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Paychex, Inc. Reports 2023 Results

June 29, 2023 8:30 AM

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Paychex, Inc. (the "Company," “Paychex," "we," "our," or "us") today announced the following results for the quarter ended May 31, 2023 (the "fourth quarter") and fiscal year ended May 31, 2023 ("fiscal 2023"), as compared to the corresponding prior-year period:

Fourth Quarter

Fiscal Year

In millions, except per share amounts

2023

2022

Change(2)

2023

2022

Change(2)

Total service revenue

$

1,204.7

$

1,129.6

7

%

$

4,907.3

$

4,554.0

8

%

Total revenue

$

1,229.6

$

1,144.3

7

%

$

5,007.1

$

4,611.7

9

%

Operating income

$

453.3

$

394.0

15

%

$

2,033.1

$

1,840.0

10

%

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.97

$

0.82

18

%

$

4.30

$

3.84

12

%

Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1)

$

0.97

$

0.81

20

%

$

4.27

$

3.77

13

%

(1)

Adjusted diluted earnings per share is not a United States ("U.S.") generally accepted accounting principle ("GAAP") measure. Please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section on page 3 of this press release for a discussion of non-GAAP measures.

(2)

Percentage changes are calculated based on unrounded numbers.

John Gibson, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We achieved a significant milestone of over $5 billion in total revenue. Our results for fiscal 2023 were strong with 9% growth in total revenue and 13% growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share. These results were due to the hard work and dedication of over 16,000 employees and the investments we have made in our human capital management ("HCM") technology and Human Resources ("HR") advisory solutions and the trust our clients have placed in us. We are proud to be there to support our customers and their employees in a complex and challenging environment for small and medium sized businesses. We have helped them leverage our HR technology, provided advice on complex HR issues, hire and retain talent, and secure funding such as the Employee Retention Tax Credit.”

Mr. Gibson continued, “As we look into next year, we are well positioned to deliver on our purpose – to help businesses succeed. Our industry leadership and differentiated set of solutions will allow us to continue to serve our customers, our shareholders, and our communities.”

Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2023 Business Highlights

Highlights as compared to the corresponding prior year periods are as follows:

Management Solutions revenue increased 7% to $905.2 million for the fourth quarter and increased 8% to $3.7 billion for fiscal 2023, primarily due to the following factors:

Professional Employer Organization ("PEO") and Insurance Solutions revenue increased 5% to $299.5 million for the fourth quarter and increased 6% to $1.2 billion for fiscal 2023, primarily due to the following:

Interest on funds held for clients increased 69% to $24.9 million for the fourth quarter and 73% to $99.8 million for the fiscal year primarily due to higher average interest rates and average investment balances, partially offset by higher net realized losses.

Total expenses increased 3% to $776.3 million for the fourth quarter and increased 7% to $3.0 billion for the fiscal year, primarily due to the following:

Operating income grew 15% to $453.3 million for the fourth quarter and 10% to $2.0 billion for the fiscal year. Operating margin (operating income as a percentage of total revenue) increased to 36.9% for the fourth quarter compared to 34.4% for the prior year period. For the fiscal year, operating margin increased to 40.6%, compared to 39.9% for the prior year.

Other income/(expense) increased $15.5 million to $10.3 million for the quarter and $30.5 million to $15.1 million for the fiscal year primarily as a result of higher average interest rates earned on our corporate investments.

Our effective income tax rate was 24.4% for the fourth quarter compared to 23.8% in the prior year period. For fiscal 2023, the effective income tax rate was 24.0% compared to 23.7% for the prior year. The prior year fourth quarter period was impacted by a decrease to state tax expense and the recognition of net discrete tax benefits related to employee stock-based compensation payments. The full year periods were impacted by the recognition of net discrete tax benefits related to employee stock-based compensation payments. The effective tax rate in the prior fiscal year was also impacted by the recording of a tax benefit related to prior years' research and development expenses incurred in the production of customer-facing software.

Diluted earnings per share increased 18% to $0.97 per share for the fourth quarter and 12% to $4.30 per share for the fiscal year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) increased 13% to $4.27 per share for the fiscal year.

(1)

Adjusted diluted earnings per share is not a U.S. GAAP measure. Please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section on page 3 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 fiscal year. As of May 31, 2023, we had:

Return to Stockholders During the Year

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

For the three months

ended

For the twelve months

ended

May 31,

May 31,

$ in millions

2023

2022

Change

2023

2022

Change

Net income

$

350.4

$

296.4

18

%

$

1,557.3

$

1,392.8

12

%

Non-GAAP adjustments:

Excess tax benefit related to employee stock-based compensation payments(1)

(1.0

)

(8.9

)

(18.9

)

Tax benefit derived from research and development costs (2)

(6.1

)

Total non-GAAP adjustments

(1.0

)

(8.9

)

(25.0

)

Adjusted net income

$

350.4

$

295.4

19

%

$

1,548.4

$

1,367.8

13

%

Diluted earnings per share(3)

$

0.97

$

0.82

18

%

$

4.30

$

3.84

12

%

Non-GAAP adjustments:

Excess tax benefit related to employee stock-based compensation payments(1)

(0.02

)

(0.05

)

Tax benefit derived from research and development costs (2)

(0.02

)

Total non-GAAP adjustments

(0.02

)

(0.07

)

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

$

0.97

$

0.81

20

%

$

4.27

$

3.77

13

%

Net income

$

350.4

$

296.4

18

%

$

1,557.3

$

1,392.8

12

%

Non-GAAP adjustments:

Interest (income)/expense, net

(9.4

)

7.3

(12.4

)

33.7

Income taxes

113.2

92.4

490.9

431.8

Depreciation and amortization expense

44.1

49.1

176.6

191.8

Total non-GAAP adjustments

147.9

148.8

655.1

657.3

EBITDA

$

498.3

$

445.2

12

%

$

2,212.4

$

2,050.1

8

%

(1)

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.

(2)

Non-recurring tax benefit derived from prior years' research and development costs incurred in the production of customer-facing software.

(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 net income and diluted earnings per share, which are U.S. GAAP measures, we present adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") which are non-GAAP measures. We believe these additional measures are indicators of our core business operations’ performance period over period. Adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and 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 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.

Business Outlook

Our outlook for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2024 ("fiscal 2024") incorporates current assumptions and market conditions. Changes in the macroeconomic environment could alter our guidance. With consideration of these impacts, our outlook is as follows:

(1)

Adjusted diluted earnings per share is not a U.S. GAAP measure. Please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section page 3 of this press release for a discussion of non-GAAP measures.

Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG")

As part of what it means to be Paychex, we are focusing our ESG efforts on actions we can take to create positive impact. To learn more about our latest initiatives, please visit Corporate Social Responsibility. The information available on our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this press release.

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

We anticipate filing our Form 10-K before the end of July 2023, and it will be available at Paychex Investor Relations portal. 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

Interested parties may access the webcast of our Earnings Release Conference Call, scheduled for June 29, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, at Paychex Investor Relations portal. The webcast will be archived for approximately 90 days. Our news releases, current financial information, SEC filings, and investor presentations are also accessible at Paychex Investor Relations portal.

About Paychex

Paychex, Inc. (Nasdaq: PAYX) is 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 approximately 740,000 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 and stay connected on Twitter (Twitter) and LinkedIn (Linkedin).

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain written and oral statements made by us may 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," "anticipate," "believe," "could," "may," "possible," "potential" and other similar words or phrases. 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, or 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 inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict, many of which are outside our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance upon 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 twelve months

ended

May 31,

May 31,

2023

2022

Change(2)

2023

2022

Change(2)

Revenue:

Management Solutions

$

905.2

$

845.3

7

%

$

3,730.5

$

3,442.7

8

%

PEO and Insurance Solutions

299.5

284.3

5

%

1,176.8

1,111.3

6

%

Total service revenue

1,204.7

1,129.6

7

%

4,907.3

4,554.0

8

%

Interest on funds held for clients(1)

24.9

14.7

69

%

99.8

57.7

73

%

Total revenue

1,229.6

1,144.3

7

%

5,007.1

4,611.7

9

%

Expenses:

Cost of service revenue

369.8

360.0

3

%

1,453.0

1,356.3

7

%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

406.5

390.3

4

%

1,521.0

1,415.4

7

%

Total expenses

776.3

750.3

3

%

2,974.0

2,771.7

7

%

Operating income

453.3

394.0

15

%

2,033.1

1,840.0

10

%

Other income/(expense), net(1)

10.3

(5.2

)

n/m

15.1

(15.4

)

n/m

Income before income taxes

463.6

388.8

19

%

2,048.2

1,824.6

12

%

Income taxes

113.2

92.4

22

%

490.9

431.8

14

%

Net income

$

350.4

$

296.4

18

%

$

1,557.3

$

1,392.8

12

%

Basic earnings per share

$

0.97

$

0.82

18

%

$

4.32

$

3.86

12

%

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.97

$

0.82

18

%

$

4.30

$

3.84

12

%

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

360.5

360.8

360.4

360.6

Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution

362.3

363.3

362.3

363.1

Cash dividends per common share

$

0.89

$

0.79

$

3.26

$

2.77

(1)

Further information on interest on funds held for clients and other expense, 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 Paychex Investor Relations portal.

(2)

Percentage changes are calculated based on unrounded numbers.

n/m – not meaningful

PAYCHEX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(In millions, except per share amounts)

May 31,

2023

2022

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,222.0

$

370.0

Restricted cash

49.8

50.3

Corporate investments

373.4

853.9

Interest receivable

24.4

22.3

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses

873.3

723.8

PEO unbilled receivables, net of advance collections

528.5

572.1

Prepaid income taxes

48.1

34.0

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

289.8

272.3

Current assets before funds held for clients

3,409.3

2,898.7

Funds held for clients

4,118.8

3,682.9

Total current assets

7,528.1

6,581.6

Long-term restricted cash

25.5

Long-term corporate investments

3.8

5.0

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

396.3

401.3

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

61.5

78.7

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

187.4

224.6

Goodwill

1,834.0

1,831.5

Long-term deferred costs

470.1

433.3

Other long-term assets

65.2

53.7

Total assets

$

10,546.4

$

9,635.2

LIABILITIES

Accounts payable

$

84.7

$

105.7

Accrued corporate compensation and related items

209.9

225.4

Accrued worksite employee compensation and related items

763.9

683.4

Short-term borrowings

10.2

8.7

Deferred revenue

47.3

38.4

Other current liabilities

395.4

388.4

Current liabilities before client fund obligations

1,511.4

1,450.0

Client fund obligations

4,294.0

3,819.2

Total current liabilities

5,805.4

5,269.2

Accrued income taxes

83.0

58.1

Deferred income taxes

112.1

165.5

Long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance costs

798.2

797.7

Operating lease liabilities

57.3

74.8

Other long-term liabilities

197.2

184.7

Total liabilities

7,053.2

6,550.0

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized: 600.0 shares;
Issued and outstanding: 360.5 shares as of May 31, 2023 and 359.9 shares as of May 31, 2022

3.6

3.6

Additional paid-in capital

1,626.4

1,545.9

Retained earnings

2,023.1

1,669.6

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(159.9

)

(133.9

)

Total stockholders’ equity

3,493.2

3,085.2

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

10,546.4

$

9,635.2

PAYCHEX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In millions)

For the twelve months

ended

May 31,

2023

2022

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income

$

1,557.3

$

1,392.8

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

Depreciation and amortization

176.6

191.8

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

18.2

28.9

Amortization of deferred contract costs

219.1

202.1

Stock-based compensation costs

62.6

52.8

(Benefit from)/provision for deferred income taxes

(44.0

)

2.3

Provision for allowance for credit losses

17.7

10.5

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

9.8

(0.2

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Interest receivable

(2.1

)

2.1

Accounts receivable and PEO unbilled receivables, net

(123.6

)

(277.0

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

(17.8

)

(7.7

)

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

67.4

151.8

Deferred costs

(269.4

)

(267.1

)

Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities

31.9

26.3

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

(4.3

)

(3.9

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

1,699.4

1,505.5

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchases of available-for-sale securities

(14,585.3

)

(17,807.7

)

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

14,943.2

16,554.9

Purchases of property and equipment

(143.0

)

(133.8

)

Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

16.7

1.2

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

(2.7

)

(24.9

)

Purchases of other assets

(10.4

)

(10.6

)

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

218.5

(1,420.9

)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Net change in client fund obligations

474.8

143.2

Net proceeds from short-term borrowings

2.0

1.3

Dividends paid

(1,175.0

)

(999.6

)

Repurchases of common shares

(145.2

)

Contingent consideration paid for acquisitions

(2.8

)

(1.6

)

Activity related to equity-based plans

(10.4

)

22.6

Net cash used in financing activities

(711.4

)

(979.3

)

Net change in cash, restricted cash, and equivalents

1,206.5

(894.7

)

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

928.4

1,823.1

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

$

2,134.9

$

928.4

Reconciliation of cash, restricted cash and equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,222.0

$

370.0

Restricted cash

49.8

75.8

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

863.1

482.6

Total cash, restricted cash, and equivalents

$

2,134.9

$

928.4

For more information:

Investor Relations:

Efrain Rivera, CFO, or Terri Allen

585‑383‑3406

Media Inquiries:

Chris Muller, Director, Corporate Communications

585‑338-4346

Source: Paychex, Inc.

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