Paylocity Holding Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 5/6
Paylocity Holding has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 26.8%, while the Professional Services industry saw earnings growing at 12.3% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 20.2% per year. Paylocity Holding's return on equity is 21.9%, and it has net margins of 14.9%.
Key information
26.78%
Earnings growth rate
26.61%
EPS growth rate
| Professional Services Industry Growth | 10.99% |
| Revenue growth rate | 20.19% |
| Return on equity | 21.85% |
| Net Margin | 14.94% |
| Last Earnings Update | 31 Mar 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • May 20
Paylocity: Stellar Performance Will Eventually Be Rewarded (Rating Upgrade)
Summary Paylocity is upgraded to a buy as its fundamentals remain robust despite a 39% share price decline since the prior hold rating. PCTY delivers strong double-digit recurring revenue growth (11.5% YoY), expanding margins, and formidable cash flow with a highly efficient, asset-light business model. Management raised FY26 guidance above consensus, targeting 10-12% revenue growth and leveraging low market penetration (~3%) for future expansion. Current valuation offers a margin of safety, with fair value estimated at $156/share, as negative SaaS sentiment and AI disruption fears appear overblown. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • May 16
We Like Paylocity Holding's (NASDAQ:PCTY) Earnings For More Than Just Statutory Profit
Paylocity Holding Corporation's ( NASDAQ:PCTY ) solid earnings announcement recently didn't do much to the stock price...Analysis Article • May 11
Paylocity Holding Corporation Just Beat Earnings Expectations: Here's What Analysts Think Will Happen Next
Paylocity Holding Corporation ( NASDAQ:PCTY ) just released its latest third-quarter results and things are looking...
Narrative Update • May 09
PCTY: Mixed Revisions And Execution Risks Will Shape Future Share Performance
Analysts have adjusted their views on Paylocity Holding, resulting in a modest $1 change in the average price target. This reflects slightly updated assumptions on discount rates, revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E multiples following a series of mixed target revisions across the Street.Narrative Update • Apr 25
PCTY: Lower Multiple And Buybacks Will Support Future Share Price Rebound
Analysts have reduced the Paylocity Holding price target by $52.88. The updated $114.00 level reflects revised expectations for growth, profitability and future P/E multiples following a series of downward target moves across the Street.
Narrative Update • Apr 09
PCTY: 2026 Software Rebound And Buybacks Will Support Upside Potential
Paylocity Holding's updated analyst price target edges slightly higher to about $228, as analysts factor in modestly adjusted assumptions for fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E following a broad round of lowered Street targets across the payroll software group. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Paylocity shows a cluster of price target resets across the payroll software peer group, with analysts fine tuning their models on fair value, discount rates, revenue assumptions and profit margins.
Narrative Update • Mar 26
PCTY: Stable Margins And Buybacks Will Drive Long Term Upside
Analysts trimmed the Paylocity Holding fair value estimate by about $1 to $169.43 per share. The change reflects updated price targets across the Street and slightly higher discount rate and future P/E assumptions, while revenue growth and profit margin expectations remain essentially unchanged.Narrative Update • Mar 10
PCTY: 2026 Software Setup And Buybacks Will Support Upside Potential
Analyst price targets for Paylocity Holding have been reset lower, with a series of cuts ranging from $5 to $75 as analysts factor updated macro assumptions, sector-wide software rerating, and company specific expectations into their models. Analyst Commentary Despite the latest round of lower price targets, some bullish analysts are still highlighting areas where they see potential upside for Paylocity, particularly around execution and the setup for software over the next couple of years.Narrative Update • Feb 23
PCTY: 2026 Sector Setup And Buybacks Will Drive Upside
Our updated narrative on Paylocity reflects a reduced analyst price target of about $226, in line with a broad round of target cuts across the Street as analysts recalibrate for slightly lower revenue growth, narrower profit margin assumptions, a modestly higher discount rate, and a marginally higher future P/E multiple. Analyst Commentary Across the Street, most recent research has centered on recalibrating Paylocity price targets, with a cluster of firms trimming targets by between $5 and $75.Analysis Article • Feb 10
What You Can Learn From Paylocity Holding Corporation's (NASDAQ:PCTY) P/E After Its 25% Share Price Crash
Paylocity Holding Corporation ( NASDAQ:PCTY ) shareholders that were waiting for something to happen have been dealt a...Narrative Update • Feb 08
PCTY: Beat And Raise Cadence Will Drive Long Term Upside Potential
Analysts have reduced their Paylocity Holding price targets, reflected in our fair value update from $192.19 to $170.38. They largely cite sector wide target cuts and lower assumed future P/E multiples, even as revenue growth and profit margin assumptions in their models remain relatively steady.Narrative Update • Jan 25
PCTY: Beat And Raise Cadence Will Support Long Term Upside Potential
Narrative Update on Paylocity Holding Analysts have trimmed their fair value estimate for Paylocity Holding by about $1.66 to $192.19. This reflects a mix of lowered and raised price targets as they update assumptions on discount rates, long term margins, and future P/E multiples in light of recent sector outlooks and company specific research.Narrative Update • Jan 10
PCTY: Beat And Raise Cadence Will Support Long Term Capital Appreciation
Analysts have made a slight adjustment to their Paylocity fair value estimate to $193.85, reflecting updated assumptions for interest rates, earnings multiples, and recent research that includes both higher and lower price targets across firms. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Paylocity reflects a mix of optimism on execution and caution around the operating backdrop, with price targets clustering between US$175 and US$245 compared with the updated fair value estimate of US$193.85.Analysis Article • Jan 05
Shareholders Would Enjoy A Repeat Of Paylocity Holding's (NASDAQ:PCTY) Recent Growth In Returns
If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for...Narrative Update • Dec 25
PCTY Beat And Raise Cadence Will Drive Upside Through Fiscal 2026
Analysts have reduced their fair value estimate for Paylocity Holding to $250 from $270, citing a higher discount rate that more than offsets improving growth, margin expectations, and confidence in a beat and raise earnings trajectory reflected in recent, albeit lowered, price targets across the Street. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts acknowledge the higher discount rate but continue to underscore Paylocity's ability to execute consistently, highlighting recent results and guidance that have outpaced muted investor expectations.Narrative Update • Dec 11
PCTY: Beat And Raise Cadence Will Drive Long Term Capital Appreciation
Narrative Update on Paylocity Holding Analyst Price Target Analysts have modestly fine tuned their price target assumptions for Paylocity Holding, maintaining fair value near $194 per share. Slight adjustments to discount rates and long term growth expectations reflect confidence in the company’s ability to deliver a beat and raise cadence and attractive long term appreciation, despite mixed target revisions across the Street.Narrative Update • Nov 27
PCTY: Beat-And-Raise Execution And Share Buyback Will Drive Outperformance In 2026
The analyst average price target for Paylocity was slightly reduced to $194.16 from $194.28, as analysts balanced steady fundamentals and recent guidance with ongoing sector volatility and cautious optimism around the company's growth prospects. Analyst Commentary Recent street research reveals both optimism and caution among analysts regarding Paylocity's outlook.Narrative Update • Nov 12
PCTY: Beat-And-Raise Cadence And Share Buybacks Will Drive Renewed Outperformance
Analysts have revised their price target for Paylocity Holding downward by approximately $20 to $194. This adjustment reflects tempered growth expectations and recent market commentary that highlights both near-term sector headwinds and the company's continued potential for long-term outperformance.Narrative Update • Oct 29
Recurring Revenue Strength And AI Integration Will Drive Long-Term Sector Gains
Analysts have slightly reduced their price target for Paylocity Holding, lowering it by about $1 to $214.58. They cite lower sector sentiment and expectations for subdued near-term performance despite stable company fundamentals.Narrative Update • Oct 15
Unified HR And Finance Solutions Will Empower Digital Transformation
Analysts have modestly reduced their fair value estimate for Paylocity Holding, lowering the price target by approximately $4.53 per share. They cited updated macroeconomic expectations and sector volatility as key factors behind the adjustment.Analysis Article • Jul 30
An Intrinsic Calculation For Paylocity Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:PCTY) Suggests It's 30% Undervalued
Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Paylocity Holding fair value estimate is US$273 Paylocity...Analysis Article • Jul 17
Paylocity Holding (NASDAQ:PCTY) Is Looking To Continue Growing Its Returns On Capital
What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term...Analysis Article • Jul 03
Why We're Not Concerned About Paylocity Holding Corporation's (NASDAQ:PCTY) Share Price
Paylocity Holding Corporation's ( NASDAQ:PCTY ) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 43.7x might make it look like a...Analysis Article • Jun 19
Does Paylocity Holding (NASDAQ:PCTY) Have A Healthy Balance Sheet?
David Iben put it well when he said, 'Volatility is not a risk we care about. What we care about is avoiding the...Seeking Alpha • Mar 13
Paylocity: Airbase Integration To Strengthen Positioning
Summary Paylocity is a cloud payroll/HCM software provider with steady growth, recently acquiring Airbase to strengthen its market positioning and product offerings. Despite recent volatility, I maintain an overweight rating on PCTY, projecting a 10% return based on its solid fundamentals and revenue predictability. PCTY's Q2 2025 revenue grew 15.5% YoY, with strong liquidity and a healthy debt-to-equity ratio, though OCF showed seasonal decline. The Airbase acquisition expands PCTY's TAM and product integration, but potential pricing adjustments, if it happens, may pose a moderate risk to future revenue retention. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Dec 26
Paylocity: A Strong And Interesting HCM Play
Summary Paylocity Holding Corporation's recent sales growth exceeded expectations, but the stock's 50 times earnings multiple is too high given the slower growth rate. The company is a leader in cloud-based HR and payroll software, serving nearly 40,000 clients and showing impressive revenue growth, which ten folded over the past decade. The acquisition of Airbase aims to expand Paylocity's software offerings, but the deal's high cost and impact on margins warrant caution. Despite a strong track record and high insider ownership, the current valuation is demanding; I prefer to wait for more attractive entry points. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Oct 05
Paylocity: A Storm On The Horizon?
Summary FY 2025 projection of 8.3% vs. 19% in FY 2024 shows market saturation and difficulty in differentiating from competitors. R&D and SG&A expenses are up, impacting profitability and future growth. No signs that these expenses will decrease in the next quarters. Major players like ADP and Workday intensifying AI investment, threatening Paylocity’s position. The company has already invested in AI, but this trend could increase significantly R&D costs. Several executives and directors recently offloading stock despite buybacks suggest, in my view, weak confidence. High multiples (P/S 6.7, EV/EBITDA 31) indicate overvaluation despite solid fundamentals. I maintain a Hold rating for now. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
New Narrative • Aug 27
Innovative Software And AI-driven Solutions Propel Market Dominance And Revenue Surge
Offering modern software and investing in product development, such as Advanced Scheduling and AI-driven tools, aims to attract clients and increase revenue.Seeking Alpha • Jul 21
Paylocity: Underappreciated Durable Growth
Summary Paylocity, a leading provider of cloud-based HR and payroll software, has been delivering strong and consistent revenue growth for many years. Despite its robust growth and profitability, Paylocity's stock appears undervalued, especially when compared to AI and semiconductor companies, making it worthy of investment consideration. Paylocity offers solid revenue growth, improving profit margins, and increasing earnings per share at a very attractive valuation. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jun 28
Paylocity Stock Deserves A Closer Look At A 4-Year Low
Summary Paylocity is down 20% in 2024, trading at its lowest level since 2020. Uncertainties toward the U.S. labor market and its impact on demand for human capital management software have added volatility. PCTY stock remains well positioned to rebound, with its outlook supported by strong fundamentals. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaRevenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Paylocity Holding makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 26 | 1,727 | 258 | 612 | 217 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 1,680 | 238 | 605 | 216 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 1,640 | 226 | 601 | 214 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 1,595 | 227 | 587 | 206 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 1,552 | 227 | 570 | 199 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 1,499 | 221 | 559 | 191 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 1,448 | 222 | 533 | 181 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 1,403 | 207 | 527 | 178 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 1,354 | 195 | 511 | 175 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 1,292 | 168 | 497 | 174 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 1,239 | 145 | 497 | 169 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 1,175 | 141 | 489 | 164 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 1,095 | 119 | 471 | 152 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 1,001 | 96 | 446 | 136 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 924 | 90 | 415 | 120 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 853 | 91 | 378 | 103 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 791 | 88 | 353 | 94 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 731 | 90 | 327 | 87 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 682 | 89 | 302 | 81 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 636 | 71 | 282 | 77 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 599 | 64 | 264 | 74 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 584 | 67 | 253 | 71 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 570 | 63 | 251 | 67 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 561 | 64 | 250 | 63 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 551 | 70 | 247 | 59 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 519 | 58 | 238 | 56 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 494 | 58 | 223 | 53 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 468 | 54 | 207 | 50 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 444 | 42 | 202 | 47 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 418 | 53 | 196 | 44 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 397 | 48 | 186 | 40 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 378 | 39 | 175 | 38 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 357 | 36 | 161 | 35 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 334 | 12 | 152 | 33 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 316 | 10 | 145 | 31 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 300 | 7 | 140 | 29 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 284 | 5 | 131 | 29 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 264 | -3 | 126 | 29 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 251 | -3 | 118 | 29 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 231 | -4 | 109 | 27 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 211 | -3 | 100 | 25 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 188 | -7 | 90 | 23 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 167 | -13 | 82 | 21 |
| 30 Jun 15 | 153 | -14 | 76 | 20 |
Quality Earnings: PCTY has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: PCTY's current net profit margins (14.9%) are higher than last year (14.7%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: PCTY's earnings have grown significantly by 26.8% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: PCTY's earnings growth over the past year (13.5%) is below its 5-year average (26.8% per year).
Earnings vs Industry: PCTY earnings growth over the past year (13.5%) exceeded the Professional Services industry 8.7%.
Return on Equity
High ROE: PCTY's Return on Equity (21.9%) is considered high.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/24 00:59 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/22 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/06/30 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
|
|
| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
| |
| Management | 10 years |
| |
| Key Developments | 10 years |
|
* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Paylocity Holding Corporation is covered by 39 analysts. 20 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Mark Marcon | Baird |
| Raimo Lenschow | Barclays |
| Daniel Jester | BMO Capital Markets Equity Research |