•
Feb 28, 2021

Paychex Q3 2021 Earnings Report

Revenue and EPS declined slightly due to the impact of COVID-19, but client retention remained strong.

Key Takeaways

Paychex reported a slight decrease in total revenue and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, as compared to the prior-year period. Client retention remained strong and at record levels. The company also updated its full-year guidance.

Total revenue decreased 3% to $1.1 billion.

Diluted earnings per share decreased 1% to $0.97.

Management Solutions revenue was comparable at $846.8 million.

Client retention remains strong and at record levels.

Total Revenue
$1.11B
Previous year: $1.14B
-2.7%
EPS
$0.96
Previous year: $0.97
-1.0%
Gross Profit
$783M
Previous year: $802M
-2.4%
Cash and Equivalents
$787M
Previous year: $780M
+0.9%
Free Cash Flow
$408M
Previous year: $456M
-10.6%
Total Assets
$9.67B
Previous year: $9.47B
+2.1%

Paychex

Paychex

Paychex Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Paychex has updated its guidance for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2021, incorporating anticipated impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic based on current assumptions and market conditions.

Positive Outlook

  • Management Solutions revenue is anticipated to be in the range of flat to 2%.
  • Total service revenue is anticipated to be in the range of (1%) to 1%.
  • Total revenue is anticipated to be in the range of (2%) to flat.
  • Adjusted operating margin is anticipated to be in the range of 36% to 37%.
  • Adjusted EBITDA margin is anticipated to be in the range of 41% to 42%.

Challenges Ahead

  • The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2021 is anticipated to be in the range of 23% to 24%.
  • Adjusted diluted earnings per share is anticipated to be in the range of (2%) to flat.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income