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Jacob Smith

Jacob Smith

Vice President and Equity Analyst at Guggenheim Securities

New York, NY, US

Jacob Smith is a Vice President and Equity Analyst at Guggenheim Securities, specializing in the computer and technology sector with a primary focus on internet software companies. He covers firms such as Akamai (AKAM), Oracle (ORCL), Smartsheet (SMAR), Arm Holdings (ARM), Cloudflare (NET), ServiceNow (NOW), Okta (OKTA), Microsoft (MSFT), Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Zscaler (ZS), and several others, issuing consistent buy and hold ratings, though he currently has limited performance history with an average return and success rate not yet established. Smith began his equity analyst career at Guggenheim Securities in April 2022 and was promoted to Vice President in 2024, having previously built experience in financial analysis and investment research. He is registered with FINRA as part of an SEC-registered broker-dealer and holds relevant securities licenses, reflecting his credentials and regulatory standing as a professional equity analyst.

Jacob Smith's questions to Paycom Software (PAYC) leadership

Question · Q3 2025

Jacob Smith asked about the ramp and consistency of IWant usage, seeking to understand its stickiness and if users maintain engagement beyond initial use. He also inquired about gross margins, asking if Paycom is optimizing GPU usage to handle millions of queries and if this could extend the runway of GPU investments.

Answer

Chad Richison, President and CEO, explained that IWant is a quicker way to access data and information, often the only way for certain users like executives, and eliminates the need for training. He noted that new employees predominantly use it, and Paycom is not seeing users abandon it after initial use. Regarding GPUs, Mr. Richison stated that Paycom performs daily analysis and optimization, including load testing for simultaneous inquiries, to manage capacity efficiently. He reiterated the strategic decision to purchase and operate their own GPUs for control and cost-effectiveness, expecting this investment to be a key differentiator.

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Question · Q3 2025

Jacob Smith asked about the ramp and consistency of Iwant usage, seeking insights into its stickiness and whether users maintain engagement or revert to old habits. He also inquired about gross margins, efforts to optimize GPU usage, and how this might extend the runway of GPU investments given the millions of queries.

Answer

Chad Richison, President and CEO of Paycom Software, explained that Iwant provides quicker data access, is the sole method for some users (like C-suite), and eliminates navigation/training. He noted new employees predominantly use it and they are not observing abandonment, though users learned to phrase queries effectively. Regarding GPUs, Mr. Richison discussed daily analysis and optimization efforts, including load testing for simultaneous inquiries. He reiterated the strategic decision to purchase their own GPUs for control and cost-effectiveness, emphasizing it was a significant, planned investment for 100% client coverage.

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Jacob Smith's questions to Paylocity Holding (PCTY) leadership

Question · Q1 2026

Jacob Smith from Guggenheim Securities asked about Paylocity's strategy to win new referral business through the broker channel, particularly in light of market consolidation and competitors who directly compete with brokers. He inquired about efforts at both leadership and individual producer levels to deepen trust and capitalize on potential disruption in the channel.

Answer

Steve Beauchamp, Executive Chairman, explained that the broker channel is a key part of Paylocity's go-to-market, driven by individual relationships between salespeople and brokers. He noted that the channel consistently contributes over 25% of new business and has been a factor in overperformance, with less competition in the market presenting a clear opportunity that Paylocity is actively pursuing.

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Fintool can predict Paylocity Holding logo PCTY's earnings beat/miss a week before the call

Question · Q1 2026

Jacob Smith asked about Paylocity's strategy to win new referral business in the broker channel, especially amid consolidation, leveraging its broker-neutral stance. He also inquired about the benefit seen from any disruption in the channel.

Answer

Executive Chairman Steve Beauchamp explained that the broker channel is a key go-to-market motion, driven by individual relationships between salespeople and brokers, sharing leads and getting referrals. He noted that Paylocity consistently exceeds 25% of new business from this channel, which has contributed to overperformance. Mr. Beauchamp added that less competition in the channel is seen as an opportunity, contributing to the strong fiscal year start.

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