8-K

PAYCHEX INC (PAYX)

8-K 2024-06-26 For: 2024-06-26
View Original
Added on April 08, 2026

UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONWASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 26, 2024

Paychex, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 01-11330 16-1124166
(State or Other Jurisdiction<br>of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer<br>Identification No.)
911 Panorama Trail South
Rochester, New York 14625-2396
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (585) 385-6666
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N/A
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(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class Trading<br>Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value PAYX Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

Paychex, Inc.’s press release dated June 26, 2024, which reports its financial results for the three and twelve months ended May 31, 2024, is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K (“Form 8-K”).

The information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities under such section and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent specifically provided in such a filing.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

Exhibit Description
Exhibit 99.1 Press Release of Paychex, Inc. dated June 26, 2024
Exhibit 104 The cover page from this Current Report on Form 8-K, formatted in Inline XBRL.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

PAYCHEX, INC.
Date: June 26, 2024 By: /s/ John B. Gibson
John B. Gibson
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Date: June 26, 2024 By: /s/ Robert L. Schrader
--- --- --- ---
Robert L. Schrader
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-99.1

PRESS RELEASE OF PAYCHEX, INC. DATED JUNE 26, 2024

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Paychex, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

  • Solid Total Revenue Growth and Operating Margin Expansion
  • Full Year 2024 Diluted EPS Growth of 9%; Adjusted Diluted EPS(1) Growth of 11%
  • Issues Fiscal 2025 Business Outlook

Rochester, N.Y. (June 26, 2024) - Paychex, Inc. (the "Company," "Paychex," "we," "our," or "us") today announced the following results for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2024 (the "fourth quarter") and fiscal year ended May 31, 2024 ("fiscal 2024"), as compared to the corresponding prior-year period:

Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year
In millions, except per share amounts 2024 2023 Change(2) 2024 2023 Change(2)
Total revenue $ 1,295.1 $ 1,229.6 5 % $ 5,278.3 $ 5,007.1 5 %
Operating income $ 481.8 $ 453.3 6 % $ 2,174.1 $ 2,033.1 7 %
Diluted earnings per share $ 1.05 $ 0.97 8 % $ 4.67 $ 4.30 9 %
Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) $ 1.12 $ 0.97 15 % $ 4.72 $ 4.27 11 %

(1) Adjusted diluted earnings per share is not a United States ("U.S.") generally accepted accounting principle ("GAAP") measure. Please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section on page 4 of this press release for a discussion of non-GAAP measures.

(2) Percentage changes are calculated based on unrounded numbers.

President and Chief Executive Officer, John Gibson commented, “As we close out the fiscal year, I am pleased to report that Paychex delivered solid financial results, reflecting our ability to navigate changing market conditions by providing innovative HR technology and advisory solutions that deliver value for our clients and their employees and continually finding ways to operate more efficiently as a company. In fiscal 2024, we achieved 5% growth in total revenue, 9% growth in diluted earnings per share and 11% growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share. These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our more than 16,000 employees and the investments we have made in our technology and advisory solutions."

Mr. Gibson continued, "Small and mid-size businesses continue to face a challenging operating environment due to complex regulations, a tight labor market and inflationary pressures. Our purpose remains to help these businesses succeed, and we believe we are well positioned to achieve that mission in the upcoming fiscal year.”

Fourth Quarter Business Highlights

Total revenue increased to $1.3 billion for the fourth quarter, growth of 5% over the prior year period, which reflects a lower contribution from our employee retention tax credit ("ERTC") service, impacting growth by approximately 300 basis points. Highlights as compared with the corresponding prior year period are as follows:

Management Solutions revenue increased 3% to $930.3 million for the fourth quarter, primarily impacted by the following factors:

  • Continued growth in the number of clients served across our suite of human capital management ("HCM") solutions;
  • Higher product penetration, including Human Resource Solutions and Retirement Services; and
  • Lower revenue from ancillary services, primarily due to the expiration of our ERTC Service.

Professional Employer Organization ("PEO") and Insurance Solutions revenue increased 9% to $326.6 million for the fourth quarter primarily due to the following:

  • Growth in the number of average PEO worksite employees; and
  • Increase in PEO insurance revenues.

Interest on funds held for clients increased 54% to $38.2 million for the fourth quarter primarily due to higher average interest rates and invested balances and lower realized losses on investment sales.

Total expenses increased 5% to $813.3 million for the fourth quarter primarily due to the following:

  • Cost optimization initiatives totaling $39.5 million, including further reductions to our geographic footprint, reprioritization of certain technology investments and headcount optimization; and
  • Increase in PEO direct insurance costs related to growth in average worksite employees and wages, and PEO insurance revenues; offset by
  • Lower compensation-related expenses and discretionary spending.

Total expenses, excluding one-time cost optimization initiatives noted above, were relatively flat for the fourth quarter compared to the prior year period.

Operating income grew 6% to $481.8 million for the fourth quarter and adjusted operating income(1) grew 15% to $521.3 million. Operating margin (operating income as a percentage of total revenue) was 37.2% for the fourth quarter compared to 36.9% for the prior year period. Adjusted operating margin(1) (operating income, adjusted for one-time items, as a percentage of total revenue) was 40.2% for the fourth quarter compared to 36.9% for the prior year period.

Other income, net remained relatively flat for the fourth quarter compared to the prior year period.

Our effective income tax rate was 22.8% for the fourth quarter and 24.4% for the prior year period. The current year fourth quarter was impacted by the recognition of net discrete tax benefits related to employee stock-based compensation payments.

Diluted earnings per share increased 8% to $1.05 per share and adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) increased 15% to $1.12 per share for the fourth quarter.

(1) Adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted operating margin and adjusted diluted earnings per share are not U.S. GAAP measures. Please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section on page 4 of this press release for a discussion of non-GAAP measures.

Fiscal Year Business Highlights

Highlights for fiscal 2024 as compared with the corresponding prior year are as follows:

  • Total revenue increased 5% to $5.3 billion.

  • Operating income increased 7% to $2.2 billion and adjusted operating income(1) increased 9% to $2.2 billion. Operating margin was 41.2% for the fiscal year compared to 40.6% for the prior year. Adjusted operating margin(1) was 41.9% for the fiscal year compared to 40.6% for the prior year.

  • Our effective income tax rate was 23.8% for fiscal 2024 compared to 24.0% for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023. Both periods were impacted by the recognition of net discrete tax benefits related to employee stock-based compensation payments.

  • Diluted earnings per share increased 9% to $4.67 per share. Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) increased 11% to $4.72 per share.

(1) Adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin and adjusted diluted earnings per share are not U.S. GAAP measures. Please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section on page 4 of this press release for a discussion of non-GAAP measures.

Financial Position and Liquidity

Our financial position and cash flow generation remained strong during fiscal 2024. As of May 31, 2024, we had:

  • Cash, restricted cash, and total corporate investments of $1.6 billion.
  • Short-term and long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance costs, of $817.3 million.
  • Cash flow from operations was $1.9 billion for the fiscal year.

Return to Stockholders During Fiscal 2024

  • Paid cumulative dividends of $3.65 per share totaling $1.3 billion, resulting in a dividend payout ratio of 78% of net income.
  • Repurchased 1.5 million shares of our common stock for $169.2 million.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

For the three months ended For the twelve months ended
May 31, May 31,
$ in millions 2024 2023 Change 2024 2023 Change
Operating income $ 481.8 $ 453.3 6 % $ 2,174.1 $ 2,033.1 7 %
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Cost optimization initiatives(1) 39.5 39.5
Total non-GAAP adjustments 39.5 39.5
Adjusted operating income $ 521.3 $ 453.3 15 % $ 2,213.6 $ 2,033.1 9 %
Adjusted operating margin 40.2 % 36.9 % 41.9 % 40.6 %
Net income $ 379.9 $ 350.4 8 % $ 1,690.4 $ 1,557.3 9 %
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Excess tax benefit related to employee stock-based compensation payments(2) (5.7 ) (11.2 ) (8.9 )
Cost optimization initiatives(1) 29.9 29.9
Total non-GAAP adjustments 24.2 18.7 (8.9 )
Adjusted net income $ 404.1 $ 350.4 15 % $ 1,709.1 $ 1,548.4 10 %
Diluted earnings per share(3) $ 1.05 $ 0.97 8 % $ 4.67 $ 4.30 9 %
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Excess tax benefit related to employee stock-based compensation payments(2) (0.02 ) (0.03 ) (0.02 )
Cost optimization initiatives(1) 0.08 0.08
Total non-GAAP adjustments 0.07 0.05 (0.02 )
Adjusted diluted earnings per share $ 1.12 $ 0.97 15 % $ 4.72 $ 4.27 11 %
Net income $ 379.9 $ 350.4 8 % $ 1,690.4 $ 1,557.3 9 %
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Interest income, net (12.1 ) (9.4 ) (45.4 ) (12.4 )
Income taxes 111.9 113.2 527.6 490.9
Depreciation and amortization expense 45.6 44.1 176.5 176.6
Total non-GAAP adjustments 145.4 147.9 658.7 655.1
EBITDA $ 525.3 $ 498.3 5 % $ 2,349.1 $ 2,212.4 6 %
Cost optimization initiatives(1) 39.5 39.5
Adjusted EBITDA $ 564.8 $ 498.3 13 % $ 2,388.6 $ 2,212.4 8 %

(1) One-time costs and corresponding tax benefits recognized related to our cost optimization initiatives, including further reductions to our geographic footprint, reprioritization of certain technology investments and headcount optimization.

(2) Net tax windfall benefits related to employee stock-based compensation payments recognized in income taxes. This item is subject to volatility and will vary based on employee decisions on exercising employee stock options and fluctuations in our stock price, neither of which is within the control of management.

(3) The calculation of the impact of non-GAAP adjustments on diluted earnings per share is performed on each line independently. The table may not add down by +/- $0.01 due to rounding.

In addition to reporting operating income, operating margin, net income and diluted earnings per share, which are U.S. GAAP measures, we present adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") and adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP measures. We believe these additional measures are indicators of our core business operations’ performance period over period. Adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA are not calculated through the application of U.S. GAAP and are not

required forms of disclosure by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). As such, they should not be considered a substitute for the U.S. GAAP measures of operating income, net income, and diluted earnings per share, and, therefore, they should not be used in isolation but in conjunction with the U.S. GAAP measures. The use of any non-GAAP measure may produce results that vary from the U.S. GAAP measure and may not be comparable to a similarly defined non-GAAP measure used by other companies.

Business Outlook

Our business outlook for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2025 ("fiscal 2025") incorporates current assumptions and market conditions. Changes in the macroeconomic environment could alter our guidance. With consideration of these impacts, we have updated our business outlook as follows:

  • Total revenue is anticipated to grow in the range of 4.0% to 5.5%.
  • Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) is anticipated to grow in the range of 5% to 7%.
  • Management Solutions revenue is anticipated to grow in the range of 3.0% to 4.0%.
  • PEO and Insurance Solutions revenue is anticipated to grow in the range of 7.0% to 9.0%.
  • Interest on funds held for clients is expected to be in the range of $150 million to $160 million.
  • Operating margin is anticipated to be in the range of 42% to 43%.
  • Other income, net is anticipated to be in the range of $35 million to $40 million.
  • The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2025 is anticipated to be in the range of 24% to 25%.

(1) Adjusted diluted earnings per share is not a U.S. GAAP measure. Please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section on page 4 of this press release for a discussion of non-GAAP measures.

Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG")

As part of what it means to be Paychex, we are focusing our ESG efforts on actions we can take to create positive impact. To learn more about our latest initiatives, please visit https://www.paychex.com/corporate/corporate-responsibility. The information available on our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this press release.

Annual Report on Form 10-K ("Form 10-K")

We anticipate filing our Form 10-K before the end of July 2024, and it will be available at https://investor.paychex.com. This press release should be read in conjunction with the Form 10-K and the related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in that Form 10-K.

Webcast Details

Interested parties may access the webcast of our Earnings Release Conference Call, scheduled for June 26, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, at https://investor.paychex.com. The webcast will be archived for approximately 90 days. Our news releases, current financial information, SEC filings, and investor presentations are also accessible at https://investor.paychex.com.

Contacts

Investor Relations: Media Inquiries:
Jason Harbes, Director, Investor Relations Tracy Volkmann
Phil Nicosia, Manager, Investor Relations Manager, Public Relations
(800) 828-4411 (585) 387-6705
investors@paychex.com tvolkmann@paychex.com

About Paychex

Paychex, Inc. (Nasdaq: PAYX) is an industry-leading HCM company delivering a full suite of technology and advisory services in human resources, employee benefit solutions, insurance, and payroll. The company serves over 745,000 customers in the U.S. and Europe and pays one out of every 12 American private sector employees. The more than 16,000 people at Paychex are committed to helping businesses succeed and building thriving communities where they work and live. To learn more, visit www.paychex.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain written and oral statements made by us may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by such words and phrases as "expect," "outlook," "will," guidance," "projections," "anticipate," "believe," "could," "may," "possible," "potential" and other similar words or phrases. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding operating performance, events, or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including statements relating to our outlook, revenue growth, earnings, earnings-per-share growth, or similar projections.

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict, many of which are outside our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance upon any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

  • our ability to keep pace with changes in technology or provide timely enhancements to our solutions and support;

  • software defects, undetected errors, and development delays for our solutions;

  • the possibility of cyberattacks, security vulnerabilities or Internet disruptions, including data security and privacy leaks, and data loss and business interruptions;

  • the possibility of failure of our business continuity plan during a catastrophic event;

  • the failure of third-party service providers to perform their functions;

  • the possibility that we may be exposed to additional risks related to our co-employment relationship with our PEO business;

  • changes in health insurance and workers’ compensation insurance rates and underlying claim trends;

  • risks related to acquisitions and the integration of the businesses we acquire;

  • our clients’ failure to reimburse us for payments made by us on their behalf;

  • the effect of changes in government regulations mandating the amount of tax withheld or the timing of remittances;

  • our failure to comply with covenants in our debt agreements;

  • changes in governmental regulations, laws, and policies;

  • our ability to comply with U.S. and foreign laws and regulations;

  • our compliance with data privacy and artificial intelligence laws and regulations;

  • our failure to protect our intellectual property rights;

  • potential outcomes related to pending or future litigation matters;

  • the impact of macroeconomic factors on the U.S. and global economy, and in particular on our small- and medium-sized business clients;

  • volatility in the political and economic environment, including inflation and interest rate changes;

  • changes in the availability and retention of qualified people; and

  • the possible effects of negative publicity on our reputation and the value of our brand.

Any of these factors, as well as such other factors as discussed in our SEC filings, could cause our actual results to differ materially from our anticipated results. The information provided in this document is based upon the facts and circumstances known as of the date of this press release, and any forward-looking statements made by us in this document speak only as of the date on which they are made. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements after the date of issuance of this press release to reflect events or circumstances after such date, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

PAYCHEX, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share amounts)

For the three months ended For the twelve months ended
May 31, May 31,
2024 2023 Change(2) 2024 2023 Change(2)
Revenue:
Management Solutions $ 930.3 $ 905.2 3 % $ 3,866.4 $ 3,730.5 4 %
PEO and Insurance Solutions 326.6 299.5 9 % 1,265.6 1,176.8 8 %
Total service revenue 1,256.9 1,204.7 4 % 5,132.0 4,907.3 5 %
Interest on funds held for clients(1) 38.2 24.9 54 % 146.3 99.8 47 %
Total revenue 1,295.1 1,229.6 5 % 5,278.3 5,007.1 5 %
Expenses:
Cost of service revenue 375.2 369.8 1 % 1,479.3 1,453.0 2 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses 438.1 406.5 8 % 1,624.9 1,521.0 7 %
Total expenses 813.3 776.3 5 % 3,104.2 2,974.0 4 %
Operating income 481.8 453.3 6 % 2,174.1 2,033.1 7 %
Other income, net(1) 10.0 10.3 (2 ) % 43.9 15.1 n/m
Income before income taxes 491.8 463.6 6 % 2,218.0 2,048.2 8 %
Income taxes 111.9 113.2 (1 ) % 527.6 490.9 8 %
Net income $ 379.9 $ 350.4 8 % $ 1,690.4 $ 1,557.3 9 %
Basic earnings per share $ 1.06 $ 0.97 9 % $ 4.69 $ 4.32 9 %
Diluted earnings per share $ 1.05 $ 0.97 8 % $ 4.67 $ 4.30 9 %
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 360.0 360.5 360.3 360.4
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution 361.8 362.3 362.1 362.3
Cash dividends per common share $ 0.98 $ 0.89 $ 3.65 $ 3.26

(1) Further information on interest on funds held for clients and other income, net, and the short- and long-term effects of changing interest rates can be found in our filings with the SEC, including our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as applicable, under the caption "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and subheadings "Results of Operations" and "Market Risk Factors." These filings are accessible at https://investor.paychex.com.

(2) Percentage changes are calculated based on unrounded numbers.



n/m – not meaningful

n/m – not meaningful

PAYCHEX, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share amounts)

2023
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents 1,468.9 $ 1,222.0
Restricted cash 47.8 49.8
Corporate investments 33.9 373.4
Interest receivable 23.3 24.4
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses 1,059.6 873.3
PEO unbilled receivables, net of advance collections 542.4 528.5
Prepaid income taxes 47.5 48.1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 321.9 289.8
Current assets before funds held for clients 3,545.3 3,409.3
Funds held for clients 3,706.2 4,118.8
Total current assets 7,251.5 7,528.1
Long-term corporate investments 3.7 3.8
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation 411.7 396.3
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net of accumulated amortization 46.9 61.5
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization 194.5 187.4
Goodwill 1,882.7 1,834.0
Long-term deferred costs 477.1 470.1
Other long-term assets 115.0 65.2
Total assets 10,383.1 $ 10,546.4
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable 104.3 $ 84.7
Accrued corporate compensation and related items 135.0 209.9
Accrued worksite employee compensation and related items 662.4 763.9
Short-term borrowings 18.7 10.2
Deferred revenue 50.2 47.3
Other current liabilities 469.8 395.4
Current liabilities before client fund obligations 1,440.4 1,511.4
Client fund obligations 3,868.7 4,294.0
Total current liabilities 5,309.1 5,805.4
Accrued income taxes 102.6 83.0
Deferred income taxes 86.0 112.1
Long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance costs 798.6 798.2
Operating lease liabilities 49.0 57.3
Other long-term liabilities 236.8 197.2
Total liabilities 6,582.1 7,053.2
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, 0.01 par value; Authorized: 600.0 shares;   Issued and outstanding: 360.1 shares as of May 31, 2024    and 360.5 shares as of May 31, 2023 3.6 3.6
Additional paid-in capital 1,729.5 1,626.4
Retained earnings 2,213.0 2,023.1
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (145.1 ) (159.9 )
Total stockholders’ equity 3,801.0 3,493.2
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 10,383.1 $ 10,546.4

All values are in US Dollars.

PAYCHEX, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In millions)

For the twelve months ended
May 31,
2024 2023 (1)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 1,690.4 $ 1,557.3
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 176.5 176.6
Amortization of premiums and discounts on available-for-sale securities, net (7.0 ) 18.2
Amortization of deferred contract costs 231.7 219.1
Stock-based compensation costs 61.1 62.6
Benefit from deferred income taxes (29.8 ) (44.0 )
Provision for allowance for credit losses 19.8 17.7
Net realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities 2.6 9.8
Net realized losses on disposal of assets 32.8 1.3
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Interest receivable 1.1 (2.1 )
Accounts receivable and PEO unbilled receivables, net 113.0 (135.7 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (25.2 ) (17.8 )
Accounts payable and other current liabilities (127.0 ) 86.3
Deferred costs (244.9 ) (269.4 )
Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities 6.1 30.6
Net change in operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities (3.5 ) (4.3 )
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,897.7 1,706.2
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of available-for-sale securities (6,868.5 ) (14,585.3 )
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities 7,161.2 14,943.2
Net change in purchased receivables (153.8 ) (6.8 )
Purchases of property and equipment (161.4 ) (143.0 )
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment 16.7
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (208.3 ) (2.7 )
Purchases of other assets (30.1 ) (10.4 )
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities (260.9 ) 211.7
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net change in client fund obligations (425.3 ) 474.8
Net proceeds from short-term borrowings 9.0 2.0
Dividends paid (1,315.3 ) (1,175.0 )
Repurchases of common shares (169.2 )
Contingent consideration paid for acquisitions (2.8 )
Activity related to equity-based plans 26.1 (10.4 )
Net cash used in financing activities (1,874.7 ) (711.4 )
Net change in cash, restricted cash, and equivalents (237.9 ) 1,206.5
Cash, restricted cash, and equivalents, beginning of fiscal year 2,134.9 928.4
Cash, restricted cash, and equivalents, end of fiscal year $ 1,897.0 $ 2,134.9
Reconciliation of cash, restricted cash and equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,468.9 $ 1,222.0
Restricted cash 47.8 49.8
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in funds held for clients 380.3 863.1
Total cash, restricted cash, and equivalents $ 1,897.0 $ 2,134.9

(1) The consolidated statement of cash flows for the twelve months ended May 31, 2023 includes a revision to previously reported amounts related to the presentation of cash flows associated with short-term receivables purchased from the Company’s clients under non-recourse arrangements, net of funding reserves. The revision increased net cash provided by operating activities and decreased net cash provided by investing activities by $6.8 million each.