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Nov 30, 2020

Paychex Q2 2021 Earnings Report

Revenue declined slightly, but EPS increased, reflecting improved financial performance.

Key Takeaways

Paychex reported a slight decrease in total revenue but an increase in net income and diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of fiscal year 2021. The company raised its guidance as results showed sequential improvement.

Diluted earnings per share increased 4% to $0.75.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 4% to $0.73.

Management Solutions revenue increased 1% to $732.8 million.

Total revenue decreased 1% to $983.7 million.

Total Revenue
$984M
Previous year: $991M
-0.7%
EPS
$0.73
Previous year: $0.7
+4.3%
Gross Profit
$664M
Previous year: $667M
-0.5%
Cash and Equivalents
$694M
Previous year: $601M
+15.5%
Free Cash Flow
$182M
Previous year: $236M
-23.1%
Total Assets
$8.62B
Previous year: $8.7B
-1.0%

Paychex

Paychex

Paychex Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Paychex provided updated guidance for fiscal year 2021, incorporating anticipated impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Management Solutions revenue is anticipated to be in the range of (1%) to 1%; Total revenue is anticipated to be in the range of (3%) to flat; Adjusted operating margin is anticipated to be approximately 36%; Adjusted EBITDA margin is anticipated to be approximately 41%; The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2021 is anticipated to be approximately 24%; and Adjusted diluted earnings per share is anticipated to be in the range of (1%) to (4%).

Positive Outlook

  • Management Solutions revenue is anticipated to be in the range of (1%) to 1%.
  • Total revenue is anticipated to be in the range of (3%) to flat.
  • Adjusted operating margin is anticipated to be approximately 36%.
  • Adjusted EBITDA margin is anticipated to be approximately 41%.
  • The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2021 is anticipated to be approximately 24%.

Challenges Ahead

  • Adjusted diluted earnings per share is anticipated to be in the range of (1%) to (4%).
  • Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the U.S. and global economy.
  • Changes in governmental regulations and policies.
  • The possibility of cyberattacks, security vulnerabilities and Internet disruptions.
  • Volatility in the political and economic environment.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income