10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2001

AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Sep 30, 2000

Filed November 13, 2000For Securities:ADP

Summary

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) reported strong financial performance for the quarter ended September 30, 2000, with record revenues and earnings. Total revenues increased by 17% year-over-year to $1.586 billion, driven by robust growth in its Employer Services and Brokerage Services segments. Net earnings rose 19% to $173.4 million, resulting in a 17% increase in diluted earnings per share to $0.27. The company maintains a strong financial position, with $2.7 billion in cash and marketable securities and a low long-term debt to equity ratio of 3%. Management anticipates continued growth, projecting revenue growth of 13%-15% and diluted earnings per share growth of 16%-18% for the full fiscal year. Despite a higher effective tax rate, ADP demonstrated effective operational execution and strategic investment in systems development to support future growth.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased 17% to $1.586 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.
  • 2Net earnings grew 19% to $173.4 million, with diluted EPS up 17% to $0.27.
  • 3Employer Services revenue increased 14%, and Brokerage Services revenue surged 41%, boosted by acquisitions and strong trade volumes.
  • 4The company reported strong cash flow generation and maintained a healthy balance sheet with $2.7 billion in cash and marketable securities.
  • 5Full-year revenue growth is projected at 13%-15%, and diluted EPS growth at 16%-18%.
  • 6Capital expenditures are expected to increase in fiscal 2001 to $225 million, up from $166 million in fiscal 2000, reflecting investment in automation and new products.
  • 7A new $2.5 billion revolving credit facility was established in October 2000, providing significant financial flexibility, though no borrowings were outstanding at the quarter's end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by strong performance in Employer Services, which grew 14%, and a significant surge of 41% in Brokerage Services. The Brokerage Services growth was aided by the recent Cunningham Graphics acquisition and strong trade volume comparisons. Overall consolidated revenues grew 17%.

Profitability improved significantly. Net earnings increased by 19% to $173.4 million, and diluted earnings per share grew by 17% to $0.27. This growth occurred despite an increase in the effective tax rate from 34.2% to 39.5%, which was influenced by a shift in investment mix towards taxable instruments.

ADP's financial condition remains exceptionally strong. The company reported $2.7 billion in cash and marketable securities at the end of the quarter. Shareholders' equity stands at $4.7 billion, and the ratio of long-term debt to equity is a very low 3%. Operations continue to generate strong cash flow.

Management highlighted several factors that could impact future results, including success in client acquisition and retention, product pricing, regulatory changes, overall economic trends (interest rates, currency fluctuations), stock market activity, employment levels, technological changes, and the ultimate realization of the company's investment in Bridge Information Systems, Inc.