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Earnings Data
Report Date
Sep 30, 2026Before Open (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2027 (Q1)Consensus EPS Forecast
1.32Last Year’s EPS
1.22Same Quarter Last Year
Based on 12 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call conveyed strong operational execution and financial performance in fiscal 2026 — double-digit revenue and earnings growth, margin expansion, exceptional cash generation, successful Paycor integration with >$100M in cost synergies, and early commercial traction for the WISE AI platform and advisory offerings. Management tempered optimism with conservative fiscal 2027 guidance (5%–6% revenue growth) reflecting lower interest income, the lapping of one-time gains, and an intentional, selective approach to client acquisition. While there are near-term headwinds (interest float decline, insurance agency drag, flat client counts) and ongoing integration/legal complexity, the balance of evidence — robust cash flow, shareholder returns, improving organic momentum, and AI-enabled product differentiation — points to continued durable performance and strategic optionality.Company Guidance
Strong Top-Line Growth
Total revenue increased 12% in Q4 to $1.6 billion and 17% for fiscal 2026 to $6.5 billion, driven by the Paycor acquisition anniversary and accelerating organic growth each quarter.
Management Solutions Outperformance
Management Solutions revenue grew 14% in Q4 to $1.2 billion and 20% for the full year to $4.9 billion, supported by product penetration and price realization (including ~8 percentage points of growth from Paycor).
PEO / Worksite Employee Momentum
Underlying PEO/worksite employee business continued strong demand: PEO and Insurance Solutions revenue rose 9% in Q4 to $370 million and 7% for the full year to $1.4 billion, with PEO worksite employee growth outpacing the industry and the PEO business noted as growing double digits in the quarter.
Material Margin and Earnings Expansion
Q4 operating income margin increased approximately 750 basis points to 37.7%; adjusted operating margin improved ~170 basis points to 42.1%. Full-year adjusted operating margin increased ~70 basis points to 43.2%. Diluted EPS rose 43% in Q4 to $1.17 and full-year EPS increased 7% to $4.89; adjusted diluted EPS grew 11% for the year to $5.51.
Exceptional Cash Generation and Capital Returns
Operating cash flow increased 35% to $2.6 billion and free cash flow grew 36% to $2.3 billion for fiscal 2026. Returned $2.2 billion to shareholders (approximately $1.6 billion in dividends and $600 million in buybacks) and reduced leverage by half a turn while repaying a $400 million debt tranche.
Paycor Integration and Synergies Exceeded Targets
Exceeded FY26 synergy targets from the Paycor acquisition, contributing more than 50 basis points to revenue growth and generating over $100 million in cost synergies while completing organizational and territory realignments.
WISE AI Platform Rollout and Early Results
Launched WISE (Workforce Intelligence Strengthened by Expertise), an AI engine powering ~600 features/agents and drawing on 26+ trillion data points with patent-pending knowledge mesh. Early benefits include automated handbook updates, schedule generation in minutes, >50% reduction in timesheet approvals, and internal productivity gains (e.g., service/sales 'guru' tooling).
Advisory & ASO Traction
Advisory differentiation showed strong commercial traction: ASO engagements increased more than 60% year-over-year and retirement/benefits cross-sell momentum contributed to stronger bookings and retention.
Perks Marketplace Adoption and Addressable Market Expansion
Perks digital benefits marketplace has over 400,000 employees purchasing transferable benefits and will expand to 2.5 million Paycor employees, supporting broader non-payroll and employee-based revenue opportunities.
Recognition and Broker Partnerships
External recognition included Time and Newsweek accolades; broker channel traction continued with two new national partnerships in the quarter (including Hub) and an expanded Partner Plus program to sell Paychex offerings holistically.
PAYX Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
PAYX Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Jun 24, 2026 | $97.99 | $96.30 | -1.72% |
Mar 25, 2026 | $89.46 | $92.17 | +3.03% |
Dec 19, 2025 | $111.63 | $109.71 | -1.72% |
Sep 30, 2025 | $124.39 | $122.68 | -1.38% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Paychex (PAYX) report earnings?
Paychex (PAYX) is schdueled to report earning on Sep 30, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
What is Paychex (PAYX) earnings time?
Paychex (PAYX) earnings time is at Sep 30, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is PAYX EPS forecast?
PAYX EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2027 (Q1) is 1.32.
