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Paychex Releases Earnings Report

Published October 3, 2025

Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) released its first quarter earnings on Tuesday, September 30. Although the payroll provider met analysts’ estimates, its shares fell by 8% following the release of the report.

For the quarter, the company reported total revenue of $1.54 billion. This was up 17% from $1.32 billion in the same quarter last year and was in line with analysts' expectations.

“We are pleased to report a strong start to fiscal 2026, delivering robust double-digit revenue growth,” said Paychex CEO, John Gibson. “As the digitally driven HR leader, our ongoing strategic investments in AI and technology are driving meaningful innovation, elevating the client experience and delivering operational efficiency.”

Paychex posted net income of $383.8 million or $1.06 per adjusted share for the quarter. This was down from net income of $427.4 million or $1.18 per adjusted share this time last year.

The Rochester, New York-based company saw increased revenue in its service segments. Management Solutions revenue rose 21% to $1.16 billion for the first quarter. This growth was attributed to higher client numbers as well as higher revenue per client due to the recent acquisition of Paycor. Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and Insurance Solutions revenue increased 3% to $329.1 million for the quarter. The company reaffirmed its guidance for the full fiscal year 2026 and expects revenue growth of 16.5% to 18.5%.

Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) shares closed at $124.61, up 3% for the week.

Nike Reports Quarterly Results

Nike, Inc. (NKE) reported its first quarter results on Tuesday, September 30. After the company reported better-than-expected earnings, shares were 3% higher following the release of the report.

Nike posted first quarter net revenue of $11.72 billion. This was up from $11.59 billion reported in the same quarter last year and just over the $11.0 billion in revenue that analysts expected.

"While we are getting wins under our belt, we still have work ahead to get all sports, geographies, and channels on a similar path as we manage a dynamic operating environment," said Nike CEO, Elliott Hill. "I am confident that we have the right focus in Win Now and that our new alignment in the Sport Offense will be the key to maximizing NIKE, Inc.’s complete portfolio over the long-term."

The company reported net income of $727.0 million for the quarter or $0.49 per diluted share. This was down from net income of $1.05 billion or $0.70 per diluted share reported last year.

Nike Direct segment sales reached $4.5 billion, down 4% for the quarter, due in part to a 12% decrease in Nike Brand Digital sales. Nike’s inventories decreased 2% over the same period last year to $8.1 billion, driven by a decrease in units that was partially offset by increased product costs due to tariffs. Wholesale revenues were up 7% to $6.8 billion. In the first quarter, Nike returned approximately $714 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Nike, Inc. (NKE) shares ended the week at $71.93, up 3% for the week.

Acuity Announces Earnings

Acuity Inc. (AYI) announced its fourth quarter and full-year earnings on Wednesday, October 1. The technology company’s stock gained almost 4.5% following the release of the report.

The company’s net sales reached $1.21 billion for the fourth quarter, up 17% from $1.03 billion during the same period last year. This was below analysts’ expectations of $1.23 billion for the quarter. Full-year revenue returned $4.35 billion, a 13% increase from $3.84 billion in fiscal 2024.

“Our fiscal 2025 fourth quarter performance was strong,” said Acuity CEO, Neil Ashe. “We grew net sales, expanded our adjusted operating profit and adjusted operating profit margin, and increased our adjusted diluted earnings per share. Throughout fiscal 2025 we have demonstrated our ability to deliver growth and consistent operating performance that created stakeholder value and compounded shareholder wealth.”

Acuity reported quarterly net income of $114.0 million or $3.61 per adjusted share. This was a decrease from $118.9 million in net income or $3.77 per adjusted share during the same period last year. For the full year, the company reported net income of $396.6 million, a decline from net income of $422.6 million reported last year.

The Atlanta, Georgia-based industrial technology manufacturer saw an increase in sales throughout its two main segments. Net sales for the Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) segment increased by almost 1% to $962.4 million in the fourth quarter. Acuity’s Intelligent Spaces Group (AIS) segment also saw growth in sales with an increase of 204% to $255.2 million. For fiscal 2026, the company expects net sales to be in the range of $4.7 billion to $4.9 billion.

Acuity Inc. (AYI) shares ended the week at $352.95, up 3% for the week.

The Dow started the week of 9/29 at 46,306 and closed at 46,758 on 10/3. The S&P 500 started the week at 6,662 and ended at 6,716. The NASDAQ started the week at 22,605 and finished at 22,781.