Paychex Inc. (NASDAQ: PAYX) reported second-quarter earnings of $ 272 million (75 cents per share), up from $ 259 million (72 cents per share) a year earlier. Operating income was 73 cents per share versus 70 cents. Revenue for the reporting period fell to $ 984 million from $ 991 million. According to preliminary forecasts, the profit figure should have been at 66 cents per share on revenue of $ 953 million.