STOCK TITAN

Paychex (PAYX) delivers double-digit 2026 growth and sets 2027 EPS outlook

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Paychex reported strong fourth-quarter and full-year 2026 results, with double-digit growth in revenue and earnings. Fourth-quarter total revenue rose 12% to $1.61 billion, while diluted EPS increased 43% to $1.17 and adjusted diluted EPS grew 11% to $1.32. Operating income for the quarter rose 40% to $604.7 million and adjusted operating income increased 17% to $675.8 million, driven by revenue growth and lower acquisition-related costs after the Paycor integration.

For fiscal 2026, revenue grew 17% to $6.51 billion, operating income rose 14% to $2.51 billion, and diluted EPS increased 7% to $4.89, with adjusted EPS up 11% to $5.51. The company generated $2.56 billion in operating cash flow and returned $2.2 billion to shareholders through $1.6 billion of dividends and $611.0 million of share repurchases. For fiscal 2027, Paychex expects total revenue growth of 5%–6%, adjusted operating margin of about 44%, and adjusted EPS growth of 7%–9%.

Positive

  • Strong growth and margins: Fiscal 2026 revenue rose 17% to $6.5 billion, adjusted diluted EPS increased 11% to $5.51, and adjusted EBITDA grew 19% to $3.02 billion, indicating robust operating performance and profitability expansion.
  • Shareholder returns and cash flow: Paychex generated $2.56 billion in operating cash flow and returned $2.2 billion to shareholders via $1.6 billion of dividends and $611.0 million of buybacks, while maintaining a sizable cash and investments position.

Negative

  • None.

Insights

Paychex delivered strong FY 2026 growth and issued solid FY 2027 guidance.

Paychex posted fiscal 2026 revenue of $6.5 billion, up 17%, with net income of $1.76 billion. Fourth-quarter diluted EPS rose 43% to $1.17, while adjusted diluted EPS grew 11% to $1.32, supported by higher Management Solutions and PEO revenue and improved margins.

Non-GAAP metrics were notable: adjusted operating income increased 19% to $2.81 billion and adjusted EBITDA rose 19% to $3.02 billion. The Paycor acquisition contributed to revenue growth but also to higher amortization and compensation costs; acquisition-related costs were $304.2 million for the year.

Cash generation remained strong, with operating cash flow of $2.56 billion. The company paid dividends totaling $1.6 billion and repurchased 5.6 million shares for $611.0 million. For the year ending May 31, 2027, management guides revenue growth of 5–6% and adjusted EPS growth of 7–9%, with an anticipated adjusted operating margin of about 44%.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Item 162.1 Item 162.1
Item 183.9 Item 183.9
Item 735.8 Item 735.8
Item 844.8 Item 844.8
Q4 2026 total revenue $1,605.5 million Three months ended May 31, 2026; up 12% year over year
FY 2026 total revenue $6,512.0 million Twelve months ended May 31, 2026; up 17% year over year
FY 2026 diluted EPS $4.89 per share Twelve months ended May 31, 2026; up 7% year over year
FY 2026 adjusted diluted EPS $5.51 per share Twelve months ended May 31, 2026; up 11% year over year
Operating cash flow $2,556.7 million Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2026
Dividends paid $1,589.6 million Fiscal 2026 dividends, $4.43 per share
Share repurchases $611.0 million 5.6 million common shares repurchased in fiscal 2026
FY 2027 adjusted EPS growth outlook 7% to 9% Guidance for adjusted diluted earnings per share growth
Adjusted operating income financial
"Adjusted operating income(1), which excludes acquisition-related costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses, grew 17% to $675.8 million for the fourth quarter."
Adjusted operating income is a company's profit from its main activities, excluding certain one-time or unusual costs and gains. It helps investors see how well the business is performing in its normal operations, without distractions from rare events or expenses. This way, they get a clearer picture of the company’s true profitability.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share financial
"Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) increased 11% to $1.32 per share for the fourth quarter."
Adjusted diluted earnings per share is the company’s net profit per share after accounting for potential extra shares (from options or convertible securities) and removing one‑time or unusual items so the number reflects ongoing business results. Think of it like timing a runner’s steady pace after excluding a few unexpected stops; it gives investors a clearer view of sustainable profit available to each share. Investors use it to compare companies and judge underlying profitability and valuation without short‑term distortions.
EBITDA financial
"earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA"), and adjusted EBITDA which are non-GAAP measures."
EBITDA stands for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. It measures a company's profitability by focusing on the money it makes from its core operations, ignoring expenses like taxes and accounting adjustments. Investors use EBITDA to compare how well different companies are performing financially, as it provides a clearer picture of operational success without the influence of financial structure or accounting choices.
Non-GAAP financial measures financial
"Adjusted operating income and adjusted diluted earnings per share are not United States ("U.S.") generally accepted accounting principle ("GAAP") measures."
Non-GAAP financial measures are numbers companies use to show their financial performance that exclude certain expenses or income. They help investors see how the company might perform without one-time costs or other unusual items, giving a different perspective from official reports. However, since they can be adjusted, they don’t always tell the full story and should be looked at alongside standard financial figures.
PEO and Insurance Solutions financial
"Professional Employer Organization ("PEO") and Insurance Solutions revenue increased 9% to $369.7 million for the fourth quarter."
Q4 2026 total revenue $1,605.5 million 12% year over year
Q4 2026 diluted EPS $1.17 43% year over year
FY 2026 total revenue $6,512.0 million 17% year over year
FY 2026 diluted EPS $4.89 7% year over year
FY 2026 adjusted diluted EPS $5.51 11% year over year
Guidance

For fiscal 2027, Paychex projects total revenue growth of 5%–6%, PEO and Insurance Solutions revenue growth of 6%–7%, adjusted operating margin of approximately 44%, an effective tax rate of about 24%, and adjusted diluted EPS growth of 7%–9%.

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Learn about SEC filing dates
false000072353100007235312026-06-242026-06-24

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 24, 2026

 

 

Paychex, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

0-11330

16-1124166

(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

911 Panorama Trail South

 

Rochester, New York

 

14625-2396

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (585) 385-6666

 

N/A

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class

 

Trading
Symbol(s)

 


Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

 

PAYX

 

Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

 


Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On June 24, 2026, Paychex, Inc. (the "Company") issued a press release (the "Press Release") reporting its financial results for the three and twelve months ended May 31, 2026. A copy of the Press Release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

The information provided pursuant to this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1, is being "furnished" herewith and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities under such section, nor shall the information be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent specifically provided in such a filing.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d.)

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

99.1

 

Press Release of Paychex, Inc. dated June 24, 2026

104

 

Cover Page Interactive File, embedded in Inline XBRL.

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

PAYCHEX, INC.

 

 

 

 

Date:

June 24, 2026

By:

/s/ Robert L. Schrader

 

 

 

Robert L. Schrader

 

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 


 

img113778325_0.gif

 

News Release

911 Panorama Trail South • Rochester, NY 14625 • paychex.com

Paychex Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2026 Results

Delivered Strong Double-Digit Revenue and Earnings Growth
Expanded AI Leadership with the Launch of WISE Workforce Intelligence Engine
Returned $2.2 Billion to Shareholders in Fiscal 2026

 

Rochester, N.Y. (June 24, 2026) - Paychex (Nasdaq: PAYX), a leading provider of expert-enabled HR, payroll, and benefits, today reported results for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2026 (the "fourth quarter") of the fiscal year ended May 31, 2026 ("fiscal 2026"). Results compared to the same period last year were as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twelve months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 31,

 

 

 

 

 

In millions, except per share amounts

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

Change(2)

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

Change(2)

Total revenue

 

$

 

1,605.5

 

 

$

 

1,427.3

 

 

 

12

 

%

 

$

 

6,512.0

 

 

$

 

5,571.7

 

 

 

17

 

%

Operating income

 

$

 

604.7

 

 

$

 

431.1

 

 

 

40

 

%

 

$

 

2,510.5

 

 

$

 

2,207.7

 

 

 

14

 

%

Adjusted operating income(1)

 

$

 

675.8

 

 

$

 

576.7

 

 

 

17

 

%

 

$

 

2,814.7

 

 

$

 

2,370.0

 

 

 

19

 

%

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

 

1.17

 

 

$

 

0.82

 

 

 

43

 

%

 

$

 

4.89

 

 

$

 

4.58

 

 

 

7

 

%

Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1)

 

$

 

1.32

 

 

$

 

1.19

 

 

 

11

 

%

 

$

 

5.51

 

 

$

 

4.98

 

 

 

11

 

%

 

(1)
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 of this press release for a discussion of non-GAAP measures.
(2)
Percentage changes are calculated based on unrounded numbers.

 

“We finished fiscal 2026 with strong momentum, delivering double-digit revenue and earnings growth while accelerating organic revenue growth throughout the year,” stated John Gibson, President and Chief Executive Officer. "These results reflect solid execution against two of our strategic priorities, the successful integration of Paycor to advance our upmarket expansion and AI innovation that further differentiates our HCM and advisory solutions. Our durable business model and strong cash generation enabled us to return $2.2 billion to shareholders this fiscal year while continuing to invest in innovation and future growth."

 

Gibson continued, “As businesses look for a trusted partner to help them manage increasing work and complexity, we believe Paychex is well positioned to deliver differentiated value through the combination of our AI-driven technology and deep advisory expertise. This quarter, we launched WISE, our AI-powered intelligence engine, across our HCM platforms and internal operations, enabling more proactive, autonomous execution. It leverages patent-pending technology to unlock insights from unstructured data to increase productivity and enhance client outcomes.”

 

1


 

Fourth Quarter Business Highlights

 

Fourth quarter results reflect a full quarter of revenue and expenses from Paycor HCM, Inc. (“Paycor”), acquired in April 2025, compared to a partial-quarter in the prior-year period.

 

Total revenue increased to $1.6 billion for the fourth quarter, representing growth of 12% over the prior year period. Highlights compared to the prior year period include:

 

Management Solutions revenue increased 14% to $1.2 billion for the fourth quarter. Paycor, acquired in April 2025, contributed approximately 8% to Management Solutions revenue growth year-over-year. Management Solutions revenue increased due to the following:

Higher product penetration and growth in client worksite employees for Human Resources ("HR") Solutions; and
Price realization and higher revenue per client driven by Paycor's upmarket client base.

 

Professional Employer Organization ("PEO") and Insurance Solutions revenue increased 9% to $369.7 million for the fourth quarter, primarily due to the following:

Growth in the number of average PEO worksite employees; and
Increase in PEO insurance revenues.

 

Interest on funds held for clients increased 15% to $52.2 million for the fourth quarter due to higher average investment balances resulting from the acquisition of Paycor.

 

Total expenses were relatively flat for the fourth quarter, primarily impacted by the following:

Increases in compensation-related expenses and amortization of intangible assets, primarily driven by the acquisition of Paycor; and
Higher technology, selling, and marketing investments driven by the acquisition of Paycor and continued investments in our strategic priorities; offset by
Lower acquisition-related compensation and other acquisition-related costs, primarily consisting of professional service fees.

 

Operating income increased 40% to $604.7 million for the fourth quarter. The increase in operating income primarily reflected revenue growth and lower acquisition-related costs compared to the prior year period. Adjusted operating income(1), which excludes acquisition-related costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses, grew 17% to $675.8 million for the fourth quarter. Operating margin (operating income as a percentage of total revenue) was 37.7% for the fourth quarter compared to 30.2% for the prior year period. Adjusted operating margin(1) (adjusted operating income as a percentage of total revenue) was 42.1% for the fourth quarter compared to 40.4% for the prior year period.

 

Interest expense increased $1.0 million to $64.7 million for the fourth quarter, primarily due to the issuance of incremental debt in April 2025 to finance the acquisition of Paycor. The prior-year period also included acquisition-related financing costs.

 

Other income, net, decreased $7.7 million to $14.2 million for the fourth quarter, primarily as a result of lower average investment balances on our corporate investments resulting from the repayment of the Company's long-term private placement debt, Senior Notes, Series A, which matured in March 2026, and higher share repurchases in fiscal 2026.

 

Our effective income tax rate was 24.1% for the fourth quarter and 23.7% for the prior year period. Both periods were affected by the recognition of discrete tax impacts related to employee stock-based compensation payments.

 

2


 

Diluted earnings per share increased 43% to $1.17 per share and adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) increased 11% to $1.32 per share for the fourth quarter.

 

Fiscal Year Business Highlights

 

Highlights for fiscal 2026 as compared to the corresponding prior year period are as follows:

Total revenue increased 17% to $6.5 billion.
Operating income increased 14% to $2.5 billion and adjusted operating income(1) increased 19% to $2.8 billion.
Operating margin was 38.6% for the fiscal year compared to 39.6% for the prior year period. Adjusted operating margin(1) was 43.2% for the fiscal year compared to 42.5% for the prior year period.
Diluted earnings per share increased 7% to $4.89 per share. Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) increased 11% to $5.51 per share.

 

Financial Position and Liquidity

 

Our financial position and cash flow generation remained strong during fiscal 2026. As of May 31, 2026, we had:

Cash, restricted cash, and total corporate investments of $1.2 billion.
Short-term and long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance costs, of $4.6 billion.
Cash flow from operations was $2.6 billion for the fiscal year.

 

Return to Stockholders During Fiscal 2026

 

Paid cumulative dividends of $4.43 per share totaling $1.6 billion.
Repurchased 5.6 million shares of our common stock for $611.0 million.

 

Business Outlook

 

Our outlook for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2027 ("fiscal 2027") reflects current assumptions and market conditions. Changes in the macroeconomic environment could alter our guidance. Our updated business outlook is as follows:

 

Total revenue is anticipated to grow in the range of 5% to 6%.
Management Solutions revenue is anticipated to grow in the range of 5% to 6%.
PEO and Insurance Solutions revenue is anticipated to grow in the range of 6% to 7%.
Interest on funds held for clients is expected to be in the range of $195 million to $205 million.
Adjusted operating margin(1) is anticipated to be approximately 44%.
The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2027 is anticipated to be approximately 24%.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) is anticipated to grow in the range of 7% to 9%.

 

(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 of this press release for a discussion of non-GAAP measures. Forward-looking adjusted operating margin and adjusted diluted earnings per share exclude acquisition-related costs.

 

3


 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twelve months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 31,

 

 

 

 

 

$ in millions, except per share amounts

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

Change

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

Change

Operating income

 

$

 

604.7

 

 

$

 

431.1

 

 

 

40

 

%

 

$

 

2,510.5

 

 

$

 

2,207.7

 

 

 

14

 

%

Non-GAAP adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition-related costs(1)

 

 

 

71.1

 

 

 

 

145.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

304.2

 

 

 

 

162.3

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted operating income

 

$

 

675.8

 

 

$

 

576.7

 

 

 

17

 

%

 

$

 

2,814.7

 

 

$

 

2,370.0

 

 

 

19

 

%

Adjusted operating margin

 

 

 

42.1

%

 

 

 

40.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

43.2

%

 

 

 

42.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

 

420.6

 

 

$

 

297.2

 

 

 

41

 

%

 

$

 

1,760.1

 

 

$

 

1,657.3

 

 

 

6

 

%

Non-GAAP adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition-related costs(1)

 

 

 

71.1

 

 

 

 

166.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

304.2

 

 

 

 

196.3

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax benefit for acquisition-related costs

 

 

 

(17.1

)

 

 

 

(33.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(73.3

)

 

 

 

(40.6

)

 

 

 

 

Discrete tax shortfall/(windfall) related to employee stock-based compensation payments(2)

 

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

 

(0.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6.2

)

 

 

 

(10.1

)

 

 

 

 

Adjusted net income

 

$

 

474.6

 

 

$

 

429.6

 

 

 

10

 

%

 

$

 

1,984.8

 

 

$

 

1,802.9

 

 

 

10

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share(3)

 

$

 

1.17

 

 

$

 

0.82

 

 

 

43

 

%

 

$

 

4.89

 

 

$

 

4.58

 

 

 

7

 

%

Non-GAAP adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition-related costs(1)

 

 

 

0.20

 

 

 

 

0.46

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.84

 

 

 

 

0.54

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax benefit for acquisition-related costs

 

 

 

(0.05

)

 

 

 

(0.09

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.20

)

 

 

 

(0.11

)

 

 

 

 

Discrete tax shortfall/(windfall) related to employee stock-based compensation payments(2)

 

 

 

0.00

 

 

 

 

(0.00

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

 

(0.03

)

 

 

 

 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

 

$

 

1.32

 

 

$

 

1.19

 

 

 

11

 

%

 

$

 

5.51

 

 

$

 

4.98

 

 

 

11

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

 

420.6

 

 

$

 

297.2

 

 

 

41

 

%

 

$

 

1,760.1

 

 

$

 

1,657.3

 

 

 

6

 

%

Non-GAAP adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

64.7

 

 

 

 

63.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

269.5

 

 

 

 

105.4

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income on corporate investments

 

 

 

(13.0

)

 

 

 

(20.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(63.4

)

 

 

 

(72.8

)

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

 

 

133.6

 

 

 

 

92.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

550.8

 

 

 

 

518.6

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

 

113.2

 

 

 

 

85.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

442.6

 

 

 

 

209.5

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA

 

$

 

719.1

 

 

$

 

518.2

 

 

 

39

 

%

 

$

 

2,959.6

 

 

$

 

2,418.0

 

 

 

22

 

%

Non-GAAP adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition-related costs(1)

 

 

 

10.6

 

 

 

 

104.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

62.2

 

 

 

 

121.6

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

 

729.7

 

 

$

 

623.1

 

 

 

17

 

%

 

$

 

3,021.8

 

 

$

 

2,539.6

 

 

 

19

 

%

 

(1)
Acquisition-related costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses include:
$60.5 million for the fourth quarter and $242.0 million for the twelve months compared to $40.7 million for both corresponding prior-year periods, in amortization of intangibles acquired in the acquisition of Paycor,
$10.4 million for the fourth quarter and $52.1 million for the twelve months compared to $70.8 million for both corresponding prior-year periods, in compensation costs related to the acquisition and integration of Paycor, including replacement awards, severance and retention bonuses, and
$0.2 million for the fourth quarter and $10.1 million for the twelve months compared to $34.1 million and $50.8 million for corresponding prior-year periods, respectively, in other acquisition-related costs primarily consisting of professional service fees.

In addition, acquisition-related costs for the three and twelve months ended May 31, 2025 include $20.8 million and $34.0 million, respectively, reflecting the amortization of financing fees related to debt instruments associated with the financing of the Paycor acquisition and the excluded component of the initial fair value of the interest rate swaption contracts that are included in Interest expense in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.

4


 

(2)
Net tax shortfall/(windfall) 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.
(3)
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, net income, and diluted earnings per share, which are U.S. GAAP measures, we present adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, 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 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, 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.

 

Annual Report on Form 10-K ("Form 10-K")

We anticipate filing our Form 10-K before the end of July 2026. Once filed, the report will be accessible via our Investor Relations portal at https://investor.paychex.com. This press release should be read in conjunction with the Form 10-K 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-K.

 

Webcast Details

 

The Company will host an Earnings Conference Call on June 24, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, to discuss these results. The live webcast will be available for replay on our Investor Relations portal at https://investor.paychex.com, where news releases, current financial information, and investor presentations are also accessible.

 

Contacts

 

Investor Relations:

Media Relations:

Rachel White

Tracy Volkmann

Head of Investor Relations

Manager, Public Relations

(513) 954-7388

(585) 387-6705

investors@paychex.com

tvolkmann@paychex.com

 

About Paychex

 

Paychex, Inc. (Nasdaq: PAYX) provides a comprehensive suite of expert-enabled technology and advisory solutions that help businesses manage HR, payroll, and benefits. Serving approximately 800,000 clients and paying 1 in 11 U.S. private sector workers, Paychex combines scale, trusted expertise, and innovation to help businesses succeed. Built on more than 50 years of workforce experience and one of the industry’s largest proprietary HR datasets, Paychex’s WISE agentic AI platform embeds intelligence directly into workflows to improve productivity, enhance decision-making, and deliver better outcomes. Learn more at paychex.com.

 

5


 

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," "anticipate," "believe," "can," "continue," "could," "future," "may," "possible," "potential," "should," "see," 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.

 

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:

 

our ability to keep pace with changes in technology or provide timely enhancements to our solutions and support;
risks related to our use of artificial intelligence ("AI") and new technologies in our business;
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 and performance 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 corporate bonds and debt agreements;
changes in our credit ratings;
changes in governmental regulations, laws, and policies;
our ability to comply with U.S., state, and foreign laws and regulations;
our compliance with data privacy and AI 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, market, and economic environment, including inflation and interest rate changes;
our ability to attract and retain qualified people; and
the possible effects of negative publicity on our reputation and the value of our brand.

6


 

 

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.

7


 

PAYCHEX, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twelve months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

Change(2)

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

Change(2)

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management Solutions

 

$

 

1,183.6

 

 

$

 

1,041.8

 

 

 

14

 

%

 

$

 

4,867.9

 

 

$

 

4,067.1

 

 

 

20

 

%

PEO and Insurance Solutions

 

 

 

369.7

 

 

 

 

340.3

 

 

 

9

 

%

 

 

 

1,433.2

 

 

 

 

1,342.9

 

 

 

7

 

%

Total service revenue

 

 

 

1,553.3

 

 

 

 

1,382.1

 

 

 

12

 

%

 

 

 

6,301.1

 

 

 

 

5,410.0

 

 

 

16

 

%

Interest on funds held for clients(1)

 

 

 

52.2

 

 

 

 

45.2

 

 

 

15

 

%

 

 

 

210.9

 

 

 

 

161.7

 

 

 

30

 

%

Total revenue

 

 

 

1,605.5

 

 

 

 

1,427.3

 

 

 

12

 

%

 

 

 

6,512.0

 

 

 

 

5,571.7

 

 

 

17

 

%

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of service revenue

 

 

 

417.3

 

 

 

 

393.9

 

 

 

6

 

%

 

 

 

1,674.5

 

 

 

 

1,540.4

 

 

 

9

 

%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

 

583.5

 

 

 

 

602.3

 

 

 

(3

)

%

 

 

 

2,327.0

 

 

 

 

1,823.6

 

 

 

28

 

%

Total expenses

 

 

 

1,000.8

 

 

 

 

996.2

 

 

 

0

 

%

 

 

 

4,001.5

 

 

 

 

3,364.0

 

 

 

19

 

%

Operating income

 

 

 

604.7

 

 

 

 

431.1

 

 

 

40

 

%

 

 

 

2,510.5

 

 

 

 

2,207.7

 

 

 

14

 

%

Interest expense

 

 

 

(64.7

)

 

 

 

(63.7

)

 

n/m

 

 

 

 

 

(269.5

)

 

 

 

(105.4

)

 

n/m

 

 

Other income, net(1)

 

 

 

14.2

 

 

 

 

21.9

 

 

 

(35

)

%

 

 

 

69.9

 

 

 

 

73.6

 

 

 

(5

)

%

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

554.2

 

 

 

 

389.3

 

 

 

42

 

%

 

 

 

2,310.9

 

 

 

 

2,175.9

 

 

 

6

 

%

Income taxes

 

 

 

133.6

 

 

 

 

92.1

 

 

 

45

 

%

 

 

 

550.8

 

 

 

 

518.6

 

 

 

6

 

%

Net income

 

$

 

420.6

 

 

$

 

297.2

 

 

 

41

 

%

 

$

 

1,760.1

 

 

$

 

1,657.3

 

 

 

6

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

 

1.18

 

 

$

 

0.82

 

 

 

44

 

%

 

$

 

4.90

 

 

$

 

4.60

 

 

 

7

 

%

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

 

1.17

 

 

$

 

0.82

 

 

 

43

 

%

 

$

 

4.89

 

 

$

 

4.58

 

 

 

7

 

%

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

 

 

 

357.6

 

 

 

 

360.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

358.9

 

 

 

 

360.2

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution

 

 

 

358.2

 

 

 

 

362.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

360.0

 

 

 

 

362.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

n/m – not meaningful

 

8


 

PAYCHEX, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

May 31,

 

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

1,088.2

 

 

$

 

1,628.6

 

Restricted cash

 

 

 

52.8

 

 

 

 

47.9

 

Corporate investments

 

 

 

36.3

 

 

 

 

34.5

 

Interest receivable

 

 

 

36.1

 

 

 

 

27.9

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses

 

 

 

1,507.6

 

 

 

 

1,330.5

 

PEO unbilled receivables, net of advance collections

 

 

 

664.2

 

 

 

 

616.6

 

Prepaid income taxes

 

 

 

11.2

 

 

 

 

38.9

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

 

384.7

 

 

 

 

378.3

 

Current assets before funds held for clients

 

 

 

3,781.1

 

 

 

 

4,103.2

 

Funds held for clients

 

 

 

4,832.2

 

 

 

 

4,813.3

 

Total current assets

 

 

 

8,613.3

 

 

 

 

8,916.5

 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

 

 

 

588.9

 

 

 

 

511.5

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net of accumulated amortization

 

 

 

63.9

 

 

 

 

63.8

 

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

 

 

 

1,684.0

 

 

 

 

1,947.3

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

4,527.4

 

 

 

 

4,514.1

 

Long-term deferred costs

 

 

 

555.8

 

 

 

 

482.4

 

Other long-term assets

 

 

 

141.2

 

 

 

 

128.5

 

Total assets

 

$

 

16,174.5

 

 

$

 

16,564.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

 

154.8

 

 

$

 

129.8

 

Accrued corporate compensation and related items

 

 

 

162.1

 

 

 

 

183.9

 

Accrued worksite employee compensation and related items

 

 

 

844.8

 

 

 

 

735.8

 

Short-term debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.6

 

Long-term debt, net, current portion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

399.8

 

Accrued income taxes

 

 

 

87.8

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

 

69.4

 

 

 

 

69.4

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

 

637.1

 

 

 

 

552.0

 

Current liabilities before client fund obligations

 

 

 

1,956.0

 

 

 

 

2,089.3

 

Client fund obligations

 

 

 

4,884.6

 

 

 

 

4,867.0

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

 

6,840.6

 

 

 

 

6,956.3

 

Accrued income taxes

 

 

 

140.5

 

 

 

 

119.0

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 

543.3

 

 

 

 

444.7

 

Long-term debt, net

 

 

 

4,556.1

 

 

 

 

4,548.4

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

 

52.2

 

 

 

 

55.5

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

 

306.7

 

 

 

 

312.2

 

Total liabilities

 

 

 

12,439.4

 

 

 

 

12,436.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized: 600.0 shares;
  Issued and outstanding: 355.6 shares as of May 31, 2026
   and 360.5 shares as of May 31, 2025

 

 

 

3.6

 

 

 

 

3.6

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

 

1,975.6

 

 

 

 

1,901.1

 

Retained earnings

 

 

 

1,805.8

 

 

 

 

2,277.0

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

(49.9

)

 

 

 

(53.7

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

3,735.1

 

 

 

 

4,128.0

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

 

16,174.5

 

 

$

 

16,564.1

 

 

9


 

PAYCHEX, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

 

 

Twelve months ended

 

 

 

May 31,

 

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

 

1,760.1

 

 

$

 

1,657.3

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

442.6

 

 

 

 

209.5

 

Amortization of discounts and premiums on available-for-sale securities, net

 

 

 

(7.6

)

 

 

 

23.4

 

Amortization of deferred contract costs

 

 

 

249.2

 

 

 

 

236.5

 

Stock-based compensation costs

 

 

 

96.1

 

 

 

 

111.8

 

Provision for/(Benefit from) deferred income taxes

 

 

 

103.7

 

 

 

 

(15.8

)

Provision for allowance for credit losses

 

 

 

38.1

 

 

 

 

24.2

 

Net realized (gains)/losses on sales of available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

(7.6

)

 

 

 

0.4

 

Net realized losses on disposal of assets

 

 

 

6.2

 

 

 

 

3.7

 

Premiums paid on cash flow hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(19.2

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest receivable

 

 

 

(8.2

)

 

 

 

(3.8

)

Accounts receivable and PEO unbilled receivables, net

 

 

 

(105.8

)

 

 

 

(130.7

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

 

40.0

 

 

 

 

(12.0

)

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

 

 

 

291.4

 

 

 

 

42.3

 

Deferred costs

 

 

 

(342.5

)

 

 

 

(246.5

)

Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities

 

 

 

3.9

 

 

 

 

21.9

 

Net change in operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities

 

 

 

(2.9

)

 

 

 

(2.1

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

 

2,556.7

 

 

 

 

1,900.9

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

(12,226.2

)

 

 

 

(14,302.9

)

Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

11,517.6

 

 

 

 

14,292.5

 

Net change in purchased receivables

 

 

 

(166.1

)

 

 

 

(157.3

)

Purchases of property and equipment

 

 

 

(234.9

)

 

 

 

(191.8

)

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

 

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

 

(2,967.5

)

Purchases of other assets

 

 

 

(42.4

)

 

 

 

(29.8

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

 

(1,152.4

)

 

 

 

(3,356.8

)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in client fund obligations

 

 

 

17.6

 

 

 

 

(290.7

)

Net proceeds from short-term borrowings

 

 

 

(18.8

)

 

 

 

 

Payments on long-term debt

 

 

 

(400.0

)

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from the issuance of corporate bonds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,180.9

 

Dividends paid

 

 

 

(1,589.6

)

 

 

 

(1,448.5

)

Repurchases of common shares

 

 

 

(611.0

)

 

 

 

(104.5

)

Debt issuance costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(47.8

)

Activity related to equity-based plans

 

 

 

(52.0

)

 

 

 

3.8

 

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities

 

 

 

(2,653.8

)

 

 

 

2,293.2

 

Net change in cash, restricted cash, and equivalents

 

 

 

(1,249.5

)

 

 

 

837.3

 

Cash, restricted cash, and equivalents, beginning of fiscal year

 

 

 

2,734.3

 

 

 

 

1,897.0

 

Cash, restricted cash, and equivalents, end of fiscal year

 

$

 

1,484.8

 

 

$

 

2,734.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of cash, restricted cash and equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

1,088.2

 

 

 $

 

1,628.6

 

Restricted cash

 

 

 

52.8

 

 

 

 

47.9

 

Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in funds held for clients

 

 

 

343.8

 

 

 

 

1,057.8

 

Total cash, restricted cash, and equivalents

 

$

 

1,484.8

 

 

 $

 

2,734.3

 

 

10


FAQ

How did Paychex (PAYX) perform in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026?

Paychex reported strong fourth-quarter results, with total revenue up 12% to $1.61 billion. Diluted earnings per share rose 43% to $1.17, and adjusted diluted EPS increased 11% to $1.32, supported by higher Management Solutions and PEO revenue and improved operating margins.

What were Paychex (PAYX) full-year 2026 revenue and earnings?

For fiscal 2026, Paychex generated $6.51 billion in revenue, an increase of 17% year over year. Net income reached $1.76 billion, up 6%, while adjusted net income rose 10% to $1.98 billion and adjusted diluted EPS increased 11% to $5.51, reflecting stronger core operations.

How much cash did Paychex (PAYX) return to shareholders in fiscal 2026?

Paychex returned $2.2 billion to shareholders during fiscal 2026. This included cumulative dividends of $4.43 per share totaling $1.6 billion and the repurchase of 5.6 million shares of common stock for $611.0 million, funded by strong operating cash flow of $2.56 billion.

What is Paychex (PAYX) guidance for fiscal 2027 revenue and earnings?

For fiscal 2027, Paychex anticipates total revenue growth of 5% to 6%. Management expects adjusted operating margin to be approximately 44% and projects adjusted diluted earnings per share growth in the range of 7% to 9%, assuming current market conditions hold.

How did the Paycor acquisition affect Paychex (PAYX) 2026 results?

The Paycor acquisition contributed to Management Solutions revenue growth, adding about 8% to that segment’s fourth-quarter increase. It also drove higher compensation, amortization, and technology spending, while acquisition-related costs totaled $304.2 million for fiscal 2026, partly offset by lower acquisition-related expenses versus 2025.

What were Paychex (PAYX) key profitability metrics in fiscal 2026?

Operating income for fiscal 2026 was $2.51 billion, up 14%, with operating margin at 38.6%. Adjusted operating income rose 19% to $2.81 billion, and adjusted operating margin improved to 43.2%. Adjusted EBITDA increased 19% to $3.02 billion, highlighting solid underlying profitability.

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