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ADP(ADP) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
ADPADP(ADP)2024-07-31 15:16

Financial Data and Key Metrics - Revenue growth for Q4 2024 was 6%, with adjusted EBIT margin expansion of 80 basis points and adjusted EPS growth of 11% [7] - Full-year fiscal 2024 revenue growth was 7%, with adjusted EBIT margin expansion of 70 basis points and adjusted EPS growth of 12% [7] - Employer services bookings growth for fiscal 2024 was 7%, at the high end of the 4% to 7% guidance range [9] - Employer services retention for the year was 92%, better than expected, with record retention in the mid-market business for the second consecutive year [9] - Employer services pays per control increased 2% both for the quarter and the full year [10] - PEO revenue growth for Q4 was 6%, exceeding expectations despite slowing client hiring activity [10] - Full-year PEO revenue grew 4%, with average worksite employees increasing 2% [23] Business Line Performance - Small business segment saw over 50,000 new clients added in Q4, reflecting strong demand for the RUN solution [8] - Mid-market and enterprise segments also showed strong performance, with client interest in next-gen HCM solutions exceeding expectations [8] - PEO segment saw average worksite employees increase by 3% year-over-year in Q4 to 742,000 [23] - Comprehensive services in HR outsourcing generated over 1billioninrevenuefortheyear,asignificantmilestone[19]MarketPerformanceInternationalbusinessshowedstronggrowththroughouttheyear,withQ4beingthestrongestquarter[49]ThecompanyexpandeditsglobalfootprintbyacquiringapayrollbusinessinSwedenandextendingitsCelergopayrollofferingtoIceland[15]TheiHCMplatformscaledinseveralEuropeancountries,nowservingover5,000clientsandpayingmorethan1millionclientemployees[15]StrategicPrioritiesandIndustryCompetitionThecompanysfirststrategicpriorityistoleadwithbestinclassHCMtechnology,includingthelaunchofADPAssist,agenerativeAIpoweredsolution[11]ADPAssistwasdeployedacrossmultipleplatforms,includingRUN,WorkforceNow,andnextgenHCM,withenhancedcapabilitiessuchasnaturallanguagesearchandHRactioninitiation[12]Thecompanyssecondpriorityistoprovideunmatchedexpertiseandoutsourcing,withinvestmentsingenerativeAItoolsforserviceassociatesandimplementationteams[13]Thethirdpriorityistoleverageglobalscale,withcontinuedexpansionintheAPACregionandpartnershipswithleadingtechnologyproviders[15]ManagementCommentaryonOperatingEnvironmentandFutureOutlookThecompanyexpectssomemoderationineconomicactivityinfiscal2025butremainswellpositionedtodeliversolidfinancialresults[24]FortheESsegment,revenuegrowthisexpectedtobe51 billion in revenue for the year, a significant milestone [19] Market Performance - International business showed strong growth throughout the year, with Q4 being the strongest quarter [49] - The company expanded its global footprint by acquiring a payroll business in Sweden and extending its Celergo payroll offering to Iceland [15] - The iHCM platform scaled in several European countries, now serving over 5,000 clients and paying more than 1 million client employees [15] Strategic Priorities and Industry Competition - The company's first strategic priority is to lead with best-in-class HCM technology, including the launch of ADP Assist, a generative AI-powered solution [11] - ADP Assist was deployed across multiple platforms, including RUN, Workforce Now, and next-gen HCM, with enhanced capabilities such as natural language search and HR action initiation [12] - The company's second priority is to provide unmatched expertise and outsourcing, with investments in generative AI tools for service associates and implementation teams [13] - The third priority is to leverage global scale, with continued expansion in the APAC region and partnerships with leading technology providers [15] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The company expects some moderation in economic activity in fiscal 2025 but remains well-positioned to deliver solid financial results [24] - For the ES segment, revenue growth is expected to be 5% to 6%, with new business bookings growth of 4% to 7% [25] - PEO revenue is expected to grow 4% to 6%, with average worksite employee growth of 1% to 3% [29] - The company anticipates adjusted EBIT margin expansion of 60 to 80 basis points for fiscal 2025 [30] Other Important Information - ADP was recognized as the world's most admired company by Fortune magazine for the 18th consecutive year and celebrated its 30th straight year on the Fortune 500 [20] - The company celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024, reflecting its enduring impact on the world of work [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Bookings Performance and Demand Environment - Bookings performance was broad-based, with strength across small business, mid-market, enterprise, and international segments [33] - The HCM demand environment remains strong, with pipelines looking strong year-on-year [34] Question: Pays Per Control Performance - Pays per control growth is expected to moderate to 1% to 2% in fiscal 2025, with ES expected to be stronger than PEO [36] Question: ES Strength and Macro Factors - The strength in ES is driven by both internal execution and a strong macro environment, with the company's value proposition being an imperative for businesses [40][41] Question: Competition and Pricing - The company has not observed meaningful price compression from competitors, with the competitive landscape remaining status quo [45] Question: Composition of Bookings and International Business - The down market saw incredible strength, with 50,000 new small business clients added in Q4 [47] - International business had a fantastic year, with each quarter showing stronger performance than the last [49] Question: Pricing and Retention Balance - The company is confident in taking 100 basis points of pricing in fiscal 2025, with a focus on long-term client value [52] Question: Generative AI and Monetization - Generative AI is expected to drive both internal efficiency and revenue growth, with monetization opportunities being explored [54][55] Question: PEO Guidance and Revenue Growth - PEO revenue growth is expected to be driven by zero margin pass-throughs, with some pressure from pays per control and workers' compensation costs [58] Question: Business Durability in a Slowing Macro Environment - The company's HCM offerings are durable across different economic environments, with the ability to adjust quickly to changing demand [60][61] Question: Source of Small Business Bookings - Small business bookings were broad-based, with a mix of new business formations and competitive takeaways [66] Question: Next-Gen HCM Client Wins - Next-gen HCM client wins included both ADP upgrades and new logos, with significant wins against enterprise competitors [69] Question: Client Retention and Satisfaction - Client satisfaction scores reached record highs, driven by best-in-class products and service, contributing to strong retention [71] Question: International Growth Expectations - International growth is a priority, with the company leveraging its global scale and infrastructure to support clients in 141 countries [87][88] Question: Portfolio Duration and Investment Strategy - The company's laddered investment strategy provides opportunities for client funds interest growth, with 6 billion maturing in 2025 at higher reinvestment rates [91] Question: Workforce Optimization - The company is always evaluating workforce optimization, with a focus on having the right people in the right places [96] Question: Enterprise Sales Cycle - The enterprise sales cycle has returned to pre-pandemic norms, with more decision-makers involved but no reduction in modules purchased [99][100] Question: Small Business Health - The company monitors small business health through metrics like new business formations and out-of-business rates, with no significant concerns at this time [102]