UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

PAYCHEX, INC.

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

IRS Employer Identification Number: 16-1124166

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o

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

 

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

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

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

Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value		361,849,681 Shares
CLASS		OUTSTANDING AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 2011

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

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

		For the three months ended								For the nine months ended
		February 28,								February 28,
		2011				2010				2011				2010
Revenue:
Total service revenue		$	519.6			$	493.8			$	1,525.8			$	1,463.3
Interest on funds held for clients			11.7				14.0				35.8				41.3
Total revenue			531.3				507.8				1,561.6				1,504.6
Expenses:
Operating expenses			166.6				164.5				485.8				490.5
Selling, general and administrative expenses			165.8				175.1				472.2				462.9
Total expenses			332.4				339.6				958.0				953.4
Operating income			198.9				168.2				603.6				551.2
Investment income, net			1.5				1.2				4.4				3.2
Income before income taxes			200.4				169.4				608.0				554.4
Income taxes			69.8				57.4				211.6				192.9
Net income		$	130.6			$	112.0			$	396.4			$	361.5
Basic earnings per share		$	0.36			$	0.31			$	1.10			$	1.00
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.36			$	0.31			$	1.09			$	1.00
Weighted-average common shares outstanding			361.8				361.4				361.7				361.3
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution			362.6				361.9				362.2				361.6
Cash dividends per common share		$	0.31			$	0.31			$	0.93			$	0.93

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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

		February 28,				May 31,
		2011				2010
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents		$	236.0			$	284.3
Corporate investments			233.7				82.5
Interest receivable			21.8				28.7
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts			141.6				186.6
Deferred income taxes			12.2				3.8
Prepaid income taxes			—				6.7
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			29.0				25.5
Current assets before funds held for clients			674.3				618.1
Funds held for clients			4,190.5				3,541.0
Total current assets			4,864.8				4,159.1
Long-term corporate investments			182.6				290.1
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation			303.7				267.6
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization			74.5				63.3
Goodwill			508.6				421.6
Deferred income taxes			25.0				21.1
Other long-term assets			3.6				3.5
Total assets		$	5,962.8			$	5,226.3
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable		$	35.7			$	37.3
Accrued compensation and related items			149.1				163.2
Deferred revenue			3.4				3.5
Accrued income taxes			2.1				—
Deferred income taxes			12.2				17.0
Other current liabilities			39.7				41.2
Current liabilities before client fund obligations			242.2				262.2
Client fund obligations			4,148.3				3,480.0
Total current liabilities			4,390.5				3,742.2
Accrued income taxes			33.2				27.4
Deferred income taxes			19.7				7.8
Other long-term liabilities			51.2				46.9
Total liabilities			4,494.6				3,824.3
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES — NOTE I
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized: 600.0 shares; Issued and outstanding: 361.8 shares as of February 28, 2011 and 361.5 shares as of May 31, 2010, respectively.			3.6				3.6
Additional paid-in capital			522.3				499.7
Retained earnings			913.0				856.3
Accumulated other comprehensive income			29.3				42.4
Total stockholders’ equity			1,468.2				1,402.0
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	5,962.8			$	5,226.3

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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

		For the nine months ended
		February 28,
		2011				2010
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income		$	396.4			$	361.5
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment and intangible assets			64.3				64.9
Amortization of premiums and discounts on available-for-sale securities			28.9				25.8
Stock-based compensation costs			18.8				19.1
Provision for/(benefit from) deferred income taxes			7.4				(24.8	)
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts			0.9				1.8
Provision for litigation reserve			—				18.7
Net realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities			(0.4	)			(2.3	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Interest receivable			6.9				5.1
Accounts receivable			43.0				18.0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			3.7				4.6
Accounts payable and other current liabilities			(21.4	)			11.4
Net change in other assets and liabilities			4.4				(0.8	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			552.9				503.0
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of available-for-sale securities			(4,761.4	)			(1,267.7	)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities			4,284.7				416.3
Net change in funds held for clients’ money market securities and other cash equivalents			(195.2	)			(59.8	)
Purchases of property and equipment			(79.0	)			(41.4	)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired			(115.3	)			—
Proceeds from sale of business			—				13.1
Purchases of other assets			(3.1	)			(11.3	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(869.3	)			(950.8	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net change in client fund obligations			599.5				583.7
Dividends paid			(336.4	)			(336.4	)
Proceeds from exercise and excess tax benefit related to stock-based awards			5.0				7.0
Net cash provided by financing activities			268.1				254.3
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents			(48.3	)			(193.5	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			284.3				472.8
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	236.0			$	279.3

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

PAYCHEX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
February 28, 2011

Note A: Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

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

Paychex, a Delaware corporation formed in 1979, reports as one segment. Substantially all of the Company’s revenue is generated within the U.S. The Company also generates revenue within Germany, which was less than one percent of its total revenue for the nine months ended February 28, 2011 and 2010. Long-lived assets in Germany are insignificant in relation to total long-lived assets of the Company as of February 28, 2011 and May 31, 2010.

Basis of presentation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statement presentation. The consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of the Company with all significant intercompany transactions eliminated. In the opinion of management, the information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting of items of a normal recurring nature), which are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim period. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended May 31, 2010 (“fiscal 2010”). Operating results and cash flows for the nine months ended February 28, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for other interim periods or the full fiscal year ending May 31, 2011 (“fiscal 2011”). The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date of issuance of these financial statements.

PEO revenue recognition: Professional Employer Organization (“PEO”) revenue is included in service revenue and is reported net of direct costs billed and incurred which include wages, taxes, benefit premiums, and claims of PEO worksite employees. Direct costs billed and incurred were $1.1 billion and $841.6 million for the three months ended February 28, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $3.0 billion and $2.3 billion for the nine months ended February 28, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

PEO workers’ compensation insurance: Workers’ compensation insurance for PEO worksite employees is provided under a deductible workers’ compensation policy with a national insurance company. Reserves are established to provide for the estimated costs of paying claims underwritten by the Company. The Company’s maximum individual claims liability is $1.0 million under both its fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 policies. As of February 28, 2011 and May 31, 2010, the Company had current liabilities of $7.7 million and $5.8 million, respectively, and long-term liabilities of $19.7 million and $20.1 million, respectively, on its Consolidated Balance Sheets for PEO workers’ compensation costs.

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

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

Stock-based compensation costs: The Company has issued stock-based awards to employees and directors consisting of stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and performance shares. The Company accounts for all stock-based awards to employees and directors as compensation costs in the consolidated financial statements based on the fair value measured as of the date of grant. These costs are recognized as an expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income over the requisite service period and increase additional paid-in capital. Stock-based compensation costs recognized were $5.3 million and $18.8 million for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2011, as compared with $5.8 million and $19.1 million for the respective prior year periods. As of February 28, 2011, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested stock-based awards was $42.5 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years.

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

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

		For the nine months ended
		February 28,
		2011				2010
Risk-free interest rate			2.2	%			3.0	%
Dividend yield			4.2	%			4.5	%
Volatility factor			.25				.28
Expected option life in years			6.5				6.3

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

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

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

Income taxes: The Company maintains a reserve for uncertain tax positions. The reserve for uncertain tax positions increased $5.1 million during the three months ended February 28, 2011 due to uncertainty related to the timing of an allowable deduction. Accordingly, the position, if recognized, would not impact the effective income tax rate.

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements: Effective June 1, 2010, the Company adopted the following Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) authoritative guidance, neither of which had a material impact on its consolidated financial statements:

•

Guidance amending the accounting and reporting standards for transfers and servicing of financial assets, including the removal of the concept of a qualifying special purpose entity; and

•

Guidance to require a qualitative analysis rather than a quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation to determine the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) for consolidation purposes. This qualitative approach focuses on identifying which entity has the power to direct the activities of a VIE with the most significant impact on the VIE’s economic performance.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements: In December 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance on when and how to perform certain steps of the periodic goodwill impairment test for public entities that may have reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010, with early adoption prohibited. It is applicable to the Company’s fiscal year beginning June 1, 2011. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance, but does not expect its adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2010, the FASB also issued guidance to clarify the reporting of pro forma financial information related to business combinations of public entities and expand certain supplemental pro forma disclosures. This guidance is effective prospectively for business combinations that occur on or after the beginning of the fiscal year beginning on or after December 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted. It is applicable to the Company’s fiscal year beginning June 1, 2011. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance, but does not expect its adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

Other recent authoritative guidance issued by the FASB (including technical corrections to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Securities and Exchange Commission did not, or are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note B: Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows:

		For the three months ended								For the nine months ended
		February 28,								February 28,
In millions, except per share amounts		2011				2010				2011				2010
Basic earnings per share:
Net income		$	130.6			$	112.0			$	396.4			$	361.5
Weighted-average common shares outstanding			361.8				361.4				361.7				361.3
Basic earnings per share		$	0.36			$	0.31			$	1.10			$	1.00
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income		$	130.6			$	112.0			$	396.4			$	361.5
Weighted-average common shares outstanding			361.8				361.4				361.7				361.3
Dilutive effect of common share equivalents at average market price			0.8				0.5				0.5				0.3
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution			362.6				361.9				362.2				361.6
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.36			$	0.31			$	1.09			$	1.00
Weighted-average anti-dilutive common share equivalents			9.4				12.5				12.3				13.5

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

For the three and nine months ended February 28, 2011, 0.2 million shares and 0.4 million shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock were issued related to exercises or vesting of stock-based awards. For the three and nine months ended February 28, 2010, minimal shares and 0.4 million shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock were issued related to exercises or vesting of stock-based awards.

Note C: Business Combination

Effective February 8, 2011, the Company acquired SurePayroll, Inc. (“SurePayroll”), a provider of software-as-a-service payroll processing for small businesses, for $115.3 million, net of cash acquired. Upon closing, SurePayroll became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The acquisition of SurePayroll allows the Company entry into a new area of the online market for small businesses, and resulted in approximately $87.0 million of goodwill, which is not tax-deductible. Due to the time period in which the acquisition closed, the allocation of purchase price is preliminary, and expected to be final by the end of the fiscal year. The financial results of SurePayroll are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. SurePayroll is not material to the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

Note D: Funds Held for Clients and Corporate Investments

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

		February 28, 2011
						Gross				Gross
		Amortized				unrealized				unrealized				Fair
In millions		cost				gains				losses				value
Type of issue:
Money market securities and other cash equivalents		$	2,018.4			$	—			$	—			$	2,018.4
Available-for-sale securities:
General obligation municipal bonds			977.5				25.2				(2.3	)			1,000.4
Pre-refunded municipal bonds(1)			493.5				14.6				—				508.1
Revenue municipal bonds			362.5				9.4				(0.5	)			371.4
Variable rate demand notes			699.9				—				—				699.9
Total available-for-sale securities			2,533.4				49.2				(2.8	)			2,579.8
Other			8.1				0.5				—				8.6
Total funds held for clients and corporate investments		$	4,559.9			$	49.7			$	(2.8	)		$	4,606.8
		May 31, 2010
						Gross				Gross
		Amortized				unrealized				unrealized				Fair
In millions		cost				gains				losses				Value
Type of issue:
Money market securities and other cash equivalents		$	1,754.5			$	—			$	—			$	1,754.5
Available-for-sale securities:
General obligation municipal bonds			951.1				33.7				(0.3	)			984.5
Pre-refunded municipal bonds(1)			539.8				19.5				—				559.3
Revenue municipal bonds			368.0				13.8				(0.1	)			381.7
Variable rate demand notes			226.3				—				—				226.3
Total available-for-sale securities			2,085.2				67.0				(0.4	)			2,151.8
Other			7.5				—				(0.2	)			7.3
Total funds held for clients and corporate investments		$	3,847.2			$	67.0			$	(0.6	)		$	3,913.6

(1)		Pre-refunded municipal bonds are secured by an escrow fund of U.S. government obligations.

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

Included in money market securities and other cash equivalents as of February 28, 2011 and May 31, 2010 are U.S. agency discount notes, government money market funds, and bank demand deposit accounts.

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

		February 28,				May 31,
In millions		2011				2010
Funds held for clients		$	4,190.5			$	3,541.0
Corporate investments			233.7				82.5
Long-term corporate investments			182.6				290.1
Total funds held for clients and corporate investments		$	4,606.8			$	3,913.6

The Company is exposed to credit risk in connection with these investments through the possible inability of borrowers to meet the terms of their bonds. In addition, the Company is exposed to interest rate risk, as rate volatility will cause fluctuations in the fair value of held investments and in the earnings potential of future investments. The Company’s investment strategy focuses on optimizing liquidity and protecting principal. The Company invests primarily in high credit quality securities with AAA and AA ratings and short-term securities with A-1/P-1 ratings. The Company limits the amounts that can be invested in any single issuer and invests in short- to intermediate-term instruments whose fair value is less sensitive to interest rate changes. All the investments held as of February 28, 2011 were traded in active markets. The Company has not and does not utilize derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk.

The Company’s available-for-sale securities reflected a net unrealized gain of $46.4 million as of February 28, 2011 compared with a net unrealized gain of $66.6 million as of May 31, 2010. Included in the net unrealized gain as of February 28, 2011 and May 31, 2010, there were, respectively, 70 and 23 available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position. The securities in an unrealized loss position were as follows:

		February 28, 2011
		Less than 12 months								More than 12 months								Total
		Gross								Gross								Gross
		unrealized				Fair				unrealized				Fair				unrealized				Fair
In millions		loss				value				loss				value				loss				value
Type of issue:
General obligation municipal bonds		$	(2.3	)		$	190.6			$	—			$	—			$	(2.3	)		$	190.6
Revenue municipal bonds			(0.5	)			51.4				—				—				(0.5	)			51.4
Total		$	(2.8	)		$	242.0			$	—			$	—			$	(2.8	)		$	242.0

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

		May 31, 2010
		Less than 12 months								More than 12 months								Total
		Gross								Gross								Gross
		unrealized				Fair				unrealized				Fair				unrealized				Fair
In millions		loss				value				loss				value				loss				value
Type of issue:
General obligation municipal bonds		$	(0.3	)		$	44.0			$	—			$	—			$	(0.3	)		$	44.0
Pre-refunded municipal bonds			—				4.1				—				—				—				4.1
Revenue municipal bonds			(0.1	)			25.5				—				—				(0.1	)			25.5
Total		$	(0.4	)		$	73.6			$	—			$	—			$	(0.4	)		$	73.6

The Company regularly reviews its investment portfolios to determine if any investment is other-than-temporarily impaired due to changes in credit risk or other potential valuation concerns. The Company believes that the investments it held as of February 28, 2011 were not other-than-temporarily impaired. While $242.0 million of available-for-sale securities held had fair values that were below amortized cost, the Company believes that it is probable that the principal and interest will be collected in accordance with the contractual terms, and that the unrealized loss on these securities of $2.8 million was due to changes in interest rates and was not due to increased credit risk or other valuation concerns. All of the securities in an unrealized loss position as of February 28, 2011 and May 31, 2010 held an AA rating or better. The Company intends to hold these investments until the recovery of their amortized cost basis or maturity, and further believes that it is more-likely-than-not that it will not be required to sell these investments prior to that time. The Company’s assessment that an investment is not other-than-temporarily impaired could change in the future due to new developments or changes in the Company’s strategies or assumptions related to any particular investment.

Realized gains and losses on the sales of available-for-sale securities are determined by specific identification of the amortized cost basis of each security. On the Consolidated Statements of Income, realized gains and losses from funds held for clients are included in interest on funds held for clients and realized gains and losses from corporate investments are included in investment income, net. Realized gains and losses were as follows:

		For the three months ended								For the nine months ended
		February 28,								February 28,
In millions		2011				2010				2011				2010
Gross realized gains		$	0.1			$	1.3			$	0.4			$	2.3
Gross realized losses			—				—				—				—
Net realized gains		$	0.1			$	1.3			$	0.4			$	2.3

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

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities that had stated maturities as of February 28, 2011 are shown below by contractual maturity. Expected maturities can differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.

		February 28, 2011
		Amortized				Fair
In millions		cost				value
Maturity date:
Due in one year or less		$	425.8			$	429.9
Due after one year through three years			618.0				641.7
Due after three years through five years			508.6				523.5
Due after five years			981.0				984.7
Total		$	2,533.4			$	2,579.8

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

Note E: Fair Value Measurements

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short maturities of these instruments. Marketable securities included in funds held for clients and corporate investments consist primarily of securities classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.

The accounting standards related to fair value measurements include a hierarchy for information and valuations used in measuring fair value that is broken down into three levels based on reliability, as follows:

	•		Level 1 valuations are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments that the Company has the ability to access.
	•		Level 2 valuations are based on quoted prices for similar, but not identical, instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; or other significant observable inputs besides quoted prices.
	•		Level 3 valuations are based on information that is unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

Note E: Fair Value Measurements — continued

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:

		February 28, 2011
						Quoted				Significant
						prices in				other				Significant
		Carrying				active				observable				unobservable
		value				markets				inputs				inputs
In millions		(Fair value)				(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities:
General obligation municipal bonds		$	1,000.4			$	—			$	1,000.4			$	—
Pre-refunded municipal bonds			508.1				—				508.1				—
Revenue municipal bonds			371.4				—				371.4				—
Variable rate demand notes			699.9				—				699.9				—
Total available-for-sale securities		$	2,579.8			$	—			$	2,579.8			$	—
Other securities		$	8.6			$	8.6			$	—			$	—
Liabilities:
Other long-term liabilities		$	8.6			$	8.6			$	—			$	—
		May 31, 2010
						Quoted				Significant
						prices in				other				Significant
		Carrying				active				observable				unobservable
		value				markets				inputs				inputs
In millions		(Fair value)				(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities:
General obligation municipal bonds		$	984.5			$	—			$	984.5			$	—
Pre-refunded municipal bonds			559.3				—				559.3				—
Revenue municipal bonds			381.7				—				381.7				—
Variable rate demand notes			226.3				—				226.3				—
Total available-for-sale securities		$	2,151.8			$	—			$	2,151.8			$	—
Other securities		$	7.3			$	7.3			$	—			$	—
Liabilities:
Other long-term liabilities		$	7.3			$	7.3			$	—			$	—

In determining the fair value of its assets and liabilities, the Company predominately uses the market approach. In determining the fair value of its available-for-sale securities, the Company utilizes the Interactive Data Pricing service. Other securities are mutual fund investments, consisting of participants’ eligible deferral contributions under the Company’s non-qualified and unfunded deferred compensation plans. The related liability is reported as other long-term liabilities. The mutual funds are valued based on quoted market prices in active markets.

Note E: Fair Value Measurements — continued

The preceding methods described may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

Note F: Property and Equipment, Net of Accumulated Depreciation

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

		February 28,				May 31,
In millions		2011				2010
Land and improvements		$	6.9			$	4.2
Buildings and improvements			94.8				84.1
Data processing equipment			204.4				186.8
Software			218.6				178.8
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment			150.8				147.1
Leasehold improvements			93.0				91.4
Construction in progress			16.7				17.9
Total property and equipment, gross			785.2				710.3
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization			481.5				442.7
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation		$	303.7			$	267.6

Depreciation expense was $17.4 million and $49.6 million for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2011, respectively, as compared with $16.1 million and $48.5 million for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2010, respectively.

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

The Company had goodwill balances on its Consolidated Balance Sheets of $508.6 million and $421.6 million as of February 28, 2011 and May 31, 2010, respectively. The increase in the goodwill balance since May 31, 2010 was the result of the acquisition of SurePayroll.

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

		February 28,				May 31,
In millions		2011				2010
Client lists		$	213.6			$	194.4
Other intangible assets			5.5				4.9
Total intangible assets, gross			219.1				199.3
Less: Accumulated amortization			144.6				136.0
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization		$	74.5			$	63.3

The increase in intangible assets from May 31, 2010 to February 28, 2011 is largely attributable to the acquisition of SurePayroll. Amortization expense relating to intangible assets was $5.4 million and $14.7 million for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2011, respectively, as compared with $5.5 million and $16.4 million for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2010, respectively.

Note G: Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization — continued

As of February 28, 2011, the estimated future amortization expense relating to intangible asset balances for the full fiscal year 2011 and the following four fiscal years is as follows:

		Estimated
In millions		amortization
Fiscal year ending May 31,		expense
2011		$	21.0
2012		$	21.9
2013		$	16.3
2014		$	11.3
2015		$	7.8

Note H: Comprehensive Income

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

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

		For the three months ended								For the nine months ended
		February 28,								February 28,
In millions		2011				2010				2011				2010
Net income		$	130.6			$	112.0			$	396.4			$	361.5
Other comprehensive (loss)/income:
Unrealized (losses)/gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax			(9.7	)			(0.3	)			(12.8	)			8.1
Reclassification adjustment for the net gain on sale of available-for-sale securities realized in net income, net of tax			(0.1	)			(0.8	)			(0.3	)			(1.5	)
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income			(9.8	)			(1.1	)			(13.1	)			6.6
Total comprehensive income		$	120.8			$	110.9			$	383.3			$	368.1

As of February 28, 2011, accumulated other comprehensive income was $29.3 million, which was net of taxes of $17.0 million. As of May 31, 2010, accumulated other comprehensive income was $42.4 million, which was net of taxes of $24.1 million.

Note I: Commitments and Contingencies

Lines of credit: As of February 28, 2011, the Company had unused borrowing capacity available under four uncommitted, secured, short-term lines of credit at market rates of interest with financial institutions as follows:

Financial institution		Amount available				Expiration date
JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.		$350 million				February 2012
Bank of America, N.A.		$250 million				February 2012
PNC Bank, National Association		$150 million				February 2012
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association		$150 million				February 2012

The primary uses of the lines of credit would be to meet short-term funding requirements related to deposit account overdrafts and client fund obligations arising from electronic payment transactions on behalf of clients in the ordinary course of business, if necessary. No amounts were outstanding against these lines of credit as of, or during the nine months ended, February 28, 2011.

JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A. are also parties to the Company’s irrevocable standby letters of credit, which are discussed below.

Letters of credit: As of February 28, 2011 and May 31, 2010, the Company had irrevocable standby letters of credit available totaling $47.4 million and $50.3 million, respectively, required to secure commitments for certain insurance policies. The letters of credit expire at various dates between July 2011 and December 2011, and are collateralized by securities held in the Company’s investment portfolios. No amounts were outstanding on these letters of credit as of, or during the nine months ended, February 28, 2011.

Other commitments: The Company enters into various purchase commitments with vendors in the ordinary course of business. The Company had outstanding commitments to purchase approximately $6.0 million and $8.9 million of capital assets as of February 28, 2011 and May 31, 2010, respectively.

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

Note I: Commitments and Contingencies — continued

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

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

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

Note J: Related Party Transactions

During the three and nine months ended February 28, 2011, the Company purchased approximately $1.6 million and $5.4 million of data processing equipment and software from EMC Corporation, as compared with $0.2 million and $1.8 million for the respective prior year periods. The Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of EMC Corporation is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

During both the nine month periods ended February 28, 2011 and 2010, the Company purchased $0.4 million of services from Dun & Bradstreet Corporation. Purchases for the three months ended February 28, 2011 and 2010 were minimal. Jonathan J. Judge, the Company’s former President and CEO and board member, is a member of the Board of Directors of Dun & Bradstreet Corporation.

During the three and nine months ended February 28, 2011, the Company purchased $0.5 million and $1.4 million of office supplies from Staples, Inc., as compared with $0.5 million and $1.2 million for the respective prior year periods. The President of Staples North American Delivery, one of Staples’ three business segments, is a member of the Company’s Board.

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

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations reviews the operating results of Paychex, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“Paychex,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2011 and 2010, and our financial condition as of February 28, 2011. The focus of this discussion is on the underlying business reasons for significant changes and trends affecting our revenue, expenses, net income, and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the February 28, 2011 consolidated financial statements and the related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”). This discussion should also be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) for the year ended May 31, 2010 (“fiscal 2010”). Forward-looking statements in this discussion are qualified by the cautionary statement included in this review under the next sub-heading, “Safe-Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.”

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

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

	•		the possible failure of internal controls or our inability to implement business processing improvements; and
	•		potentially unfavorable outcomes related to pending legal matters.

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

Business

We are a leading provider of payroll, human resource, and benefits outsourcing solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses. Our business strategy is focused on achieving strong long-term financial performance by providing high quality, timely, accurate, and affordable services; growing our client base; continually improving client service to maximize client retention; increasing utilization of our ancillary services; leveraging our technological and operating infrastructure; and expanding our service and product offerings to continually add value for our clients.

We offer a comprehensive portfolio of services and products that allow our clients to meet their diverse payroll and human resource needs. Our payroll services are the foundation of our service portfolio. They are provided through either our core payroll or Major Market Services (“MMS”), which is utilized by clients that have more sophisticated payroll and benefit needs. In addition to the services described below, our software-as-a-service solution through the MMS platform provides human resource management, employee benefits management, time and attendance systems, online expense reporting, and applicant tracking. Our services and products are as follows:

Service		Description
Payroll:
Payroll processing		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 tax administration services		Provides accurate preparation and timely filing of quarterly and year-end tax returns, as well as the electronic transfer of funds to the applicable federal, state, and local tax or regulatory agencies.
Employee payment services		Provides the employer the option of paying their employees by direct deposit, payroll debit card, a check drawn on a Paychex, Inc. account (Readychex®), or a check drawn on the employer’s account and electronically signed by us.
Regulatory compliance services		Includes new-hire reporting and garnishment processing, which allow employers to comply with legal requirements and reduce the risk of penalties.

Service		Description
Human Resource Services:
Paychex HR Solutions		Available as an administrative services organization (“ASO”) and a professional employer organization (“PEO”). Both offer a package that includes payroll and compliance, human resource and employee benefits administration, risk management outsourcing, and the on-site availability of a professionally trained human resource representative, among other services. Our PEO differs from the ASO in that we serve as co-employer of the clients’ employees, assume the risks and rewards of workers’ compensation insurance, and provide health care to PEO clients. Paychex HR Essentials is a new ASO product that provides support to our clients over the phone or online to help manage employee-related topics.
Retirement services administration		Offers a variety of retirement plan options to employers, as well as recordkeeping services, which include plan implementation, ongoing compliance with government regulations, employee and employer reporting, participant and employer online access, electronic funds transfer, and other administrative services.
Insurance services		Our licensed insurance agency, Paychex Insurance Agency, Inc., provides insurance through a variety of carriers. Insurance offerings include property and casualty coverage, such as workers’ compensation; business-owner policies; commercial auto; and health and benefits coverage, including health, dental, vision, and life.
eServices		Offers online software products for employee benefits management and administration, and time and attendance solutions.
Other human resource services and products		Includes section 125 plans, state unemployment insurance services, employee handbooks, management manuals, and personnel and required regulatory forms.

Overview

Our financial results for the three months ended February 28, 2011 (the “third quarter”) reflected year-over-year growth. We continued to see improvement in some of our key business indicators, especially in checks per client. Checks per client increased 2.8% for the third quarter compared to the same period last year, whereas for the three months ended February 28, 2010, checks per client had declined 2.2% year over year. We experienced double-digit growth in our clients’ calendar year-end bonus activity during the third quarter compared to the prior year. Sales of new units for the third quarter were very close to the same period last year as new business starts continue to lag the economic recovery.

Our financial results continue to be adversely impacted by the interest rate environment. The equity markets hit a low in March 2009, with interest rates available on high-quality instruments remaining low since then. The Federal Funds rate has been at a range of zero to 0.25% since December 2008. Our combined funds held for clients and corporate investment portfolios earned an average rate of return of 1.2% for the third quarter compared to 1.4% for the same period last year.

We continue to manage our headcount and expenses while still investing in our business, particularly in areas related to selling and servicing our clients, and the technological infrastructure to support these areas. We believe these investments are critical to our success. Looking to the future, we continue to focus on investing in our products, people, and service capabilities, positioning ourselves to capitalize on opportunities for long-term growth.

Highlights of the financial results for the third quarter as compared to the same period last year are as follows:

	•		Total service revenue increased 5% to $519.6 million.
	•		Payroll service revenue increased 2% to $366.4 million.
	•		Human Resource Services revenue increased 13% to $153.2 million.
	•		Interest on funds held for clients decreased 16% to $11.7 million.
	•		Total revenue increased 5% to $531.3 million.
	•		Operating income increased 18% to $198.9 million and operating income, net of certain items, increased 8% to $187.2 million. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measure” section for further information on this non-GAAP measure.
	•		During the three months ended February 28, 2010, we recognized an expense charge of $18.7 million to increase the litigation reserve, which reduced diluted earnings per share by $0.03 per share.
	•		Net income increased 17% to $130.6 million and diluted earnings per share increased 16% to $0.36 per share.

On February 8, 2011, we completed the acquisition of SurePayroll, Inc. (“SurePayroll”), the leading provider of software-as-a-service payroll processing for small businesses, for $115.3 million, net of cash acquired. SurePayroll serves small businesses with its easy-to-use, online payroll product and mobile application. This acquisition will allow us entry into a new area of the payroll online market, and provide our clients with a mobile self-service alternative. Calendar year 2010 revenue for SurePayroll was approximately $23.0 million. Our third quarter financial results include SurePayroll from the date of acquisition. We do not anticipate that SurePayroll will have a material impact on our financial results for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2011 (“fiscal 2011”).

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

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 2010 to increase the litigation reserve. Interest on funds held for clients is an adjustment to operating income due to the volatility of interest rates which are not within the control of management. The expense charge to increase the litigation reserve is also an adjustment to operating income due to its unusual and infrequent nature. It is outside the normal course of our operations and obscures the comparability of performance period over period. Operating income, net of certain items, is not calculated through the application of GAAP and is not the required form of disclosure by the SEC. As such, it should not be considered as a substitute for the GAAP measure of operating income and, therefore, should not be used in isolation of, 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 8% for the third quarter and 7% for the nine months ended February 28, 2011 (the “nine months”), to $187.2 million and $567.8 million respectively, as compared to the same periods last year. Refer to the reconciliation of operating income to operating income, net of certain items, in the “Results of Operations” section of this Form 10-Q.

Financial Position and Liquidity

The volatility in the global financial markets that began in September 2008 continues to curtail available liquidity and limit investment choices. Despite this macroeconomic environment, as of February 28, 2011, our financial position remained strong with cash and total corporate investments of $652.3 million and no debt.

We continue to follow our investment strategy, which focuses on optimizing liquidity and protecting principal. Yields on high quality instruments remain low, negatively impacting our income earned on funds held for clients and corporate investments. We invest predominately in municipal bonds — general obligation bonds; pre-refunded bonds, which are secured by a U.S. government escrow; and essential services revenue bonds. Starting in November 2009, we began to invest in select A-1/P-1-rated variable rate demand notes (“VRDNs”) and have gradually increased our investment in VRDNs to $699.9 million as of February 28, 2011, up from $226.3 million as of May 31, 2010. During the third quarter, we earned an after-tax rate of approximately 0.26% on VRDNs compared to approximately 0.06% on U.S. agency discount notes, which are our primary short-term investment vehicle.

We invest primarily in high credit quality securities with AAA and AA ratings and short-term securities with A-1/P-1 ratings, with more than 95% of our portfolio rated AA or better. We limit the amounts that can be invested in any single issuer and invest in short- to intermediate-term instruments whose fair value is less sensitive to interest rate changes. We believe that our investments as of February 28, 2011 were not other-than-temporarily impaired, nor has any event occurred subsequent to that date that would indicate any other-than-temporary impairment. All investments held as of February 28, 2011 were traded in active markets.

Our primary source of cash is from our ongoing operations. Cash flow from operations was $552.9 million for the nine months of fiscal 2011, as compared with $503.0 million for the same period last year. Historically, we have funded operations, capital purchases, and dividend payments from our operating activities. Our positive cash flows have allowed us to support our business and to pay what we believe are substantial dividends to our stockholders. We anticipate that cash and total corporate investments as of February 28, 2011, along with projected operating cash flows, will support our normal business operations, capital purchases, and dividend payments for the foreseeable future.

For further analysis of our results of operations for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2011, and our financial position as of February 28, 2011, refer to the analysis and discussion in the “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections of this Form 10-Q.

Outlook

Our outlook for fiscal 2011 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. Our fiscal 2011 guidance reflects anticipated results from SurePayroll subsequent to the acquisition. The anticipated revenue impact is less than 1% and the earnings dilution is expected to be less than $0.01 per share partly due to amortization of acquired intangible assets. Our fiscal 2011 guidance is as follows:

		Low						High
Payroll service revenue			1	%		—			2	%
Human Resource Services revenue			10	%		—			11	%
Total service revenue			3	%		—			5	%
Interest on funds held for clients			(17	%)		—			(12	%)
Investment income, net			29	%		—			32	%
Net income			4	%		—			6	%

In recent years, fourth quarter financial results have been lower than each of the first three quarters as it is the lowest quarter for service revenue during the fiscal year. We expect that trend to continue in fiscal 2011 for both service revenue and operating income, net of certain items, as a percentage of service revenue.

Human Resource Services revenue growth for the three months ending May 31, 2011 will be less than experienced for the first nine months due to fluctuations in revenue growth from our PEO. PEO net service revenue is not as predictive as our other revenue streams and also tends to vary more quarter to quarter due to fluctuations in adding and retaining client employees served and in workers’ compensation revenue.

Operating income, net of certain items, as a percentage of total service revenue is expected to be approximately 36% for fiscal 2011. The effective income tax rate is expected to approximate 35% for fiscal 2011.

Interest on funds held for clients and investment income are being impacted by the low interest rate environment. The average rate of return on our combined funds held for clients and corporate investment portfolios is expected to be 1.3% for fiscal 2011. As of February 28, 2011, the long-term investment portfolio, which excludes VRDNs, had an average yield-to-maturity of 2.7% and an average duration of 2.4 years. In the next twelve months, approximately 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 1.1%. Investment income is expected to benefit from ongoing investment of cash generated from operations. Combined interest on Funds held for clients and investment income, net are expected to decrease approximately 8% for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2012.

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.

Purchases of property and equipment for fiscal 2011 are expected to be in the range of $95 million to $100 million, as we continue to invest in technology and infrastructure. Fiscal 2011 depreciation expense is projected to be in the range of $65 million to $70 million, and we project amortization of intangible assets for fiscal 2011 to be approximately $20 million.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Summary of Results of Operations:

		For the three months													For the nine months
		ended													ended
		February 28,									%				February 28,									%
$ in millions		2011				2010				Change					2011				2010				Change
Revenue:
Payroll service revenue		$	366.4			$	358.3				2	%			$	1,081.9			$	1,063.6				2	%
Human Resource Services revenue			153.2				135.5				13	%				443.9				399.7				11	%
Total service revenue			519.6				493.8				5	%				1,525.8				1,463.3				4	%
Interest on funds held for clients			11.7				14.0				(16	%)				35.8				41.3				(13	%)
Total revenue			531.3				507.8				5	%				1,561.6				1,504.6				4	%
Combined operating and SG&A expenses			332.4				339.6				(2	%)				958.0				953.4				—
Operating income			198.9				168.2				18	%				603.6				551.2				10	%
As a % of total revenue			37	%			33	%								39	%			37	%
Investment income, net			1.5				1.2				25	%				4.4				3.2				37	%
Income before income taxes			200.4				169.4				18	%				608.0				554.4				10	%
As a % of total revenue			38	%			33	%								39	%			37	%
Income taxes			69.8				57.4				21	%				211.6				192.9				10	%
Effective income tax rate			34.8	%			33.9	%								34.8	%			34.8	%
Net income		$	130.6			$	112.0				17	%			$	396.4			$	361.5				10	%
As a % of total revenue			25	%			22	%								25	%			24	%
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.36			$	0.31				16	%			$	1.09			$	1.00				9	%

We invest in highly liquid, investment-grade fixed income securities and do not utilize derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk. As of February 28, 2011, 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:

		For the three months													For the nine months
		ended													ended
		February 28,								%					February 28,								%
$ in millions		2011				2010				Change					2011				2010				Change
Average investment balances:
Funds held for clients		$	3,668.9			$	3,462.6				6	%			$	3,168.7			$	3,053.5				4	%
Corporate investments			682.3				672.2				2	%				668.9				639.2				5	%
Total		$	4,351.2			$	4,134.8				5	%			$	3,837.6			$	3,692.7				4	%
Average interest rates earned (exclusive of net realized gains):
Funds held for clients			1.3	%			1.5	%								1.5	%			1.7	%
Corporate investments			0.9	%			0.8	%								0.9	%			0.8	%
Combined funds held for clients and corporate investments			1.2	%			1.4	%								1.4	%			1.5	%
Net realized gains:
Funds held for clients		$	0.1			$	1.3								$	0.4			$	2.3
Corporate investments			—				—									—				—
Total		$	0.1			$	1.3								$	0.4			$	2.3

As of:		February 28,				May 31,
$ in millions		2011				2010
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities (1)		$	46.4			$	66.6
Federal Funds rate (2)			0.25	%			0.25	%
Three-year “AAA” municipal securities yield			1.10	%			0.99	%
Total fair value of available-for-sale securities		$	2,579.8			$	2,151.8
Weighted-average duration of available-for-sale securities in years (3)			2.4				2.5
Weighted-average yield-to-maturity of available-for-sale securities (3)			2.7	%			2.9	%

Payroll service revenue: Payroll service revenue increased 2% for both the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2011 to $366.4 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, compared to the same periods last year. Positively contributing to payroll service revenue was an increase in checks per client of 2.8% for the third quarter and 2.1% for the nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the respective prior year periods. Client losses decreased 9% year over year for the nine months of fiscal 2011. Our payroll client base as of February 28, 2011 is 1.6% lower compared to February 28, 2010 (which had decreased 3.6% compared to February 28, 2009), with the decrease primarily occurring in the last quarter of fiscal 2010. The payroll client base as of February 28, 2011 excludes SurePayroll clients, although payroll service revenue for the third quarter includes approximately one month of revenue from SurePayroll. We anticipate minimal improvement in the client base, excluding SurePayroll clients, through the end of the fiscal year.

Human Resource Services revenue: Human Resource Services revenue increased 13% for the third quarter and 11% for the nine months of fiscal 2011 to $153.2 million and $443.9 million, respectively, compared to the same periods last year. Human Resource Services revenue growth for the nine months was impacted by the sale of Stromberg time and attendance operations (“Stromberg”) in October 2009. Excluding Stromberg, Human Resource Services revenue would have increased 12% for the nine months. Human Resource Services revenue growth was generated from the following:

As of:		February 28,				%				February 28,				%
$ in billions		2011				Change				2010				Change(1)
Paychex HR Solutions client employees served(2)			536,000				14	%			472,000				9	%
Paychex HR Solutions clients(2)			20,000				10	%			19,000				7	%
Retirement services clients			53,000				4	%			50,000				—
Asset value of retirement services client employees’ funds		$	13.7				25	%		$	11.0				53	%

Human Resource Services revenue growth reflects modest improvements in economic conditions, the client growth noted above, and our annual price increase. Paychex HR Solutions revenue for the third quarter was positively impacted by increases in both clients and client employees. Contributing to this growth in the clients and client employees is our new product offering, Paychex HR Essentials. Fluctuations in PEO workers’ compensation net service revenue have positively impacted Human Resource Services revenue for the third quarter and nine months. Human Resource Services revenue was also positively impacted by growth in certain products that primarily support our MMS clients. Health and benefits services revenue increased 27% to $10.5 million for the third quarter and 32% to $30.3 million for the nine months of fiscal 2011, driven primarily by a 26% increase in the number of applicants as of February 28, 2011 compared to February 28, 2010.

Total service revenue: Total service revenue increased 5% for the third quarter and 4% for the nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the same periods last year, attributable to the factors previously discussed.

Interest on funds held for clients: Interest on funds held for clients decreased 16% and 13% for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2011 to $11.7 million and $35.8 million, respectively. The decreases were the result of the lower average interest rates earned, partially offset by increases in average investment balances. Average investment balances increased 6% for the third quarter as a result of increases in state unemployment insurance rates for the 2011 calendar year and increases in checks per client, offset somewhat by the lingering effects of the difficult economic conditions on our client base. The 4% increase in average investment balances for the nine months was due to these factors as well as the favorable impact on the first half of fiscal 2011 from an increase in state unemployment insurance rates for the 2010 calendar year.

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

		For the three months													For the nine months
		ended													ended
		February 28,													February 28,
$ in millions		2011				2010				% Change					2011				2010				% Change
Compensation-related expenses		$	226.8			$	219.8				3	%			$	651.5			$	636.1				2	%
Facilities expense			14.7				15.0				(1	%)				44.6				45.1				(1	%)
Depreciation of property and equipment			17.4				16.1				8	%				49.6				48.5				2	%
Amortization of intangible assets			5.4				5.5				(3	%)				14.7				16.4				(11	%)
Other expenses			68.1				64.5				5	%				197.6				188.6				5	%
			332.4				320.9				4	%				958.0				934.7				2	%
Expense charge to increase the litigation reserve			—				18.7				(100	%)				—				18.7				(100	%)
Total operating and SG&A expenses		$	332.4			$	339.6				(2	%)			$	958.0			$	953.4				—

Total expenses decreased 2% for the third quarter and were flat for the nine months of fiscal 2011 as compared with the same periods last year. During the three months ended February 28, 2010, we recognized an expense charge of $18.7 million to increase the litigation reserve. Excluding this expense charge, total expenses would have increased 4% for the third quarter and 2% for the nine months of fiscal 2011. These increases were primarily due to costs related to continued investment in our sales force, customer service, and technological infrastructure. Improvements in operations productivity with related lower headcount have somewhat offset this increase. As of both February 28, 2011 and 2010, we had approximately 12,300 employees. One-time costs related to the separation agreement entered into during the three months ended August 31, 2010 with Jonathan J. Judge, our former President and Chief Executive Officer, are reflected in compensation-related expenses for the nine months of fiscal 2011.

Depreciation expense is primarily related to buildings, furniture and fixtures, data processing equipment, and software. Depreciation expense for the third quarter increased 8% over the same period last year as a result of additional investments in our technological infrastructure. Amortization of intangible assets is primarily related to client list acquisitions, which are amortized using either straight-line or accelerated methods. 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 increased 18% for the third quarter and 10% for the nine months of fiscal 2011 as compared with the same periods last year. The changes in operating income are attributable to the factors previously discussed.

Operating income, net of certain items, is summarized as follows:

		For the three months													For the nine months
		ended													ended
		February 28,													February 28,
$ in millions		2011				2010				% Change					2011				2010				% Change
Operating income		$	198.9			$	168.2				18	%			$	603.6			$	551.2				10	%
Excluding:
Interest on funds held for clients			(11.7	)			(14.0	)			(16	%)				(35.8	)			(41.3	)			(13	%)
Expense charge to increase the litigation reserve			—				18.7				(100	%)				—				18.7				(100	%)
Operating income, net of certain items		$	187.2			$	172.9				8	%			$	567.8			$	528.6				7	%
Operating income, net of certain items, as a % of total service revenue			36.0	%			35.0	%								37.2	%			36.1	%