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Paychex Beats in Q1 and Lifts EPS Outlook as Sales Guidance Holds, Shares Slide

The pullback reflects steady sales guidance alongside GAAP margin compression tied to Paycor costs despite early synergy and AI investment progress.

Overview

  • Revenue rose 17% year over year to $1.54 billion, edging past estimates, and adjusted EPS of $1.22 slightly beat consensus.
  • GAAP operating income declined 1% to $541.9 million, with operating margin contracting 630 basis points to 35.2% due to acquisition-related expenses; adjusted margin was 40.7%.
  • Fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance increased to $5.43–$5.53 (9%–11% growth) as sales guidance stayed at 16.5%–18.5%, or $6.49 billion–$6.60 billion.
  • Management highlighted early cost and revenue synergies from the Paycor acquisition, higher revenue per client, and continued investment in AI and technology.
  • Shares fell as much as roughly 7% intraday before trading down about 4%–5% later, with some commentators suggesting the reaction was excessive.