PAYCHEX INC - Quarter Report: 2008 November (Form 10-Q)

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

PAYCHEX, INC.

911 Panorama Trail South
Rochester, New York 14625-2396
(585) 385-6666
A Delaware Corporation

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer þ		Accelerated filer o		Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value		360,819,105 Shares
CLASS		OUTSTANDING AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2008

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

PAYCHEX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
In thousands, except per share amounts

		For the three months ended								For the six months ended
		November 30,								November 30,
		2008				2007				2008				2007
Revenue:
Service revenue		$	504,383			$	477,039			$	1,014,250			$	951,854
Interest on funds held for clients			19,777				30,754				43,995				63,069
Total revenue			524,160				507,793				1,058,245				1,014,923
Expenses:
Operating expenses			170,675				162,452				339,143				321,767
Selling, general and administrative expenses			141,585				135,865				285,617				273,092
Total expenses			312,260				298,317				624,760				594,859
Operating income			211,900				209,476				433,485				420,064
Investment income, net			1,932				7,503				4,983				19,740
Income before income taxes			213,832				216,979				438,468				439,804
Income taxes			73,590				69,867				149,517				141,617
Net income		$	140,242			$	147,112			$	288,951			$	298,187
Basic earnings per share		$	0.39			$	0.40			$	0.80			$	0.79
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.39			$	0.40			$	0.80			$	0.79
Weighted-average common shares outstanding			360,812				369,914				360,710				375,299
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution			360,977				371,404				360,998				376,903
Cash dividends per common share		$	0.31			$	0.30			$	0.62			$	0.60

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

PAYCHEX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
In thousands, except per share amount

		November 30,				May 31,
		2008				2008
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents		$	330,633			$	164,237
Corporate investments			71,044				228,727
Interest receivable			29,791				34,435
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts			219,438				184,686
Deferred income taxes			¾				7,274
Prepaid income taxes			4,691				11,236
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			28,275				27,231
Current assets before funds held for clients			683,872				657,826
Funds held for clients			3,536,482				3,808,085
Total current assets			4,220,354				4,465,911
Long-term corporate investments			77,038				41,798
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation			283,029				275,297
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization			77,759				74,500
Goodwill			433,316				433,316
Deferred income taxes			15,501				13,818
Other long-term assets			4,863				5,151
Total assets		$	5,111,860			$	5,309,791
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable		$	38,858			$	40,251
Accrued compensation and related items			117,920				132,589
Deferred revenue			11,545				10,326
Deferred income taxes			10,301				—
Litigation reserve			20,736				22,968
Other current liabilities			47,469				47,457
Current liabilities before client fund obligations			246,829				253,591
Client fund obligations			3,504,679				3,783,681
Total current liabilities			3,751,508				4,037,272
Accrued income taxes			21,105				17,728
Deferred income taxes			9,501				9,600
Other long-term liabilities			45,023				48,549
Total liabilities			3,827,137				4,113,149
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES — NOTE I
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized: 600,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: 360,819 shares as of November 30, 2008 and 360,500 shares as of May 31, 2008, respectively			3,608				3,605
Additional paid-in capital			451,245				431,639
Retained earnings			808,875				745,351
Accumulated other comprehensive income			20,995				16,047
Total stockholders’ equity			1,284,723				1,196,642
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	5,111,860			$	5,309,791

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

PAYCHEX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
In thousands

		For the six months ended
		November 30,
		2008				2007
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income		$	288,951			$	298,187
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment and intangible assets			41,678				38,796
Amortization of premiums and discounts on available-for-sale securities			11,940				7,900
Stock-based compensation costs			13,942				12,905
Provision for deferred income taxes			13,089				14,632
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts			1,084				1,362
Net realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities			(705	)			(533	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Interest receivable			4,644				15,060
Accounts receivable			(35,836	)			(28,219	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			5,501				(5,192	)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities			(18,712	)			1,038
Net change in other assets and liabilities			2,809				2,308
Net cash provided by operating activities			328,385				358,244
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of available-for-sale securities			(16,284,599	)			(59,416,437	)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities			17,493,183				60,617,951
Net change in funds held for clients’ money market securities and other cash equivalents			(820,736	)			43,981
Purchases of property and equipment			(39,207	)			(39,698	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment			—				708
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired			—				(32,940	)
Purchases of other assets			(13,445	)			(4,518	)
Net cash provided by investing activities			335,196				1,169,047
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net change in client fund obligations			(279,002	)			(524,463	)
Repurchases of common stock			—				(865,064	)
Dividends paid			(223,840	)			(225,797	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			5,409				53,266
Excess tax benefit related to exercise of stock options			248				8,340
Net cash used in financing activities			(497,185	)			(1,553,718	)
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			166,396				(26,427	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			164,237				79,353
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	330,633			$	52,926

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

PAYCHEX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
November 30, 2008

Note A: Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Description of business: Paychex, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “Paychex”) is a leading provider of comprehensive payroll and integrated human resource and employee benefits outsourcing solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses in the United States (“U.S.”). The Company also has a subsidiary in Germany.

Paychex, a Delaware corporation formed in 1979, reports as one segment. Substantially all of the Company’s revenue is generated within the U.S. The Company also generates revenue within Germany, which was less than one percent of its total revenue for the six months ended November 30, 2008. Long-lived assets in Germany are insignificant in relation to total long-lived assets of the Company as of November 30, 2008.

Basis of presentation: The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statement presentation. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the consolidated accounts of the Company with all significant intercompany transactions eliminated. In the opinion of management, the information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting of items of a normal recurring nature), which are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim period. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended May 31, 2008 (“fiscal 2008”). Operating results and cash flows for the six months ended November 30, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for other interim periods or the full fiscal year ending May 31, 2009 (“fiscal 2009”).

PEO revenue recognition: Professional Employer Organization (“PEO”) revenue is included in service revenue and is reported net of direct costs billed and incurred which include wages, taxes, benefit premiums, and claims of PEO worksite employees. Direct costs billed and incurred were $637.4 million and $635.6 million for the three months ended November 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $1.3 billion for both the six months ended November 30, 2008 and 2007.

PEO workers’ compensation insurance: Workers’ compensation insurance for PEO worksite employees is provided under a deductible workers’ compensation policy with a national insurance company. Claims are paid as incurred and the Company’s maximum individual claims liability is $1 million under both its fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 policies.

Note A: Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies – continued

The Company has recorded the following amounts on its Consolidated Balance Sheets for workers’ compensation claims as of:

		November 30,				May 31,
In thousands		2008				2008
Prepaid expense		$	2,466			$	2,612
Current liability		$	9,123			$	8,395
Long-term liability		$	16,706			$	18,294

The amounts included in prepaid expense on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relate to the policy for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2004, which was a pre-funded policy.

Estimating the ultimate cost of future claims is an uncertain and complex process based upon historical loss experience and actuarial loss projections, and is subject to change due to multiple factors, including economic trends, changes in legal liability law, and damage awards, all of which could materially impact the reserves as reported. Adjustments to previously established reserves are reflected in the results of operations for the period in which the adjustment is identified. Such adjustments could possibly be significant, reflecting any variety of new and adverse or favorable trends.

Stock-based compensation costs: The Company has stock-based awards to employees consisting of stock options, restricted stock awards, and restricted stock units. The Company typically makes grants to its officers, directors, and management in July. The grants approved by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) were as follows:

		For the six months ended
		November 30,
		2008								2007
						Weighted-								Weighted-
						average								average
		Shares				fair value				Shares				fair value
In thousands, except per share amounts		granted				per share				granted				per share
Stock options			783			$	6.90				714			$	10.83
Restricted stock			137			$	31.86				134			$	43.91
Restricted stock units			607			$	28.30				499			$	40.60

The Company accounts for all stock-based awards to employees, including grants of employee stock options, as compensation costs in the Consolidated Financial Statements based on the fair value measured as of the date of grant. These costs are recognized as an expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income over the requisite service period and increase additional paid-in capital. Stock-based compensation costs recognized were $7.0 million and $13.9 million for the three and six months ended November 30, 2008, as compared with $6.6 million and $12.9 million for the respective prior year periods. As of November 30, 2008, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested stock-based awards was $72.5 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years.

Note A: Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies – continued

The fair value of restricted stock awards is equal to the closing market price of the underlying common stock as of the date of grant. The fair value of restricted stock units is equal to the closing market price of the underlying common stock as of the date of grant, adjusted for the present value of expected dividends over the vesting period, as these awards do not earn dividend equivalents.

The fair value of stock option grants is estimated as of the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted-average assumptions used for valuation under the Black-Scholes model were as follows:

		For the three months ended								For the six months ended
		November 30,								November 30,
		2008				2007				2008				2007
Risk-free interest rate			2.9	%			4.2	%			3.3	%			4.7	%
Dividend yield			3.6	%			3.0	%			3.4	%			2.8	%
Volatility factor			.28				.25				.28				.26
Expected option life in years			6.0				5.5				6.4				6.2

Risk-free interest rates are yields for zero-coupon U.S. Treasury notes maturing approximately at the end of the expected option life. The estimated volatility factor is based on a combination of historical volatility using weekly stock prices and implied market volatility, both over a period equal to the expected option life. The expected option life is based on historical exercise behavior.

The Company has determined that the Black-Scholes option pricing model, as well as the underlying assumptions used in its application, is appropriate in estimating the fair value of its stock option grants. The Company periodically assesses its assumptions as well as its choice of valuation model, and will reconsider use of this model if additional information becomes available in the future indicating that another model would provide a more accurate estimate of fair value, or if characteristics of future grants would warrant such a change.

Fair value of financial instruments: Effective June 1, 2008, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This statement clarifies the definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the disclosures on fair value measurements; however, this standard does not require any new fair value measurements. The adoption of this standard has not had a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In determining the fair value of its assets and liabilities, the Company uses various valuation approaches, predominately the market and income approaches. In determining the fair value of its available-for-sale securities, the Company utilizes the Interactive Data Pricing service, a market approach. All securities the Company invests in have active markets. SFAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchy for information and valuations used in measuring fair value that is broken down into three levels based on reliability. Level 1 valuations are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 valuations are based on inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 valuations are based on information that is unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

Note A: Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies – continued

The following table presents information on the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis under SFAS No. 157 as of November 30, 2008:

						Quoted				Significant
						prices in				other				Significant
		Carrying				active				observable				unobservable
		value				markets				inputs				inputs
In thousands		(Fair value)				(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities		$	2,141,406			$	57			$	2,141,349				$	—
Other securities		$	7,516			$	7,516			$	—				$	—
Liabilities:
Other long-term liabilities		$	7,516			$	7,516			$	—				$	—

As of November 30, 2008, the Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

Client fund obligations represent the Company’s contractual obligation to remit funds to satisfy clients’ payroll and tax payment obligations. To better reflect the nature of these activities, the Company has reclassified the net change in client fund obligations in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows from investing activities to financing activities for all periods presented. The impact of the reclassification to the prior year period is as follows:

	For the six months ended
In thousands	November 30, 2007
Net cash provided by investing activities – as previously reported			$	644,584
Impact of reclassification – net change in client fund obligations				524,463
Net cash provided by investing activities – as reclassified			$	1,169,047
Net cash used in financing activities – as previously reported			$	(1,029,255	)
Impact of reclassification – net change in client fund obligations				(524,463	)
Net cash used in financing activities – as reclassified			$	(1,553,718	)

This reclassification had no impact on the net change in cash and cash equivalents or cash flows from operating activities for the period presented.

Note C: Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows:

		For the three months ended								For the six months ended
		November 30,								November 30,
In thousands, except per share amounts		2008				2007				2008				2007
Basic earnings per share:
Net income		$	140,242			$	147,112			$	288,951			$	298,187
Weighted-average common shares outstanding			360,812				369,914				360,710				375,299
Basic earnings per share		$	0.39			$	0.40			$	0.80			$	0.79
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income		$	140,242			$	147,112			$	288,951			$	298,187
Weighted-average common shares outstanding			360,812				369,914				360,710				375,299
Dilutive effect of common share equivalents at average market price			165				1,490				288				1,604
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution			360,977				371,404				360,998				376,903
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.39			$	0.40			$	0.80			$	0.79
Weighted-average anti-dilutive common share equivalents			14,035				5,300				12,711				5,213

Weighted-average common share equivalents that have an anti-dilutive impact are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.

Shares of the Company’s common stock issued for stock option exercises and vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units for the three months ended November 30, 2008 were minimal, while 0.3 million shares were issued for the six months ended November 30, 2008. Total shares issued during the three and six months ended November 30, 2007 were 0.3 million shares and 1.8 million shares, respectively. During the three months ended November 30, 2007, the Company repurchased 11.4 million shares of its common stock for $468.6 million under its stock repurchase program completed in December 2007, for a total of 20.3 million shares for $865.1 million for the six months ended November 30, 2007.

Note D: Funds Held for Clients and Corporate Investments

Funds held for clients and corporate investments consisted of the following:

		November 30, 2008
						Gross				Gross
						unrealized				unrealized				Fair
In thousands		Cost				gains				losses				value
Type of issue:
Money market securities and other cash equivalents		$	1,535,642			$	—			$	—			$	1,535,642
Available-for-sale securities:
General obligation municipal bonds			843,837				12,899				(701	)			856,035
Pre-refunded municipal bonds			539,118				13,363				(15	)			552,466
Revenue municipal bonds			374,018				5,095				(628	)			378,485
Variable rate demand notes			—				—				—				—
U.S. agency securities			351,959				2,404				—				354,363
Other equity securities			20				37				—				57
Total available-for-sale securities			2,108,952				33,798				(1,344	)			2,141,406
Other			10,791				—				(3,275	)			7,516
Total funds held for clients and corporate investments		$	3,655,385			$	33,798			$	(4,619	)		$	3,684,564

		May 31, 2008
						Gross				Gross
						unrealized				unrealized				Fair
In thousands		Cost				gains				losses				value
Type of issue:
Money market securities and other cash equivalents		$	714,907			$	—			$	—			$	714,907
Available-for-sale securities:
General obligation municipal bonds			812,611				12,732				(287	)			825,056
Pre-refunded municipal bonds			504,377				7,724				(489	)			511,612
Revenue municipal bonds			444,852				5,298				(295	)			449,855
Variable rate demand notes			1,536,911				67				—				1,536,978
U.S. agency securities			30,000				—				(36	)			29,964
Other equity securities			20				59				—				79
Total available-for-sale securities			3,328,771				25,880				(1,107	)			3,353,544
Other			10,143				426				(410	)			10,159
Total funds held for clients and corporate investments		$	4,053,821			$	26,306			$	(1,517	)		$	4,078,610

Included in money market securities and other cash equivalents as of November 30, 2008 are U.S. agency discount notes, government money market funds, and bank demand deposit accounts. As of May 31, 2008, money market securities and other cash equivalents included government money market funds, commercial paper, time deposits, and bank demand deposit accounts.

Note D: Funds Held for Clients and Corporate Investments – continued

Classification of investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:

		November 30,				May 31,
In thousands		2008				2008
Funds held for clients		$	3,536,482			$	3,808,085
Corporate investments			71,044				228,727
Long-term corporate investments			77,038				41,798
Total funds held for clients and corporate investments		$	3,684,564			$	4,078,610

The Company is exposed to credit risk in connection with these investments through the possible inability of borrowers to meet the terms of their bonds. In addition, the Company is exposed to interest rate risk, as rate volatility will cause fluctuations in the fair value of held investments and in the earnings potential of future investments. The Company maintains a conservative investment strategy within its investment portfolios to maximize liquidity and protect principal. The Company attempts to mitigate the risks associated with its investment activities by investing primarily in high credit quality securities with AAA and AA ratings and short-term securities with A-1/P-1 ratings, limiting amounts that can be invested in any single issuer, and by investing in short- to intermediate-term instruments whose fair value is less sensitive to interest rate changes. All securities the Company invests in have active markets.

As of November 30, 2008, the Company had no exposure to variable rate demand notes or prime money market funds.  The Company sold all of its holdings in these types of investments in September 2008 as a result of turmoil in the related markets.  No losses were recognized on these sales.  The proceeds from the sale of these investments were reinvested into U.S. agency discount notes, which is currently the Company’s primary short-term investment option. The Company does not hold any auction rate securities in its investment portfolios. The Company exited the auction rate market in the early fall of 2007 and never experienced a failed auction. It has no exposure to sub-prime mortgage securities, asset-backed securities or asset-backed commercial paper, collateralized debt obligations, enhanced cash or cash plus mutual funds, or structured investment vehicles (SIVs). The Company has not and does not utilize derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk.

The Company’s available-for-sale securities reflected a net unrealized gain of $32.5 million as of November 30, 2008 compared with a net unrealized gain of $24.8 million as of May 31, 2008. The gross unrealized losses of $1.3 million, included in the net unrealized gain, as of November 30, 2008 were comprised of 46 available-for-sale securities, which had a total fair value of $164.4 million. The gross unrealized losses of $1.1 million, included in the net unrealized gain, as of May 31, 2008 were comprised of 76 available-for-sale securities, which had a total fair value of $243.6 million.

The Company regularly reviews its investment portfolios to determine if any investment is other-than-temporarily impaired due to changes in credit risk or other potential valuation concerns. The Company believes that the investments it held as of November 30, 2008 were not other-than-temporarily impaired. While certain available-for-sale securities had fair values that were below cost, the Company believes that it is probable that the principal and interest will be collected in accordance with contractual terms, and that the decline in the fair value was due to changes in interest rates and was not due to increased credit risk. As of November 30, 2008 and May 31, 2008, the majority of the securities with an unrealized loss held an AA rating

or better. The Company currently believes that it has the ability and intent to hold these investments until the earlier of market price recovery or maturity. The Company’s assessment that an investment is not other-than-temporarily impaired could change in the future due to new developments or changes in the Company’s strategies or assumptions related to any particular investment.

The cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities that had stated maturities as of November 30, 2008 are shown below by contractual maturity. Expected maturities can differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.

		November 30, 2008
						Fair
In thousands		Cost				value
Maturity date:
Due in one year or less		$	592,283			$	597,219
Due after one year through three years			676,595				689,096
Due after three years through five years			554,504				566,803
Due after five years			285,550				288,231
Total		$	2,108,932			$	2,141,349

The components of property and equipment, at cost, consisted of the following:

		November 30,				May 31,
In thousands		2008				2008
Land and improvements		$	4,143			$	3,617
Buildings and improvements			84,794				84,723
Data processing equipment			175,803				166,893
Software			103,010				98,513
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment			141,311				136,330
Leasehold improvements			85,414				76,244
Construction in progress			57,918				52,078
Total property and equipment, gross			652,393				618,398
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization			369,364				343,101
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation		$	283,029			$	275,297

Depreciation expense was $15.6 million and $31.5 million for the three and six months ended November 30, 2008, respectively, as compared with $15.1 million and $30.1 million for the three and six months ended November 30, 2007, respectively.

Within construction in progress, there were costs for software being developed for internal use of $57.8 million and $51.6 million as of November 30, 2008 and May 31, 2008, respectively. Capitalization of costs ceases when the software is ready for its intended use, at which time the Company begins amortization of the costs. We have approximately $55.0 million in costs for internal use software that will begin to amortize in late fiscal 2009. The estimated annual amortization related to these costs will be approximately $3.7 million.

Note F: Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization

The Company had goodwill balances on its Consolidated Balance Sheets of $433.3 million as of November 30, 2008 and May 31, 2008.

The Company has certain intangible assets with finite lives. The components of intangible assets, at cost, consisted of the following:

		November 30,				May 31,
In thousands		2008				2008
Client lists and associate office license agreements		$	184,429			$	170,984
Other intangible assets			5,675				5,675
Total intangible assets, gross			190,104				176,659
Less: Accumulated amortization			112,345				102,159
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization		$	77,759			$	74,500

Amortization expense relating to intangible assets was $5.4 million and $10.2 million for the three and six months ended November 30, 2008, respectively, as compared with $4.6 million and $8.7 million for the three and six months ended November 30, 2007, respectively.

The estimated amortization expense relating to intangible asset balances for the full fiscal year 2009 and the following four fiscal years, as of November 30, 2008, is as follows:

		Estimated
In thousands		amortization
Fiscal year ending May 31,		expense
2009		$	20,819
2010		$	18,901
2011		$	16,191
2012		$	13,733
2013		$	8,154

In the fiscal year ended May 31, 2003, the Company recorded reserves related to acquisitions in the amounts of $10.0 million for severance and $5.9 million for redundant lease costs. Activity for the six months ended November 30, 2008 for these reserves is summarized as follows:

		Balance as								Balance as of
		of May 31,				Utilization				November 30,
In thousands		2008				of reserve				2008
Severance costs		$	149			$	—			$	149
Redundant lease costs		$	742			$	(138	)		$	604

The remaining severance payments are expected to be complete during the fiscal year ending May 31, 2010. Redundant lease payments are expected to be completed during the fiscal year ending May 31, 2016. Payments of $0.4 million extend beyond one year and are included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 30, 2008.

Comprehensive income is comprised of two components: net income and other comprehensive income. Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from transactions with owners of the Company. The change in unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, related to available-for-sale securities is the primary component reported in accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Comprehensive income, net of related tax effects, is as follows:

		For the three months ended								For the six months ended
		November 30,								November 30,
In thousands		2008				2007				2008				2007
Net income		$	140,242			$	147,112			$	288,951			$	298,187
Change in unrealized gains and losses of available-for-sale securities, net of taxes			(1,308	)			13,101				4,948				18,666
Total comprehensive income		$	138,934			$	160,213			$	293,899			$	316,853

As of November 30, 2008, accumulated other comprehensive income was $21.0 million, which was net of taxes of $11.5 million. As of May 31, 2008, accumulated other comprehensive income was $16.0 million, which was net of taxes of $8.8 million.

Note I: Commitments and Contingencies

Lines of credit: As of November 30, 2008, the Company had unused borrowing capacity available under four uncommitted, secured, short-term lines of credit at market rates of interest with financial institutions as follows:

Financial institution		Amount available				Expiration date
JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.		$350 million				February 2009
Bank of America, N.A.		$250 million				February 2009
PNC Bank, National Association		$150 million				February 2009
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association		$150 million				February 2009

The primary uses of the lines of credit would be to meet short-term funding requirements related to deposit account overdrafts and client fund obligations arising from electronic payment transactions on behalf of clients in the ordinary course of business, if necessary. No amounts were outstanding against these lines of credit as of, or during, the six months ended November 30, 2008.

Credit facility: The Company has a committed, secured one-year revolving credit facility expiring on September 20, 2009. Paychex of New York LLC (the “Borrower”), a subsidiary of the Company, entered into the credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A. (the “Lenders”). The credit facility is collateralized by the long-term securities of the Borrower, to the extent of any borrowing (the “Credit Agreement”). Under the facility, the Borrower may, subject to certain restrictions, borrow up to $400 million to meet short-term funding requirements on client fund obligations. The obligations under this facility have been guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. Upon expiration of the commitment

Note I: Commitments and Contingencies – continued

in 2009, any borrowings outstanding will mature and be payable on such date. No amounts were outstanding against this facility as of, or during the three months ended November 30, 2008.

The revolving loans under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at competitive rates to be elected by the Borrower. The Borrower will also pay a facility fee at a rate of .05% per annum on the average daily unused amount of the commitment.

The Credit Agreement includes various financial and other customary covenants with which the Borrower must comply in order to maintain borrowing availability and avoid penalties, including a limitation on the Borrower’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, enter into consolidations or mergers, dispose of assets, make investments, pay dividends, enter into transactions with affiliates, or prepay certain indebtedness. The Credit Agreement (and collateral security agreements executed in connection therewith) also contains customary events of default including, but not limited to, payment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other indebtedness, material judgment defaults, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, bankruptcy and insolvency events, defects in the Lenders’ security interest, change in control events, and material adverse changes.

Certain of the Lenders under the Credit Agreement, and their respective affiliates, have performed, and may in the future perform for the Company and its subsidiaries, various commercial banking, investment banking, underwriting, and other financial advisory services, for which they have received, and will receive, customary fees and expenses.

Letters of credit: As of November 30, 2008, and May 31, 2008, the Company also had irrevocable standby letters of credit available totaling $65.5 million and $71.5 million, respectively, required to secure commitments for certain insurance policies and bonding requirements. These letters of credit expire at various dates between December 2008 and December 2012 and are secured by securities held in the Company’s investment portfolio. No amounts were outstanding on these letters of credit as of, or during, the six months ended November 30, 2008.

Other commitments: The Company enters into various purchase commitments with vendors in the ordinary course of business. As of November 30, 2008, the Company had outstanding commitments to purchase approximately $4.5 million of capital assets.

The Company guarantees performance of service on annual maintenance contracts for clients who financed their service contracts through a third party. In the normal course of business, the Company makes representations and warranties that guarantee the performance of its services under service arrangements with clients. In addition, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its officers and directors, which require it to defend and, if necessary, indemnify these individuals for certain pending or future claims as they relate to their services provided to the Company. Historically, there have been no material losses related to such guarantees and indemnifications.

Note I: Commitments and Contingencies – continued

The Company currently self-insures the deductible portion of various insured exposures under certain employee benefit plans. The Company’s estimated loss exposure under these insurance arrangements is recorded in other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Historically, the amounts accrued have not been material. The Company also maintains insurance coverage in addition to its purchased primary insurance policies for gap coverage for employment practices liability, errors and omissions, warranty liability, and acts of terrorism; and capacity for deductibles and self-insured retentions through its captive insurance company.

Contingencies: The Company is subject to various claims and legal matters that arise in the normal course of its business. These include disputes or potential disputes related to breach of contract, employment-related claims, tax claims, and other matters.

In August 2001, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Rapid Payroll, Inc. (“Rapid Payroll”) informed 76 licensees that it intended to stop supporting their payroll processing software in August of 2002. Thereafter, lawsuits were commenced by licensees asserting various claims, including breach of contract and related tort and fraud causes of action. As previously reported in the Company’s prior periodic reports, these lawsuits sought compensatory damages, punitive damages, and injunctive relief against Rapid Payroll, the Company, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer, and its Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In accordance with the Company’s indemnification agreements with its senior executives, the Company has agreed to defend and, if necessary, indemnify them in connection with these pending matters.

As of November 30, 2008, the Company has fully resolved its licensing responsibility and settled all litigation with 75 of the 76 licensees who were provided services by Rapid Payroll. In 2007, a verdict was issued in the Brunskill Associates, Inc. v. Rapid Payroll, Inc. et al. case, which was pending in California Superior Court, Los Angeles County, in which a jury awarded to the plaintiff $15.0 million in compensatory damages and subsequently awarded an additional $11.0 million in punitive damages. The Company is pursuing an appeal of that verdict. Any final judgment would be subject to an award of statutory interest.

The Company has a reserve for pending litigation matters. The litigation reserve has been adjusted in fiscal 2009 for settlements and incurred litigation expenditures. The Company’s reserve for all pending litigation totaled $20.7 million as of November 30, 2008, and is included in current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In light of the reserve for all pending litigation matters, the Company’s management currently believes that resolution of outstanding legal matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. However, legal matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and there exists the possibility that the ultimate resolution of these matters could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position and the results of operations in the period in which any such effect is recorded.

Note J: Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Income taxes paid were $126.1 million and $117.8 million for the six months ended November 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Note K: Related Party Transactions

During the three and six months ended November 30, 2008, the Company purchased approximately $2.3 million and $2.6 million of data processing equipment and software from EMC Corporation, as compared with $0.4 million and $2.6 million in the respective prior year periods. The Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of EMC Corporation is a member of the Company’s Board.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations reviews the operating results of Paychex, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “us”) for the three and six months ended November 30, 2008 and November 30, 2007, and our financial condition as of November 30, 2008. The focus of this review is on the underlying business reasons for significant changes and trends affecting our revenue, expenses, net income, and financial condition. This review should be read in conjunction with the November 30, 2008 Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”). This review should also be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) for the year ended May 31, 2008 (“fiscal 2008”). Forward-looking statements in this review are qualified by the cautionary statement included in this review under the next sub-heading, “Safe-Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.”

“Safe Harbor” Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain written and oral statements made by management may constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Reform Act”). Forward-looking statements are identified by such words and phrases as “we expect,” “expected to,” “estimates,” “estimated,” “current outlook,” “we look forward to,” “would equate to,” “projects,” “projections,” “projected to be,” “anticipates,” “anticipated,” “we believe,” “could be,” and other similar phrases. All statements addressing operating performance, events, or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including statements relating to revenue growth, earnings, earnings-per-share growth, or similar projections, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act. Because they are forward-looking, they should be evaluated in light of important risk factors. These risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following risks, as well as those that are described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”):

	•		general market and economic conditions including, among others, changes in United States (“U.S.”) employment and wage levels, changes in new hiring trends, changes in short- and long-term interest rates, and changes in the fair value and the credit rating of securities held by us;
	•		changes in demand for our services and products, ability to develop and market new services and products effectively, pricing changes and the impact of competition, and the availability of skilled workers;
	•		changes in the laws regulating collection and payment of payroll taxes, professional employer organizations, and employee benefits, including retirement plans, workers’ compensation, health insurance, state unemployment, and section 125 plans;
	•		changes in workers’ compensation rates and underlying claims trends;
	•		the possibility of failure to keep pace with technological changes and provide timely enhancements to services and products;

	•		the possibility of failure of our operating facilities, computer systems, and communication systems during a catastrophic event;
	•		the possibility of third-party service providers failing to perform their functions;
	•		the possibility of penalties and losses resulting from errors and omissions in performing services;
	•		the possible inability of our clients to meet their payroll obligations;
	•		the possible failure of internal controls or our inability to implement business processing improvements; and
	•		potentially unfavorable outcomes related to pending legal matters.

Any of these factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from our anticipated results. The information provided in this Form 10-Q is based upon the facts and circumstances known at this time. We undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements after the date of filing of this Form 10-Q with the SEC to reflect events or circumstances after such date, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Overview

We are a leading provider of comprehensive payroll and integrated human resource and employee benefits outsourcing solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses. Our Payroll and Human Resource Services offer a portfolio of services and products that allow our clients to meet their diverse payroll and human resource needs.

Our Payroll services are provided through either our Core Payroll or Major Market Services, which is utilized by clients that have more sophisticated payroll and benefit needs, and include:

	•		payroll processing;
	•		payroll tax administration services;
	•		employee payment services; and
	•		regulatory compliance services (new-hire reporting and garnishment processing).

Our Human Resource Services primarily include:

	•		comprehensive human resource outsourcing services, which include Paychex Premier® Human Resources and our Professional Employer Organization (“PEO”);
	•		retirement services administration;
	•		workers’ compensation insurance services;
	•		health and benefits services;
	•		time and attendance solutions; and
	•		other human resource services and products.

We primarily earn revenue through recurring fees for services performed. Service revenue is primarily driven by the number of clients, checks or transactions per client per pay period, and utilization of ancillary services. We also earn interest on funds held for clients between the time of collection from our clients and remittance to the applicable tax or regulatory agencies or client employees. Our strategy is focused on achieving strong long-term financial performance by providing high-quality, timely, accurate, and affordable services; growing our client base; increasing utilization of our ancillary services; leveraging our technological and operating infrastructure; and expanding our service offerings.

Our financial results continue to be impacted by weak economic conditions, including low levels of new business starts, increases in companies going out of business, declines in checks per client, and the credit crisis in the financial markets. The financial results for the three months ended November 30, 2008 as compared to the three months ended November 30, 2007 include the following:

	•		Total revenue increased 3% to $524.2 million.
	•		Payroll service revenue increased 4% to $376.1 million.
	•		Human Resource Services revenue increased 11% to $128.3 million.
	•		Operating income increased 1% to $211.9 million.
	•		Interest on funds held for clients decreased 36% to $19.8 million.
	•		Operating income, net of certain items, increased 7% to $192.1 million. Refer to the discussion below for further information on this non-GAAP measure, operating income, net of certain items.
	•		Net income decreased 5% to $140.2 million.
	•		Diluted earnings per share decreased 3% to $0.39.

Our financial performance during the three months ended November 30, 2008 was due to service revenue growth of 6% over the same period last year, and leveraging of expenses. The growth in service revenue was primarily attributable to price increases and growth in the utilization of our ancillary payroll and Human Resource Services by new and existing clients. The weak economy continues to have a negative impact on service revenue growth as, during the six months ended November 30, 2008, we have experienced a 12% increase in companies going out of business, a 13% decline in new business starts, a 1.5% decrease in checks per client, and lower levels of new hire reporting.

Our financial results were also impacted by decreases in the interest rates we earned on our funds held for clients and corporate investment portfolios.  Our combined interest on funds held for clients and investment income, net, declined 43% for the three months ended November 30, 2008 compared to the same period last year primarily due to declining interest rates and also from lower corporate investment balances due to the funding of the stock repurchase program completed in December 2007.  The combined investment portfolios earned an average rate of return of 2.4% for the three months ended November 30, 2008, a decline from 4.0% for the same period last year.  We have maintained a conservative investment strategy in order to maximize our liquidity and protect principal in our investment portfolios during this period of turbulence in the financial markets.  This strategy results in significantly lower yields on high quality instruments.  Our short-term portfolio has been heavily invested in taxable securities, and our short-term taxable interest rates earned have averaged 1.4% for the three months ended November 30, 2008 compared to 5.0% for the same period last year.  In addition, the Federal Funds rate has continued to decline to a level of 1.00% as of November 30, 2008, down 350 basis points from November 30, 2007. 

In addition to reporting operating income, a generally accepted accounting principle (“GAAP”) measure, we present operating income, net of certain items, which is a non-GAAP measure. We believe operating income, net of certain items, is an appropriate additional measure, as it is an indicator of our core business operations performance period over period. It is also the measure used internally for establishing the following year’s targets and measuring management’s performance in connection with certain performance-based compensation payments and awards. Operating income, net of certain items, excludes interest on funds held for clients. Interest on funds held for clients is an adjustment to operating income due to the

volatility of interest rates, which are not within the control of management. Operating income, net of certain items, is not calculated through the application of GAAP and is not the required form of disclosure by the SEC. As such, it should not be considered as a substitute for the GAAP measure of operating income and, therefore, should not be used in isolation, but in conjunction with the GAAP measure. The use of any non-GAAP measure may produce results that vary from the GAAP measure and may not be comparable to a similarly defined non-GAAP measure used by other companies. Operating income, net of certain items, increased 7% to $192.1 million for the three months ended November 30, 2008, as compared to $178.8 million for the same period last year. Refer to the reconciliation of operating income to operating income, net of certain items, on page 25 of this review.

The current credit crisis has resulted in unprecedented volatility in the global financial markets, with diminished liquidity and increased exposure to investment losses occurring in these markets. Despite this macroeconomic environment, we believe that our financial position as of November 30, 2008 remained strong with cash and total corporate investments of $478.7 million and no debt.  In addition, we have seen an increase in our working capital balances since May 31, 2008, primarily due to higher accounts receivable balances due to timing of billing cycles and lower accrued compensation balances. We also believe that our investments as of November 30, 2008 were not other-than-temporarily impaired, nor has any event occurred subsequent to that date through the date of filing this periodic report that would indicate an other-than-temporary impairment.

Our primary source of cash is from our ongoing operations. Cash flow from operations was $328.4 million for the six months ended November 30, 2008, as compared with $358.2 million for the six months ended November 30, 2007. Cash flows from operations were higher for the three months ended November 30, 2007 due to a liability related to the stock repurchase program. Historically, we have funded operations, capital purchases, and dividend payments from our operating activities. It is anticipated that cash and total corporate investments as of November 30, 2008, along with projected operating cash flows, will support our normal business operations, capital purchases, and dividend payments for the foreseeable future.

For further analysis of our results of operations for the three and six months ended November 30, 2008, and our financial position as of November 30, 2008, refer to the analysis and discussion in the “Results of Operations,” “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” and “Critical Accounting Policies” sections of this review.

Investment Portfolio Overview

We maintain a conservative investment strategy within our investment portfolios to maximize liquidity and protect principal. In the current financial markets, this translates to significantly lower yields on high quality instruments, impacting our income earned on funds held for clients and corporate investments. Our exposure from our investing activities has been limited in the current investment environment as the result of our policies of investing primarily in high credit quality securities with AAA and AA ratings and short-term securities with A-1/P-1 ratings, and by limiting the amounts that can be invested in any single issuer. All securities we invest in have active markets.

As of November 30, 2008, we had no exposure to variable rate demand notes (“VRDNs”) or prime money market funds.  We sold all of our holdings in these types of investments in September 2008 as a result of turmoil in the related markets.  No losses were recognized on these sales.  The proceeds from the sale of these investments were reinvested into U.S. agency discount notes, which is currently our primary short-term investment option. We have no auction rate securities in our investment portfolios. We exited the auction rate market in the early fall of 2007 and never experienced a failed auction. We have no exposure to sub-prime mortgage securities, asset-backed securities or asset-backed commercial paper, collateralized

debt obligations, enhanced cash or cash plus mutual funds, or structured investment vehicles (SIVs). We have not and do not utilize derivative financial instruments to manage our interest rate risk.

Outlook

Our outlook for the full fiscal year ending May 31, 2009 (“fiscal 2009”) has been revised to reflect the impacts of current economic and financial conditions, and assumes the economic weakness we have experienced will continue through the remainder of the fiscal year. Some statistical evidence of the economic weakness for the six months ended November 30, 2008 is as follows:

•		Average interest rate earned on funds held for clients and corporate investments decreased to 2.7% from 4.0% in the same period last year;
•		Companies going out of business increased 12%;
•		New business starts declined 13%;
•		Checks per client declined 2.1% in the three months ended November 30,2008 compared to 1.2% for the three months ended August 31, 2008; and
•		The asset value of retirement services client employees’ funds declined 23% since August 31, 2008.

Projected revenue and net income growth for fiscal 2009 are as follows:

Payroll service revenue			3	%			—				5	%
Human Resource Services revenue			12	%			—				15	%
Total service revenue			5	%			—				7	%
Interest on funds held for clients			(45	%)			—				(40	%)
Total revenue			2	%			—				4	%
Investment income, net			(75	%)			—				(70	%)
Net income			(7	%)			—				(5	%)

Growth in operating income, net of certain items, is expected to approximate 5% to 8% for fiscal 2009. The effective income tax rate is expected to be approximately 34% throughout fiscal 2009. Under normal financial market conditions, we estimate the effect of a 25-basis-point increase or decrease in the Federal Funds rate on earnings would be approximately $4.0 million, after taxes, for a twelve-month period. However, in the current environment and given the low levels at which high quality short-term investments are earning interest, we would not expect such an impact with the most recent changes in the Federal Funds rate. We estimate the lowest level of interest on funds held for clients over a twelve-month period would be $60 million.

Remaining unchanged, purchases of property and equipment for fiscal 2009 are expected to be in the range of $80 million to $85 million, in line with our growth rates. Fiscal 2009 depreciation expense is projected to be approximately $65 million, and we project amortization of intangible assets to be approximately $20 million.

		For the three months													For the six months
		ended													ended
		November 30,													November 30,
$ in millions		2008				2007				% Change					2008				2007				% Change
Revenue:
Payroll service revenue		$	376.1			$	361.6				4	%			$	754.5			$	723.1				4	%
Human Resource Services revenue			128.3				115.5				11	%				259.7				228.8				14	%
Total service revenue			504.4				477.1				6	%				1,014.2				951.9				7	%
Interest on funds held for clients			19.8				30.7				(36	%)				44.0				63.0				(30	%)
Total revenue			524.2				507.8				3	%				1,058.2				1,014.9				4	%
Combined operating and SG&A expenses			312.3				298.3				5	%				624.7				594.8				5	%
Operating income			211.9				209.5				1	%				433.5				420.1				3	%
As a % of total revenue			40	%			41	%								41	%			41	%
Investment income, net			1.9				7.5				(74	%)				5.0				19.7				(75	%)
Income before income taxes			213.8				217.0				(1	%)				438.5				439.8				—
As a % of total revenue			41	%			43	%								41	%			43	%
Income taxes			73.6				69.9				5	%				149.5				141.6				6	%
Net income		$	140.2			$	147.1				(5	%)			$	289.0			$	298.2				(3	%)
As a % of total revenue			27	%			29	%								27	%			29	%
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.39			$	0.40				(3	%)			$	0.80			$	0.79				1	%

Details regarding our combined funds held for clients and corporate investment portfolios are as follows:

		For the three months ended									For the six months ended
		November 30,									November 30,
$ in millions		2008				2007					2008				2007
Average investment balances:
Funds held for clients		$	3,088.3			$	3,065.4				$	3,154.2			$	3,080.0
Corporate investments			510.2				753.8					497.3				990.7
Total		$	3,598.5			$	3,819.2				$	3,651.5			$	4,070.7
Average interest rates earned (exclusive of net realized gains):
Funds held for clients			2.5	%			4.0	%				2.7	%			4.1	%
Corporate investments			1.6	%			3.9	%				2.1	%			4.0	%
Combined funds held for clients and corporate investments			2.4	%			4.0	%				2.7	%			4.0	%
Net realized gains:
Funds held for clients		$	0.4			$	0.4				$	0.7			$	0.5
Corporate investments			—				—					—				—
Total		$	0.4			$	0.4				$	0.7			$	0.5

As of:		November 30,				May 31,
$ in millions		2008				2008
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities (1)		$	32.5			$	24.8
Federal Funds rate (2)			1.00	%			2.00	%
Three-year “AAA” municipal securities yield			2.51	%			2.65	%
Total fair value of available-for-sale securities		$	2,141.4			$	3,353.5
Average duration of available-for-sale securities in years (3)			2.3				2.7
Weighted-average yield-to-maturity of available-for-sale securities (3)			3.3	%			3.4	%

(1)		The net unrealized gain of our investment portfolio was approximately $31.6 million as of December 12, 2008.
(2)		On December 16, 2008, the Federal Funds rate was decreased to a range of 0% to 0.25%.
(3)		These items exclude the impact of VRDN securities held as of May 31, 2008, as they are tied to short-term interest rates.

Payroll service revenue: The increases in Payroll service revenue of 4% for both the three and six months ended November 30, 2008 from the same periods last year were primarily attributable to price increases and growth in the utilization of our ancillary payroll services. During the three and six months ended November 30, 2008, checks per client declined 2.1% and 1.5%, respectively.

Our payroll tax administration services were utilized by 93% of all clients as of November 30, 2008 and 2007. Our employee payment services were utilized by 74% of all clients as of November 30, 2008, compared with 72% as of November 30, 2007. Nearly all new clients purchase our payroll tax administration services and more than 80% of new clients select a form of employee payment services.

Human Resource Services revenue: Human Resource Services revenue increased 11% to $128.3 million and 14% to $259.7 million for the three and six months ended November 30, 2008, respectively. The following factors contributed to Human Resource Services revenue growth:

As of:		November 30,				%				November 30,				%
$ in millions		2008				Change				2007				Change
Comprehensive human resource outsourcing services client employees served			445,000				11	%			401,000				22	%
Workers’ compensation insurance clients			75,000				11	%			67,000				19	%
Retirement services clients			50,000				10	%			46,000				17	%
Health and benefits services revenue		$	9.5				85	%		$	5.1				n/m

While the above factors positively contributed to the revenue growth as compared to the same period last year, certain economic factors are decreasing the rate of growth. The volatility in the financial markets has caused the asset value of retirement services client employees’ funds to decline 22% to $7.2 billion. The S&P 500 declined 39% during the same period. The decline in asset value and clients’ employees moving their portfolios to safer investments reduced retirement services revenue by $2.2 million during the three months ended November 30, 2008. We have also experienced some volatility in PEO net service revenue due to fluctuations in workers’ compensation claims of approximately $1.5 million. The growth in Human Resource Services revenue for the three months ended November 30, 2008 would have been slightly above 14% exclusive of these items.

Total service revenue: Total service revenue growth for the three and six months ended November 30, 2008 was 6% and 7%, respectively, with total service revenue for the six months ended November 30, 2008 slightly in excess of $1 billion. The weak economy continues to have a negative impact on service revenue growth as, over the six months ended November 30, 2008, we experienced a 12% increase in companies going out of business, a 13% decline in new business starts, a 1.5% decrease in checks per client, and lower levels of new hire reporting.