PAYCHEX INC - Annual Report: 2009 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009

 

Commission file number 0-11330

 

 

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 if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o     No þ

 

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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o     No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  þ

 

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):

 

(Do not check if a smaller

     reporting company)

 

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

 

As of November 30, 2008, the last business day of the most recently completed second fiscal quarter, shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant had an aggregate market value of $9,090,512,779 based on the closing price reported for such date on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

 

As of June 30, 2009, 361,095,044 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding.

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

 

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be issued in connection with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on October 13, 2009, to the extent not set forth herein, are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10 through 14, inclusive.

 

 

PAYCHEX, INC.

 

INDEX TO FORM 10-K

 

For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009

 

 

Certain written and oral statements made by management of Paychex, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” “us,” or the “Company”) 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 described in “Risk Factors” under Item 1A and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”):

 

 

Any of these factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from our anticipated results. The information provided in this Form 10-K 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-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or “Commission”) to reflect events or circumstances after such date, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

 

We are a leading provider of comprehensive payroll, human resource, and benefits outsourcing solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses. As of May 31, 2009, we serviced approximately 554,000 clients and had approximately 12,500 employees. We maintain our corporate headquarters in Rochester, New York, and have more than 100 offices nationwide.

As of May 31, 2009, we serviced approximately 1,600 clients in Germany through four offices.

 

Our company was formed as a Delaware corporation in 1979. We report our results of operations and financial condition as one business segment. Our fiscal year ends May 31.

 

Company Strategy

 

We are focused on achieving strong, long-term financial performance by:

 

 

Market Opportunities

 

Outsourcing of payroll and human resource functions allows small- to medium-sized businesses to minimize the administrative burden and compliance risks associated with increasingly complex and changing administrative requirements and federal, state, and local tax regulations. By utilizing the expertise of outsourcing service providers, businesses are better able to efficiently meet their compliance requirements and administrative burdens while, at the same time, providing competitive benefits for their employees. The technical capabilities, knowledge, and operational expertise that we have built, along with the broad portfolio of ancillary services and products we offer our clients, have enabled us to capitalize on the trend to outsource these types of services.

 

Industry data indicates there are approximately 11.5 million employers in the geographic markets that we currently serve within the U.S. Of those employers, approximately 99% have fewer than 100 employees and are our primary customers and target market. Based on publicly available industry data, we estimate that all payroll processors combined serve approximately 10% to 15% of the potential businesses in the target market, with much of the unpenetrated market being composed of businesses with ten or fewer employees. We remain focused on servicing small- to medium-sized businesses based upon the growth potential that we believe exists in this market segment.

 

Clients

 

We serve a diverse base of small- to medium-sized clients operating in a broad range of industries located throughout the U.S. As of May 31, 2009, we serviced approximately 554,000 clients. We utilize service agreements and arrangements with clients that are generally terminable by the client at any time or upon relatively short notice. For the year ended May 31, 2009 (“fiscal 2009”), client retention was approximately 77% of our beginning of the fiscal year client base. The most significant factor impacting client retention is clients going out of business or no longer having any employees, which increased 17% for fiscal 2009. This, along with pricing pressure from our largest direct competitor and regional payroll providers, kept our client retention rate slightly below historical levels. No single client has a material impact on total service revenue or results of operations.

The composition of the market and the client base we serve (in the U.S.) by number of employees is as follows:

 

 

Services and Products

 

We offer a comprehensive portfolio of services and products that allow our clients to meet their diverse payroll and human resource needs. These include:

 

 

By offering ancillary services that leverage the information gathered in the base payroll processing service, we are able to provide comprehensive outsourcing services that allow employers to expand their employee benefits offerings at an affordable cost. We mainly earn our 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.

 

Payroll Processing

 

Payroll processing is the foundation of our service portfolio. Our payroll service includes the calculation, preparation, and delivery of employee payroll checks; production of internal accounting records and management reports; preparation of federal, state, and local payroll tax returns; and collection and remittance of clients’ payroll obligations. Payroll processing clients are charged a base fee each period that payroll is processed, plus a fee per employee check processed. Our payroll services are provided through either our core payroll or Major Market Services (“MMS”) and are made available to clients via traditional or Internet-based methods.

 

Paychex Online is our secure Internet site, which offers core payroll clients a suite of self-service, interactive services and products twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. These include Paychex Online Payroll^®, Internet Time Sheet, Paychex Online Reports, and General Ledger Reporting Service. Clients can communicate payroll information through the Internet Time Sheet or use the Online Payroll service, and can access current and historical payroll information using Paychex Online Reports. The General Ledger Reporting Service transfers payroll information calculated by us to the clients’ general ledger accounting software, eliminating manual entries and improving the accuracy of bookkeeping. Approximately one-half of our clients are currently utilizing some form of Paychex Online payroll service.

Major Market Services:  MMS primarily targets companies that have more complex payroll and benefits needs or have outgrown our core payroll service. We currently offer this service in all of our significant markets. Approximately one-third of new MMS clients are conversions from our core payroll service.

 

We offer a software-as-a-service solution to meet the payroll and human resource administrative needs of our MMS clients. Our proprietary MMS software, Preview^®, provides a powerful payroll solution and allows smooth integration with other Paychex service offerings. Preview can be used as an on-site, PC-based system or via a secure web-hosted environment.

 

Preview can be integrated with various Internet-based services offered to assist clients with their administrative human resource and payroll needs, in every step of the employee life cycle. Ancillary services particularly offered to our MMS clients include Paychex HR Online, BeneTrac, Paychex Time and Labor Online, Paychex Expense Manager, and applicant tracking. Paychex HR Online, our Internet-based human resource management system, offers powerful tools for managing employee benefits, personnel information, and critical human resource compliance and reporting needs. In addition, its self-service features allow for better communication between management and employees. BeneTrac, our employee benefits management and administration system, provides our MMS clients a simple, accurate, and cost-effective solution for streamlined benefits management. Paychex Time and Labor Online makes the time and attendance process more efficient. This solution can reduce time spent on preparing timesheets, minimize redundant data entry, increase awareness of critical labor information, and aid in compliance with federal time recording requirements. Paychex Expense Manager is an integrated payroll and expense management solution that allows clients to control discretionary spending while giving employees an easy-to-use, secure tool to prepare and submit expense reports online. We have also partnered with Taleo Corporation for applicant tracking, providing our MMS clients with a tool to manage their recruiting process in order to better hire and retain talented employees.

 

In addition, MMS clients can select from a number of á la carte payroll and human resource ancillary services or opt for our comprehensive human resource and payroll outsourcing solution, Paychex Premier^® Human Resources (“Paychex Premier”). This flexibility allows our clients to define the solution that best meets their particular needs.

 

Ancillary Services and Products

 

We provide our clients with a portfolio of ancillary services and products that have been developed and refined over many years. Ancillary services and products provide us with additional recurring revenue streams and increased service efficiencies as these services and products are integrated with our payroll processing services. We offer the following ancillary services and products:

 

Payroll tax administration services:  As of May 31, 2009, 93% of our clients utilized our payroll tax administration services (including Taxpay^®), which provide accurate preparation and timely filing of quarterly and year-end tax returns, as well as the electronic transfer of funds to the applicable tax or regulatory agencies (federal, state, and local). Nearly all of our new clients purchase our payroll tax administration services. In connection with these services, we electronically collect payroll taxes from clients’ bank accounts, typically on payday, prepare and file the applicable tax returns, and remit taxes to the applicable tax or regulatory agencies on the respective due dates. These taxes are typically paid between one and 30 days after receipt of collections from clients, with some items extending to 90 days. We handle regulatory correspondence, amendments, and penalty and interest disputes, and we are subject to cash penalties imposed by tax or regulatory agencies for late filings and late or under payment of taxes. Clients utilizing the payroll tax administration services are charged a base fee and a fee per transaction for each period that payroll is processed. In addition to fees paid by clients, we earn interest on client funds that are collected before due dates and invested until remittance to the applicable tax or regulatory agencies.

 

Employee payment services:  As of May 31, 2009, 75% of our clients utilized our employee payment services, which provide the employer the option of paying their employees by direct deposit, Chase Pay Card Plus, a check drawn on a Paychex, Inc. account (Readychex^®), or a check drawn on the employer’s account and electronically signed by us. More than 80% of new clients select some form of employee payment services. For the first three methods, we electronically collect net payroll from the clients’ bank account, typically one business day before payday, and provide payment to the employee on payday. Our flexible payment options provide

a cost-effective solution that offers the benefit of convenient, one-step payroll account reconciliation for employers. Clients utilizing employee payment services are charged a base fee for each period that payroll is processed and a fee per transaction or per employee depending on the service provided. In addition to fees paid by clients, we earn interest on client funds that are collected before pay dates and invested until remittance to clients’ employees.

 

Regulatory compliance services:  We offer new-hire reporting services, which enable clients to comply with federal and state requirements to report information on newly hired employees. This information aids the government in enforcing child support orders and minimizes fraudulent unemployment and workers’ compensation insurance claims. Our garnishment processing service provides deductions from employees’ pay, forwards payments to third-party agencies, including those that require electronic payments, and tracks the obligations to fulfillment. These services enable employers to comply with legal requirements and reduce the risk of penalties.

 

Comprehensive human resource outsourcing services:  Paychex Premier provides businesses a full-service approach to the outsourcing of employer and employee administrative needs. Paychex Premier offers businesses a combined package of services that includes payroll, employer compliance, human resource and employee benefits administration, risk management outsourcing, and the on-site availability of a professionally trained human resource representative. This comprehensive bundle of services is designed to make it easier for businesses to manage their payroll and related benefit costs while providing a benefits package equal to that of larger companies. Our Professional Employer Organization (“PEO”) provides businesses with primarily the same services as Paychex Premier, except we serve as a co-employer of the clients’ employees, assume the risks and rewards of workers’ compensation insurance, and provide more sophisticated health care offerings to PEO clients. Our PEO service is available primarily for clients domiciled in select U.S. states where the utilization of PEOs is more prevalent. We offer our PEO service through our subsidiary, Paychex Business Solutions, Inc. For comprehensive human resource outsourcing services, the client pays a fee per employee per processing period. As of May 31, 2009, comprehensive human resource outsourcing services were utilized by 18,000 clients with approximately 453,000 client employees.

 

Retirement services administration:  Our retirement services product line offers a variety of options to clients, including 401(k) plans, 401(k) SIMPLE, SIMPLE IRA, 401(k) plans with safe harbor provisions, profit sharing, and money purchase plans. These services provide plan implementation, ongoing compliance with government regulations, employee and employer reporting, participant and employer access online, electronic funds transfer, and other administrative services. In fiscal 2009, we introduced auto enrollment as an optional plan feature, which allows employers to automatically enroll their employees in their company’s 401(k) plan and increase overall plan participation. Clients have the ability to choose from a group of pre-defined fund selections or to customize their investment options within their plan. Selling efforts for these services are focused primarily on our existing payroll client base, as the processed payroll information allows for data integration necessary to provide these services efficiently. We are one of the largest 401(k) recordkeepers for small businesses in the U.S. Clients utilizing this service are charged a one-time set up fee, a monthly recurring fee, and a fee per employee. We earn a fee approximating thirty basis points from the external fund managers based on the total asset value of client employee 401(k) funds. The asset value of client employee 401(k) funds externally managed totaled approximately $8.5 billion as of May 31, 2009. Retirement services were utilized by approximately 50,000 clients as of May 31, 2009.

 

Health and benefits services:  We offer health and benefits services through our licensed insurance agency, acting as general agent to provide insurance through a variety of carriers who are underwriters. Our services include shopping for the best plans, providing comparisons of national and regional insurers to match features and affordability to the client’s needs, informing and enrolling employees, tracking additions and terminations, calculating and initiating payroll deductions, communicating with the insurance carriers, and assisting with renewal of policies. These services simplify the insurance process while allowing access to group rates, enabling our clients to offer valuable benefits to their employees at an affordable cost.

 

Workers’ compensation insurance services:  Most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides payments to employees who are unable to work because of job-related injuries. We provide workers’ compensation insurance services through our licensed insurance agency, acting as general agent to provide insurance through a variety of insurance carriers who are underwriters. Our Workers’ Compensation Payment Service uses rate and job classification information to enable clients to pay workers’ compensation

premiums in regular monthly amounts rather than with large up-front payments, which stabilizes their cash flow and minimizes year-end adjustments. Our Workers’ Compensation Report Service provides our clients with comprehensive information to allow them to better manage workers’ compensation insurance costs. As of May 31, 2009, approximately 77,000 clients utilized our workers’ compensation insurance services.

 

Time and attendance solutions:  We offer Time In A Box^®, Paychex Time and Labor Online, and other time and attendance solutions, which help employers minimize the time spent compiling time sheet information. These computer-based systems allow the employer flexibility to handle multiple payroll scenarios and result in improved productivity, accuracy, and reliability in the payroll process. Certain clients are charged a monthly fee for use of hardware, software, and support. Clients also have the option to purchase the hardware and software with annual maintenance contracts.

 

Other human resource services and products:  We offer the outsourcing of plan administration under section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code, allowing employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain health insurance benefits and health and dependent care expenses not covered by insurance. All required implementation, administration, compliance, claims processing and reimbursement, and coverage tests are provided with these services. We offer state unemployment insurance services, which provide clients with prompt processing for all claims, appeals, determinations, change statements, and requests for separation documents. Other Human Resource Services products include employee handbooks, management manuals, and personnel and required regulatory forms. These products are designed to simplify clients’ office processes and enhance their employee benefits programs.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

We market our services primarily through our direct sales force based in the metropolitan markets we serve. Our sales representatives specialize in payroll or Human Resource Services. For the year ending May 31, 2010, our sales force is expected to total approximately 2,370 and is expected to be comprised of the following categories of sales representatives:

 

 

In addition to our direct selling and marketing efforts, we utilize relationships with existing clients, certified public accountants (“CPAs”), and banks for new client referrals. More than 60% of our new clients (excluding acquisitions) come from these referral sources. To further enhance our strong relationship with CPAs, we have partnered with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) as the preferred payroll provider for its AICPA Business Solutions Partner Program. As of May 31, 2009, more than 30,000 CPA firms nationwide participated in this program, which includes our payroll services and retirement services administration.

 

Our website at www.paychex.com, which includes online payroll sales presentations and service and product information, is a cost-efficient tool that serves as a source of leads and new sales while complementing the efforts of our direct sales force. This online tool allows us to market to clients in more geographically remote areas. Our sales representatives are also supported by marketing, advertising, public relations, trade shows, and telemarketing programs. We have grown and expect to continue to grow our direct sales force in key areas, primarily MMS and health and benefits services. In recent years, we have increased our emphasis on the selling of ancillary services and products to both new clients and our existing client base.

 

In addition, Advantage Payroll Services Inc. (“Advantage”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paychex, Inc., has license agreements with independently owned associate offices (“Associates”), which are responsible for selling and marketing Advantage payroll services and performing certain operational functions, while Paychex, Inc. and

Advantage provide all centralized back-office payroll processing and payroll tax administration services. The marketing and selling by the Associates is conducted under their own logos.

 

Competition

 

The market for payroll processing and human resource services is highly competitive and fragmented. We believe our primary national competitor, ADP^® (“Automatic Data Processing, Inc.”), is the largest U.S. third-party provider of payroll processing and human resource services in terms of revenue. We compete with other national, regional, local, and online service providers, all of which we believe have significantly smaller client bases than us.

 

In addition to traditional payroll processing and human resource service providers, we compete with in-house payroll and human resource systems and departments. Payroll and human resource systems and software are sold by many vendors. Our Human Resource Services also compete with a variety of providers of human resource services, such as retirement services companies, insurance companies, and human resources and benefits consulting firms.

 

Competition in the payroll processing and human resource services industry is primarily based on service responsiveness, product quality and reputation, breadth of service and product offering, and price. We believe we are competitive in each of these areas.

 

Software Maintenance and Development

 

The ever-changing mandates of federal, state, and local tax and regulatory agencies require us to regularly update the proprietary software we utilize to provide payroll and human resource services to our clients. We are continually engaged in developing enhancements to and maintenance of our various software platforms to meet the changing requirements of our clients and the marketplace.

 

Employees

 

As of May 31, 2009, we employed approximately 12,500 people. None of our employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We own or license and use a number of trademarks, trade names, copyrights, service marks, trade secrets, computer programs and software, and other intellectual property rights. Taken as a whole, our intellectual property rights are material to the conduct of our business. Where it is determined to be appropriate, we take measures to protect our intellectual property rights, including, but not limited to, confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements or policies with employees, vendors, and others; license agreements with licensees and licensors of intellectual property; and registration of certain trademarks. We believe that the “Paychex” name, trademark, and logo are of material importance to us.

 

Seasonality

 

There is no significant seasonality to our business. However, during our third fiscal quarter, which ends in February, the number of new payroll clients, new retirement services clients, and new Paychex Premier and PEO worksite employees tends to be higher than during the rest of the fiscal year, primarily because a majority of new clients begin using our services in the beginning of a calendar year. In addition, calendar year-end transaction processing and client funds activity are traditionally higher during the third fiscal quarter due to clients paying year-end bonuses and requesting additional year-end services. Historically, as a result of these factors, our total revenue has been slightly higher in the third fiscal quarter, with greater sales commission expenses also reported in this quarter.

 

Other

 

Information about our services and products, stockholder information, press releases, and filings with the SEC can be found on our website at www.paychex.com. Our Form 10-Ks, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other SEC filings, and any amendments to such reports and filings, are made available,

free of charge, on the Investor Relations section of our website as soon as reasonably practical after such material is filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Also, copies of our Annual Report to Stockholders and Proxy Statement, to be issued in connection with our 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, will be made available, free of charge, upon written request submitted to Paychex, Inc., c/o Corporate Secretary, 911 Panorama Trail South, Rochester, New York 14625-2396.

 

Our future results of operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from historical and current results and from our projections. Important factors known to us that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below and those contained in the “Safe Harbor” statement at the beginning of Part I of this Form 10-K.

 

We may be adversely impacted by volatility in the financial and economic environment:  During periods of weakening economic conditions, employment levels may decrease and interest rates may become more volatile. These conditions may impact our business due to lower transaction volumes or an increase in the number of clients going out of business. Current or potential clients may decide to reduce their spending on payroll and other outsourcing services. In addition, new business starts may be affected by an inability to obtain credit. The interest we earn on funds held for clients may decrease as a result of a decline in funds available to invest and lower interest rates. In addition, during periods of volatility in the credit markets, certain types of investments may not be available to us or may become too risky for us to invest in, further reducing the interest we may earn on client funds. Constriction in the credit markets may impact the availability of financing, even to borrowers with the highest credit ratings. We historically have not borrowed against available credit arrangements to meet liquidity needs. However, should we require additional short-term liquidity during days of large outflows of client funds, a credit constriction may limit our ability to access those funds or the flexibility to obtain them at interest rates that would be acceptable to us. If all of these financial and economic circumstances were to remain in effect for an extended period of time, there could be a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

Our interest earned on funds held for clients may be impacted by changes in government regulations mandating the amount of tax withheld or timing of remittance:  We receive interest income from investing client funds collected but not yet remitted to applicable tax or regulatory agencies or to client employees. A change in regulations either decreasing the amount of taxes to be withheld or allowing less time to remit taxes to applicable tax or regulatory agencies would adversely impact this interest income.

 

Our services may be adversely impacted by changes in government regulations and policies:  Many of our services, particularly payroll tax administration services and employee benefit plan administration services, are designed according to government regulations that continue to change. Changes in regulations could affect the extent and type of benefits employers are required, or may choose, to provide employees or the amount and type of taxes employers and employees are required to pay. Such changes could reduce or eliminate the need for some of our services and substantially decrease our revenue. Added requirements could also increase our cost of doing business. Failure by us to modify our services in a timely fashion in response to regulatory changes could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

We may not be able to keep pace with changes in technology:  To maintain our growth strategy, we must adapt and respond to technological advances and technological requirements of our clients. Our future success will depend on our ability to enhance capabilities and increase the performance of our internal use systems, particularly our systems that meet our clients’ requirements. We continue to make significant investments related to the development of new technology. If our systems become outdated, we may be at a disadvantage when competing in our industry. There can be no assurance that our efforts to update and integrate systems will be successful. If we do not integrate and update our systems in a timely manner, or if our investments in technology fail to provide the expected results, there could be a material adverse effect to our business and results of operations.

 

In the event of a catastrophe, our business continuity plan may fail, which could result in the loss of client data and adversely interrupt operations:  Our operations are dependent on our ability to protect our infrastructure against damage from catastrophe or natural disaster, unauthorized security breach, power loss, telecommunications failure, terrorist attack, or other events that could have a significant disruptive effect on our operations. We have a

business continuity plan in place in the event of system failure due to any of these events. If the business continuity plan is unsuccessful in a disaster recovery scenario, we could potentially lose client data or experience material adverse interruptions to our operations or delivery of services to our clients.

 

We may be adversely impacted by any failure of third-party service providers to perform their functions:  As part of providing services to clients, we rely on a number of third-party service providers. These service providers include, but are not limited to, couriers used to deliver client payroll checks and banks used to electronically transfer funds from clients to their employees. Failure by these service providers, for any reason, to deliver their services in a timely manner could result in material interruptions to our operations, impact client relations, and result in significant penalties or liabilities to us.

 

We may make errors and omissions in providing services, which could result in significant penalties and liabilities for us:  Processing, tracking, collecting, and remitting client funds to the applicable tax or regulatory agencies, client employees, and other third parties are complex operations. These tasks could be subject to error and these errors could include, but are not limited to, late filing with applicable tax or regulatory agencies, underpayment of taxes, and failure to comply with applicable banking regulations and laws relating to employee benefits administration, which could result in significant penalties and liabilities that would adversely affect our results of operations. We could also transfer funds in error to an incorrect party or for the wrong amount, and may be unable to correct the error or recover the funds, resulting in a loss to us.

 

We may experience a loss as the result of our clients having insufficient funds to cover payments we have made on their behalf to applicable tax or regulatory agencies and employees:  As part of the payroll processing service, we are authorized by our clients to transfer money from their bank accounts to fund amounts owed to their employees and applicable tax or regulatory agencies. It is possible that we would be held liable for such amounts in the event the client has insufficient funds to cover them. We have made in the past, and may make in the future, payments on our clients’ behalf for which we are not reimbursed, resulting in a loss to us.

 

Our business and reputation may be affected by our ability to keep clients’ information confidential:  Our business involves the use of significant amounts of private and confidential client information including employees’ identification numbers, bank accounts, and retirement account information. This information is critical to the accurate and timely provision of services to our clients, and certain information may be transmitted via the Internet. There is no guarantee that our systems and processes are adequate to protect against all security breaches. If our systems are disrupted or fail for any reason, or if our systems are infiltrated by unauthorized persons, our clients could experience data loss, financial loss, harm to reputation, or significant business interruption. Such events may expose us to unexpected liability, litigation, regulation investigation and penalties, loss of clients’ business, unfavorable impact to business reputation, and there could be a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

We may be exposed to additional risks related to our co-employment relationship within our PEO business:  Many federal and state laws that apply to the employer-employee relationship do not specifically address the obligations and responsibilities of the “co-employment” relationship. As a result, there is a possibility that we may be subject to liability for violations of employment or discrimination laws by our clients and acts or omissions of client employees, who may be deemed to be our agents, even if we do not participate in any such acts or violations. Although our agreements with the clients provide that the client will indemnify us for any liability attributable to its own or its employees’ conduct, we may not be able to effectively enforce or collect such contractual obligations. In addition, we could be subject to liabilities with respect to our employee benefit plans if it were determined that we are not the “employer” under any of the state or federal laws.

 

We may not realize the anticipated benefits from acquisitions:  From time to time we acquire other companies. The effective integration of acquired companies may be difficult to achieve. It is also possible that we may not realize any or all expected benefits from acquisitions or achieve benefits from acquisitions in a timely manner. In addition, we may incur significant costs and management’s time and attention may be diverted from other parts of our business in connection with the integration of acquisitions. Failure to effectively integrate future acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We may have an adverse outcome of legal matters, which could harm our business:  We are subject to various claims and legal matters that arise in the normal course of business. These include disputes or potential disputes related to breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, employment-related claims, tax claims, and other matters. As of May 31, 2009, we have a reserve of $20.4 million for pending litigation. Refer to Item 3 of this Form 10-K for additional disclosure regarding legal proceedings. In light of the litigation reserve recorded, our management currently believes that resolution of outstanding legal matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of our operations. However, legal matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and there exists the possibility that their ultimate resolution could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations in the period in which any such effect is recorded.

 

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk:  Refer to Item 7A of this Form 10-K for a discussion on Market Risk Factors.

 

 

None.

 

 

We owned and leased the following properties as of May 31, 2009:

 

 

Our facilities in Rochester, New York house various distribution, processing, and technology functions, certain ancillary functions, a telemarketing unit, and other back-office functions. Facilities outside of Rochester, New York are at various locations throughout the U.S. and Germany and house our regional, branch, and sales offices and data processing centers. These locations are concentrated in metropolitan areas. We believe that adequate, suitable lease space will continue to be available for our needs.

 

 

We are subject to various claims and legal matters that arise in the normal course of our 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 our prior periodic reports, these lawsuits sought compensatory damages, punitive damages, and injunctive relief against Rapid Payroll, the Company, our former Chief Executive Officer, and our former Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In accordance with our indemnification agreements with our 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 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 could be subject to an award of statutory interest.

 

We have a reserve for pending litigation matters. The litigation reserve has been adjusted in fiscal 2009 for settlements and incurred litigation expenditures. Our reserve for all pending litigation totaled $20.4 million as of May 31, 2009, and is included in current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

In light of the reserve for all pending litigation matters, our management currently believes that resolution of outstanding legal matters will not have a material adverse effect on our 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 our financial position and results of operations in the period in which any such effect is recorded.

 

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the three months ended May 31, 2009.

 

 

Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “PAYX.” Dividends have historically been paid on our common stock in August, November, February, and May. The level and continuation of future dividends are dependent on our future earnings and cash flows, and are subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors.

 

As of June 30, 2009, there were 16,352 holders of record of our common stock, which includes registered holders and participants in the Paychex, Inc. Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan. There were also 8,249 participants in the Paychex, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 6,650 participants in the Paychex, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

 

The high and low sale prices for our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and dividends for fiscal 2009 and for the year ended May 31, 2008 (“fiscal 2008”) are as follows:

 

 

The closing price of our common stock as of May 29, 2009, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was $27.34 per share.

The following graph shows a five-year comparison of the total cumulative returns of investing $100 on May 31, 2004, in Paychex, Inc. common stock, the S&P Data Processing and Outsourced Services (the “S&P S(DP)”) Index, and the S&P 500 Index. The S&P S(DP) Index includes a representative peer group of companies, and includes Paychex, Inc. We are a participant in the S&P 500 Index, a market group of companies with a larger than average market capitalization. All comparisons of stock price performance shown assume reinvestment of dividends.

 

STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE GRAPH

 

 

 

There can be no assurance that our stock performance will continue into the future with the same or similar trends depicted in the graph above. We will neither make nor endorse any predictions as to future stock performance.

 

 

 

 

 

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 each of the three fiscal years ended May 31, 2009 (“fiscal 2009”), May 31, 2008 (“fiscal 2008”), and May 31, 2007 (“fiscal 2007”), and our financial condition as of May 31, 2009. This review should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) and the “Risk Factors” discussed in Item 1A of this Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements in this review are qualified by the cautionary statement under the heading “Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995” contained at the beginning of Part I of this Form 10-K.

 

Overview

 

We are a leading provider of payroll, human resource, and 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 (“MMS”), which is utilized by clients that have more sophisticated payroll and benefits needs, and include:

 

 

In addition to the above, our software-as-a-service solution through the MMS platform provides human resource management, employee benefits management, a time and attendance solution, online expense reporting, and applicant tracking.

Our Human Resource Services primarily include:

 

 

We mainly 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 while 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 fiscal 2009 were affected by weak economic conditions in the United States (“U.S.”), the severe credit crisis in the financial markets, and extremely low investment rates of return on our funds held for clients. The weak economy affects our ability to sell and retain clients, reduces our transaction volumes related to fewer employees in our client base, and results in lower average invested balances in our funds held for clients. The impacts were reflected in many of our key indicators, with the most significant deterioration occurring in the three months ending May 31, 2009 (the “fourth quarter”), as follows:

 

 

Despite the economic pressures, we achieved service revenue growth of 4% over the prior fiscal year as a result of our annual price increase and growth in utilization of our ancillary payroll and Human Resource Services. We effectively managed our expenses as operating income, net of certain items, increased 5% and improved as a percentage of service revenue to 36.4% for fiscal 2009 as compared to 36.0% for fiscal 2008. Refer to the discussion below for further information on operating income, net of certain items.

 

Our financial results for fiscal 2009 included the following highlights:

 

 

 

In addition to reporting operating income, a U.S. 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 fiscal 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (“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 5% to $729.7 million for fiscal 2009 compared to $696.5 million for fiscal 2008 and $605.4 million for fiscal 2007.

 

Although we have been operating in an unprecedented economic environment during fiscal 2009, we maintained stability in our employee base, allowing us to continue to focus on providing excellent customer service and invest in our business. Some of these investments include the following:

 

Client base and increased utilization of ancillary services:  Our client base was approximately 554,000 clients as of May 31, 2009. This compares with approximately 572,000 clients as of May 31, 2008, and approximately 561,000 clients as of May 31, 2007. Our client base declined 3.1% for fiscal 2009, compared to growth of 2.0% for fiscal 2008 and growth of 3.3% for fiscal 2007. The reduction in our client base for fiscal 2009 reflects the impact of weaker economic conditions on our ability to attract and retain clients. New client sales from new business starts decreased 19% for fiscal 2009 compared to the prior year. Also, an increase of 17% in clients lost due to companies going out of business or no longer having any employees impacted our client retention, which was slightly below historical levels at approximately 77% of our beginning of the fiscal year client base.

 

Despite the challenging selling environment resulting from the weak economy, we added over 111,000 new clients during fiscal 2009. New sales revenue for MMS clients was strong for fiscal 2009, increasing just under 20% compared to fiscal 2008. The market for MMS has not been as severely impacted by the decline in new business starts.

 

We believe growth opportunities continue to exist in our target market of small- to medium-sized businesses. Accordingly, we continue to increase the size of our sales force in key areas, primarily MMS and health and benefits services. Reductions are expected in certain areas of our Human Resource Services sales force due to deceleration

in client bases and aggressive sales force increases in prior periods. The following table summarizes the expected composition of our sales force in fiscal 2010 with comparisons to fiscal 2009 and 2008:

 

 

There are also opportunities for growth within our current client base, as well as with new clients, through increased penetration of our payroll and human resource ancillary services and products. Ancillary services effectively leverage payroll processing data and, therefore, are beneficial to our operating margin. The following statistics demonstrate the growth in our ancillary service offerings:

 

 

Service and product initiatives:  During fiscal 2009, we made investments in the ongoing expansion of our portfolio of services and products. These included strengthening our software-as-a-service solution for our MMS clients through the following:

 

 

In addition, other fiscal 2009 initiatives included the following:

 

 

Business acquisitions:  We may supplement our growth from time to time through strategic acquisitions when opportunities arise. In fiscal 2009, we made immaterial acquisitions to supplement our payroll client base.

 

Focus on customer service:  Integral to our strategy is satisfied customers to achieve maximum client retention. For fiscal 2009, we received high client satisfaction results which was encouraging considering the economic pressures our clients are facing. Client retention was approximately 77% of our beginning of the fiscal year client base. Although customer satisfaction remained strong, increases in clients going out of business or no longer having any employees, and pricing pressures from our largest direct competitor and regional payroll providers kept our client retention rate slightly below historical levels.

 

Financial position and liquidity:  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, as of May 31, 2009, our financial position remained strong with cash and total corporate investments of $574.7 million and no debt. Our cash and total corporate investments have increased approximately $140 million since May 31, 2008.

 

We also believe that our investments as of May 31, 2009 were not other-than-temporarily impaired, nor has any event occurred subsequent to that date that would indicate any other-than-temporary impairment. 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, negatively impacting our income earned on funds held for clients and corporate investments. Our exposure has been minimized 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 investments held as of May 31, 2009 are traded in active markets.

 

As of May 31, 2009, we had no exposure to variable rate demand notes (“VRDNs”) or prime money market funds. In September 2008, we sold all of our holdings in these types of investments 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 in U.S. agency discount notes, which is our current primary short-term investment vehicle. We have no exposure to auction rate securities, 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 interest rate risk.

 

Our primary source of cash is our ongoing operations. Cash flow from operations was $688.8 million for fiscal 2009. Historically, we have funded our operations, capital purchases, and dividend payments from our operating activities. It is anticipated that cash and total corporate investments as of May 31, 2009, along with projected operating cash flows, will support our normal business operations, capital purchases, and dividend payments for the foreseeable future. During fiscal 2009, dividends paid to stockholders were 84% of net income.

 

For further analysis of our results of operations for fiscal years 2009, 2008, and 2007, and our financial position as of May 31, 2009, refer to the tables and analysis in the “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections of this Item 7 and the discussion in the “Critical Accounting Policies” section of this Item 7.

Outlook

 

Our current outlook for fiscal 2010 is based upon current economic and interest rate conditions continuing with no significant changes. Consistent with our policy regarding guidance, our projections do not anticipate or speculate on future changes to interest rates. Comparisons to fiscal 2009 quarters are expected to improve as fiscal 2010 progresses. Projected changes in revenue and net income for fiscal 2010 are as follows:

 

 

Operating income, net of certain items, as a percentage of service revenue is expected to range from 34% to 35% for fiscal 2010. The effective income tax rate is expected to approximate 35% for fiscal 2010. The higher tax rate for fiscal 2010 is driven by higher state income tax rates resulting from state legislative changes.

 

Interest on funds held for clients and investment income for fiscal 2010 are expected to be impacted by interest rate volatility. Interest on funds held for clients will be further impacted by a projected 5% decline in average invested balances, with most of the effect in the first half of fiscal 2010. This decline is largely the result of the 2009 economic stimulus package generating lower tax withholdings for client employees. The Federal Funds rate dropped significantly in fiscal 2009 from 2.00% as of May 31, 2008 to a range of zero to 0.25% as of May 31, 2009. As of May 31, 2009, the long-term investment portfolio had an average yield-to-maturity of 3.3% and an average duration of 2.5 years. In the next twelve months, slightly less than 20% of this portfolio will mature, and it is currently anticipated that these proceeds will be reinvested at a lower average interest rate of approximately 1.40%. Based upon current interest rate and economic conditions, we expect interest on funds held for clients and investment income to (decrease)/increase by the following amounts in the respective quarters of fiscal 2010:

 

 

Under normal financial market conditions, the impact to our earnings from a 25-basis-point increase or decrease in short-term interest rates would be approximately $3.5 million, after taxes, for a twelve-month period. Such a basis point change may or may not be tied to changes in the Federal Funds rate. We estimate the lowest level of combined interest on funds held for clients and investment income over the next fiscal year would be approximately $55 million.

 

Purchases of property and equipment in fiscal 2010 are expected to be in the range of $55 million to $60 million. Fiscal 2010 depreciation expense is projected to be in the range of $65 million to $70 million, and we project amortization of intangible assets for fiscal 2010 to be in the range of $20 million to $25 million.

Results of Operations

 

Summary of Results of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended May 31:

 

 

We invest in highly liquid, investment-grade fixed income securities and do not utilize derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk. As of May 31, 2009, we had no exposure to high-risk or illiquid investments. Details regarding our combined funds held for clients and corporate investment portfolios are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Payroll service revenue:  Payroll service revenue increased 1% to $1.5 billion for fiscal 2009 due to our annual price increase and growth in utilization of our ancillary payroll services. Payroll service revenue increased 8% to $1.5 billion for fiscal 2008 due to client base growth, higher check volume, our annual price increase, and growth in utilization of our ancillary payroll services. The weakening economic conditions in fiscal 2009 negatively impacted payroll service revenue. During fiscal 2009, our client base declined 3.1%, affected by a decline in new client sales from new business starts and clients lost due to companies going out of business or no longer having any employees. Also, checks per client declined 2.9%.

 

As of May 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, 93% of clients utilized our payroll tax administration services. Our employee payment services were utilized by 75% of our clients as of May 31, 2009, compared with 73% as of May 31, 2008 and 71% as of May 31, 2007. Nearly all new clients purchase our payroll tax administration services and more than 80% of new clients select a form of our employee payment services.

 

Human Resource Services revenue:  Human Resource Services revenue increased 11% for fiscal 2009 and 19% for fiscal 2008 to $523.6 million and $471.8 million, respectively. The following factors contributed to Human Resource Services revenue growth for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008:

 

 

While the above factors contributed to the revenue growth as compared to the same period last year, the rate of growth has been adversely impacted by weak economic conditions. The volatility in the financial markets has caused the asset value of retirement services client employees’ funds to decline 12% to $8.5 billion as of May 31, 2009 as compared to the same period last year. The S&P 500 declined 34% during the same period. The decline in asset value and a shift in client employees’ retirement portfolios to investments earning lower fees from external fund managers reduced retirement services revenue growth by $8.9 million for fiscal 2009. Comprehensive human resource outsourcing services revenue growth was adversely impacted by fewer employees per client, decreasing revenue by $8.7 million for fiscal 2009. The estimated growth in Human Resource Services revenue for fiscal 2009 would have been 15% exclusive of these two items. We also continue to experience volatility in PEO net service revenue due to fluctuations in workers’ compensation claims and adjustments to workers’ compensation rates in

Florida. Offsetting some of the above revenue declines was $12.4 million of retirement services billings for client plan restatements during fiscal 2009 that are required by law approximately every ten years.

 

Total service revenue:  Total service revenue growth was 4% for fiscal 2009 and 10% for fiscal 2008. The weak economy had a negative impact on service revenue growth for fiscal 2009. Refer to the discussion of key indicators in the “Overview” section of this Item 7.

 

Interest on funds held for clients:  The decrease in interest on funds held for clients for fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 was the result of lower average interest rates earned, lower average investment balances, and lower realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities. Interest on funds held for clients decreased in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 as a result of lower average interest rates earned offset by higher average investment balances and higher realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities. Overall economic factors, which have negatively impacted our client base, have resulted in a decrease of 3% in our average investment balances for fiscal 2009. Average investment balances for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, which deteriorated 9%, were also impacted by the 2009 economic stimulus package generating lower tax withholdings for client employees. Refer to the “Market Risk Factors” section, contained in Item 7A of this Form 10-K, for more information on changing interest rates.

 

Combined operating and SG&A expenses:  The following table summarizes total combined operating and selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for the fiscal year ended May 31:

 

 

During fiscal 2007, we recorded an expense charge of $38.0 million to increase our litigation reserve to account for settlements and for anticipated costs relating to pending legal matters. Refer to Note N of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for additional information on pending legal matters.

 

Excluding the expense charge to increase the litigation reserve, combined operating and SG&A expenses increased 3% for fiscal 2009 and 8% for fiscal 2008. This was primarily the result of increases in personnel, though at a slower pace than prior years, and other costs related to selling and retaining clients, and promoting new services. The lower growth rates in compensation-related expenses for fiscal 2009 are a result of lower bonus and commission expenses attributed to the more challenging selling environment given the weak economic conditions and the slower pace of new hires. As of May 31, 2009, we had approximately 12,500 employees compared with approximately 12,200 as of May 31, 2008 and 11,700 as of May 31, 2007.

 

Depreciation expense is primarily related to buildings, furniture and fixtures, data processing equipment, and software. Increases in depreciation expense were due to capital expenditures as we invested in technology and continued to grow our business. Amortization of intangible assets is primarily related to client list acquisitions, which are amortized using either straight-line or accelerated methods. The increases in amortization are a result of intangibles from acquisitions and client list acquisitions. Other expenses include items such as delivery, forms and supplies, communications, travel and entertainment, professional services, and other costs incurred to support our business.

Operating income:  Operating income declined 3% for fiscal 2009 as compared to growth of 18% for fiscal 2008. The fluctuations 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 fiscal 2007 to increase the litigation reserve. Refer to the previous discussion of operating income, net of certain items, in the “Overview” section of this Item 7. Operating income, net of certain items, is as follows for the year ended May 31:

 

 

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 decrease in investment income for fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 was the result of lower average interest rates earned and lower average investment balances. The decrease in investment income for fiscal 2008 compared with fiscal 2007 was primarily due to lower average investment balances. The lower average investment balances in both fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 were a result of funding the stock repurchase program which was completed in December 2007.

 

Income taxes:  Our effective income tax rate was 34.3% for fiscal 2009, compared with 32.6% for fiscal 2008, and 30.7% for fiscal 2007. The increases in our effective income tax rate for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 were primarily the result of lower levels of tax-exempt income, derived from municipal debt securities in the funds held for clients and corporate investment portfolios. The increase for fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 was impacted by a higher effective state income tax rate as a result of the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” Refer to Note J of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for additional disclosures on income taxes.

 

Net income and earnings per share:  Net income declined 7% for fiscal 2009, decreasing to $533.5 million, as compared to a net income growth of 12% to $576.1 million for fiscal 2008. These fluctuations were attributable to the factors previously discussed. In particular, for fiscal 2009, combined interest on funds held for clients and investment income decreased 48%, or $76.0 million. Net income growth for fiscal 2008 was impacted by the increase to the litigation reserve of $38.0 million recognized in fiscal 2007.

 

Diluted earnings per share decreased 5% for fiscal 2009 to $1.48 per share as compared to a 16% increase for fiscal 2008 to $1.56 per share. Diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2008 increased at a rate higher than net income growth and for fiscal 2009 decreased at a rate lower than the decrease in net income due to a lower number of weighted-average shares outstanding resulting from the stock repurchase program completed in December 2007. In fiscal 2009, the decline in combined interest on funds held for clients and investment income noted above impacted diluted earnings per share by $0.14 per share.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

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, as of May 31, 2009, our financial position remained strong as we had $574.7 million in cash and total corporate investments and no debt. We also believe that our investments as of May 31, 2009 were not other-than-temporarily impaired, nor has any event occurred subsequent to that date that would indicate any other-than-temporary impairment. Cash and total corporate investments as of May 31, 2009, along with projected

operating cash flows, are expected to support our normal business operations, capital purchases, and dividend payments for the foreseeable future.

 

Commitments and Contractual Obligations

 

Lines of credit:  As of May 31, 2009, we had unused borrowing capacity available under four uncommitted, secured, short-term lines of credit at market rates of interest with financial institutions as follows:

 

 

Our credit facilities are evidenced by promissory notes and are secured by separate pledge security agreements by and between Paychex, Inc. and each of the financial institutions (the “Lenders”), pursuant to which we have granted each of the Lenders a security interest in certain of our investment securities accounts. The collateral is maintained in a pooled custody account pursuant to the terms of a control agreement and is to be administered under an intercreditor agreement among the Lenders. Under certain circumstances, individual Lenders may require that collateral be transferred from the pooled account into segregated accounts for the benefit of such individual Lenders.

 

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 during fiscal 2009 or as of May 31, 2009.

 

JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A. are also parties to our credit facility and irrevocable standby letters of credit, which arrangements are discussed below.

 

Credit facility:  We have a committed, secured, one-year revolving credit facility, expiring on September 20, 2009. This credit facility was available to extend the duration of our long-term investment portfolio. We have not used the credit facility during fiscal 2009 or as of May 31, 2009, and we do not have plans for it in the future. The credit facility is collateralized by the long-term securities of Paychex of New York LLC (the “Borrower”), to the extent of any borrowing. Under the credit facility the Borrower may, subject to certain restrictions, borrow up to $400 million to meet short-term funding requirements on client fund obligations. Upon expiration of the commitment in September 2009, any borrowings outstanding will mature and be payable on such date.

 

The revolving loans under the credit facility 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. Refer to Note N of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for further discussion of the credit facility.

 

Letters of credit:  As of May 31, 2009, we had irrevocable standby letters of credit outstanding totaling $65.8 million, required to secure commitments for certain of our insurance policies and bonding requirements. These letters of credit expire at various dates between December 2009 and December 2012 and are collateralized by securities held in our investment portfolios. No amounts were outstanding on these letters of credit during fiscal 2009 or as of May 31, 2009.

Other commitments:  We have entered into various operating leases and purchase obligations that, under GAAP, are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 2009. The table below summarizes our estimated annual payment obligations under these commitments, as well as other contractual obligations shown as other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 2009:

 

 

 

 

Advantage has license agreements with independently owned associate offices (“Associates”), which are responsible for selling and marketing Advantage payroll services and performing certain operational functions, while Paychex, Inc. and Advantage provide all centralized back-office payroll processing and payroll tax administration services. Under these arrangements, Advantage pays the Associates commissions based on processing activity for the related clients. When we acquired Advantage, there were fifteen Associates. As of May 31, 2009, we have ten Associates. Since the actual amounts of future payments are uncertain, obligations under these arrangements are not included in the table above. Commission expense for the Associates for fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $12.3 million, and $15.3 million, and $15.2 million respectively.

 

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 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 certain pending or future legal claims as they relate 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 of our 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

maintain 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 and are less than 1% of our total assets as of May 31, 2009.

 

Reclassification Within Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Client fund obligations represent our contractual obligation to remit funds to satisfy clients’ payroll and tax payment obligations. To better reflect the nature of these activities, in fiscal 2008 we 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. This reclassification had no impact on the net change in cash and cash equivalents or cash flows from operating activities for any periods presented. Refer to Note B to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for more information on this reclassification.

 

Operating Cash Flow Activities

 

 

The decrease in our operating cash flows for fiscal 2009 is attributable to lower net income. The increase in operating cash flows for fiscal 2008 reflects higher net income adjusted for non-cash items and changes in operating assets and liabilities. The increase in non-cash adjustments to net income in fiscal 2009 is primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization on property and equipment and intangible assets. The decrease in non-cash adjustments to net income for fiscal 2008 was primarily attributable to the expense charge of $38.0 million to increase the litigation reserve in fiscal 2007, offset by an increase in the provision for deferred income taxes. The fluctuations in our operating assets and liabilities between periods were primarily related to lower interest receivable balances and the timing of collection and payments for compensation, PEO payroll, income tax, and other liabilities.

 

Investing Cash Flow Activities

 

 

Funds held for clients and corporate investments:  Funds held for clients consist of short-term funds and available-for-sale securities. Corporate investments are primarily comprised of available-for-sale securities. The

portfolio of funds held for clients and corporate investments is detailed in Note E of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

Fluctuations in net funds held for clients and corporate investment activities primarily relate to timing of purchases, sales, or maturities of investments. 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. During fiscal 2008, proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities were not reinvested as a result of the $1.0 billion stock repurchase program completed in December 2007. In fiscal 2009, with the volatility in the financial markets, funds previously invested in certain available-for-sale securities were reinvested in cash equivalents. Additional discussion of interest rates and related risks is included in the “Market Risk Factors” section, contained in Item 7A of this Form 10-K.

 

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. During fiscal 2009, fiscal 2008, and fiscal 2007, we purchased approximately $4.5 million, $4.4 million, and $2.8 million, respectively, of data processing equipment and software from EMC Corporation. The Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of EMC Corporation is a member of our Board of Directors (the “Board”).

 

Construction in progress totaled $4.0 million and $52.1 million as of May 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Of these costs, $3.4 million and $51.6 million represent software being developed for internal use as of May 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Capitalization of costs ceases when the software is ready for its intended use, at which time we begin amortization of the costs. During the last three months of fiscal 2009, a significant portion of the internal use software costs previously in construction in progress were placed in service. These internal use software costs are being amortized over fifteen years, at a rate of approximately $4.0 million annually.

 

During fiscal 2009, we paid $6.4 million related to acquisitions of businesses, compared with $32.9 million and $3.1 million for fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively. The acquisitions in fiscal 2008 related mainly to employee benefits products. The purchases of other assets were for customer lists.

 

Financing Cash Flow Activities

 

 

Net change in client fund obligations:  The client fund obligations liability will vary based on the timing of collecting client funds, and the related required remittance of funds to applicable tax or regulatory agencies for payroll tax administration services and to employees of clients utilizing employee payment services. Collections from clients are typically remitted from one to 30 days after receipt, with some items extending to 90 days.

 

Repurchases of common stock:  We repurchased 23.7 million shares of common stock for a total of $1.0 billion under our stock repurchase program completed in December 2007.

 

Dividends paid:  In July 2008, our Board approved a 3% increase in our quarterly dividend payment to $0.31 per share from $0.30 per share. In July 2007, our Board approved an increase of 43% in the quarterly dividend payment to $0.30 per share from $0.21 per share. The dividends paid as a percentage of net income totaled 84%,

77%, and 58% for fiscal 2009, fiscal 2008, and fiscal 2007, respectively. 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:  Proceeds from and excess tax benefit related to exercise of stock options decreased for fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, and increased for fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. Common shares acquired through exercise of stock options for fiscal 2009 were 0.4 million shares compared with 2.0 million shares for fiscal 2008 and 1.8 million shares for fiscal 2007. Refer to Note C to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for additional disclosures on our stock-based compensation plans.

 

Other

 

New accounting pronouncements:  In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141 (revised 2007) (“SFAS No. 141R”), “Business Combinations.” SFAS No. 141R 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. 141R further requires that acquisition-related costs and costs associated with restructuring or exiting activities of an acquired entity will be expensed as incurred. SFAS No. 141R will impact business combinations that may be completed on or after June 1, 2009. We cannot anticipate whether the adoption of SFAS No. 141R will have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position as the impact is solely dependent on whether we enter into any business combination, and the terms of such transactions.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets.” This FSP amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” The intent is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS No. 141R and other U.S. GAAP. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and is applicable to our fiscal year beginning June 1, 2009. We do not expect that the adoption of this FSP will have an effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued the following three staff positions intended to provide additional accounting guidance and enhance disclosures regarding fair value measurements and impairments of debt securities:

 

 

These FSPs are effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009, and are applicable to our fiscal year beginning June 1, 2009. We do not expect the adoption of these FSPs will have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position.

 

In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events.” This statement establishes guidance related to accounting for and disclosure of events that happen after the date of the balance sheet but before the release of the financial statements. SFAS No. 165 is effective for reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and is applicable to our fiscal year beginning June 1, 2009. We do not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position.

In June 2009, the FASB issued the following standards:

 

 

Both standards are effective for annual periods beginning after November 15, 2009, and are applicable to our fiscal year beginning June 1, 2010. We are currently evaluating both standards but do not expect their adoption to have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position.

 

Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the SEC did not, or are not expected to have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Note A to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, discusses the significant accounting policies of Paychex, Inc. Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate the accounting policies and estimates used to prepare the Consolidated Financial Statements. We base our estimates on historical experience, future expectations, and assumptions believed to be reasonable under current facts and circumstances. Actual amounts and results could differ from these estimates. Certain accounting policies that are deemed critical to our results of operations or financial position are discussed below.

 

Revenue recognition:  Service revenue is recognized in the period services are rendered and earned under service arrangements with clients where service fees are fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Certain processing services are provided under annual service arrangements with revenue recognized ratably over the annual service period. Our service revenue is largely attributable to payroll-related processing services where the fee is based on a fixed amount per processing period or a fixed amount per processing period plus a fee per employee or transaction processed. The revenue earned from delivery service for the distribution of certain client payroll checks and reports is included in service revenue, and the costs for delivery are included in operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

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 $2.6 billion for each of fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007.

 

Revenue from certain time and attendance solutions is recognized when all of the following are present: persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, typically a non-cancelable sales order; delivery is complete for the software and hardware; the fee is fixed or determinable and free of contingencies; and collectibility is reasonably assured. Maintenance contracts are generally purchased by our clients in conjunction with their purchase of certain time and attendance solutions. Revenue from these maintenance contracts is recognized ratably over the term of the contract.

 

In certain situations we allow a client a right of return or refund. We maintain an allowance for returns, which is based on historical data. The allowance is reviewed periodically for adequacy with any adjustment to revenue reflected in our results of operations for the period in which the adjustment is identified.

 

Interest on funds held for clients is earned primarily on funds that are collected from clients before due dates for payroll tax administration services and for employee payment services, and invested until remittance to the applicable tax or regulatory agencies or client employees. These collections from clients are typically remitted from one to 30 days after receipt, with some items extending to 90 days. The interest earned on these funds is included in total revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Income because the collecting, holding, and remitting of these funds are critical components of providing these services. Interest on funds held for clients also includes net realized gains and losses from the sales of available-for-sale securities.

PEO workers’ compensation insurance:  Workers’ compensation insurance reserves are established to provide for the estimated costs of paying claims underwritten by us. These reserves include estimates for reported losses, plus amounts for those claims incurred but not reported and estimates of certain expenses associated with processing and settling the claims. In establishing the workers’ compensation insurance reserves, we use an independent actuarial estimate of undiscounted future cash payments that would be made to settle the claims.

 

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 in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Accordingly, final claim settlements may vary from our present estimates, particularly when those payments may not occur until well into the future.

 

We regularly review the adequacy of our estimated workers’ compensation insurance reserves. Adjustments to previously established reserves are reflected in our 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.

 

In fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, workers’ compensation insurance for PEO worksite employees was provided based on claims paid as incurred. Our maximum individual claims liability was $1 million under both the fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 policies.

 

We had recorded the following amounts on our Consolidated Balance Sheets for workers’ compensation claims as of:

 

 

Valuation of investments:  Our investments in available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value. In determining the fair value of our available-for-sale securities, we utilize the Interactive Data Pricing Service, a market approach. Unrealized gains related to increases in the fair value of investments and unrealized losses related to decreases in the fair value of investments are included in comprehensive income, net of tax, as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. Changes in the fair value of investments impact our net income only when such investments are sold or impairment is recognized. Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities are determined by specific identification of the security’s cost basis. On our Consolidated Statements of Income, realized gains and losses from funds held for clients are included in interest on funds held for clients, whereas realized gains and losses from corporate investments are included in investment income, net.

 

We are exposed to credit risk in connection with our available-for-sale securities from the possible inability of borrowers to meet the terms of their 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. We regularly review our investment portfolio to determine if any investment is other-than-temporarily impaired due to changes in credit risk or other potential valuation concerns, which would require us to record an impairment charge in the period any such determination is made. In making this judgment, we evaluate, among other things, the duration and extent to which the fair value of an investment is less than its cost, the credit rating and any changes in credit rating for the investment, and our ability and intent to hold the investment until the earlier of market price recovery or maturity. Our assessment that an investment is not other-than-temporarily impaired could change in the future due to new developments or changes in our strategies or assumptions related to any particular investment.

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets:  We have $433.3 million of goodwill recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of May 31, 2009, resulting from acquisitions of businesses. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead tested for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change in a way to indicate that there has been a potential decline in the fair value of the reporting unit. Impairment is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. Our business is

largely homogeneous and, as a result, substantially all of the goodwill is associated with one reporting unit. We perform our annual review in our fiscal fourth quarter. Based on the results of our goodwill impairment review, no impairment loss was recognized in the results of operations for fiscal 2009 or fiscal 2008. Subsequent to this review, there have been no events or circumstances that indicate any potential impairment of our goodwill balance.

 

We also test intangible assets for potential impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

 

Accrual for client fund losses:  We maintain an accrual for estimated losses associated with our clients’ inability to meet their payroll obligations. As part of providing payroll, payroll tax administration services, and employee payment services, we are authorized by the client to initiate money transfers from the client’s bank account for the amount of tax obligations and employees’ direct deposits. Electronic money fund transfers from client bank accounts are subject to potential risk of loss resulting from clients’ insufficient funds to cover such transfers. We evaluate certain uncollected amounts on a specific basis and analyze historical experience for amounts not specifically reviewed to determine the likelihood of recovery from the clients.

 

Contingent liabilities:  We are subject to various claims and legal matters that arise in the normal course of business. As of May 31, 2009, we had approximately $20.4 million of reserves for pending litigation. Based on the application of SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” which requires us to record a reserve if we believe an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of the probable loss can be reasonably estimated, we deem this amount adequate. The determination of whether any particular matter involves a probable loss or if the amount of a probable loss can be reasonably estimated requires considerable judgment. This reserve may change in the future due to new developments or changes in our strategies or assumptions related to any particular matter. In light of the litigation reserve recorded, we currently believe that resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. However, these 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 our financial position and our results of operations in the period in which any such effect is recorded. For additional information regarding pending legal matters, refer to Note N in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

Stock-based compensation costs:  In accordance with SFAS No. 123R, all stock-based awards to employees, including grants of stock options, are recognized as compensation costs in our Consolidated Financial Statements based on their fair values measured as of the date of grant. We estimate the fair value of stock option grants using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. This model requires various assumptions as inputs including expected volatility of the Paychex stock price and expected option life. We estimate volatility 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. We estimate expected option life based on historical exercise behavior.

 

Under SFAS No. 123R, we are required to estimate forfeitures and only record compensation costs for those awards that are expected to vest. Our assumptions for forfeitures were determined based on type of award and historical experience. Forfeiture assumptions are adjusted at the point in time a significant change is identified with any adjustment recorded in the period of change, and the final adjustment at the end of the requisite service period to equal actual forfeitures.

 

The assumptions of volatility, expected option life, and forfeitures all require significant judgment and are subject to change in the future due to factors such as employee exercise behavior, stock price trends, and changes to type or provisions of stock-based awards. Any change in one or more of these assumptions could have a material impact on the estimated fair value of an award and on stock-based compensation costs recognized in our results of operations.

 

We have 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 stock option grants. We periodically reassess our assumptions as well as our 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:  We account 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. We record 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, we account for the resulting tax deduction by reducing our accrued income tax liability with an offset to the deferred tax asset and any excess tax benefit increasing additional paid-in capital. We currently have a sufficient pool of excess tax benefits in additional paid-in capital to absorb any deficient tax benefits related to stock-based awards. We also maintain a reserve for uncertain tax positions in accordance with FIN 48.

 

 

Market Risk Factors

 

Changes in interest rates and interest rate risk:  Funds held for clients are primarily comprised of short-term funds and available-for-sale securities. Corporate investments are primarily comprised of 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 fair value of our longer-term available-for-sale securities. We maintain a conservative investment strategy within our investment portfolios to maximize liquidity and protect principal. We attempt to mitigate the risks associated with our investing 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. We manage the available-for-sale securities to a benchmark duration of two and one-half to three years. All investments held as of May 31, 2009 are traded in active markets.

 

As of May 31, 2009, we had no exposure to VRDNs or prime money market funds. In September 2008, we sold all of our holdings of these types of investments as a result of turmoil in the related markets. No losses were recognized on those sales. The proceeds from the sales of these investments were reinvested in U.S. agency discount notes, which are currently our primary short-term investment option. We have no exposure to auction rate securities, 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.

 

During fiscal 2009, the average interest rate earned on our combined funds held for clients and corporate investment portfolios was 2.1% compared with 3.7% for fiscal 2008 and 4.0% for fiscal 2007. With the turmoil currently in the financial markets, our conservative investment strategy translates to significantly lower yields on high quality instruments. 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 short- and long-term interest rate changes. 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 available-for-sale securities, which as of May 31, 2009 had an average duration of two and one-half years, would not reflect decreases in interest rates until the investments are sold or mature and the proceeds are reinvested at lower rates. In the next twelve months, slightly less than 20% of our available-for-sale portfolio will mature, and it is currently anticipated that these proceeds will be reinvested at a lower average interest rate of approximately 1.40%.

The cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities that had stated maturities as of May 31, 2009 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.

 

 

The following table summarizes the changes in the Federal Funds rate over the past three fiscal years:

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Subject to these factors, a 25-basis-point change in taxable 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) averaged approximately $3.9 billion for fiscal 2009. Our anticipated allocation is approximately 50% invested in short-term securities and available-for-sale securities with an average duration of less than 30 days, and 50% invested in available-for-sale securities with an average duration of two and one-half to three years.

 

The combined funds held for clients and corporate available-for-sale securities reflected a net unrealized gain of $66.7 million as of May 31, 2009, compared with a net unrealized gain of $24.8 million as of May 31, 2008. During fiscal 2009, the investment portfolios ranged from a net unrealized loss of $15.2 million to a net unrealized gain of $86.6 million. During fiscal 2008, the investment portfolios ranged from a net unrealized loss of

$24.3 million to a net unrealized gain of $48.7 million. The net unrealized gain of our investment portfolios was approximately $72.7 million as of July 10, 2009.

 

As of May 31, 2009 and May 31, 2008, we had $1.8 billion and $3.4 billion, respectively, invested in available-for-sale securities at fair value. The weighted-average yield-to-maturity was 3.3% and 3.4%, as of May 31, 2009 and May 31, 2008, respectively. The weighted-average yield-to-maturity excludes available-for-sale securities tied to short-term interest rates such as the VRDNs held as of May 31, 2008. We held no VRDNs as of May 31, 2009. Assuming a hypothetical decrease in both short-term and longer-term interest rates of 25 basis points, the resulting potential increase in fair value for our portfolio of available-for-sale securities as of May 31, 2009, would be approximately $11.0 million. Conversely, a corresponding increase in interest rates would result in a comparable decrease in fair value. This hypothetical increase or decrease in the fair 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 fair value would have no related or immediate impact on the results of operations, unless any declines in fair value were considered to be other-than-temporary and an impairment loss recognized.

 

Credit risk:  We are exposed to credit risk in connection with these investments through the possible inability of borrowers to meet the terms of their 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.

 

We regularly review our investment portfolios to determine if any investment is other-than-temporarily impaired due to changes in credit risk or other potential valuation concerns. We believe that the investments we held as of May 31, 2009 were not other-than-temporarily impaired. While certain available-for-sale securities had fair values that were below cost, we believe that it is probable that the principal and interest will be collected in accordance with the 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 May 31, 2009 and May 31, 2008, the majority of the securities with an unrealized loss held an AA rating or better. We have the ability and intent to hold these investments until the earlier of market price recovery or maturity. Our assessment that an investment is not other-than-temporarily impaired could change in the future due to new developments or changes in our strategies or assumptions related to any particular investment.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Management of Paychex, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Our internal control over financial reporting is supported by a program of internal audits and appropriate reviews by management, written policies and guidelines, careful selection and training of qualified personnel, and a written Code of Business Ethics and Conduct adopted by our Company’s Board of Directors, applicable to all Company Directors and all officers and employees of our Company.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

The Audit Committee of our Company’s Board of Directors meets with the independent public accountants, management, and internal auditors periodically to discuss internal control over financial reporting and auditing and financial reporting matters. The Audit Committee reviews with the independent public accountants the scope and results of the audit effort. The Audit Committee also meets periodically with the independent public accountants and the chief internal auditor without management present to ensure that the independent public accountants and the chief internal auditor have free access to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee’s Report can be found in the Definitive Proxy Statement to be issued in connection with the Company’s 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2009. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework.” Based on our assessment, management believes that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2009.

 

The Company’s independent public accountants, Ernst & Young LLP, a registered public accounting firm, are appointed by its Audit Committee. Ernst & Young LLP has audited and reported on the Consolidated Financial Statements of Paychex, Inc. and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The reports of the independent public accountants are contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

and the Stockholders of Paychex, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Paychex, Inc. as of May 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2009. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(1). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of Paychex, Inc.’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Paychex, Inc. at May 31, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Paychex, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2009, based on criteria established in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated July 10, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

 

Cleveland, Ohio

July 10, 2009

 

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

and the Stockholders of Paychex, Inc.

 

We have audited Paychex Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2009, based on criteria established in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Paychex Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Report on Management’s Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, Paychex, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets as of May 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2009 of Paychex, Inc., and our report dated July 10, 2009, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

 

Cleveland, Ohio

July 10, 2009

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.