Automatic Data Processing (ADP)
NASDAQ:ADP
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Automatic Data Processing (ADP) AI Stock Analysis

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ADP

Automatic Data Processing

(NASDAQ:ADP)

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Outperform 70 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:70Outperform
Price Target:
$308.00
▲(21.70% Upside)
ADP's overall stock score is driven by its strong financial performance and positive earnings call sentiment, which highlight robust profitability and strategic growth initiatives. However, bearish technical indicators and a relatively high valuation suggest caution. The company's dividend yield provides some offsetting value for income-focused investors.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
Consistent revenue and EPS growth indicate strong demand for ADP's services, supporting long-term business sustainability and market competitiveness.
Client Satisfaction
High client satisfaction reflects effective service delivery and strengthens client retention, enhancing ADP's competitive position and future revenue stability.
Global Expansion
Global expansion into new markets like Costa Rica diversifies ADP's revenue streams and reduces dependency on any single market, supporting long-term growth.
Negative Factors
Flat Pays Per Control Growth
Flat growth in pays per control suggests potential challenges in client workforce expansion, which could limit ADP's growth in payroll processing revenue.
Retention Rate Decline
A decline in retention rate, even if slight, could indicate emerging competitive pressures or client dissatisfaction, impacting future revenue stability.
Margin Decrease
Decreasing margins in Employer Services may reflect rising costs or pricing pressures, potentially affecting ADP's profitability if not addressed.

Automatic Data Processing (ADP) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Automatic Data Processing Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAutomatic Data Processing (ADP) is a leading global provider of human capital management (HCM) solutions, offering a wide range of services including payroll processing, talent management, benefits administration, and workforce analytics. Established in 1949, ADP serves clients of all sizes across various sectors, helping businesses streamline their HR functions and improve employee experiences. With a strong emphasis on technology, ADP integrates its services with cloud-based platforms, providing clients with innovative tools to manage their workforce efficiently.
How the Company Makes MoneyADP generates revenue primarily through its comprehensive suite of HCM solutions, which are offered on a subscription basis. The company has several key revenue streams, including payroll services, which constitute a significant portion of its earnings, as well as services related to tax filing, human resources, and insurance services. ADP also offers additional services such as time and attendance management, talent acquisition, and employee benefits administration, which further contribute to its revenue. Furthermore, ADP leverages partnerships with various technology companies to enhance its product offerings and expand its market reach. The recurring nature of its subscription model provides a stable revenue stream, while its extensive client base in diverse industries helps mitigate risks associated with economic fluctuations.

Automatic Data Processing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Segment
Revenue by Segment
Analyzes income from different business units, highlighting which areas drive growth and profitability, and indicating strategic focus and market positioning.
Chart InsightsADP's Employer Services segment shows robust growth, driven by strong retention rates and strategic investments, despite underperformance in new business bookings. The PEO Services segment maintains steady growth, bolstered by increased worksite employees, although margin pressures persist. The 'Other' segment remains volatile but less impactful. The earnings call highlights ADP's positive outlook for fiscal 2026, with expected revenue and EPS growth supported by AI integration and strategic acquisitions, despite challenges from a moderating macroeconomic environment and ongoing margin pressures.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Automatic Data Processing Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 29, 2025
(Q1-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 04, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
ADP's earnings call highlighted strong revenue and EPS growth, record sales volume, and high client satisfaction. These positives were somewhat offset by flat pays per control growth and slight declines in retention and segment margins. Overall, the sentiment leans positive due to the significant achievements outweighing the challenges.
Q1-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Revenue and EPS Growth
ADP reported 7% revenue growth and 7% adjusted EPS growth for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026.
Record Sales Volume
Employer Services new business bookings showed growth acceleration from the previous quarter, resulting in a record sales volume for the first quarter.
High Client Satisfaction
Overall client satisfaction score reached a new all-time high for the first quarter, reflecting improvements in each business unit.
PEO Revenue Exceeds Expectations
PEO revenue growth of 7% exceeded expectations, aided by growth in zero margin pass-throughs and higher wages.
Strong Global Expansion
ADP went live with its first GlobalView client in Costa Rica, expanding its footprint in over 140 countries.
Negative Updates
Flat Pays Per Control Growth
Employer Services pays per control growth rounded down to 0% for the first quarter with clients cautious around adding headcount.
Slight Decline in Retention
Employer Services retention rate declined slightly in Q1 versus the prior year, though better than anticipated.
ES Segment Margin Decrease
Employer Services segment margin decreased by 50 basis points, largely due to integration and acquisition-related costs.
PEO Margin Decrease
PEO margin decreased by 140 basis points, driven by higher selling expenses and timing of state unemployment insurance costs.
Company Guidance
During ADP's First Quarter 2026 Earnings Call, the company reported a 7% revenue growth and 7% adjusted EPS growth. Employer Services new business bookings set a record, with notable strength in the small business portfolio and HR Outsourcing. The Employer Services retention rate slightly declined but exceeded expectations, and the client satisfaction score reached an all-time high for the first quarter. Pays per control growth rounded down to 0%, with clients cautious about adding headcount. PEO revenue grew by 7%, surpassing expectations due to growth in zero-margin pass-throughs and higher wages. ADP maintained its full-year guidance for Employer Services revenue growth of 5% to 6% and PEO revenue growth of 5% to 7%, with expectations of 8% to 10% adjusted EPS growth supported by share repurchases.

Automatic Data Processing Financial Statement Overview

Summary
ADP exhibits strong financial health with robust profitability and efficient operations. The company shows consistent revenue growth and maintains solid margins, although there is a slight decline in free cash flow growth. The balance sheet reflects a manageable level of debt, and the high ROE indicates effective use of equity.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
ADP demonstrates solid financial performance with consistent revenue growth and strong profitability margins. The TTM data shows a Gross Profit Margin of 49.33% and a Net Profit Margin of 19.79%, indicating efficient cost management and profitability. The Revenue Growth Rate of 1.67% in the TTM period is modest but stable. EBIT and EBITDA margins are healthy at 27.87% and 30.47%, respectively, reflecting strong operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
ADP maintains a balanced financial structure with a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 1.49, which is manageable but indicates a reliance on debt financing. The Return on Equity (ROE) is impressive at 70.42%, showcasing effective use of equity to generate profits. The Equity Ratio stands at 11.73%, suggesting a moderate level of equity financing relative to total assets.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
The cash flow analysis reveals a slight decline in Free Cash Flow Growth at -3.56% in the TTM period, which could be a concern if it continues. However, the Operating Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio is 0.47, and the Free Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio is 0.97, indicating that ADP generates sufficient cash flow relative to its net income, supporting its operational needs and potential investments.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue20.90B20.56B19.20B18.01B16.50B15.01B
Gross Profit10.31B10.45B9.59B8.81B7.73B6.97B
EBITDA6.37B6.24B5.80B5.24B4.41B3.93B
Net Income4.14B4.08B3.75B3.41B2.95B2.60B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets54.32B53.37B54.36B50.97B63.07B48.77B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments7.94B7.85B3.30B2.10B1.48B2.58B
Total Debt9.87B9.07B3.71B3.44B3.49B3.35B
Total Liabilities47.95B47.18B49.82B47.46B59.84B43.10B
Stockholders Equity6.37B6.19B4.55B3.51B3.23B5.67B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow4.60B4.77B3.59B3.64B2.55B2.59B
Operating Cash Flow4.76B4.94B4.16B4.21B3.10B3.09B
Investing Cash Flow-3.25B-3.04B-1.39B-2.52B-7.01B-3.52B
Financing Cash Flow-317.80M-6.97B-1.43B-15.68B13.65B6.44B

Automatic Data Processing Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price253.09
Price Trends
50DMA
280.21
Negative
100DMA
291.37
Negative
200DMA
297.13
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-8.63
Positive
RSI
23.13
Positive
STOCH
35.03
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For ADP, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 253.09 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 265.53, below the 50-day MA of 280.21, and below the 200-day MA of 297.13, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -8.63 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 23.13 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 35.03 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for ADP.

Automatic Data Processing Risk Analysis

Automatic Data Processing disclosed 1 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Automatic Data Processing reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Automatic Data Processing Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
71
Outperform
$40.34B25.1441.27%3.76%9.08%-5.00%
70
Outperform
$102.36B24.9670.57%2.42%7.07%8.32%
61
Neutral
$37.18B12.37-10.20%1.83%8.50%-7.62%
60
Neutral
$2.70B17.3111.27%8.66%-7.27%-43.88%
60
Neutral
$2.79B21.19111.30%1.93%0.99%-47.02%
47
Neutral
$1.23B73.8416.04%7.35%3.19%-86.21%
46
Neutral
$1.33B-1.00%8.18%-2.44%-156.01%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ADP
Automatic Data Processing
253.09
-38.71
-13.27%
NSP
Insperity
32.66
-38.18
-53.90%
MAN
ManpowerGroup
28.64
-31.06
-52.03%
PAYX
Paychex
112.10
-25.35
-18.44%
RHI
Robert Half
26.67
-43.42
-61.95%
TNET
TriNet Group
55.70
-30.96
-35.73%

Automatic Data Processing Corporate Events

ADP Reports Strong Start to Fiscal 2026
Oct 30, 2025

Automatic Data Processing (ADP) is a global leader in HR and payroll solutions, providing a wide range of services from simple tools for small businesses to integrated platforms for large enterprises, with a focus on innovation and AI-driven insights.

ADP Reports Strong Q1 Earnings with Record Sales
Oct 30, 2025

ADP’s recent earnings call painted a generally positive picture, underscored by robust revenue and EPS growth, record-breaking sales volume, and high levels of client satisfaction. While there were some challenges, such as stagnant pays per control growth and slight declines in retention and segment margins, the overall sentiment was buoyant, with significant achievements taking center stage.

ADP Reports Strong Fiscal 2025 Results and Positive 2026 Outlook
Jul 31, 2025

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) is a global leader in human resources and payroll solutions, providing innovative services to over 1.1 million clients across more than 140 countries.

ADP’s Earnings Call Highlights Strong 2025 and Optimistic 2026
Jul 31, 2025

Automatic Data Processing (ADP) reported a strong fiscal 2025, marked by impressive achievements in revenue growth, retention rates, and product innovation. Despite these successes, the company faced challenges in meeting new business bookings expectations and navigating a moderating macroeconomic environment. Looking ahead, ADP remains optimistic about fiscal 2026, with plans for continued strategic investments and growth initiatives.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Oct 30, 2025