Top-Line Growth and Raised Outlook
Reported consolidated revenue growth of 7% in Q3; company raised full-year consolidated revenue growth guidance to 6%–7% following the quarter.
Profitability and EPS Expansion
Adjusted EBIT margin expanded by ~80 basis points in Q3; ADP raised its fiscal 2026 adjusted EBIT margin expansion target to 70–80 basis points and increased adjusted EPS growth guidance to 10%–11% (Q3 adjusted EPS grew ~10%).
Employer Services (ES) Performance
ES segment revenue increased 7% on a reported basis and 5% on an organic constant-currency basis in Q3 (FX contributed ~2 percentage points); ES margins improved (up 130 basis points in Q3) driven by operational productivity and higher client funds interest contribution.
PEO and Payroll Metrics
Total PEO revenue rose 7% in Q3, with PEO revenue excluding zero‑margin pass‑throughs up 5%; average worksite employee growth was 2% in Q3 and management expects ~2% for fiscal 2026.
Client Funds and Investment Tailwinds
Average client funds balances grew ~9% in Q3; ADP increased its full‑year average client funds balances growth forecast to ~6% and raised the midpoint of client funds interest revenue by $25 million to a $1.34B–$1.35B range; the company expects an average yield of ~3.4%.
Record Client Satisfaction and Retention
Employer Services retention rate and overall client satisfaction reached new third‑quarter records; strong retention contributed to improved guidance (ES retention now expected to be flat to down 20 bps for the year).
AI and Operational Productivity Gains
ADP reported meaningful AI-driven efficiencies: ADP Assist payroll agents saved an average of 30 minutes per payroll; Smart Actions search reduced clicks/time by ~80% for common HR actions; internal deployments (e.g., India year-end) cut volumes and labor by ~35%; RAM/AI tools enabled an 8% YoY reduction in client contacts in fiscal Q3.
Product Momentum and External Recognition
Lyric HCM adoption momentum—examples include reducing recruiting steps from 23 to 8 and enabling a 71% leaner payroll operations model for a global client; ADP ranked #1 in HR on Fast Company's Most Innovative list and Run Powered by ADP remained a top‑ranked small business product on G2.
Balance Sheet / Capital Allocation
Management increased share repurchase activity and expects buybacks at or above elevated levels for the remainder of the year and into fiscal 2027 (in addition to dividend growth and continued investments).