Paycom Software Inc

Previous wording

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with management’s perspective on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and certain other factors that may affect our future results. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with (i) the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, (ii) the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2023 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Form 10-K”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 15, 2024 and (iii) the discussion under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Form 10-K. Except for certain information as of December 31, 2023, all amounts herein are unaudited. Unless we state otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer to Paycom Software, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. All amounts presented in tables, other than per share amounts, are in thousands unless otherwise noted.

Current wording

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with management’s perspective on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and certain other factors that may affect our future results. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with (i) the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, (ii) the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2023 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Form 10-K”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 15, 2024 and (iii) the discussion under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Form 10-K. Except for certain information as of December 31, 2023, all amounts herein are unaudited. Unless we state otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer to Paycom Software, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. All amounts presented in tables, other than per share amounts, are in thousands unless otherwise noted.

Previous wording

the impact of adverse economic and market conditions, including those related to global health crises and geopolitical conflicts;

Current wording

the impact of adverse economic and market conditions, including those related to fluctuations in interest rates, global health crises and geopolitical conflicts;

Previous wording

We generate revenues from (i) fixed amounts charged per billing period plus a fee per employee or transaction processed and (ii) fixed amounts charged per billing period. Our billing period varies by client based on when each client pays its employees, which may be weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly or monthly. We serve a diverse client base in terms of size and industry. None of our clients constituted more than one-half of one percent of our revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Our revenues are primarily generated through our sales force that solicits new clients and our client relations representatives who sell new applications to existing clients.

Current wording

We generate revenues from (i) fixed amounts charged per billing period plus a fee per employee or transaction processed and (ii) fixed amounts charged per billing period. Our billing period varies by client based on when each client pays its employees, which may be weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly or monthly. We serve a diverse client base in terms of size and industry. None of our payroll and HCM clients constituted more than one-half of one percent of our revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Our revenues are primarily generated through our sales force that solicits new clients and our client relations representatives who sell new applications to existing clients.

Previous wording

As a result of our significant revenue growth and geographic expansion, we are presented with a variety of opportunities and challenges. Our payroll application is the foundation of our solution, and all of our clients are required to utilize this application in order to access our other applications. Consequently, we have historically generated the majority of our revenues from our payroll applications, although our revenue mix has evolved and will continue to evolve as we develop and add new non-payroll applications to our solution. We believe our strategy of focusing on automation and employee usage is an important differentiator for attracting new clients and is also key to long-term client satisfaction and client retention. For example, our industry-first Beti technology automates and streamlines the payroll process by empowering employees to do their own payroll. Client adoption of new applications and, historically, client employee usage of both new and existing applications have been significant factors in our revenue growth. Nonetheless, because Beti is designed to eliminate payroll errors that lead to billable corrections and unscheduled payroll runs, we have experienced a reduction in these activities that would otherwise generate additional revenue for us.

Current wording

As a result of our significant revenue growth and geographic expansion, we are presented with a variety of opportunities and challenges. Our payroll application is the foundation of our solution, and all of our clients are required to utilize this application in order to access our other applications. Consequently, we have historically generated the majority of our revenues from our payroll applications, although our revenue mix has evolved and will continue to evolve as we develop and add new non-payroll applications to our solution. We believe our strategy of focusing on automation and employee usage is an important differentiator for attracting new clients and is also key to long-term client satisfaction and client retention. For example, our industry-first Beti technology automates and streamlines the payroll process by empowering employees to do their own payroll. Client adoption of new applications and, historically, client employee usage of both new and existing applications have been significant factors in our revenue growth. Nonetheless, because Beti is designed to eliminate payroll errors that lead to billable corrections and unscheduled payroll runs, we have experienced a reduction in these activities that historically would otherwise generate additional revenue for us.

Previous wording

The market for HCM software is highly competitive, rapidly evolving and fragmented, and we expect competition to continue to intensify as new market entrants and disruptive technologies emerge and increasingly aggressive pricing and client retention strategies persist.

Current wording

The market for HCM software is highly competitive, rapidly evolving and fragmented. We expect competition to continue to intensify as new market entrants and disruptive technologies emerge and increasingly aggressive pricing and client retention strategies persist. These market pressures directly affect our revenue growth and our ability to attract and retain clients. Our revenue growth rate and annual revenue retention rate declined in 2023 and have remained under pressure throughout 2024. While these trends may continue in the near-term, our long-term focused investments in automation, client ROI achievement, and world-class service are designed to counteract these recent negative trends.

Previous wording

Historically, our target client size range has been organizations with 50 to 10,000 employees. In 2023, we expanded our target client size range to include organizations with more than 10,000 employees. While we continue to serve a diversified client base ranging in size from one employee to many thousands of employees, the average size of our clients has grown significantly as we have organically grown our operations and increased the number of applications we offer. Furthermore, with the launch of our Global HCM solution and expansion of payroll services into certain international markets, we expect that our ability to serve organizations with international employees makes our solution more attractive to larger companies, many of which have a global presence. We believe larger employers represent a substantial opportunity to increase our revenues per client, with limited incremental cost to us. Because we charge our clients on a per employee basis for certain services we provide, any increase or decrease in the number of employees of our clients will have a positive or negative impact, respectively, on our results of operations. A multitude of macroeconomic pressures, such as inflation and rising interest rates, impact our clients’ hiring practices to varying degrees and, in turn, impact our revenues. Generally, we expect that changes in certain factors affecting our performance will correlate with improvement or deterioration in the labor market. For example, the performance of our pre-employment services offerings is sensitive to changes in hiring trends, and we believe it will reflect any slowdown in hiring among U.S. employers.

Current wording

Historically, our target client size range has been organizations with 50 to 10,000 employees. In 2023, we expanded our target client size range to include organizations with more than 10,000 employees. While we continue to serve a diversified client base ranging in size from one employee to many thousands of employees, the average size of our clients has grown significantly as we have organically grown our operations and increased the number of applications we offer. We believe larger employers represent a substantial opportunity to increase our revenues per client, with limited incremental cost to us. Furthermore, with the launch of our Global HCM solution and expansion of payroll services into certain international markets, we expect that our ability to serve organizations with international employees makes our solution more attractive to larger companies, many of which have a global presence. Because we charge our clients on a per employee basis for certain services we provide, any increase or decrease in the number of employees of our clients will have a positive or negative impact, respectively, on our results of operations. A multitude of macroeconomic pressures, such as inflation and changes in interest rates, impact our clients’ hiring practices to varying degrees and, in turn, impact our revenues. Generally, we expect that changes in certain factors affecting our performance will correlate with improvement or deterioration in the labor market. For example, the performance of our pre-employment services offerings is sensitive to changes in hiring trends, and we believe it will reflect any slowdown in hiring among U.S. employers.

Previous wording

The increase in recurring revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023 was primarily the result of the addition of new clients in our target market range, increased revenue per client, the realization of pricing strategies and the impact of new product and service offerings. We believe that a decrease in the sale of additional applications to existing clients adversely affected the magnitude of the period-over-period increase in revenues. Increased interest rates and a higher average funds held for clients balance during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the same periods in 2023, resulted in increased interest earned on funds held for clients, which had a positive impact on recurring revenue. The average daily balance of funds held for clients was $2.5 billion and $2.3 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Current wording

The increase in recurring revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023 was the result of the addition of new clients in our target market range, increased revenue per client attributable to the realization of pricing strategies and the impact of new product and service offerings, and increased interest earned on funds held for clients. We believe that a decrease in the sale of additional applications to existing clients adversely affected the magnitude of the period-over-period increase in revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The increase in interest earned on funds held for clients was due to higher interest rates and a higher average funds held for clients balance during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the same periods in 2023. The average daily balance of funds held for clients was $2.4 billion and $2.2 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

The increase in implementation and other revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023 was primarily the result of the increased non-refundable upfront conversion fees collected from the addition of new clients. These fees are deferred and recognized ratably over the 10-year estimated life of our clients.

Current wording

Implementation and other revenues are composed primarily of non-refundable upfront conversion fees, which are collected from new clients and are deferred and recognized ratably over the 10-year estimated life of our clients. The net decrease in implementation and other revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 was primarily due to decreases in historic client access fees and revenues from the sale of time clocks, offsetting an increase in non-refundable upfront conversion fees recognized during the period. The increase in implementation and other revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 was primarily the result of an increase in non-refundable upfront conversion fees recognized during the period.

Previous wording

During the three months ended June 30, 2024, operating expenses increased from the comparable prior year period by $12.8 million, primarily due to a $8.6 million increase in employee-related expenses attributable to growth in the number of operating personnel, a $1.6 million increase in shipping and supplies fees and a $1.2 million increase in automated clearing house fees related to increased revenues. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $3.6 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily due to the development of additional technology, purchases of other related fixed assets, and the impact of our corporate headquarters expansion that was placed into service in April 2024.

Current wording

During the three months ended September 30, 2024, operating expenses increased from the comparable prior year period by $15.2 million, primarily due to an $8.9 million increase in employee-related expenses attributable to growth in the number of operating personnel, a $4.8 million increase in shipping and supplies fees and a $0.4 million increase in banking fees. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4.2 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily due to the development of additional technology, purchases of other related fixed assets, and the impact of our corporate headquarters expansion that was placed into service in April 2024.

Previous wording

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, operating expenses increased from the comparable prior year period by $23.4 million, primarily due to a $16.7 million increase in employee-related expenses attributable to growth in the number of operating personnel, a $2.6 million increase in automated clearing house fees and a $2.5 million increase in shipping and supplies fees related to increased revenues. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $6.4 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily due to the development of additional technology, purchases of other related fixed assets, and the impact of our corporate headquarters expansion that was not in service in the prior year period.

Current wording

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, operating expenses increased from the comparable prior year period by $38.6 million, primarily due to a $25.6 million increase in employee-related expenses attributable to growth in the number of operating personnel, a $7.3 million increase in shipping and supplies fees and a $3.0 million increase in banking fees. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $10.6 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily due to the development of additional technology, purchases of other related fixed assets, and the impact of our corporate headquarters expansion that was not in service in the prior year period.

Previous wording

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, sales and marketing expenses increased from the comparable prior year period by $12.4 million due to a $18.4 million increase in employee-related expenses, including commissions and bonuses, which was partially offset by a $6.0 million decrease in marketing and advertising expense.

Current wording

During the three months ended September 30, 2024, sales and marketing expenses increased from the comparable prior year period by $3.3 million due to a $3.2 million increase in employee-related expenses, including commissions and bonuses and a $0.1 million increase in marketing and advertising expense.

Previous wording

During the three months ended June 30, 2024, sales and marketing expenses increased from the comparable prior year period by $0.4 million due to a $9.6 million increase in employee-related expenses, including commissions and bonuses, which was partially offset by a $9.2 million decrease in marketing and advertising expense.

Current wording

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, sales and marketing expenses increased from the comparable prior year period by $15.7 million due to a $21.6 million increase in employee-related expenses, including commissions and bonuses, which was partially offset by a $5.9 million decrease in marketing and advertising expense.

Previous wording

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, research and development expenses increased from the comparable prior year periods due to increases in employee-related expenses of $13.3 million and $21.1 million, respectively.

Current wording

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, research and development expenses increased from the comparable prior year periods due to increases in employee-related expenses of $11.2 million and $32.3 million, respectively.

Previous wording

Expenditures for software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized and amortized over a three-year period on a straight-line basis. The nature of the development projects underway during a particular period directly impacts the timing and extent of these capitalized expenditures and can affect the amount of research and development expenses in such period. The table below sets forth the amounts of capitalized and expensed research and development costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

Current wording

Expenditures for software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized and amortized over a three-year period on a straight-line basis. The nature of the development projects underway during a particular period directly impacts the timing and extent of these capitalized expenditures and can affect the amount of research and development expenses in such period. The table below sets forth the amounts of capitalized and expensed research and development costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:

Previous wording

During the three months ended June 30, 2024, general and administrative expenses decreased $5.9 million from the comparable prior year period due to a decrease in employee-related expenses of $3.4 million and a $2.5 million decrease in accounting and legal expenses.

Current wording

During the three months ended September 30, 2024, general and administrative expenses decreased $1.2 million from the comparable prior year period due to a decrease in employee-related expenses of $1.5 million, which was partially offset by a $0.3 million increase in accounting and legal expenses.

Previous wording

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, general and administrative expenses decreased $119.6 million from the comparable prior year period due to a $117.5 million reversal of previously recognized stock-based compensation expense related to the forfeiture of a restricted stock award (the “2020 CEO Performance Award”) upon Chad Richison’s transition to Co-Chief Executive Officer and a $1.7 million decrease in accounting and legal expenses, which was partially offset by a $0.4 million increase in other employee-related expenses.

Current wording

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, general and administrative expenses decreased $120.8 million from the comparable prior year period due to a $117.5 million reversal of previously recognized stock-based compensation expense related to the forfeiture of a restricted stock award (the “2020 CEO Performance Award”) upon Chad Richison’s transition to Co-Chief Executive Officer, a $1.9 million decrease in other employee-related expenses and a $1.4 million decrease in accounting and legal expenses.

Previous wording

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, depreciation and amortization expense increased from the comparable prior year periods primarily due to the development of additional technology, purchases of other related fixed assets, and the impact of our corporate headquarters expansion that was placed into service in April 2024.

Current wording

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, depreciation and amortization expense increased from the comparable prior year periods primarily due to the development of additional technology, purchases of other related fixed assets, and the impact of our corporate headquarters expansion that was placed into service in April 2024.

Previous wording

The increases in interest expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to the prior year periods, were primarily due to the timing of our expansion project at our corporate headquarters, which resulted in a higher capitalization rate of interest in the comparable prior year periods.

Current wording

The increases in interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the prior year periods, were primarily due to the timing of our expansion project at our corporate headquarters, which resulted in a higher capitalization rate of interest in the comparable prior year periods.

Previous wording

The decreases in other income (expense), net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to the prior year periods, were primarily attributable to decreases in interest earned on our corporate funds due to lower cash balances. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, we earned interest on our corporate funds of $4.8 million and $9.0 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, we earned interest on our corporate funds of $6.2 million and $11.4 million, respectively.

Current wording

The decreases in other income (expense), net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the prior year periods, were primarily attributable to decreases in interest earned on our corporate funds due to lower cash balances. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, we earned interest on our corporate funds of $4.2 million and $13.3 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we earned interest on our corporate funds of $6.5 million and $17.9 million, respectively.

Previous wording

The provision for income taxes is based on a current estimate of the annual effective income tax rate adjusted to reflect the impact of discrete items. Our effective income tax rate was 19.0% and 28.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was primarily attributable to the tax benefit related to the forfeiture of the 2020 CEO Performance Award in February 2024.

Current wording

The provision for income taxes is based on a current estimate of the annual effective income tax rate adjusted to reflect the impact of discrete items. Our effective income tax rate was 21.9% and 28.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily attributable to the tax benefit related to the forfeiture of the 2020 CEO Performance Award in February 2024.

Previous wording

1.0; (ii) 0.225% if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 1.0 to 1.0 but less than 2.0 to 1.0; (iii) 0.25% if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 2.0 to 1.0 but less than 3.0 to 1.0; or (iv) 0.275% if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 3.0 to 1.0.

Current wording

We are required to pay a quarterly commitment fee on the daily amount of the undrawn portion of the revolving commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility at a rate per annum of (i) 0.20% if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is less than 1.0 to 1.0; (ii) 0.225% if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 1.0 to 1.0 but less than 2.0 to 1.0; (iii) 0.25% if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 2.0 to 1.0 but less than 3.0 to 1.0; or (iv) 0.275% if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 3.0 to 1.0.

Previous wording

Stock Repurchase Plan and Withholding Shares to Cover Taxes. In May 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan allowing for the repurchase of shares of our common stock in open market transactions at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws, including Rule 10b5-1 programs. Since the initial authorization of the stock repurchase plan, our Board of Directors has amended and extended and authorized new stock repurchase plans from time to time. In August 2022, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1.1 billion of our common stock over a two-year period expiring on August 15, 2024. As of June 30, 2024, there was $705.9 million available for repurchases under our stock repurchase plan. On July 29, 2024, our Board of Directors increased and extended the stock repurchase plan, such that $1.5 billion is available for repurchases between July 29, 2024 and August 15, 2026. Our stock repurchase plan may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The actual timing, number and value of shares repurchased depends on a number of factors, including the market price of our common stock, general market and economic conditions, shares withheld for taxes associated with the vesting of equity incentive awards and other corporate considerations.

Current wording

Stock Repurchase Plan and Withholding Shares to Cover Taxes. In May 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan allowing for the repurchase of shares of our common stock in open market transactions at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws, including Rule 10b5-1 programs. Since the initial authorization of the stock repurchase plan, our Board of Directors has amended and extended and authorized new stock repurchase plans from time to time. In August 2022, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1.1 billion of our common stock over a two-year period expiring on August 15, 2024. On July 29, 2024, our Board of Directors increased and extended the stock repurchase plan, such that $1.5 billion is available for repurchases through August 15, 2026. As of September 30, 2024, there was $1.49 billion available for repurchases under our stock repurchase plan. Our stock repurchase plan may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The actual timing, number and value of shares repurchased depends on a number of factors, including the market price of our common stock, general market and economic conditions, shares withheld for taxes associated with the vesting of equity incentive awards and other corporate considerations.

Previous wording

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we repurchased an aggregate of 589,424 shares of our common stock at an average cost of $158.06 per share, including 68,482 shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations for certain employees upon the vesting of equity incentive awards. Our payment of the taxes on behalf of those employees resulted in an aggregate cash expenditure of $12.4 million and, as such, we generally subtract the amounts attributable to such withheld shares from the aggregate amount available for future purchases under our stock repurchase plan.

Current wording

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we repurchased an aggregate of 892,669 shares of our common stock at an average cost of $153.70 per share, including 80,464 shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations for certain employees upon the vesting of equity incentive awards. Our payment of the taxes on behalf of those employees resulted in an aggregate cash expenditure of $14.4 million and, as such, we generally subtract the amounts attributable to such withheld shares from the aggregate amount available for future purchases under our stock repurchase plan.

Previous wording

As our business grows, we expect our capital expenditures related to research and development and other strategic expansion activities to continue to increase. We completed an expansion of our corporate headquarters, which was placed into service in the second quarter of 2024. We anticipate that our capital expenditures in the second half of 2024 will be generally consistent with the comparable period in the prior year. Depending on certain growth opportunities, we may choose to accelerate investments in sales and marketing, acquisitions, technology and services. Actual future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our future revenues, cash from operating activities and the level of expenditures in all areas of our business. In addition, we purchased the naming rights to the downtown Oklahoma City arena that is home to the Oklahoma City Thunder National Basketball Association franchise. Under the terms of the naming rights agreement, we committed to make payments escalating annually from $4.0 million in 2021 to $6.1 million in 2035. The payments are due in the fourth quarter of each year. Upon the conclusion of the initial term, the agreement may be extended upon the mutual agreement of both parties for an additional five-year period.

Current wording

As our business grows, we expect our capital expenditures related to research and development and other strategic expansion activities to continue to increase. We completed an expansion of our corporate headquarters, which was placed into service in the second quarter of 2024. We anticipate that our capital expenditures in 2024 will be generally consistent with the prior year on a total dollar basis. Depending on certain growth opportunities, we may choose to accelerate investments in sales and marketing, acquisitions, technology and services. Actual future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our future revenues, cash from operating activities and the level of expenditures in all areas of our business. In addition, we purchased the naming rights to the downtown Oklahoma City arena that is home to the Oklahoma City Thunder National Basketball Association franchise. Under the terms of the naming rights agreement, we committed to make payments escalating annually from $4.0 million in 2021 to $6.1 million in 2035. The payments are due in the fourth quarter of each year. Upon the conclusion of the initial term, the agreement may be extended upon the mutual agreement of both parties for an additional five-year period.

Previous wording

The following table summarizes the consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

Current wording

The following table summarizes the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:

Previous wording

Cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 primarily consisted of payments received from our clients and interest earned on funds held for clients. Cash used in operating activities primarily consisted of personnel-related expenditures to support the growth and infrastructure of our business. These payments included costs of operations, advertising and other sales and marketing efforts, IT infrastructure development, product research and development and security and administrative costs. Compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023, our operating cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2024 were positively impacted by the growth of our business.

Current wording

Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 primarily consisted of payments received from our clients and interest earned on funds held for clients. Cash used in operating activities primarily consisted of personnel-related expenditures to support the growth and infrastructure of our business. These payments included costs of operations, advertising and other sales and marketing efforts, IT infrastructure development, product research and development and security and administrative costs. Compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, our operating cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were positively impacted by changes in working capital.

Previous wording

Cash provided by investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 increased from the comparable prior year period due to a $140.0 million increase in proceeds from investments from funds held for clients and a $25.0 million decrease in purchases of investments from funds held for clients, which were partially offset by a $9.9 million increase in purchases of property and equipment.

Current wording

Cash provided by investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased from the comparable prior year period due to a $175.0 million increase in proceeds from investments from funds held for clients and a $0.1 million decrease in purchases of investments from funds held for clients, which were partially offset by a $5.8 million increase in purchases of property and equipment and a $0.1 million decrease in proceeds from sale of property and equipment.

Previous wording

Cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 decreased from the comparable prior year period primarily due to the impact of a $176.7 million change related to the client funds obligation, which is due to the timing of receipts from our clients and payments made to our clients’ employees and applicable taxing authorities on their behalf. The decrease in cash used in financing activities was partially offset by a $80.8 million increase in repurchases of common stock, a $20.7 million increase in dividends paid and a $1.3 million increase in withholding taxes paid related to net share settlements.

Current wording

Cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased from the comparable prior year period due to the impact of a $582.4 million change related to the client funds obligation, which is due to the timing of receipts from our clients and payments made to our clients’ employees and applicable taxing authorities on their behalf, a $47.8 million increase in repurchases of common stock, a $20.3 million increase in dividends paid and a $1.8 million increase in withholding taxes paid related to net share settlements. The increase in cash used in financing activities was partially offset by a $0.6 million decrease in payment of debt issuance costs.