Paycom Software

PAYC · NYSE

$262.32+$9.32 (+3.68%)TodayMarket closed · Oct 20, 7:59 PM ET

Prev close $253.00

PAYC analyst rating

HoldConsensus of 14 analysts over the last 12 months. 36% rate it a buy.

Strong buy0
Buy5
Hold9
Underperform0
Sell0

12-month price target · 20 analysts

Average $219.29 (−16.4% downside)

Low: $161.60
Now: $262.32
High: $299.25

Upgrades and downgrades

The latest rating actions, newest first

PAYC analyst upgrades, downgrades and rating actions
Firm	Date	Action	Rating	Price target	Hit rate
Barclays	Oct 13, 2026	Maintains	Equal-Weight	$210.00 → $250.00	56%
TD Cowen	Oct 2, 2026	Maintains	Buy	$244.00 → $286.00	67%
Keybanc	Sep 21, 2026	Maintains	Overweight	$270.00 → $280.00	53%
UBS	Sep 1, 2026	Maintains	Buy	$205.00 → $285.00	45%
JP Morgan	Aug 25, 2026	Maintains	Neutral	$140.00 → $264.00	70%
Citigroup	Aug 7, 2026	Maintains	Neutral	$136.00 → $194.00	52%
TD Cowen	Aug 6, 2026	Maintains	Buy	$149.00 → $244.00	67%
UBS	Aug 6, 2026	Maintains	Buy	$195.00 → $205.00	45%
Barclays	Aug 6, 2026	Maintains	Equal-Weight	$154.00 → $210.00	56%
Keybanc	Aug 6, 2026	Maintains	Overweight	$195.00 → $270.00	53%

The case for and against

Updated Oct 21, 2026

Bull case

Paycom Software is viewed favorably because it combines a recurring-revenue subscription model with a broad, unified HCM platform that is still gaining share through module upsell and cross-sell, supporting durable midmarket demand. Management’s AI-driven automation, product innovation, and data-center investments have improved efficiency meaningfully, with SKU count rising to 45, headcount down about 20% from 7,300 in 2024 to 5,800 in 2025, and EBITDA margins expanding by nearly 5 points from 2024-2026E. That operating leverage is translating into stronger cash generation, with 2025 revenue managed across more than 20,000 clients and 7.4 million employees, while 2Q26 recurring revenue grew 11% and EPS rose 35%, reinforcing confidence in sustained growth and profitability.

Bear case

Paycom Software is exposed to a weakening macro backdrop that can reduce small business formation, raise closures and bankruptcies, and pressure midmarket clients to delay or cut HCM spending, which would slow revenue growth and increase quarterly volatility. Its competitive position is also challenged in a fragmented HCM market where incumbents and new cloud entrants compete aggressively on price, creating deflationary pressure, margin compression, and the risk that Paycom loses share if it cannot up-sell modules or sustain product innovation. Regulatory shifts and cybersecurity risks add further downside, because changing laws can raise compliance costs or render offerings obsolete, while any breach could damage trust across its 7.4 million employees and more than 20,000 client records.

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