PAYCHEX INC - Quarter Report: 2008 February (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

IRS Employer Identification Number: 16-1124166

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.

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		360,357,974 Shares
CLASS		OUTSTANDING AS OF February 29, 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 nine months ended
		February 29,				February 28,				February 29,				February 28,
		2008				2007				2008				2007
Revenue:
Service revenue		$	494,845			$	447,568			$	1,446,699			$	1,302,357
Interest on funds held for clients			37,327				37,719				100,396				97,259
Total revenue			532,172				485,287				1,547,095				1,399,616
Expenses:
Operating expenses			170,995				158,543				492,762				457,497
Selling, general and administrative expenses			150,778				153,760				423,870				400,453
Total expenses			321,773				312,303				916,632				857,950
Operating income			210,399				172,984				630,463				541,666
Investment income, net			3,597				10,494				23,337				29,851
Income before income taxes			213,996				183,478				653,800				571,517
Income taxes			71,522				56,878				213,139				177,170
Net income		$	142,474			$	126,600			$	440,661			$	394,347
Basic earnings per share		$	0.39			$	0.33			$	1.19			$	1.04
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.39			$	0.33			$	1.18			$	1.03
Weighted-average common shares outstanding			361,178				381,475				370,814				380,879
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution			361,770				383,335				372,080				382,566
Cash dividends per common share		$	0.30			$	0.21			$	0.90			$	0.58

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

PAYCHEX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
In thousands, except per share amounts

		February 29, 2008				May 31, 2007
		(unaudited)				(audited)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents		$	159,790			$	79,353
Corporate investments			248,210				511,772
Interest receivable			31,219				53,624
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts			158,042				186,273
Deferred income taxes			16,950				23,840
Prepaid income taxes			—				8,845
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			26,778				24,515
Current assets before funds held for clients			640,989				888,222
Funds held for clients			4,407,285				3,973,097
Total current assets			5,048,274				4,861,319
Long-term corporate investments			18,913				633,086
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation			274,366				256,087
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization			78,312				67,213
Goodwill			433,115				407,712
Deferred income taxes			13,682				15,209
Other long-term assets			5,353				5,893
Total assets		$	5,872,015			$	6,246,519
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable		$	34,456			$	46,961
Accrued compensation and related items			118,088				125,268
Deferred revenue			8,830				7,758
Accrued income taxes			22,823				—
Litigation reserve			23,236				32,515
Other current liabilities			46,670				42,638
Current liabilities before client fund deposits			254,103				255,140
Client fund deposits			4,393,747				3,982,330
Total current liabilities			4,647,850				4,237,470
Accrued income taxes			16,332				—
Deferred income taxes			7,127				9,567
Other long-term liabilities			48,715				47,234
Total liabilities			4,720,024				4,294,271
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES — NOTE H
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized: 600,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: 360,358 shares as of February 29, 2008 and 382,151 shares as of May 31, 2007, respectively			3,604				3,822
Additional paid-in capital			421,563				362,982
Retained earnings			718,053				1,595,105
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)			8,771				(9,661	)
Total stockholders’ equity			1,151,991				1,952,248
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	5,872,015			$	6,246,519

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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

		For the nine months ended
		February 29,				February 28,
		2008				2007
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income		$	440,661			$	394,347
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment and intangible assets			59,362				54,239
Amortization of premiums and discounts on available-for-sale securities			12,560				18,248
Stock-based compensation costs			18,989				19,260
Benefit for deferred income taxes			(4,046	)			(12,475	)
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts			2,005				1,883
Provision for litigation reserve			—				13,000
Net realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities			(3,842	)			(1,479	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Interest receivable			22,405				(489	)
Accounts receivable			26,883				24,251
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			6,609				3,230
Accounts payable and other current liabilities			3,388				14,127
Net change in other assets and liabilities			5,401				4,104
Net cash provided by operating activities			590,375				532,246
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of available-for-sale securities			(73,545,729	)			(79,969,874	)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities			74,815,834				79,369,237
Net change in funds held for clients’ money market securities and other cash equivalents			(806,544	)			324,744
Net change in client fund deposits			411,417				(54,403	)
Purchases of property and equipment			(64,621	)			(61,456	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment			709				116
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired			(32,940	)			(3,100	)
Purchases of other assets			(18,038	)			(18,238	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities			760,088				(412,974	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repurchases of common stock			(999,999	)			—
Dividends paid			(333,960	)			(221,064	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			55,286				37,812
Excess tax benefit related to exercise of stock options			8,647				7,478
Net cash used in financing activities			(1,270,026	)			(175,774	)
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			80,437				(56,502	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			79,353				137,423
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	159,790			$	80,921

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

PAYCHEX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
February 29, 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 nine months ended February 29, 2008. Long-lived assets in Germany are insignificant in relation to total long-lived assets of the Company as of February 29, 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. The 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, 2007 (“fiscal 2007”). Operating results and cash flows for the nine months ended February 29, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for other interim periods or the full fiscal year ending May 31, 2008 (“fiscal 2008”).

PEO revenue recognition: Professional Employer Organization (“PEO”) revenue is included in service revenue and is reported net of direct costs billed and incurred for PEO worksite employees, which include wages, taxes, benefit premiums, and workers’ compensation costs and claims of PEO worksite employees. Direct costs billed and incurred were $661.6 million and $653.6 million for the three months ended February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007, respectively, and $1.9 billion for both the nine months ended February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007, respectively.

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 $1,000,000 under the fiscal 2008 policy and $750,000 under the fiscal 2007 policy.

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:

		February 29,				May 31,
In thousands		2008				2007
Prepaid expense		$	2,491			$	2,717
Current liability		$	7,508			$	7,001
Long-term liability		$	19,019			$	21,280

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

Estimated losses under the workers’ compensation policies, based on historical loss experience and independent actuarial loss projections, are subject to change based on changes in claims experience trends and other factors that management monitors on a regular basis. Any adjustment to previously established reserves is reflected in the operating results of 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. Grants to non-management employees have typically occurred in April and October. Grants approved by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) were as follows:

		For the nine months ended
		February 29, 2008								February 28, 2007
						Average								Average
		Shares				fair value				Shares				fair value
In thousands, except per share amounts		granted				per share				granted				per share
Stock options			714			$	10.83				5,486			$	11.75
Restricted stock			134			$	43.91				106			$	36.87
Restricted stock units			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 their fair values as 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 $6.1 million and $19.0 million for the three and nine months ended February 29, 2008, as compared with $7.0 million and $19.3 million for the respective prior year periods. As of February 29, 2008, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested stock-based awards was $69.3 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.

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.

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

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 nine months ended
		February 29, 2008				February 28, 2007
Risk-free interest rate			4.7	%			4.8	%
Dividend yield			2.8	%			1.9	%
Volatility factor			.26				.31
Expected option term in years			6.2				6.1

Risk-free interest rates are yields for zero-coupon U.S. Treasury notes maturing approximately at the end of the expected option term. 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 term. The expected option term is based on historical exercise patterns.

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.

Income taxes: The Company accounts for deferred taxes by recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a deferred tax asset related to the stock-based compensation costs recognized for certain stock-based awards. At the time of exercise of non-qualified stock options or vesting of restricted stock awards, the Company accounts for the resulting tax deduction by reducing its accrued income tax liability with an offset to the deferred tax asset and any excess tax benefit increasing additional paid-in capital. The Company currently has a sufficient pool of excess tax benefits in additional paid-in capital to absorb any deficient tax benefits related to stock-based awards.

Effective June 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” and a related amendment, FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 48-1, “Definition of Settlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48.” FIN 48 and FSP No. 48-1 prescribe minimum recognition thresholds for evaluating uncertain income tax positions, and provide guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.

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

Upon adoption, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment by increasing its reserve for uncertain tax positions by $8.4 million, with an offsetting decrease to opening retained earnings. The total reserve for uncertain tax positions of $16.3 million as of February 29, 2008 is included in long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as the resolution of these matters is not expected within the next twelve months.

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in one foreign and numerous state jurisdictions. Uncertain tax positions relate primarily to state income tax matters. The Company believes it is probable that the reserve for uncertain tax positions will increase for the full year fiscal 2008, resulting from the settlement of open periods and the effect of current year operations on anticipated tax benefits. It is anticipated that this increase will impact the tax provision in the range of $6.0 million to $8.0 million.

The Company has concluded all U.S. federal income tax matters through its fiscal year ended May 31, 2005, with fiscal years ended May 31, 2006 and 2007 still subject to potential audit. With limited exceptions, state income tax audits by taxing authorities are closed through the fiscal year ended May 31, 2003, primarily due to expiration of the statute of limitations. Audit outcomes and the timing of audit settlements are subject to a high degree of uncertainty. As of February 29, 2008, substantially all of the $16.3 million reserve for uncertain tax positions, if recognized, would favorably affect the Company’s effective income tax rate.

The Company continues to follow its policy of recognizing interest and penalties accrued on tax positions as a component of income taxes on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Upon adoption, the amount of accrued interest and penalties associated with the Company’s tax positions was immaterial to the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amount of interest and penalties recognized for the three and nine months ended February 29, 2008 was immaterial to the Company’s results of operations.

Newly issued accounting pronouncements: In June 2007, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-11 (“EITF 06-11”), “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards.” EITF 06-11 applies to share-based payment arrangements, with dividend protection features, that entitle an employee to receive dividends or dividend equivalents on nonvested equity-based shares or units, when those dividends or dividend equivalents are charged to retained earnings and result in an income tax deduction for the employer under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” Under EITF 06-11, a realized income tax benefit from dividends or dividend equivalents charged to retained earnings and paid to an employee for nonvested equity-based shares or units should be recognized as an increase in additional paid-in capital. EITF 06-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007 with early adoption permitted. EITF 06-11 was adopted on June 1, 2007 and did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In June 2007, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) issued Statement of Position No. 07-1, “Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting Guide Investment Companies and Accounting by Parent Companies and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment Companies” (“SOP 07-1”). SOP 07-1 clarifies when an entity may apply the provisions of the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide Investment Companies and addresses the retention of specialized investment company accounting by a parent company in consolidation or by an equity method investor. SOP 07-1, as issued, was effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2007 and was applicable to the Company for its fiscal year beginning June 1, 2008. SOP 07-1 was indefinitely deferred by the FASB in February 2008.

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

In December 2007, the FASB issued the following statements of financial accounting standards applicable to business combinations:

	•		SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) (“SFAS No. 141(R)”), “Business Combinations;” and
	•		SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51.”

SFAS No. 141(R) provides guidance on how an entity will recognize and measure the identifiable assets acquired (including goodwill), liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interests, if any, acquired in a business combination. SFAS No. 160 will change the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be treated as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity. Both standards are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and are applicable to the Company for its fiscal year beginning June 1, 2009. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating both standards but does not expect their impact to have a material effect on its results of operations or financial position.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157.” This FSP delays the effective date of FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company expects to adopt SFAS No. 157, except for this deferral, in its fiscal year beginning June 1, 2008. The Company has not yet determined the effect, if any, the adoption of this statement will have on its results of operations or financial position.

Note B: Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows:

		For the three months ended								For the nine months ended
In thousands, except per share amounts		February 29, 2008				February 28, 2007				February 29, 2008				February 28, 2007
Basic earnings per share:
Net income		$	142,474			$	126,600			$	440,661			$	394,347
Weighted-average common shares outstanding			361,178				381,475				370,814				380,879
Basic earnings per share		$	0.39			$	0.33			$	1.19			$	1.04
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income		$	142,474			$	126,600			$	440,661			$	394,347
Weighted-average common shares outstanding			361,178				381,475				370,814				380,879
Dilutive effect of common share equivalents at average market price			592				1,860				1,266				1,687
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution			361,770				383,335				372,080				382,566
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.39			$	0.33			$	1.18			$	1.03
Weighted-average anti-dilutive common share equivalents			7,757				6,708				6,061				7,346

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

For the three and nine months ended February 29, 2008, 0.1 million and 1.9 million shares of the Company’s common stock were issued for stock option exercises and vesting of restricted stock, compared with 0.8 million and 1.6 million shares issued for stock option exercises for the respective prior year periods.

During the nine months ended February 29, 2008, the Company completed its stock repurchase program announced in July 2007 to repurchase shares of its common stock, and repurchased 23.7 million shares for $1.0 billion.

Note C: Funds Held for Clients and Corporate Investments

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

		February 29, 2008
						Gross				Gross
						unrealized				unrealized				Market
In thousands		Cost				gains				losses				value
Type of issue:
Money market securities and other cash equivalents		$	939,714			$	—			$	—			$	939,714
Available-for-sale securities:
General obligation municipal bonds			765,823				6,546				(1,419	)			770,950
Pre-refunded municipal bonds			448,983				3,923				(1,070	)			451,836
Revenue municipal bonds			398,317				2,694				(681	)			400,330
Auction rate securities			—				—				—				—
Variable rate demand notes			2,016,210				98				—				2,016,308
U.S. government securities			82,193				3,444				—				85,637
Other equity securities			20				54				—				74
Total available-for-sale securities			3,711,546				16,759				(3,170	)			3,725,135
Other			9,849				248				(538	)			9,559
Total funds held for clients and corporate investments		$	4,661,109			$	17,007			$	(3,708	)		$	4,674,408
		May 31, 2007
						Gross				Gross
						unrealized				unrealized				Market
In thousands		Cost				gains				losses				value
Type of issue:
Money market securities and other cash equivalents		$	133,169			$	—			$	—			$	133,169
Available-for-sale securities:
General obligation municipal bonds			807,189				288				(8,160	)			799,317
Pre-refunded municipal bonds			291,943				94				(3,182	)			288,855
Revenue municipal bonds			443,123				25				(4,014	)			439,134
Auction rate securities			508,931				9				—				508,940
Variable rate demand notes			2,529,386				144				—				2,529,530
U.S. government securities			409,777				599				(726	)			409,650
Other equity securities			20				67				—				87
Total available-for-sale securities			4,990,369				1,226				(16,082	)			4,975,513
Other			8,234				1,044				(5	)			9,273
Total funds held for clients and corporate investments		$	5,131,772			$	2,270			$	(16,087	)		$	5,117,955

Note C: Funds Held for Clients and Corporate Investments-continued

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

In thousands		February 29, 2008				May 31, 2007
Funds held for clients		$	4,407,285			$	3,973,097
Corporate investments			248,210				511,772
Long-term corporate investments			18,913				633,086
Total funds held for clients and corporate investments		$	4,674,408			$	5,117,955

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 market value of held investments and in the earnings potential of future investments. The Company attempts to mitigate these risks 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 market value is less sensitive to interest rate changes. The Company’s variable rate demand notes (“VRDNs”) are rated A-1/P-1 and have no exposure to municipal bond insurers, except Financial Security Assurance (“FSA”) and must carry an irrevocable letter of credit or standby purchase agreement issued by highly rated financial institutions.

As of February 29, 2008, the Company did not hold any auction rate securities. The Company has no exposure to any sub-prime mortgage securities, asset-backed securities or asset-backed commercial paper, collateralized debt obligations, enhanced cash or cash plus mutual funds, structured investment vehicles (SIVs), or insured VRDNs with the exception of FSA. The Company does not utilize derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk.

The Company’s available-for-sale securities reflected a net unrealized gain of $13.6 million as of February 29, 2008 compared with a net unrealized loss of $14.9 million as of May 31, 2007. The gross unrealized losses, included in the net unrealized gain, as of February 29, 2008 were comprised of 122 available-for-sale securities, which had a total market value of $406.1 million. The gross unrealized losses as of May 31, 2007 were comprised of 447 available-for-sale securities with a total market value of $1.6 billion.

The Company periodically 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 February 29, 2008 were not other-than-temporarily impaired. While certain available-for-sale securities had market 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 market value was due to changes in interest rates and was not due to increased credit risk. As of February 29, 2008 and May 31, 2007, substantially all 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.

Note C: Funds Held for Clients and Corporate Investments-continued

The cost and market value of available-for-sale securities that had stated maturities as of February 29, 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.

		February 29, 2008
						Market
In thousands		Cost				value
Maturity date:
Due in one year or less		$	260,758			$	261,334
Due after one year through three years			606,331				612,483
Due after three years through five years			489,710				494,267
Due after five years			2,354,727				2,356,977
Total		$	3,711,526			$	3,725,061

VRDNs are primarily categorized as due after five years in the table above as the contractual maturities on these securities are typically 20 to 30 years. Although these securities are issued as long-term securities, they are priced and traded as short-term instruments because of the liquidity provided through the tender feature.

Note D: Property and Equipment, Net of Accumulated Depreciation

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

		February 29,				May 31,
In thousands		2008				2007
Land and improvements		$	3,617			$	3,557
Buildings and improvements			84,602				81,892
Data processing equipment			164,136				150,206
Software			92,294				81,607
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment			133,403				124,339
Leasehold improvements			73,662				59,925
Construction in progress			53,423				46,512
Total property and equipment, gross			605,137				548,038
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization			330,771				291,951
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation		$	274,366			$	256,087

Depreciation expense was $15.4 million and $45.5 million for the three and nine months ended February 29, 2008, respectively, as compared with $14.7 million and $42.3 million for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2007, respectively.

Within construction in progress, there were costs for software being developed for internal use of $49.3 million and $39.5 million as of February 29, 2008 and May 31, 2007, respectively. Capitalization of costs ceases when the software is ready for its intended use, at which time the Company begins amortization of the costs.

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

The Company had goodwill balances on its Consolidated Balance Sheets of $433.1 million and $407.7 million as of February 29, 2008, and May 31, 2007, respectively. During the nine months ended February 29, 2008, the Company recorded $25.4 million of goodwill related to acquisitions of businesses.

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

		February 29,				May 31,
In thousands		2008				2007
Client lists and associate office license agreements		$	173,183			$	148,395
Other intangible assets			1,915				1,765
Total intangible assets, gross			175,098				150,160
Less: Accumulated amortization			96,786				82,947
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization		$	78,312			$	67,213

Amortization expense relating to intangible assets was $5.1 million and $13.8 million for the three and nine months ended February 29, 2008, respectively, as compared with $4.7 million and $11.9 million for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2007, respectively.

The estimated amortization expense relating to intangible asset balances for the full fiscal year 2008 and the following four fiscal years, as of February 29, 2008, is as follows:

		Estimated
In thousands		amortization
Fiscal year ending May 31,		expense
2008		$	19,114
2009		$	18,946
2010		$	16,506
2011		$	13,971
2012		$	11,730

Note F: Business Acquisition Reserves

During 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 nine months ended February 29, 2008 for these reserves is summarized as follows:

		Balance as								Balance as of
		of May 31,				Utilization				February 29,
In thousands		2007				of reserve				2008
Severance costs		$	149			$	—			$	149
Redundant lease costs		$	1,121			$	(271	)		$	850

The remaining severance payments are expected to be completed during the fiscal year ending May 31, 2009. Redundant lease payments are expected to be completed during the fiscal year ending May 31, 2016. Payments of $0.6 million extend beyond one year and are included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 29, 2008.

Note G: Comprehensive Income

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/(loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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

		For the three months ended								For the nine months ended
		February 29,				February 28,				February 29,				February 28,
In thousands		2008				2007				2008				2007
Net income		$	142,474			$	126,600			$	440,661			$	394,347
Change in unrealized gains and losses of available-for-sale securities, net of taxes			(234	)			(2,087	)			18,432				10,360
Total comprehensive income		$	142,240			$	124,513			$	459,093			$	404,707

As of February 29, 2008, the accumulated other comprehensive income was $8.8 million, which was net of taxes of $4.8 million. As of May 31, 2007, the accumulated other comprehensive loss was $9.7 million, which was net of taxes of $5.2 million.

Note H: Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments: The Company has 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 deposit 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 nine months ended February 29, 2008.

As of February 29, 2008 and May 31, 2007, the Company also had irrevocable standby letters of credit outstanding totaling $56.5 million and $62.4 million, respectively, required to secure commitments for certain insurance policies. These letters of credit expire at various dates between May 2008 and December 2008 and are secured by investments held in the Company’s corporate investment portfolio. No amounts were outstanding on these letters of credit as of, or during, the nine months ended February 29, 2008.

Note H: Commitments and Contingencies-continued

The Company enters into various purchase commitments with vendors in the ordinary course of business. As of February 29, 2008, the Company had outstanding commitments to purchase approximately $4.0 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 matters related to their services provided to the Company. Historically, there have been no material losses related to such guarantees and indemnifications.

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 has 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, breach of fiduciary duty, 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 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.

At the present time, the Company has fully resolved its licensing responsibility and settled all litigation with 74 of the 76 licensees who were provided services by Rapid Payroll. A decision favorable to Paychex, Inc. was issued by the United States District Court for the Central District of California with respect to the Company’s dispute with one of the remaining two licensees. That licensee is currently appealing the case. A verdict was issued on June 27, 2007 in litigation brought by the other remaining licensee. In that case, the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County 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.

The Company has a reserve for pending litigation matters. The litigation reserve has been adjusted in fiscal 2008 to account for settlements and incurred litigation expenditures. The Company’s reserve for all pending litigation totaled $23.2 million as of February 29, 2008, and is included in current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note H: Commitments and Contingencies-continued

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 I: Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Income taxes paid were $169.0 million for the nine months ended February 29, 2008 and $162.0 million for the nine months ended February 28, 2007.

Note J: Related Party Transactions

During the three and nine months ended February 29, 2008, the Company purchased approximately $1.5 million and $4.1 million, respectively, of data processing equipment and software from EMC Corporation, as compared with approximately $1.2 million and $2.0 million purchased 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 nine months ended February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007, and our financial condition as of February 29, 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 February 29, 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, 2007 (“fiscal 2007”). 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 us 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, those that are described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our most recent Form 10-K filed on July 20, 2007. 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
	•		other payroll-related services including regulatory compliance (new-hire reporting and garnishment processing).

Our Human Resource Services primarily include:

	•		comprehensive human resource outsourcing services, which include Paychex PremierSM 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 mainly earn revenue through recurring fees for services performed. Service revenue is primarily driven by the number of clients, utilization of ancillary services, and checks or transactions per client per pay period. 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 for the three months ended February 29, 2008 as compared to the three months ended February 28, 2007 include the following:

	•		Net income increased 13% to $142.5 million.
	•		Diluted earnings per share increased 18% to $0.39 per share.
	•		Total revenue increased 10% to $532.2 million.
	•		Payroll service revenue increased 8% to $374.2 million.
	•		Human Resource Services revenue increased 18% to $120.6 million.
	•		Operating income increased 22% to $210.4 million.

Our financial performance during the three months ended February 29, 2008 was largely due to strong service revenue growth of 11% over the same period last year. This growth in service

revenue was attributable to client base growth, higher check volume, price increases, and growth in the utilization of ancillary services.

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 and the expense charge in February 2007 to increase the litigation reserve. 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. The expense charge to increase the litigation reserve is also an adjustment to operating income due to its unusual and infrequent nature. It is outside the normal course of our operations and obscures the comparability of performance period over period. 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 17% to $173.0 million for the three months ended February 29, 2008, as compared to $148.3 million for the same period last year.

As of February 29, 2008, we maintained a strong financial position with cash and total corporate investments of $426.9 million. Our primary source of cash is from our ongoing operations. Cash flow from operations was $590.4 million for the nine months ended February 29, 2008, as compared with $532.2 million for the nine months ended February 28, 2007. 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 February 29, 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 nine months ended February 29, 2008, and our financial position as of February 29, 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 invest in highly liquid, investment-grade fixed income securities. We have no exposure to any sub-prime mortgage securities, auction rate securities, asset-backed securities or asset-backed commercial paper, collateralized debt obligations, enhanced cash or cash plus mutual funds, structured investment vehicles (SIVs), or insured variable rate demand notes (“VRDNs”) with the exception of Financial Security Assurance (“FSA”). We do not utilize derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk.

We exited the auction rate market in the early fall of 2007 and have never experienced a failed auction. Our VRDNs are rated A-1/P-1 and have no exposure to municipal bond insurers, except FSA, and must carry an irrevocable letter of credit or standby purchase agreement issued by highly rated financial institutions.

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

		For the three months ended									For the nine months ended
		February 29,				February 28,					February 29,				February 28,
$ in millions		2008				2007					2008				2007
Average investment balances:
Funds held for clients		$	3,746.0			$	3,633.5				$	3,302.0			$	3,165.6
Corporate investments			413.7				1,137.1					798.4				1,069.6
Total		$	4,159.7			$	4,770.6				$	4,100.4			$	4,235.2
Average interest rates earned (exclusive of realized gains/losses):
Funds held for clients			3.6	%			4.1	%				3.9	%			4.0	%
Corporate investments			3.6	%			3.7	%				3.9	%			3.7	%
Combined funds held for clients and corporate investments			3.6	%			4.0	%				3.9	%			3.9	%
Net realized gains:
Funds held for clients		$	3.3			$	0.5				$	3.8			$	1.3
Corporate investments			—				0.1					—				0.2
Total		$	3.3			$	0.6				$	3.8			$	1.5

As of:		February 29,				May 31,
$ in millions		2008				2007
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on available-for-sale securities		$	13.6			$	(14.9	)
Federal Funds rate (1)			3.00	%			5.25	%
Three-year “AAA” municipal securities yield			2.75	%			3.71	%
Total market value of available-for-sale securities		$	3,725.1			$	4,975.5
Average duration of available-for-sale securities in years (2)			2.7				2.5
Weighted-average yield-to-maturity of available-for-sale securities (2)			3.5	%			3.7	%

Outlook

Our outlook for the full fiscal year ending May 31, 2008 (“fiscal 2008”) has been revised to reflect the current Federal Funds rate of 2.25%, and current economic conditions. Consistent with our policy regarding guidance, our projections do not anticipate or speculate on future changes to interest rates. The earnings effect of a 25-basis-point change in the Federal Funds rate at the present time is estimated to be approximately $4.5 million, after taxes, for the next twelve-month period. Projected revenue and net income growth are as follows:

Payroll service revenue		8%		—		9%
Human Resource Services revenue		19%		—		22%
Total service revenue		10%		—		12%
Interest on funds held for clients		(5%	)	—		0%
Total revenue		9%		—		11%
Corporate investment income		(40%	)	—	(	35%	)
Net income		11%		—		13%

The effective income tax rate is expected to approximate 33%, revised to reflect the anticipated lower levels of tax-exempt income from securities held in our investment portfolio. Our diluted weighted-average outstanding shares for fiscal 2008 are expected to be approximately 370 million.

Purchases of property and equipment for fiscal 2008 are expected to be approximately $85 million, in line with our growth rates. Fiscal 2008 depreciation expense is projected to be approximately $65 million, and amortization of intangible assets is expected to be approximately $19 million.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Summary of Results of Operations:

		For the three months													For the nine months
		ended													ended
		February 29,				February 28,									February 29,				February 28,
$ in millions		2008				2007				% Change					2008				2007				% Change
Revenue:
Payroll service revenue		$	374.2			$	345.4				8	%			$	1,097.3			$	1,012.9				8	%
Human Resource Services revenue			120.6				102.2				18	%				349.4				289.5				21	%
Total service revenue			494.8				447.6				11	%				1,446.7				1,302.4				11	%
Interest on funds held for clients			37.4				37.7				-1	%				100.4				97.2				3	%
Total revenue			532.2				485.3				10	%				1,547.1				1,399.6				11	%
Combined operating and SG&A expenses			321.8				312.3				3	%				916.6				857.9				7	%
Operating income			210.4				173.0				22	%				630.5				541.7				16	%
As a % of total revenue			40	%			36	%								41	%			39	%
Investment income, net			3.6				10.5				-66	%				23.3				29.8				-22	%
Income before income taxes			214.0				183.5				17	%				653.8				571.5				14	%
As a % of total revenue			40	%			38	%								42	%			41	%
Income taxes			71.5				56.9				26	%				213.1				177.2				20	%
Net income		$	142.5			$	126.6				13	%			$	440.7			$	394.3				12	%
As a % of total revenue			27	%			26	%								28	%			28	%
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.39			$	0.33				18	%			$	1.18			$	1.03				15	%

Revenue: The increases in Payroll service revenue of 8% for both the three and nine months ended February 29, 2008 from the same periods last year were attributable to client base growth, higher check volume, price increases, and growth in the utilization of our ancillary payroll services. We are seeing signs of a weakening economy indicated by a more difficult than normal third quarter selling season and increases in business failures.

Nearly all of our clients utilize our payroll tax administration services. Our employee payment services were utilized by 72% of all clients as of February 29, 2008, compared with 70% as of February 28, 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 increased 18% to $120.6 million and 21% to $349.4 million for the three and nine months ended February 29, 2008, respectively. The following factors as

of February 29, 2008 compared to February 28, 2007 contributed to Human Resource Services revenue growth:

	•		Retirement services client base increased 10% to 47,000 clients;
	•		Comprehensive human resource outsourcing services client employees increased 17% to 409,000 client employees served;
	•		Workers’ compensation insurance client base increased 19% to 70,000 clients; and
	•		The asset value of the retirement services client employees’ funds increased 19% to $9.1 billion.

The acquisition of BeneTrac further contributed $2.8 million and $5.6 million to Human Resource Services revenue growth during the three and nine months ended February 29, 2008, respectively.

For the three months ended February 29, 2008, interest on funds held for clients decreased 1% due primarily to a decrease in average interest rates earned, partially offset by higher realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities and higher average investment balances. For the nine months ended February 29, 2008, interest on funds held for clients increased 3% as a result of higher average investment balances and higher realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities, offset by lower average interest rates earned. The increase in average invested balances was driven by client base growth, wage inflation, and check volume growth within our current client base.

Combined operating and SG&A expenses: The following table summarizes total combined operating and selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses:

		For the three months													For the nine months
		ended													ended
		February 29,				February 28,									February 29,				February 28,
$ in millions		2008				2007				% Change					2008				2007				% Change
Compensation-related expenses, including stock-based compensation costs		$	219.7			$	199.0				10	%			$	614.7			$	553.1				11	%
Facilities expense			14.4				13.5				7	%				41.9				39.3				7	%
Depreciation of property and equipment			15.4				14.7				5	%				45.5				42.3				8	%
Amortization of intangible assets			5.1				4.7				9	%				13.8				11.9				16	%
Other expenses			67.2				67.4				—					200.7				198.3				1	%
			321.8				299.3				8	%				916.6				844.9				8	%
Expense charge to increase litigation reserve			—				13.0				-100	%				—				13.0				-100	%
Total operating and SG&A expenses		$	321.8			$	312.3				3	%			$	916.6			$	857.9				7	%

Excluding the expense charge to increase the litigation reserve of $13.0 million in February 2007, combined operating and SG&A expenses increased 8% for both the three and nine months ended February 29, 2008. This was primarily a result of increases in personnel and other costs related to selling and retaining clients, and promoting new services. As of February 29, 2008, we had approximately 12,300 employees compared with approximately 11,500 employees as of February 28, 2007.

Depreciation expense is primarily related to buildings, furniture and fixtures, data processing equipment, and software. Amortization of intangible assets is primarily related to client list

acquisitions, which are amortized using either straight-line or accelerated methods. The increase in amortization was mainly due to the termination of our client servicing arrangement with New England Business Services, Inc. and the purchasing of the right to service the related clients in fiscal 2007. Other expenses include such items as delivery, forms and supplies, communications, travel and entertainment, professional services, and other costs incurred to support our business.

Operating income: Operating income growth was 22% and 16% for the three and nine months ended February 29, 2008 as compared with the same periods last year. The increases in operating income were attributable to the factors previously discussed. Operating income, net of certain items, excludes interest on funds held for clients and the expense charge in February 2007 to increase the litigation reserve. Refer to the discussion of operating income, net of certain items, in the “Overview” section on page 19 of this review. Operating income, net of certain items, is summarized as follows:

		For the three months													For the nine months
		ended													ended
		February 29,				February 28,									February 29,				February 28,
$ in millions		2008				2007				% Change					2008				2007				% Change
Operating income		$	210.4			$	173.0				22	%			$	630.5			$	541.7				16	%
Excluding:
Interest on funds held for clients			(37.4	)			(37.7	)			-1	%				(100.4	)			(97.2	)			3	%
Expense charge to increase litigation reserve			—				13.0				-100	%				—				13.0				-100	%
Operating income, net of certain items		$	173.0			$	148.3				17	%			$	530.1			$	457.5				16	%

We expect the growth in operating income, net of certain items, will be approximately 15% for the full year fiscal 2008, consistent with our long-term growth objectives.

Investment income, net: Investment income, net, primarily represents earnings from our cash and cash equivalents and investments in available-for-sale securities. Investment income does not include interest on funds held for clients, which is included in total revenue. The decreases of 66% and 22% in investment income for the three and nine months ended February 29, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods last year were due to lower average investment balances, resulting from the funding of the stock repurchase program. The decrease for the three months ended February 29, 2008 was also impacted by lower average interest rates earned, whereas for the nine months ended February 29, 2008 was impacted by higher average interest rates earned.

Income taxes: Our effective income tax rate was 33.4% and 32.6% for the three and nine months ended February 29, 2008, respectively, compared with 31.0% for both the respective prior year periods. The increase in the effective income tax rate for the three months ended February 29, 2008 is due to anticipated lower levels of tax-exempt income for the balance of fiscal 2008 from securities held in our investment portfolio. The increase in the effective income tax rate for the nine months ended February 29, 2008 as compared to the same period last year is a result of lower levels of tax-exempt income derived from securities held in our investment portfolios as well as the adoption of new accounting guidance related to uncertain tax positions.

Net income and earnings per share: Net income growth was 13% and 12% for the three and nine months ended February 29, 2008, as compared with the same periods last year. The increases in net income were attributable to the factors previously discussed. Diluted earnings per share for the three months ended February 29, 2008 of $0.39 per share increased 18% over $0.33 per share for the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share for the nine months

ended February 29, 2008 of $1.18 per share increased 15% over $1.03 per share for the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share increased at a rate higher than net income growth due to a lower number of weighted-average shares outstanding resulting from the stock repurchase program.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of February 29, 2008, we had $426.9 million in cash and total corporate investments. We anticipate that cash and total corporate investments as of February 29, 2008, along with projected operating cash flows, will support our normal business operations, capital purchases, and dividend payments for the foreseeable future.

We have 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 deposit obligations arising from electronic payment transactions on behalf of our clients in the ordinary course of business, if necessary. No amounts were outstanding against these lines of credit as of, or during, the nine months ended February 29, 2008.

As of February 29, 2008, we had irrevocable standby letters of credit outstanding totaling $56.5 million, required to secure commitments for certain of our insurance policies. These letters of credit expire at various dates between May 2008 and December 2008 and are secured by investments held in our corporate investment portfolio. No amounts were outstanding on these letters of credit as of, or during, the nine months ended February 29, 2008.

We enter into various purchase commitments with vendors in the ordinary course of business. As of February 29, 2008, we had outstanding commitments to purchase approximately $4.0 million of capital assets.

We guarantee performance of service on annual maintenance contracts for clients who financed their service contracts through a third party. In the normal course of business, we make representations and warranties that guarantee the performance of our services under service arrangements with clients. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our officers and directors, which require us to defend and, if necessary, indemnify these individuals for matters related to their services provided to us. Historically, there have been no material losses related to such guarantees and indemnifications.

We currently self-insure the deductible portion of various insured exposures under certain employee benefit plans. Our estimated loss exposure under these insurance arrangements is recorded in other current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Historically, the amounts accrued have not been material. We also have insurance coverage in addition to our 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 our captive insurance company.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As part of our ongoing business, we do not participate in transactions with unconsolidated entities such as special purpose entities or structured finance entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other limited purposes. We do maintain investments as a limited partner in low-income housing projects that are not considered part of our ongoing operations. These investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

Operating Cash Flow Activities

		For the nine months ended
In millions		February 29, 2008				February 28, 2007
Net income		$	440.7			$	394.3
Non-cash adjustments to net income			85.0				92.7
Cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities			64.7				45.2
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	590.4			$	532.2

The increase in our operating cash flows for the nine months ended February 29, 2008 reflects higher net income adjusted for non-cash items, and changes in operating assets and liabilities. The fluctuation in operating assets and liabilities between periods was primarily the result of a decrease in interest receivable and timing of payments for compensation, PEO payroll, income tax, and other liabilities.

Investing Cash Flow Activities

		For the nine months ended
In millions		February 29, 2008				February 28, 2007
Net change in funds held for clients and corporate investment activities		$	874.9			$	(330.4	)
Purchases of property and equipment, net of proceeds from the sale of property and equipment			(63.9	)			(61.3	)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired			(32.9	)			(3.1	)
Purchases of other assets			(18.0	)			(18.2	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities		$	760.1			$	(413.0	)

Funds held for clients and corporate investments: Funds held for clients and corporate investments consist of short-term funds and available-for-sale securities. The portfolio of funds held for clients and corporate investments is detailed in Note C of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The amount of funds held for clients will vary based upon the timing of collecting client funds, and the related remittance of funds to applicable tax or regulatory agencies for payroll tax administration services and to employees of clients utilizing employee payment services. Fluctuations in net funds held for clients and corporate investment activities mainly relate to timing of purchases, sales, or maturities of corporate investments. Additional discussion of interest rates and related risks is included in the “Market Risk Factors” section of this review.

Purchases of long-lived assets: To support our continued client and ancillary product growth, purchases of property and equipment were made for data processing equipment and software, and for the expansion and upgrade of various operating facilities. Construction in progress totaled $53.4 million as of February 29, 2008 and $46.5 million as of May 31, 2007. Of these costs, $49.3 million and $39.5 million represent software being developed for internal use as of February 29, 2008 and May 31, 2007, respectively. Capitalization of costs ceases when software is ready for its intended use, at which time we will begin amortization of the costs. We expect amortization of a significant portion of the costs in construction in progress to begin on or about the beginning of the fiscal year ending May 31, 2009, and to be amortized over fifteen years.

We purchased approximately $4.1 million and $2.0 million of data processing equipment and software from EMC Corporation during the nine months ended February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007, respectively. The Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of EMC Corporation is a member of our Board of Directors (the “Board”).

During the nine months ended February 29, 2008, we paid $32.9 million related to acquisitions of businesses.

Financing Cash Flow Activities

		For the nine months ended
In millions, except per share amounts		February 29, 2008				February 28, 2007
Repurchases of common stock		$	(1,000.0	)		$	—
Dividends paid			(334.0	)			(221.1	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			55.3				37.8
Excess tax benefit related to exercise of stock options			8.7				7.5
Net cash used in financing activities		$	(1,270.0	)		$	(175.8	)
Cash dividends per common share		$	0.90			$	0.58

Repurchases of common stock: During the nine months ended February 29, 2008, we completed our stock repurchase program announced in July 2007 to repurchase shares of our common stock, and repurchased 23.7 million shares for a total of $1.0 billion.

Dividends paid: In July 2007, our Board declared an increase of 43% in the quarterly dividend payment to $0.30 per share. The quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share was paid February 15, 2008 to stockholders of record as of February 1, 2008. The payment of future dividends is dependent on our future earnings and cash flow and is subject to the discretion of our Board.

Exercise of stock options: The increase in proceeds from the exercise of stock options and the excess tax benefit related to the exercise of stock options is due to an increase in the number of shares exercised to 1.8 million shares during the nine months ended February 29, 2008 from 1.6 million shares during the nine months ended February 28, 2007, and an increase in the average exercise price per share.

MARKET RISK FACTORS

Changes in interest rates and interest rate risk: Funds held for clients and corporate investments consist primarily of short-term funds and available-for-sale securities. As a result of our operating and investing activities, we are exposed to changes in interest rates that may materially affect our results of operations and financial position. Changes in interest rates will impact the earnings potential of future investments and will cause fluctuations in the market value of our longer-term available-for-sale securities. In seeking to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with such activities, we generally direct investments towards high credit quality, fixed-rate municipal and government securities and manage the available-for-sale securities to a benchmark duration of two and one-half to three years.

As of February 29, 2008, we have no exposure to any sub-prime mortgage securities, auction rate securities, asset-backed securities or asset-backed commercial paper, collateralized debt obligations, enhanced cash or cash plus mutual funds, structured investment vehicles (SIVs), or insured VRDNs with the exception of FSA. We do not utilize derivative financial instruments to manage our interest rate risk.

We exited the auction rate market in the early fall of 2007 and have never experienced a failed auction. Our VRDNs are rated A-1/P-1 and have no exposure to municipal bond insurers (except FSA), and must carry an irrevocable letter of credit or standby purchase agreement issued by highly rated financial institutions.

During each of the nine month periods ended February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007, respectively, the average interest rate earned on our combined funds held for clients and corporate investment portfolios was 3.9%. The average interest rate earned on our combined funds held for clients and corporate investment portfolios was 3.6% for the three months ended February 29, 2008, a decline from 4.0% for the same period last year. During the three months ended February 29, 2008, the Federal Funds rate decreased an additional 150 basis points, for a total of 225 basis points since the beginning of fiscal 2008, to 3.00%. On March 18, 2008, the Federal Funds rate was decreased an additional 75 basis points to 2.25%. A lower Federal Funds rate impacts the average interest rate we earn on our portfolios. When interest rates are falling, the full impact of lower interest rates will not immediately be reflected in net income due to the interaction of long- and short-term interest rate changes as discussed below.

During a falling interest rate environment, the decreases in interest rates decrease earnings from our short-term investments and over time decrease earnings from our longer-term available-for-sale securities. Earnings from the available-for-sale-securities, which as of February 29, 2008 had an average duration of 2.7 years, excluding the impact of VRDNs tied to short-term interest rates, would not reflect decreases in interest rates until the investments are sold or mature and the proceeds are reinvested at lower rates.

The cost and market value of available-for-sale securities that had stated maturities as of February 29, 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.

		February 29, 2008
						Market
In millions		Cost				value
Maturity date:
Due in one year or less		$	260.8			$	261.3
Due after one year through three years			606.3				612.5
Due after three years through five years			489.7				494.3
Due after five years			2,354.7				2,357.0
Total		$	3,711.5			$	3,725.1

VRDNs are primarily categorized as due after five years in the table above as the contractual maturities on these securities are typically 20 to 30 years. Although these securities are issued as long-term securities, they are priced and traded as short-term instruments because of the liquidity provided through the tender feature.

The following table summarizes recent changes in the Federal Funds rate:

		Fiscal year through				Fiscal year ended				Fiscal year ended
		February 29, 2008				May 31, 2007				May 31, 2006
Federal Funds rate — beginning of period			5.25	%			5.00	%			3.00	%
Rate (decrease)/increase:
First quarter			—				0.25	%			0.50	%
Second quarter			(0.75	%)			—				0.50	%
Third quarter			(1.50	%)			—				0.50	%
Fourth quarter		NA					—				0.50	%
Federal Funds rate — end of period			3.00	%			5.25	%			5.00	%
Three-year “AAA” municipal securities yield — end of period			2.75	%			3.71	%			3.65	%

On March 18, 2008, the Federal Funds rate was decreased to 2.25%.

Calculating the future effects of changing interest rates involves many factors. These factors include, but are not limited to:

	•		daily interest rate changes;
	•		seasonal variations in investment balances;
	•		actual duration of short-term and available-for-sale securities;
	•		the proportional mix of taxable and tax-exempt investments; and
	•		changes in tax-exempt municipal rates as compared to taxable investment rates, which are not synchronized or simultaneous.

Subject to these factors, a 25-basis-point change in interest rates generally affects our tax-exempt interest rates by approximately 17 basis points.

Our total investment portfolio (funds held for clients and corporate investments) is expected to average approximately $4.1 billion for fiscal 2008. Our normal and anticipated allocation is approximately 55% invested in short-term and available-for-sale securities with an average duration of 35 days and 45% invested in available-for-sale securities with an average duration of two and one-half to three years. Based on these current assumptions, we estimate that the earnings effect of a 25-basis-point change in interest rates (17 basis points for tax-exempt investments) at this point in time would be approximately $4.5 million, after taxes, for the next twelve-month period.

The combined funds held for clients and corporate available-for-sale securities reflected a net unrealized gain of $13.6 million as of February 29, 2008, compared with a net unrealized loss of $14.9 million as of May 31, 2007. The change resulted from decreases in long-term market interest rates. During the nine months ended February 29, 2008, the investment portfolios ranged from a net unrealized loss of $24.3 million to a net unrealized gain of $48.7 million. Our investment portfolios reflected a net unrealized gain of approximately $37.3 million as of March 20, 2008.

As of February 29, 2008 and May 31, 2007, we had $3.7 billion and $5.0 billion, respectively, invested in available-for-sale securities at market value. The weighted-average yield-to-maturity was 3.5% and 3.7% as of February 29, 2008 and May 31, 2007, respectively. The weighted-average yield-to-maturity excludes available-for-sale securities tied to short-term interest rates, such as auction rate securities and VRDNs. Assuming a hypothetical decrease in both short-term and longer-term interest rates of 25 basis points, the resulting potential increase in market value for our available-for-sale securities as of February 29, 2008 would be in the range of $11.5 million to $12.0 million. Conversely, a corresponding increase in interest rates would result in a comparable decrease in market value. This hypothetical increase or decrease in the market value of the portfolio would be recorded as an adjustment to the portfolio’s recorded value, with an offsetting amount recorded in stockholders’ equity. These fluctuations in market value would have no related or immediate impact on the results of operations, unless any declines in market value were considered to be other-than-temporary.

Credit Risk: We are exposed to credit risk in connection with these investments through the possible inability of the borrowers to meet the terms of the bonds. We attempt to mitigate this risk by 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 amounts that can be invested in any single issuer.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our critical accounting policies are described in Item 7 of our Form 10-K for fiscal 2007, filed with the SEC on July 20, 2007. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate the critical accounting policies used to prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements, including, but not limited to, those related to:

	•		revenue recognition;
	•		PEO workers’ compensation insurance;
	•		valuation of investments;
	•		goodwill and other intangible assets;
	•		accrual for client fund losses;
	•		contingent liabilities;
	•		stock-based compensation costs; and
	•		income taxes.