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Feb 29, 2020

Paychex Q3 2020 Earnings Report

Paychex reported solid growth across its major business lines, benefiting from investments in product offerings and technology enhancements, and achieving record-level retention rates.

Key Takeaways

Paychex, Inc. announced a 7% increase in total revenue, reaching $1.1 billion for the third quarter ended February 29, 2020. Net income and diluted earnings per share each increased by 9% to $354.5 million and $0.98, respectively. The company experienced solid growth across its major business lines, driven by investments in product offerings and technology.

Total revenue increased 7% to $1.1 billion.

Operating income increased 10% to $470.1 million.

Net income increased 9% to $354.5 million.

Diluted earnings per share increased 9% to $0.98 per share.

Total Revenue
$1.14B
Previous year: $1.07B
+6.8%
EPS
$0.97
Previous year: $0.89
+9.0%
Operating Margin
41.1%
Previous year: 40.1%
+2.5%
Gross Profit
$802M
Previous year: $745M
+7.7%
Cash and Equivalents
$780M
Previous year: $696M
+12.0%
Free Cash Flow
$456M
Previous year: $498M
-8.5%
Total Assets
$9.47B
Previous year: $10.4B
-8.6%

Paychex

Paychex

Paychex Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Paychex anticipates total revenue to grow in the range of 8% to 9%. Management Solutions revenue is anticipated to grow approximately 4% and PEO and Insurance Solutions revenue is anticipated to grow approximately 24%.

Positive Outlook

  • Management Solutions revenue is anticipated to grow approximately 4%.
  • PEO and Insurance Solutions revenue is anticipated to grow approximately 24%.
  • Interest on funds held for clients is anticipated to decline in the range of 2% to 3%.
  • Total revenue is anticipated to grow in the range of 8% to 9%.
  • The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2020 is expected to be in the range of 23.5% to 24.0%.

Challenges Ahead

  • Our outlook for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2020 incorporates known and some estimated impacts related to the COVID-19 virus, including the most recent reductions in the Federal Funds rate.
  • The impact from the rapidly changing market and economic conditions due to COVID-19 is uncertain and could impact our results of operations and financial condition in the future.
  • That impact could alter our guidance
  • Operating margin is anticipated to be approximately 36%.
  • Other expense, net is anticipated to be in the range of $22 million to $24 million.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income