Paycom Software (PAYC)


Market Price (8/13/2026): $209.0 | Market Cap: $9.6 BilSector: Industrials | Industry: Human Resource & Employment Services

Paycom Software (PAYC)


Market Price (8/13/2026): $209.0
Market Cap: $9.6 Bil
Sector: Industrials
Industry: Human Resource & Employment Services

Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.

0

Attractive yield
Total YieldTotal Yield = Earnings Yield + Dividend Yield, Earnings Yield = Net Income / Market Cap Dividend Yield = Total Dividends / Market Cap is 5.8%, FCF Yield is 5.9%

Attractive operating margins
Op Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 30%

Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 37%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 27%

Stock buyback support
Stock Buyback 3Y Total is 2.0 Bil

Low stock price volatility
Vol 12M is 47%

Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Cloud Computing, and Automation & Robotics. Themes include Software as a Service (SaaS), and Process / Warehouse Automation.

Weak multi-year price returns
2Y Excs Rtn is -8.4%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -98%

Valuation getting more expensive
P/S 6M Chg %Price/Sales change over 6 months. Declining P/S indicates valuation has become less expensive. is 52%

Key risks
PAYC key risks include [1] intense competition and a potentially saturated market that could pressure growth and pricing power and [2] significant data security vulnerabilities, Show more.

0 Attractive yield
Total YieldTotal Yield = Earnings Yield + Dividend Yield, Earnings Yield = Net Income / Market Cap Dividend Yield = Total Dividends / Market Cap is 5.8%, FCF Yield is 5.9%
1 Attractive operating margins
Op Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 30%
2 Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 37%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 27%
3 Stock buyback support
Stock Buyback 3Y Total is 2.0 Bil
4 Low stock price volatility
Vol 12M is 47%
5 Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Cloud Computing, and Automation & Robotics. Themes include Software as a Service (SaaS), and Process / Warehouse Automation.
6 Weak multi-year price returns
2Y Excs Rtn is -8.4%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -98%
7 Valuation getting more expensive
P/S 6M Chg %Price/Sales change over 6 months. Declining P/S indicates valuation has become less expensive. is 52%
8 Key risks
PAYC key risks include [1] intense competition and a potentially saturated market that could pressure growth and pricing power and [2] significant data security vulnerabilities, Show more.

PAYC in ETFs

Weight = PAYC's share of each fund

VTI0.01%
ITOT0.01%
IWB0.01%
IJR0.49%
VB0.06%
IJS0.96%
SLYV0.96%
NUSC0.60%
+19 more covered ETFs

Valuation & Metrics

Price Chart

Why The Stock Moved

Qualitative Assessment

AI Analysis | Feedback

Updated on 8/6/2026

Paycom Software (PAYC) stock has gained about 65% since 4/30/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Exceeded fiscal Q2 2026 Earnings Expectations. Paycom Software reported Non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $2.78 for fiscal Q2 2026 (ended June 30, 2026), significantly surpassing analysts' consensus estimates of $2.38 by $0.40. Additionally, quarterly revenue rose 9.8% year-over-year to $531.20 million, exceeding analyst estimates of $513.12 million by $18.08 million.

2. Raised Full-Year 2026 Financial Guidance. Following the robust second-quarter performance, Paycom confidently increased its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to a range of $2.197 billion to $2.212 billion and adjusted EBITDA guidance to between $1.007 billion and $1.022 billion. This revised outlook indicates management's strong confidence in continued growth and profitability for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Show more
Updated on 8/6/2026

Paycom Software (PAYC) stock has gained about 65% since 4/30/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Exceeded fiscal Q2 2026 Earnings Expectations. Paycom Software reported Non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $2.78 for fiscal Q2 2026 (ended June 30, 2026), significantly surpassing analysts' consensus estimates of $2.38 by $0.40. Additionally, quarterly revenue rose 9.8% year-over-year to $531.20 million, exceeding analyst estimates of $513.12 million by $18.08 million.

2. Raised Full-Year 2026 Financial Guidance. Following the robust second-quarter performance, Paycom confidently increased its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to a range of $2.197 billion to $2.212 billion and adjusted EBITDA guidance to between $1.007 billion and $1.022 billion. This revised outlook indicates management's strong confidence in continued growth and profitability for the remainder of the fiscal year.

3. Positive Impact from Automation and AI-Driven Product Innovations. Management highlighted the increasing demand for automation and the successful introduction of new AI-driven services and expanded automation releases. Specifically, the company launched its Asset Management tool in July and projected approximately $100 million in research and development savings and over $30 million in avoided third-party response fees in fiscal 2026 due to its AI investments.

4. Upgraded Analyst Ratings and Price Targets. Several brokerage firms reacted positively to Paycom's Q2 results and future outlook, leading to increased price targets and reaffirmed "Buy" or "Strong Buy" ratings. For example, Barclays raised its price target for PAYC from $154 to $210, and BTIG Research increased its target from $160 to $230, maintaining a "Buy" rating.

5. Strategic Share Repurchases. During fiscal Q2 2026, Paycom repurchased 2,570,072 shares of common stock, totaling $345.9 million. This significant share repurchase activity demonstrates the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder value and reflects management's belief in the company's intrinsic worth.

Show less
Holding a concentrated position? Know your true downside before the momentum shifts.
Protect Your Wealth →

Stock Movement Drivers

Fundamental Drivers

The 67.1% change in PAYC stock from 4/30/2026 to 8/12/2026 was primarily driven by a 29.8% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)43020268122026Change
Stock Price ($)126.42211.2867.1%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)2,0522,1414.3%
Net Income Margin (%)22.1%22.8%3.1%
P/E Multiple15.319.929.8%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)554619.8%
Cumulative Contribution67.1%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

4/30/2026 to 8/12/2026
ReturnCorrelation
PAYC67.1% 
Market (SPY)7.5%-13.9%
Sector (XLI)6.5%-33.7%

Fundamental Drivers

The 57.7% change in PAYC stock from 1/31/2026 to 8/12/2026 was primarily driven by a 22.4% change in the company's Shares Outstanding (Mil).
(LTM values as of)13120268122026Change
Stock Price ($)134.02211.2857.7%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)2,0012,1417.0%
Net Income Margin (%)22.6%22.8%0.6%
P/E Multiple16.619.919.7%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)564622.4%
Cumulative Contribution57.7%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

1/31/2026 to 8/12/2026
ReturnCorrelation
PAYC57.7% 
Market (SPY)11.9%-5.9%
Sector (XLI)12.7%-26.7%

Fundamental Drivers

The -7.9% change in PAYC stock from 7/31/2025 to 8/12/2026 was primarily driven by a -39.0% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)73120258122026Change
Stock Price ($)229.38211.28-7.9%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)1,9142,14111.9%
Net Income Margin (%)20.6%22.8%10.6%
P/E Multiple32.619.9-39.0%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)564622.2%
Cumulative Contribution-7.9%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

7/31/2025 to 8/12/2026
ReturnCorrelation
PAYC-7.9% 
Market (SPY)23.3%3.7%
Sector (XLI)23.6%-13.9%

Fundamental Drivers

The -41.3% change in PAYC stock from 7/31/2023 to 8/12/2026 was primarily driven by a -70.6% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)73120238122026Change
Stock Price ($)359.96211.28-41.3%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)1,4732,14145.3%
Net Income Margin (%)21.0%22.8%8.7%
P/E Multiple67.519.9-70.6%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)584626.2%
Cumulative Contribution-41.3%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

7/31/2023 to 8/12/2026
ReturnCorrelation
PAYC-41.3% 
Market (SPY)74.7%26.6%
Sector (XLI)75.3%21.8%

Return vs. Risk

Price Returns Compared

 202120222023202420252026Total [1]
Returns
PAYC Return-8%-25%-33%-0%-22%34%-52%
Peers Return32%-15%17%25%-10%-5%40%
S&P 500 Return27%-19%24%23%16%13%106%

Monthly Win Rates [3]
PAYC Win Rate50%50%42%42%42%50% 
Peers Win Rate58%40%53%65%45%52% 
S&P 500 Win Rate75%42%67%75%67%50% 

Max Drawdowns [4]
PAYC Max Drawdown-32%-37%-59%-32%-40%-29% 
Peers Max Drawdown-17%-32%-22%-18%-32%-38% 
S&P 500 Max Drawdown-5%-25%-10%-8%-19%-9% 


[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] Peers: ADP, PAYX, PCTY, WDAY, ORCL. See PAYC Returns vs. Peers.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2026 data is for the year up to 8/12/2026 (YTD)

How Low Can It Go

EventPAYCS&P 500
2025 US Tariff Shock
  % Loss-10.5%-18.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven11.8%23.1%
  Time to Breakeven1 days79 days
2023 SVB Regional Banking Crisis
  % Loss-17.8%-6.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven21.7%7.1%
  Time to Breakeven28 days31 days
2020 COVID-19 Crash
  % Loss-49.1%-33.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven96.6%50.9%
  Time to Breakeven63 days140 days
Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare
  % Loss-24.4%-19.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven32.3%23.8%
  Time to Breakeven38 days105 days
2016-2017 Trump Reflation Bond Selloff
  % Loss-22.0%-3.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven28.2%3.9%
  Time to Breakeven91 days6 days
2015-2016 China Devaluation / Global Growth Scare
  % Loss-45.0%-12.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven81.8%13.9%
  Time to Breakeven105 days62 days

Compare to ADP, PAYX, PCTY, WDAY, ORCL

In The Past

Paycom Software's stock fell -10.5% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 11.8% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

EventPAYCS&P 500
2020 COVID-19 Crash
  % Loss-49.1%-33.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven96.6%50.9%
  Time to Breakeven63 days140 days
Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare
  % Loss-24.4%-19.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven32.3%23.8%
  Time to Breakeven38 days105 days
2016-2017 Trump Reflation Bond Selloff
  % Loss-22.0%-3.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven28.2%3.9%
  Time to Breakeven91 days6 days
2015-2016 China Devaluation / Global Growth Scare
  % Loss-45.0%-12.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven81.8%13.9%
  Time to Breakeven105 days62 days

Compare to ADP, PAYX, PCTY, WDAY, ORCL

In The Past

Paycom Software's stock fell -10.5% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 11.8% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

About Paycom Software (PAYC)

Paycom Software, Inc. (PAYC) is a technology company specializing in cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) solutions. Delivered as software-as-a-service (SaaS), Paycom's platform empowers businesses to manage the entire employment life cycle, from initial recruitment to an employee's eventual retirement. The company's core offering integrates various HR functionalities and data analytics into a single system, designed to streamline and optimize workforce management for its clients.

The company's comprehensive HCM solution features a broad suite of applications. These include talent acquisition tools for applicant tracking, background checks, and onboarding; time and labor management functionalities such as time and attendance tracking, scheduling, and geofencing; and essential payroll applications covering payroll and tax management, expense management, and garnishment management. Paycom also provides talent management modules for employee self-service, performance management, compensation budgeting, and learning, alongside solutions for benefits administration, compliance, and direct communication.

Paycom Software primarily serves small to mid-sized companies across the United States. By offering a unified, robust platform, Paycom aims to simplify complex HR processes, enhance efficiency, and provide valuable insights through data analytics for its client base. This integrated approach helps businesses better manage their human capital, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all HR, payroll, and talent management operations.

AI Analysis | Feedback

  • Salesforce for human resources and payroll.
  • A cloud-native ADP for HR and payroll.
  • Workday for small to mid-sized businesses.

AI Analysis | Feedback

  • Cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) Solution: An overarching software-as-a-service platform that manages the entire employee life cycle from recruitment to retirement.
  • Talent Acquisition Suite: Applications covering the hiring process, including applicant tracking, background checks, onboarding, and tax credit services.
  • Time and Labor Management Suite: Tools for tracking employee time and attendance, scheduling, labor allocation, and utilizing location-based technologies like geofencing.
  • Payroll Applications Suite: Comprehensive services for managing payroll, tax compliance, expense reporting, mileage tracking, and garnishments.
  • Talent Management Suite: Features designed for employee self-service, performance management, compensation budgeting, and learning and development programs.
  • Benefits Administration: Services for managing and integrating employee benefits, including COBRA administration and direct carrier communication.
  • Compliance and Regulatory Management: Tools to assist with government compliance, Affordable Care Act reporting, and workforce data management like vaccination tracking (Clue).
  • Manager and Employee Self-Service Applications: Mobile-friendly tools such as "Manager on-the-go" and "Ask Here" that enable employees and supervisors to perform various HR tasks directly.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Paycom Software (PAYC) primarily provides its cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) solutions as software-as-a-service to other companies.

Paycom's customer base consists of a broad and diverse range of small to mid-sized companies across various industries within the United States. Unlike companies that may rely on a few large enterprise clients, Paycom's business model is characterized by serving a large number of these smaller and medium-sized organizations.

Publicly available information, including the company's financial filings, indicates that no single customer accounts for a significant portion of Paycom's total revenues. Therefore, there are no specific "major customers" (named companies) that can be identified and listed with their symbols, as Paycom's revenue is distributed across a wide array of client businesses rather than concentrated among a few large entities.

AI Analysis | Feedback

null

AI Analysis | Feedback

Paycom Software, Inc. (PAYC) Management Team:

Chad Richison, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

Chad Richison founded Paycom in 1998 and has served as its Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chairman since its inception. Prior to founding Paycom, he began his career in sales with ADP, a global payroll provider, before moving to work for a smaller, regional payroll provider. Under his leadership, Paycom became one of the first companies to process payroll entirely online and went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014.

Bob Foster, Chief Financial Officer

Bob Foster has served as Paycom's Chief Financial Officer since February 2025. Before joining Paycom in 2022, Mr. Foster served eight years as CEO and chairman of a payroll company, significantly growing its revenue and expanding its offices. He also spent 31 years at Ernst & Young, where he served as a senior partner managing several of the firm's largest accounts at the time.

Randy Peck, Chief Operating Officer

Randy Peck was appointed Paycom's Chief Operating Officer in May 2024. He joined Paycom in 2002 and has held various positions across operations, client service, product management, and sales, including Director of Software Strategy, Director of Operations, and Director of Client Service. Mr. Peck has more than 34 years of management experience in the payroll and human capital management (HCM) space.

Jeff York, Chief Sales Officer

Jeff York returned to Paycom as Chief Sales Officer, effective January 23, 2026. He previously served as CSO at Paycom from 2007 to 2021 and has since been serving as Paycom's Leadership Strategist. York is a proven sales strategist with a deep understanding of Paycom's model and culture.

Matt Paque, Chief Legal Officer

Matt Paque was promoted to Chief Legal Officer in June 2024, and will continue to oversee all legal affairs of the company. Paque, who joined Paycom in 2017, brings over 20 years of legal experience. Before his tenure at Paycom, he worked in private practice and was assistant general counsel at a global publicly traded manufacturing company.

AI Analysis | Feedback

```html

Key Risks to Paycom Software (PAYC)

  • Cannibalization of Revenue by Beti: Paycom's internally developed, employee-driven payroll solution, Beti, designed to automate payroll processes, has inadvertently led to a "creative destruction" of the company's traditional service-related revenue streams. While innovative, Beti's effectiveness in reducing the need for additional payroll runs and cross-selling opportunities has contributed to stagnant revenue growth and a strategic pivot for the company.
  • Intense Competition and Market Saturation: Paycom operates within a highly competitive human capital management (HCM) software market, facing significant challenges from established vendors such as Automatic Data Processing (ADP) and Paychex, as well as direct rivals like Paylocity. The U.S. mid-market for HCM solutions is highly penetrated, requiring Paycom to aggressively compete for market share rather than relying on expanding into new territories. The pervasive integration of artificial intelligence across HR software further intensifies this competitive landscape, pressuring all providers, including Paycom, to continuously innovate and differentiate their offerings.
  • Cybersecurity Risks and Data Breaches: As a cloud-based provider of comprehensive HCM solutions, Paycom collects, processes, and stores a large volume of sensitive personal and financial data belonging to its clients and their employees. Consequently, the company is exposed to substantial cybersecurity risks. Any data breach, system defect, or service outage could lead to significant financial penalties, legal liabilities, regulatory scrutiny, severe damage to its reputation, and a loss of existing and potential clients. Paycom has acknowledged extensive risk factors related to cybersecurity in its filings and has experienced data breaches in the past, underscoring the ongoing nature of this threat.
```

AI Analysis | Feedback

null

AI Analysis | Feedback

Here is an overview of the addressable markets for Paycom Software's main products and services:

Paycom Software, Inc. (PAYC) primarily serves small to mid-sized companies in the United States with its cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solution. The addressable markets for its main product categories are substantial within the U.S. region.

  • Overall Human Capital Management (HCM) Software Market (U.S.): Paycom's management estimated its total addressable market to be approximately $24 billion, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 9-10% as of January 2023. More broadly, the U.S. human capital management market size was valued at $10.14 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach around $24.73 billion by 2034. Another report indicates that nearly 2 million companies in the United States collectively spend $13.3 billion on HCM software. The U.S. Human Capital Management (HCM) Software market is projected at $5.62 billion in 2025. Globally, the human capital management software market was valued at $31.49 billion in 2024, projected to grow to $34.37 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach approximately $75.45 billion by 2034.
  • HR & Payroll Software Market (U.S.): The U.S. HR & Payroll Software market was valued at $16.0 billion in 2024 and is estimated to remain at $16.0 billion in 2025. Another estimate places the U.S. HR and payroll software market at $20.6 billion in 2024. The U.S. HR & payroll software market was valued at $20.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $29.2 billion by 2032. Payroll management alone captured 43.78% of HCM software revenue in 2025.
  • Talent Acquisition Software Market (U.S.): The U.S. Talent Acquisition Software Market was valued at $6.89 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $13.55 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.82% from 2026-2033. The U.S. recruitment software market reached $592.0 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach $1,358.0 million by 2033.
  • Talent Management Software Market (North America/Global): The global talent management software market was valued at $10.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $30.8 billion by 2032. North America held the largest share of the talent management software market, accounting for 34.4% of revenue in 2023. The U.S. talent management software market is specifically projected to reach $3.43 billion by 2026.
  • Time & Attendance Software Market (North America/Global): The global time and attendance software market was valued at $3.06 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $5.58 billion by 2033. Another source indicates the global market will grow from $3.92 billion in 2025 to $8.43 billion by 2031. North America holds a leading position in this market, with a market share of over 37.8% in 2024. The time and attendance software market size is estimated at $4.31 billion in 2026, projected to grow to $6.37 billion by 2031.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Paycom Software (NYSE: PAYC) is expected to drive future revenue growth over the next two to three years through several key initiatives:

  1. Client Acquisition and Market Share Expansion: Paycom continues to see significant opportunities in its addressable market. The company noted that it has captured less than 5% of its total addressable market, indicating substantial room for new client additions. Paycom reported a 4% growth in client count in 2025, reaching approximately 39,200 clients. This expansion into a large untapped market is a core driver for increasing revenue.
  2. Increased Adoption and Expansion of AI and Automation Solutions: Paycom is heavily investing in and promoting its proprietary automation and AI tools. Key products like Beti (Better Employee Transaction Interface), IWant, and GONE are central to its strategy. Beti automates payroll processing, reducing errors and enhancing client satisfaction. The AI-powered IWant tool, fully rolled out in 2025, aims to improve user experience, drive productivity, and reduce switching costs for new clients by responding to millions of queries and demonstrating a high return on investment (ROI). These innovative solutions are designed to differentiate Paycom and attract new business.
  3. Improved Client Retention Rate: Paycom's annual revenue retention rate improved to 91% in 2025, up from 90% in 2024. Management emphasized that client retention is a "definite focus," attributing the improvement to the value clients realize through its full-solution automation and world-class service. A higher retention rate ensures a more predictable and growing stream of recurring revenue.
  4. Upmarket Expansion: While Paycom primarily serves small to mid-sized companies, it has demonstrated success in moving "upmarket," with revenue from clients employing over 1,000 individuals growing faster than its overall revenue. This indicates a strategic opportunity to penetrate larger enterprises, expanding its customer base within a higher-value segment.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Share Repurchases

  • Paycom Software authorized an additional $200 million for share repurchases on March 5, 2026.
  • Since July 2024, the company has completed approximately $1.45 billion in aggregate share repurchases.
  • The current share repurchase plan is set to expire on August 15, 2026.

Share Issuance

  • Paycom's shares outstanding have shown a general decline over the last three to five years, from approximately 0.058 billion (58 million) in 2023 to 0.055 billion (55 million) by December 31, 2025.
  • This trend reflects a net reduction in shares, primarily due to share repurchases.

Capital Expenditures

  • Capital expenditures were $34.0 million in 2021, $40.7 million in 2022, and $56.9 million in 2023.
  • For fiscal year 2024, Paycom Software reported capital expenditures of $192.9 million.

Better Bets vs. Paycom Software (PAYC)

Peer Outperformance in Human Resource & Employment Services

PAYC has trailed 80% of its 20 Human Resource & Employment Services peers over 5Y. Among the peers that beat it is PAYX. Human Resource & Employment Services ranks 21st of 23 industries in Industrials by median 5Y return. The sector’s gains have largely come from elsewhere.
Share of Human Resource & Employment Services constituents that PAYC has outperformed, by holding period. Peers without a full price history over a given window are excluded from that window.
1Y
38%
of 21 industry peers · -0.9% return
3Y
52%
of 21 industry peers · -25.9% return
5Y
20%
of 20 industry peers · -53.3% return
Human Resource & Employment Services peers with revenue growth within 4pp of PAYC's that beat it on at least 2 of 3 windows, and by at least 20pp over 5Y. Growth is matched by construction, so the gap is largely a re-rating gap. The multiple column is the context for it.
Ticker Name Rev Growth 3Y Avg P/E 1Y3Y5Y 5Y Gap
PAYC Paycom Software 11.2% 19.9x -0.9%-25.9%-53.3%
PAYX Paychex 9.3% 24.4x -6.9%6.2%20.0% +73pp
Price returns, excluding dividends. P/E shown for context only and not used for matching.
Median price return by industry across the Industrials sector, ranked by 5Y. Human Resource & Employment Services is PAYC's own industry. Use this to see which corners of the sector have carried the returns.
Industry Names 1Y med3Y med5Y med Top 3 by 5Y
Construction & Engineering 31 33.5%137.8%201.6% CDNL 2667% · STRL 2272% · FIX 2224%
Marine Transportation 9 62.0%74.0%135.3% ASC 532% · MATX 213% · SB 166%
Construction Machinery & Heavy Transportation Equipment 13 14.9%56.6%108.9% CAT 327% · ALSN 244% · WAB 242%
Aerospace & Defense 55 14.5%84.3%92.1% DFNS 4877% · ATI 1083% · FTAI 1048%
Passenger Ground Transportation 3 -12.7%45.7%59.7% UBER 78% · CAR 60% · LYFT -69%
Industrial Machinery & Supplies & Components 71 15.1%58.6%59.1% CRS 1424% · PSIX 1005% · GHM 826%
Cargo Ground Transportation 16 46.9%15.3%52.2% PAMT 679% · XPO 282% · R 275%
Trading Companies & Distributors 18 11.8%38.8%43.0% DXPE 563% · AIT 306% · URI 232%
Rail Transportation 7 37.3%65.5%42.2% FSTR 111% · CSX 58% · UNP 44%
Diversified Support Services 33 13.2%34.5%40.8% LIME 4279% · TH 373% · WLFC 373%
Electrical Components & Equipment 40 34.7%49.9%37.9% POWL 2415% · BE 1017% · VRT 967%
Building Products 34 1.2%16.9%29.4% GFF 462% · LMB 422% · PPIH 285%
Office Services & Supplies 10 21.8%25.0%3.8% TILE 190% · PBI 158% · EBF 55%
Research & Consulting Services 13 -7.7%-20.2%-3.1% HURN 216% · CRAI 98% · GRNQ 21%
Environmental & Facilities Services 28 -10.2%13.1%-5.4% CECO 1023% · ADUR 627% · NVRI 295%
Industrial Conglomerates 18 18.7%20.3%-5.9% RCMT 566% · TTI 177% · CSW 173%
Passenger Airlines 11 22.7%-0.9%-17.8% LTM 2232% · UAL 169% · SKYW 156%
Agricultural & Farm Machinery 17 -5.6%-17.1%-25.1% BLBD 182% · DE 72% · GENC 52%
Data Processing & Outsourced Services 6 -33.7%-16.3%-29.5% EXLS 43% · BR 6% · MMS -29%
Air Freight & Logistics 12 -17.3%-13.2%-35.6% CHRW 80% · FDX 62% · EXPD 58%
Human Resource & Employment Services ← 21 7.1%-26.3%-37.1% BBSI 69% · ADP 40% · KFY 35%
Security & Alarm Services 10 -23.7%-25.2%-40.5% CIX 108% · MG 80% · NL 57%
Airport Services 3 -68.8%-62.6%-58.0% JOBY -16% · ASLE -58% · UP -100%
Median of constituents with a full price history over each window. Top names are unfiltered by size in this render.

Latest Trefis Analyses

Recent Active Movers

Peer Comparisons

Peers to compare with:

Financials

PAYCADPPAYXPCTYWDAYORCLMedian
NamePaycom S.Automati.Paychex PaylocityWorkday Oracle  
Mkt Price211.28269.33120.37145.67175.29153.28164.28
Mkt Cap9.7107.443.07.844.5440.743.8
Rev LTM2,14121,9486,5121,7719,85467,3588,183
Op Inc LTM6485,7792,5103861,15622,4421,833
FCF LTM5714,7762,3224282,972-23,6861,446
FCF 3Y Avg4114,2541,9223592,427-4,0911,167
CFO LTM8025,4412,5575333,17831,9772,867
CFO 3Y Avg6244,8462,1184452,65623,8242,387

Growth & Margins

PAYCADPPAYXPCTYWDAYORCLMedian
NamePaycom S.Automati.Paychex PaylocityWorkday Oracle  
Rev Chg LTM9.2%6.7%16.9%11.0%13.3%17.4%12.2%
Rev Chg 3Y Avg11.2%6.8%9.3%14.7%15.1%10.6%10.9%
Rev Chg Q9.8%6.8%12.5%11.0%13.5%20.6%11.7%
QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM2.3%1.6%2.8%2.5%3.2%5.1%2.7%
Op Inc Chg LTM17.7%6.8%13.7%27.0%82.9%24.3%21.0%
Op Inc Chg 3Y Avg16.2%8.6%7.4%37.2%175.2%17.8%17.0%
Op Mgn LTM30.3%26.3%38.6%21.8%11.7%33.3%28.3%
Op Mgn 3Y Avg30.4%26.1%39.8%19.8%7.5%31.7%28.3%
QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM2.0%-0.2%1.7%0.5%1.0%1.0%1.0%
CFO/Rev LTM37.4%24.8%39.3%30.1%32.3%47.5%34.8%
CFO/Rev 3Y Avg31.6%23.5%36.4%27.9%30.4%39.7%31.0%
FCF/Rev LTM26.7%21.8%35.7%24.2%30.2%-35.2%25.4%
FCF/Rev 3Y Avg20.7%20.6%33.1%22.5%27.7%-4.5%21.6%

Valuation

PAYCADPPAYXPCTYWDAYORCLMedian
NamePaycom S.Automati.Paychex PaylocityWorkday Oracle  
Mkt Cap9.7107.443.07.844.5440.743.8
P/S4.54.96.64.44.56.54.7
P/Op Inc14.918.617.120.238.519.619.1
P/EBIT13.817.316.720.232.418.217.8
P/E19.924.324.428.952.525.825.1
P/CFO12.119.716.814.614.013.814.3
Total Yield5.8%6.6%7.8%3.5%1.9%5.2%5.5%
Dividend Yield0.8%2.4%3.7%0.0%0.0%1.3%1.1%
FCF Yield 3Y Avg5.5%4.2%4.6%5.1%5.5%-0.9%4.9%
D/E0.10.00.10.00.10.40.1
Net D/E0.10.00.1-0.0-0.00.30.0

Returns

PAYCADPPAYXPCTYWDAYORCLMedian
NamePaycom S.Automati.Paychex PaylocityWorkday Oracle  
1M Rtn44.2%7.3%9.8%17.0%21.0%16.5%16.8%
3M Rtn57.0%30.1%35.3%39.8%50.5%-18.9%37.5%
6M Rtn79.0%25.8%29.9%35.3%21.3%-1.8%27.8%
12M Rtn-0.9%-7.6%-6.9%-14.7%-18.3%-38.9%-11.1%
3Y Rtn-25.9%14.3%6.2%-27.8%-22.6%40.4%-8.2%
1M Excs Rtn44.3%6.6%8.3%15.6%22.7%17.1%16.3%
3M Excs Rtn49.3%22.2%26.8%31.0%43.1%-22.4%28.9%
6M Excs Rtn58.4%9.7%12.8%16.4%2.8%-15.1%11.2%
12M Excs Rtn-25.1%-30.4%-30.9%-37.0%-39.5%-60.2%-33.9%
3Y Excs Rtn-97.6%-56.3%-64.1%-101.6%-96.4%-34.7%-80.3%

Financials

Segment Financials

Revenue by Segment
$ Mil20252024202320222021
Single Segment2,0521,8831,6941,3751,056
Total2,0521,8831,6941,3751,056


Operating Income by Segment
$ Mil202520242023
Single Segment567634451
Total567634451


Net Income by Segment
$ Mil202520242023
Single Segment453502341
Total453502341


Price Behavior

Price Behavior
Market Price$211.28 
Market Cap ($ Bil)10.8 
First Trading Date04/15/2014 
Distance from 52W High-8.8% 
   50 Days200 Days
DMA Price$148.90$144.38
DMA Trenddownup
Distance from DMA41.9%46.3%
 3M1YR
Volatility65.4%47.1%
Downside Capture-197.5115.16
Upside Capture37.4910.68
Correlation (SPY)-9.7%2.8%
PAYC Betas & Captures as of 7/31/2026

 1M2M3M6M1Y3Y
Beta-1.55-0.52-0.81-0.300.110.82
Up Beta-5.37-2.55-2.89-1.66-0.520.90
Down Beta-0.490.410.540.130.340.89
Up Capture130%26%1%25%0%19%
Bmk +ve Days11223567138427
Stock +ve Days14243467123390
Down Capture-322%-85%-171%-20%60%98%
Bmk -ve Days11212859114326
Stock -ve Days8192959129363

[1] Upside and downside betas calculated using positive and negative benchmark daily returns respectively
Based On 1-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with PAYC
PAYC-3.5%47.1%0.06-
Sector ETF (XLI)25.0%17.0%1.14-14.9%
Equity (SPY)22.6%12.8%1.322.7%
Gold (GLD)31.4%28.4%0.95-14.5%
Commodities (DBC)37.9%20.1%1.48-2.6%
Real Estate (VNQ)14.3%13.8%0.7312.5%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)-46.5%42.9%-1.334.1%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 5-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with PAYC
PAYC-13.3%46.0%-0.15-
Sector ETF (XLI)14.3%17.6%0.6436.9%
Equity (SPY)13.4%17.2%0.6046.0%
Gold (GLD)19.0%18.6%0.83-1.2%
Commodities (DBC)9.8%19.6%0.398.3%
Real Estate (VNQ)2.2%18.9%0.0138.4%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)9.9%52.8%0.3722.3%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 10-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with PAYC
PAYC16.4%45.3%0.50-
Sector ETF (XLI)14.4%20.0%0.6345.2%
Equity (SPY)15.4%17.9%0.7354.8%
Gold (GLD)12.0%16.2%0.610.2%
Commodities (DBC)8.0%18.0%0.3614.9%
Real Estate (VNQ)4.7%20.7%0.1946.2%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)60.9%66.1%1.0115.4%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How

Short Interest

Short Interest: As Of Date7312026
Short Interest: Shares Quantity3.3 Mil
Short Interest: % Change Since 7152026-9.1%
Average Daily Volume0.8 Mil
Days-to-Cover Short Interest4.1 days
Basic Shares Quantity45.8 Mil
Short % of Basic Shares7.1%

Earnings Returns History

Updated 8/13/2026
Expand for More
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
8/5/202623.6%20.9% 
5/6/20269.6%6.8%9.2%
2/11/20260.9%1.7%6.2%
11/5/2025-10.7%-8.7%-10.5%
8/6/20254.5%-0.8%0.5%
5/7/20259.0%12.5%16.4%
2/12/20252.4%3.5%0.6%
10/30/202421.4%34.2%34.9%
...
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive14912
# Negative111612
Median Positive7.4%10.0%6.6%
Median Negative-7.4%-7.2%-10.2%
Max Positive23.6%34.2%34.9%
Max Negative-38.5%-31.5%-25.7%
Collapse to Preview
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
8/5/202623.6%20.9% 
5/6/20269.6%6.8%9.2%
2/11/20260.9%1.7%6.2%
11/5/2025-10.7%-8.7%-10.5%
8/6/20254.5%-0.8%0.5%
5/7/20259.0%12.5%16.4%
2/12/20252.4%3.5%0.6%
10/30/202421.4%34.2%34.9%
7/31/20240.4%-8.4%-1.7%
5/1/2024-10.5%-7.5%-21.8%
2/7/2024-1.6%-4.9%-8.8%
10/31/2023-38.5%-31.5%-25.7%
8/1/2023-19.2%-21.4%-20.7%
5/2/20231.7%-6.9%-2.5%
2/7/2023-6.8%-5.8%-17.1%
11/1/2022-7.7%-11.0%1.0%
8/2/20224.3%10.0%3.9%
5/3/202213.8%-1.6%5.1%
2/8/20228.9%3.9%-7.6%
11/2/2021-7.4%-8.3%-20.6%
8/3/202110.7%14.6%23.0%
5/4/2021-3.7%-9.3%-9.8%
2/10/2021-4.3%-5.7%-9.7%
11/4/2020-6.1%-4.0%10.0%
8/4/20205.8%-0.0%6.9%
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive14912
# Negative111612
Median Positive7.4%10.0%6.6%
Median Negative-7.4%-7.2%-10.2%
Max Positive23.6%34.2%34.9%
Max Negative-38.5%-31.5%-25.7%

SEC Filings

Expand for More
Report DateFiling DateFiling
06/30/202608/06/202610-Q
03/31/202605/07/202610-Q
12/31/202502/19/202610-K
09/30/202511/06/202510-Q
06/30/202508/07/202510-Q
03/31/202505/08/202510-Q
12/31/202402/20/202510-K
09/30/202410/31/202410-Q
06/30/202408/01/202410-Q
03/31/202405/02/202410-Q
12/31/202302/15/202410-K
09/30/202311/02/202310-Q
06/30/202308/03/202310-Q
03/31/202305/04/202310-Q
12/31/202202/16/202310-K
09/30/202211/03/202210-Q
Collapse to Preview
Report DateFiling DateFiling
06/30/202608/06/202610-Q
03/31/202605/07/202610-Q
12/31/202502/19/202610-K
09/30/202511/06/202510-Q
06/30/202508/07/202510-Q
03/31/202505/08/202510-Q
12/31/202402/20/202510-K
09/30/202410/31/202410-Q
06/30/202408/01/202410-Q
03/31/202405/02/202410-Q
12/31/202302/15/202410-K
09/30/202311/02/202310-Q
06/30/202308/03/202310-Q
03/31/202305/04/202310-Q
12/31/202202/16/202310-K
09/30/202211/03/202210-Q
06/30/202208/04/202210-Q
03/31/202205/05/202210-Q
12/31/202102/17/202210-K
09/30/202111/04/202110-Q
06/30/202108/05/202110-Q
03/31/202105/06/202110-Q
12/31/202002/18/202110-K
09/30/202011/05/202010-Q
06/30/202008/06/202010-Q
03/31/202004/30/202010-Q
12/31/201902/13/202010-K
09/30/201910/31/201910-Q

Recent Forward Guidance

Updated 8/6/2026

Latest: Q2 2026 Earnings Reported 8/5/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
2026 Total Revenue2.20 Bil2.20 Bil2.21 Bil0.9% RaisedGuidance: 2.19 Bil for 2026
2026 Revenue Growth7.0%7.5%8.0%15.4%1.0%RaisedGuidance: 6.5% for 2026
2026 Recurring and other revenue growth8.0%8.5%9.0%13.3%1.0%RaisedGuidance: 7.5% for 2026
2026 Interest on funds held for clients 105.00 Mil 1.9% RaisedGuidance: 103.00 Mil for 2026
2026 Adjusted EBITDA1.01 Bil1.01 Bil1.02 Bil5.7% RaisedGuidance: 960.00 Mil for 2026

Prior: Q1 2026 Earnings Reported 5/6/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
2026 Total Revenue2.17 Bil2.19 Bil2.19 Bil0 AffirmedGuidance: 2.19 Bil for 2026
2026 Revenue Growth6.0%6.5%7.0% 0AffirmedGuidance: 6.5% for 2026
2026 Recurring and other revenue growth7.0%7.5%8.0% 0AffirmedGuidance: 7.5% for 2026
2026 Interest on funds held for clients 103.00 Mil 0 AffirmedGuidance: 103.00 Mil for 2026
2026 Adjusted EBITDA950.00 Mil960.00 Mil970.00 Mil0 AffirmedGuidance: 960.00 Mil for 2026

Q4 2025 Earnings Reported 2/11/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
2026 Total Revenue2.17 Bil2.19 Bil2.19 Bil6.6% Higher NewActual: 2.05 Bil for 2025
2026 Revenue Growth6.0%6.5%7.0%   
2026 Recurring and other revenue growth7.0%7.5%8.0% -2.5%Lower NewActual: 10.0% for 2025
2026 Interest on funds held for clients 103.00 Mil -8.8% Lower NewActual: 113.00 Mil for 2025
2026 Adjusted EBITDA950.00 Mil960.00 Mil970.00 Mil9.5% Higher NewActual: 877.00 Mil for 2025

Q3 2025 Earnings Reported 11/5/2025

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
2025 Total Revenue2.04 Bil2.05 Bil2.06 Bil0 AffirmedGuidance: 2.05 Bil for 2025
2025 Recurring and other revenue growth 10.0%  0AffirmedGuidance: 10.0% for 2025
2025 Interest on funds held for clients 113.00 Mil 0 AffirmedGuidance: 113.00 Mil for 2025
2025 Adjusted EBITDA872.00 Mil877.00 Mil882.00 Mil0 AffirmedGuidance: 877.00 Mil for 2025

Insider Activity

Updated 8/12/2026
Expand for More
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Peck, RandallChief Operating OfficerDirectSell5182026140.502,500351,2507,777,378Form
2Foster, Robert DChief Financial OfficerDirectSell12112025162.661,300211,4582,398,747Form
3Peck, RandallChief Operating OfficerDirectSell12052025165.852,192363,5417,828,402Form
4Smith, Bradley ScottChief Information OfficerBradley Scott Smith Revocable Trust, dated October 30, 2017Sell9162025223.271,500334,9005,477,395Form
Collapse to Preview
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Peck, RandallChief Operating OfficerDirectSell5182026140.502,500351,2507,777,378Form
2Foster, Robert DChief Financial OfficerDirectSell12112025162.661,300211,4582,398,747Form
3Peck, RandallChief Operating OfficerDirectSell12052025165.852,192363,5417,828,402Form
4Smith, Bradley ScottChief Information OfficerBradley Scott Smith Revocable Trust, dated October 30, 2017Sell9162025223.271,500334,9005,477,395Form

Investor Activity (13F)

Updated Aug 13, 2026
13F holdings as of Mar 31, 2026 (Q1 2026)

Active managers (13F portfolio over $250M, at least 3 holdings) with a position over $5M that is either over 10% of their portfolio or held in a concentrated book of 50 or fewer total positions. Index/ETF, sovereign, bank, community-bank and charitable/donor-advised filers are excluded.

Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Sylebra Capital LLC$83.7 Mil10.8%11TRIM -29.5%13F
Fundsmith LLP$26.7 Mil0.2%34TRIM -58.1%13F
Active Manager
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Fundsmith LLP$26.7 Mil0.2%34TRIM -58.1%13F
Sylebra Capital LLC$83.7 Mil10.8%11TRIM -29.5%13F
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Sylebra Capital LLC$83.7 Mil10.8%11TRIM -29.5%13F
Fundsmith LLP$26.7 Mil0.2%34TRIM -58.1%13F
Core Cache Last Updated: 8/12/2026