Paychex Inc. (PAYX) shares tumbled 5.16% in pre-market trading on Wednesday, following the release of the company's fourth-quarter and full-year fiscal 2026 results.

The HR and payroll services provider reported quarterly adjusted earnings per share of $1.32, surpassing the Ibes estimate of $1.30. Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.61 billion, also beating analyst expectations of $1.60 billion. Despite these positive results, investor sentiment turned negative as the company issued its outlook for the upcoming fiscal year.

For fiscal 2027, Paychex anticipates total revenue growth in the range of 5% to 6% and adjusted diluted earnings per share growth of 7% to 9%. This forward guidance appears to have fallen short of market expectations, leading to the sharp pre-market decline as traders reassessed the company's growth trajectory.