BMO Capital on Friday reduced its 12-month price target for Paylocity Holding (PCTY) to $150.00 from $185.00, while leaving the stock's rating at Outperform. The new target implies meaningful upside compared with the prevailing market price of $118.25.
In its note, BMO characterized Paylocity's latest quarter as "good, but not great," pointing to recurring revenue growth that came in lighter than the firm's expectations. Despite that shortfall, the analyst house said Paylocity's recent results and commentary leave open the prospect of double-digit growth as the company exits fiscal year 2026, based on the company's updated guidance framework and remarks on new business wins.
Market performance has lagged considerably: the shares are trading near a 52-week low after a roughly 40% decline over the last year, and InvestingPro data show the stock has fallen nearly 32% over the past six months. Over the last twelve months, Paylocity still recorded 12.08% revenue growth, according to the same data.
BMO also warned that consensus top-line estimates for fiscal 2027 retain some downside risk, reflecting continuing concerns across the broader software sector. The firm noted that Paylocity has navigated the industry slowdown reasonably well by broadening its product suite and making progress toward scaled profitability, but added that "patience could be required amid myriad worries overshadowing the broader software landscape."
Paylocity's reported Q2 2026 results provided a stronger-than-expected operating snapshot. The company posted GAAP earnings per share of $0.92, ahead of the $0.84 consensus estimate, and reported revenue of $416.1 million versus the $408.59 million forecast. On a non-GAAP basis, earnings per share came in at $1.85, topping the consensus estimate of $1.60.
Analysts reacted to the quarter with a range of target adjustments. BTIG trimmed its price objective to $150 from $180 while maintaining a Buy rating, citing concerns about the growth outlook. Citizens reduced its target to $170 from $245, holding to a Market Outperform stance. By contrast, Needham kept its Buy recommendation with a $250 price target, highlighting the strength of the company's quarterly results.
Taken together, the analyst commentary and the company's results paint a mixed picture: operational momentum and revenue growth were sufficient to beat near-term expectations, yet recurring growth and longer-term consensus estimates have prompted some firms to pull back on valuations. Investors and market participants will be watching Paylocity's execution on new business wins, margin scaling, and how updated guidance translates into fiscal 2027 estimates.
Market data noted in this report:
- Current stock price cited: $118.25
- 52-week performance: trading near 52-week low; roughly 40% decline over the past year
- Six-month decline: nearly 32%
- Revenue growth over trailing 12 months: 12.08%
- Q2 2026 GAAP EPS: $0.92 (consensus $0.84)
- Q2 2026 revenue: $416.1 million (consensus $408.59 million)
- Q2 2026 non-GAAP EPS: $1.85 (consensus $1.60)