We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
Paycom Software is a $9 billion provider of a cloud-based human capital management solutions delivered in the model of the decade, SaaS, or Software-as-a-Service.
Much like bigger peers Automatic Data Processing and Paychex, Paycom provides functionality and data analytics that businesses need to manage the complete employment life cycle from recruitment to retirement. Its HCM (human capital management) solution offers a suite of applications in the areas of talent acquisition, time and labor management, and payroll.
In early August, Paycom Software reported impressive second-quarter 2018 results, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate on both the top and bottom lines, and ahead of the company's guided range.
Non-GAAP earnings per share came in at 59 cents, 20% above consensus. Reported earnings increased from the adjusted figure of 26 cents in the year-ago quarter.
Quarter Details
Paycom Software reported revenues of $128.8 million, which increased 31% from the year-ago quarter. Revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $124 million.
The year-over-over increase can be attributed to new business wins and product development initiatives. Robust adoption of enhanced HCM software solutions is a key driver.
Moreover, revenues were impacted positively by a 31% year-over-year increase in recurring revenues, which comprised around 98% of total revenues.
Management believes that Paycom’s mobile app, which meets all the functionality offered by employee self-service desktop application, positions it well for continued growth.
The company also introduced various enhancements to its overall product offering as part of its monthly updates in the second quarter that were rolled out to its entire client base.
For more on the innovations in software that are accelerating productivity, industry disruption and wealth creation, see my recent video and article...
Adjusted gross profit increased 32.7% from the year-ago period to $108.3 million. The company’s adjusted gross margin expanded 110 basis points (bps) on a year-over-year basis to 84.1%, primarily due to a higher revenue base.
As a percentage of revenues, total adjusted administration expenses and sales and marketing expenses of 47.9% and 23.4% declined 290 and 330 bps, respectively. Paycom Software’s adjusted EBITDA increased 46.2% year over year to $53.5 million.
Balance Sheet & Cash Flow
Paycom Software exited the second quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $54.6 million compared with $68.1 million in the previous quarter.
The company’s balance sheet comprises long-term debt of $33.5 million compared with $35.3 million in the previous quarter.
Net cash provided by operating activities in the first six months of 2018 was $100.4 million. The company repurchased more than 400k shares in the quarter.
Paycom Guidance Ignites the Stock
For third-quarter 2018, Paycom Software expects revenues in the range of $129-$131 million. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $45.5-$47.5 million.
Gross margin is anticipated to be under pressure due to the timing of new hires.
Paycom Software raised its guidance for fiscal 2018. The company now anticipates revenues in the range of $554-$556 million, up from the previous expectation of $545-$547 million. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $231-$233 million, up from previous guidance of $220-$222 million.
The company will be ramping up investments in sales and marketing initiatives as well as in research and development in the second half of the year.
But the refreshed outlook has the company on pace to produce 28% sales growth and a 102% EPS advance this year. Analysts also adjusted their estimates higher for next year, projecting 23% top line growth and a nearly 22% EPS markup.
Not only did this guidance compel analysts to raise their estimates and make PAYC a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy), but it compelled investors to buy all the shares they could in August, rallying the stock over 40%.
Keep your eye on this young upstart in the big world of SaaSy employer services.
Baozunis a $3 billion provider of digital and e-commerce services in China. The Shanghai-based company's services include website design, development and hosting, information technology infrastructure, customer service, warehousing and logistics services as well as digital marketing.
The reason that BZUN has fallen into the cellar of the Zacks Rank is that analyst earnings estimates have dropped significantly.
In the past 90 days, this year's consensus has slid over 20% from $1.13 to $0.90. And next year's EPS projection fell from $1.70 to $1.51.
The bulk of the revisions for next year came after the company's quarterly report two weeks ago.
And the results are confirming what we've seen across the board in Chinese technology stocks as the largest consumer class in the world struggles with a slowing economy and trade disputes.
The Shanghai Composite Index is down nearly 18% year-to-date, vs the S&P 500 at +10%.
Until visibility on growth in Chinese stocks becomes clearer, it's best to stand aside. The Zacks Rank will let you know.
Additional content:
Time to Buy Micron (MU - Free Report) as Chipmaker Boosts Investment?
Shares of Micron surged Thursday on the back of an announcement that the firm is set to invest more money in its future as it fights to remain a powerful player in its booming industry. The memory-chip maker’s climb helped curb a roughly three-month MU pullback as investors worry that the trade war might negatively impact the company. So is now the time to buy Micron shares?
Investment
Micron announced on Wednesday that it plans to invest a total of $3 billion at its Manassas, Virginia plant by 2030 in order to increase memory production. “These products support a diverse set of applications such as industrial automation, drones, the IoT (Internet of Things) and in-vehicle experience applications for automotive,” CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said in a statement. “This business delivers strong profitability and stable, growing free cash flow.”
The firm noted that it hopes to create roughly 1,100 new jobs through its spending plan. Plus, Micron hopes to lift its overall capital expenditure into the low 30s as a percentage of revenue over the long haul.
Despite Micron’s impressive stock price growth and recent strength, the company has lagged some of its biggest competitors in terms of investment. The firm’s capital expenditures have averaged about 26% of annual revenue over the last five years. And before investors get nervous that these investments will cut into Micron’s profits, understand that making chips is very expensive and it will likely cost even more as chip sizes shrink further and further.
Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.
Zacks.com provides investment resources and informs you of these resources, which you may choose to use in making your own investment decisions. Zacks is providing information on this resource to you subject to the Zacks "Terms and Conditions of Service" disclaimer. www.zacks.com/disclaimer.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss.This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
See More Zacks Research for These Tickers
Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:
Image: Bigstock
Paycom, Baozun and Micron highlighted as Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – August 31, 2018 – Zacks Equity Research Paycom Software (PAYC - Free Report) as the Bull of the Day, Baozun (BZUN - Free Report) as the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Micron (MU - Free Report) .
Here is a synopsis of all three stocks:
Bull of the Day:
Paycom Software is a $9 billion provider of a cloud-based human capital management solutions delivered in the model of the decade, SaaS, or Software-as-a-Service.
Much like bigger peers Automatic Data Processing and Paychex, Paycom provides functionality and data analytics that businesses need to manage the complete employment life cycle from recruitment to retirement. Its HCM (human capital management) solution offers a suite of applications in the areas of talent acquisition, time and labor management, and payroll.
In early August, Paycom Software reported impressive second-quarter 2018 results, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate on both the top and bottom lines, and ahead of the company's guided range.
Non-GAAP earnings per share came in at 59 cents, 20% above consensus. Reported earnings increased from the adjusted figure of 26 cents in the year-ago quarter.
Quarter Details
Paycom Software reported revenues of $128.8 million, which increased 31% from the year-ago quarter. Revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $124 million.
The year-over-over increase can be attributed to new business wins and product development initiatives. Robust adoption of enhanced HCM software solutions is a key driver.
Moreover, revenues were impacted positively by a 31% year-over-year increase in recurring revenues, which comprised around 98% of total revenues.
Management believes that Paycom’s mobile app, which meets all the functionality offered by employee self-service desktop application, positions it well for continued growth.
The company also introduced various enhancements to its overall product offering as part of its monthly updates in the second quarter that were rolled out to its entire client base.
For more on the innovations in software that are accelerating productivity, industry disruption and wealth creation, see my recent video and article...
Software and Biotech Are Eating the World
Paycom Margins
Adjusted gross profit increased 32.7% from the year-ago period to $108.3 million. The company’s adjusted gross margin expanded 110 basis points (bps) on a year-over-year basis to 84.1%, primarily due to a higher revenue base.
As a percentage of revenues, total adjusted administration expenses and sales and marketing expenses of 47.9% and 23.4% declined 290 and 330 bps, respectively. Paycom Software’s adjusted EBITDA increased 46.2% year over year to $53.5 million.
Balance Sheet & Cash Flow
Paycom Software exited the second quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $54.6 million compared with $68.1 million in the previous quarter.
The company’s balance sheet comprises long-term debt of $33.5 million compared with $35.3 million in the previous quarter.
Net cash provided by operating activities in the first six months of 2018 was $100.4 million. The company repurchased more than 400k shares in the quarter.
Paycom Guidance Ignites the Stock
For third-quarter 2018, Paycom Software expects revenues in the range of $129-$131 million. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $45.5-$47.5 million.
Gross margin is anticipated to be under pressure due to the timing of new hires.
Paycom Software raised its guidance for fiscal 2018. The company now anticipates revenues in the range of $554-$556 million, up from the previous expectation of $545-$547 million. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $231-$233 million, up from previous guidance of $220-$222 million.
The company will be ramping up investments in sales and marketing initiatives as well as in research and development in the second half of the year.
But the refreshed outlook has the company on pace to produce 28% sales growth and a 102% EPS advance this year. Analysts also adjusted their estimates higher for next year, projecting 23% top line growth and a nearly 22% EPS markup.
Not only did this guidance compel analysts to raise their estimates and make PAYC a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy), but it compelled investors to buy all the shares they could in August, rallying the stock over 40%.
Keep your eye on this young upstart in the big world of SaaSy employer services.
Bear of the Day:
Baozunis a $3 billion provider of digital and e-commerce services in China. The Shanghai-based company's services include website design, development and hosting, information technology infrastructure, customer service, warehousing and logistics services as well as digital marketing.
The reason that BZUN has fallen into the cellar of the Zacks Rank is that analyst earnings estimates have dropped significantly.
In the past 90 days, this year's consensus has slid over 20% from $1.13 to $0.90. And next year's EPS projection fell from $1.70 to $1.51.
The bulk of the revisions for next year came after the company's quarterly report two weeks ago.
And the results are confirming what we've seen across the board in Chinese technology stocks as the largest consumer class in the world struggles with a slowing economy and trade disputes.
The Shanghai Composite Index is down nearly 18% year-to-date, vs the S&P 500 at +10%.
Until visibility on growth in Chinese stocks becomes clearer, it's best to stand aside. The Zacks Rank will let you know.
Additional content:
Time to Buy Micron (MU - Free Report) as Chipmaker Boosts Investment?
Shares of Micron surged Thursday on the back of an announcement that the firm is set to invest more money in its future as it fights to remain a powerful player in its booming industry. The memory-chip maker’s climb helped curb a roughly three-month MU pullback as investors worry that the trade war might negatively impact the company. So is now the time to buy Micron shares?
Investment
Micron announced on Wednesday that it plans to invest a total of $3 billion at its Manassas, Virginia plant by 2030 in order to increase memory production. “These products support a diverse set of applications such as industrial automation, drones, the IoT (Internet of Things) and in-vehicle experience applications for automotive,” CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said in a statement. “This business delivers strong profitability and stable, growing free cash flow.”
The firm noted that it hopes to create roughly 1,100 new jobs through its spending plan. Plus, Micron hopes to lift its overall capital expenditure into the low 30s as a percentage of revenue over the long haul.
Despite Micron’s impressive stock price growth and recent strength, the company has lagged some of its biggest competitors in terms of investment. The firm’s capital expenditures have averaged about 26% of annual revenue over the last five years. And before investors get nervous that these investments will cut into Micron’s profits, understand that making chips is very expensive and it will likely cost even more as chip sizes shrink further and further.
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/zacksresearch
Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts
Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.
Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
support@zacks.com
https://www.zacks.com
Zacks.com provides investment resources and informs you of these resources, which you may choose to use in making your own investment decisions. Zacks is providing information on this resource to you subject to the Zacks "Terms and Conditions of Service" disclaimer. www.zacks.com/disclaimer.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss.This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.