UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(RULE 14a-101)

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.    )

Filed by the Registrant  x                            Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ¨

Check the appropriate box:

 

¨ Preliminary Proxy Statement
¨ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
x Definitive Proxy Statement
¨ Definitive Additional Materials
¨ Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

Paychex, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
x No fee required.
¨ Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
 (1) 

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

  

 

 (2) 

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

  

 

 (3) 

Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 

 

  

 

 (4) 

Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 

 

  

 

 (5) Total fee paid:
  
  

 

¨ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
¨ Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
 (1) 

Amount Previously Paid:

 

 

  

 

 (2) 

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

 

 

  

 

 (3) 

Filing Party:

 

 

  

 

 (4) 

Date Filed:

 

 

  

 

 

 

 


LOGOLOGO

proxy statement 2016 AND Proxy Statement | 2019
and Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
The Power of
Simplicity
PAYCHEX®
HR | Payroll | Benefits | Insurance


LOGO

Our Purpose
We provide our customers the freedom to succeed.
Our Mission
We will be the leading provider of human resource, payroll, and employee benefit services by being an essential partner with businesses across the U.S.
Our Values
We act with uncompromising integrity.
We provide outstanding service and build trusted relationships. We drive innovation in our products and services and continually improve our processes.
We work in partnership and support each other.
We’re personally accountable and deliver on our commitments. We treat each other with respect and dignity.


LOGO

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS more connected how Paychex makes clients more connected to their employees, their businesses PAYCHEX®


LOGO

 

NOTICE OF 2016 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Wednesday, October 12, 2016 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time*

The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY 14607

*A continental breakfast will be available from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time

The principal business of the 2016

WHEN

Thursday, October 17, 2019

10:00 a.m. Eastern Time*

*   A continental breakfast will be available from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time

WHERE

The Strong

One Manhattan Square

Rochester, NY 14607

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE 2019 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 17, 2019

Paychex, Inc.’s Proxy Statement and Annual Report for the year ended May 31, 2019 are available atwww.paychex.com/investors

The principal business of the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) will be:

 

1.

To elect nine nominees to the Board of Directors for a term of one year;
one-year term;

 

2.

To hold an advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation;

 

3.

To ratify the selection of thePricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm; and

 

4.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

Stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting. Stockholders of record at the close of business on August 15, 2016 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournments or postponements thereof.

If you are unable to attend the Annual Meeting, you will be able to listen to the meeting via the Internet. We will broadcast the Annual Meeting as a live webcast through our website. Please note that you will not be able to vote or ask questions through the webcast. The webcast will be accessible athttp://investor.paychex.com/webcasts and will remain available for replay for approximately one month following the meeting.

By Order

Stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting. Stockholders of record at the close of business on August 19, 2019 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournments or postponements thereof.

If you are unable to attend the Annual Meeting, you will be able to listen via the internet. We will broadcast the Annual Meeting as a live webcast through our website. Please note that you will not be able to vote or ask questions through the webcast. The webcast will be accessible atwww.paychex.com/investors under Events and Presentations and will remain available for replay for approximately one month following the meeting.

By order of the Board of Directors

Stephanie L. Schaeffer

Corporate Secretary

September 9, 2016

 

September 18, 2019

Important notice regarding the availability of proxy materials for the

2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on October 12, 2016:

Paychex, Inc.’s Proxy Statement and Annual Report for the year ended May 31, 2016 are available at

http://investor.paychex.com/annual-report.aspx.


Welcome to the Paychex, Inc. 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

VOTE YOUR SHARES

HOW TO VOTE


Welcome to the Paychex, Inc. 2019 Annual Meeting

of Stockholders

VOTE YOUR SHARES

HOW TO VOTE

Your vote is very important and we hope that you will attend the Annual Meeting. You are eligible to vote if you were a stockholder of record at the close of business on August 19, 2019. Please read the proxy statement and vote right away using any of the following methods.

Stockholders of Record:

 

LOGOLOGOLOGOLOGO

VOTE BY

Your vote is very important and we hope that you will attendINTERNET

Visit the Annual Meeting. You are eligible to vote if you were a stockholder of record atwebsite listed

on your proxy card.

VOTE BY

TELEPHONE

Call the close of businesstelephone

number listed on August 15, 2016. Please read the your

proxy statement and vote right away using any of the following methods.

Stockholders of Record:card.

 

VOTE BY MAIL

Sign, date, and return

LOGO

LOGO

LOGO

LOGO

VOTE BY

INTERNET

Visit the website listed

on your proxy card.

VOTE BY

TELEPHONE

Call the telephone

number listed on your

proxy card.

VOTE BY MAIL

Sign, date, and return

your proxy card in the

enclosed envelope.

VOTE VIA MOBILE

DEVICE

Scan this QR code.

Make sure to have your proxy card or voting instruction card in hand and follow the instructions.

Beneficial Stockholders:enclosed envelope.

VOTE VIA MOBILE

If you are a beneficial stockholder, you will receive instructions from your bank, broker, or other nominee that you must follow in order for your shares to be voted. Many of these institutions offer telephone and online voting. If you wish to vote in person at the annual meeting, you will need to obtain a legal proxy from your bank, broker, or other nominee to present when voting.

DEVICE

Scan this QR code.

Make sure to have your proxy card or voting instruction card in hand and follow the instructions.

Beneficial Stockholders:

If you are a beneficial stockholder, you will receive instructions from your bank, broker, or other nominee that you must follow in order for your shares to be voted. Many of these institutions offer telephone and online voting. If you wish to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, you will need to obtain a legal proxy from your bank, broker, or other nominee to present when voting.


Table of Contents

 

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

  1

PROXY STATEMENT

3

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM

3

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2016

8

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF PAYCHEX COMMON STOCK

11

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

12

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

13

Board Leadership Structure

13

Board Oversight of Risk

13

Board Meetings and Committees

14

Nomination Process

15

Policy on Transactions with Related Persons

16

Governance and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

17

Communications with the Board of Directors

17

CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT

17

PROPOSAL 2:  ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

18

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

20

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

39

Fiscal 2016 Summary Compensation Table

39

Grants of Plan-Based Awards For Fiscal 2016

41

Option Exercises and Stock Vested In Fiscal 2016

43

Outstanding Equity Awards as of May 31, 2016

44

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change In Control Fiscal 2016

46

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Fiscal 2016

48

PROPOSAL 3:  RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

50

Fees for Professional Services

50

Report of The Audit Committee

51

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

52

APPENDIX A: PAYCHEX, INC. RECONCILIATION OF PERFORMANCE MEASURES TO THOSE REPORTED IN THE COMPANY’S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A-1

APPENDIX B: PAYCHEX, INC. PEER GROUP

B-1 


Proxy Summary

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider and you should read the entire proxy statement before voting. For more complete information regarding the performance of Paychex, Inc. (the “Company” or “Paychex”) for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016 (“fiscal 2016”), please review the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2016.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

LOGO

October 12, 2016

10:00 a.m., Eastern Time

LOGO

The Strong, One Manhattan  

Square, Rochester,

New York 14607

Meeting Agenda and Voting Matters

ItemManagement Proposal

Board Vote

Recommendation

Page Reference
(for more detail)

Proposal 1

Election of directors for a one-year termFOR  each director nominee3

Proposal 2

Advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensationFOR18

Proposal 3

Ratification of selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmFOR50

Fiscal 2016 Business Highlights

    For the fiscal year ended May 31,   
$ in millions, except per share amounts  2016  2015 % Change               

Service revenue

   $2,906    $2,698    8%            

Operating income, net of certain items(1)

   $1,101    $1,012    9%  

Net income

   $757    $675    12%  

Stock price (high/low)(2)

   $54.78/$41.59    $51.72/$40.10    n/a 

Stock price as of fiscal year end

   $54.22    $49.41    10%  

(1)Operating income, net of certain items, differs from what is reported under United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as operating income. Refer to Appendix A for a description of this non-GAAP financial measure and for a reconciliation of this measure to our operating income results as reported under U.S. GAAP.

(2)Based on 52-week high and low sale prices as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market as of May 31, 2016 and 2015.

Paychex has also focused on returning value to our stockholders and continued with shareholder-friendly actions during fiscal 2016. In July 2015, the Company increased its quarterly dividend by 11% to $0.42 per share. In July 2016, the Company again increased its quarterly dividend by $0.04 per share, or 10%, to $0.46 per share. The Company continued to repurchase its common stock opportunistically and in fiscal 2016 purchased 2.2 million shares for $107.9 million.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  1


Proxy Summary

LOGO

Note: Dividends as a percentage of net income for fiscal 2016 are calculated on net income, excluding a discrete item for a net tax benefit recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 derived from prior years’ income from customer-facing software we produced.

Pay-for-Performance

Key pay-for-performance events related to named executive officer compensation that were tied to Company performance for fiscal 2016 were:

Payouts under the Annual Officer Incentive Program were at 103% of target for our Chief Executive Officer and 101% of target for our Senior Vice Presidents.

Performance shares granted in July 2014 reached the end of the two-year performance period in May 2016. Achievement was in excess of target and resulted in a payout at 110% of target. The shares earned are restricted for an additional one-year period.

Performance non-qualified stock options earned at 63.0% of the target for the Long-Term Incentive Plan award granted in July 2011 based on targets for fiscal 2016. Previously, 23.5% of the target had been accelerated and vested based on targets established for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014. The remaining 39.5% earned vested in July 2016.

For more information on compensation for our named executive officers, and how it ties to performance, refer to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and Named Executive Officer Compensation sections of this proxy statement.

Additional Information

Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section beginning on page 52 for important information about proxy materials, voting, annual meeting procedures, Company documents, communications, and the deadlines to submit shareholder proposals for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Additionally, questions may be directed to Investor Relations at (800) 828-4411 or by written request to 911 Panorama Trail South, Rochester, NY 14625, Attention: Investor Relations. General information regarding the meeting and links to key documents can be found on the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders web page athttp://investor.paychex.com/annual-meeting.aspx.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  2


Election of Directors

PROXY STATEMENT

Paychex, Inc.

911 Panorama Trail South

Rochester, NY 14625

Paychex, Inc. (“Paychex,” the “Company,” “we,” or “our ”), a Delaware corporation, is furnishing this proxy statement to stockholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”). This proxy statement summarizes information concerning the matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting and related information to help stockholders make an informed vote. Distribution of this proxy statement and a form of proxy to stockholders is scheduled to begin on or about September 9, 2016.

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS FOR AONE-YEAR TERM3DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 201910BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF PAYCHEX COMMON STOCK13CORPORATE GOVERNANCE15

Board Leadership Structure

15

Board Oversight of Risk

15

Board Meetings and Committees

16

Nomination Process

18

Policy on Transactions with Related Persons

19

Governance and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

20

Communications with the Board of Directors

20CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT20PROPOSAL 2: ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION21COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS23

Executive Summary

23

Elements of Compensation

31

Compensation Decision Process

38

CEO Compensation

40

CEO Pay Ratio

41

Impact of the Internal Revenue Code

41

The Governance and Compensation Committee Report

42NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION43

Fiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table

43

Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2019

46

Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal 2019

48

Outstanding Equity Awards as of May 31, 2019

49

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change In Control Fiscal 2019

52

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Fiscal 2019

55PROPOSAL 3: RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP TO SERVE AS THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM57

Fees for Professional Services

58

Report of The Audit Committee

59FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS60APPENDIX A: PAYCHEX, INC.NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURESA-1APPENDIX B: PAYCHEX, INC. RECONCILIATION OF PERFORMANCE MEASURES TO THOSE REPORTED IN THE COMPANY’S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSB-1


Proxy Summary  

 

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider and you should read the entire proxy statement before voting. For more complete information regarding the performance of Paychex, Inc. (the “Company” or “Paychex”) for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 (“fiscal 2019”), please review the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for fiscal 2019.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

        LOGO         

October 17, 2019

10:00 a.m., Eastern Time

        LOGO         

The Strong,

One Manhattan Square,

Rochester, New York 14607

Meeting Agenda and Voting Matters

ItemManagement Proposal

Board Vote         

Recommendation         

Page Reference         
(for more detail)          
Proposal 1Election of directors for aone-year termFOR each director nominee        3          
Proposal 2Advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensationFOR21          
Proposal 3Ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firmFOR57          

Fiscal 2019 Business Highlights

   For the fiscal year ended May 31,     
  
$ in millions, except per share amounts  2019   2018
As adjusted(1)
   % Change 
    
Total revenue  $3,773   $3,378    12
    
Operating income  $1,371   $1,292    6
    
Net income  $1,034   $994    4
    
Stock price (high/low)(2)  $87.15/$61.64   $70.25/$54.24    24%/14
    
Stock price as of fiscal year end  $85.79   $65.58    31

(1)

Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC Topic 606”).

(2)

Based on52-week high and low sale prices as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market as of May 31, 2019 and 2018.

Paychex has focused on returning value to our stockholders and continued with stockholder-friendly actions during fiscal 2019. In May 2019, the Company increased its quarterly dividend by $0.06 per share, or 11%, to $0.62 per share. The Company continued to repurchase its common stock to offset dilution and in fiscal 2019 repurchased 0.7 million shares for $56.9 million.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  1


Proposal Snapshot  Proxy Summary  

LOGO

Pay-for-Performance

Key features of our executive compensation program that tie compensation to the Company’s performance are:

A significant portion of annual compensation is “at risk” based on performance. For the President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), 87% of total target compensation is at risk. On average, for other named executive officers (“NEOs”), 76% of their total target compensation is at risk.

Variable compensation is comprised of an annual cash incentive program and longer-term equity-based incentives. For the annual cash incentive for fiscal 2019, results for certain performance metrics were above target, resulting in payouts at 129% of target for our CEO and 127% of target for the other NEOs.

Annual grants of performance shares in July 2017 reached the end of thetwo-year performance period in May 2019. Achievement was at 98% of target. The shares earned are restricted for an additionalone-year period.

For more information on compensation for our NEOs and how it ties to performance, refer to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and Named Executive Officer Compensation sections of this proxy statement.

Additional Information

Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section beginning on page 60 for important information about proxy materials, voting, annual meeting procedures, company documents, communications, and the deadlines to submit stockholder proposals for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Additionally, questions may be directed to Investor Relations at(800) 828-4411 or by written request to 911 Panorama Trail South, Rochester, NY 14625, Attention: Investor Relations. General information regarding the meeting and links to key documents can be found on our Investor Relations web page atwww.paychex.com/investors.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  2


Election of Directors  

PROXY STATEMENT

Paychex, Inc.

911 Panorama Trail South

Rochester, NY 14625

Paychex, Inc. (“Paychex,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), a Delaware corporation, is furnishing this proxy statement to stockholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”). This proxy statement summarizes information concerning the matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting and related information to help stockholders make an informed vote. Distribution of this proxy statement and a form of proxy to stockholders is scheduled to begin on or about September 18, 2019.

PROPOSAL 1:

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS FOR AONE-YEAR TERM

What am I voting on?

Voting Recommendation
Stockholders are being asked to elect nine director nominees for aone-year term. This section includes information about the Board and each director nominee.

Voting Recommendation

The Board recommends a voteFOReach of the nine director nominees.

LOGO

The Board is elected by the stockholders to oversee the overall success of the Company, review its operational and financial capabilities, and periodically assess its long-term strategic objectives. The Board serves as the ultimate decision-making body of the Company, except for those matters reserved to stockholders. The Board selects and oversees the members of senior management who are charged by the Board with conducting theday-to-day business of the Company. The Board acts as an advisor to senior management and ultimately monitors management’s performance.

Election Process

The Company’sBy-Laws provide for the annual election of directors. TheBy-Laws provide that each director is elected by a majority of the votes cast for the director at any meeting held for the election of directors at which a quorum is present and the director is running unopposed. If a nominee that is an incumbent director does not receive a required majority of the votes cast, the director must offer to tender his or her resignation to the Board. The Governance and Compensation Committee (the “G&C Committee”) then considers such offer and will make a recommendation to the Board on whether to accept or reject the resignation, or whether other action should be taken. The Board will consider the G&C Committee’s recommendation and will determine whether to accept such offer. The Board will disclose its decision and the rationale behind it within 90 days of the certification of the election results.

2019 Nominees for Director

There are nine nominees for election as director, as listed on the following pages. Each of the nominees is a current member of the Board. The nine persons listed have been nominated for election to the Board by the Company’s G&C Committee. The nominees, with the exception of Mr. Golisano and Mr. Mucci, are independent under both the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) director independence standards. If elected, each nominee will hold office until his or her successor is elected and has

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  3


  Election of the Company, review its operational and financial capabilities, and periodically assess its long-term strategic objectives. The Board serves as the ultimate decision-making body of the Company, except for those matters reserved to stockholders. The Board selects and oversees the members of senior management, who are charged by the Board with conducting the day-to-day business of the Company. The Board acts as an advisor to senior management and ultimately monitors management’s performance.

Election ProcessDirectors  

 

 

The Company’s By-Laws provide for the annual election of directors. The By-Laws provide that each director shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast for the director at any meeting for the election of directors at which a quorum is present. If a nominee that is an incumbent director does not receive a required majority of the votes cast, the director shall offer to tender his or her resignation to the Board. The Governance and Compensation Committee (the “G&C Committee”) shall consider such offer and will make a recommendation to the Board on whether to accept or reject the resignation, or whether other action should be taken. The Board will consider the G&C Committee’s recommendation and will determine whether to accept such offer.

2016 Nominees for Director

 

 

At the 2016 Annual Meeting, there are nine nominees for election as director, as listed on the following pages. Each of the nominees is a current member of the Board, having been elected by the stockholders at the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The nine persons listed have been nominated for election to the Board by the Company’s G&C Committee. The nominees, with the exception of Mr. Golisano and Mr. Mucci, are independent under both the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) director independence standards. If elected, each nominee will hold office until his or her successor is elected and has qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. We believe that all of the nominees will be available to serve as a director. However, if any nominee should become unable to serve, the persons named in the enclosed proxy may exercise discretionary authority to vote for substitute nominees proposed by the Board.

 

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  3


Election of Directors

The Board believes that the combination of the various qualifications, skills, and experience of the 2016 director nominees will continue to contribute to an effective and well-functioning Board. We have provided biographical information on each of the nominees. Included within this information, we identify and describe the key experience, qualifications, and skills our directors bring

qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. We believe that all of the nominees will be available to serve as a director. However, if any nominee should become unable to serve, the persons named in the enclosed proxy may exercise discretionary authority to vote for substitute nominees proposed by the Board.

The Board believes that the combination of the various qualifications, skills, and experience of the 2019 director nominees will continue to contribute to an effective and well-functioning Board. We have provided biographical information on each of the nominees. Included within this information, we identify and describe the key experience, qualifications, and skills each director nominee brings to the Board that are important in light of our business and structure.

 

The Board recommends the election of each of the director nominees identified on the following pages.

Unless otherwise directed, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote the proxyFOR the election

of each of these director nominees.

Summary of Director Nominees

The Board is committed to ensuring that it is composed of a highly capable group of directors, with a broad-range of experience,

Summary of Director Nominees

Our Board is composed of accomplished professionals, with diverse areas of expertise, who are well-equipped to oversee the success of the business and effectively represent the interests of stockholders. The G&C Committee believes that all directors should: possess the highest personal and professional ethics; share the values of the Company; have relevant experience; be accomplished in their field; and show innovative and sound business judgment. The Board has identified particular qualifications, attributes, skills, and experience that are important to be represented on the Board as a whole, in light of the Company’s business and current needs. The Board believes the combination of the various qualifications, attributes, skills, and experience of the director nominees contribute to a well-functioning and effective Board.

LOGO

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  4


 

 

LOGO

Election of Directors  

 

B. Thomas Golisano

Founder and Chairman of the Board of Paychex, Inc.

Age 77

Director since 1979

Board Committees:

•  Executive

Current Public Company Directorships:

•  Twinlab Consolidated Holdings, Inc.

Mr. Golisano founded Paychex in 1971 and is Chairman of the Board of the Company. He served as President and CEO of the Company until October 2004. He serves on the board of trustees of the Rochester Institute of Technology. Mr. Golisano serves on the boards of Cognivue, Inc. and Twinlab Consolidated Holdings, Inc. and serves as a director of numerousnon-profit organizations and private companies. He is founder and member of the board of trustees of the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Mr. Golisano is qualified to lead the Board due to his relevant executive leadership experience and extensive knowledge of the operations of the Company. These skills were attained through his role of founder and former CEO of Paychex.

  Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  4  


Election of Directors

Thomas F. Bonadio

 

Founder and Senior Counsel of The Bonadio Group

B. Thomas Golisano

Age 74

Director since 1979

Board Committees:

•   Executive

Mr. Golisano founded Paychex in 1971 and is Chairman of the Board of the Company. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company until October 2004. He serves on the board of trustees of the Rochester Institute of Technology. Mr. Golisano joined the Twinlab Consolidated Holdings, Inc. board in April 2016 and serves as a director of numerous non-profit organizations and private companies. He is founder and member of the board of trustees of the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Mr. Golisano is qualified to lead the Board due to his relevant executive leadership experience and extensive knowledge of the operations of the Company. These skills were attained through his role of founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Paychex.

CURRENT OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS:

Twinlab Consolidated Holdings,

Age 70

Director since 2017

Board Committees:

•  Audit

•  Corporate Development Advisory

Current Public Company Directorships:

•  CurAegis Technologies, Inc.

Mr. Bonadio is the founder and senior counsel of The Bonadio Group, the largest independent provider of accounting, business advisory, and financial services in New York State outside of Manhattan. Mr. Bonadio has experience serving on community organizations andnot-for-profit boards, as well as publicly traded boards. He is currently a director and chair of the audit committee for CurAegis Technologies, Inc. He also previously served as a director and audit committee chair for Conceptus, Inc., which is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Bayer AH of Germany.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Mr. Bonadio is qualified to serve as a director of the Company due to his strong background in finance and business, his entrepreneurial experience, and his knowledge of the Certified Public Accountant community. Mr. Bonadio is a successful entrepreneur whose experience building his own business is representative of many clients Paychex serves today. He also brings a high degree of financial literacy obtained from his years in the financial services industry, and his ability to assess financial performance of other companies through the review and understanding of financial statements. This financial expertise is a great benefit to the Board and its committees.

 

   

 

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  5


  Election of Directors  

 

Joseph G. Doody

Age 64

Director since 2010

Board Committees:

Joseph G. Doody

Former Vice Chairman of Staples, Inc.

Age 67

Director since 2010

Board Committees:

•  Audit

•  Investment

Current Public Company Directorships:

•  Audit

Mr. Doody has served as Vice Chairman of Staples, Inc., an office products company, since February 2014. Previously with Staples, Inc., he served as President, North American Commercial, since January 2013, and President, North American Delivery, from March 2002 to January 2013. Mr. Doody is a member of the Executive Advisory Committee for the Simon Graduate School of Business at the University of Rochester and is the Chair of the Foundation Board at the College of Brockport.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Mr. Doody is qualified to serve as a director of the Company due to his significant leadership and international experience. His management of a large division of a multinational company enables him to provide our Board with important operational expertise. In addition, his deep knowledge of small- to medium-sized businesses brings thorough understanding of the risks and opportunities affecting the Company’s clients and potential clients. Mr. Doody’s current responsibilities include strategic planning and business development, which allow him to provide valuable input into the Company’s plans for market growth.

CURRENT OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS:

Casella Waste Systems, Inc.

•  Virtusa Corporation

Mr. Doody retired from Staples, Inc., an office products company, in September 2017. He previously served as Vice Chairman of Staples, Inc. since February 2014. Prior to that, he served as President, North American Commercial, from January 2013 until February 2014, and President, North American Delivery, from March 2002 to January 2013. Mr. Doody has experience serving on other public boards, including Casella Waste Systems, Inc. and Virtusa Corporation. Mr. Doody is a member of the Foundation Board at The College at Brockport.

 

   

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Mr. Doody is qualified to serve as a director of the Company due to his significant leadership and international experience. His long tenure in management of a large division of a multinational company enables him to provide our Board with important operational expertise. In addition, his deep knowledge of small- tomedium-sized businesses brings a thorough understanding of the risks and opportunities affecting the Company’s clients and potential clients. Mr. Doody also has extensive experience in strategic planning and business development, which allows him to provide valuable input into the Company’s plans for market growth.

 

David J.S. Flaschen

Age 60

Director since 1999

Board Committees:

•   Audit (Chairman)

•   Investment

•   Corporate Development Advisory

•   G&C

Mr. Flaschen is an investor and advisor to a number of private companies providing business, marketing, and information services. Mr. Flaschen is also the co-founder of Tap Quality, LLC, which specializes in mobile and internet lead generation for the solar energy industry, and Regrub, LLC, a Smashburger franchisee group in the U.S. From 2005 to 2011, he was a partner with Castanea Partners, a private equity investment firm. Mr. Flaschen is a director of various private companies and of Informa plc, a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Mr. Flaschen is qualified to serve as a director of the Company as a result of his extensive executive experience in information and marketing services. Over the course of his career, Mr. Flaschen has worked internationally with a number of businesses, including Thomson Financial and AC Nielson.

David J.S. Flaschen

Investor and Advisor

Age 63

Director since 1999

Board Committees:

•  Audit (Chair)

•  Investment

•  Corporate Development Advisory

•  G&C

Current Public Company Directorships:

•  Informa PLC (London Stock Exchange)

Mr. Flaschen is an investor and advisor to a number of private companies providing business, marketing, and information services. Mr. Flaschen is theco-founder of Regrub, LLC, a Smashburger franchisee group in the United States (“U.S.”). From 2005 to 2011, he was a partner with Castanea Partners, a private equity investment firm. Mr. Flaschen is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors Blue Ribbon Commission on Adaptive Governance for Board Oversight of Disruptive Risks. Mr. Flaschen is also a director/advisor of various private companies. He also serves as a director and member of the audit committee for Informa PLC, a Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 public company which is traded on the London Stock Exchange.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Mr. Flaschen is qualified to serve as a director of the Company as a result of his extensive executive experience in information and marketing services. Over the course of his career, Mr. Flaschen has worked internationally with a number of businesses, including Thomson Financial and AC Nielsen. He also brings a high degree of financial literacy obtained from his years in the financial services industry, and his ability to assess financial performance of other companies through review and understanding of financial statements.This financial expertiseis a great benefit to the Board and its committees.

CURRENT OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS:

Informa plc (London Exchange)

 

   

 

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  6


Election of Directors  

Pamela A. Joseph

Former President and Chief Operating Officer of Total System Services, Inc.

Age 60

Director since April 2018

(previously served from 2005-2017, reappointed in 2018)

Board Committees:

•  G&C

Current Public Company Directorships:

•  TransUnion

•  Adyen N.V. (Euronext)

Ms. Joseph served as President, Chief Operating Officer, and Board Member of Total System Services, Inc. (“TSYS”), from May 2016 until September 2017. TSYS offers issuer services and merchant payment acceptance for credit, debit, prepaid, healthcare, and business solutions. Previously, she served as a Vice Chair of U.S. Bancorp Payment Services and Chair of Elavon (formerly NOVA Information Systems, Inc.), a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp, from December 2004 until her retirement in June 2015. U.S. Bancorp Payment Services and Elavon manage and facilitate consumer and corporate card issuing, as well as payment processing. Ms. Joseph serves on the Board of Directors of TransUnion and Adyen N.V., and previously served on the Paychex Board from 2005 until March 2017.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Ms. Joseph is qualified to serve as a director of the Company due to her extensive executive experience in the financial services and payment industries. Her wealth of technology experience brings insight to the Board and its committees. In addition, her experience with major acquisitions, board experience with the healthcare services field, and international expansion provides valuable input towards the Company’s growth plans.

  Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  5  


Election of Directors

Martin Mucci

 

President and Chief Executive Officer of Paychex, Inc.

Phillip Horsley

Age 77

Director since 2011

(previously served from 1982-2009, reappointed in 2011)

Board Committees:

Age 59

Director since 2010

Board Committees:

•  Executive (Chair)

•  Corporate Development Advisory

Current Public Company Directorships:

•  Investment

•   G&C

Mr. Horsley is the founder of Horsley Bridge Partners, a leading manager of private equity investments for institutional clients. The firm was founded in 1983 and Mr. Horsley retired in 2010.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Mr. Horsley is qualified to serve as a director of the Company due to his strong background in finance and business and his expertise in investment management. His investment experience is particularly valuable in Investment Committee decisions. In addition, Mr. Horsley has acquired an extensive knowledge of the Company’s history and operating environment via his long-term relationship with the Company.

CURRENT OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS:

None

Mr. Mucci has served as President and CEO of the Company since September 2010. Mr. Mucci joined the Company in 2002 as Senior Vice President (“SVP”), Operations. Prior to joining Paychex, he held senior level positions with Frontier Communications, a telecommunications company, including President of Telephone Operations and CEO of Frontier Telephone of Rochester, over the course of his20-year career. Mr. Mucci was a member of the Board of Directors of Cbeyond, Inc. until it was purchased by Birch Communications in July 2014. He is a member of the Upstate New York Regional Advisory Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is a Trustee Emeritus of St. John Fisher College.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Mr. Mucci is qualified to serve as a director of the Company because he providesday-to-day leadership as the current President and CEO of Paychex, giving him extensive knowledge of the Company, its operations, challenges, and opportunities. In addition, Mr. Mucci’s educational background and senior leadership experience provide him with strong financial literacy.

 

   

 

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  7


  Election of Directors  

 

Grant M. Inman

Age 74

Director since 1983

Board Committees:

•   Investment (Chairman)

•   Audit

•   G&C

Mr. Inman is the founder and General Partner of Inman Investment Management, a private investment company formed in 1998. Mr. Inman is a trustee of the University of California, Berkeley Foundation and is also a director of several private companies. Mr. Inman was the independent lead director for Lam Research Corporation until November 2015.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Mr. Inman is qualified to serve as a director of the Company due to his strong background in finance and business, and his entrepreneurial experience. His expertise in assessing financial performance of other companies is also beneficial. In addition, Mr. Inman’s tenure on the Board provides him with extensive knowledge of the Company. Mr. Inman brings a diverse perspective to the Board from his experience in venture capital and investment.

CURRENT OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS:

None

Joseph M. Tucci

Founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer, and Co-Chairman of GTY Technology Holdings, Inc.

Age 72

Director since 2000

Lead Independent Director

Board Committees:

•  G&C (Chair)

•  Executive

Current Public Company Directorships:

•  Motorola Solutions, Inc.

•  GTY Technology Holdings, Inc.

Mr. Tucci is theco-founder of GTY Technology Holdings, Inc., a special purpose acquisitions company founded in September 2016, and is a member of the board of directors. He has been Chairman of Bridge Growth Partners, LLC, a private equity firm based in New York, since October 2016. Mr. Tucci was the former Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of EMC Corporation, a provider of data-storage systems. He was EMC’s Chairman from January 2006 and CEO from January 2001 until September 2016, when Dell Technologies acquired the company. He was Chairman of the Board of Directors for VMWare, Inc. from 2007 through September 2016. He serves on the Board of Directors of Motorola Solutions, Inc., and on the boards of various academic and community organizations.

 

   

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Mr. Tucci is qualified to serve as a director of the Company due to his extensive executive leadership experience as CEO of EMC Corporation. Mr. Tucci has spent over 40 years in the technology industry in senior roles at large, complex, and global technology companies. His experience leading EMC through a period of dramatic revitalization, growth and market share gains, and new product introductions enables him to share knowledge of the challenges a company faces due to rapid changes in the marketplace.

 

Pamela A. Joseph

Age 57

Director since 2005

Board Committees:

•   Audit

•   Corporate Development Advisory

•   Executive

Ms. Joseph has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Total System Services, Inc. (“TSYS”), since May 1, 2016. TSYS offers issuer services and merchant payment acceptance for credit, debit, prepaid, healthcare and business solutions. Previously, she served as a Vice Chairman of U.S. Bancorp Payment Services and Chairman of Elavon (formerly NOVA Information Systems, Inc.), a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp, from December 2004 until her retirement in June 2015. U.S. Bancorp Payment Services and Elavon manage and facilitate consumer and corporate card issuing, as well as payment processing. Ms. Joseph serves on the Board of Directors of TSYS and TransUnion. Ms. Joseph was a member of the Board of Directors of Centene Corporation until April 2016.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Ms. Joseph is qualified to serve as a director of the Company due to her extensive executive experience in the financial services and payment industries. Her wealth of technology experience brings insight to the Board and its committees. In addition, her experience with major acquisitions, board experience with the healthcare services field, and international expansion provides valuable input towards the Company’s growth plans.

CURRENT OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS:

TSYS and TransUnion

Joseph M. Velli

Retired Financial Services and Technology Executive

Age 61

Director since 2007

Board Committees:

•  Investment (Chair)

•  Executive

•  Corporate Development Advisory (Chair)

•  G&C

Current Public Company Directorships:

•  Computershare Ltd. (Australian Stock Exchange)

•  Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.

Mr. Velli currently serves on the Board of Directors of Computershare Limited, a global provider of corporate trust, stock transfer, employee share plan, and mortgage servicing services. In December 2017, Mr. Velli was appointed to the Board of Directors of Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., a multinational corporation that provides information technology services, including digital, technology, consulting, and operations services. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Foreside Financial Group, a private company in the investment management industry. Mr. Velli previously served as Senior Executive Vice President of The Bank of New York and as a member of the Senior Policy Committee. During his22-year tenure with The Bank of New York, Mr. Velli’s responsibilities included heading Global Issuer Services, Global Custody and related Investor Services, Global Liquidity Services, Pension and 401(k) Services, Consumer and Retail Banking, Correspondent Clearing, and Securities Services. Most recently, he served as Chairman and CEO of ConvergEx Group, LLC, a provider of brokerage, software products, and technology services from 2006 to 2013, and continued to serve on the ConvergEx Board until 2014. Mr. Velli served on the Board of Directors of E*TRADE Financial Corporation and E*TRADE Bank until October 2014. Mr. Velli has been a member of the board of trustees for William Paterson University since June 2017. Mr. Velli acts as a Senior Advisor to Lovell Minnick Partners and, from time to time, he provides advisory services to other private equity firms.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Mr. Velli is qualified to serve as a director of the Company due to his extensive experience with securities servicing, capital markets, business to business, marketing, and mergers and acquisitions matters, as well as his public board experience. He plays a key role in the Board’s discussions of the Company’s investments and liquidity. Mr. Velli has extensive experience with acquisitions and business services, providing valuable insights on potential growth opportunities for the Company.

 

   

 

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  8


Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  6


Election of Directors

 

 

Election of Directors  

 

Martin Mucci

Age 56

Director since 2010

Board Committees:

Kara Wilson

Former Chief Marketing Officer of Rubrik, Inc.

Age 49

Director since 2017

Board Committees:

•  Audit

•  Corporate Development Advisory

Current Public Company Directorships:

•  Executive (Chairman)

•   Corporate Development Advisory

Mr. Mucci has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since September 2010. Mr. Mucci joined the Company in 2002 as Senior Vice President, Operations. Prior to joining Paychex, he held senior level positions with Frontier Telephone of Rochester, a telecommunications company, over the course of his 20-year career. Mr. Mucci was a member of the Board of Directors of Cbeyond, Inc. until it was purchased by Birch Communications in July 2014. He is a member of the Upstate New York Regional Advisory Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is a Trustee Emeritus of St. John Fisher College.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Mr. Mucci is qualified to serve as a director of the Company because he provides day-to-day leadership as the current Chief Executive Officer of Paychex, giving him intimate knowledge of the Company, its operations, challenges, and opportunities. In addition, Mr. Mucci’s educational background provides him with strong financial literacy.

CURRENT OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS:

None

Ms. Wilson was formerly Chief Marketing Officer at Rubrik, Inc., a cloud data management company, a role she held since June 2017. She has over 20 years of experience in drivinggo-to-market strategies for large, medium, and hyper-growthstart-ups. She has held marketing leadership roles with some of the technology industry’s most influential companies, including Cisco Systems, SAP, SuccessFactors, PeopleSoft/Oracle, Okta, and FireEye, Inc. Prior to Rubrik, from October 2016 to June 2017, Ms. Wilson was Executive Vice President and from August 2013 to June 2017, Chief Marketing Officer of cyber security company FireEye, where she helped launch FireEye’s initial public offering and was responsible for the company’s global marketing initiatives including corporate, product, and technical marketing, global communications, and field enablement.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Ms. Wilson is qualified to serve as a director of the Company due to her extensive experience in drivinggo-to-market strategies for enterprise technology companies. The Board can leverage Ms. Wilson’s marketing experience to help Paychex with the development and execution ofgo-to-market strategies to effectively differentiate the Company in a highly competitive and constantly evolving industry. Ms. Wilson has experience at global companies and can provide insight on any expansion of the Company’s global presence.

 

   

 

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  9


  Director Compensation  

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2019

Director compensation is recommended by the G&C Committee and approved by the Board annually in July. The Board’s authority cannot be delegated to another party. The Company’s management does not play a role in setting Board compensation. The Company compensates the independent directors of the Board using a combination of cash and equity-based compensation. Martin Mucci, President and CEO, receives no compensation for his services as a director. Rather, the compensation received by Mr. Mucci in his role as President and CEO is shown in the Fiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table, contained in the Named Executive Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement.

The table below presents the total compensation received from the Company by all directors except Mr. Mucci for fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 (“fiscal 2019”).

     

Name

(a)

 

Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash

(b)

 

Stock Awards
(c)

 

Option Awards
(d)

 

Total

 

 

B. Thomas Golisano

$

326,250

$

$

$

326,250

Thomas F. Bonadio

$

98,750

$

77,900

$

78,892

$

255,542

Joseph G. Doody

$

98,750

$

77,900

$

78,892

$

255,542

David J.S. Flaschen

$

133,250

$

77,900

$

78,892

$

290,042

Phillip Horsley(1)

$

23,125

$

$

$

23,125

Grant M. Inman(1)

$

28,625

$

$

$

28,625

Pamela A. Joseph(2)

$

93,750

$

97,392

$

98,613

$

289,755

Joseph M. Tucci

$

113,000

$

77,900

$

78,892

$

269,792

Joseph M. Velli

$

109,750

$

77,900

$

78,892

$

266,542

Kara Wilson

$

98,750

$

77,900

$

78,892

$

255,542

(1)

Mr. Horsley and Mr. Inman did not seekre-election at the 2018 Annual Meeting.

(2)

Ms. Joseph received a higher amount of stock and option awards to include prorated time from her reappointment date in April 2018 to the grant date of the awards in July 2018.

Fees Earned or Paid in Cash (Column (b))

The amounts reported in this column reflect the annual cash compensation paid to the directors during fiscal 2019, whether or not such fees were deferred. Annual cash compensation for directors is comprised solely of annual retainers, which are paid in quarterly installments. These retainers are paid for participation on the Board with separate retainers for committee membership. In addition to their committee membership retainers, committee chairs (with the exception of the Executive Committee) receive additional retainers in recognition for their time contributed in preparation for committee meetings.

Approved in July 2018 and effective in October 2018, the annual cash retainer applicable to all independent directors was increased from $80,000 to $85,000, and the annual cash retainer for the G&C Committee Chair was increased from $14,500 to $17,500. Mr. Golisano, who is not an independent director, receives an annual retainer of $335,000, increased from $300,000, for his services as Chairman of the Board, paid in quarterly installments. The Board received competitive market data on director compensation of companies in our compensation peer group (as discussed beginning on page 39, “Peer Group”) from our independent consultants. Based on the G&C Committee’s review of this, it increased these annual retainers to better align total compensation for directors to the median of our Peer Group.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  10


Joseph M. Tucci

Age 69

Director since2000

Board committees:

•  G&C (Chairman)

Mr. Tucci has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors of EMC Corporation, the world leader in information infrastructure technology and solutions, since January 2006. He has been Chief Executive Officer and President of EMC Corporation since January 2001, and President since January 2000.

 

 

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Mr. Tucci is qualified to serve as a director of the Company due to his extensive executive leadership experience as Chief Executive Officer of EMC Corporation. Mr. Tucci has spent over 40 years in the technology industry in senior roles at large, complex, and global technology companies. His experience leading EMC through a period of dramatic revitalization, growth and market share gains, and new product introductions enables him to share knowledge of the challenges a company faces due to rapid changes in the marketplace.

CURRENT OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS:

EMC Corporation (Chairman of the Board) and VMware, Inc. (Chairman of the Board)

Joseph M. Velli

Age 58

Director since2007

Board Committees:

•   Investment

•   Executive

•   Corporate Development Advisory (Chairman)

•   G&C

Mr. Velli served as Senior Executive Vice President of The Bank of New York and as a member of the Senior Policy Committee. During his 22-year tenure with The Bank of New York, Mr. Velli’s responsibilities included heading Global Issuer Services, Global Custody and related Investor Services, Global Liquidity Services, Pension and 401(k) Services, Consumer and Retail Banking, Correspondent Clearing, and Securities Services. Most recently, he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ConvergEx Group, LLC, a provider of brokerage, software products and technology services from 2006 to 2013, and continued to serve on the ConvergEx Board until 2014. From time to time, he also provides advisory services to private equity firms. Mr. Velli currently serves on the Board of Directors of Computershare Ltd. and he joined the Scivantage Board in January 2016. Mr. Velli served on the Board of Directors of E*TRADE Financial Corporation and E*TRADE Bank until October 2014.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The Board has concluded that Mr. Velli is qualified to serve as a director of the Company due to his extensive experience with securities servicing, capital markets, business to business, marketing, and mergers and acquisitions matters, as well as his public board experience. He plays a key role in the Board’s discussions of the Company’s investments and liquidity. Mr. Velli has extensive experience with acquisitions and business services, providing valuable insights on potential growth opportunities for the Company.

CURRENT OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS:

Computershare Ltd. (Australian Exchange) (Chairman of Remuneration Committee)

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  7


Director Compensation

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2016

Director compensation is set by the G&C Committee and approved by the Board. The Board’s authority cannot be delegated to another party. The Company’s management does not play a role in setting Board compensation. The Company compensates the independent directors of the Board using a combination of cash and equity-based compensation. Martin Mucci, President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), receives no compensation for his services as director. Rather, the compensation received by Mr. Mucci in his role as President and CEO is shown in the Fiscal 2016 Summary Compensation Table, contained in the Named Executive Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement.

The table below presents the total compensation received from the Company by all directors except Mr. Mucci for fiscal year ended May 31, 2016 (“fiscal 2016”).

Name
(a)
  

Fees Earned

or Paid in

Cash

($) (b)

   

Stock Awards

($) (c)

   

Option Awards

($) (d)

   

Total

($)

 
B. Thomas Golisano  $300,000    $    $    $300,000  
Joseph G. Doody  $85,000    $62,038    $67,211    $214,249  
David J.S. Flaschen  $120,000    $62,038    $67,211    $249,249  
Phillip Horsley  $87,500    $62,038    $67,211    $216,749  
Grant M. Inman  $97,500    $62,038    $67,211    $226,749  
Pamela A. Joseph  $92,500    $62,038    $67,211    $221,749  
Joseph M. Tucci  $95,000    $62,038    $67,211    $224,249  
Joseph M. Velli  $95,000    $62,038    $67,211    $224,249  

Fees Earned or Paid in Cash (Column (b))

 

 

Director Compensation  

The annual retainers, applicable to all independent directors, in effect for fiscal years 2019 (effective in October 2018) and 2018 are as follows:

   

Compensation Element

  

2019

   

2018

 

Annual cash retainer

  

$

85,000

 

  

$

80,000

 

Audit Committee member annual retainer

  

$

10,000

 

  

$

10,000

 

G&C Committee member annual retainer

  

$

7,500

 

  

$

7,500

 

Investment Committee member annual retainer

  

$

5,000

 

  

$

5,000

 

Executive Committee member annual retainer

  

$

5,000

 

  

$

5,000

 

Corporate Development Advisory Committee member annual retainer

  

$

5,000

 

  

$

5,000

 

Audit Committee Chair annual retainer(1)

  

$

22,000

 

  

$

22,000

 

G&C Committee Chair annual retainer(1)

  

$

17,500

 

  

$

14,500

 

Corporate Development Advisory Committee Chair annual retainer(1)

  

$

2,000

 

  

$

2,000

 

Investment Committee Chair annual retainer(1)

  

$

2,000

 

  

$

2,000

 

(1)

The amounts reportedcommittee chair receives the chair annual retainer in this column reflect the annual cash compensation paidaddition to the directors during fiscal 2016, whether or not such fees were deferred. Annual cash compensation for directors is comprised solely of annual retainers, which are paid in quarterly installments. These retainers are paid for participation on the Board with separate retainers forrespective committee membership. In addition to their committee membership retainers, the chairs of the Audit Committee and G&C Committee receive retainers in recognition for their time contributed in preparation for committee meetings. The annual retainers in effect for fiscal 2016 are as follows:member retainer.

Compensation Element  Amount
Annual cash retainer, applicable to all independent directors   $75,000 
Audit Committee member annual retainer   $10,000 
G&C Committee member annual retainer   $7,500 
Investment Committee member annual retainer   $5,000 
Executive Committee member annual retainer   $5,000 
Corporate Development Advisory Committee member annual retainer   $5,000 
Audit Committee Chair annual retainer   $20,000 
G&C Committee Chair annual retainer   $12,500 

Mr. Golisano, who is not an independent director, receives an annual retainer of $300,000 for his services as Chairman of the Board, paid in quarterly installments.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  8


Director Compensation

Equity Awards: Stock Awards (Column (c)) and Option Awards (Column (d))

The amounts reported in these columns reflect the grant-date fair value of restricted stock awards and stock option awards, respectively, granted to each independent director, and do not reflect whether the recipient has actually received a financial gain from these awards (such as a lapse in the restrictions on a restricted stock award or by exercising stock options). For fiscal 2019, the equity-based compensation structure for independent directors was increased from a total value of approximately $130,000 per director to a total value of approximately $160,000 per director, with approximately 50% awarded in the form of stock options and 50% in the form of restricted stock. The increase for fiscal 2019 was designed to better align total compensation for directors to the median of our Peer Group. In July 2018, all independent directors, with the exception of Mr. Horsley and Mr. Inman, received an annual equity award under the Paychex, Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated October 14, 2015 (the “2002 Plan”) as follows:

   
    Restricted Stock Awards  Option Awards

Grant Date

  

July 12, 2018

  

July 12, 2018

Exercise Price

  

N/A

  

$70.37

Quantity

  

1,107(1)

  

8,641(1)

Fair Value(2)

  

$70.37

  

$9.13

Vesting Schedule

  

On the first anniversary of the date of grant.

  

On the first anniversary of the date of grant.

Certain Restrictions      

Shares may not be sold during the

director’s tenure as a member of the

Board, except as necessary to satisfy tax

obligations.

  N/A
Other(3)  

Upon the discretion of the Board, unvested

shares may be accelerated in whole or in

part for certain events including, but not

limited to, director retirement.

  

Unvested options outstanding upon the

retirement of a Board member will be

canceled.

(1)

At the grant date, Ms. Joseph received awards of 1,384 shares of restricted stock and 10,801 stock options which include the awards mentioned above plus prorated awards for the time from her reappointment date in April 2018 to the grant date.

(2)

The fair value of restricted stock awards andis determined based on the closing price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of stock option awards respectively, granted to each director, and do not reflect whetheris determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The assumptions used in determining the recipient has actually received a financial gain from these awards (such as a lapse in the restrictions on a restricted stock award or by exercising stock options). For fiscal 2016, the equity-based compensation structure for independent directors was based on a totalJuly 12, 2018 fair value of approximately $125,000$9.13 per director, with approximately 50% awarded in the form ofshare for these stock options and 50% in the formwere: risk-free interest rate of restricted stock. In July 2015, all independent directors received an annual equity award under the Paychex, Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated October 13, 2010, composed2.9%; dividend yield of the following:

   Restricted Stock Awards Option Awards
Grant Date July 9, 2015 July 9, 2015
Exercise Price NA $47.43
Quantity 1,308 11,489
Fair Value(1) $47.43 $5.85
Vesting Schedule On the first anniversary of the date of grant. On the first anniversary of the date of grant.
Certain Restrictions Shares may not be sold during the director’s tenure as a member of the Board, except as necessary to satisfy tax obligations. n/a
Other(2) Upon the discretion of the Board, unvested shares may be accelerated in whole or in part for certain events including, but not limited to, director retirement. Unvested options outstanding upon the retirement of a Board member will be canceled.

(1)The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the closing price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of stock option awards is determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The assumptions used in determining the fair value of $5.85 per share for these options were: risk-free rate of 2.1%; dividend yield of 3.6%; volatility factor of 0.19;3.5%; volatility factor of 0.18; and expected option term life of 6.5 years.

(3)

Retirement eligibility for this purpose begins at age 55 or older with 10 years of service as a member of the Board.

 

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  11


(2)Retirement eligibility for this purpose begins at age 55 or older with ten years of service as a member of the Board.

As of May 31, 2016, each director had the following equity awards outstanding:

 

Director  

Restricted  

Stock  

Outstanding  

(Shares)  

  

Stock  

Options 

Outstanding  

(Shares)  

Joseph G. Doody    1,308      66,780  
David J.S. Flaschen    1,308      87,201  
Phillip Horsley    1,308      61,015  
Grant M. Inman    1,308      87,201  
Pamela A. Joseph    1,308      87,201  
Joseph M. Tucci    1,308      93,201  
Joseph M. Velli    1,308      90,201  

Deferred  Director Compensation  Plan

 

We maintain a non-qualified and unfunded deferred compensation plan in which all independent directors are eligible to participate. Directors may elect to defer up to 100% of their Board cash compensation. The Company does not contribute to this plan. Gains and losses are credited based on the participant’s selection of a variety of designated investment choices, which the participant may change at any time. We do not match any participant deferral or guarantee a certain rate of return. The interest rates earned on these investments are not above-market or preferential. Refer to the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation table and discussion within the Named Executive Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement for a listing of investment funds available to participants and the annual rates of return on those funds. During fiscal 2016, no independent directors deferred compensation under the plan.

As of May 31, 2019, each independent director had the following equity awards outstanding:

 

   

Director

 

Restricted
Stock
Outstanding
(Shares)

 

Stock
Options
Outstanding
(Shares)

 

Thomas F. Bonadio

 

1,107

 

22,660

Joseph G. Doody

 

1,107

 

28,476

David J.S. Flaschen

 

1,107

 

78,023

Pamela A. Joseph

 

1,384

 

45,296

Joseph M. Tucci

 

1,107

 

97,177

Joseph M. Velli

 

1,107

 

97,177

Kara Wilson

 

1,107

 

18,256

Deferred Compensation Plan

We maintain anon-qualified and unfunded deferred compensation plan in which all independent directors are eligible to participate. Directors may elect to defer up to 100% of their Board cash compensation. The Company does not contribute to this plan. Gains and losses are credited based on the participant’s selection of a variety of designated investment choices, which the participant may change at any time. We do not match any participant deferral or guarantee a certain rate of return. The interest rates earned on these investments are not above-market or preferential. Refer to theNon-Qualified Deferred Compensation table and discussion within the Named Executive Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement for a listing of investment funds available to participants and the annual rates of return on those funds. During fiscal 2019, no independent directors deferred compensation under the plan.

Benefits

We reimburse each director for expenses associated with attendance at Board and committee meetings.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

The G&C Committee recommended and the Board approved stock ownership guidelines for our independent directors with a value of six times his or her annual Board retainer, not including any committee or committee chair retainers. The G&C Committee received competitive market data on director compensation of companies in our Peer Group from our independent consultants. Based on the G&C Committee’s review of this information, it increased the stock ownership guidelines from a value of five times his or her annual Board retainer to a value of six times. The ownership guidelines were established to provide long-term alignment with stockholders’ interests. The independent directors are expected to attain the ownership guideline within five years after the later of first becoming a director or the initial adoption of the increased guideline. Directors must hold underlying stock received through restricted stock awards until their service on the Board is complete, with the exception of those shares sold as necessary to satisfy tax obligations. For the purpose of achieving the ownership guideline, restricted stock awarded to the directors is included. All independent directors are currently compliant with the stock ownership guidelines.

Prohibition on Hedging or Speculating In Company Stock

Directors must adhere to strict standards with regards to trading in Paychex stock. Also, the Company prohibits directors from hedging Paychex stock. They may not, among other things:

speculatively trade in Paychex stock;

short sell any securities of the Company; or

buy or sell puts or calls on the Company’s securities.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  12


Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  9


Director Compensation

 

Benefits

 

 

We reimburse each director for expenses associated with attendance at Board and committee meetings.

StockBeneficial Ownership  Guidelines

 

 

The G&C Committee set stock ownership guidelines for our independent directors with a value of five times his or her annual Board retainer, not including any committee retainers. The ownership guidelines were established to provide long-term alignment with stockholders’ interests. The independent directors are expected to attain the ownership guideline within five years after the later of first becoming a director or the initial adoption of the guideline. Directors must hold underlying stock received through restricted stock awards until their service on the Board is complete, with the exception of those shares sold as necessary to satisfy tax obligations. For the purpose of achieving the ownership guideline, restricted stock awarded to the directors is included. All independent directors are compliant with the stock ownership guidelines.

Prohibition on Hedging or Speculating In Company Stock

Directors must adhere to strict standards with regards to trading in Paychex stock. Also, the Company prohibits directors from hedging Paychex stock. They may not, among other things:

speculatively trade in Paychex stock;

short sell any securities of the Company; or

buy or sell puts or calls on the Company’s securities.

Pledging of Company Stock

During fiscal 2016, the Company approved a pledging policy for all Paychex directors, officers, and employees. This policy prohibits pledging Company securities as collateral for a loan or a line of credit without obtaining prior Company approval. Approval may be granted when the individual clearly demonstrates the intent and financial capacity to satisfy the obligations without resort to the pledged securities and where the total pledge represents no more than 25% of the pledgor’s beneficial ownership interest in the Company. This policy is effective prospectively. The Company’s pledging policy is posted on the Company’s website athttp://investor.paychex.com/governance.

Pledging of Company Stock

The Company has a pledging policy for all Paychex directors, officers, and employees. This policy prohibits pledging Company securities as collateral for a loan or a line of credit without obtaining prior Company approval. Approval may be granted when the individual clearly demonstrates the intent and financial capacity to satisfy the obligations without resort to the pledged securities and where the total pledge represents no more than 25% of the pledgor’s beneficial ownership interest in the Company. The Company’s pledging policy is posted on the Company’s website atwww.paychex.com/investors under Corporate Governance & Committees.

 

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  10


Beneficial Ownership

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF PAYCHEX COMMON STOCK

The following table contains information, as of July 31, 2016,

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF PAYCHEX

COMMON STOCK

The following table contains information, as of July 31, 2019, on the beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock by:

 

each principal stockholder known to be a beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s common stock. This includes any “group” as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”);

each director and nominee for director;

each of the Company’s named executive officers (“NEOs”);

each director and nominee for director;

each of the Company’s NEOs; and

 

all directors, NEOs, and executive officers of the Company as a group.

Under the rules of the SEC, “beneficial ownership” is deemed to include shares for which the individual, directly or indirectly, has or shares voting or disposition power, whether or not they are held for the individual’s benefit, and includes shares that may be acquired within 60 days by exercise of options. This information is based upon reports filed by such persons with the SEC.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  13


  Beneficial Ownership  

      
NameAmount of
Shares Owned(1)

Non-vested

Shares
of Restricted

Stock(2)

Stock Options

Exercisable by

September 29,

2019(3)

Total Shares
Beneficially
Owned
Percent
of
Class

Principal Stockholders:

B. Thomas Golisano(4),(5),(6)

1 Fishers Road

Pittsford, NY 14534

 37,846,344

 

 

 

37,846,344

 

10.5

%

BlackRock Inc.(7)

55 East 52nd Street

New York, NY 10055

 34,524,333

 

 

 

34,524,333

 

9.5

%

Vanguard Group Inc.(8)

PO Box 2600 V26

Valley Forge, PA 19482-2600

 26,398,764

 

 

 

26,398,764

 

7.3

%

Directors:

B. Thomas Golisano(4),(5),(6)

 37,846,344

 

 

 

37,846,344

 

10.5

%

Thomas F. Bonadio

 

12,532

 

975

 

22,660

 

36,167

 

*

*

Joseph G. Doody

 18,639

 

975

 

28,476

 

48,090

 

*

*

David J.S. Flaschen

 42,244

 

975

 

78,023

 

121,242

 

*

*

Pamela A. Joseph

 5,762

 

975

 

33,140

 

39,877

 

*

*

Martin Mucci

 276,535

 

58,791

 

1,645,410

 

1,980,736

 

*

*

Joseph M. Tucci

 49,867

 

975

 

97,177

 

148,019

 

*

*

Joseph M. Velli

 31,408

 

975

 

97,177

 

129,560

 

*

*

Kara Wilson

 2,246

 

975

 

18,256

 

21,477

 

*

*

Named Executive Officers:

Martin Mucci

 276,535

 

58,791

 

1,645,410

 

1,980,736

 

*

*

Efrain Rivera

 49,716

 

12,476

 

492,958

 

555,150

 

*

*

Mark A. Bottini

 53,681

 

11,129

 

343,581

 

408,391

 

*

*

John B. Gibson

 19,525

 

13,688

 

214,043

 

247,256

 

*

*

Michael E. Gioja

 59,490

 

11,129

 

148,674

 

219,293

 

*

*

All directors, NEOs, and executive
officers of the Company as a group
(17 persons)

 38,578,193

 

127,848

 

3,614,725

 

42,320,766

 

11.7

%

**

Indicates that percentage is less than 1%.

(1)

This column reflects shares held of record and Company shares owned through a bank, broker, or other holder of record. For executive officers, this also includes shares owned through the Paychex, Inc. 401(k) Incentive Retirement Plan (the “401(k) Plan”).

(2)

This column includes restricted stock awards to independent directors and executive officers that have not yet vested. Thesenon-vested restricted stock awards have voting and dividend rights, and thus are included in beneficial ownership.

(3)

This column includes shares that may be acquired upon exercise of options, which are exercisable on or prior to September 29, 2019. Under SEC rules, shares that may be acquired within 60 days are included in beneficial ownership.

(4)

Included in shares beneficially owned for Mr. Golisano are 278,068 shares owned by exercisethe B. Thomas Golisano Foundation, of options. This informationwhich Mr. Golisano is a member of the foundation’seight-member board of trustees. Mr. Golisano disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares, but does share voting and investment power.

(5)

Mr. Golisano has 7,750,295 shares pledged as security.

(6)

Included in shares beneficially owned are 59,424 shares held in the name of family members, trusts, or other entities of Mr. Golisano. Mr. Golisano shares voting and investment power of these shares.

(7)

Beneficial ownership is based upon reportson information as of June 30, 2019, contained in the Form 13F filed by such persons with the SEC.SEC on August 13, 2019, amended on August 23, 2019, by BlackRock, Inc., including notice that it has, along with certain institutional investment managers for which it is the parent holding company, sole voting power as to 30,387,281 shares and sole dispositive power as to 34,524,333 shares.

 

Name  

Amount of 

Shares Owned (1) 

  

Non-vested 

Shares of 

Restricted 

Stock(2) 

  

Stock Options 

Exercisable by 

September 29, 

2016(3) 

  Total Shares
Beneficially
Owned
  

Percent

of

Class

Principal Shareholders:                              

B. Thomas Golisano(4),(5),(6)

1 Fishers Road

Pittsford, NY 14534

    37,932,285               37,932,285     10.4%

Vanguard Group Inc.(7)

PO Box 2600 V26

Valley Forge, PA 19482-2600

    20,591,789               20,591,789     5.6%

BlackRock (8)

400 Howard Street

San Francisco, CA 94105

    20,229,983               20,229,983     5.5%
Directors:                              
B. Thomas Golisano(4),(5),(6)    37,932,285               37,932,285     10.4%
Joseph G. Doody    12,304     1,089     22,339     35,732     **
David J.S. Flaschen    35,909     1,089     87,201     124,199     **
Phillip Horsley(6)    107,862     1,089     61,015     169,966     **
Grant M. Inman(6)    202,374     1,089     87,201     290,664     **
Pamela A. Joseph    18,702     1,089     87,201     106,992     **
Martin Mucci    177,298     84,302     1,183,816     1,445,416     **
Joseph M. Tucci    46,532     1,089     87,201     134,822     **
Joseph M. Velli    20,535     1,089     90,201     111,825     **
Named Executive Officers:                              
Martin Mucci    177,298     84,302     1,183,816     1,445,416     **
Efrain Rivera    34,608     19,200     335,068     388,876     **
Mark A. Bottini    30,441     18,865     267,000     316,306     **
John B. Gibson    2,503     18,698     168,786     189,987     **
Michael E. Gioja(5)    37,286     18,698     287,221     343,205     **
All directors, NEOs, and executive officers of the Company as a group (16 persons)    38,736,494     195,688     3,215,735     42,147,917     11.6%
(8)

Beneficial ownership is based on information as of June 30, 2019, contained in the Form 13F filed with the SEC on August 14, 2019 by Vanguard Group Inc., including notice that it has sole voting power as to 399,171 shares, sole dispositive power as to 25,896,846 shares, shared voting power as to 126,770 shares, and shared dispositive power as to 501,918 shares.

 

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  14


Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  11


Beneficial Ownership

 

 

**Indicates that percentage is less than 1%.

 

(1)This column reflects shares held of record and Company shares owned through a bank, broker, or other holder of record. For executive officers, this also includes shares owned through the Paychex, Inc. 401(k) Incentive Retirement Plan (the “401(k) Plan”).

Corporate Governance  

 

(2)This column includes restricted stock awards to independent directors and executive officers that have not yet vested. These non-vested restricted stock awards have voting and dividend rights, and thus are included in beneficial ownership.

 

(3)This column includes shares that may be acquired upon exercise of options, which are exercisable on or prior to September 29, 2016. Under SEC rules, shares that may be acquired within 60 days are included in beneficial ownership.

(4)Included in shares beneficially owned for Mr. Golisano are 278,068 shares owned by the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation, of which Mr. Golisano is a member of the foundation’s six-member board of trustees. Mr. Golisano disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.

(5)Mr. Golisano has 7,750,295 shares pledged as security and Mr. Gioja has 6,700 shares pledged as security.

(6)Included in shares beneficially owned are shares held in the names of family members, trusts, or other entities: Mr. Golisano — 66,945 shares; Mr. Horsley — 107,862 shares; and Mr. Inman — 136,949 shares.

(7)Beneficial ownership is based on information contained in the Form 13F filed with the SEC on August 10, 2016 by Vanguard Group Inc.

(8)Beneficial ownership is based on the combined information contained in the Form 13Fs filed with the SEC on August 10, 2016 by BlackRock Fund Advisors (10,110,305 shares) and BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. (10,119,678 shares).

Equity Compensation Plans Information

 

 

The Company maintains equity compensation plans in the form of stock incentive plans. Under the Paychex, Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the “2002 Plan”), non-qualified or incentive stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, and performance stock options have been awarded to employees and the Board. The latest restatement of the 2002 Plan was adopted on July 8, 2015 by the Board and became effective upon stockholder approval at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on October 14, 2015. More information on the Company’s stock incentive plans is available in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The following table details information on securities authorized for issuance under the Company’s stock incentive plans as of May 31, 2016:

In millions, except per share amounts  Number of  
securities to be  
issued upon  
exercise of  
outstanding options  
  Weighted-average  
exercise price of  
outstanding options  
  Number of  
securities  
remaining
available   for
future issuance  
under equity  
compensation plans  
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)  7.0   $35.24   22.2 

 

(1)Amounts include performance awards granted, assuming achievement of performance goals at target. Actual amount of shares to be earned may differ from the target amount.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires directors, executive officers, and beneficial owners of more than 10% of the Company’s common stock to file reports of their ownership and changes in their ownership of the Company’s equity securities with the SEC. Based solely on our review of information supplied to the Company and filings made with the SEC, the Company believes that during fiscal 2016, its directors, executive officers, and greater than 10% beneficial owners have complied in a timely manner with all applicable Section 16 filing requirements.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Board recognizes the fundamental principle that good corporate governance is critical to organizational success and the protection of stockholder value. As such, the Board has adopted a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines as a statement of principles guiding the Board’s conduct. These principles are intended to be interpreted in the context of all applicable laws and the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation,By-Laws, as amended, and other governing documents. A copy of these guidelines can be found on our website at:www.paychex.com/investors under Corporate Governance & Committees.

Board Leadership Structure

The Board’s current leadership structure is comprised of:

 

Chairman of the Board andnon-independent director (Mr. Golisano);

the President and CEO as anon-independent director (Mr. Mucci);

an independent director serving as Lead Independent Director (Mr. Tucci); and

Audit, G&C, Corporate Development Advisory, and Investment committees led by independent directors.

The Board believes this structure provides a well-functioning and effective balance between strong Company leadership and appropriate safeguards and oversight by independent directors. The Board currently separates the role of Chairman of the Board from the CEO. We believe that the Company is best served by having a Chairman who hasin-depth knowledge of the Company’s operations and the industry, but is not involved in theday-to-day operations of the Company. Mr. Golisano’s extensive experience as founder and former CEO qualifies him to lead the Board, particularly as it focuses on strategic risks and opportunities facing the Company.

Our Lead Independent Director has responsibility for conducting regularly scheduled executive sessions of thenon-management or independent directors and such other responsibilities as the independent directors may assign. Regularly scheduled executive sessions of the members of the Board, without members of management present, are held at each regularly-scheduled Board meeting. As appropriate, matters presented to the Board by the G&C Committee are reviewed and discussed in executive sessions by the independent directors.

The Board and its standing committees that meet regularly conduct performance self-evaluations at least annually to assess the qualifications, attributes, skills, and experience represented on the Board and to determine whether the Board and its committees are functioning effectively.

Board Oversight of Risk

One of the most important functions of the Board is oversight of risks inherent in the operation of the Company’s business. Senior management is responsible for theday-to-day management of risks facing the Company. The Board implements its risk oversight function both as a whole and through delegation to Board committees. The Board is responsible for ensuring an appropriate culture of risk management exists within the Company, overseeing the Company’s aggregate risk profile, and monitoring how the Company addresses specific risks. The Board receives regular reports from officers on particular risks to the Company, reviews the Company’s strategic plan, and regularly communicates with its committees.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  15


Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  12


Corporate Governance

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Board recognizes the fundamental principle that good corporate governance is critical to organizational success and the protection of stockholder value. As such, the Board has adopted a set of  Corporate Governance  Guidelines as a statement of principles guiding the Board’s conduct. These principles are intended to be interpreted in the context of all applicable laws and the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, as amended, and other governing documents. A copy of these guidelines can be found on our website at:http://investor.paychex.com/governance.

Board Leadership Structure

 

 

The Board’s current leadership structure is comprised of:

 

Chairman of the Board and non-independent director (Mr. Golisano);

 

the President and CEO as a non-independent director (Mr. Mucci);

 

an independent director serving as Lead Independent Director (Mr. Tucci); and

Audit, G&C, Corporate Development Advisory, and Investment committees led by independent directors.

The Board believes this structure provides a well-functioning and effective balance between strong Company leadership and appropriate safeguards and oversight by independent directors. The Board currently separates the role of Chairman of the Board from the CEO. We believe that the Company is best served by having a Chairman who has in-depth knowledge of the Company’s operations and the industry, but is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the Company. Mr. Golisano’s extensive experience as founder and former CEO qualifies him to lead the Board, particularly as it focuses on strategic risks and opportunities facing the Company.

Our Lead Independent Director has responsibility for conducting regularly scheduled executive sessions of the independent directors and such other responsibilities as the independent directors may assign. Regularly scheduled executive sessions of the independent members of the Board, without members of management present, are held in conjunction with meetings of the Board. As appropriate, matters presented to the Board by the G&C Committee are reviewed and discussed in executive session by the independent directors.

The Board and its standing committees that meet regularly conduct annual self-evaluations to assess the qualifications, attributes, skills, and experience represented on the Board and to determine whether the Board and its committees are functioning effectively.

Board Oversight of Risk

One of the most important functions of the Board is oversight of risks inherent in the operation of the Company’s business. Senior management is responsible for the day-to-day management of risks facing the Company. The Board implements its risk oversight function both as a whole and through delegation to Board committees. The Board receives regular reports from officers on particular risks to the Company, reviews the Company’s strategic plan, and regularly communicates with its committees. The Board committees, which meet regularly and report back to the full Board, play significant roles in carrying out the risk management function. In general, the committees oversee the following risks:

CommitteePrimary Risk Oversight Area
Audit Committee

•   Risk related to financial statement accuracy and reporting;

•   Internal controls;

•   Legal, regulatory, and compliance risks;

•   Information security, technology, and privacy and data protection; and

•   Other operational and fraud risks.

Investment Committee

•   Risk related to investing activities.

G&C Committee

•   Risks arising from the Company’s compensation policies and practices for all employees and non-employee directors; and

•   Governance structure and processes including succession planning, director independence, and related person transactions.

 

The Board committees, which meet regularly and report back to the full Board, play significant roles in carrying out the risk management function. In general, the committees oversee the following risks:

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  13
CommitteePrimary Risk Oversight Area


Corporate Governance

Audit Committee

•  Risk related to financial statement accuracy and reporting;

•  Internal controls;

•  Legal, regulatory, and compliance risks;

•  Information security, technology, privacy and data protection; and

•  Other operational and fraud risks.

Investment Committee

 

•  Risk related to investing activities.

G&C Committee

•  Risks arising from the Company’s compensation policies and practices for all employees andnon-employee directors; and

•  Risk related to governance structure and processes including succession planning, director independence, and related person transactions.

Corporate Development Advisory Committee

•  Risk related to the Company’s acquisition opportunities.

The Audit Committee receives quarterly updates from the Company’s Chief Information Security Officer regarding the Company’s cybersecurity risk management program. These updates include status of current capabilities, ongoing initiatives, as well as the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape.

The G&C Committee regularly reviews the risks and rewards associated with our compensation programs. The programs are designed with features that mitigate risk without diminishing the incentive nature of the compensation. As part of its risk oversight, the G&C Committee conducts an annual assessment of risks arising from the Company’s compensation programs. The G&C Committee reviewed such programs with its independent compensation consultant. The G&C Committee’s assessment included identification of risk with the various forms of compensation, the inherent risk in performance-based compensation metrics, and existing risk mitigation controls. Risk mitigation includes, but is not limited to, the balance of fixed and variable compensation, the balance of short- and long-term compensation, stock ownership guidelines, level of oversight, and controls over financial reporting. Based on this review, the G&C Committee concluded that the Company’s compensation policies and procedures are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Board Meetings and Committees

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines require that our Board meet at least four times per year. The Board held five meetings in fiscal 2019. To the extent practicable, directors are expected to attend all Board meetings and meetings of the committees on which they serve. During fiscal 2019, the average attendance for the Board and committee meetings was approximately 99%. Each director attended at least 75% or more of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and of the committees of the Board on which he or she served, where applicable, during fiscal 2019. Directors are expected to attend the Company’s Annual Meetings of Stockholders. All of our then-current directors attended the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. All directors are independent within the meaning of applicable SEC and Nasdaq director independence standards, with the exception of Mr. Golisano and Mr. Mucci.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  16


Corporate Governance  

The Board has established five standing committees with the following responsibilities and director assignments:

Audit Committee

Committee Members:(1)

David J.S. Flaschen (Chair)(2)

Thomas F. Bonadio(2)

Joseph G. Doody

Kara Wilson

6 Meetings in fiscal 2019

•  Serve as an independent and objective party to monitor the Company’s financial reporting process, internal control system, and financial risk management processes.

•  Review the performance and independence of the Company’s independent accountants and internal audit department.

•  Provide an open avenue of communication among the independent accountants, financial and senior management, the internal auditors, and the Board.

•  Review significant risk exposures and processes to monitor, control, and report such exposures, periodically reporting on such information to the Board.

Executive Committee

Committee Members:

Martin Mucci (Chair)

B. Thomas Golisano

Joseph M. Tucci

Joseph M. Velli

0 Meetings in fiscal 2019

•  Exercise all the powers and authority of the Board, except as limited by law, between Board meetings and when the Board is not in session.

Investment Committee

Committee Members:

Joseph M. Velli (Chair)

David J.S. Flaschen(2)

Joseph G. Doody

2 Meetings in fiscal 2019

•  Review the Company’s investment policies and strategies, and the performance of the Company’s investment portfolios.

•  Determine that the investment portfolios are managed in compliance with the Company’s established investment policy.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  17


  Corporate Governance  

Governance and Compensation Committee

Committee Members:(3)

Joseph M. Tucci (Chair)

David J.S. Flaschen(2)

Pamela A. Joseph

Joseph M. Velli

3 Meetings in fiscal 2019

•  Evaluate and determine compensation for the CEO and senior executive officers, and recommend director compensation to the Board.

•  Provide general oversight with respect to governance of the Board, including periodic review and assessment of corporate governance policies.

•  Evaluate compensation policies to determine if they incentivize risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Board Meetings

•  Identify, evaluate, and Committeesrecommend candidates to be nominated for election to the Board.

 

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines require that our Board meet at least four times per year. The Board held five meetings in fiscal 2016. To•  Review annually the extent practicable, directors are expected to attend all Board meetings and meetingsindependence of the committees on which they serve. During fiscal 2016, each director attended 100% of the Board meetings and committee meetings on which the director served. Directors are expected to attend the Company’s Annual Meetings of Stockholders. All of our current directors attended the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. All directors are independent within the meaning of applicable SEC and NASDAQ director independence standards, with the exception of Mr. Golisano and Mr. Mucci.

The Board has established five standing committees with the following responsibilities and director assignments:directors.

 

Audit Committee

Committee Members:(1)

David J.S. Flaschen (Chair)(2)

Joseph G. Doody

Grant M. Inman

Pamela A. Joseph

7 Meetings in fiscal 2016

•   Serve as an independent and objective party to monitor the Company’s financial reporting process, internal control system, and financial risk management processes.

•   Review the performance and independence of the Company’s independent accountants and internal audit department.

•   Provide an open avenue of communication among the independent accountants, financial and senior management, the internal auditors, and the Board.

•   Review significant risk exposures and processes to monitor, control, and report such exposures, periodically reporting on such information to the Board.

Executive Committee

Committee Members:

Martin Mucci (Chair)

B. Thomas Golisano

Pamela A. Joseph

Joseph M. Velli

1 Meeting in fiscal 2016

•   Exercise all the powers and authority of the Board except as limited by law.

Investment Committee

Committee Members:

Grant M. Inman (Chair)

David J.S. Flaschen

Phillip Horsley

Joseph M. Velli

1 Meeting in fiscal 2016

•   Review the Company’s investment policies and strategies, and the performance of the Company’s investment portfolios.

•   Determine that the investment portfolios are managed in compliance with the established investment policy.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  14  


Corporate Governance

Corporate Development Advisory Committee

Committee Members:

Joseph M. Velli (Chair)

Thomas F. Bonadio

David J.S. Flaschen(2)

Martin Mucci

Kara Wilson

 

Governance and Compensation Committee

Committee Members:(3)

Joseph M. Tucci (Chair)

David J.S. Flaschen

Phillip Horsley

Grant M. Inman

Joseph M. Velli4 Meetings in fiscal 2019

 

3 Meetings in fiscal 2016

•   Evaluate and determine compensation for the directors, CEO, and senior executive officers.

•   Provide general oversight with respect to governance of the Board, including periodic review and assessment of corporate governance policies.

•   Evaluate compensation policies for mitigating factors on risk that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

•   Identify, evaluate, and recommend to the Board candidates for nomination for election to the Board.

•   Review annually the independence of directors.

Corporate Development Advisory Committee(4)

Committee Members:

Joseph M. Velli (Chair)

David J.S. Flaschen

Pamela A. Joseph

Martin Mucci

1 Meeting in fiscal 2016

  

•  Review and provide guidance to management and the Board with respect to the Company’s acquisition or divestiture opportunities, as appropriate, and review related strategy.

 

•  Authority to approve acquisitions or divestitures in accordance with the parameters set by the Board.

(1)All members of the Audit Committee meet the independence, experience, and other applicable NASDAQ listing requirements and applicable SEC rules regarding independence.

(2)Mr. Flaschen qualifies as an “Audit Committee Financial Expert,” as defined by applicable SEC rules.

(3)All members of the G&C Committee meet the NASDAQ independence criteria.

(4)This committee was first established in January 2016.

The Audit, Investment, G&C, and Corporate Development Advisory Committees’ responsibilities are more fully described in each committee’s charter adopted by the Board, which are accessible on the Company’s website athttp://investor.paychex.com/governance.

Nomination Process

The G&C Committee is responsible for recommending candidates to the full Board to either fill vacancies or stand for election at each annual meeting of stockholders. The committee follows the Board’s Nomination Policy, which is included in the G&C Committee Charter. The Board does not have a formal policy regarding diversity. However, the Board has determined that it is necessary for the continued success of the Company to ensure that the Board is composed of individuals having a variety of complementary experience, education, training, and relationships relevant to the then-current needs of the Board and the Company.

In evaluating candidates for nomination to the Board, including candidates for nomination recommended by a stockholder, the Nomination Policy requires G&C Committee members to consider the contribution that a candidate for nomination would be expected to make to the Board and the Company. This is based upon the current composition and needs of the Board, and the candidate’s demonstrated business judgment, leadership abilities, integrity, prior experience, education, training, relationships, and other factors that the Board determines relevant. In identifying candidates for nomination to fill vacancies created by the expiration of the term of any incumbent director, the Nomination Policy requires G&C Committee members to determine whether such incumbent director is willing to stand for re-election and, if so, to take into consideration the value to the Board and to the Company of their continuity and familiarity with the Company’s business. The Board has previously used a third-party search firm to identify director candidates and the G&C Committee is authorized by its charter to continue this practice.

The Nomination Policy requires the G&C Committee to consider candidates for nomination to the Board recommended by any reasonable source, including stockholders. Stockholders who wish to do so may recommend candidates for nomination by identifying such candidates and providing relevant biographical information in written communications to the Chairman of the G&C Committee in accordance with the policy described in the section entitled “Communications withparameters set by the Board, of Directors.”

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  15


Corporate Governanceto the extent permitted by law and the Company’sBy-Laws.

 

(1)

Policy on Transactions with Related Persons

Related persons include our executive officers, directors, director nominees, and holders of more than 5%All members of the Company’s common stock, as well as their immediate family members. It is generally the Company’s practice to avoid transactionsAudit Committee, which was established in accordance with related persons. However, there may be occasions when a transaction with a related person is in the best interestSection 3(a)(58)(A) of the Company. The Company’s policiesExchange Act, meet the independence, experience, and procedures for reviewother applicable Nasdaq listing requirements and approval of related-person transactions appear in the Company’s Standards of Conduct, Conflict of Interest, and Employment of Relatives Standards, which are internally distributed, and in the Company’s Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, which is posted on the Company’s website athttp://investor.paychex.com/governance.

Officers are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest or related-party transactions, which include: certain financial interests in or relationships with any supplier, customer, partner, subcontractor, or competitor; and engaging in any activity that could create the appearance of a conflict of interest, including financial involvement or dealings with employees or representatives of the types of entities listed above. Annually, officers and directors complete a Director’s and Officer’s Questionnaire, within which they provide information regarding whether the individual or any member of their immediate family had any interest in any actual or proposed transaction with the Company or any of its subsidiaries where the amount involved exceeded $120,000. The individuals are also asked about any other economic relationships that might be conflicts of interest. The responses are reviewed by our Financial Reporting and Legal Departments to determine if a conflict of interest exists related to any such transaction. For officers, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) oversees the review of such transactions.

Members of the Board are required to disclose to the Chairman of the Board or the Chairman of the G&C Committee any situation that involves, or may reasonably be expected to involve, a conflict of interest with the Company. This includes engaging in any conduct or activities that would impair the Company’s relationship with any person or entity with which the Company has or proposes to enter into a business or contractual relationship.

The Financial Reporting department annually reviews the Company’s listing of related parties for determination of potential related-person transactions that should be disclosed in the Company’s periodic reports or under United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) andapplicable SEC rules or proxy materials underregarding independence.

(2)

Mr. Flaschen and Mr. Bonadio qualify as an “Audit Committee Financial Expert,” as defined by applicable SEC rules. The G&C Committee is required to consider all questions of possible conflicts of interest of Board members and executive officers, including review and approval of transactions of the Company in excess of $120,000 in which a director, executive officer, or an immediate family member of a director or executive officer has an interest. The factors considered by the G&C Committee in their review, include: the business objective of the transaction; the individual’s involvement in the transaction; whether the transaction would impact the judgment of the officer or director to act in the best interest of the Company; and any other matters the G&C Committee deems appropriate. For fiscal 2016, no instances of conflict or non-compliance have occurred. Should a conflict of interest be identified, relevant information and circumstances would be reviewed to determine if action is required relative to continuing the arrangement.

For fiscal 2016, the following transactions in excess of $120,000 were identified and communicated to the G&C Committee:

 

(3)

Mr. Tucci, a member of our Board, is the Chairman of the Board, CEO, and President of EMC Corporation. During fiscal 2016, the Company purchased through negotiated transactions approximately $4.9 million of data processing equipment and software from EMC Corporation. Mr. Tucci was not personally involved in the negotiation of these transactions.

Mr. Doody, a member of our Board, is the Vice Chairman of Staples, Inc. During fiscal 2016, the Company purchased through negotiated transactions approximately $2.3 million of office supplies from Staples, Inc. Mr. Doody was not personally involved in the negotiation of these transactions.

Mr. Golisano, Chairman of the Board of the Company, is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Rochester Institute of Technology. During fiscal 2016, the Company spent approximately $0.2 million primarily related to tuition for Company employees with the Rochester Institute of Technology. Mr. Golisano was not personally involved in the negotiation of these transactions.

Ms. Joseph, a member of our Board, is the former Chairperson of Elavon. During fiscal 2016, the Company received $0.9 million from Elavon related to a revenue sharing arrangement for merchant processing services. Ms. Joseph was not personally involved in the negotiation of this arrangement.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  16


Corporate Governance

Governance and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of theAll members of the G&C Committee were at any time during fiscal 2016, or at any other time, an officer or employee ofmeet the Company. Mr. Tucci, a member of the Board, is Chairman of the G&C Committee, and is also an executive of EMC Corporation. As previously noted, the Company purchases data processing equipment and software from EMC Corporation. During fiscal 2016, no member of the G&C Committee or Board was an executive officer of another entity on whoseNasdaq independence criteria for compensation committee or board ofmembers and directors an executive officer of Paychex served.overseeing director nominations.

The Audit, Investment, G&C, and Corporate Development Advisory Committees’ responsibilities are more fully described in each committee’s charter adopted by the Board, which are accessible on the Company’s website atwww.paychex.com/investors under Corporate Governance & Committees.

Nomination Process

The G&C Committee is responsible for recommending candidates to the full Board to either fill vacancies or stand for election at each annual meeting of stockholders. The committee follows the Board’s Nomination Policy, which is included in the G&C Committee Charter. The Board does not have a formal policy regarding diversity. However, the Board has determined that it is necessary for the continued success of the Company to ensure that the Board is composed of individuals having a variety of complementary experience, education, training, and relationships relevant to the then-current needs of the Board and the Company.

In evaluating candidates for nomination to the Board, including candidates for nomination recommended by a stockholder, the Nomination Policy requires G&C Committee members to consider the contribution that a candidate for nomination would be expected to make to the Board and the Company. This is based upon the current composition and needs of the Board, and the candidate’s demonstrated business judgment, leadership abilities, integrity, prior experience, education, training, relationships, and other factors that the Board determines relevant. When identifying candidates for nomination to fill vacancies created by the expiration of the term of any incumbent

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  18


Communications with the Board of Directors

 

 

The Board has established procedures to enable stockholders and other interested parties to communicate in writing with the Board, including the chairman of any standing committee of the Board. Written communications should be clearly marked: “Stockholder and Other Interested Parties — Board Communication” and be mailed to Paychex, Inc. at 911 Panorama Trail South, Rochester, New York 14625-2396, Attention:

Corporate Secretary. In the case of communications intended for committee chairmen,Governance  

director, the Nomination Policy requires G&C Committee members to determine whether such incumbent director is willing to stand forre-election and, if so, to take into consideration the value to the Board and to the Company of their continuity and familiarity with the Company’s business. The Board has previously used a third-party search firm to identify director candidates and the G&C Committee is authorized by its charter to continue this practice.

The Nomination Policy requires the G&C Committee to consider candidates for nomination to the Board recommended by any reasonable source, including stockholders. Following the Company’s adoption of Amended and Restated By-Laws on May 3, 2019, stockholders who wish to nominate candidates for director must comply with procedures set forth in the By-Laws, including sending timely notice in writing to the Secretary of the Company that includes the information and disclosure required by the By-Laws. For more information, please see the subheading entitled “How Do I Submit a Proposal for Next Year’s Annual Meeting?” in the Frequently Asked Questions section on page 64.

Policy on Transactions with Related Persons

Related persons include our executive officers, directors, director nominees, and holders of more than 5% of the Company’s common stock, as well as their immediate family members. It is generally the Company’s practice to avoid transactions with related persons. However, there may be occasions when a transaction with a related person is in the best interest of the Company. The Company’s policies and procedures for review and approval of related-person transactions appear in the Company’s Standards of Conduct, Conflict of Interest, and Employment of Relatives Standards, which are internally distributed, and in the Company’s Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, which is posted atwww.paychex.com/investors under Corporate Governance & Committees.

Officers are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest or related person transactions, which include: certain financial interests in or relationships with any supplier, customer, partner, subcontractor, or competitor; and engaging in any activity that could create the appearance of a conflict of interest, including financial involvement or dealings with employees or representatives of the types of entities listed above. Annually, officers and directors complete a Director’s and Officer’s Questionnaire, within which they provide information regarding whether they or any member of their immediate family had any interest in any actual or proposed transaction with Company or any of its subsidiaries where the amount involved exceeded $120,000. The individuals are also asked about any other economic relationships that might be conflicts of interest. The responses are reviewed by our Financial Reporting and Legal Departments to determine if a conflict of interest exists related to any such transaction. For officers, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) oversees the review of such transactions.

Members of the Board are required to disclose to the Chairman of the Board or the Chair of the G&C Committee any situation that involves, or may reasonably be expected to involve, a conflict of interest with the Company. This includes engaging in any conduct or activities that would impair the Company’s relationship with any person or entity with which the Company has or proposes to enter into a business or contractual relationship.

The Financial Reporting department annually reviews the Company’s listing of related persons for determination of potential related-person transactions that should be disclosed in the Company’s periodic reports to the SEC or under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and SEC rules or proxy materials under SEC rules. The G&C Committee is required to consider all questions of possible conflicts of interest of Board members and executive officers, including review and approval of transactions of the Company in excess of $120,000 in which a director, executive officer, or an immediate family member of a director or executive officer has an interest. The factors considered by the G&C Committee in their review, include: the business objective of the transaction; the individual’s involvement in the transaction; whether the transaction would impact the judgment of the officer or director to act in the best interest of the Company; and any other matters the G&C Committee deems appropriate. For fiscal 2019, no instances of conflict ornon-compliance have occurred. Should a conflict of interest be identified, relevant information and circumstances would be reviewed to determine if action is required relative to continuing the arrangement.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  19


  Corporate Governance  

For fiscal 2019, the following transaction in excess of $120,000 was identified and communicated to the G&C Committee:

Mr. Velli, a member of our Board, is also a current board member of Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation. The Company hadpre-existing relationships with KBACE Technologies, Inc. prior to it being acquired by Cognizant. During fiscal 2019, the Company purchased through negotiated transactions approximately $1.6 million of computer consulting and advisory services from Cognizant. Mr. Velli was not personally involved in the negotiation of these transactions.

Governance and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of the members of the G&C Committee were at any time during fiscal 2019, or at any other time, an officer or employee of the Company. During fiscal 2019, no member of the G&C Committee or Board was an executive officer of another entity on whose Compensation Committee or Board of Directors an executive officer of Paychex served.

Communications with the Board of Directors

The Board has established procedures to enable stockholders and other interested parties to communicate in writing with the Board, including the chair of any standing committee of the Board. Written communications should be clearly marked and mailed to:

Stockholder and Other Interested Parties — Board Communication

Paychex, Inc.

911 Panorama Trail South

Rochester, New York 14625-2396

Attention: Corporate Secretary

In the case of communications intended for committee chairs, the specific committee must be identified. Any such communications that do not identify a standing committee will be forwarded to the Board. The Corporate Secretary will promptly forward all stockholder and other interested party communications to the Board or to the appropriate standing committee of the Board, as the case may be.

CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT

The Company has a Code of Business Ethics and Conduct that applies to all of its directors, officers, and employees. The Company requires all of its directors, officers, and employees to adhere to this code in addressing legal and ethical issues that they encounter in the course of doing their work. This code requires our directors, officers, and employees to avoid conflicts of interest, comply with all laws and regulations, conduct business in an honest and ethical manner, and otherwise act with integrity and in the Company’s best interest. All newly hired employees are required to certify that they have reviewed and understand this code. In addition, each year all employees are reminded of and asked to affirmatively acknowledge their obligation to follow the code. The Code of Business Ethics and Conduct is available for review on the Company’s website atwww.paychex.com/investors under Corporate Governance & Committees. The Company intends to disclose any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of its Code of Business Ethics and Conduct that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406 ofRegulation S-K by posting such information on its website at the address specified above.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  20


CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCTSay-on-Pay Vote  

The Company has a Code of Business Ethics and Conduct that applies to all of its directors, officers, and employees. The Company requires all of its directors, officers, and employees to adhere to this code in addressing legal and ethical issues that they encounter in the course of doing their work. This code requires our directors, officers, and employees to avoid conflicts of interest, comply with all laws and regulations, conduct business in an honest and ethical manner, and otherwise act with integrity and in the Company’s best interest. All newly hired employees are required to certify that they have reviewed and understand this code. In addition, each year all employees are reminded of and asked to affirmatively acknowledge their obligation to follow the code. The Code of Business Ethics and Conduct is available for review on the Company’s website athttp://investor.paychex.com/governance. The Company intends to disclose any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of its Code of Business Ethics and Conduct that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406 of Regulation S-K by posting such information on its website at the address specified above.

PROPOSAL 2:

ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE

OFFICER COMPENSATION

 

What am I voting on?Voting Recommendation
Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  17


Say-on-Pay Vote

PROPOSAL 2: ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

Proposal Snapshot

What am I voting on?

Stockholders are being asked to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our NEOs as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) and the Named Executive Officer Compensation sections of this proxy statement.

Voting Recommendation

The Board of Directors recommends a voteFOR the advisory vote approving the NEO compensation, as disclosed in this proxy statement.

We are asking our stockholders to provide advisory approval of the compensation of our NEOs. This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives our stockholders an opportunity to express their views on the overall compensation of our NEOs and the philosophy, policies, and practices as described in this proxy statement.Our stockholders are given the opportunity to vote, on a non-binding, advisory basis, on say-on-pay proposals annually, with the next opportunity to vote on such a proposal being the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Before you vote, we encourage you to read the CD&A and Named Executive Officer Compensation sections of this proxy statement, which provide detailed information on the Company’s compensation policies and practices, and overall compensation of our NEOs.

Compensation Programs Highlights

Our executive compensation programs are designed to attract, motivate, and retain highly qualified NEOs, who are critical to our success. We strongly believe that our executive compensation — both pay opportunities and pay actually realized — should be tied to Company performance. Under our compensation programs, the NEOs are rewarded for the achievement of specific annual and longer-term strategic and financial goals of the Company. Some key aspects of our compensation programs that you should consider are:

NEO compensation is evaluated and determined by our G&C Committee, which is entirely comprised of independent directors. This committee utilizes the services of an independent consultant to advise them on matters of executive compensation.

Our executive compensation program is designed to implement core compensation principles, including alignment with stockholders’ interests, long-term value creation, and pay-for-performance. A significant portion of pay is at risk where the amount realized will be dependent on achievement of financial targets or, in the case of certain time-vested equity awards, the value of the Company’s stock.

A mix of annual and long-term incentive programs creates a balance between short-term and long-term focus, reducing risk in the compensation programs.

Our equity-based, long-term incentive awards include a mix of options, time-vested restricted stock awards, and performance shares.

In addition, we have responsible compensation practices that ensure consistent leadership and decision-making, certain of which are intended to mitigate risk. These include:

Stock ownership guidelines for directors and executive officers, designed to align the executives’ long-term financial interests with those of our stockholders.

Prohibition of hedging of the Company’s stock for both directors and executive officers.

Prohibition of pledging Company stock as collateral without prior approval by the Company.

A long-standing insider trading policy.

Certain recoupment, non-compete, and other forfeiture provisions within our Annual Officer Performance Incentive Program (the “annual incentive program”) and equity-based compensation agreements. These allow the Company to cancel all or any outstanding portion of equity awards and recoup the gross value of any payouts under the annual incentive program, vested restricted shares, or profits from exercises of options.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  18


Say-on-Pay Vote

Results of the 2015 Say-on-Pay Vote

At the 20152018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, held in October 2015, overapproximately 96% of the total stockholder votes cast were in favor of the Company’s NEO compensation as presented in our 20152018 proxy statement. The G&C Committee considered this favorable outcome and believed it conveyed our stockholders’ support of the committee’s decisions and the existing executive compensation programs. As we evaluated our compensation practices and talent needs throughout fiscal 2016, we remained mindful of the strong support for our compensation policies and practices communicated by our stockholders at the last annual meeting. As a result, the G&C Committee retained the core design of our executive compensation programs as it believes the program continues to attract, retain, and provide appropriate incentive for senior management.

Advisory Vote

The G&C Committee, along withBoard of Directors recommends a voteFOR the Board, believe thatadvisory vote approving the policies, procedures, and amounts ofNEO compensation, discussed here, and described furtheras disclosed in this proxy statement, are effective in achieving the desired goals of aligning our executive compensation structure with the interests of our stockholders. To indicate approval of our NEO compensation, a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting must be voted for the proposal.statement.

LOGO

We are asking our stockholders to provide advisory approval of the compensation of our NEOs as required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act. This proposal, commonly known as a“say-on-pay” proposal, gives our stockholders an opportunity to express their views on the overall compensation of our NEOs and the philosophy, policies, and practices as described in this proxy statement.Our stockholders are currently given the opportunity to vote, on anon-binding, advisory basis, onsay-on-pay proposals annually, with the next opportunity to vote on such a proposal being the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Before you vote, we encourage you to read the CD&A and Named Executive Officer Compensation sections of this proxy statement, which provide detailed information on the Company’s compensation policies and practices, and overall compensation of our NEOs.

Compensation Programs Highlights

Our executive compensation programs are designed to attract, motivate, and retain highly qualified NEOs, who are critical to our success. We strongly believe that our executive compensation — both pay opportunities and pay actually realized — should be tied to Company performance. Under our compensation programs, the NEOs are rewarded for the achievement of specific annual and longer-term strategic and financial goals of the Company. Some key aspects of our compensation programs that you should consider are:

NEO compensation is evaluated and determined by our G&C Committee, which is entirely comprised of independent directors. This committee utilizes the services of an independent consultant to advise them on matters of executive compensation.

Our executive compensation program is designed to implement core compensation principles, including alignment with stockholders’ interests, long-term value creation, andpay-for-performance. A significant portion of pay is at risk where the amount realized will be dependent on achievement of financial targets or, in the case of certain time-vested equity awards, the value of the Company’s stock.

A mix of annual and long-term incentive programs creates a balance between short-term and long-term focus, reducing risk in the compensation programs.

Our equity-based, long-term incentive awards include a mix of options, time-based restricted stock awards, and performance-based awards.

In addition, we have responsible compensation practices that ensure consistent leadership and decision-making, certain of which are intended to mitigate risk. These include:

Stock ownership guidelines designed to align the directors’ and executives’ long-term financial interests with those of our stockholders.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  21


  Say-on-Pay Vote  

Prohibition of hedging of the Company’s stock for both directors and executive officers.

Prohibition of pledging Company stock as collateral without prior approval by the Company.

A long-standing insider trading policy.

Certain recoupment,non-compete, and other forfeiture provisions within our Annual Officer Performance Incentive Program (the “annual incentive program”) and equity-based compensation agreements. These allow the Company to cancel all or any outstanding portion of equity awards and recoup the gross value of any payouts under the annual incentive program, vested restricted shares, vested performance shares, or profits from exercises of options.

Results of the 2018Say-on-Pay Vote

At the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on October 11, 2018, approximately 96% of the total stockholder votes cast were in favor of the Company’s NEO compensation as presented in our 2018 proxy statement. The G&C Committee considered this favorable outcome and believed it conveyed our stockholders’ support of the committee’s decisions and the existing executive compensation programs. As we evaluated our compensation practices and talent needs throughout fiscal 2019, we remained mindful of the strong support for our compensation policies and practices communicated by our stockholders at the last annual meeting. As a result, the G&C Committee retained the core design of our executive compensation programs as it believes the program continues to attract, retain, and provide appropriate incentive for senior management.

Advisory Vote

The G&C Committee, along with the Board, believe that the policies, procedures, and amounts of compensation discussed here, and described further in this proxy statement, are effective in achieving the desired goals of aligning our executive compensation structure with the interests of our stockholders. To indicate approval of our NEO compensation, a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal at the Annual Meeting must be voted for the proposal.

Thissay-on-pay vote is advisory and therefore is not binding on the Company, the G&C Committee, or our Board. Our Board values the opinions of our stockholders and, to the extent that there is any significant vote against the NEO compensation as disclosed in this proxy statement, we will consider our stockholders’ concerns and the G&C Committee will evaluate whether actions are necessary to address these concerns.

 

The Board recommends a voteFOR the proposal to approve the NEO compensation on an advisory basis, as
disclosed in this proxy statement.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  19


CD&A

 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The CD&A provides you with a description of our executive compensation policies and programs, the decisions made by the G&C Committee regarding executive compensation, and the factors contributing to those decisions. This discussion focuses on the compensation of our NEOs for fiscal 2016, who were:

NameTitle

Martin Mucci

President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)

Efrain Rivera

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer (principal financial officer)

Mark A. Bottini

Senior Vice President, Sales

John B. Gibson

Senior Vice President, Service

Michael E. Gioja

Senior Vice President, Information Technology, Product Management and Development

 

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  22


Business and Financial HighlightsCD&A  

Our mission is to be the leading provider

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The CD&A provides you with a description of our executive compensation policies and programs, the decisions made by the G&C Committee regarding executive compensation, and the factors contributing to those decisions. This discussion focuses on the compensation of our NEOs for fiscal 2019, who were:

Name

Title

Martin MucciPresident and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)
Efrain RiveraSenior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer (principal financial officer)
Mark A. BottiniSenior Vice President of payroll, human resource, insurance,Sales
John B. GibsonSenior Vice President of Service
Michael E. GiojaSenior Vice President of Information Technology and benefits outsourcingProduct Development

Executive Summary

Business and Financial Highlights

Our mission is to be the leading provider of human capital management (“HCM”) solutions for payroll, benefits, human resource (“HR”), and insurance services by being an essential partner with America’s businesses. We believe success in this mission will lead to strong, long-term financial performance.

Our executive compensation is tied to financial and operational performance and is intended to drive sustained, long-term increases in stockholder value. We delivered strong financial results for fiscal 2019. Reported financial results for fiscal 2019 and the respective growth percentages compared to the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018 (“fiscal 2018”) were as follows:

 

For the fiscal year ended May 31,

 
  

$ in millions, except per share amounts

2019

2018

As adjusted(1)

% Change

    

Management Solutions revenue

$

2,878

$

2,758

 

4

%

    

PEO and Insurance Services revenue(2)

 

814

 

556

 

46

%

    

Total service revenue

 

3,692

 

3,314

 

11

%

    

Interest on funds held for clients

 

81

 

64

 

27

%

    

Total revenue

$

3,773

$

3,378

 

12

%

    

Operating income

$

1,371

$

1,292

 

6

%

    

Operating income, net of certain items(3)

$

1,290

$

1,261

 

2

%

    

Net income

$

1,034

$

994

 

4

%

    

Adjusted net income(3)

$

1,028

$

922

 

11

%

    

Diluted earnings per share

$

2.86

$

2.75

 

4

%

    

Adjusted diluted earnings per share(3)

$

2.84

$

2.55

 

11

%

    

Operating cash flows

$

1,272

$

1,276

 

0

%

(1)

Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the adoption of ASC Topic 606.

(2)

Professional employer organization (“PEO”) and Insurance Services revenue for fiscal 2019 includes the results of Oasis Outsourcing Group Holdings, L.P. (“Oasis”) since its acquisition in December 2018.

(3)

Operating income, net of certain items, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share are not U.S. GAAP measures. Please refer to “Paychex, Inc.Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in Appendix A of this proxy for a discussion of thesenon-GAAP measures and a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measures of operating income, net income, and diluted earnings per share. Operating income, net of certain items, is anon-GAAP measure used as one of the performance metrics in the Company’s executive compensation is tiedprogram.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  23


  CD&A  

Fiscal 2019 Actions Related to Long-Term Strategy: The table below discusses fiscal 2019 performance as it relates to the key areas of focus that comprise the Company’s long-term strategy.

Strategy Focus

Fiscal 2019 Summary of Accomplishments

Flexible, convenient serviceWe continually invest in solutions to financialmake payroll and operational performanceHR administration simpler for our clients and is intendedtheir employees. During this fiscal year, we renewed this commitment to drive sustained, long-term increasesreduce the complexity our customers face when we launched our new branding under the tagline “The Power of Simplicity”. The integration of flexible service options and leading-edge technology allows us to meet our clients’ diverse needs by providing them with information and products when, where, and how they want it. Clients can select services on an á la carte basis or as part of various product bundles. Our service options include self-service, a 24/7 dedicated service center, an individual payroll specialist, an integrated service via a multi-product service center, or for some of our larger clients, a customer relationship manager. Service delivery remains strong as we continue to experience favorable client retention year-over-year, with fiscal 2019 retention in stockholder value. We delivered solidline with our historical best, and continued improvements in net promoter scores.
Solid sales executionOur financial results for fiscal 2016. Reported financial results2019 reflect another year of continued growth across our major HCM product lines. In 2019, we continued to execute on ourgo-to-market strategy, including additional investment in our virtual andmid-market sales forces and demand generation tools. As a result, we saw solid new sales performance in these areas, along with continued strength in our SurePayroll, Human Resource Solutions, and PEO sales teams.

Industry-leading,

integrated technology 

We continue to focus on enhancing our leading-edge technology, concentrating our efforts on the enhancement of Paychex Flex®, our robust, cloud-based HCM platform, which allows direct client access to payroll, HR, and benefits information in a streamlined and integrated approach to workplace management. New offerings and enhancements to our Paychex Flex platform made in fiscal 2019 included:

•  Paychex Learning, an accessible,low-cost and seamlessly integratedweb-based learning management system;

•  Paychex Flex Assistant, a chatbot programmed to answer commonly askedHR-related questions;

•  Tablet-enabled facial recognition for fiscal 2016time and attendance;

•  Retirement-focused product enhancements to both the respective growth percentages comparedparticipant dashboard and advisor portal, designed to simplify the process of enrolling and managing a 401(k) plan;

•  New synchronization functionality between Paychex General Ledger Service and QuickBooks® Online, which enhances efficiency and productivity for businesses, as well as the accountants who serve them; and

•  The addition of performance management, workflow approvals, real-time analytics and a configurable events calendar to the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 (“fiscal 2015”) were as follows:Paychex Flex platform.

      
    For the fiscal year ended May 31,     
$ in millions, except per share amounts  2016   2015   % Change 

Payroll service revenue

  $1,730    $1,657     4

Human Resource Services revenue

   1,176     1,041     13

Total service revenue(1)

   2,906     2,698     8

Interest on funds held for clients

   46     42     9

Total revenue

  $2,952    $2,740     8
 
  

Operating income, net of certain items(1), (2)

  $1,101    $1,012     9

Net income(3)

  $757    $675     12

Diluted earnings per share(3)

  $2.09    $1.85     13

Operating cash flows

  $1,018    $895     14

(1)Total service revenue and operating income, net of certain items, are key financial measures that are metrics in the Company’s performance-based compensation plans.

 

(2)Operating income, net of certain items, differs from what is reported under U.S. GAAP as operating income. Refer to Appendix A for a description of this non-GAAP financial measure and for a reconciliation of this measure to our operating income results as reported under U.S. GAAP.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  24


CD&A  

Strategy Focus

Fiscal 2019 Summary of Accomplishments

Comprehensive suite of value-added HCM services

We offer a comprehensive portfolio of HCM services and products that allow our clients to meet their diverse payroll and HR needs. Our offerings often leverage the information gathered in our base payroll processing service, allowing us to provide comprehensive outsourcing services covering the HCM spectrum.

•  During fiscal 2019, Paychex became the first Application Programming Interface (“API”) partner for Indeed, the world’s #1 jobs site. With API integration, Paychex clients will have direct access to Indeed from Paychex Flex, streamlining the job posting process and seamlessly connecting them with Indeed’s prospect network.

•  With the introduction of Paychex Learning, employers can take the guesswork out of training and foster a learning environment that provides employees with everything from business acumen to tactical skills to HR compliance.

Continued service penetrationWe continue to see client growth across our portfolio of HCM services. Management Solutions revenue increases were primarily driven by growth in our client base across many of our services, and an increase in the number of retirement plans served. Demand for our existing PEO services, along with growth within our client base, resulted in double-digit growth in the number of client worksite employees served. We are constantly evolving to enhance our competitive position and focus on showcasing the value proposition of our full-suite of HCM solutions.
Strategic acquisitionsWe continuously evaluate opportunities for acquisitions where there is a strategic fit. Effective December 2018, we acquired Oasis, an industry leader in providing HR outsourcing services. Strategic benefits of this acquisition are that it adds scale to the existing PEO business, allows us to expand into new areas, provides opportunities to build relationships with insurance carriers, and createsup-sell opportunities into the Oasis client base.

 

(3)Net income and diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2016 reflect a net tax benefit recognized for prior tax years related to customer-facing software we produced. Excluding this net tax benefit, net income and diluted earnings per share would have grown 9% and 10%, respectively, for fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  25


  CD&A  

Return to Stockholders: The value we return to our stockholders is very important to us. During fiscal 2019, we returned over $880 million to our stockholders through dividends and repurchases of outstanding shares of our common stock.

 

LOGO
 Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  21 


CD&A

Fiscal 2016 Actions Related to Long-Term Strategy:The table below discusses fiscal 2016 performance as it relates to the key areas of focus that comprise our long-term strategy.

Strategy FocusFiscal 2016 Summary of Accomplishments
Flexible, convenient serviceWe had solid execution in operations, as demonstrated by client retention results in excess of 82% of our beginning client base for fiscal 2016. These results were consistent with fiscal 2015’s record high retention. Our total payroll client base grew 2% to approximately 605,000 clients as of May 31, 2016, as a result of both solid sales execution and high client retention.
Solid sales executionWe have made strong progress in the area of sales execution, with fiscal 2016 seeing strong growth, especially in the mid-market space.
Industry-leading, integrated technologyWe continue to focus on our Paychex FlexSM platform, our cloud-based human capital management (“HCM”) suite of services and mobility offerings. In fiscal 2016, we completed the integration of key HCM modules with the release of Paychex Flex Time, Paychex Flex Benefits Administration and Paychex Flex Hiring. We believe this leading-edge technology, along with our personalized, flexible service, positively impacted our performance in the mid-market space, where we experienced especially strong sales results for fiscal 2016. Paychex Flex continues to receive positive recognition in the marketplace.
Comprehensive suite of value-added HCM servicesWe offer a complete suite of HCM services, which help manage the employer/employee relationship through all phases of an employee life cycle. The most recent addition to our suite of services was our full-service Paychex Employer Shared Responsibility (“ESR”) offering, which aides clients with navigation of the complexities of the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”). While first introduced in fiscal 2015, this service experienced strong growth during fiscal 2016. We have serviced our clients through the first year reporting requirements under ACA.
Continued service penetration

Our team-selling approach has resulted in a greater value of services being sold up-front to clients and thus greater penetration of our broad portfolio of HCM services. Paychex Flex also allows for customizable solutions for clients where additional services can easily be added.

We continue to see client growth in our Human Resource Services including retirement services, insurance services, and our comprehensive human resource outsourcing services. The number of client worksite employees served within our comprehensive human resource outsourcing solutions achieved double-digit growth for fiscal 2016.

Strategic acquisitionsIn December 2015, we acquired substantially all of the net assets of Advance Partners, a leading provider of integrated financial, operational, and strategic services to support independent staffing firms. Advance Partners offers customizable solutions to the temporary staffing industry, including payroll funding and outsourcing services. This acquisition allows us greater access to the temporary staffing industry, which services a large number of small- to medium-sized businesses, which is our target market.

 Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  22 


CD&A

Since 2015, the
Company has

returned
over $4.0 billion
to stockholders.

 

LOGO

Dividend Payments: Paychex continues to pay substantial dividends to our stockholders, targeting approximately 80% of our net income. The increase in the quarterly dividend to stockholders in the last three fiscal years was as follows:

    
   

Increase in    

Quarterly    

Dividend    

 

Quarterly    

Dividend    

Amount    

 % Change    

 

May 2019

 

  

 

 

 

 

$0.06

 

 

    

 

  

 

 

 

 

$0.62

 

 

    

 

  

 

 

 

 

11

 

 

%      

 

 

April 2018

 

  

 

 

 

 

$0.06

 

 

    

 

  

 

 

 

 

$0.56

 

 

    

 

  

 

 

 

 

12

 

 

%      

 

 

July 2017

 

  

 

 

 

 

$0.04

 

 

    

 

  

 

 

 

 

$0.50

 

 

    

 

  

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

%      

 

 

July 2016

 

  

 

 

 

 

$0.04

 

 

    

 

  

 

 

 

 

$0.46

 

 

    

 

  

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

%      

 

Share Repurchases: The Board has authorized the repurchase of common stock as follows:

$350 million authorized in May 2014, which expired on May 31, 2017;

$350 million authorized in July 2016, which expired on May 31, 2019; and

$400 million authorized in May 2019, which will expire on May 31, 2022.

Shares repurchased over the past three fiscal years were as follows:

   
(In millions)  

Shares    

Repurchased    

 Amount    

 

Fiscal 2019

 

   

 

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

          

 

  

 

$

 

 

56.9

 

 

      

 

 

Fiscal 2018

 

   

 

 

 

 

2.5

 

 

          

 

  

 

$

 

 

143.1

 

 

      

 

 

Fiscal 2017

 

   

 

 

 

 

2.9

 

 

          

 

  

 

$

 

 

166.2

 

 

      

 

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  26


Return to Stockholders:The value we return to our stockholders is very important to us. During fiscal 2016, we returned over $700 million to our stockholders through dividends and repurchases of outstanding shares of our common stock.

 

 

LOGO

Note: Dividends as a percentage of net income for fiscal 2016 are calculated on net income, excluding a discrete item for a net tax benefit recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 derived from prior years’ income from customer-facing software we produced.CD&A  

Paychex continues to pay substantial dividends to our stockholders, in excess of 80% of our net income. In July 2015, the Board approved an 11% increase in our quarterly dividend to $0.42 per share, up from $0.38 per share. In July 2016, the Board again approved an increase in our quarterly dividend of $0.04 per share, or 10%, to $0.46 per share. In May 2014, the Board authorized the repurchase of up to $350 million of our common stock, with the authorization expiring May 31, 2017. During fiscal 2016, we repurchased 2.2 million shares for $107.9 million. In July 2016, we announced that our Board authorized the repurchase of up to $350 million of our common stock, with the authorization expiring May 31, 2019.

The following chart shows how a $100 investment in the Company’s common stock on May 31, 2011 would have grown to $202 as of May 31, 2016, with dividends reinvested quarterly. The chart also compares the total stockholder return on the Company’s common stock to the same investment in the S&P 500 Index over the same period, with dividends reinvested quarterly. For Paychex, this represents a total of 102% return, or 15% on an annualized basis.

 

 

LOGO

For more information about our fiscal 2016 business results, see the section of our Fiscal 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

The following graph shows how a $100 investment in the Company’s common stock on May 31, 2014 would have grown to $244 as of May 31, 2019, with dividends reinvested quarterly. The chart also compares the total stockholder return on the Company’s common stock to the same investment in the S&P 500 Index over the same period, with dividends reinvested quarterly. For Paychex, this represents a cumulative return of 144%, or approximately 20% on an annualized basis.

 

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement 

LOGO

For more information about our fiscal 2019 business results, see the section of our fiscal 2019 Annual Report on Form10-K (“Form10-K”) titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

How Pay is Tied to Company Performance

Our executive compensation programs are designed to ensure that the interests of the Company’s senior leaders are appropriately aligned with those of its stockholders by rewarding performance that meets established business and individual goals. Key features of the program that tie to Company performance are:

A significant portion of our NEOs annual compensation is “at risk” based on performance. For fiscal 2019, variable pay represented 87% of total target compensation for our CEO, and 76% of total target compensation on average for our other NEOs.

Variable compensation is comprised of an annual cash incentive program and longer-term equity-based incentives. Annual grants of performance shares provide the opportunity for restricted stock to be awarded ifpre-established financial goals are met for atwo-year performance period. Time-vested stock options and restricted stock awards provide value based on our stock price performance.

Target compensation for the annual incentive program and annual grants of performance shares is established at the beginning of the performance period by the G&C Committee. NEOs have an opportunity to earn actual compensation that varies from target based on achievement againstpre-established 23


CD&A

How Pay is Tied to Company Performance

Our executive compensation programs are designed to ensure that the interests of the Company’s senior leaders are appropriately aligned with those of its stockholders by rewarding performance that meets established business and individual goals. Key features of the program that tie to Company performance are:

A significant portion of our NEO annual compensation is “at risk” based on performance. For fiscal 2016, variable pay represented 84% of target total compensation for our CEO, and 74% of target total compensation on average for our other NEOs.

Variable compensation is comprised of an annual cash incentive program and longer-term equity-based incentives. Performance shares provide the opportunity for restricted stock to be awarded if pre-established financial goals are met for a two-year performance period. Time-vested stock options and restricted stock awards provide value based on our stock price performance.

Target compensation for the annual incentive program and performance shares is established at the beginning of the performance period by the G&C Committee. NEOs have an opportunity to earn actual compensation that varies from target based on achievement against pre-established performance metrics.

 

Performance targets incorporated into our executive compensation programs include the metrics of service revenue (a measure of business growth) and operating income, net of certain items (our measure of profitability) for our annual performance-based compensation. Operating income, net of certain items is anon-GAAP measure. Refer to Appendix A for a discussion of this measure and a reconciliation to the related GAAP measure of operating income.

The financial measures used as performance targets are linked directly to our annual and longer-term strategic business plans that are reviewed and approved by the Board.

In July 2016, the G&C committee implemented special Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) awards in the form ofnon-qualified performance-based stock options and performance-based restricted stock. These awards were

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  27


  CD&A  

made to reward the executives for achieving long-term financial goals. The stock options and restricted stock vest after four years based on achievement against goals established for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2020 (“fiscal 2020”). These are special awards geared toward this long-term achievement and are not part of the annually recurring awards of long-term, equity-based compensation. The performance metrics for these LTIP awards are service revenue, operating income, net of certain items, (our measure of profitability).

The financial measures used as targets for the annual incentive program and the performance shares are linked directly to our annual and longer-term strategic business plans that are reviewed and approved by the Board.diluted earnings per share.

The pay mix at target for our CEO and other NEOs for fiscal 2016

The pay mix at target for our CEO and the average for other NEOs for fiscal 2019 is displayed below.

LOGO

The following illustrates the trend in Company performance, based on two of our key financial metrics utilized in performance-based compensation plans, and the total reported compensation of our CEO (excluding the LTIP awards) over the last three years.

 

 

LOGOLOGO

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  24


CD&A

LOGO

 

(1)

Mr. Mucci became CEO in September 2010 and recently completed his fifth fiscal year in as CEO. The following illustratesAmounts have been adjusted to reflect the trend in Company performance, based on twoadoption of our key financial metrics, and the total reported compensationASC Topic 606.

(2)

Operating income, net of our CEO over his five-year tenure.

LOGO

(1)CEO total compensation as reflected in this chartcertain items, is equal to the amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table included in the Named Executive Officer section of this and prior years’ proxy statements, with the exception of the amount for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2012 (“fiscal 2012”). For fiscal 2012, this chart excludes the impact of a Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) award in the form of non-qualified performance stock options granted during that year.

Amounts realized in fiscal 2016 related to performance-based compensation programs for fiscal 2016 and prior years included the following:

Payouts under the annual incentive program for fiscal 2016 were earned at 103% of target for the CEO and 101% of target for the Senior Vice Presidents (“SVPs”). Achievement was measured against financial targets established at the beginning of fiscal 2016.

The two-year performance period for the performance shares granted in July 2014 ended on May 31, 2016. The financial targets were set at the beginning of this two-year period. Achievement against these targets resulted in restricted shares earned at 110% of target.

The fiscal 2016 performance period for the LTIP granted in July 2011 ended on May 31, 2016. The financial targets were set at the grant date in July 2011 and were based on economic trends experienced at that time. Achievement against these targets resulted in stock options earned at 63.0% of target based on achievement against target for fiscal 2016. Previously, vesting of a portion of this award accelerated based on achievement against targets established for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 (“fiscal 2014”). Shares vested in July 2014 were 23.5% of the total target amount. The remaining 39.5% of target vested in July 2016.

non-GAAP measure. Refer to the section entitled “Elementsdiscussion regarding thisnon-GAAP measure and a reconciliation to the related GAAP measure of Compensation” andoperating income in Appendix A.

(3)

CEO total compensation as reflected in this chart is equal to the subsections of “Annual Officer Performance Incentive Program” and “Equity-Based Compensation” within this CD&A for a more detailed discussion of variable compensation, performance targets established, and actual results against those targets.

A significant portion of reported compensation is an incentive for future performance and realizable only if the Company meets or exceeds the applicable performance measures, or is based on the Company’s stock price performance. Long-term equity-based incentives make up the largest component of pay for the NEOs. For the CEO, Mr. Mucci, this accounts for 64% of his target compensation. The main difference between reported compensation in the Summary Compensation Table and compensation realized is in the value of equity awards. In reported compensation, equity-based awards are included in the year granted at grant-date fair value. The amount that can be realized upon exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock awards can differ significantly from the amounts initially reported in the year of grant.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  25


CD&A

The following table illustrates how the equity-based awards granted to Mr. Mucci in the last three fiscal years were tracking as of May 31, 2016.

          Intrinsic Value as of May 31, 2016(3)   

Fiscal

Year

  Awards 

Value  

Reported at  

Grant Date (1)  

 

Value Realized  

Through May 31,  

2016(2)  

 

Vested  

Shares  

 

Unvested  

Shares(4)  

 

Total Intrinsic  

Value Not Yet  

Realized  

 

Increase in  

Realized and  

Unrealized  

Value Since  
Grant Date  

2014                                   
   Stock Options  $1,174,236   $   $1,871,832   $1,871,832   $3,743,664    219%
   Restricted Stock  $784,877   $609,836   $   $368,642   $368,642    25%
   Performance Shares  $1,956,918   $   $   $3,478,321   $3,478,321    78%
2015                                   
   Stock Options  $1,105,472   $   $611,327   $1,833,992   $2,445,319    121%
   Restricted Stock  $753,602   $285,718   $   $653,253   $653,253    25%
   Performance Shares  $1,879,113   $   $   $2,897,463   $2,897,463    54%
2016                                   
   Stock Options  $1,069,161   $   $   $1,426,927   $1,426,927    33%
   Restricted Stock  $742,640   $   $   $850,929   $850,929    15%
   Performance Shares  $1,855,384   $   $   $2,287,379   $2,287,379    23%

(1)The value reported at grant date represents the amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table for the respective fiscal year. These values were reported at grant-date fair value of the award.

(2)The value realized through May 31, 2016 represents the value realized on stock option exercises or vesting of restricted stock and performance shares. Mr. Mucci has not exercised any stock options granted in fiscal years 2014, 2015, and 2016. The value reflected for restricted stock is the stock price on the date shares vested multiplied by the number of shares that vested during the period between date of grant and May 31, 2016.

(3)Intrinsic value not yet realized for stock options is based on the closing stock price of $54.22 per share as of May 31, 2016 less the exercise price for the respective grants. Intrinsic value for restricted stock and performance shares is based on the closing stock price of $54.22 per share as of May 31, 2016 multiplied by the number of shares not yet vested.

(4)The intrinsic value of unvested shares remains at risk as these awards are currently not exercisable.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  26


CD&A

Highlights of Executive Compensation Practices

The Board maintains governance standards and oversight of our executive compensation policies and practices. The following governance practices were in place during fiscal 2016, and these practices, among other elements of our compensation programs, aid in mitigating risk associated with our compensation programs.

WHAT WE DO

þ   Pay for performance. As previously discussed, a significant portion of executive pay is not guaranteed, but rather tied to key financial metrics that are disclosed to our stockholders.

þ   Mitigate undue risk in compensation programs. The executive compensation program includes features that reduce the possibility of the NEOs, either individually or as a group, making excessively risky business decisions that could maximize short-term results at the expense of longer-term value.

þ   Balance of short-term and long-term incentives. Our incentive programs provide an appropriate balance of annual and longer-term incentives.

þ   Capped award payouts. Amounts or shares that can be earned under the annual incentive program, as well as under the longer-term performance share and performance option awards, are capped.

þ   Share ownership guidelines. There are restrictions on sales of vested awards until a NEO has attained ownership of the Company’s stock as follows: CEO — five times base salary; SVPs — three times base salary; and Vice Presidents (“VP”s) — two times base salary.

þ   Include double-trigger change in control provisions. Our Change in Control Plan for officers is a “double-trigger” arrangement, requiring change in control and a subsequent termination of employment.

þ   Include recoupment, non-compete, and other forfeiture provisions in our equity-award provisions and annual incentive program. Our annual incentive program and equity-based compensation agreements contain certain recoupment, non-compete, and other forfeiture provisions that will allow the Company to cancel all or any outstanding portion of equity awards and recover the payouts under the annual incentive program, gross value of any vested restricted shares, or profits from exercises of options.

þ   Utilize an independent compensation consulting firm. The G&C Committee benefits from its utilization of an independent compensation consulting firm, which provides no other services to the Company.

WHAT WE DON’T DO

x   No employment agreements. We do not have employment contracts for our NEOs. Employment of all of our executive officers is “at will.”

x   No significant perquisites. The benefits our NEOs receive in the form of health insurance, life insurance, and Company matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan are the same benefits generally available to all of our employees.

x   No hedging, pledging or short sales transactions permitted. Our executive officers, including NEOs, and directors are prohibited from engaging in any hedging or other similar types of transactions with respect to the Company’s common stock. Pledging is prohibited without prior Company approval and not for more than 25% of the pledgor’s total beneficial ownership.

x   No dividends or dividend equivalents on unearned performance shares. Performance share awards do not earn or pay dividends until the shares are earned.

Refer to the remainder of this CD&A for a detailed discussion of the overall compensation philosophy, practice, and analysis of elements of the compensation awarded to our NEOs as provided in the Fiscal 20162019 Summary Compensation Table included in the Named Executive Officer Compensation section of this and prior years’ proxy statement.statements, except for the amount for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017 (“fiscal 2017”). For fiscal 2017, this chart excludes the impact of the special LTIP awards granted in July 2016 in the form ofnon-qualified performance stock options and performance-based restricted stock.

Amounts realized in fiscal 2019 related to performance-based compensation programs for fiscal 2019 and prior years included the following:

 

Payouts under the annual incentive program for fiscal 2019 were earned at 129% of target for the CEO and an average of 127% of target for the SVPs. Achievement was measured against financial targets established at the beginning of fiscal 2019.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  28


Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  27


CD&A

 

Elements of Compensation

 

 

We use

CD&A  

Thetwo-year performance period for the annual grants of performance shares granted in July 2017 ended on May 31, 2019. The financial targets were set at the beginning of thistwo-year period. Achievement against these targets resulted in restricted shares earned at 98% of target.

Refer to the section entitled “Elements of Compensation” and the subsections of “Annual Incentive Program” and “Equity-Based Compensation” within this CD&A for a more detailed discussion of variable compensation, performance targets established, and actual results against those targets.

A significant portion of reported compensation is an incentive for future performance and realizable only if the Company meets or exceeds the applicable performance measures, or is based on the Company’s stock price performance. Long-term equity-based incentives make up the largest component of pay for the NEOs. For the CEO, Mr. Mucci, this accounts for 70% of his target compensation for fiscal 2019. The main difference between reported compensation in the Fiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table and compensation realized is in the value of equity awards. In reported compensation, equity awards are included in the year granted at grant-date fair value. The amount that can be realized upon exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock awards can differ significantly from the amounts initially reported in the year of grant.

The following table illustrates how the equity awards granted to Mr. Mucci in the last three fiscal years were tracking as of May 31, 2019.

      
    Intrinsic Value as of May 31, 2019(3)Increase in
Realized and
Unrealized
Value Since
Grant Date
Fiscal
Year
Award TypeValue
Reported at
Grant Date(1)
Value
Realized
Through
May 31,
2019(2)
Vested
Shares
Unvested
Shares(4)
Total Intrinsic
Value Not Yet
Realized

 

2017

 

 

Stock Options

 

 

$

 

 

1,191,049

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

2,602,160

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

2,602,160

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

5,204,320

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

337

 

 

%

 

 

Restricted Stock

 

 

$

 

 

874,697

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

607,491

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

411,106

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

411,106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16

 

 

%

 

 

Performance Shares

 

 

$

 

 

2,209,835

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

3,050,263

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

3,050,263

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

38

 

 

%

 

 

LTIP-Options

 

 

$

 

 

1,151,732

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

4,903,698

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

4,903,698

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

326

 

 

%

 

 

LTIP-Shares

 

 

$

 

 

1,290,661

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

2,065,394

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

2,065,394

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

60

 

 

%

 

 

2018

 

 

Stock Options

 

 

$

 

 

1,372,685

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

2,041,154

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

4,082,307

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

6,123,461

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

346

 

 

%

 

 

Restricted Stock

 

 

$

 

 

940,453

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

385,416

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

939,658

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

939,658

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

41

 

 

%

 

 

Performance Shares

 

 

$

 

 

2,353,659

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

3,713,334

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

3,713,334

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

58

 

 

%

 

 

2019

 

 

Stock Options

 

 

$

 

 

1,582,257

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

2,911,854

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

2,911,854

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

84

 

 

%

 

 

Restricted Stock

 

 

$

 

 

1,046,229

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

1,290,711

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

1,290,711

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23

 

 

%

 

 

Performance Shares

 

 

$

 

 

2,618,791

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

3,447,385

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

3,447,385

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

 

%

 

(1)

The value reported at grant date represents the amounts reported in the Fiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table for the respective fiscal year. These values were reported at grant-date fair value of the award.

(2)

The value realized through May 31, 2019 represents the value realized on stock option exercises or vesting of restricted stock and performance shares. Mr. Mucci has not exercised any stock options granted in fiscal 2017, fiscal 2018, and fiscal 2019. The value reflected for restricted stock is the stock price on the date shares vested multiplied by the number of shares that vested during the period between date of grant and May 31, 2019.

(3)

Intrinsic value not yet realized for stock options is based on the closing stock price of $85.79 per share as of May 31, 2019 less the exercise price for the respective grants. Intrinsic value for restricted stock and performance shares is based on the closing stock price of $85.79 per share as of May 31, 2019 multiplied by the number of shares not yet vested.

(4)

The intrinsic value of unvested shares remains at risk as these awards are currently not exercisable.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  29


  CD&A  

Highlights of Executive Compensation Practices

The Board maintains governance standards and oversight of our executive compensation policies and practices. The following governance practices were in place during fiscal 2019, and these practices, among other elements of our compensation programs, aid in mitigating risk associated with our compensation programs.

WHAT WE DO

   Pay for performance. As previously discussed, a combinationsignificant portion of executive pay is not guaranteed, but rather tied to key financial metrics that are disclosed to our stockholders.

   Mitigate undue risk in compensation elements, includingprograms. The executive compensation program includes features that reduce the possibility of the NEOs, either individually or as a group, making excessively risky business decisions that could maximize short-term results at the expense of longer-term value.

Balance of short-term and long-term incentives. Our incentive programs are designed to provide an appropriate balance of annual and longer-term incentives.

Capped award payouts. Amounts or shares that can be earned under the annual incentive program, as well as under the longer-term performance share and LTIP performance-based stock option and restricted stock awards, are capped.

Share ownership guidelines. There are restrictions on sales of vested awards until a NEO has attained ownership of the Company’s stock as follows: CEO — six times base salary,salary; SVPs — three times base salary; and Vice Presidents (“VPs”) — two times base salary.

Include double-trigger change in control provisions. Our Change in Control Plan for officers is a “double-trigger” arrangement, requiring change in control and a subsequent termination of employment.

Include recoupment,non-compete, and other forfeiture provisions in our annual incentive program and equity-based compensation agreements. Our annual incentive program and equity-based compensation agreements contain certain recoupment,non-compete, and other forfeiture provisions that will allow the Company to cancel all or any outstanding portion of equity awards deliveredand recover the payouts under our 2002 Plan. Each element and the related compensation decisions and results for fiscal 2016 are discussed below.annual incentive program, gross value of any vested restricted shares, vested performance shares, or profits from exercises of options.

SummaryUtilize an independent compensation consulting firm. The G&C Committee benefits from its utilization of Fiscal 2016 Elementsan independent compensation consulting firm, which provides no other services to the Company.

WHAT WE DON’T DO

No employment agreements. We do not have employment contracts for our NEOs. Employment of Compensationall of our executive officers is “at will.”

No significant perquisites. The benefits our NEOs receive in the form of health insurance, life insurance, and Company matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan are the same benefits generally available to all of our employees.

No hedging, pledging or short sales transactions permitted. Our executive officers, including NEOs, and directors are prohibited from engaging in any hedging or other similar types of transactions with respect to the Company’s common stock. Pledging is prohibited without prior Company approval and not for more than 25% of the pledgor’s total beneficial ownership.

No dividends or dividend equivalents on unearned performance-based awards.Performance share awards and LTIP performance-based restricted stock awards do not earn or pay dividends until the shares are earned.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  30


 

 

LOGO

Fiscal 2016 Compensation ResultsCD&A  

Base Salary

We pay base salary to attract talented executives and to provide a fixed base of cash compensation. Base salaries are reviewed annually. Our practice is to make targeted base salary increases as determined necessary based on performance, market information, and scope of responsibilities.

 

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  28


CD&A

 

Refer to the remainder of this CD&A for a detailed discussion of the overall compensation philosophy, practice, and analysis of elements of the compensation awarded to our NEOs as provided in the Fiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table, included in the Named Executive Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement.

Elements of Compensation

We use a combination of compensation elements, including base salary, annual incentive program, and equity awards delivered under our 2002 Plan. Each element and the related compensation decisions and results for fiscal 2019 are discussed below.

Summary of Fiscal 2019 Elements of Compensation

Compensation

Elements

Salary    

Annual   Officer

Incentive   

Program   

Stock   

Options   

Restricted   

Stock   

Awards   

Performance     Incentive Program

Shares(1)

Fixed    

Variable,At-Risk    

 Recipients

All NEOs    

 When Granted

Reviewed    

annually    

Annually    

 Form of Delivery

Cash    

Equity    

 Type of

 Performance

Short-Term    

Long-Term Incentives    

 Performance PeriodOngoing    1 year    

Vest ratably  

over 3 years  

Vest  

ratably  

over 3  

years  

2-year    

performance    

period    

followed by 1-    

year service    

period(2)

 How Payout is

 Determined

G&C    

Committee    

judgment    

Quantitative  

based on  

achievement  

against  

targets;  

small portion  

qualitative  

Based on stock price on    

exercise/vest date    

Quantitative based    

on    

achievement against    

targets    

 Performance

 Metrics

N/A

Service  

revenue;  

operating  

income, net  

of certain  

items(3); and  

annualized  

new business  

revenue  

N/A    N/A    

Service    

revenue; and    

operating    

income, net    

of certain    

items(3)

(1)

The annual incentive program was established to motivate NEOs to meetdetails for performance shares reflect the financial goals set by the Company as presented to its stockholders, while maintaining alignment with stockholders’ interests. The G&C Committee set a goal for net income of $450 million for fiscal 2016 as the minimum performance hurdle for the NEOs to be eligible for payout under the program. The Company achieved this net income goal for fiscal 2016. The annual incentive program is intended to comply with section 162(m)terms of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) for NEOs affected by the $1 million limitation on deductible compensation. Upon achievement of the minimum eligibleannual performance payouts under our annual incentive program are determined based upon the satisfaction of certain quantitative and qualitative components.

The quantitative component consists of certain predetermined performance targets, which are establishedshare awards. In fiscal 2018, Mr. Rivera also received a special,one-time performance-share award at the beginningdiscretion of each fiscal year, typically based on the Board-approved fiscal year financial plan. The targets for payout are established by the G&C Committee with consultation of management. Thea three-year performance targets established are intended to provide a balance between growing revenue and managing expenses. Once a target is determined, it is set for the year and is normally not changed. For extraordinary circumstances, the G&C Committee reserves the right to apply discretion and make changes.

The qualitative component of the annual incentive program consists of individual-specific qualitative goals established at the beginning of the fiscal yearperiod based on functions uniquenet income targets during the performance period.

(2)

Mr. Rivera received an award in fiscal 2019 that will vest immediately following the two-year performance period.

(3)

Operating income, net of certain items, is anon-GAAP measure. Refer to Appendix A for a discussion of this measure and a reconciliation to the individual. The CEO can potentially receive up to 20%related GAAP measure of base salary and all other NEOs can potentially receive up to 10% of base salary.operating income.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  31


  CD&A  

Fiscal 2019 Compensation Results

Base Salary

We pay base salary to attract talented executives and to provide a fixed base of cash compensation. Base salaries are reviewed annually. Our practice is to make targeted base salary increases as determined necessary based on performance, market information, and scope of responsibilities. In fiscal 2019, Mr. Gioja was given a 6% targeted increase in base salary based on benchmarking analysis performed to bring him more in line with the median of our Peer Group, a group of companies with comparable financial information or who are direct competitors of Paychex.

Annual Incentive Program

The annual incentive program was established to motivate NEOs to meet the financial goals set by the Company as presented to its stockholders, while maintaining alignment with stockholders’ interests. Upon achievement of the minimum eligible performance, payouts under our annual incentive program are determined based upon the satisfaction of certain quantitative and qualitative components.

The quantitative component consists of certain predetermined performance targets, which are established at the beginning of each fiscal year, and are typically based on the Board-approved fiscal year financial plan. The targets for payout are established by the G&C Committee with consultation of management. The performance targets established are intended to provide a balance between growing revenue and managing expenses. Once a target is determined, it is set for the year and is normally not changed. For extraordinary circumstances, the G&C Committee reserves the right to apply discretion and make changes.

The qualitative component of the annual incentive program consists of individual-specific qualitative goals established at the beginning of the fiscal year based on functions and responsibilities unique to the individual. The CEO can potentially receive up to 20% of base salary and all other NEOs can potentially receive up to 10% of base salary, which is not considered material to the overall compensation for each NEO. The assessment of these goals is subjective and is not always based on quantifiable financial measurements. The G&C Committee may determine, at its sole discretion, whether satisfactory achievement has occurred, regardless of achievement against thepre-established individual goals. At its discretion for fiscal 2019, the G&C Committee individually evaluated each NEO and determined the specific percentage of the qualitative portion to award each NEO as presented on the following page.

The weight given each quantitative performance target is determined by the G&C Committee when the targets are established, and this weight varies for each NEO based on the individual’s position. Each of the performance targets applicable to a NEO’s annual incentive program provide the NEO an opportunity to earn a percentage of their annualized base salary based on achievement at threshold, target, and maximum. The total percentage of base salary for all performance measures that the NEOs have the opportunity to earn are as follows:

   
    Quantitative Component 

Qualitative        

Component        

Position  Threshold         Target         Maximum        

CEO

   

 

50.0

%        

  

 

120.0

%        

  

 

190.0

%        

  

 

20.0

%        

SVP-Sales

   

 

45.0

%        

  

 

100.0

%        

  

 

155.0

%        

  

 

10.0

%        

SVP-Other

   

 

40.0

%        

  

 

90.0

%        

  

 

140.0

%        

  

 

10.0

%        

Thresholds are set as the floor with any achievement below threshold resulting in no payout for the respective performance metric. Maximums are set as a ceiling on the amount of payout a NEO can receive for each performance metric. For fiscal 2019, some of the quantitative component percentages of base pay for the CEO and SVPs were changed to better align with the Company’s strategic goals. For the CEO, the component percentages of base pay at threshold, target, and maximum increased from 45.0%, 110.0%, and 175.0% to 50.0%, 120.0%, and 190.0%, respectively. For the SVP-Other, the component percentages of base pay at threshold, target, and maximum increased from 37.5%, 85.0%, and 132.5% to 40.0%, 90.0%, and 140.0%, respectively. These changes were based on benchmarking analysis against our Peer Group and made to better align internal pay equity and adjust the compensation to market.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  32


CD&A  

The performance metrics for the fiscal 2019 annual incentive program for the NEOs were established as follows:

  

Fiscal 2019 Year-over-Year

Growth Rates

 % of Plan Dollars  
  
Bonus Objectives(1) Threshold     Target     Maximum     Threshold     Target     Maximum     

Achievement    

as a % of    

Target    

Service revenue

  

 

2.2

%    

  

 

6.4

%    

  

 

8.5

%    

  

 

96.0

%    

  

 

100.0

%     

  

 

102.0

%    

  

 

102.0

%    

Operating income, net of certain items(2)

  

 

-1.2

%    

  

 

2.9

%    

  

 

5.0

%    

  

 

96.0

%    

  

 

100.0

%     

  

 

102.0

%    

  

 

101.6

%    

Annualized new business revenue(3)

  

 

1.0

%    

  

 

6.0

%    

  

 

9.4

%    

  

 

95.3

%    

  

 

100.0

%     

  

 

103.3

%    

  

 

99.1

%    

(1)

The annual incentive program allows for certain adjustments to metrics as reported in our consolidated financial statements. The acquisition component of service revenue is included up to a maximum of 2% of service revenue at target.

(2)

Operating income, net of certain items, is anon-GAAP measure. Refer to Appendix A for a discussion of this measure and a reconciliation to the related GAAP measure of operating income.

(3)

Annualized new business revenue is the approximate amount of revenue to be earned over the first twelve-month period, from the sale in the current fiscal year, of certain payroll, HR, and insurance services to new clients and new product sales to existing clients. This measure is not directly calculated from our audited financial statements, as reported service revenue also includes recurring revenue frompre-existing clients. This metric is set to provide incentive for executives to strive to exceed the target, given the relationship to recurring revenue.

Each performance objective, along with the target percentage of base salary that can be earned for that metric, and the actual payout percentage is set forth below, in accordance with calculations per the program.

  Mr. Mucci 

Mr. Rivera, Mr. Gibson

and Mr. Gioja

 Mr. Bottini
  
Bonus Objectives 

% of Base    

Salary at    

Target    

 

% of Base    

Salary    

Achieved(1)    

 

% of Base    

Salary at    

Target    

 

% of Base    

Salary    

Achieved(1)    

 

% of Base    

Salary at    

Target    

 

% of Base    

Salary    

Achieved(1)    

Service revenue

  

 

35.0

%    

  

 

55.0

%    

  

 

30.0

%    

  

 

50.0

%    

  

 

25.0

%    

  

 

38.8

%    

Operating income, net of certain items(2)

 

   

 

50.0

 

%    

 

   

 

74.0

 

%    

 

   

 

35.0

 

%    

 

   

 

49.0

 

%    

 

   

 

25.0

 

%    

 

   

 

36.0

 

%    

 

Annualized new business revenue(3)

 

   

 

 

35.0

 

 

%    

 

 

   

 

31.7

 

%    

 

   

 

25.0

 

%    

 

   

 

22.1

 

%    

 

   

 

50.0

 

%    

 

   

 

44.7

 

%    

 

Total quantitative annual incentive

 

   

 

120.0

 

%    

 

   

 

160.7

 

%    

 

   

 

90.0

 

%    

 

   

 

121.1

 

%    

 

   

 

100.0

 

%    

 

   

 

119.5

 

%    

 

Qualitative(4)

  

 

20.0

%    

  

 

20.0

%    

  

 

10.0

%    

  

 

10.0

%    

  

 

10.0

%    

  

 

8.0

%    

Total

  

 

140.0

%    

  

 

180.7

%    

  

 

100.0

%    

  

 

131.1

%    

  

 

110.0

%    

  

 

127.5

%    

(1)

If the actual achievement under a given performance metric is between two thresholds (e.g. between threshold and target or between target and maximum), then the percentage of base salary achieved would be calculated based on a straight-line interpolation of the achievement level above threshold or target, as appropriate, for such performance metric.

(2)

Operating income, net of certain items, is anon-GAAP measure. Refer to Appendix A for a discussion of this measure and a reconciliation to the related GAAP measure of operating income.

(3)

Annualized new business revenue is the approximate amount of revenue to be earned over the first twelve-month period, from the sale in the current fiscal year, of certain payroll, HR, and insurance services to new clients and new product sales to existing clients. This measure is not directly calculated from our audited financial statements, as reported service revenue also includes recurring revenue frompre-existing clients. This metric is set to provide incentive for executives to strive to exceed the target, given the relationship to recurring revenue.

(4)

The NEOs have an opportunity to earn a percentage of base salary based on individual-specific qualitative goals related to the functions and responsibilities unique to the individual. The G&C Committee may determine, at its sole discretion, whether satisfactory achievement has occurred, regardless of achievement against thepre-established individual goals. At its discretion

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  33


  CD&A  

The actual achievement translated to the incentive payments for our NEOs is as follows:

      
    

Annualized        

Base        

Salary(1)        

 

Minimum        

Potential        

Payout(2)        

 

Maximum        

Potential        

Payout(2)        

 

% of Base        

Salary        

Achieved        

 

Actual Incentive        

Compensation        

Earned(3)        

Martin Mucci

   

$

950,000

          

  

$

            

  

$

1,995,000

        

  

 

180.7

%        

  

$

1,716,175

        

Efrain Rivera

   

$

500,000

        

  

$

        

  

$

750,000

        

  

 

131.1

%        

  

$

655,650

        

Mark A. Bottini

   

$

450,000

        

  

$

        

  

$

742,500

        

  

 

127.5

%        

  

$

573,660

        

John B. Gibson

   

$

450,000

        

  

$

        

  

$

675,000

        

  

 

131.1

%        

  

$

590,085

        

Michael E. Gioja

   

$

475,000

        

  

$

        

  

$

712,500

        

  

 

131.1

%        

  

$

622,868

        

(1)

This represents the NEO’s annualized base salary as of May 31, 2019. It may differ from base salary paid for fiscal 2016,2019 reflected in the G&C Committee awardedFiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table, contained in the Named Executive Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement, due to timing of salary increases, start dates, etc.

(2)

These columns represent the range of payout that each ofNEO has the NEOs theopportunity to earn. The minimum potential payout indicates that no payout is earned if achievement is below threshold. The maximum qualitative portion of the award. The qualitative component of the annual incentive programpotential payout is not considered material to the overall compensation for each NEO.

The weight given each quantitative performance target is determined by the G&C Committee when the targets are established, and this weight varies for each NEO based on the individual’s position. Each of the performance targets applicable to a NEO’s annual incentive program provide the NEO an opportunity to earn a percentage of their annualized base salary based on achievement at threshold, target, and maximum. The total percentage of base salary for all performance measures that the NEOs have the opportunity to earn are as follows:

   Quantitative Component  

Qualitative 

Component 

 
Position Threshold   Target  Maximum   
CEO  30  110%    180%    20
SVP  30  85  130  10

Thresholds are set as the floor with any achievement below threshold resulting in no payout for the respective performance metric. Maximums are set as a ceiling on the amount of payout a NEO can receive for each performance metric. For fiscal 2016, the percentage of base pay for SVPs was raised 5% at threshold and 10% at both target and maximum compared to the 2015 annual incentive plan.

The performance metrics for the fiscal 2016 annual incentive program for the NEOs were established as follows:

   Fiscal 2016 Year-over-Year
Growth Rates
  % of Plan Dollars 
Bonus Objectives(1)  Threshold    Target    Maximum    Threshold    Target    Maximum   

 Achievement 

 as a % of 

 Target 

 
Service revenue  3  7  9  96.0  100.0  102.0  99.7
Operating income, net of certain items  4  8  10  96.0  100.0  102.0  100.0
Annualized new business revenue (2)  4  10  13  94.5  100.0  102.7  100.6

(1)The annual incentive program allows for certain adjustments to metrics as reported in our consolidated financial statements. Immaterial adjustments were made in fiscal 2016 related to the acquisition of Advance Partners in December 2015.

(2)Annualized new business revenue is the approximate amount of revenue to be earned over the first twelve-month period, from the sale in the current fiscal year, of certain payroll, human resource, and insurance services to new clients and new product sales to existing clients. This measure is not directly calculated from our audited financial statements, as reported service revenue also includes recurring revenue from pre-existing clients. This metric is set to provide incentive for executives to strive to exceed the target, given the relationship to recurring revenue.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  29


CD&A

Each performance objective, along with the target percentage of base salary that can be earned for that metric, and the actual payout percentage is set forth below, in accordance with calculations per the program.

            
    Mr. Mucci  Mr. Rivera, Mr. Gibson,
and Mr. Gioja
  Mr. Bottini 
Bonus Objectives  

% of Base

Salary at

Target

  

% of Base 

Salary 

Achieved (1) 

  

% of Base 

Salary at 

Target 

  

% of Base 

Salary 

Achieved (1) 

  

% of Base 

Salary at 

Target 

  

% of Base 

Salary 

Achieved (1) 

 
Service revenue   35.0  33.1  30.0  28.5  25.0  23.9
Operating income, net of certain items   45.0  45.0  30.0  30.0  30.0  30.0
Annualized new business revenue   30.0  35.6  25.0  27.2  30.0  34.4
Total quantitative annual incentive   110.0  113.7  85.0  85.7  85.0  88.3
Qualitative(2)   20.0  20.0  10.0  10.0  10.0  10.0
Total   130.0  133.7  95.0  95.7  95.0  98.3

(1)If the actual achievement under a given performance metric is between two thresholds (e.g. between threshold and target or between target and maximum), then the percentage of base salary achieved would be calculated based on a straight-line interpolation of the achievement level above threshold or target, as appropriate, for such performance metric.

(2)The NEOs have an opportunity to earn a percentage of base salary based on individual-specific qualitative goals related to the functions unique to the individual. The G&C Committee may determine, at its sole discretion, whether satisfactory achievement has occurred, regardless of achievement against the pre-established individual goals.

The actual achievement translated to the incentive payments for our NEOs is as follows:

          
    

Annualized 

Base 

Salary (1) 

   

Minimum 

Potential 

Payout (2) 

   

Maximum 

Potential 

Payout(2) 

   

% of Base 

Salary 

Achieved 

  

Actual Incentive 

Compensation 

Earned(3) 

 
Martin Mucci  $900,000    $    $1,800,000     133.7 $1,203,210  
Efrain Rivera  $475,000    $    $665,000     95.7 $454,670  
Mark A. Bottini  $450,000    $    $630,000     98.3 $442,440  
John B. Gibson  $425,000    $    $595,000     95.7 $406,810  
Michael E. Gioja  $425,000    $    $595,000     95.7 $406,810  

(1)This represents the NEO’s annualized base salary as of May 31, 2016. It may differ from base salary paid for fiscal 2016 reflected in the Summary Compensation Table, contained in the Named Executive Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement, due to timing of salary increases, start dates, etc.

(2)These columns represents the range of payout that each NEO has the opportunity to earn. The minimum potential payout indicates that no payout is earned if achievement is below threshold. The maximum potential payout is based on the percentage of base salary that each NEO can earn for maximum achievement.

 

(3)

Actual incentive compensation earned is calculated as annualized base salary multiplied by the percentage of base salary achieved, and is provided in the 2016 Summary Compensation Table, contained in the Named Executive Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement.

Equity-Based Compensation

To align our NEOs’ interests with the long-term interests of our stockholders, the Company grants equity awards under the 2002 Plan. Annual grants of equity awards to the NEOs are approved during the regularly scheduled meeting of the G&C Committee in July. Historically, the July meeting has been scheduled to occur approximately two weeks after the release of our fiscal year-end earnings and upcoming fiscal year financial guidance. Our trading black-out period normally lifts on the third business day following such release of information. The G&C Committee anticipates continuing its granting practice. The G&C Committee may also grant equity awards to individuals upon hire or promotion to executive officer positions. These equity awards are not granted during any trading black-out periods. Recipients are notified shortly after G&C Committee approval of their grant, noting the number of stock options, shares of restricted stock, target performance shares and goals, the vesting schedule, and exercise price. Any sales restrictions or other terms of the award are also communicated at that time.

Annually, the G&C Committee reviews the NEO compensation of our peer group to determine the desired pay range for our officers. See the Compensation Decision Process section later in this CD&A for further information on the Committee’s

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  30


CD&A

process for determining total compensation, including equity awards. This review, along with the officer’s individual performance and potential, determine the total compensation. The quantity of equity awards is based on an estimated total value as determined by the G&C Committee in conjunction with their total compensation reviewpercentage of base salary achieved, and evaluation.

In July 2015, the G&C Committee made an annual equity grant that was a blend of stock options, time-vested restricted stock, and performance shares. The award value was split as follows:

LOGO

This distribution provides for 80% of the awards value to be performance-based, consistent with the G&C Committee’s total compensation determination. The value delivered may be adjusted by the G&C Committee at its discretion for individual performance and future potential considerations. For our July 2015 grants, the G&C Committee determined the total estimated value to be approximately $3,750,000 for the CEO and $850,000 for SVPs.

The following equity-based compensation was granted in July 2015 for all NEOs:

NEO  

Performance  

Shares  

(at Target)  

  

Option  

Awards (1)  

  

Time-Vested  

Restricted  

Stock Awards (2)  

Martin Mucci    42,187       206,801         15,694   
Efrain Rivera    9,562       46,875         3,557   
Mark A. Bottini    9,562       46,875         3,557   
John B. Gibson    9,562       46,875         3,557   
Michael E. Gioja    9,562       46,875         3,557   

(1)Option awards vest 25% per year over 4 years and have a term of 10 years.

(2)Restricted stock awards vest 1/3 per year over 3 years.

Performance Shares

Performance shares are designed to provide variable compensation that is focused on longer-term results. Performance shares have a two-year performance period to determine the number of restricted shares to be issued. The NEO must serve for one additional year for the restrictions to lapse. The performance targets as set by the Board are based on service revenue and operating income, net of certain items, as projectedprovided in the strategic planning process. The G&C Committee established performance targets intended to be appropriately challenging at all levels, including the threshold level, but attainable with increasing difficulty for each level beyond threshold. The threshold level was expected to be appropriately challenging but achievable under normal circumstances. The target level would be achieved if the Company performed as expected under our strategic plan for the two-year period. The maximum level would be achievable only with exceptional performance.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  31


CD&A

The two-year performance period for performance shares granted in July 2014 was completed at the end of fiscal 2016. The shares earned were based on achievement against pre-established goals for the performance period as follows:

          
Performance Goal
($ In Millions)
  Two-Year Performance Targets  Established  Actual Achievement 
  Threshold  Target  Maximum  ($)   % of Target 
Service revenue(1)  $5,277   $5,555   $5,721   $5,586     101
Operating income, net of certain items(2)  $1,989   $2,093   $2,156   $2,107     101
Percent of plan   95  100  103         
Payout as a percent of target   75  100  150       110

(1)Service revenue as calculated under the performance award agreement excludes the impact of acquisitions. Refer to Appendix A for a reconciliation of service revenue as calculated for the performance period to service revenue reported in our consolidated financial statements.

(2)Operating income, net of certain items, is a non-GAAP measure. In addition, this measure as calculated under the performance award agreement excludes the impact of business acquisitions during the performance period. Refer to Appendix A for a description of this non-GAAP measure and a reconciliation of the amount for the performance period to the related GAAP measure.

Achievement for both service revenue and operating income, net of certain items, was slightly ahead of target. As a result of their performance against these pre-established goals, in July 2016 our NEOs received restricted shares at a quantity of 110% of the target level. The restrictions on these shares will lapse after an additional one-year service period. These performance shares, granted in July 2014, were reflected at grant-date fair value in the NEO compensation for fiscal 2015 in theFiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table, contained in the Named Executive Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement.

Equity-Based Compensation

To align our NEOs’ interests with the long-term interests of our stockholders, the Company grants equity awards under the 2002 Plan. Annual grants of equity awards to the NEOs are approved during the regularly scheduled meeting of the G&C Committee in July. Historically, the July meeting has been scheduled to occur approximately two weeks after the release of our fiscalyear-end earnings and upcoming fiscal year financial guidance. Our tradingblack-out period normally lifts on the third business day following such release of information. The G&C Committee anticipates continuing its granting practice. The G&C Committee may also grant equity awards to individuals upon hire or promotion to executive officer positions. These equity awards are not granted during any tradingblack-out periods. Recipients are notified shortly after G&C Committee approval of their grant, noting the number of stock options, shares of restricted stock, target performance shares and goals, the vesting schedule, and exercise price. Any sales restrictions or other terms of the award are also communicated at that time.

Annually, the G&C Committee reviews the NEO compensation of our Peer Group to determine the desired pay range for our officers. See the Compensation Decision Process section later in this CD&A for further information on the Committee’s process for determining total compensation, including equity awards. This review, along with each officer’s individual performance and potential, determine the total compensation. The quantity of equity awards is based on an estimated total value as determined by the G&C Committee in conjunction with their total compensation review and evaluation.

In July 2018, the G&C Committee made an annual equity grant to our NEOs that was a blend of stock options, time-vested restricted stock, and performance shares. The award value generally was split as follows:

LOGO

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  34


Long-Term Incentive Plan Non-Qualified Performance Stock OptionsCD&A  

In July 2011, the NEOs, with the exception

This annual distribution provides for 80% of the total equity-based compensation value to be performance-based, consistent with the G&C Committee’s total compensation determination. The annual award allocation for fiscal 2019 differed slightly due to Mr. Rivera receiving additional performance shares in lieu of time-based restricted stock awards. The value delivered may be adjusted by the G&C Committee at its discretion for individual performance and future potential considerations. For our July 2018 annual grants, the G&C Committee determined the estimated total value to be approximately: $5,100,000 for the CEO; $1,200,000 for the CFO; and $900,000 for the SVPs. The estimated total value of the CEO’s equity-based compensation was increased from $4,700,000 in fiscal 2018 to $5,100,000 in fiscal 2019 based on benchmarking analysis against our Peer Group and made to better align internal pay equity and adjust the compensation to market.

The following equity-based compensation was granted in July 2018 for all NEOs:

    
NEO  

Performance        

Shares        

(at Target)        

 

Stock        

Option        

Awards(1)        

 

Time-Based        

Restricted        

Stock Awards(2)        

Martin Mucci

   

 

40,184

        

  

 

179,191

        

  

 

15,045

        

Efrain Rivera

   

 

13,250

        

  

 

42,204

        

  

 

        

Mark A. Bottini

   

 

7,098

        

  

 

31,653

        

  

 

2,658

        

John B. Gibson

   

 

7,098

        

  

 

31,653

        

  

 

2,658

        

Michael E. Gioja

   

 

7,098

        

  

 

31,653

        

  

 

2,658

        

(1)

Stock option awards vestone-third per year over three years and have a term of Mr. Gibson, received an LTIP grant of non-qualified performance10 years.

(2)

Time-based restricted stock options. These options wouldawards vest dependent on achievement against targets for fiscal 2016, with acceleration of up to one-half of the award if established targets were met for fiscal 2014. In July, the NEOs (except Mr. Gibson) vested in 23.5%, out of a potential 50%, of the award based on achievement against targets.one-third per year over three years. For fiscal 2016, achievement is summarized as follows:2019, Mr. Rivera received additional performance shares in lieu of time-based restricted stock awards. These additional performance shares were granted to Mr. Rivera to provide a performance-based equity mix on terms consistent with his September 2017 performance award.

        
Performance Goal
($ In Millions)
  Fiscal 2016 Performance Goals  Actual Achievement 
  Threshold  Target  ($)   % of Target 
Service revenue  $2,854   $3,004   $2,906     97
Operating income, net of certain items(1)  $1,090   $1,147   $1,101     96
Percent of plan   95  100         

Performance Shares

Performance shares are designed to provide variable compensation that is focused on longer-term results. Annual performance share awards have atwo-year performance period to determine the number of restricted shares to be issued. The NEO generally must serve for one additional year for the restrictions to lapse. The performance targets as approved by the Board are based on service revenue and operating income, net of certain items, as projected in the strategic planning process. The G&C Committee established performance targets intended to be appropriately challenging at all levels, including the threshold level, but attainable with increasing difficulty for each level beyond threshold. The threshold level was expected to be appropriately challenging but achievable under normal circumstances. The target level would be achieved if the Company performed as expected under our strategic plan for thetwo-year period. The maximum level would be achievable only with exceptional performance.

Thetwo-year performance period for performance shares granted in July 2017 was completed at the end of fiscal 2019. The shares earned were based on achievement againstpre-established targets for the performance period as follows:

Performance Goal

($ In Millions)

  Two-Year Performance Targets Established Actual Achievement
  Threshold     Target     Maximum     ($)      % of Target    

Service revenue(1)

   

$

6,355

    

  

$

6,689

    

  

$

6,890

    

  

$

6,769

    

   

 

101

%    

Operating income, net of certain items(2)

   

$

2,489

    

  

$

2,620

    

  

$

2,698

    

  

$

2,538

    

   

 

97

%    

Percent of plan

   

 

95

%    

  

 

100

%    

  

 

103

%    

           

Payout as a percent of target

   

 

60

%    

  

 

100

%    

  

 

150

%    

        

 

98

%    

 

(1)Operating income, net of certain items, is a non-GAAP measure. Refer to Appendix A for a description of this non-GAAP measure.

Service revenue and operatingas calculated under the performance award agreement allows for 2% of total service revenue to be delivered from acquisitions during the grant period. Refer to Appendix B for a reconciliation of service revenue as calculated for the performance period to service revenue reported in our consolidated financial statements.

(2)

Operating income, net of certain items, is anon-GAAP measure. In addition, this measure as calculated under the performance award agreement excludes the impact of business acquisitions and other unusual items during the performance period. Refer to Appendix B for a description of thisnon-GAAP measure and a reconciliation of the amount for the performance period to the related GAAP measure of operating income.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  35


  CD&A  

Achievement for service revenue was slightly above target, while achievement for operating income, net of certain items, was slightly below target. As a result of their performance against thesepre-established goals, in July 2019 our NEOs received restricted shares at a quantity of 98% of the target level. The restrictions on these shares will lapse after an additionalone-year service period. These performance shares, granted in July 2017, were reflected at grant-date fair value in the NEO compensation for fiscal 2018 in the Fiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table, contained in the Named Executive Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement.

LTIPNon-Qualified Performance Stock Options and Performance-Based Restricted Stock

In July 2016, the NEOs, received an LTIP award in the form ofnon-qualified performance stock options and performance-based restricted stock. These stock options and restricted stock will vest dependent on achievement againstpre-established targets for fiscal 2020. The LTIP was granted to incentivize the executives to work toward achievement of longer-term strategic goals. The performance metrics are service revenue, operating income, net of certain items, and diluted earnings per share and were established based on the Company’s long-term strategic plan. These grants were reflected as part of compensation for fiscal 2017 in the Fiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table contained in the Named Executive Officers Compensation section of this proxy statement.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

The G&C Committee has established stock ownership guidelines, as follows:

PositionRequirement

CEO

6X base salary

SVPs

3X base salary

VPs

2X base salary

The G&C committee raised the CEO’s stock ownership requirement to six times base salary in fiscal 2019 from five times base salary in fiscal 2018 based on the review of Peer Group executive compensation. For any awards granted after July 2011, there are restrictions on sales of such vested awards until the officer has attained the applicable stock ownership level. The ownership guidelines were established to provide long-term alignment with stockholders’ interests. For the purposes of achieving the ownership guidelines, unvested restricted stock awarded to the executive officers is included. All officers are currently compliant with the guidelines.

Prohibition on Hedging or Speculating in Company Stock

NEOs, along with all employees, of the Company must also adhere to strict standards with regards to trading in Paychex stock. Also, the Company prohibits executive officers from hedging Paychex stock. They may not, among other things:

speculatively trade in the Company’s stock;

short sell any securities of the Company; or

buy or sell puts or calls on the Company’s securities.

Pledging of Company Stock

The Company maintains a pledging policy for all Paychex directors, officers, and employees. This policy prohibits pledging Company securities as collateral for a loan or a line of credit without obtaining prior Company approval. Approval may be granted when the individual clearly demonstrates the intent and financial capacity to satisfy the obligations without resort to the pledged securities and where the pledge represents no more than 25% of the pledgor’s beneficial ownership of the Company securities. The Company’s pledging policy is posted on the Company’s website atwww.paychex.com/investors under Corporate Governance & Committees.

Recoupment,Non-Compete, and Other Forfeiture Provisions

The Company retains the right to clawback on any incentive payment or award under any policy adopted by the Company implementing Section 10D of the Exchange Act and any regulations promulgated or national securities exchange listing conditions adopted with respect thereto. In the annual incentive program, the Company retains the

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  36


CD&A  

right to recoup all or a portion of the payouts made under the annual incentive program if those payouts were based on financial statements that are subsequently subject to restatement and where fraud or misconduct was involved. The Company will, to the extent permitted by governing law, require reimbursement of a portion of any compensation received where:

the payment was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a substantial restatement;

the participant engaged in fraud or misconduct that caused or partially caused the need for the substantial restatement; and

a lower payment would have been made based upon the restated financial results.

In each such instance, the Company will, to the extent practicable, seek to recover the amount by which the individual participant’s compensation for the relevant period exceeded the lower payment that would have been made based on the restated financial results, plus a reasonable rate of interest.

Our equity-based compensation agreements state that following termination of employment, certain benefits (including equity-based compensation) will be forfeited if the NEO engages in activities adverse to the Company. These activities include:

competition with the Company during a specified period after termination of employment;

solicitation of the Company’s clients or employees during a specified period after termination of employment;

breach of confidentiality either during or after employment; or

engaging in conduct which is detrimental to the Company during the NEO’s employment with the Company.

Should any of these activities occur, the Company may cancel all or any outstanding portion of the equity awards subject to this provision, and recover the gross value of any vested restricted shares and vested performance shares, including all dividends. In the case ofnon-qualified stock options, the Company may suspend the NEO’s right to exercise the option and/or may declare the option forfeited. In addition, the Company may seek to recover all profits from certain prior exercises as liquidated damages and pursue other available legal remedies.

Perquisites

Our NEOs receive benefits in the form of vacation, health insurance, life insurance, Company matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan when such contributions are in effect, and other benefits, which are generally available to all our employees. We do not provide our NEOs with pension arrangements, post-retirement health coverage, or other similar benefits, with the exception of access to anon-qualified and unfunded deferred compensation plan.

Deferred Compensation

We offer anon-qualified and unfunded deferred compensation plan to our NEOs. The deferred compensation plan is intended to supplement the NEO’s 401(k) Plan account. Due to limitations on the 401(k) Plan accounts placed by the Internal Revenue Service, this plan allows for further savings toward retirement for the NEOs and functions similarly to the 401(k) Plan account. Refer to theNon-Qualified Deferred Compensation discussion included in the Named Executive Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement for more information on how our deferred compensation plan functions.

Change in Control Plan

Executives of the Company are covered by a Change in Control Plan. Upon involuntary termination by the Company without cause or a voluntary termination by the participant for good reason, within 12 months following a change in control, the executive becomes entitled to certain severance benefits. Such severance benefits are conditioned upon the execution of a general release in favor of the Company.

Cause means the participant’s dereliction of duty to the Company, conviction for a felony, or willful misconduct that has a substantial adverse effect on the Company. Good reason means a significant change to the duties, authority,

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  37


  CD&A  

or position that were assigned immediately before the change in control including: the reduction in or removal of any material duties, authority, or position within the Company; assignment of duties inconsistent with the participant’s position, authorities, or responsibilities; material reduction to base salary, annual incentive, or other elements of total compensation; relocation of the participant’s principal workplace to an area outside of a50-mile-radius, or the failure of a successor company to assume or adopt the Change in Control Plan. Refer to the Potential Payments upon Termination or Change In Control discussion within the Named Executive Office Compensation section of this proxy statement for further information.

Compensation Decision Process

Role of the Compensation Consultant

As outlined in its charter, the G&C Committee has the authority to retain consultants and advisers, at the Company’s expense, to assist in the discharge of the committee’s duties. The G&C Committee can retain and dismiss such consultants and advisers at any time. The G&C Committee’s consultants report directly to the committee and have direct access to the committee through the G&C Committee’s Chair. The G&C Committee requires that any consultant it retains cannot be utilized by management for other purposes. Although management, particularly the VP of Human Resources and Organizational Development, may work closely with the consultant, the consultant is ultimately accountable to the G&C Committee on matters related to executive compensation.

The G&C Committee retains the services of Steven Hall & Partners (“Steven Hall”) as its independent compensation consultant. Steven Hall has not provided any other services to the Company prior to or subsequent to being retained as the compensation consultant to the G&C Committee. The G&C Committee was solely responsible for the decision to retain Steven Hall as its consultant. Steven Hall advises the G&C Committee on matters of NEO compensation, assists with analysis and research, and provides updates on evolving best practices in compensation. While Steven Hall may express an opinion on compensation matters, the G&C Committee is solely responsible for setting the type and amount of compensation for NEOs.

The G&C Committee recognizes that it is essential to receive objective advice from its compensation consultant. The G&C Committee closely examines the procedures and safeguards that Steven Hall takes to ensure that the compensation consulting services are objective. The G&C Committee has assessed the independence of Steven Hall pursuant to SEC rules and concluded that Steven Hall’s work for the G&C Committee does not raise any conflict of interest. In making this assessment, the following factors were taken into consideration:

that the compensation consultant reports directly to the G&C Committee, and the G&C Committee has the sole power to terminate or replace its compensation consultant at any time;

the compensation consultant does not provide any other services to the Company;

whether aggregate fees paid by the Company to the compensation consultant, as a percentage of the total revenue of the compensation consultant, are material to the compensation consultant;

the compensation consultant’s policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest;

any business or personal relationships between the compensation consultant, on one hand, and any member of the G&C Committee or executive officer, on the other hand; and

whether the compensation consultant owns any shares of the Company’s stock.

Role of Governance and Compensation Committee and Management

As part of the G&C Committee’s responsibility to evaluate and determine NEO compensation, on an annual basis the G&C Committee:

reviews the companies in our Peer Group for any changes;

reviews base salaries for adjustments, if any;

establishes and approves the performance targets and payouts under incentive-based programs and awards; and

grants equity awards under our 2002 Plan.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  38


CD&A  

The G&C Committee continues to review each of the elements of compensation annually to ensure that compensation is appropriate and competitive to attract and retain a high-performing executive team. The G&C Committee targets to maintain performance-based pay as a percentage of total target compensation of over 70% for the CEO and over 60% for the other NEOs. Additionally, the G&C Committee targets the value of long-term compensation to be approximately 70% for the CEO and 50% for the other NEOs.

The G&C Committee, in making its decisions, targets an equitable mix of compensation. It utilizes various sources of information to evaluate our NEO compensation, including, but not limited to:

compensation consultant reports and analysis;

benchmarking information with NEOs at Peer Group companies for all compensation elements; and

internal management reports including a three-year history of total compensation for all officers and a summary for the upcoming fiscal year of total cash compensation and equity awards for all officers.

The G&C Committee strives for our NEOs’ compensation to be in line with our Peer Group. The information provided by the compensation consultant indicates whether our compensation package, if target performance is achieved, is comparable to the median compensation of our Peer Group, given current competitive practices, overall best practices, and other compensation and benefit trends.

Management reports are used to evaluate compensation recommendations and the impact to total compensation for each individual. They are also used to view a complete picture of the trend of compensation to executive officers, both as a team and as individuals. This facilitates discussion that more accurately details individual officer compensation, noting differences that reflect officer tenure, performance, and position in the management structure.

The G&C Committee uses these management updates along with peer information, where available, as tools to evaluate executive compensation. This information is reviewed in a subjective manner. There is no implied direct or formulaic linkage between peer information and the G&C Committee’s compensation decisions.

Our CEO and our VP of Human Resources and Organizational Development provide recommendations to the G&C Committee on design elements for compensation. These individuals, and from time to time invited guests including other officers, will be in attendance at the meetings of the G&C Committee to present and respond to questions on current or proposed plan design. Annually, our CEO reviews achievement of the recently completed fiscal year’s plan and also presents recommendations regarding: salary for each of the NEOs (other than himself), the upcoming fiscal year’s annual incentive program structure, and equity awards. Management is excluded from executive sessions of the G&C Committee where final decisions on compensation are made, particularly those on our CEO’s performance and compensation. Executive sessions occur at each meeting of the G&C Committee.

Peer Group

In addition to many other factors that affect compensation decisions, the G&C Committee takes into account the compensation practices of our Peer Group, where available, in formulating our compensation program. The G&C Committee assesses total compensation at the median of the Peer Group, even though Paychex performs above the median of its Peer Group in certain financial categories as shown in the charts that follow. Peer Group comparisons were available for the positions of CEO and CFO, and both Mr. Mucci and Mr. Rivera have total compensation that falls below the median total compensation of the Peer Group. For the remaining NEOs, compensation was compared to the average NEO compensation, excluding the CEO and CFO positions, for the Peer Group. These results were generally below the median total compensation of our Peer Group. Peer Group benchmarking is not the sole determining factor in the G&C Committee’s decisions on compensation, and the G&C Committee reserves the discretion to adjust compensation based on other factors as previously discussed. The Peer Group companies are not necessarily limited to the markets in which Paychex does business. The Peer Group companies were selected based on the following criteria: comparable business model, company size including revenues and earnings, executive talent sources, competition for investor capital, companies considered by our investors to be peers, and overall reasonableness. The Peer Group is comprised of the following industries or segments: a direct competitor in the HCM industry, financial transaction management companies, and business services and outsourcing companies.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  39


  CD&A  

Our Peer Group for fiscal 2019 consisted of the following companies:

Peer Group

Alliance Data Systems Corporation

Intuit Inc.

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

Moody’s Corporation

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

Robert Half International, Inc.

DST Systems, Inc.

TD AMERITRADE Holding Corporation

Equifax, Inc.

The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation

Fiserv, Inc.

The Western Union Company

Global Payments Inc.

Total System Services, Inc.

H&R Block, Inc.

LOGO

(1)

Based on the most recent completed fiscal 2016 fell between thresholdyear for each company in the Peer Group.

The G&C Committee annually reviews and approves the selection of Peer Group companies, adjusting the group from year to year based upon our business and changes in the Peer Group companies’ business or the comparability of their metrics. The Peer Group may also be adjusted in the event of mergers, acquisitions, or other significant economic changes. There were no changes to the Peer Group for fiscal 2019.

CEO Compensation

It is the responsibility of the G&C Committee to evaluate Mr. Mucci’s performance annually and determine his total compensation. Mr. Mucci receives compensation based on his leadership role and the overall performance of the Company. Mr. Mucci’s compensation for fiscal 2019 as reflected in the Fiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table, included in the Named Executive Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement, is as follows:

Base salary of $950,000;

Payout under the annual incentive program at 129% of target; and

Annual equity award grants comprised of 40,184 performance shares at target, 179,191 stock options with vestingpro-rata over three years, and 15,045 shares of time-based restricted stock with vesting pro rata over three years.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  40


CD&A  

Mr. Mucci’s total compensation for fiscal 2019 remained below the median when compared to that of the CEOs within our Peer Group.

CEO Pay Ratio

Pursuant to Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 402(u) of RegulationS-K, we are required to provide the ratio of the annual total compensation of Mr. Mucci, our CEO, to the annual total compensation of our median employee. These rules allow us to identify our median employee once every three years unless there has been a change in our employee population or employee compensation arrangements that we reasonably believe would result in a significant change in our pay ratio disclosure.

Accordingly, our fiscal 2019 CEO pay ratio is calculated utilizing the same median employee identified in fiscal 2018. In determining that it was still appropriate to utilize our fiscal 2018 median employee for this disclosure, we considered changes to our global employee population and compensation programs during fiscal 2019, as well as the absence of a material change in that employee’s job description or compensation during fiscal 2019.

We also considered our acquisition in December 2018 of Oasis and after considering the ongoing integration efforts with Oasis, we determined the acquisition would not result in a significant change in our pay ratio disclosure.

To identify the median employee for fiscal 2018, we took the following steps:

We identified the median employee by examining the previous12-month period of total cash compensation for all U.S. employees, excluding our CEO, who were employed by us on March 1, 2018.

We included all U.S. employees, whether employed on a full-time, part-time or seasonal basis. As of March 1, 2018, the Company had approximately 14,000 employees, not including the CEO, and 135 employees located in Germany. We did not make any assumptions, adjustments, or estimates with respect to the total cash compensation, and we did not annualize the compensation for any full-time employees that were not employed by us for all of the previous12-month period. We believe the use of total cash compensation for all U.S. employees is a consistently applied compensation measure because we do not widely distribute annual equity awards to U.S. employees. Approximately 13% of our employees received annual equity awards as of March 1, 2018.

We calculated annual total compensation for fiscal 2019 for the median employee using the same methodology we use for our NEOs as set forth in the Fiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table later in this proxy statement.

The table below sets forth comparative information regarding: (A) the total compensation of the CEO for fiscal 2019; (B) the median of the total annual compensation of all other employees of the Company, excluding ournon-U.S. employees and CEO, for fiscal 2019; and (C) the ratio of the CEO total annual compensation to the median of the total annual compensation of all other employees, excluding thenon-U.S. employees and CEO:

Mr. Mucci, our CEO, total annual compensation (A)

$7,930,520

Median employee total annual compensation, excludingnon-U.S. employees and target achievement. These targets were establishedCEO (B)

$     56,018

Ratio of CEO to median employee compensation (C)

142:1

Impact of the Internal Revenue Code

Section 162(m) generally limits the deductibility of compensation for “covered employees,” which include our NEOs, to $1,000,000 per year. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the exclusion under Section 162(m) for performance-based compensation is no longer available as of June 1, 2018, subject to transition relief for certain grandfathered arrangements in effect as of November 2, 2017. The G&C Committee will continue to monitor any further developments in this area while making decisions regarding NEO compensation and reserves the right to award compensation that is not fully deductible under Section 162(m).

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  41


  CD&A  

THE GOVERNANCE AND COMPENSATION

COMMITTEE REPORT

The Governance and Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in the Proxy Statement with management. Based on such review and discussion, the G&C Committee recommends to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Proxy Statement and the Company’sForm 10-K for fiscal 2019.

The Governance and Compensation Committee:

        Joseph M. Tucci,Chair

        David J. S. Flaschen

        Pamela A. Joseph

        Joseph M. Velli

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  42


NEO Compensation  

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

FISCAL 2019 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The table below presents the total compensation for each of the NEOs.

         

Name and Principal

Position

(a)

 Fiscal
Year
(b)
  

Salary

(c)

  Bonus
(d)
  

Stock
Awards

(e)

  

Option
Awards

(f)

  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
(g)
  All Other
Compensation
(h)
  

Total

(i)

 

 

Martin Mucci

President and CEO

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

950,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$—

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

3,665,020

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

1,582,257

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$1,716,175

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$17,068

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

7,930,520

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

950,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$—

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

3,294,113

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

1,372,685

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$1,106,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$12,616

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

6,736,164

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

943,846

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$—

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

4,375,193

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

2,342,781

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$   906,680

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$12,000

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

8,580,500

 

 

 

 

Efrain Rivera

Senior Vice President,

CFO, and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

500,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$—

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

863,503

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

372,661

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$   655,650

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$12,722

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

2,404,536

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

500,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$—

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

1,935,277

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

351,219

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$   441,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$  9,020

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

3,237,416

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

496,923

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$—

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

1,364,314

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

853,494

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$   347,650

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$  9,292

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

3,071,673

 

 

 

 

Mark A. Bottini

Senior Vice President

of Sales

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

450,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$—

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

647,414

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

279,496

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$   573,660

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$13,712

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

1,964,282

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

450,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$—

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

632,164

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

263,418

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$   321,480

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$11,592

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

1,678,654

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

450,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$—

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

1,292,412

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

825,732

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$   320,625

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$11,592

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

2,900,361

 

 

 

 

John B. Gibson

Senior Vice President

of Service

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

450,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$—

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

647,414

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

279,496

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$   590,085

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$13,135

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

1,980,130

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

446,154

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$—

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

632,164

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

263,418

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$   397,710

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$10,798

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

1,750,244

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

425,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$—

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

1,256,464

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

811,851

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$   287,003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$11,236

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

2,791,554

 

 

 

 

Michael E. Gioja

Senior Vice President

of Information

Technology and

Product Development

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

471,442

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$—

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

647,414

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

279,496

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$   622,868

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$11,231

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

2,032,451

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

450,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$—

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

632,164

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

263,418

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$   397,710

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$10,108

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

1,753,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

446,923

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$—

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

1,256,464

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

811,851

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$   303,885

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$  9,423

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

2,828,546

 

 

 

                                

Salary (Column (c))

The amounts reported in this column reflect the base salary paid to the NEOs during the fiscal year.

Bonus (Column (d))

The amounts reported in this column reflect discretionary bonuses paid to the NEOs during the fiscal year.

Stock Awards (Column (e))

The amounts in this column include the grant date fair value of time-based restricted stock awards, performance share awards, and performance-based restricted stock (LTIP) granted during the respective fiscal year, and do not reflect whether the recipient has actually realized a financial gain from such awards (such as lapse in the restrictions on a restricted stock award).

Time-Based Restricted Stock Awards

The fair value of the time-based restricted stock awards is determined based on the closing price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The resulting fair values were $69.54 per share, $57.24 per share, and $60.84 per share for the restricted stock awards granted annually in July of fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017,

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  43


  NEO Compensation  

respectively. Refer to the Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2019 table included in this proxy statement for further information on restricted stock awards granted in fiscal 2019.

Performance Shares

Performance share awards are reflected in the Fiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table assuming target achievement. The grant date fair value of these awards at target achievement and at maximum achievement is as follows:

 Fiscal 2019Fiscal 2018Fiscal 2017
  
 TargetMaximumTargetMaximumTargetMaximum

Martin Mucci

$

2,618,791

$

3,928,187

$

2,353,659

$

3,530,489

$

2,209,835

$

3,314,782

Efrain Rivera(1)

$

863,503

$

1,295,254

$

602,230

$

903,345

$

515,135

$

772,731

Mark A. Bottini

$

462,577

$

693,865

$

451,686

$

677,529

$

463,615

$

695,423

John B. Gibson

$

462,577

$

693,865

$

451,686

$

677,529

$

437,827

$

656,769

Michael E. Gioja

$

462,577

$

693,865

$

451,686

$

677,529

$

437,827

$

656,769

(1)

For Mr. Rivera, the time offiscal 2018 amounts reflect his annual performance share grant in July 2011 and were based on the Company’s long-range plan set at challenging levels. As a result of fiscal 20162017. It does not include hisone-time performance a total of 63.0% of the options atshare grant in September 2017 as target were earned. As 23.5% were accelerated and vested in July 2014, the remaining 39.5% of the totalachievement is equal to maximum achievement for that award, at target vested in July 2016. Mr. Gibson received an LTIP grant upon his hire in 2014. He did not vest in any shares in July 2014 due to his limited time with the Company. As he had no acceleration in fiscal 2014, Mr. Gibson vested 63.0% of his award in July 2016. The NEOs vested in the following number of options under the LTIP:

      
Performance Options Vested  July 2016   July 2014   Total 
Martin Mucci   197,500     117,500     315,000  
Efrain Rivera   98,750     58,750     157,500  
Mark A. Bottini   98,750     58,750     157,500  
John B. Gibson   94,500          94,500  
Michael E. Gioja   98,750     58,750     157,500  

Information regarding the equity-based awards granted to the NEOs in fiscal 2016 and in prior years are detailed in the Named Executive Officer Compensation tables included in this proxy statement.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  32


CD&A

Stock Ownership Guidelines

The G&C Committee has established stock ownership guidelines, which were raised in July 2015, as follows:

PositionRequirement
CEO5X base salary
SVP3X base salary
VPs2X base salary

For any awards granted after July 2011, there are restrictions on sales of such vested awards until the officer has attained the applicable stock ownership level. The ownership guidelines were established to provide long-term alignment with stockholders’ interests. For the purposes of achieving the ownership guideline, unvested restricted stock awarded to the executive officers is included. All officers are compliant with the guidelines.

Prohibition on Hedging or Speculating In Company Stock

NEOs, along with all employees, of the Company must also adhere to strict standards with regards to trading in Paychex stock. Also, the Company prohibits executive officers from hedging Paychex stock. They may not, among other things:

speculatively trade in the Company’s stock;

short sell any securities of the Company; or

buy or sell puts or calls on the Company’s securities.

Pledging of Company Stock

During fiscal 2016, the Company approved a pledging policy for all Paychex directors, officers, and employees. This policy prohibits pledging Company securities as collateral for a loan or a line of credit without obtaining prior Company approval. Approval may be granted when the individual clearly demonstrates the intent and financial capacity to satisfy the obligations without resort to the pledged securities and where the pledge represents no more than 25% of the pledgor’s beneficial ownership of the Company securities. This policy is effective prospectively. The Company’s pledging policy is posted on the Company’s website athttp://investor.paychex.com/governance.

Recoupment, Non-Compete, and Other Forfeiture Provisions

The Company retains the right to clawback on any incentive payment or award under any policy adopted by the Company implementing Section 10D of the Exchange Act and any regulations promulgated or national securities exchange listing conditions adopted with respect thereto. In the annual incentive program, the Company retains the right to recoup all or a portion of the payouts under the annual incentive program if those payouts were based on financial statements that are subsequently subject to restatement and where fraud or misconduct was involved. The Company will, to the extent permitted by governing law, require reimbursement of a portion of any compensation received where:

the payment was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a substantial restatement;

the participant engaged in fraud or misconduct that caused or partially caused the need for the substantial restatement; and

a lower payment would have been made based upon the restated financial results.

In each such instance, the Company will, to the extent practicable, seek to recover the amount by which the individual participant’s compensation for the relevant period exceeded the lower payment that would have been made based on the restated financial results, plus a reasonable rate of interest.

Our equity-based compensation agreements state that following termination of employment, certain benefits (including equity-based compensation) will be forfeited if the NEO engages in activities adverse to the Company. These activities include:

competition with the Company during a specified period after termination of employment;

solicitation of the Company’s clients or employees during a specified period after termination of employment;

breach of confidentiality either during or after employment; or

engaging in conduct which is detrimental to the Company during the NEO’s employment with the Company.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  33


CD&A

Should any of these activities occur, the Company may cancel all or any outstanding portion of the equity awards subject to this provision, and recover the gross value of any vested restricted shares, including all dividends. In the case of non-qualified stock options, the Company may suspend the NEO’s right to exercise the option and/or may declare the option forfeited. In addition, the Company may seek to recover all profits from certain prior exercises as liquidated damages and pursue other available legal remedies.

Perquisites

Our NEOs receive benefits in the form of vacation, health insurance, life insurance, Company matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan when such contributions are in effect, and other benefits, which are generally available to all our employees. We do not provide our NEOs with pension arrangements, post-retirement health coverage, or other similar benefits, with the exception of access to a non-qualified and unfunded deferred compensation plan.

Deferred Compensation

We offer a non-qualified and unfunded deferred compensation plan to our NEOs. The deferred compensation plan is intended to supplement the NEO’s 401(k) Plan account. Due to limitations on the 401(k) Plan accounts placed by the Internal Revenue Service, this plan allows for further savings toward retirement for the NEOs and functions similarly to the 401(k) Plan account. Refer to the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation discussion included in the Named Executive Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement for more information on how our deferred compensation plan functions.

Change In Control Plan

Executives of the Company are covered by a Change in Control Plan. Upon involuntary termination by the Company without cause or a voluntary termination by the participant for good reason, within 12 months following a Change in Control, the executive becomes entitled to certain severance benefits. Such severance benefits are conditioned upon the execution of a general release in favor of the Company.

Cause means the participant’s dereliction of duty to the Company, conviction for a felony, or willful misconduct that has a substantial adverse effect on the Company. Good reason means a significant change to the duties, authority, or position that were assigned immediately before the change in control including: the reduction in or removal of any material duties, authority or position within the Company; assignment of duties inconsistent with the participant’s position, authorities or responsibilities; material reduction to base salary, annual incentive, or other elements of total compensation; relocation of the participant’s principal workplace to an area outside of a 50-mile-radius, or the failure of a successor company to assume or adopt the Change in Control Plan. Refer to the Potential Payments upon Termination or Change In Control discussion within the Named Executive Office Compensation section of this proxy statement for further information.

Compensation Decision Process

Role of the Compensation Consultant

As outlined in its charter, the G&C Committee has the authority to retain consultants and advisers, at the Company’s expense, to assist in the discharge of the committee’s duties. The G&C Committee can retain and dismiss such consultants and advisers at any time. The G&C Committee’s consultants report directly to the committee and have direct access to the committee through the G&C Committee’s chair. The G&C Committee requires that any consultant it retains cannot be utilized by management for other purposes. Although management, particularly the VP of Human Resources and Organizational Development, may work closely with the consultant, the consultant is ultimately accountable to the G&C Committee on matters related to executive compensation.

The G&C Committee retains the services of Steven Hall & Partners (“Steven Hall”) as its independent compensation consultant. Steven Hall has not provided any other services to the Company prior to or subsequent to being retained as compensation consultant to the G&C Committee. The G&C Committee was solely responsible for the decision to retain Steven Hall as its consultant. Steven Hall advises the G&C Committee on matters of NEO compensation, assists with analysis and research, and provides updates on evolving best practices in compensation. While Steven Hall may express an opinion on compensation matters, the G&C Committee is solely responsible for setting the type and amount of compensation for NEOs.

The G&C Committee recognizes that it is essential to receive objective advice from its compensation consultant. The G&C Committee closely examines the procedures and safeguards that Steven Hall takes to ensure that the compensation

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  34


CD&A

consulting services are objective. The G&C Committee has assessed the independence of Steven Hall pursuant to SEC rules and concluded that Steven Hall’s work for the G&C Committee does not raise any conflict of interest. In making this assessment, the following factors were taken into consideration:

that the compensation consultant reports directly to the G&C Committee, and the G&C Committee has the sole power to terminate or replace its compensation consultant at any time;

the compensation consultant does not provide any other services to the Company;

aggregate fees paid by the Company to the compensation consultant, as a percentage of the total revenue of the compensation consultant;

the compensation consultant’s policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest;

any business or personal relationships between the compensation consultant, on one hand, and any member of the G&C Committee or executive officer, on the other hand; and

whether the compensation consultant owns any shares of the Company’s stock.

Role of Governance and Compensation Committee and Management

As part of the G&C Committee’s responsibility to evaluate and determine NEO compensation, on an annual basis the G&C Committee:

reviews the companies in our comparative Peer Group, a group of companies with comparable financial information or who are direct competitors of Paychex, for any changes;

reviews base salaries for adjustments, if any;

establishes and approves the performance targets and payouts under incentive-based programs and awards;

grants equity awards under our 2002 Plan; and

considers the impact of section 162(m) of the Code.

The G&C Committee continues to review each of the elements of compensation annually to ensure that compensation is appropriate and competitive to attract and retain a high-performing executive team. The G&C Committee targets to maintain performance-based pay as a percentage of total compensation of over 70% for the CEO and over 60% for the other NEOs. Additionally, the G&C Committee targets the value of long-term compensation to be approximately 60% for the CEO and 50% for the other NEOs.

The G&C Committee, in making its decisions, targets an equitable mix of compensation. It utilizes various sources of information to evaluate our NEO compensation, including, but not limited to:

compensation consultant reports and analysis;

benchmarking information with NEOs at Peer Group companies for all compensation elements; and

internal management reports including a three-year history of total compensation for all officers and a summary for the upcoming fiscal year of total cash compensation and equity awards for all officers.

The G&C Committee strives for our NEOs’ compensation to be in line with our Peer Group. The information provided by the compensation consultant indicates whether our compensation package, if target performance is achieved, is comparable to the median compensation of our Peer Group, given current competitive practices, overall best practices, and other compensation and benefit trends.

Management reports are used to evaluate compensation recommendations and the impact to total compensation for each individual. They are also used to view a complete picture of the trend of compensation to executive officers, both as a team and as individuals. This facilitates discussion that more accurately details individual officer compensation, noting differences that reflect officer tenure, performance, and position in the management structure.

The G&C Committee uses these management updates along with peer information, where available, as tools to evaluate executive compensation. This information is reviewed in a subjective manner. There is no implied direct or formulaic linkage between peer information and the G&C Committee’s compensation decisions.

Our CEO and our VP of Human Resources and Organizational Development provide recommendations to the G&C Committee on design elements for compensation. These individuals, and from time to time invited guests including other officers, will be in attendance at the meetings of the G&C Committee to present and respond to questions on current or

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  35


CD&A

proposed plan design. Annually, our CEO reviews achievement of the recently completed fiscal year’s plan and also presents recommendations regarding: salary for each of the NEOs (other than himself), the upcoming fiscal year’s annual incentive program structure, and equity awards. Management is excluded from executive sessions of the G&C Committee where final decisions on compensation are made, particularly those on our CEO’s performance and compensation. Executive sessions occur at each meeting of the G&C Committee.

Peer Group

In addition to many other factors that affect compensation determinations, the G&C Committee takes into account the compensation practices of our Peer Group, where available, in formulating our compensation program. The G&C Committee assesses total compensation at the median of the Peer Group, even though Paychex performs above the median of its Peer Group in most financial categories as shown in the chart below. Peer Group comparisons were available for the positions of Mr. Mucci, CEO, Mr. Rivera, CFO, and Mr. Gioja, SVP of Product Development and Information Technology, all of whom have total compensation that falls below the median total compensation of the Peer Group. For the remaining NEOs, compensation was compared to the average NEO compensation, excluding the CEO and CFO positions, for our Peer Group. These results were below the median total compensation of our Peer Group. Peer Group benchmarking is not the sole determining factor in the G&C Committee’s decisions on compensation, and the G&C Committee reserves the discretion to adjust compensation based on other factors as previously discussed. The Peer Group companies are not necessarily limited to the markets in which Paychex does business. The Peer Group is comprised of the following industries or segments: a direct competitor in the payroll industry, financial transaction management companies, and business services and outsourcing companies.

Our current Peer Group consists of the following companies:

Peer Group

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

Moody’s Corporation

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

Robert Half International Inc.

DST Systems, Inc.

TD AMERITRADE Holding Corporation

Fiserv, Inc.

The Brink’s Company

Global Payments Inc.

The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation

H&R Block, Inc.

The Western Union Company

Intuit Inc.

Total System Services, Inc.

Iron Mountain Incorporated

LOGO

(1)Based on most recent completed fiscal year.

(2)

As of the most recent fiscal year-end date for each company.

The G&C Committee annually reviews and approves the selection of Peer Group companies, adjusting the group from year to year based upon our business and changes in the Peer Group companies’ business or the comparability of their metrics. The

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  36


CD&A

Peer Group may also be adjusted in the event of mergers, acquisitions, or other significant economic changes. The Peer Group was not adjusted for fiscal 2016. Subsequently, we removed The Brink’s Company and Iron Mountain Incorporated from our Peer Group for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2017 (“fiscal 2017”). These two companies were replaced with Alliance Data Systems and Equifax, Inc., as they are more closely aligned with the Paychex business. For more information regarding how we compare on selected criteria to our Peer Group, refer to Appendix B of this proxy statement.

CEO Compensation

It is the responsibility of the G&C Committee to evaluate Mr. Mucci’s performance annually and determine his total compensation. Mr. Mucci receives compensation based on his leadership role and the overall performance of the Company. Mr. Mucci’s compensation for fiscal 2016 as reflected in the Summary Compensation Table, included in the Named Executive Officer Compensation section of this proxy statement, is as follows:

Base salary of $900,000.

Payout under the annual incentive program of 103% of target.

Annual equity award grants comprised of 42,187 performance shares at target, 206,801 stock options with vesting pro-rata over four years, and 15,694 shares of time-vested restricted stock with vesting over three years.

Mr. Mucci’s compensation for fiscal 2016 remained below median when compared to that of the CEOs within our Peer Group. The G&C Committee continually assesses his compensation and in July 2016 approved an increase in Mr. Mucci’s base salary of 6% to $950,000 and an increase in total annual equity award value of 14% to $4,290,000 to bring his compensation closer to median.

Subsequent Events

In July 2016, the G&C Committee approved a new LTIP award to focus the senior leadership team on the strategic plan related to the long-term growth of the Company. This award is in the form of non-qualified performance stock options and performance-based restricted stock. The number of options and restricted21,089 shares to be earned will be based on achievement compared to pre-established targets for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2020. Targets are established for financial reporting measures of service revenue, operating income, and diluted earnings per share. The restricted share portion of this award does not earn dividends or have voting rights during the performance period.upon target achievement.

The annual performance share awards have atwo-year performance period, followed by an additional year of service required. The fair value of these awards is determined based on the closing price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant, adjusted for the present value of expected dividends over the performance period, as dividends are not earned during thetwo-year performance period. The resulting fair values were $65.17 per share, $53.29 per share, and $57.18 per share for performance shares awarded in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

In addition to his annual performance share award in July 2017, Mr. Rivera received a special,one-time performance share award in September 2017 with a three-year performance period. The fair value for thisone-time award was determined in the same manner as the annual performance share awards, and had a resulting fair value of $51.80 per share.

LTIP Performance-Based Restricted Stock

An LTIP grant was made in July 2016 in the form of performance-based restricted stock in order to encourage the executives in achieving longer-term strategic goals. These awards are reflected in the Fiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table assuming target achievement. The grant-date fair value of these awards at target achievement and at maximum achievement is as follows:

 Fiscal 2017
  
 TargetMaximum

Martin Mucci

$

1,290,661

$

1,936,018

Efrain Rivera

$

645,304

$

967,982

Mark A. Bottini

$

645,304

$

967,682

John B. Gibson

$

645,304

$

967,682

Michael E. Gioja

$

645,304

$

967,682

These awards have a four-year performance period with achievement determined based on comparisons topre-established targets for fiscal 2020. The fair value of these awards is determined based on the closing price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant, adjusted for the present value of expected dividends over the performance period, as dividends are not earned during the performance period. The resulting fair value was $53.61 per share for LTIP performance-based restricted stock awarded in fiscal 2017.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  44


All other annual awards granted in July 2016 have similar terms to the July 2015 awards.

Impact of the Internal Revenue Code

 

 

Section 162(m) of the Code generally limits the tax deductibility of compensation paid to certain officers to $1 million per year, unless specified requirements are met. The G&C Committee has carefully considered the impact of this provision as one factor among others in structuring NEO compensation. At this time, it is the G&C Committee’s intention to continue to compensate all NEOs based on overall performance. The G&C Committee expects that most compensation paid to NEOs will qualify as a tax-deductible expense, but makes no representation as to the deductibility of any item of NEO compensation.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  37


CD&A

 

THE GOVERNANCE AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Governance andNEO Compensation  Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in the Proxy Statement with management. Based on such review and discussion, the G&C Committee recommends to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Proxy Statement and the Company’s Form 10-K for fiscal 2016.

The Governance and Compensation Committee:

Joseph M. Tucci,Chairman

David J. S. Flaschen

Phillip Horsley

Grant M. Inman

Joseph M. Velli

 

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  38


NEO Compensation

 

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

FISCAL 2016 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The table below presents the total compensation paid or earned by each of the NEOs.

                
Name and Principal
Position

(a)
 

Fiscal

Year

(b)

  

Salary

(c)

  

Bonus

(d)

  

Stock

Awards

(e)

  

Option

Awards

(f)

  

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan

Compensation

(g)

  

All Other

Compensation

(h)

  

Total

(i)

 

Martin Mucci

President and CEO

  

 

2016

 

  

 

 $

 

900,000

 

  

 

 $

 

 

  

 

 $

 

2,598,024

 

  

 

 $

 

1,069,161

 

  

 

 $

 

1,203,210

 

  

 

 $

 

12,000

 

  

 

 $

 

5,782,395

 

  

 

  

 

2015

 

  

 

 $

 

893,231

 

  

 

 $

 

 

  

 

 $

 

2,632,715

 

  

 

 $

 

1,105,472

 

  

 

 $

 

1,265,580

 

  

 

 $

 

11,750

 

  

 

 $

 

5,908,748

 

  

 

  

 

2014

 

  

 

 $

 

845,000

 

  

 

 $

 

 

  

 

 $

 

2,741,795

 

  

 

 $

 

1,174,236

 

  

 

 $

 

1,234,292

 

  

 

 $

 

11,500

 

  

 

 $

 

6,006,823

 

  

 

Efrain Rivera

Senior Vice President, CFO, and Treasurer

  

 

2016

 

  

 

 $

 

475,000

 

  

 

 $

 

 

  

 

 $

 

588,854

 

  

 

 $

 

242,344

 

  

 

 $

 

454,670

 

  

 

 $

 

9,105

 

  

 

 $

 

1,769,973

 

  

 

  

 

2015

 

  

 

 $

 

468,846

 

  

 

 $

 

 

  

 

 $

 

596,747

 

  

 

 $

 

250,574

 

  

 

 $

 

423,178

 

  

 

 $

 

9,281

 

  

 

 $

 

1,748,626

 

  

 

  

 

2014

 

  

 

 $

 

425,000

 

  

 

 $

 

 

  

 

 $

 

621,448

 

  

 

 $

 

266,159

 

  

 

 $

 

418,285

 

  

 

 $

 

8,589

 

  

 

 $

 

1,739,481

 

  

 

Mark A. Bottini

Senior Vice President, Sales

  

 

2016

 

  

 

 $

 

450,000

 

  

 

 $

 

75,000

 

  

 

 $

 

588,854

 

  

 

 $

 

242,344

 

  

 

 $

 

442,440

 

  

 

 $

 

11,411

 

  

 

 $

 

1,810,049

 

  

 

  

 

2015

 

  

 

 $

 

446,923

 

  

 

 $

 

75,000

 

  

 

 $

 

596,747

 

  

 

 $

 

250,574

 

  

 

 $

 

422,190

 

  

 

 $

 

11,617

 

  

 

 $

 

1,803,051

 

  

 

  

 

2014

 

  

 

 $

 

425,000

 

  

 

 $

 

 

  

 

 $

 

621,448

 

  

 

 $

 

266,159

 

  

 

 $

 

391,298

 

  

 

 $

 

10,604

 

  

 

 $

 

1,714,509

 

  

 

John B. Gibson

Senior Vice President, Service

  

 

2016

 

  

 

 $

 

421,923

 

  

 

 $

 

 

  

 

 $

 

588,854

 

  

 

 $

 

242,344

 

  

 

 $

 

406,810

 

  

 

 $

 

8,976

 

  

 

 $

 

1,668,907

 

  

 

  

 

2015

 

  

 

 $

 

393,846

 

  

 

 $

 

 

  

 

 $

 

596,747

 

  

 

 $

 

250,574

 

  

 

 $

 

356,360

 

  

 

 $

 

7,029

 

  

 

 $

 

1,604,556

 

  

 

  

 

2014

 

  

 

 $

 

350,000

 

  

 

 $

 

50,000

 

  

 

 $

 

621,448

 

  

 

 $

 

843,659

 

  

 

 $

 

344,470

 

  

 

 $

 

142,985

 

  

 

 $

 

2,352,562

 

  

 

Michael E. Gioja

Senior Vice President, Information Technology, Product Management and Development

  2016   $425,000   $   $588,854   $242,344   $406,810   $10,446   $1,673,454  
  2015   $421,923   $   $596,747   $250,574   $374,383   $10,823   $1,654,450  
  2014   $396,923   $   $621,448   $266,159   $393,680   $6,692   $1,684,902  
         
                                

Salary (Column (c))

 

 

Option Awards (Column (f))

The amounts in this column reflect the grant date fair value for stock options granted during the respective fiscal years and do not reflect whether the recipient has actually realized a financial gain from such awards (such as by exercising stock options).

Stock Option Awards

The fair values for the annual grants of time-vested stock options were determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The assumptions and resulting per share fair value for option grants included in the amounts disclosed are as follows:

   
   July   July   July 
    
    2018   2017   2016 

 

Risk-Free Interest Rate

 

  

 

 

 

 

2.9

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

 

Dividend Yield

 

  

 

 

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

3.4

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

3.6

 

 

 

 

Volatility Factor

 

  

 

 

 

 

0.18

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

0.17

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

0.18

 

 

 

 

 

Expected Option Term Life in Years

 

  

 

 

 

 

6.0

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

6.0

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

6.0

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

  

 

$

 

 

8.83

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

6.40

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

5.71

 

 

 

 

LTIP PerformanceNon-Qualified Stock Options

An LTIP grant was made in July 2016 in the form ofnon-qualified performance stock options in order to encourage the executives in achieving longer-term strategic goals. Achievement will be determined based on comparisons topre-established targets for fiscal 2020. The fair value was determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model for a July 2020 potential vesting tranche. The assumptions and resulting fair value for the potential vesting tranche included in the amounts disclosed are: a risk-free interest rate of 1.2%; dividend yield of 3.6%; volatility factor of 0.18; expected option term life of 6.5 years; and a fair value of $5.86 per share.

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation (Column (g))

The amounts in this column are the amounts earned under the annual incentive program. These amounts were paid in July following the applicable fiscal year end. Refer to the discussion in the CD&A “Elements of Compensation” subsection “Annual Incentive Program” for information on performance targets and achievement against those targets to determine the amount earned under this program for fiscal 2019.

All Other Compensation (Column (h))

The amounts reported in this column reflect the Company matching contributions under the 401(k) Plan.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  45


The amount reported in this column reflects the base salary paid to the NEOs during the fiscal year.

Bonus (Column (d))  NEO Compensation  

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS FOR FISCAL 2019

The table below presents estimated possible payouts under the Company’s annual incentive program for fiscal 2019 based on achievement of performance objectives at various levels for the Company and individual NEOs. It also summarizes equity awards granted during fiscal 2019 to each of the NEOs. This information does not set forth the actual payout awarded to the NEOs for fiscal 2019.

         
        

 

Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan

Awards

  

 

Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive

Plan Awards

  

All

Other

Stock

Awards:

Number

of
Shares
of
Stock

or Units
(#)
(j)

  

All Other

Option

Awards:

Number

of
Securities
Underlying

Options

(#)

(k)

  

Exercise

or

Base

Price

of
Option

Awards
($/Sh)

(l)

  

Grant-

Date

Fair

Value

of Stock
and

Option

Awards

($)

(m)

 

Name

(a)

 

Grant Type

(b)

 Grant
Date
(c)
  

Threshold

($)

(d)

  

Target

($)

(e)

  

Maximum
($)

(f)

  

Threshold

(#)

(g)

  

Target
(#)

(h)

  

Maximum
(#)

(i)

 

 

Martin Mucci

 

Annual Incentive

Program

  7/11/2018  $665,000  $1,330,000  $1,995,000         
  Restricted Stock  7/11/2018         15,045    $1,046,229 
  

Performance

Shares

  7/11/2018      24,110     40,184   60,276       $2,618,791 
  

Stock Options

 

  

 

7/11/2018

 

 

 

                              

 

179,191  

 

 

 

 $

 

69.54

 

 

 

 $

 

1,582,257

 

 

 

 

Efrain Rivera

 

Annual Incentive

Program

  7/11/2018  $250,000  $500,000  $750,000         
  Restricted Stock             $ 
  

Performance

Shares

  7/11/2018      7,950     13,250   19,875       $863,503 
  

Stock Options

 

  7/11/2018                               42,204    $69.54  $372,661 

 

Mark A. Bottini

 

Annual Incentive

Program

  7/11/2018  $247,500  $495,000  $742,500         
  Restricted Stock  7/11/2018         2,658    $184,837 
  

Performance

Shares

  7/11/2018      4,259     7,098   10,647       $462,577 
  

Stock Options

 

  

 

7/11/2018

 

 

 

                              

 

31,653  

 

 

 

 $

 

69.54

 

 

 

 $

 

279,496

 

 

 

 

John B. Gibson

 

Annual Incentive

Program

  7/11/2018  $225,000  $450,000  $675,000         
  Restricted Stock  7/11/2018         2,658    $184,837 
  

Performance

Shares

  7/11/2018      4,259     7,098   10,647       $462,577 
  

Stock Options

 

  

 

7/11/2018

 

 

 

                              

 

31,653  

 

 

 

 $

 

69.54

 

 

 

 $

 

279,496

 

 

 

 

Michael E. Gioja

 

Annual Incentive

Program

  7/11/2018  $237,500  $475,000  $712,500         
  Restricted Stock  7/11/2018         2,658    $184,837 
  

Performance

Shares

  7/11/2018      4,259     7,098   10,647       $462,577 
  

Stock Options

 

  

 

7/11/2018

 

 

 

                              

 

31,653  

 

 

 

 $

 

69.54

 

 

 

 $

 

279,496

 

 

 

Estimated Future Payouts UnderNon-Equity Incentive Plan Awards

(Columns (d), (e), and (f))

The amounts in these columns consist of possible payouts under our annual incentive program for fiscal 2019. The amounts actually earned by each NEO for fiscal 2019 are reported asNon-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation in the Fiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table. Additional information regarding how the payout amounts under our annual incentive program are determined begins on page 32.

Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards

(Columns (g), (h), and (i))

The amounts in these columns consist of performance shares granted during fiscal 2019 under the 2002 Plan. The performance shares granted in July 2018 have atwo-year performance period. At the end of the performance period actual shares earned will be determined and will be restricted with an additionalone-year service requirement (except Mr. Rivera’s award, which will vest immediately following thetwo-year performance period.) Once the performance period is completed, the NEOs will have voting rights and earn dividends on the underlying

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  46


 

 

The amounts reported in this column reflect a discretionary bonus of $75,000 to Mr. Bottini for strong sales performance in fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, and a one-time payment of $50,000 to Mr. Gibson in fiscal 2014.

Stock Awards (Column (e))NEO Compensation  

 

 

The amounts in this column include the grant date fair value of both time-vested restricted stock awards and performance shares granted during the respective fiscal year, and do not reflect whether the recipient has actually realized a financial gain from such awards (such as lapse in the restrictions on a restricted stock award).

Time-Vested Restricted Stock Awards

The fair value of the time-vested restricted stock awards is determined based on the closing price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The resulting fair values were $47.32 per share, $41.70 per share, and $38.48 per share for the restricted stock awards granted annually in July of fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Refer to the Grants of Plan-Based Awards For Fiscal 2016 table included in this proxy statement for further information on restricted stock awards granted in fiscal 2016.

restricted shares earned. Dividends earned during theone-year service period on restricted shares are paid at the time of vesting. Upon death or disability, apro-rata portion of actual performance shares earned for the performance period will be received based on the number of days from the beginning of the performance period until the date of death or disability out of the total number of days in the performance period.

All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (Column (j))

The amounts in this column consist of time-based restricted stock granted in fiscal 2019 under the 2002 Plan. All shares underlying these awards are restricted in that they are not transferable until they vest.One-third of these shares vest annually over a three-year period from the date of grant, provided the NEO is an employee of the Company on the vest date. Upon death or disability, these shares fully vest. The NEOs have voting rights and earn dividends on the underlying shares. Dividends are paid at the time of vesting.

All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (Column (k))

The amounts in this column consist of time-based stock options granted in fiscal 2019 under the 2002 Plan. These stock options have an exercise price equal to the closing stock price on the date of grant and have a term of 10 years. These stock options vestone-third per annum over a three-year period from the date of grant, provided the NEO is an employee of the Company on the vesting date. Upon death or disability, all unvested options fully vest.

Grant-Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards (Column (m))

The amounts in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock, performance shares, and stock options granted in fiscal 2019 under the 2002 Plan as follows:

 

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  39


NEO Compensation

Performance Shares

Performance share awards are reflected in the table assuming target achievement. The grant date fair value of these awards at target achievement, as reflected in the table, and also at maximum achievement is as follows:

            
    Fiscal 2016   Fiscal 2015   Fiscal 2014 
    Target   Maximum   Target   Maximum   Target   Maximum 
Martin Mucci  $1,855,384    $2,783,098    $1,879,113    $2,818,689    $1,956,918    $2,935,395  
Efrain Rivera  $420,537    $630,849    $425,944    $638,916    $443,555    $665,333  
Mark A. Bottini  $420,537    $630,849    $425,944    $638,916    $443,555    $665,333  
John B. Gibson  $420,537    $630,849    $425,944    $638,916    $443,555    $665,333  
Michael E. Gioja  $420,537    $630,849    $425,944    $638,916    $443,555    $665,333  

These awards have a two-year performance period, followed by an additional year of service required. The fair value of these awards is determined based on the closing price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant, adjusted for the present value of expected dividends over the performance period. The resulting fair value was $43.98 per share, $38.68 per share, and $35.69 per share for performance shares awarded in fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Option Awards (Column (f))

The amounts in this column reflect the grant date fair value for stock options granted during the respective fiscal years and do not reflect whether the recipient has actually realized a financial gain from such awards (such as by exercising stock options). For Mr. Gibson, his option award value of $843,659 for fiscal 2014 includes his annual stock option grant with a value of $266,159 and also a LTIP grant in the form of non-qualified performance stock options with a value of $577,500.

The fair values for the annual grants of time-vested stock options were determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The assumptions and resulting per share fair value for option grants included in the amounts disclosed are as follows:

      
    

July

2015

  

July

2014

  

July

2013

 
Risk-Free Interest Rate   1.9%     2.1%     2.0
Dividend Yield   3.6%     3.7%     4.1
Volatility Factor   0.18    0.21    0.22  
Expected Option Term Life in Years   6.0    6.0    6.5  
Fair Value  $5.17   $5.66   $4.94  

A LTIP grant was originally made in July 2011 in the form of non-qualified performance stock options in order to encourage the executives in achieving longer-term strategic goals. Subsequent to July 2011, grants were made under this LTIP only for newly hired executive officers. Mr. Gibson’s LTIP award was granted in July 2013 upon his hire. The fair value was determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model for the July 2016 potential vesting tranche. The assumptions and resulting fair value for the potential vesting tranche included in the amounts disclosed are: a risk-free interest rate of 1.5%; dividend yield of 3.9%; volatility factor of 0.20; expected option term life of 4.5 years; and a fair value of $3.85 per share.

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation (Column (g))

The amounts in this column are the amounts earned under the annual incentive program. These amounts were paid in July following the applicable fiscal year end. Refer to the discussion in the CD&A “Elements of Compensation”, subsection “Annual Officer Performance Incentive Program” for information on performance targets and achievement against those targets to determine the amount earned under this program for fiscal 2016.

All Other Compensation (Column (h))

The amounts reported in this column include the Company matching contributions under the 401(k) Plan. For fiscal 2014, this column also reflects amounts incurred on behalf of Mr. Gibson of $142,985 for relocation expenses including a tax gross-up of $12,986.

The fair value of the time-based restricted stock awards was $69.54 per share, and was equal to the closing price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

 

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  40


NEO Compensation

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS FOR FISCAL 2016

The table below presents estimated possible payouts under the Company’s annual incentive program for fiscal 2016 based on achievement of performance objectives at various levels for the Company and individual NEOs. It also summarizes equity awards granted

The fair value of the annual grant of performance shares in July 2018 was based on achievement at target and was $65.17 per share. This was equal to the closing price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant less the present value of expected dividends over the performance period as dividends are not earned during fiscal 2016 to each of the NEOs. This information does not set forth the actual payout awarded to the NEOs for fiscal 2016.

       Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Awards
 Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive
Plan Awards
 All
Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of
Shares
of Stock
or Units
 All Other
Option
Awards:
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Options
 Exercise
or
Base
Price
of
Option
Awards
 Grant-
Date
Fair
Value
of Stock
and
Option
Awards

Name

(a)

 Grant Type
(b)
 Grant
Date 
(c)
 

Threshold 

($)
(d)

 Target
($)
(e)
 Maximum
($)
(f)
 

Threshold 

(#) 
(g)

 Target
(#) 
(h)
 Maximum
(#) 
(i)
 (#)
(j)
 (#)
(k)
 ($/Sh)
(l)
 ($)
(m)
Martin Mucci Annual Incentive Program   7/8/2015   $450,000   $1,170,000   $1,800,000                
 Restricted Stock   7/8/2015                15,694       $742,640 
 Performance Shares   7/8/2015          25,312    42,187    63,281         $1,855,384 
 Stock Options   7/8/2015                                       206,801   $47.32   $1,069,161 
Efrain Rivera Annual Incentive Program   7/8/2015   $190,000   $451,250   $665,000                
 Restricted Stock   7/8/2015                3,557       $168,317 
 Performance Shares   7/8/2015          5,737    9,562    14,344         $420,537 
 Stock Options   7/8/2015                                       46,875   $47.32   $242,344 
Mark A. Bottini Annual Incentive Program   7/8/2015   $180,000   $427,500   $630,000                
 Restricted Stock   7/8/2015                3,557       $168,317 
 Performance Shares   7/8/2015          5,737    9,562    14,344         $420,537 
 Stock Options   7/8/2015                                       46,875   $47.32   $242,344 
John B. Gibson Annual Incentive Program   7/8/2015   $170,000   $403,750   $595,000                
 Restricted Stock   7/8/2015                3,557       $168,317 
 Performance Shares   7/8/2015          5,737    9,562    14,344         $420,537 
 Stock Options   7/8/2015                                       46,875   $47.32   $242,344 
Michael E. Gioja Annual Incentive Program   7/8/2015   $170,000   $403,750   $595,000                
 Restricted Stock   7/8/2015                3,557       $168,317 
 Performance Shares   7/8/2015          5,737    9,562    14,344         $420,537 
 Stock Options   7/8/2015                                       46,875   $47.32   $242,344 

Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards

(Columns (d), (e), and (f))

The amounts in these columns consist of possible payouts under our annual incentive program for fiscal 2016. The amounts actually earned by each NEO for fiscal 2016 are reported as Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation in the Fiscal 2016 Summary Compensation Table.

Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards

(Columns (g), (h), and (i))

The amounts in these columns consist of performance shares granted during fiscal 2016 under the 2002 Plan. The performance share targets are over a two-year performance period. At the end of the performance period, actual shares earned will be determined and will be restricted with an additional one-year service requirement. Once the performance period is completed, the NEOs will have voting rights and earn dividends on the underlying restricted shares earned. Dividends are paid at the time of vesting. Upon death or disability, a pro-rata portion of actual performance shares earned for the performance period will be received based on number of days from the beginning of the performance period until the date of death or disability out of the total number of days in the performance period.

 

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  41


NEO Compensation

All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (Column (j))

The amounts in this column consist of restricted stock granted in fiscal 2016 under the 2002 Plan. All shares underlying these awards are restricted in that they are not transferable until they vest. One-third of these shares vest annually over a three-year period from the date of grant, provided the NEO is an employee of the Company on the vest date. Upon death or disability, these shares fully vest. The NEOs have voting rights and earn dividends on the underlying shares. Dividends are paid at the time of vesting.

All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (Column (k))

The amounts in this column consist of stock options granted in fiscal 2016 under the 2002 Plan. These stock options have an exercise price equal to the closing stock price on the date of grant, have a term of ten years, and vest 25% per annum over a four-year period from the date of grant, provided the NEO is an employee of the Company on the vesting date. Upon death or disability, all unvested options fully vest.

Grant-Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards (Column (m))

The amounts in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock, performance shares, and stock options granted in fiscal 2016 under the 2002 Plan as follows:

The fair value of the restricted stock awards was $47.32 per share, and was equal to the closing price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

The fair value of the performance shares was based on achievement at target and was $43.98 per share. This was equal to the closing price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant less the present value of expected dividends over the performance period.

The fair value of the annual stock option grant was $5.17

The fair value of the annual stock option grant was $8.83 per share, and was determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model.

 

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  47


Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  42


NEO Compensation

 

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED IN FISCAL 2016  NEO Compensation  

The following table provides information about the value realized by the NEOs upon the exercise of options and the lapsing of the restrictions on restricted stock awards during fiscal 2016. Certain columns in this table and the presentation of information on an award-by-award basis are not required by the rules relating to executive compensation disclosures and are not a substitute for the information required by Item 402 of SEC Regulation S-K, but rather are intended to provide additional information that stockholders may find useful.

 

            
    Option Awards   Stock Awards 
Name
(a)
  Date of
Grant
(b)
   Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)
(c)
   

Value Realized
on Exercise
($)

(d)

   Date of
Grant
(e)
   Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Lapsing (#)
(f)
   Value
Realized on
Lapse ($)
(g)
 
Martin Mucci   7/13/2006     30,000    $453,916     7/11/2012     76,074    $3,634,816  
   10/12/2010     84,591    $1,914,070     7/10/2013     6,799    $324,856  
         7/9/2014     6,024    $285,718  
Efrain Rivera                  7/11/2012     16,301    $778,862  
         7/10/2013     1,541    $73,629  
                  7/9/2014     1,366    $64,789  
Mark A. Bottini                  7/11/2012     16,301    $778,862  
         7/10/2013     1,541    $73,629  
         7/9/2014     1,366    $64,789  
John B. Gibson                  7/10/2013     1,541    $73,629  
         7/9/2014     1,366    $64,789  
Michael E. Gioja   07/11/2012     19,450     425,306     7/11/2012     16,301    $778,862  
         7/10/2013     1,541    $73,629  
                  7/9/2014     1,366    $64,789  

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED IN FISCAL 2019

The following table provides information about the value realized by the NEOs upon the exercise of options and the lapsing of the restrictions on restricted stock awards during fiscal 2019. Certain columns in this table and the presentation of information on anaward-by-award basis are not required by the rules relating to executive compensation disclosures and are not a substitute for the information required by Item 402 of SEC RegulationS-K, but rather are intended to provide additional information that stockholders may find useful.

   
 Option AwardsStock Awards
  
Name (a)

Date of
Grant

(b)

Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)
(c)

Value Realized
on Exercise
($)

(d)

Date of
Grant

(e)

Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Lapsing (#)
(f)

Value
Realized on
Lapse ($)

(g)

 

Martin Mucci

 7/6/2011 150,000$6,194,664 7/8/2015 45,731$3,191,566
 7/6/2016 4,792$334,434
 

 

7/12/2017

 

 

 

 

5,477

 

 

$

 

385,416

 

 

 

Efrain Rivera

  $ 7/8/2015 10,366$723,443
 7/6/2016 1,117$77,955
 

 

7/12/2017

 

 

 

 

1,402

 

 

$

 

98,659

 

 

 

Mark A. Bottini

 10/17/2011 30,000$1,289,016 7/8/2015 10,366$723,443
 7/6/2016 1,005$70,139
 

 

7/12/2017

 

 

 

 

1,051

 

 

$

 

73,959

 

 

 

John B. Gibson

 07/01/2013 94,500$3,316,005 7/8/2015 10,366$723,443
 7/6/2016 949$66,231
 

 

7/12/2017

 

 

 

 

1,051

 

 

$

 

73,959

 

 

 

Michael E. Gioja

 7/9/2009 7,840$441,933 7/8/2015 10,366$723,443
 7/10/2013 22,000$926,178 7/6/2016 949$66,231
 

 

7/12/2017

 

 

 

 

1,051

 

 

$

 

73,959

 

 

Value Realized on Exercise (Column (d))

The amounts in this column represent the difference between the market price of a share of the Company’s common stock as of the date of exercise and the exercise price of the option for all options exercised.

Value Realized on Lapse (Column (g))

The amounts in this column are based on the closing stock price of the Company’s common stock on the date of lapse.

 

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  48


Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  43


NEO Compensation

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AS OF MAY 31, 2016NEO Compensation  

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AS OF MAY 31, 2019

The following table presents the equity awards made to NEOs which were outstanding as of May 31, 2019.

   
   

Option Awards

  

Stock Awards

 
   

Name

(a)

 

Option
Grant

Date

(b)

  

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(Exercisable)

(#)

(c)

  

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(Unexercisable)

(#)

(d)

  

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options

(#)

(e)

  

Option
Exercise
Price ($)

(f)

  

Option
Expiration
Date

(g)

  

Total
Potential
Current
Value of
Outstanding
Options ($)

(h)

  

Number
of
Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested

(#)

(i)

  

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That
Have Not
Vested

($)

(j)

  

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not Vested

(#)

(k)

  

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested

($) (l)

 

Martin Mucci

 

 

7/11/2018

 

 

 

—   �� 

 

 

 

179,191     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

69.54

 

 

 

7/10/2028

 

      
  

 

7/12/2017

 

 

 

71,494     

 

 

 

142,988     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

57.24

 

 

 

7/11/2027

 

      
  

 

7/6/2016

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

196,541     

 

 

$

60.84

 

 

 

7/5/2026

 

      
  

 

7/6/2016

 

 

 

104,295     

 

 

 

104,295     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

60.84

 

 

 

7/5/2026

 

      
  

 

7/8/2015

 

 

 

155,100     

 

 

 

51,701     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

47.32

 

 

 

7/8/2025

 

      
  

 

7/9/2014

 

 

 

195,313     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

41.70

 

 

 

7/9/2024

 

      
  

 

7/10/2013

 

 

 

237,844     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

38.48

 

 

 

7/9/2023

 

      
  

 

7/11/2012

 

 

 

274,869     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

31.65

 

 

 

7/10/2022

 

      
  

 

7/7/2011

 

 

 

315,000     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

31.63

 

 

 

7/6/2021

 

      
  

 

7/6/2011

 

 

 

56,422     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

31.34

 

 

 

7/5/2021

 

 

$

81,976,703

 

     
                              

 

109,629

 

 

$

9,405,072

 

 

 

64,259     

 

 

$

5,512,780

 

Efrain Rivera

 

 

7/11/2018

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

42,204     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

69.54

 

 

 

7/10/2028

 

      
  

 

7/12/2017

 

 

 

18,293     

 

 

 

36,585     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

57.24

 

 

 

7/11/2027

 

      
  

 

7/6/2016

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

98,270     

 

 

$

60.84

 

 

 

7/5/2026

 

      
  

 

7/6/2016

 

 

 

24,311     

 

 

 

24,311     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

60.84

 

 

 

7/5/2026

 

      
  

 

7/8/2015

 

 

 

35,156     

 

 

 

11,719     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

47.32

 

 

 

7/8/2025

 

      
  

 

7/9/2014

 

 

 

44,271     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

41.70

 

 

 

7/9/2024

 

      
  

 

7/10/2013

 

 

 

53,911     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

38.48

 

 

 

7/9/2023

 

      
  

 

7/11/2012

 

 

 

58,901     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

31.65

 

 

 

7/10/2022

 

      
  

 

7/7/2011

 

 

 

157,500     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

31.63

 

 

 

7/6/2021

 

      
  

 

7/6/2011

 

 

 

44,381     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

31.34

 

 

 

7/5/2021

 

 

$

26,358,902

 

     
                              

 

23,282

 

 

$

1,997,363

 

 

 

46,376     

 

 

$

3,978,597

 

Mark A. Bottini

 

 

7/11/2018

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

31,653     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

69.54

 

 

 

7/10/2028

 

      
  

 

7/12/2017

 

 

 

13,720     

 

 

 

27,439     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

57.24

 

 

 

7/11/2027

 

      
  

 

7/6/2016

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

98,270     

 

 

$

60.84

 

 

 

7/5/2026

 

      
  

 

7/6/2016

 

 

 

21,880     

 

 

 

21,880     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

60.84

 

 

 

7/5/2026

 

      
  

 

7/8/2015

 

 

 

35,156     

 

 

 

11,719     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

47.32

 

 

 

7/8/2025

 

      
  

 

7/9/2014

 

 

 

44,271     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

41.70

 

 

 

7/9/2024

 

      
  

 

7/10/2013

 

 

 

53,911     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

38.48

 

 

 

7/9/2023

 

      
  

 

7/11/2012

 

 

 

58,901     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

31.65

 

 

 

7/10/2022

 

      
  

 

10/17/2011

 

 

 

68,813     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

28.06

 

 

 

10/16/2021

 

 

$

18,700,293

 

     
                              

 

21,530

 

 

$

1,847,059

 

 

 

19,135     

 

 

$

1,641,592

 

John B. Gibson

 

 

7/11/2018

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

31,653     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

69.54

 

 

 

7/10/2028

 

      
  

 

7/12/2017

 

 

 

13,720     

 

 

 

27,439     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

57.24

 

 

 

7/11/2027

 

      
  

 

7/6/2016

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

98,270     

 

 

$

60.84

 

 

 

7/5/2026

 

      
  

 

7/6/2016

 

 

 

20,664     

 

 

 

20,665     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

60.84

 

 

 

7/5/2026

 

      
  

 

7/8/2015

 

 

 

35,156     

 

 

 

11,719     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

47.32

 

 

 

7/8/2025

 

      
  

 

7/9/2014

 

 

 

44,271     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

41.70

 

 

 

7/9/2024

 

      
  

 

7/10/2013

 

 

 

53,911     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

38.48

 

 

 

7/9/2023

 

 

$

11,478,165

 

     
                              

 

21,060

 

 

$

1,806,737

 

 

 

19,135     

 

 

$

1,641,592

 

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  49


  NEO Compensation  

   
   

Option Awards

  

Stock Awards

 
    

Name

(a)

 

Option
Grant

Date

(b)

  

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(Exercisable)

(#)

(c)

  

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(Unexercisable)

(#)

(d)

  

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options

(#)

(e)

  

Option
Exercise
Price ($)

(f)

  

Option
Expiration
Date

(g)

  

Total
Potential
Current
Value of
Outstanding
Options ($)

(h)

  

Number
of
Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested

(#)

(i)

  

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That
Have Not
Vested

($)

(j)

  

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not Vested

(#)

(k)

  

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested

($) (l)

 

Michael E. Gioja

 

 

7/11/2018

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

31,653     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

69.54

 

 

 

7/10/2028

 

      
  

 

7/12/2017

 

 

 

13,720     

 

 

 

27,439     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

57.24

 

 

 

7/11/2027

 

      
  

 

7/6/2016

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

98,270     

 

 

$

60.84

 

 

 

7/5/2026

 

      
  

 

7/6/2016

 

 

 

20,664     

 

 

 

20,665     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

60.84

 

 

 

7/5/2026

 

      
  

 

7/8/2015

 

 

 

35,156     

 

 

 

11,719     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

47.32

 

 

 

7/8/2025

 

      
  

 

7/9/2014

 

 

 

44,271     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

41.70

 

 

 

7/9/2024

 

      
  

 

7/7/2011

 

 

 

47,500     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

31.63

 

 

 

7/6/2021

 

      
  

 

7/6/2011

 

 

 

16,001     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

31.34

 

 

 

7/5/2021

 

      
  

 

7/7/2010

 

 

 

4,468     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

 

—     

 

 

$

26.02

 

 

 

7/6/2020

 

 

$

12,638,542

 

     
                              

 

21,060

 

 

$

1,806,737

 

 

 

19,135     

 

 

$

1,641,592

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (Column (d))

The options displayed in this column vest as follows: (1) grants prior to July 2017 vestone-fourth per annum over a four-year period; and (2) the July 2017 and July 2018 grants vestone-third per annum over a three-year period from the date of grant.

The following table provides information with respect to the future vesting of each NEO’s outstanding options.

   Number of Securities Vesting (#) 
  
    

July

2019

   

July

2020

   

July
2021

 

Martin Mucci

  

 

235,073

 

  

 

183,372

 

  

 

59,730

 

Efrain Rivera

  

 

56,234

 

  

 

44,517

 

  

 

14,068

 

Mark A. Bottini

  

 

46,929

 

  

 

35,211

 

  

 

10,551

 

John B. Gibson

  

 

46,321

 

  

 

34,604

 

  

 

10,551

 

Michael E. Gioja

  

 

46,321

 

  

 

34,604

 

  

 

10,551

 

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (Column (e))

The options displayed in this column are LTIP performance stock options which will vest in amounts subject topre-established performance goals for fiscal 2020. The awards are presented at target performance.

Total Potential Current Value of Outstanding Options (Column (h))

The total potential current value of options outstanding is based on the difference between $85.79, the closing price of the Company’s common stock as of May 31, 2019, and the exercise price, multiplied by all outstanding options, whether exercisable or unexercisable. This column is not required by the rules relating to executive compensation disclosures and is not a substitute for information required by Item 402 of SEC RegulationS-K, but rather is intended to provide additional information that stockholders may find useful.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  50


NEO Compensation  

Number of Shares or Units and Market Value of Shares or Units That Have Not Vested (Columns (i) and (j))

The stock awards in this column include awards granted on July 6, 2016, July 12, 2017, and July 11, 2018 that are subject to time-based vesting pro rata over three years. The performance shares granted on July 6, 2016 and July 12, 2017 are also included in this column, since their performance conditions have been satisfied. These performance shares are now restricted with aone-year service requirement before the restrictions lapse in July 2019 and July 2020, respectively.

The following table provides information with respect to the future vesting of each NEO’s outstanding restricted stock awards:

   Number of Securities Vesting (#) 
  
    

July
2019

   

July
2020

   

July
2021

 

Martin Mucci

  

 

50,838

 

  

 

53,776

 

  

 

5,015

 

Efrain Rivera

  

 

10,806

 

  

 

12,476

 

  

 

 

Mark A. Bottini

  

 

10,401

 

  

 

10,243

 

  

 

886

 

John B. Gibson

  

 

9,931

 

  

 

10,243

 

  

 

886

 

Michael E. Gioja

  

 

9,931

 

  

 

10,243

 

  

 

886

 

The market value displayed is based on the number of shares that have not vested multiplied by $85.79, the closing price of the Company’s common stock as of May 31, 2019.

Total dividends and interest accrued on the restricted stock awards that have not vested as of May 31, 2019 were as follows: Mr. Mucci—$196,226; Mr. Rivera—$38,712; Mr. Bottini—$39,143; and Mr. Gibson and Mr. Gioja—$37,833 each. The grant-date fair value for restricted stock awards incorporates expected dividends.

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (Columns (k) and (l))

The stock awards in these columns represent the annual grant of performance shares, Mr. Rivera’s special,one-time performance share award granted September 9, 2017, and the special grant of LTIP performance-based restricted stock on July 6, 2016. The annual performance share awards are presented at target performance and havepre-established performance goals that can be achieved over atwo-year period. Shares earned will be determined at the end of the performance period, and then will be restricted with aone-year service requirement before the restrictions lapse (except Mr. Rivera’s award in fiscal 2019, which will vest immediately following the two-year performance period). The special,one-time award to Mr. Rivera is also presented at target performance, and haspre-established performance goals achieved over a three-year period. Theone-year service requirement after the performance period does not apply to the special,one-time award to Mr. Rivera. The LTIP performance-based restricted stock is presented at threshold performance as of May 31, 2019 and achievement will be determined based on comparisons topre-established targets for fiscal 2020. The market value displayed is based on the number of shares at threshold multiplied by $85.79, the closing price of the Company’s common stock as of May 31, 2019.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  51


  NEO Compensation  

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

FISCAL 2019

Change in Control Plan

The Company has a Change in Control Plan covering the officers of the Company. Upon involuntary termination by the Company without cause or a voluntary termination by the participant for good reason, within 12 months following a change in control, as defined in the Change in Control Plan, the officer becomes entitled to certain severance benefits. “Cause” means the participant’s dereliction of duty to the Company, conviction for a felony, or willful misconduct that has a substantial adverse effect on the Company. “Good reason” means a significant change to the duties, authority, or position that were assigned immediately before the change in control including: the reduction in or removal of any material duties, authority, or position within the Company; assignment of duties inconsistent with the participant’s position, authorities, or responsibilities; material reduction to base salary, annual incentive, or other elements of total compensation; relocation of the participant’s principal workplace to an area outside of a50-mile radius; or the failure of a successor company to assume or adopt this plan.

The severance benefits, which are conditioned upon the execution of a general release in favor of the Company, are as follows:

Cash compensation in the form of alump-sum payment equal to a multiple of annual cash compensation (base salary and annual incentive program award at target) as determined by position within the Company (CEO—2.0; SVP—1.5);

Lump-sum cash payment forpro-rated portion of current year annual cash performance incentive award at target;

Immediate vesting of all outstanding time-based equity awards. Performance-based equity awards will vest at target performance levels on apro-rated basis, except for Mr. Rivera’s September 2017 specialone-time award which will vest in full; and

Lump-sum payment for the cost to continue basic life insurance, medical, dental, vision, and hospitalization benefits for the applicable continuation period, which is determined as the number of years equal to the participant’s multiplier (CEO—2.0; SVP—1.5).

The plan does not provide for taxgross-ups. The summary of the terms of the foregoing plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the plan document. For more information, refer to the Paychex, Inc. Change In Control Plan, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Form10-K filed with the SEC on July 15, 2011.

Other Separation Benefits

With the exception of the Change in Control Plan, NEOs are not entitled to severance benefits. However, for all NEOs, upon death or disability all unvested time-based stock options and restricted stock awards become fully vested according to the terms of the award agreements under the 2002 Plan. Upon death or disability a NEO shall be entitled to a prorated portion of actual shares earned under a performance share award, based on the number of days in the performance period until the date of death or disability as a percentage of the total number of days in the performance period. Mr. Rivera’s September 2017one-time performance share award is the exception as it vests in full as of the date of death or disability. The LTIP award agreement does not have a provision allowing vesting of a portion of the award at death, disability, or retirement.

Upon death, disability, or retirement, NEOs may be eligible to receive an annual incentive program payout based on actual fiscal year results and calculated using the base pay received by the NEO during the performance period.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  52


NEO Compensation  

Potential Benefits Upon Separation from Company

The following table presents, as of May 31, 2019, the compensation and benefits to the NEOs upon separation from employment from the Company for the various reasons specified.

  Potential Payments Upon Separation
  
 

Annual
Compensation
per the
Summary
Compensation
Table(1)

 

Voluntary
Resignation/
Termination

 

Death or
Disability

 

Retirement

 

Termination
Other Than
For Cause/
Resignation
For
Good Reason
within
One Year of
Change of
Control

 

 

Martin Mucci

Base Salary(2)

$

$

$

$

1,900,000

Annual Incentive(3)

 

 

1,716,175

 

1,716,175

 

2,660,000

Stock Option Awards(4)

 

 

11,585,259

 

 

11,585,259

Restricted Stock Awards(5)

 

 

9,405,072

 

 

9,405,072

Performance Share Awards(6)

 

 

1,723,693

 

 

1,723,693

LTIP-Performance Options(7)

 

 

 

 

3,677,773

LTIP Performance Shares(8)

 

 

 

 

1,549,046

Benefits(9)

 

 

 

 

24,912

Total

 

$

 

7,930,520

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

24,430,199

 

 

$

 

1,716,175

 

 

$

 

32,525,755

 

 

 

Efrain Rivera

Base Salary(2)

$

$

$

$

750,000

Annual Incentive(3)

 

 

655,650

 

655,650

 

750,000

Stock Option Awards(4)

 

 

2,787,706

 

 

2,787,706

Restricted Stock Awards(5)

 

 

1,997,363

 

 

1,997,363

Performance Share Awards(6)

 

 

2,377,584

 

 

2,377,584

LTIP-Performance Options(7)

 

 

 

 

1,838,877

LTIP Performance Shares(8)

 

 

 

 

774,491

Benefits(9)

 

 

 

 

26,162

Total

$

2,404,536

$

$

7,818,303

$

655,650

$

11,302,183

 

Mark A. Bottini

Base Salary(2)

$

$

$

$

675,000

Annual Incentive(3)

 

 

573,660

 

573,660

 

742,500

Stock Option Awards(4)

 

 

2,294,481

 

 

2,294,481

Restricted Stock Awards(5)

 

 

1,847,059

 

 

1,847,059

Performance Share Awards(6)

 

 

304,469

 

 

304,469

LTIP-Performance Options(7)

 

 

 

 

1,838,877

LTIP Performance Shares(8)

 

 

 

 

774,491

Benefits(9)

 

 

 

 

39,889

Total

 

$

 

1,964,282

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

5,019,669

 

 

$

 

573,660

 

 

$

 

8,516,766

 

 

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  53


  NEO Compensation  

  Potential Payments Upon Separation
  
 

Annual
Compensation
per the
Summary
Compensation
Table(1)

 

Voluntary
Resignation/
Termination

 

Death or
Disability

 

Retirement

 

Termination
Other Than
For Cause/
Resignation
For
Good Reason
within
One Year of
Change of
Control

 

 

John B. Gibson

Base Salary(2)

$

$

$

$

675,000

Annual Incentive(3)

 

 

590,085

 

590,085

 

675,000

Stock Option Awards(4)

 

 

2,264,166

 

 

2,264,166

Restricted Stock Awards(5)

 

 

1,806,737

 

 

1,806,737

Performance Share Awards(6)

 

 

304,469

 

 

304,469

LTIP-Performance Options(7)

 

 

 

 

1,838,877

LTIP Performance Shares(8)

 

 

 

 

774,491

Benefits(9)

 

 

 

 

26,331

Total

 

$

 

1,980,130

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

4,965,457

 

 

$

 

590,085

 

 

$

 

8,365,071

 

 

 

Michael E. Gioja

Base Salary(2)

$

$

$

$

712,500

Annual Incentive(3)

 

 

622,868

 

622,868

 

712,500

Stock Option Awards(4)

 

 

2,264,166

 

 

2,264,166

Restricted Stock Awards(5)

 

 

1,806,737

 

 

1,806,737

Performance Share Awards(6)

 

 

304,469

 

 

304,469

LTIP-Performance Options(7)

 

 

 

 

1,838,877

LTIP Performance Shares(8)

 

 

 

 

774,491

Benefits(9)

 

 

 

 

18,903

Total

 

$

 

2,032,451

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

4,998,240

 

 

$

 

622,868

 

 

$

 

8,432,643

 

 

Total for all NEOs

 

$

 

16,311,919

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

47,231,868

 

 

$

 

4,158,438

 

 

$

 

69,142,418

 

 

(1)

The amounts in this column are the total reported compensation for fiscal 2019 per the Fiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table presented earlier in this proxy statement. These amounts are provided for comparative purposes only.

(2)

Base salary is the annual salary at a multiple as outlined in the Change in Control Plan; 2.0 for CEO and 1.5 for SVPs.

(3)

For death or disability and retirement, the value for the annual incentive is the amount earned as of May 31, 2016.

                      
Name
(a)
 Option Awards  Stock Awards 
 

Option

Grant

Date

(b)

  

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options

(Exercisable)

(#)

(c)

  

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options

(Unexercisable)
(#)

(d)

  

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Unearned

Options

(#)

(e)

  

Option

Exercise

Price ($)

(f)

  

Option

Expiration

Date

(g)

  

Total

Potential

Current

Value of

Outstanding

Options($)

(h)

  

Number

of

Shares

or Units

of Stock
That

Have

Not

Vested

(#)

(i)

  

Market Value

of Shares or

Units of Stock

That
Have Not

Vested

($)

(j)

  

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Number of

Unearned

Shares,

Units or

Other
Rights

That Have

Not Vested

(#)

(k)

  

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:
Market or
Payout Value

of Unearned
Shares, Units

or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested ($) (l)

 
Martin Mucci  7/8/2015        206,801       $47.32    7/8/2025        
   7/9/2014    48,828    146,485       $41.70    7/9/2024        
   7/10/2013    118,922    118,922       $38.48    7/9/2023        
   7/11/2012    206,151    68,718       $31.65    7/10/2022        
   7/7/2011    117,500    197,500       $31.63    7/6/2021        
   7/6/2011    206,422           $31.34    7/5/2021        
   7/7/2010    29,786           $26.02    7/6/2020        
   7/9/2009    13,290           $24.21    7/8/2019        
   7/9/2009    12,675           $31.95    7/9/2018        
   7/10/2008    40,000           $31.95    7/9/2018        
   7/17/2007    30,000           $43.91    7/17/2017   $28,379,659       
                               152,132   $8,248,597    25,312   $1,372,417  
Efrain Rivera  7/8/2015        46,875       $47.32    7/8/2025        
   7/9/2014    11,067    33,204       $41.70    7/9/2024        
   7/10/2013    26,955    26,956       $38.48    7/9/2023        
   7/11/2012    44,175    14,726       $31.65    7/10/2022        
   7/7/2011    58,750    98,750       $31.63    7/6/2021        
   7/6/2011    44,381           $31.34    7/5/2021   $7,629,027       
                               34,482   $1,869,614    5,737   $311,060  
Mark A. Bottini  7/8/2015        46,875       $47.32    7/8/2025        
   7/9/2014    11,067    33,204       $41.70    7/9/2024        
   7/10/2013    26,955    26,956       $38.48    7/9/2023        
   7/11/2012    44,175    14,726       $31.65    7/10/2022        
   10/17/2011    35,063    98,750       $28.06    10/16/2021        
        $6,556,213       
                               34,482   $1,869,614    5,737   $311,060  
John B. Gibson  7/8/2015        46,875       $47.32    7/8/2025        
   7/9/2014    11,067    33,204       $41.70    7/9/2024        
   7/10/2013    26,955    26,956       $38.48    7/9/2023        
   7/1/2013        94,500       $36.66    6/30/2023   $3,385,690       
                               34,482   $1,869,614    5,737   $311,060  
Michael E. Gioja   7/8/2015        46,875       $47.32    7/8/2025        
   7/9/2014    11,067    33,204       $41.70    7/9/2024        
   7/10/2013    26,955    26,956       $38.48    7/9/2023        
   7/11/2012    10,000    14,726       $31.65    7/10/2022        
   7/7/2011    58,750    98,750       $31.63    7/6/2021        
   7/6/2011    22,191           $31.34    7/5/2021        
   7/7/2010    4,468           $26.02    7/6/2020        
   7/9/2009    7,840           $24.21    7/8/2019        
   11/10/2008    2,400           $26.77    11/9/2018   $6,777,146       
                               34,482   $1,869,614    5,737   $311,060  

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  44


NEO Compensation

Number2019. For termination other than for cause or resignation for good reason within one year of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (Column (d))

The options displayeda change in this column issued prior to July 2010 vest 20% per annum over a five-year period fromcontrol, the date of grant. Awards issued during and subsequent to July 2010 vest 25% per annum over a four-year period from the date of grant. The following table provides information with respect to the future vesting of each NEO’s outstanding options.

    Number of Securities Vesting (#)
    

July

2016

  

July

2017

  

July

2018

  

July

2019

Martin Mucci

    426,207     159,989     100,529     51,701 

Efrain Rivera

    149,740     36,265     22,787     11,719 

Mark A. Bottini

    149,740     36,265     22,787     11,719 

John B. Gibson

    130,764     36,265     22,787     11,719 

Michael E. Gioja

    149,740     36,265     22,787     11,719 

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (Column (e))

There are no amounts in this column as the final performance periodvalue for the LTIP performance stock options has been completed. The options earned based on pre-established performance goals for fiscal 2016 are includedannual incentive is the incentive at target at a multiple as outlined in the columnChange in Control Plan; 2.0 for securities underlying unexercised options.CEO and 1.5 for SVPs.

Total Potential Current Value of Outstanding Options (Column (h))

 

(4)

The total potential current value of options outstandingthe unvested stock option awards is based ondetermined by the difference between $54.22,in the closing price of the Company’s common stock onof $85.79 per share as of May 31, 2016,2019 and the exercise price multiplied by all outstanding options, whether exercisable or unexercisable. In those instances when the outstanding options are out of the money (the option exercise price is greater than the closing price), no value is provided. This column is not required by the rules relating to executive compensation disclosures and is not a substitute for information required by Item 402 of SEC Regulation S-K, but rather is intended to provide additional information that stockholders may find useful.

Number of Shares or Units and Market Value of Shares or Units That Have Not Vested (Columns (i) and (j))

The stock awards in this column include awards on July 10, 2013, July 9, 2014, and July 8, 2015 that are subject to time-based vesting pro rata over three years. The performance shares granted on July 10, 2013 and July 9, 2014 are also included in this column, since their performance conditions have been satisfied. These performance shares are now restricted with a one-year service requirement before the restrictions lapse in July 2016 and July 2017.

The following table provides information with respect to the future vesting of each NEO’s outstanding restricted stock awards:

    Number of Securities  Vesting (#)
    

July

2016

  

July

2017

  

July

2018

Martin Mucci

    82,207     64,694     5,231 

Efrain Rivera

    18,633     14,663     1,186 

Mark A. Bottini

    18,633     14,663     1,186 

John B. Gibson

    18,633     14,663     1,186 

Michael E. Gioja

    18,633     14,663     1,186 

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  45


NEO Compensation

The market value displayed is based on the number of shares that have not vested multiplied by $54.22,unvested options.

(5)

The value of unvested time-based restricted stock awards is based upon the closing price of the Company’s common stock of $85.79 as of May 31, 2016.2019.

Total dividends and interest accrued on the restricted stock awards that have not vested as of May 31, 2016 were as follows: Mr. Mucci — $204,217; and Mr. Rivera, Mr. Bottini, Mr. Gibson, and Mr. Gioja — $46,285 each.

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (Columns (k) and (l))

 

(6)

The stock awards in these columns represent performance shares granted on July 8, 2015. These awards have pre-established performance goals that can be achieved over a two-year period. Shares earned will be determined at the endvalue of the performance period, and then will be restricted with a one-year service requirement before the restrictions lapse. Theseshare awards are presented at threshold performance as of May 31, 2016. The market value displayed is based on the number of shares at threshold multiplied by $54.22,upon the closing price of the Company’s common stock of $85.79 as of May 31, 2016.

2019, assuming achievement at target, and prorated forPOTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROLone-half

FISCAL 2016

Change In Control Plan

The Company has a Change in Control Plan covering the officers of the Company. Upon involuntary terminationperformance period completed as of May 31, 2019. The exception is for Mr. Rivera’sone-time performance share award granted in September 2017, which would vest in full as fiscal 2018’s and fiscal 2019’s net income exceeded target.

(7)

The value of the LTIP performance stock options is determined by the Company without cause or a voluntary terminationdifference in the closing price of the Company’s common stock of $85.79 per share as of May 31, 2019, and the exercise price multiplied by the participantnumber of unearned options. This is prorated for good reason, within 12 months following a Change in Control, as defined in the Change in Control Plan, the officer becomes entitled to certain severance benefits. “Cause” means the participant’s dereliction of duty to the Company, conviction for a felony, or willful misconduct that has a substantial adverse effect on the Company. “Good reason” means a significant change to the duties, authority, or position that were assigned immediately before the change in control including: the reduction in or removal of any material duties, authority, or position within the Company; assignment of duties inconsistent with the participant’s position, authorities, or responsibilities; material reduction to base salary, annual incentive, or other elements of total compensation; relocationthree-fourths of the participant’s principal workplace to an area outsideportion of a 50-mile radius; or the failureperformance period completed as of a successor company to assume or adopt this plan.May 31, 2019.

(8)

The severance benefits, which are conditionedvalue of the LTIP performance restricted stock is based upon the execution of a general release in favorclosing price of the Company, areCompany’s common stock of $85.79 as follows:

Cash compensation in the form of a lump-sum payment equal to a multiple of Annual Cash Compensation (Base Salary and Bonus at target) as determined by position within the Company (CEO — 2.0; SVP — 1.5);

Lump-sum cash payment for pro-rated portion of current year annual cash performance incentive award at target;

Immediate vesting of all outstanding time-based equity awards. Performance-based equity awards will vestMay 31, 2019, assuming achievement at target and prorated for three-fourths of the performance levels on a pro-rated basis; andperiod completed as of May 31, 2019.

 

(9)

Lump-sum payment forThe value of the cost to continue basic life insurance, medical, dental, vision, and hospitalization benefits for the applicable Continuation Period, which is determined asequal to the number of years equal to the participant’s multiplier (CEO — 2.0; SVP — 1.5).

The plan does not provide for tax gross-ups. The summary of the terms of the foregoing plan is qualifiedas outlined in its entirety by reference to the text of the plan document. For more information, refer to the Paychex, Inc. Change In Control Plan, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on July 15, 2011.

Other Separation Benefits

With the exception of the Change in Control Plan, NEOs are not entitled to severance benefits. However,Plan: 2.0 for all NEOs, upon death or disability all unvested stock optionsCEO, and restricted stock awards become fully vested according to the terms of the award agreements under the 2002 Plan. Upon death or disability a 1.5 for SVPs.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  54


NEO shall be entitled to a prorated portion of actual shares earned under a performance share award, based on the number of days in the performance period until the date of death or disability as a percentage of the total number of days in the performance period. The LTIP award agreement does not have a provision allowing vesting of a portion of the award at death, disability, or retirement.Compensation  

Upon death, disability, or retirement, NEOs may be eligible to receive an annual incentive program payout based on actual fiscal year results and calculated using the base pay received by the participant during the performance period.

NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

FISCAL 2019

We offer anon-qualified and unfunded deferred compensation plan to our NEOs. Eligible employees are able to defer up to 50% of their base salary and annual incentive program award. The Company does not contribute to this plan. Gains and losses are credited based on the participant’s selection of a variety of designated investment choices. The NEO has sole control as to which of the designated funds to invest in, and earns the resulting return on such investment. We do not match any participant deferral or guarantee a certain rate of return. Distributions are paid at one of the following dates selected by the participant: the participant’s termination date; the date the participant retires from any active employment; or a designated specific date. Payments can be made either in a lump sum or in annual installments over a period not to exceed ten years.

The following table summarizes the NEO benefits under the plan:

 

Fiscal 2019

  

Name

(a)

Executive
Contributions
($)

(b)

Aggregate
Earnings/
(Losses), Net
($)

(c)

Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)

(d)

Aggregate

Balance
as of
May 31, 2019
($)

(e)

Martin Mucci

$

205,210

$

77,463

$

$

2,798,041

Efrain Rivera

$

468,091

$

200,276

$

$

3,394,340

Mark A. Bottini

$

64,296

$

1,099

$

$

209,075

John B. Gibson

$

223,855

$

(5,688

$

$

525,211

Other NEOs are not currently participating in this plan.

Executive Contributions (Column (b))

The amounts in this column reflect the aggregate of the salary and bonus amounts deferred by the NEO during fiscal 2019. These are included in amounts reported in the Fiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table.

Aggregate Earnings/(Losses), Net (Column (c))

The amounts in this column reflect both net realized gains/(losses) and net unrealized gains/(losses). They are not included in the Fiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table as the earnings on these investments are not considered to be “above-market” earnings.

Aggregate Withdrawals/Distributions (Column (d))

The amounts in this column would represent amounts withdrawn from the plan, and would have been included in the “Salary” and“Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Tables for current and previous years.

Aggregate Balance as of May 31, 2019 (Column (e))

The amounts in this column reflect the accumulated balances in the plan and include the “Salary” and“Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” deferred amounts reported in current and previous years in the Fiscal 2019 Summary Compensation Table.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  55


  NEO Compensation  

The investment funds available to NEOs, and the respectiveone-year rates of return as of May 31, 2019, are as follows:

    
Name of FundRate of
Return

Name of Fund

Rate of
Return

American Funds Europacific Growth Fund

 

(6.67

)%

MFS Mid Cap Value Fund R6

 

0.09

 %

BlackRock Global Allocation Fund Class A

 

(0.96

)%

Oppenheimer Developing Markets Fund Class A

 

(5.91

)%

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund

 

(8.95

)%

T. Rowe Price Equity Income Fund

 

0.18

 %

Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund

 

(3.64

)%

T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Fund

 

3.16

 %

Fidelity Government Money Market Fund

 

1.96

 % 

T. Rowe Price New Income Fund

 

6.38

 %

Fidelity 500 Index Fund

 

3.77

 %      

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund

 

(6.94

)%     

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  56


Independent Accountants  

PROPOSAL 3:

RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP TO SERVE AS

THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC

ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

What am I voting on?Voting Recommendation
Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  46


NEO Compensation

Potential Benefits Upon Separation from Company

The following table presents, as of May 31, 2016, the compensation and benefits to the NEOs upon separation from employment with the Company for the various reasons specified.

        Potential Payments Upon Separation 
    Annual
Compensation
per the
Summary
Compensation
Table(1)
   Voluntary
Resignation/
Termination
   Death or
Disability
   Retirement   

Termination

Other
Than For
Cause/
Resignation
For
Good Reason

within
One Year of

Change
of Control

 

Martin Mucci

                         

Base Salary(2)

       $    $    $    $1,800,000  

Annual Incentive(3)

             1,203,210     1,203,210     2,340,000  

Stock Option Awards(4)

             11,145,242          11,145,242  

Restricted Stock Awards(5)

             8,248,597          8,248,597  

Performance Share Awards(6)

             1,143,690          1,143,690  

Benefits(7)

                       27,967  

Total

  $5,782,395    $    $21,740,739    $1,203,210    $24,705,496  

Efrain Rivera

                         

Base Salary(2)

       $    $    $    $712,500  

Annual Incentive(3)

             454,670     454,670     676,875  

Stock Option Awards(4)

             3,726,567          3,726,567  

Restricted Stock Awards(5)

             1,869,614          1,869,614  

Performance Share Awards(6)

             259,226          259,226  

Benefits(7)

                       25,901  

Total

  $1,769,973    $    $6,310,077    $454,670    $7,270,683  

Mark A. Bottini

                         

Base Salary(2)

       $    $    $    $675,000  

Annual Incentive(3)

             442,440     442,440     641,250  

Stock Option Awards(4)

             4,079,105          4,079,105  

Restricted Stock Awards(5)

             1,869,614          1,869,614  

Performance Share Awards(6)

             259,226          259,226  

Benefits(7)

                       37,760  

Total

  $1,810,049    $    $6,650,385    $442,440    $7,561,955  

John B. Gibson

                         

Base Salary(2)

                       637,500  

Annual Incentive(3)

             406,810     406,810     605,625  

Stock Option Awards(4)

             2,822,859          2,822,859  

Restricted Stock Awards(5)

             1,869,614          1,869,614  

Performance Share Awards(6)

             259,226          259,226  

Benefits(7)

                       26,680  

Total

  $1,668,907    $    $5,358,509    $406,810    $6,221,504  

Michael E. Gioja

                         

Base Salary(2)

       $    $    $    $637,500  

Annual Incentive(3)

             406,810     406,810     605,625  

Stock Option Awards(4)

             3,726,567          3,726,567  

Restricted Stock Awards(5)

             1,869,614          1,869,614  

Performance Share Awards(6)

             259,226          259,226  

Benefits(7)

                       21,184  

Total

  $1,673,454    $    $6,262,217    $406,810    $7,119,716  

Total for all NEOs

  $12,704,778         $46,321,927    $2,913,940    $52,879,354  

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  47


NEO Compensation

(1)The amounts in this column are the total reported compensation for fiscal 2016 per the Summary Compensation Table presented earlier in this proxy statement. These amounts are provided for comparative purposes only.

(2)Base salary is the annual salary at a multiple as outlined in the Change in Control Plan; 2.0 for CEO and 1.5 for SVPs.

(3)For death or disability and retirement, the value for the annual incentive is the amount earned as of May 31, 2016. For termination other than for cause or resignation for good reason within one year of a change in control, the value for the annual incentive is the incentive at target at a multiple as outlined in the Change in Control Plan; 2.0 for CEO and 1.5 for SVPs.

(4)The value of the unvested stock option awards is determined by the difference in the closing price of the Company’s common stock of $54.22 per share as of May 31, 2016 and the exercise price multiplied by the number of unvested options.

(5)The value of unvested restricted stock awards is based upon the closing price of the Company’s common stock of $54.22 as of May 31, 2016.

(6)The value of the performance share awards is based upon the closing price of the Company’s common stock of $54.22 as of May 31, 2016, assuming achievement at target, and prorated for one-half of the performance period completed as of May 31, 2016.

(7)The value of the cost to continue basic life insurance, medical, dental, vision, and hospitalization benefits for the applicable Continuation Period, which is equal to the number of years as outlined in the Change in Control Plan: 2.0 for CEO, and 1.5 for SVPs.

NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

FISCAL 2016

We offer a non-qualified and unfunded deferred compensation plan to our NEOs. Eligible employees are able to defer up to 50% of their base salary and annual incentive program award. The Company does not contribute to this plan. Gains and losses are credited based on the participant’s selection of a variety of designated investment choices. The NEO has sole control as to which of the designated funds to invest in, and earns the resulting return on such investment. We do not match any participant deferral or guarantee a certain rate of return. Distributions are paid at one of the following dates selected by the participant: the participant’s termination date; the date the participant retires from any active employment; or a designated specific date. Payments can be made either in a lump sum or in annual installments over a period not to exceed ten years.

The following table summarizes the NEO benefits under the plan:

        
    Fiscal 2016   

Aggregate

Balance

as of
May 31, 2016

($)

(e)

 

     Name

     (a)

  

Executive

Contributions

($)

(b)

   

Aggregate

Earnings/
(Losses), Net

($)

(c)

   

Aggregate

Withdrawals/

Distributions

($)

(d)

   
    Martin Mucci  $219,582    $12,746    $    $1,843,536  
    Efrain Rivera  $455,552    $49,856    $    $1,807,585  
    John B. Gibson  $53,454    $(1,728  $    $143,073  

Other NEO’s are currently not participating in this plan.

Executive Contributions (Column (b))

The amounts in this column reflect the aggregate of the salary and bonus amounts deferred by the NEO during fiscal 2016. These are included in amounts reported in the Fiscal 2016 Summary Compensation Table.

Aggregate Earnings/(Losses), Net (Column (c))

The amounts in this column reflect both net realized gains/losses and net unrealized gains/losses. They are not included in the Fiscal 2016 Summary Compensation Table as the earnings on these investments are not considered to be “above-market” earnings.

Aggregate Withdrawals/Distributions (Column (d))

The amounts in this column would represent amounts withdrawn from the plan, and would have been included in the “Salary” and “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Tables for current and previous years.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  48


NEO Compensation

Aggregate Balance as of May 31, 2016 (Column (e))

The amounts in this column reflect the accumulated balances in the plan and include the “Salary” and “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” amounts reported in current and previous years in the Fiscal 2016 Summary Compensation Table.

The investment funds managed at Wilmington Trust Company available to NEOs, and the respective one-year rates of return as of May 31, 2016, are as follows:

      
Name of Fund  

    Rate of

    Return

  Name of Fund  

Rate of

Return

 
American Funds Europacific Growth Fund   (9.37)%    T. Rowe Price Equity Income Fund   (1.78)% 
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund Class A   (5.64)%    T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Fund   (1.50)% 
Fidelity Spartan Extended Market Index Fund   (6.14)%    T. Rowe Price New Income Fund   2.50
Fidelity Spartan 500 Index Advantage Fund   1.63%    T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value Fund   1.63
MFS Mid Cap Value Fund R5   (0.18)%    Vanguard Prime Money Market Fund   0.21
Oppenheimer Developing Markets Fund Class A   (13.17)%    Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund   (10.80)% 

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  49


Independent Accountants

PROPOSAL 3: RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Proposal Snapshot

What am I voting on?

Stockholders are being asked to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm (the “independent accountants”) for fiscal 2017.

2020.  

Voting Recommendation

The Board of Directors recommends a voteFOR the ratification of PwC as the Company’s independent public accounting firmaccountants for fiscal 2017.2020.

The Audit Committee has appointed PwC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm (the “independent accountants”) for fiscal 2017.

LOGO

The Audit Committee has appointed PwC as the Company’s independent accountants for fiscal 2020. The firm has served as the independent accountants for the Company since the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014. In connection with the decision to appoint PwC, the Audit Committee evaluates: their reputation, qualifications, and experiences; quality of communications and interactions during the past year; and their independence and objectivity. Although action by stockholders in this matter is not required, the Audit Committee believes that it is appropriate to seek stockholder ratification of this appointment and to seriously consider stockholder opinion on this issue. If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will review its future selection of the independent accountants, but may still retain them.

The Audit Committee is also responsible for the audit fee negotiations associated with the Company’s retention of PwC. In order to ensure continuing auditor independence, the Audit Committee periodically considers whether there should be a regular rotation of the independent accountants. Additionally, the Audit Committee and its Chair are directly involved in the selection and mandated rotation of the lead engagement partner from PwC. The members of the Audit Committee believe that the continued retention of PwC to serve as the Company’s independent accountants is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders.

Representatives from PwC the Company’s independent accountants, will be present at the Annual Meeting, will be afforded the opportunity to make any statements they wish, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.

To ratify the appointment of PwC, a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal at the Annual Meeting must be voted for the proposal.

The Board recommends a vote FOR the proposal to ratify the appointment of PwC as the Company’s
independent accountants for fiscal 2020.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  57


  Independent Accountants  

Fees for Professional Services

The following table shows the aggregate fees for professional services rendered for the Company by PwC:

   Year Ended May 31, 
  
    2019   2018 

Audit fees

  

$

1,956,000

 

  

$

1,620,000

 

Audit-related fees

  

 

127,000

 

  

 

187,000

 

Tax-related fees

  

 

 

  

 

126,000

 

Total fees

  

$

2,083,000

 

  

$

1,933,000

 

Audit fees

This category includes fees for fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 that were for professional services rendered primarily for the audits of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements, reviews of the financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports onForm 10-Q, audits of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and for statutory and regulatory filings.

Audit-related fees

This category includes fees for services in fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 for consultation concerning financial accounting and reporting standards.

Tax-related fees

This category includes fees for fiscal 2018 services related to tax compliance and planning. There were no tax-related fees for fiscal 2019.

There were no other fees paid to PwC for fiscal 2019 or fiscal 2018.

Audit Committee Policy onPre-Approval of Services of Independent Accountants

The Audit Committee’s policy is topre-approve all audit and permissiblenon-audit services provided by the independent accountants. The Audit Committeepre-approved all such audit and audit-related services provided by the independent accountants during fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  58


Independent Accountants  

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors oversees the Company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board and is composed entirely of independent directors. The Audit Committee is governed by a written Charter and its primary responsibilities are highlighted in the Corporate Governance section of this Proxy Statement.

Paychex management is responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, the financial reporting process, and for the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s independent accountants, is responsible for performing independent audits of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The independent accountants are also responsible for expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. The Audit Committee monitors and oversees these processes. Also, the Audit Committee discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard 1301 as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board relating to communications with audit committees.

As part of the oversight processes, the Audit Committee regularly meets with management, the Company’s internal auditors, and the independent accountants. The Audit Committee meets with the internal auditors and independent accountants, with and without management present, to discuss the overall scope and plans for various audits, results of their examinations, their evaluations of the Company’s internal controls, and the overall quality and effectiveness of the Company’s financial reporting process and legal and ethical compliance programs, including the Company’s Code of Business Ethics and Conduct. The Audit Committee held six meetings during fiscal 2019 and had full access to each of the aforementioned parties.

In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management and the independent accountants the consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2019, including a discussion on the quality and acceptability of the Company’s accounting policies, the reasonableness of significant judgments and estimates, and the clarity of disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The Audit Committee also monitored the progress and results of testing of internal controls over financial reporting, reviewed reports from management and internal audit regarding design, operation, and effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, and reviewed the report from the independent accountants regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent accountants the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard 1301 and SEC Rule2-07. The independent accountants have provided the Audit Committee with written disclosures and the letter required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding independent accountants’ communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and the Audit Committee has discussed with the independent accountants and management the accountants’ independence. The Audit Committee approvednon-audit services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP during fiscal 2019. The Audit Committee considered whether PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s provision ofnon-audit services to the Company and its affiliates and the fees and costs billed for those services, is permissible with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s independence. The Audit Committee has a clear policy onnon-audit services that may be provided by the independent accountants, which prohibits certain categories of work and requirespre-authorization for allnon-audit related services.

Based upon the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended and the Board approved that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Form10-K for the fiscal 2019 for filing with the SEC. The Audit Committee has recommended for approval by the Board the selection of the Company’s independent accountants.

The Audit Committee:

David J. S. Flaschen,Chair

Thomas F. Bonadio

Joseph G. Doody

Kara Wilson

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  59


  FAQ  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Proxy Statement and What Is a Proxy?

We are furnishing this proxy statement to stockholders on behalf of our Board, who is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Annual Meeting. A proxy statement is a document that SEC regulations require us to give you when we ask you to sign a proxy designating individuals to vote on your behalf. This proxy statement summarizes information concerning the matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting and related information to help stockholders make an informed vote.

A proxy is your legal designation of another person to vote the stock that you own. That other person is called a proxy. The proxy card is your written document that designates someone to be your proxy. We have designated two of our officers as proxies for the Annual Meeting—Martin Mucci, President and CEO, and Efrain Rivera, SVP, CFO and Treasurer.

Distribution of this proxy statement and a form of proxy to stockholders is scheduled to begin on or about September 18, 2019.

When and Where Is the Annual Meeting?

The Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY 14607.

What Am I Voting On? How Do You Recommend I Vote?

The table below shows the proposals subject to vote at the Annual Meeting, along with information on what vote is required to approve each of the proposals, assuming the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting, and the Board’s recommendations for each proposal. With respect to Proposals 1, 2, and 3, you may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST,” or “ABSTAIN.”

ProposalVote RequiredBoard
Recommendation

Proposal 1: Election of nine nominees to the Board of Directors for aone-year term

Majority of the votes duly cast

FOR all director nominees

Proposal 2: Advisory vote to approve the Company’s named executive officer compensation

Majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote aton the Annual Meeting must be voted forproposal

FOR

Proposal 3: Ratification of the proposal.

The Board recommends a voteFOR the proposalselection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to ratify the appointment of PwCserve as the Company’sour independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2017.

Majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal

FOR

Who is Entitled to Vote At the Annual Meeting?

Stockholders of record of our common stock as of the close of business on August 19, 2019 (the “Record Date”) will be eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each share outstanding as of the Record Date will be entitled to one vote.

How Many Shares Must Be Present to Hold the Annual Meeting?

In order for us to conduct our Annual Meeting, the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote must be present at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy. This is called a quorum. A quorum is necessary to hold a valid meeting. As of August 19, 2019, 358,139,386 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding. A total of 179,069,694 shares will constitute a quorum.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  60


Fees For Professional Services

 

 

The following table shows

FAQ  

What is The Difference Between a Registered Stockholder and a Beneficial Stockholder?

If your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, you are considered a stockholder of record, or aregistered stockholder,” with respect to those shares. If your shares are held in a brokerage account in the name of your bank, broker, or other nominee (this is called “street name”), you are not a registered stockholder, but rather are considered a “beneficial owner” of those shares. Your bank, broker, or other nominee will send you instructions on how to vote your shares.

What Shares are Included on the Proxy Card?

You may receive more than one proxy card if you have multiple accounts with our transfer agent, or with banks, brokers, or other nominees.

If you are aregistered stockholder, you will receive a proxy card for shares of common stock you hold in certificate form or in book-entry form.

If you are a participant in the Paychex Employee Stock Ownership Plan Stock Fund (“ESOP”) of the Company’s 401(k) Plan, you will receive a proxy card that reflects those shares. You can vote those shares using the methods described below. This will serve as a voting instruction for Fidelity Management Trust Company (the “Trustee”), who is the holder of record for the shares in the ESOP. As a participant in the ESOP, you have the right to direct the Trustee on how to vote the shares of common stock credited to your account at the Annual Meeting. The participants’ voting instructions will be tabulated confidentially. Only the Trustee and/or the tabulator will have access to each participant’s individual voting direction. If you do not submit voting instructions for your shares of common stock in the ESOP, those shares will be voted by the Trustee in the same proportions as the shares for which voting instructions were received from other participants. To allow sufficient time for voting by the Trustee, voting instructions by ESOP participants must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, October 11, 2019. The Trustee will then vote all shares of common stock held in the ESOP by the established deadline.

If you are abeneficial owner, you will receive voting instruction information from the bank, broker, or other nominee through which you own your shares of common stock.

How Do I Vote in Advance of the Annual Meeting?

If you are a registered stockholder, or a participant in the ESOP,youcan vote in one of the following ways:

Via the aggregate feesinternet—Go to the website noted on your proxy card in order to vote via the Internet. Internet voting is available 24 hours a day. We encourage you to vote via the Internet, as it is the most cost-effective way to vote.

By telephone—Call the toll-free telephone number indicated on your proxy card and follow the voice prompt instructions to vote by telephone. Telephone voting is available 24 hours a day.

By mail—Mark your proxy card, sign and date it, and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. If you elected to electronically access the proxy statement and annual report, you will not receive a proxy card and must vote via the Internet.

   By mobile device —Scan this QR code

LOGO

Proxies submitted by internet or telephone must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, October 16, 2019. If you vote by telephone or the Internet, you do not need to return your proxy card.

If you are abeneficial owner, you can vote in the manner prescribed by the bank, broker, or other nominee through which you own your shares of common stock. You will receive voting instruction information for you to use in directing the bank, broker or other nominee how to vote your shares. Check the voting instruction information used by the bank, broker or other nominee to see if it offers internet or telephone voting.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  61


  FAQ  

May I Vote In Person at the Annual Meeting?

If you are aregistered stockholder, you may vote your shares at the Annual Meeting if you attend in person, even if you previously submitted a proxy card or voted by Internet or telephone. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, however, we strongly encourage you to vote your shares by proxy before the meeting.

If you are a beneficial owner and want to vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting, you will need to ask your bank, broker, or other nominee to furnish you with a legal proxy. You must hand this legal proxy in with your completed ballot. Without this legal proxy you will be unable to vote at the meeting.

May I Change My Mind After I Vote?

Registered stockholders may change a properly executed proxy at any time prior to it being voted at the Annual Meeting by:

providing written notice of revocation to the Corporate Secretary;

submitting a later-dated proxy via the internet, telephone, or mail; or

voting in person at the Annual Meeting.

Beneficial owners should contact their broker, bank, or other nominee for instructions on how to change their vote.

If you are a participant in the ESOP, you may change a properly executed proxy at any time prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 11, 2019, by submitting a proxy that has a more recent date than the original proxy by Internet, telephone, or mail. You may not, however, change your voting instructions in person at the Annual Meeting because the Trustee will not be present.

In What Manner Are Proxies Voted? What if I Returned My Proxy Card Without Specifying a Vote?

All votes properly cast and not revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the stockholder’s directions. You should specify your choice for each matter on your proxy card. However, if you do not specify your choices on your returned proxy card, then your shares will be voted in accordance with the Board’s recommendations. Should any matter not described above be properly presented at the Annual Meeting, the persons named on the proxy form will vote in accordance with their judgment as permitted.

If you are abeneficial owner, in order to ensure your shares are voted the way you would like, you must provide voting instructions to your bank, broker, or other nominee. If you do not provide your voting instructions to that party, whether your shares can be voted depends on the type of item being considered for vote. New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules allow your bank, broker, or other nominee to use its own discretion and vote your shares on routine matters. A bank, broker, or other nominee does not have discretion to vote your shares onnon-routine matters (known as “brokernon-votes”). Proposals 1 and 2 are not considered to be routine matters under the current NYSE rules, and so your bank, broker, or other nominee will not have the discretionary authority to vote your shares on those items. Proposal 3 is considered a routine matter under NYSE rules, so your bank, broker, or other nominee will have discretionary authority to vote your shares on that item.

How Are BrokerNon-Votes and Abstentions Counted?

Brokernon-votes are not considered votes for or against a proposal and therefore will have no direct impact on any proposal since they are not deemed to be duly cast nor entitled to vote, but they will be counted for the purpose of determining the presence or absence of a quorum.Therefore, we urge you to give voting instructions to your bank or broker on all voting items.

Abstentions are also counted for the purposes of establishing a quorum, but will have the same effect as a vote against a proposal, except in regard to the election of directors. For this item, abstentions will have no direct impact.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  62


FAQ  

How Can I Find the Results of the Voting?

We will announce the preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting. The Company will report the final results in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC within four business days following the Annual Meeting.

Can I Access Proxy Materials on the Internet?

The Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, proxy statement, and annual report are available on the Company’s website atwww.paychex.com/investors.

As an alternative to receiving paper copies of the proxy statement and annual report in the mail, stockholders can elect to receive an e-mail message, which will provide a link to these documents on the internet. Opting to receive your proxy materials online saves the Company the cost of producing and mailing bulky documents and reduces the volume of duplicate information you receive.

Forregistered stockholders, to give your consent to receive future documents via electronic delivery, vote your proxy via the Internet and follow the instructions to enroll in the electronic delivery service. Forbeneficial owners, please check the information in the proxy materials provided by your bank, broker, or other nominee regarding the availability of electronic delivery service.

Are There Any Other Actions to be Presented at the Annual Meeting?

As of the date of this proxy statement, management does not intend to present, and has not been informed that any other person intends to present, any matter for action at the Annual Meeting other than those described in this proxy statement. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote on such matters in accordance with their judgment.

Who Pays for the Cost of Solicitation of Proxies?

Solicitation of proxies is made on behalf of the Company and the Company will pay the cost of solicitation of proxies. The Company will reimburse any banks, brokers and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries for their expenses in forwarding proxies and proxy solicitation material to the beneficial owners of the shares held by them. In addition to solicitation by use of the mail or via the internet, directors, officers, and regular employees of the Company, without extra compensation, may solicit proxies personally or by telephone or other communication means.

How Are Proxy Materials and the Company’s Annual Report Being Delivered?

The Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, proxy statement, proxy card, and annual report are being mailed to stockholders on or about September 18, 2019. You may also obtain a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, without charge, upon written request submitted to Paychex, Inc., 911 Panorama Trail South, Rochester, New York 14625-2396, Attention: Investor Relations.

What is Householding?

In accordance with the Exchange Act, the Company delivers materials to stockholders under a program known as “householding.” Under the householding program, the Company is delivering one copy of its annual report and proxy statement in a single envelope addressed to all stockholders who share a single address, unless such stockholders previously notified the Company that they wish to revoke their consent to the householding. Householding is intended to reduce the Company’s printing and postage costs.

You may revoke your consent at any time by calling toll-free (800) 542-1061 or by writing to Broadridge Investor Communications Services, Attention: Broadridge Householding Department, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. If you revoke your consent, you will be removed from the householding program within 30 days of receipt of your revocation, and each stockholder at your address will receive individual copies of the Company’s disclosure documents.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  63


  FAQ  

Stockholders of record residing at the same address and currently receiving multiple copies of the annual report and proxy statement and who wish to receive a single copy may also contact Broadridge Investor Communications Services at the phone number and address noted above. Beneficial owners will need to contact their broker, bank, or other nominee to request that only a single copy of each document be mailed to all stockholders at the shared address in the future.

The Company hereby undertakes to deliver upon oral or written request a separate copy of its proxy statement and annual report to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy was delivered. If such stockholder wishes to receive a separate copy of such documents, please contact Terri Allen, Investor Relations, either by calling toll-free (800) 828-4411 or by writing to Paychex, Inc., 911 Panorama Trail South, Rochester, New York 14625-2396, Attention: Investor Relations.

If you own Paychex stock beneficially through a bank, broker, or other nominee, you may already be subject to householding if you meet the criteria. If you wish to receive a separate proxy statement and annual report in future mailings, you should contact your bank, broker, or other nominee.

How Do I Submit a Proposal for Next Year’s Annual Meeting?

Stockholder proposals, which are intended to be presented at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement pursuant to SEC Rule 14a-8, must be received by the Company at its executive offices on or before May 21, 2020 to be considered timely. Any such proposals, including stockholder proposals for candidates for nomination for election to the Board, must be submitted in accordance with applicable SEC rules and regulations, and follow the Company’s procedures under “Communications with the Board of Directors.”

Stockholder proposals, which are intended to be presented at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders outside of the SEC Rule 14a-8 process, must be received by the Company’s Corporate Secretary at its executive offices no sooner than June 19, 2020 and no later than July 19, 2020 to be considered timely.

If the date of our 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders has been changed by more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the first anniversary of this Annual Meeting, Stockholders must submit proposals (1) not earlier than the 120th day prior to the 2020 Annual Meeting and not later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the 2020 Annual Meeting or (2) if public announcement of the 2020 Annual Meeting is less than 100 days prior to the date of the meeting, not later than the 10th day following the day on which public disclosure of the 2020 Annual Meeting is first made.

Stockholders may nominate candidates for the Board by the same deadlines as proposals for business to come before the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Each notice of business or nomination must set forth the information required by our By-Laws. Any such proposals, including stockholder proposals for candidates for nomination for election to the Board, must be submitted in accordance with applicable SEC rules and regulations, and follow the Company’s procedures in its By-Laws. Submitting a notice does not ensure that the proposal will be raised at the 2020 Annual Meeting. We will not permit stockholder proposals that do not comply with the foregoing notice requirement to be brought before the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  64


Appendix A  

APPENDIX A

PAYCHEX, INC.NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The following table reconciles the GAAP measures to the relatednon-GAAP measures that were utilized within this proxy statement.

      
$ in millions, except per share amounts2019Change

2018

As adjusted(1)

Change

2017

As adjusted(1)

 

Operating income (GAAP)

 

 

$

 

 

1,371

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

$ 1,292

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

$ 1,254

 

 

 

 

Add: Termination of license agreements(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Interest on funds held for clients

 

 

 

 

 

(81

 

 

)

 

 

 

 

 

(64

 

 

)

 

 

 

 

 

(51

 

 

)

 

 

Operating income, net of certain items(non-GAAP)

 

 

$

 

 

1,290

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

$ 1,261

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

$ 1,203

 

 

 

 

Net income (GAAP)

 

 

$

 

 

1,034

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

$    994

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

$    826

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

 

 

Excess tax benefit related to employee stock-based compensation payments(3)

 

 

 

 

 

(8

 

 

)

 

 

 

 

 

(13

 

 

)

 

 

 

 

 

(18

 

 

)

 

 

Revaluation of net deferred tax liabilities(4)

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(84

 

 

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination of license agreements(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totalnon-GAAP adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

(6

 

 

)

 

 

 

 

 

(72

 

 

)

 

 

 

 

 

(18

 

 

)

 

 

Adjusted net income(non-GAAP)

 

 

$

 

 

1,028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

$    922

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

$    808

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share (GAAP)

 

 

$

 

 

2.86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

$   2.75

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

$   2.28

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

 

 

Excess tax benefit related to employee stock-based compensation payments(3)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.02

 

 

)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.04

 

 

)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.05

 

 

)

 

 

Revaluation of net deferred tax liabilities(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.23

 

 

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination of license agreements(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totalnon-GAAP adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

(0.02

 

 

)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.20

 

 

)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.05

 

 

)

 

 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share(non-GAAP)

 

 

$

 

 

2.84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

$   2.55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

$   2.23

 

 

 

(1)

Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the adoption of ASC Topic 606.

(2)

Additional expense and corresponding tax benefit recognized as a result of the termination of certain license agreements. This event is not expected to recur.

(3)

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

(4)

Non-recurring tax benefits recognized as a result of the Tax Act related to the revaluation of net deferred tax liabilities and theone-time tax charge as a result of updated guidance on Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  A-1


  Appendix A  

In addition to reporting operating income, net income, and diluted earnings per share, which are U.S. GAAP measures, we present operating income, net of certain items, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted earnings per share, which arenon-GAAP measures. We believe operating income, net of certain items, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted earnings per share are appropriate additional measures, as they are indicators of our core business operations performance period over period. Operating income, net of certain items, excludes interest on funds held for clients. 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. For fiscal 2018, the charge following terminations of certain license agreements is also excluded due to its unusual nature and it is not expected to recur. Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share exclude the impact of certain discrete tax items related to employee stock-based compensation payments, which are subject to volatility and are subject to employee decisions on exercising stock options and fluctuations in stock price. Also excluded is the one-time discrete tax benefit for revaluation of deferred tax liabilities due to the Tax Act. Operating income, net of certain items, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted earnings per share are not calculated through the application of U.S. GAAP and are not required forms of disclosure by the SEC. As such, they should not be considered as a substitute for the U.S. GAAP measures of operating income, net income, and diluted earnings per share, and therefore should not be used in isolation, but in conjunction with the U.S. GAAP measures. The use of any non-GAAP measure may produce results that vary from the U.S. GAAP measure and may not be comparable to a similarly definednon-GAAP measure used by other companies.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  A-2


Appendix B  

APPENDIX B

PAYCHEX, INC. RECONCILIATION OF

PERFORMANCE MEASURES TO THOSE REPORTED

IN THE COMPANY’S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS

Under the Company’s incentive compensation programs, performance targets are often based on measures of service revenue and operating income, net of certain items (see Note 2 below regarding thisnon-GAAP measure). In evaluating achievement, the programs allow for certain adjustments to be made to the results reported in the consolidated financial statements. For fiscal 2019 adjustments were related to businesses acquired and the impact of ASC Topic 606.

The following table reconciles the results reported in our consolidated financial statements to those representing achievement under the award agreement for the July 2017 performance shares.

  
    Year ended May 31, 
    
In millions  2019   

2018

As Reported(1)

   2-Year
Performance
Period
 

Service revenue

  

$

3,692

 

  

$

3,317

 

  

$

7,009

 

Less: Service revenue associated with acquired businesses

  

 

(240

  

 

 

  

 

(240

Service revenue, as calculated under the award

  

$

3,452

 

  

$

3,317

 

  

$

6,769

 

                

Operating income

  

$

1,371

 

  

$

1,288

 

  

$

2,659

 

Less: Interest on funds held for clients

  

 

(81

  

 

(64

  

 

(145

Add: Termination of license agreements

  

 

 

  

 

33

 

  

 

33

 

Operating income, net of certain items(2)

  

 

1,290

 

  

 

1,257

 

  

 

2,547

 

Adjustments allowed under the award:

               

(Less)/Add: Operating income/losses and other costs related to acquired businesses

 

   

 

(3

 

 

   

 

8

 

 

 

   

 

5

 

 

 

Less: ASC 606 Topic adjustment target

  

 

(14

  

 

 

  

 

(14

Operating income, net of certain items(2), as calculated under the award

  

$

1,273

 

  

$

1,265

 

  

$

2,538

 

(1)

Except for professional services renderedadjustments allowed under the award, amounts are as reported in our Annual Report on Form10-K for fiscal year ended May, 31, 2018 and are not restated for the Company by PwC:adoption of ASC Topic 606.

(2)

Operating income, net of certain items, is anon-GAAP measure that is provided in addition to the U.S. GAAP measure of operating income for purposes of compensation program performance targets. Refer to discussion ofnon-GAAP measures and reconciliation to the related GAAP measure in Appendix A.

Paychex, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  B-1


HELPFUL RESOURCES

Visit the website, or scan the QR codes to access these sites with your mobile device.

 

    Year Ended May 31,
    2016  2015
Audit fees   $1,292,000    $1,069,000 
Tax-related fees    496,000     120,000 
Other fees         59,000 
Total fees   $1,788,000    $1,248,000 

Audit feesPaychex website

This category includes fees for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 that were for professional services rendered for the audits of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements, reviews of the financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, audits of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and for statutory and regulatory filings.

Tax-related fees

This category includes fees for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 services related to tax compliance and planning.

Other fees

This category includes fees for fiscal 2015 related to a special project related to marketing strategies.www.paychex.com

 

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  50

Investor Relations

www.paychex.com/investors

LOGO

LOGO

Proxy Voting

www.proxyvote.com

  


LOGO

Independent Accountants

ABOUT PAYCHEX

Paychex, Inc. (Nasdaq:PAYX) is a leading provider of integrated human capital management solutions for payroll, benefits, human resources, and insurance services. By combining its innovativesoftware-as-a-service technology and mobility platform with dedicated, personal service, Paychex empowers small- andmedium-sized business owners to focus on the growth and management of their business. Backed by more than 45 years of industry expertise, Paychex serves approximately 670,000 payroll clients as of May 31, 2019, across more than 100 locations in the U.S. and Europe, and pays one out of every 12 American private sector employees. Learn more about Paychex by visitingwww.paychex.com and stay connected onTwitter andLinkedIn.


LOGO

PAYCHEX®
HR | Payroll | Benefits | Insurance
The Future of Work Is Paychex
The workplace as we know it is changing. Paychex leads the way by making complex HR, payroll, and benefits simple. Our innovative HR outsourcing technology and the expertise of our highly trained HR consultants meet the evolving needs of our customers and their employees.
You can see it in our growth as an HR leader as well as in the positive returns we deliver to our shareholders.
Thank you for your investment in Paychex.
paychex.com
facebook.com/paychex
twitter.com/paychex
linkedin.com/company/paychex
911 Panorama Trail South, Rochester, New York 14625


LOGO

 

Audit Committee PolicyPAYCHEX, INC.

911 PANORAMA TRAIL SOUTH

ROCHESTER, NY 14625-2396

VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com

Use the internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information. Vote by 11:59 P.M. ET on Pre-Approval of Services of Independent Accountants10/16/2019 for shares held directly and by 11:59 P.M. ET on 10/11/2019 for shares held in a Plan. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

The Audit Committee’s policy isELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS

If you would like to pre-approvereduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all auditfuture proxy statements, proxy cards and permissible non-audit servicesannual reports electronically viae-mail or the internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.

VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions. Vote by 11:59 P.M. ET on 10/16/2019 for shares held directly and by 11:59 P.M. ET on 10/11/2019 for shares held in a Plan. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided by the independent accountants. The Audit Committee pre-approved all such audit and audit-related services provided by the independent accountants during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015.

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

 

 

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

THIS  PROXY  CARD  IS  VALID  ONLY  WHEN  SIGNED  AND  DATED.  

DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors overseesrecommends you vote FOR the Company’s financial reporting process on behalffollowing:

1.

Election of theDirectors

Nominees

For    

Against

Abstain

1a.

B. Thomas Golisano

☐    

  ☐

  ☐

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FORproposals 2 and is composed entirely of independent directors. The Audit Committee is governed by a written Charter and its primary responsibilities are highlighted in the Corporate Governance section of this Proxy Statement.3.For    AgainstAbstain

Paychex management is responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, the financial reporting process, and for the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s independent accountants, is responsible for performing independent audits of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The independent accountants are also responsible for expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. The Audit Committee monitors and oversees these processes. Also, the Audit Committee discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 16 as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board relating to communications with audit committees.1b.

As part of the oversight processes, the Audit Committee regularly meets with management, the Company’s internal auditors, and the independent accountants. The Audit Committee meets with the internal auditors and independent accountants, with and without management present, to discuss the overall scope and plans for various audits, results of their examinations, their evaluations of the Company’s internal controls, and the overall quality and effectiveness of the Company’s financial reporting process and legal and ethical compliance programs, including the Company’s Code of Business Ethics and Conduct. The Audit Committee held seven meetings during fiscal 2016 and had full access to each of the aforementioned parties.Thomas F. Bonadio

In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management and the independent accountants the consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2016, including a discussion on the quality and acceptability of the Company’s accounting policies, the reasonableness of significant judgments and estimates, and the clarity of disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The Audit Committee also monitored the progress and results of testing of internal controls over financial reporting, reviewed reports from management and internal audit regarding design, operation, and effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, and reviewed the report from the independent accountants regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent accountants the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, AU 380) and SEC Rule 207. The independent accountants have provided the Audit Committee with written disclosures and the letter required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding independent accountants’ communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and the Audit Committee has discussed with the independent accountants and management the accountants’ independence. The Audit Committee approved non-audit services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP during fiscal 2016. The Audit Committee considered whether PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s provision of non-audit services to the Company and its affiliates and the fees and costs billed for those services, is permissible with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s independence. The Audit Committee has a clear policy on non-audit services that may be provided by the independent accountants, which prohibits certain categories of work and requires pre-authorization for all non-audit related services.

Based upon the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended and the Board approved that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal 2016 for filing with the SEC. The Audit Committee has recommended for approval by the Board the selection of the Company’s independent accountants.☐    

The Audit Committee:

David J. S. Flaschen,Chairman

Grant M. Inman  ☐

Pamela A. Joseph

  ☐

2.

ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION.

☐    

  ☐

1c.

1d.

Joseph G. Doody

 

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  51

David J.S. Flaschen

 

☐    

☐    

  ☐

  ☐

  ☐

  ☐

3.

RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP TO SERVE AS THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.☐      ☐
LOGO


FAQ

1e.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS1f.

1g.

1h.

1i.

Pamela A. Joseph

Martin Mucci

Joseph M. Tucci

Joseph M. Velli

Kara Wilson

What is a Proxy Statement and What Is a Proxy?

☐    

☐    

☐    

☐    

 

 

We are furnishing this proxy statement to stockholders on behalf of our Board, who is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Annual Meeting. A proxy statement is a document that SEC regulations require us to give you when we ask you to sign a proxy designating individuals to vote on your behalf. This proxy statement summarizes information concerning the matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting and related information to help stockholders make an informed vote.

A proxy is your legal designation of another person to vote the stock that you own. That other person is called a proxy. The proxy card is your written document that designates someone to be your proxy. We have designated two of our officers as proxies for the Annual Meeting — Martin Mucci, President and CEO and Efrain Rivera, SVP, CFO and Treasurer.

Distribution of this proxy statement and a form of proxy to stockholders is scheduled to begin on or about September 9, 2016.

When and Where Is the Annual Meeting?

 

 

  ☐

  ☐

  ☐

  ☐

  ☐

  ☐

  ☐

  ☐

NOTE:SHARES ISSUED TO OR HELD FOR THE ACCOUNT OF THE UNDERSIGNED UNDER THE ESOP WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, IF THE CARD IS NOT SIGNED, OR IF THE CARD IS NOT RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2019, THE SHARES ISSUED TO OR HELD FOR THE ACCOUNT OF THE PARTICIPANT WILL BE VOTED BY THE ESOP TRUSTEE IN THE SAME PROPORTION AS ESOP SHARES FOR WHICH INSTRUCTIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.

Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]

DateSignature (Joint Owners)Date


LOGO

September 18, 2019

Dear Paychex Stockholder:

The Board of Directors cordially invites you to attend our Annual Meeting will be heldof Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) on Wednesday,Thursday, October 12, 201617, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY, 14607.

What Am I Voting On? How Do You Recommend I Vote?

The accompanying booklet includes the formal Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the Proxy Statement. The Proxy Statement tells you about the agenda items and the procedures for the Annual Meeting. It also provides certain information about Paychex, Inc., its Board of Directors, and its Named Executive Officers.

 

The table below shows the proposals subject to voteIt is important that your shares be represented at the Annual Meeting, along with information on what vote is required to approve each of the proposals, assuming the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting, and the Board’s recommendations for each proposal. With respect to Proposals 1, 2, and 3, you may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST,” or “ABSTAIN.”

ProposalVote RequiredBoard
Recommendation

Proposal 1: Election of nine nominees to the Board of Directors for a one-year term

Majority of the votes duly castFOR all director nominees

Proposal 2: Advisory vote to approve the Company’s named executive officer compensation

Majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to  voteFOR

Proposal 3: Ratification of the selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to voteFOR

Who is Entitled to Vote At the Annual Meeting?

Stockholders of record of our common stock as of the close of business on August 15, 2016 (the “Record Date”) will be eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each share outstanding as of the Record Date will be entitled to one vote.

How Many Shares Must Be Present to Hold the Annual Meeting?

In order for us to conduct our Annual Meeting, the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote must be present at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy. This is called a quorum. A quorum is necessary to hold a valid meeting. As of August 15, 2016, 361,820,284 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding. A total of 180,910,143 shares will constitute a quorum.

What is The Difference Between a Registered Shareholder and a Beneficial Shareholder?

If your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, you are considered a stockholder of record, or aregistered shareholder, with respect to those shares. If

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  52


FAQ

your shares are held in a brokerage account in the name of your bank, broker, or other nominee (this is called “street name”), you are not a registered stockholder, but rather are considered a “beneficial owner” of those shares. Your bank, broker, or other nominee will send you instructions on how to vote your shares.

What Shares are Included on the Proxy Card?

You may receive more than one proxy card if you have multiple accounts with our transfer agent, or with banks, brokers, or other nominees.

If you are aregistered stockholder, you will receive a proxy card for shares of common stock you hold in certificate form or in book-entry form.

If you are a participant in the Paychex Employee Stock Ownership Plan Stock Fund (“ESOP”) of the Company’s 401(k) Plan, you will receive a proxy card that reflects those shares. You can vote those shares using the methods described below. This will serve as a voting instruction for Fidelity Management Trust Company (the “Trustee”), who is the holder of record for the shares in the ESOP. As a participant in the ESOP, you have the right to direct the Trustee on how to vote the shares of common stock credited to your account at the Annual Meeting. The participants’ voting instructions will be tabulated confidentially. Only the Trustee and/or the tabulator will have access to each participant’s individual voting direction. If you do not submit voting instructions for your shares of common stock in the ESOP, those shares will be voted by the Trustee in the same proportions as the shares for which voting instructions were received from other participants. To allow sufficient time for voting by the Trustee, voting instructions by ESOP participants must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, October 7, 2016. The Trustee will then vote all shares of common stock held in the ESOP by the established deadline.

If you are abeneficial owner, you will receive voting instruction information from the bank, broker, or other nominee through which you own your shares of common stock.

How Do I Vote In Advance of the Annual Meeting?

Registered shareholders or participants in the ESOPcan vote in one of the following ways:

Via the Internet — Go to the website noted on your proxy card in order to vote via the Internet. Internet voting is available 24 hours a day. We encourage you to vote via the Internet, as it is the most cost-effective way to vote.

By telephone — Call the toll-free telephone number indicated on your proxy card and follow the voice prompt instructions to vote by telephone. Telephone voting is available 24 hours a day.

By mail — Mark your proxy card, sign and date it, and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. If you elected to electronically access the proxy statement and Annual Report, you will not receive a proxy card and must vote via the Internet.

•  By mobile device — Scan this QR code

LOGO

Proxies submitted by Internet or telephone must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, October 11, 2016. If you vote by telephone or the Internet, you do not need to return your proxy card.

May I Vote In Person at the Annual Meeting?

If you are aregistered stockholder, you may vote your shares at the Annual meeting if you attend in person, even if you previously submitted a proxy card or voted by Internet or telephone. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, however, we strongly encourage you to vote your shares by proxy before the meeting.

If you are a beneficial owner, and want to vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting, you will needare encouraged to ask your bank, broker, or other nominee to furnish you with a legal proxy.vote. You must hand this legal proxy in with your completed ballot. Without this legal proxy you will be unable tomay vote at the meeting.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  53


FAQ

May I Change My Mind After I Vote?

Registered stockholders may change a properly executed proxy at any time prior to it being voted at the Annual Meeting by:

providing written notice of revocation to the Corporate Secretary;

submitting a later-dated proxy via theby Internet, telephone, or mail; or

voting in person at the Annual Meeting.

Beneficial owners should contact their broker, bank, or other nominee for instructions on how to change their vote.

If you are a participant in the ESOP, you may change a properly executed proxy at any time prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 7, 2016, by submitting a proxy that has a more recent date than the original proxy by internet, telephone, or mail. You may not, however, change your voting instructions in person at the Annual Meeting because the Trustee will not be present.

In What Manner Are Proxies Voted? What if I Returned My Proxy Card Without Specifying a Vote?

All votes properly cast and not revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the stockholder’s directions. You should specify your choice for each matter on your proxy card. However, if you do not specify your choices on your returned proxy card, then your shares will be voted in accordance with the Board’s recommendations. Should any matter not described above be properly presented at the Annual Meeting, the persons named on the proxy form will vote in accordance with their judgment as permitted.

If you are abeneficial owner, in order to ensure your shares are voted the way you would like, you must provide voting instructions to your bank, broker, or other nominee. If you do not provide your voting instructions to that party, whether your shares can be voted depends on the type of item being considered for vote. New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules allow your bank, broker, or other nominee to use its own discretion and vote your shares on routine matters. A bank, broker, or other nominee does not have discretion to vote your shares on non-routine matters (known as “broker non-votes”). Proposals 1 and 2 are not considered to be routine matters under the current NYSE rules, and so your bank, broker, or other nominee will not have the discretionary authority to vote your shares on those items. Proposal 3 is considered a routine matter under NYSE rules, so your bank, broker, or other nominee will have discretionary authority to vote your shares on that item.

How Are Broker Non-Votes and Abstentions Counted?

Broker non-votes are not considered votes for or against a proposal and therefore will have no direct impact on any proposal since they are not deemed to be duly cast nor entitled to vote, but they will be counted for the purpose of determining the presence or absence of a quorum.Therefore, we urge you to give voting instructions to your bank or broker on all voting items.

Abstentions are also counted for the purposes of establishing a quorum, but will have the same effect as a vote against a proposal, except in regards to the election of directors. For this item, abstentions will have no direct impact.

How Can I Find The Results of the Voting?

We will announce the preliminary voting resultswritten ballot at the Annual Meeting. The Company will reportWe encourage you to use the final results in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed withInternet as it is the SEC within four business days followingmost cost-effective way to vote. If you elected to electronically access the Annual Meeting.

Can I Access Proxy Materials On the Internet?

The Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement and Annual Report, are available on the Company’s website athttp://investor.paychex.com/annual-report.aspx. You can also access these documentsyou will not be receiving a proxy card and must vote via the Company’s 2016Internet.

We hope you will be able to attend the Annual Meeting page athttp://investor.paychex.com/annual-meeting.aspx.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  54


FAQ

As an alternativeand would like to receiving paper copies of the proxy statement and Annual Report in the mail, stockholders can electtake this opportunity to receive an e-mail message, which will provide a link to these documents on the Internet. Opting to receiveremind you that your proxy materials online saves the Company the cost of producing and mailing bulky documents and reduces the volume of duplicate information received by you.

Forregistered shareholders, to give your consent to receive future documents via electronic delivery, vote your proxy via the Internet and follow the instructions to enroll in the electronic delivery service. Forbeneficial owners, please check the information in the proxy materials provided by your bank, broker, or other nominee regarding the availability of electronic delivery service.

Are There Any Other Actions to be Presented at the Annual Meeting?

As of the date of this proxy statement, management does not intend to present, and has not been informed that any other person intends to present, any matter for actionis important. If you need special assistance at the Annual Meeting, other than those described in this proxy statement. If any other matters properly come beforeplease contact the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote on such matters in accordance with their judgment.

Who Pays for the Cost of Solicitation of Proxies?

Solicitation of proxies is made on behalf of the Company and the Company will pay the cost of solicitation of proxies. The Company will reimburse any banks, brokers and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries for their expenses in forwarding proxies and proxy solicitation material to the beneficial owners of the shares held by them. In addition to solicitation by use of the mailCorporate Secretary at (800) 828-4411, or via the Internet, directors, officers, and regular employees of the Company, without extra compensation, may solicit proxies personally or by telephone or other communication means.

How Are Proxy Materials and the Company’s Annual Report Being Delivered?

The Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement, Proxy Card, and Annual Report are being mailed to stockholders on or about September 9, 2016. You may also obtain a copy of our Form 10-K filed with the SEC, without charge, upon written request submittedwrite to Paychex, Inc., 911 Panorama Trail South, Rochester, New York 14625-2396, Attention: Investor Relations.

What is Householding?Corporate Secretary.

 

In accordance with the Exchange Act, the Company delivers materials to stockholders under a program known as “householding.” Under the householding program, the Company is delivering one copy of its Annual Report and Proxy Statement in a single envelope addressed to all stockholders who share a single address, unless such stockholders previously notified the Company that they wish to revoke their consent to the householding. Householding is intended to reduce the Company’s printing and postage costs.

You may revoke your consent at any time by calling toll-free (800) 542-1061 or by writing to Broadridge Investor Communications Services, Attention: Broadridge Householding Department, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. If you revoke your consent, you will be removed from the householding program within 30 days of receipt of your revocation, and each stockholder at your address will receive individual copies of the Company’s disclosure documents.

Stockholders of record residing at the same address and currently receiving multiple copies of the Annual Report and Proxy Statement and who wish to receive a single copy may also contact Broadridge Investor Communications Services at the phone number and address noted above. Beneficial owners will need to contact their broker, bank, or other holder of record to request that only a single copy of each document be mailed to all stockholders at the shared address in the future.

The Company hereby undertakes to deliver upon oral or written request a separate copy of its Proxy Statement and Annual Report to a security holder at a shared address to which a single copy was delivered. If such stockholder wishes to receive a separate copy of such documents, please contact Terri Allen, Investor Relations, either by calling toll-free (800) 828-4411 or by writing to Paychex, Inc., 911 Panorama Trail South, Rochester, New York 14625-2396, Attention: Investor Relations.

If you own Paychex stock beneficially through a bank, broker, or other nominee, you may already be subject to householding if you meet the criteria. If you wish to receive a separate Proxy Statement and Annual Report in future mailings, you should contact your bank, broker, or other nominee.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  55


FAQ

Sincerely,

 

How Do I Submit a Proposal for Next Year’s Annual Meeting?

Stockholder proposals, which are intended to be presented at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement pursuant to SEC Rule 14a-8, must be received by the Company at its executive offices on or before May 13, 2017. Any such proposals, including stockholder proposals for candidates for nomination for election to the Board, must be submitted in accordance with applicable SEC rules and regulations, and follow the Company’s procedures under “Communications with the Board of Directors.”

Stockholder proposals that are intended to be presented at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders but not included in the Company’s proxy statement must be received by the Company’s Corporate Secretary at our executive offices on or before July 27, 2017. We will not permit stockholder proposals that do not comply with the foregoing notice requirement to be brought before the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  56


Appendix A

APPENDIX A

PAYCHEX, INC. RECONCILIATION OF PERFORMANCE MEASURES TO THOSE REPORTED IN THE COMPANY’S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Under the Company’s incentive compensation programs, performance targets are often based on measures of service revenue and operating income, net of certain items (see Note 1 below regarding this non-GAAP measure). In evaluating achievement, the programs allow for certain adjustments to be made to the results reported in the consolidated financial statements. For fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, adjustments were related to businesses acquired.

The following table reconciles the results reported in our consolidated financial statements to those representing achievement under the award agreement for the July 2014 performance shares.

      
    

Year ended

May 31,

 
In millions  2016   2015   2-Year
Performance
Period
 
Service revenue  $2,906    $2,698    $5,604  
Adjustments:               

Service revenue associated with acquired businesses

   (18        (18
Service revenue, as calculated under the award  $2,888    $2,698    $5,586  
 
  
Operating income (GAAP measure)  $1,147    $1,054    $2,201  
Less: Interest on funds held for clients   (46   (42   (88
Operating income, net of certain items (see Note 1)   1,101     1,012     2,113  
Adjustments allowed under the award:               

Operating income, net of certain items, associated with acquired businesses

   (6        (6
Operating income, net of certain items, as calculated under the award  $1,095    $1,012    $2,107  

Note 1: Operating income, net of certain items, as reported in our consolidated financial statements is a non-GAAP measure that is provided in addition to operating income, a U.S. GAAP measure. We believe operating income, net of certain items, is an appropriate measure, as it is an indicator of our core business operations performance period over period. It is also the basis of 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. 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. 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, 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.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  A-1


Appendix B

APPENDIX B

PAYCHEX, INC. PEER GROUP

            
    Paychex Peer Group 
$ In Millions
Company Name
  Ticker   

Reported

Fiscal
Year

End

   Net Income (1)  Market Cap (2)  Revenue (1)  

Net Income

as a % of

Revenue

 
Direct Competitor Payroll                           
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.   ADP     Jun-16    $1,493   $41,865   $11,668    13
Financial Transaction Management                           
Fiserv, Inc.   FISV     Dec-15    $712   $20,606   $5,254    14
The Western Union Company   WU     Dec-15    $838   $8,998   $5,484    15
Total System Services, Inc.   TSS     Dec-15    $364   $9,103   $2,780    13
Global Payments Inc.   GPN     May-16    $272   $11,995   $2,898    9
The Brink’s Company   BCO     Dec-15    $(12 $1,411   $3,061    
Business Services and Outsourcing                           
DST Systems, Inc.   DST     Dec-15    $358   $3,912   $2,825    13
The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation   DNB     Dec-15    $169   $3,752   $1,637    10
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.   BR     Jun-16    $308   $7,713   $2,897    11
Robert Half International Inc.   RHI     Dec-15    $358   $6,185   $5,095    7
Intuit Inc.   INTU     Jul-16    $979   $28,458   $4,694    21
Iron Mountain Incorporated   IRM     Dec-15    $123   $5,707   $3,008    4
Moody’s Corporation   MCO     Dec-15    $941   $19,677   $3,485    27
H&R Block, Inc.   HRB     Apr-16    $374   $4,463   $3,038    12
TD AMERITRADE Holding Corporation   AMTD     Sep-15    $813   $17,098   $3,247    25
Paychex, Inc.   PAYX     May-16    $757   $19,541   $2,952    26
Paychex Percentile Rank             67  73  33  93

(1)Information in the above table is obtained from the Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC, or from the entity’s fiscal year-end earnings release.

(2)Market capitalization is as of each company’s fiscal year-end, with the exception of Intuit, Inc. For Intuit, Inc., market capitalization was calculated using an ending stock price on July 29, 2016 and shares outstanding as of April 30, 2016.

Paychex, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement  B-1


HELPFUL RESOURCES

Visit the website, or scan the QR codes to access these sites with your mobile device.

Paychex website

www.paychex.com

Annual Meeting

http://investor.paychex.com/annual-meeting.aspx

LOGO

LOGO

Proxy Statement and Annual report

http://investor.paychex.com/annual-report.aspx

Proxy Voting

www.proxyvote.com

LOGO

LOGO

Investor Relations

http://investor.paychex.com

Governance

http://investor.paychex.com/governance

LOGO

LOGO

ABOUT PAYCHEX

Paychex, Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYX) is a leading provider of integrated human capital management solutions for payroll, HR, retirement, and insurance services. By combining its innovative software-as-a-service technology and mobility platform with dedicated, personal service, Paychex empowers small- and medium-sized business owners to focus on the growth and management of their business. Backed by 45 years of industry expertise, Paychex serves approximately 605,000 payroll clients as of May 31, 2016 across more than 100 locations and pays one out of every 12 American private sector employees. Learn more about Paychex by visitingwww.paychex.com and stay connected on Twitter and LinkedIn.


LOGO

45th ANNIVERSARY 1971 - 2016

LOGOtwitter.com/paychexLOGOfacebook.com/paychex    LOGOlinkedin.com/company/paychex


LOGO

VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS

If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.

VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — —

THIS  PROXY  CARD  IS  VALID  ONLY  WHEN  SIGNED  AND  DATED.  

DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following:

1.

Election of Directors

Nominees

For    

Against

Abstain

1a.

B. Thomas Golisano

¨    

  ¨

  ¨

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3For    AgainstAbstain

1b.

Joseph G. Doody

¨    

  ¨

  ¨

2.

ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION.

¨    

  ¨

¨

1c.

1d.

David J.S. Flaschen

Phillip Horsley

¨    

¨    

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

3.

RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.¨      ¨¨
LOGO

1e.

1f.

1g.

1h.

1i.

Grant M. Inman

Pamela A. Joseph

LOGO

Martin Mucci

Joseph M. Tucci

Joseph M. Velli

¨

¨    

¨    

¨    

¨    

¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

NOTE:SHARES ISSUED TO OR HELD FOR THE ACCOUNT OF THE UNDERSIGNED UNDER THE ESOP WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, IF THE CARD IS NOT SIGNED, OR IF THE CARD IS NOT RECEIVED BY FRIDAY OCTOBER 7, 2016, THE SHARES ISSUED TO OR HELD FOR THE ACCOUNT OF THE PARTICIPANT WILL BE VOTED BY THE ESOP TRUSTEE IN THE SAME PROPORTION AS ESOP SHARES FOR WHICH INSTRUCTIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.

Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]

DateSignature (Joint Owners)Date


LOGO

September 9, 2016

Dear Paychex Stockholder:

The Board of Directors cordially invites you to attend our Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY, 14607.

The accompanying booklet includes the formal Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the Proxy Statement. The Proxy Statement tells you about the agenda items and the procedures for the Annual Meeting. It also provides certain information about Paychex, Inc., its Board of Directors, and its Named Executive Officers.

It is important that your shares be represented at the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, you are encouraged to vote. You may vote by Internet, telephone, proxy card, or written ballot at the Annual Meeting. We encourage you to use the Internet as it is the most cost-effective way to vote. If you elected to electronically access the Proxy Statement and Annual Report, you will not be receiving a proxy card and must vote via the Internet.

We hope you will be able to attend the Annual Meeting and would like to take this opportunity to remind you that your vote is important. If you need special assistance at the Annual Meeting, please contact the Corporate Secretary at (800) 828-4411, or write to Paychex, Inc., 911 Panorama Trail South, Rochester, New York 14625-2396, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

Sincerely,

LOGO

Martin Mucci

President and Chief Executive Officer

 
        

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Notice & Proxy Statement and Annual Report is/are available atwww.proxyvote.com.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

 

    

 

PAYCHEX, INC.                                                    

Proxy Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors                                                    

of Paychex, Inc. for the Annual Meeting, October 12, 201617, 2019                                                    

  
  
  PROXY  
  
  

The undersigned hereby appoints MARTIN MUCCI and EFRAIN RIVERA, or either of them, with full power of substitution, attorneys and proxies to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on October 12, 201617, 2019 (“Annual Meeting”), and at any adjournment thereof, with all the powers which the undersigned would possess if personally present to vote all shares of stock which the undersigned may be entitled to vote at said Annual Meeting.The shares represented by this proxy will be voted as instructed by you and in the discretion of the proxy on all other matters. If not otherwise specified in this proxy card, shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors.

  
  

LOGOLOGO

  

If shares of Paychex, Inc. Common Stock are issued to or held for the account of the undersigned under the Paychex Employee Stock Ownership Plan Stock Fund (“ESOP”) of the Paychex, Inc. 401(k) Incentive Retirement Plan, then the undersigned hereby directs the trustee of the ESOP to vote all shares of Paychex, Inc. Common Stock in the undersigned’s name and/or account under such plan in accordance with the instructions given herein, at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournment thereof, on all matters properly coming before the Annual Meeting, including but not limited to the matters set forth on the reverse side.

  
  

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS. PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. IF NOT OTHERWISE MARKED, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY SHALL BE VOTED “FOR” EACH OF THE NOMINEES IN PROPOSAL 1, “FOR” PROPOSAL 2, AND “FOR” PROPOSAL 3.

 

  
        
  Continued and to be signed on reverse side