Paychex, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results
PAYX
Sustained Growth in Revenue and Earnings Entered into a Definitive Agreement to Acquire Paycor HCM, Inc. ("Paycor") with Expected Close in April 2025 Returned $1.2 Billion to Stockholders in the First Nine Months of Fiscal 2025
Paychex, Inc. (the "Company," "Paychex," "we," "our," or "us") today reported results for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2025 (the "third quarter"). Results compared with the same period last year were as follows:
For the three months ended
For the nine months ended
In millions, except per share amounts
February 28, 2025
February 29, 2024
Change(2)
February 28, 2025
February 29, 2024
Change(2)
Total revenue
$
1,509.0
$
1,439.3
5
%
$
4,144.4
$
3,983.2
4
%
Operating income
$
691.8
$
649.8
6
%
$
1,776.6
$
1,692.3
5
%
Adjusted operating income(1)
$
708.5
$
649.8
9
%
$
1,793.3
$
1,692.3
6
%
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.43
$
1.38
4
%
$
3.76
$
3.62
4
%
Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1)
$
1.49
$
1.38
8
%
$
3.79
$
3.60
5
%
Adjusted operating income and adjusted diluted earnings per share are not United States ("U.S.") generally accepted accounting principle ("GAAP") measures. Please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section on page 4 of this press release for a discussion of non-GAAP measures.
Percentage changes are calculated based on unrounded numbers.
President and Chief Executive Officer, John Gibson commented, "The third quarter of this fiscal year has been a transformational time at Paychex. As we position ourselves for the digitally and AI driven future of human capital management ("HCM"), we believe the combination of our continued positive momentum and the pending acquisition of Paycor positions Paychex for continued growth. Total revenue growth in the third quarter was 5% and, excluding the impact of the discontinued Employee Retention Tax Credit ("ERTC") program, revenue growth was 6%, driven by the strength of our industry-leading HCM solutions. Diluted earnings per share increased 4% and adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) increased 8% during the quarter. Our investments in automation and technology are also boosting efficiency across the organization resulting in operating margins of 45.8% and adjusted operating margins(1) of 46.9%, an increase of 180 basis points compared to the prior year period."
Gibson also noted, "We look forward to welcoming Paycor to the Paychex family in the coming weeks. Our companies are highly complementary, and our dedicated employees share a common set of values, most importantly a strong customer orientation and focus on providing innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Our expected combined base of nearly 800,000 customers will benefit from having access to the most comprehensive, flexible, and innovative HCM solutions in the industry. By working together, we believe we will be even better positioned to achieve our shared mission of helping businesses, of all sizes, succeed in the years ahead."
Third Quarter Business Highlights
Total revenue increased to $1.5 billion for the third quarter, representing growth of 5% over the prior year period. Highlights as compared with the corresponding prior year period are as follows:
Total expenses increased 4% to $817.2 million for the third quarter primarily due to the following:
Total expenses, excluding acquisition-related costs noted above, increased 1% to $800.5 million for the third quarter compared to the prior year.
Operating income grew 6% to $691.8 million for the third quarter and adjusted operating income(1) grew 9% to $708.5 million. Operating margin (operating income as a percentage of total revenue) was 45.8% for the third quarter compared to 45.1% for the prior year period. Adjusted operating margin(1) (operating income, as adjusted, as a percentage of total revenue) was 46.9% for the third quarter compared to 45.1% for the prior year period. Operating income and adjusted operating income(1) were impacted by the expiration of the ERTC program.
Other (expense)/income, net decreased $15.4 million to expense of $6.0 million for the third quarter, primarily as a result of acquisition-related costs associated with the pending Paycor acquisition recognized in interest expense and lower average interest rates earned on our corporate investments.
Our effective income tax rate was 24.3% for the third quarter compared to 24.4% 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 4% to $1.43 per share and 8% to $1.49 per share, respectively, for the third quarter.
(1)
Fiscal Year-To-Date Business Highlights
Highlights for the nine months ended February 28, 2025 (the "nine months") as compared to the corresponding prior year period are as follows:
(1)
Adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, and adjusted diluted earnings per share are not U.S. GAAP measures. Please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section on page 4 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 nine months. As of February 28, 2025, we had:
Return to Stockholders During the Nine Months
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
For the three months ended
For the nine months ended
February 28,
February 29,
February 28,
February 29,
$ in millions
2025
2024
Change
2025
2024
Change
Operating income
$
691.8
$
649.8
6
%
$
1,776.6
$
1,692.3
5
%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Acquisition-related costs(1)
16.7
—
16.7
—
Adjusted operating income
$
708.5
$
649.8
9
%
$
1,793.3
$
1,692.3
6
%
Adjusted operating margin
46.9
%
45.1
%
43.3
%
42.5
%
Other (expense)/income, net
$
(6.0
)
$
9.4
n/m
$
10.0
$
33.9
n/m
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Acquisition-related costs(1)
13.2
—
13.2
—
Adjusted other income, net
$
7.2
$
9.4
(23
)
%
$
23.2
$
33.9
(31
)
%
Net income
$
519.3
$
498.6
4
%
$
1,360.1
$
1,310.5
4
%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Acquisition-related costs(1)
29.9
—
29.9
—
Income tax (benefit)/provision for acquisition-related costs
(7.3
)
—
(7.3
)
—
Excess tax benefits related to employee stock-based compensation payments(2)
(0.8
)
(0.3
)
(9.4
)
(5.5
)
Adjusted net income
$
541.1
$
498.3
9
%
$
1,373.3
$
1,305.0
5
%
Diluted earnings per share(3)
$
1.43
$
1.38
4
%
$
3.76
$
3.62
4
%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Acquisition-related costs(1)
0.08
—
0.08
—
Income tax (benefit)/provision for acquisition-related costs
(0.02
)
—
(0.02
)
—
Excess tax benefits related to employee stock-based compensation payments(2)
(0.00
)
—
(0.03
)
(0.02
)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
$
1.49
$
1.38
8
%
$
3.79
$
3.60
5
%
Net income
$
519.3
$
498.6
4
%
$
1,360.1
$
1,310.5
4
%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Interest expense/(income), net
6.0
(9.4
)
(10.6
)
(33.3
)
Income taxes
166.5
160.6
426.5
415.7
Depreciation and amortization expense
43.1
44.8
123.8
130.9
EBITDA
$
734.9
$
694.6
6
%
$
1,899.8
$
1,823.8
4
%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Acquisition-related costs(1)
16.7
—
16.7
—
Adjusted EBITDA
$
751.6
$
694.6
8
%
$
1,916.5
$
1,823.8
5
%
Acquisition-related costs recognized related to the pending Paycor acquisition, including (i) $16.7 million for the third quarter and nine months primarily reflecting third-party professional service fees included in Selling, general, and administrative expenses and (ii) $13.2 million for the third quarter and nine months reflecting the amortization of financing fees related to debt instruments associated with the financing of the pending Paycor acquisition and the excluded component of the initial fair value of the interest rate swaption contracts that are included in Other (expense)/income, net in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.
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.
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 operating income, operating margin, other (expense)/income, net, net income, and diluted earnings per share, which are U.S. GAAP measures, we present adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted other income, net, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA"), and adjusted 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 operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted other income, net, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, EBITDA, and adjusted 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 operating income, operating margin, other (expense)/income, net, 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.
Pending Paycor Acquisition
As previously announced, on January 7, 2025, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Paycor, a leading provider of HCM, payroll and talent software, to extend our upmarket position and expand our suite of HR technology and advisory solutions. In addition, on February 27, 2025, we announced that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, had expired with respect to the acquisition. The acquisition is expected to close in April 2025, subject to other customary closing conditions.
Business Outlook
Our business outlook for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2025 ("fiscal 2025") incorporates current assumptions and market conditions and excludes any impact from the pending Paycor acquisition. Changes in the macroeconomic environment could alter our guidance. With consideration of these impacts, we have updated our business outlook as follows:
Adjusted operating margin is not a U.S. GAAP measure. Please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section on page 4 of this press release for a discussion of non-GAAP measures.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q ("Form 10-Q")
We anticipate filing our Form 10-Q for the third quarter within the next couple days, 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 March 26, 2025, 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," "strategy," "mission," "anticipate," "believe," "can," "could," "design," "look forward," "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, and the pending acquisition of Paycor.
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:
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 nine months ended
February 28,
February
29,
February
28,
February
29,
2025
2024
Change(2)
2025
2024
Change(2)
Revenue:
Management Solutions
$
1,100.7
$
1,049.9
5
%
$
3,025.3
$
2,936.1
3
%
PEO and Insurance Solutions
365.4
345.5
6
%
1,002.6
939.0
7
%
Total service revenue
1,466.1
1,395.4
5
%
4,027.9
3,875.1
4
%
Interest on funds held for clients(1)
42.9
43.9
(2
)
%
116.5
108.1
8
%
Total revenue
1,509.0
1,439.3
5
%
4,144.4
3,983.2
4
%
Expenses:
Cost of service revenue
387.4
379.8
2
%
1,146.5
1,104.1
4
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
429.8
409.7
5
%
1,221.3
1,186.8
3
%
Total expenses
817.2
789.5
4
%
2,367.8
2,290.9
3
%
Operating income
691.8
649.8
6
%
1,776.6
1,692.3
5
%
Other (expense)/income, net(1)
(6.0
)
9.4
n/m
10.0
33.9
n/m
Income before income taxes
685.8
659.2
4
%
1,786.6
1,726.2
4
%
Income taxes
166.5
160.6
4
%
426.5
415.7
3
%
Net income
$
519.3
$
498.6
4
%
$
1,360.1
$
1,310.5
4
%
Basic earnings per share
$
1.44
$
1.39
4
%
$
3.78
$
3.64
4
%
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.43
$
1.38
4
%
$
3.76
$
3.62
4
%
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
360.1
359.9
360.1
360.4
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution
362.0
361.7
361.9
362.2
(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.
PAYCHEX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(In millions, except per share amounts)
February 28,
May 31,
2025
2024
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,563.8
$
1,468.9
Restricted cash
49.1
47.8
Corporate investments
37.2
33.9
Interest receivable
22.6
23.3
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses
1,244.8
1,059.6
PEO unbilled receivables, net of advance collections
597.9
542.4
Prepaid income taxes
18.3
47.5
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
359.4
321.9
Current assets before funds held for clients
3,893.1
3,545.3
Funds held for clients
4,183.9
3,706.2
Total current assets
8,077.0
7,251.5
Long-term corporate investments
—
3.7
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
451.2
411.7
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net of accumulated amortization
48.2
46.9
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization
175.6
194.5
Goodwill
1,877.8
1,882.7
Long-term deferred costs
472.3
477.1
Other long-term assets
119.5
115.0
Total assets
$
11,221.6
$
10,383.1
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable
$
118.7
$
104.3
Accrued corporate compensation and related items
157.8
135.0
Accrued worksite employee compensation and related items
746.8
662.4
Short-term borrowings
17.6
18.7
Deferred revenue
51.7
50.2
Other current liabilities
455.3
469.8
Current liabilities before client fund obligations
1,547.9
1,440.4
Client fund obligations
4,251.8
3,868.7
Total current liabilities
5,799.7
5,309.1
Accrued income taxes
118.2
102.6
Deferred income taxes
93.0
86.0
Long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance costs
799.0
798.6
Operating lease liabilities
47.1
49.0
Other long-term liabilities
248.0
236.8
Total liabilities
7,105.0
6,582.1
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized: 600.0 shares; Issued and outstanding: 360.2 shares as of February 28, 2025 and 360.1 shares May 31, 2024
3.6
3.6
Additional paid-in capital
1,814.8
1,729.5
Retained earnings
2,387.8
2,213.0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(89.6
)
(145.1
)
Total stockholders’ equity
4,116.6
3,801.0
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
11,221.6
$
10,383.1
PAYCHEX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In millions)
For the nine months ended
February
28,
February
29,
2025
2024
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income
$
1,360.1
$
1,310.5
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
123.8
130.9
Amortization of premiums and discounts on available-for-sale ("AFS") securities, cash flow hedges, and long-term debt, net
5.1
(4.7
)
Amortization of deferred contract costs
176.6
173.4
Stock-based compensation costs
50.5
45.1
Benefit from deferred income taxes
(16.1
)
(20.9
)
Provision for credit losses
17.6
14.9
Net realized losses on sales of AFS securities
0.4
0.0
Premiums paid on cash flow hedges
(19.2
)
—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Interest receivable
0.7
1.6
Accounts receivable and PEO unbilled receivables, net
(99.9
)
(3.5
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
2.3
9.2
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
107.8
184.2
Deferred costs
(173.7
)
(184.3
)
Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities
25.4
21.6
Net change in operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities
(4.3
)
(2.0
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
1,557.1
1,676.0
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of AFS securities
(8,473.2
)
(6,007.4
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of AFS securities
8,500.4
6,345.6
Net purchases of short-term accounts receivable
(153.3
)
(101.8
)
Purchases of property and equipment
(131.3
)
(120.1
)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
—
(208.3
)
Purchases of other assets, net
(24.3
)
(25.8
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(281.7
)
(117.8
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net change in client fund obligations
383.1
1,947.4
Net change in short-term borrowings
—
9.0
Dividends paid
(1,059.2
)
(962.5
)
Repurchases of common shares including excise tax
(104.5
)
(169.2
)
Debt issuance fees
(11.4
)
—
Activity related to equity-based plans
12.9
15.1
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
(779.1
)
839.8
Net change in cash, restricted cash, and equivalents
496.3
2,398.0
Cash, restricted cash, and equivalents, beginning of period
1,897.0
2,134.9
Cash, restricted cash, and equivalents, end of period
$
2,393.3
$
4,532.9
Reconciliation of cash, restricted cash, and equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,563.8
$
1,693.6
Restricted cash
49.1
41.0
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in funds held for clients
780.4
2,798.3
Total cash, restricted cash, and equivalents
$
2,393.3
$
4,532.9
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