7					2,356.9				5		%
Interest on funds held for clients(1)				31.5					21.7				44		%				64.2					39.6				62		%
Total revenue				1,257.9					1,190.3				6		%				2,543.9					2,396.5				6		%
Expenses:
Cost of service revenue				364.1					359.3				1		%				724.3					710.3				2		%
Selling, general and administrative expenses				387.6					358.7				8		%				777.1					718.3				8		%
Total expenses				751.7					718.0				5		%				1,501.4					1,428.6				5		%
Operating income				506.2					472.3				7		%				1,042.5					967.9				8		%
Other income/(expense), net(1)				11.7					2.9			n/m							24.5					(0.7	)		n/m
Income before income taxes				517.9					475.2				9		%				1,067.0					967.2				10		%
Income taxes				125.2					114.9				9		%				255.1					227.7				12		%
Net income		$		392.7			$		360.3				9		%		$		811.9			$		739.5				10		%
Basic earnings per share		$		1.09			$		1.00				9		%		$		2.25			$		2.05				10		%
Diluted earnings per share		$		1.08			$		0.99				9		%		$		2.24			$		2.04				10		%
Weighted-average common shares outstanding				360.5					360.5										360.6					360.2
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution				362.1					362.3										362.4					362.3

(1)		Further information on interest on funds held for clients and other expense, 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,
		2023					2023
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents		$		1,363.1			$		1,222.0
Restricted cash				47.9					49.8
Corporate investments				34.4					373.4
Interest receivable				23.7					24.4
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses				1,082.7					873.3
PEO unbilled receivables, net of advance collections				544.4					528.5
Prepaid income taxes				83.5					48.1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets				304.3					289.8
Current assets before funds held for clients				3,484.0					3,409.3
Funds held for clients				5,439.7					4,118.8
Total current assets				8,923.7					7,528.1
Long-term corporate investments				1.6					3.8
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation				417.6					396.3
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net of accumulated amortization				59.4					61.5
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization				201.0					187.4
Goodwill				1,882.3					1,834.0
Long-term deferred costs				474.6					470.1
Other long-term assets				91.9					65.2
Total assets		$		12,052.1			$		10,546.4
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable		$		92.3			$		84.7
Accrued corporate compensation and related items				164.1					209.9
Accrued worksite employee compensation and related items				806.2					763.9
Short-term borrowings				13.6					10.2
Deferred revenue				55.1					47.3
Other current liabilities				496.3					395.4
Current liabilities before client fund obligations				1,627.6					1,511.4
Client fund obligations				5,626.8					4,294.0
Total current liabilities				7,254.4					5,805.4
Accrued income taxes				93.2					83.0
Deferred income taxes				103.0					112.1
Long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance costs				798.4					798.2
Operating lease liabilities				53.5					57.3
Other long-term liabilities				225.2					197.2
Total liabilities				8,527.7					7,053.2
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized: 600.0 shares; Issued and outstanding: 359.8 shares as of November 30, 2023 and 360.5 shares as of May 31, 2023				3.6					3.6
Additional paid-in capital				1,678.6					1,626.4
Retained earnings				2,009.4					2,023.1
Accumulated other comprehensive loss				(167.2	)				(159.9	)
Total stockholders’ equity				3,524.4					3,493.2
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$		12,052.1			$		10,546.4

PAYCHEX, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (In millions)
		For the six months ended
		November 30,
		2023					2022 (1)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income		$		811.9			$		739.5
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization				86.1					88.3
Amortization of premiums and discounts on available-for-sale ("AFS") securities, net				(2.9	)				11.2
Amortization of deferred contract costs				115.1					107.5
Stock-based compensation costs				30.7					29.7
Benefit from deferred income taxes				(6.4	)				(15.3	)
Provision for credit losses				10.0					8.1
Net realized losses/(gains) on sales of AFS securities				0.0					(0.1	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Interest receivable				0.7					(0.9	)
Accounts receivable and PEO unbilled receivables, net				52.9					(82.5	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets				(46.3	)				(43.4	)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities				66.6					(11.2	)
Deferred costs				(123.1	)				(122.1	)
Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities				10.1					13.8
Net change in operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities				(1.1	)				(2.9	)
Net cash provided by operating activities				1,004.3					719.7
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of AFS securities				(3,303.7	)				(6,504.9	)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of AFS securities				3,607.0					7,631.3
Net purchases of short-term accounts receivable				(104.8	)				(33.8	)
Purchases of property and equipment				(79.4	)				(65.9	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment				0.0					9.7
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired				(208.3	)				—
Purchases of other assets, net				(20.5	)				(8.6	)
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities				(109.7	)				1,027.8
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net change in client fund obligations				1,332.8					(468.7	)
Net change in short-term borrowings				3.8					2.0
Dividends paid				(642.1	)				(569.3	)
Repurchases of common shares				(169.2	)				—
Activity related to equity-based plans				7.0					(15.1	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities				532.3					(1,051.1	)
Net change in cash, restricted cash, and equivalents				1,426.9					696.4
Cash, restricted cash, and equivalents, beginning of period				2,134.9					928.4
Cash, restricted cash, and equivalents, end of period		$		3,561.8			$		1,624.8
Reconciliation of cash, restricted cash, and equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents		$		1,363.1			$		1,096.5
Restricted cash				47.9					68.2
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in funds held for clients				2,150.8					460.1
Total cash, restricted cash, and equivalents		$		3,561.8			$		1,624.8

(1)

The consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended November 30, 2022 includes a revision to previously reported amounts related to the presentation of the cash flows associated with the short-term receivables purchased from the Company’s clients under non-recourse arrangements. The revision increased net cash provided by operating activities and decreased net cash provided by investing activities by $33.8 million each.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221247001/en/

Investor Relations:

Bob Schrader, CFO, or Terri Allen

585‑383‑3406



Media Inquiries:

Chris Muller, Director, Corporate Communications

585‑338-4346

Source: Paychex, Inc.

FAQ

What are Paychex, Inc.'s (PAYX) financial highlights for the second quarter of fiscal 2024?

Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) reported 6% revenue growth, 7% increase in operating income, and 9-10% increase in diluted earnings per share.

What is Paychex, Inc.'s (PAYX) cash position as of November 30, 2023?

As of November 30, 2023, Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) had $1.4 billion in cash, restricted cash, and total corporate investments.

What is Paychex, Inc.'s (PAYX) business outlook for fiscal 2024?

Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) anticipates 7-9% growth in PEO and Insurance Solutions revenue, and 10-11% growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2024.