Automatic Data Processing Inc vs Albemarle Corp. — how do they compare? Automatic Data Processing Inc trades at $268.71 (market cap $107.69B), while Albemarle Corp. trades at $129.5 (market cap $15.27B). The key difference: Automatic Data Processing Inc is far larger — about 7.1× Albemarle Corp.'s market cap, and Automatic Data Processing Inc pays the higher dividend (2.51%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ADP | ALB | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $107.69B | $15.27B |
Sector | Industrials | Basic Materials |
52-Week High | $309.03 | $215.62 |
52-Week Low | $188.79 | $72.58 |
Enterprise Value | $108.73B | $17.75B |
Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 1.27% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ADP trades at $273.68, up 0.87% today, near its consensus price target of $280.50. The stock shows bullish technical signals with strong moving averages and support at $270. Recent quarterly earnings consistently beat estimates, with Q2 2026 EPS of $2.64 surpassing the $2.59 forecast. Revenue growth is steady, reaching $20.56 billion in 2025, with a net income margin of 20.11% and robust ROE of 72.24%.
Outlook remains positive given earnings momentum and dividend stability, but high valuation multiples (P/E 24.78, P/S 4.98) pose risks if growth slows. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 63.89% hold ratings, reflecting caution amid elevated prices. Key risks include labor market sensitivity and competitive pressures in payroll processing.
Albemarle (ALB) trades at $131.21, up 0.08% on the day, showing a bullish technical trend with strong support at $129 and resistance at $133. The company reported robust Q2 2026 results, beating EPS estimates with $3.75 versus $3.20 expected, driven by improved lithium pricing and specialties growth. However, net income remains negative for 2025 at -$510.63M, and the P/E ratio is elevated at 479.11, indicating high valuation expectations. Analyst sentiment is mixed with a consensus price target of $184.50 but only 42% buy ratings.
Outlook: ALB benefits from strong lithium demand and cost controls, but faces risks from volatile lithium prices and sequential margin pressure in Q3. The stock offers growth potential if execution continues, yet high valuation and earnings inconsistency warrant caution. Near-term price action hinges on Q3 results and lithium market trends.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
ADP is a provider of payroll and human capital management solutions servicing the full scope of businesses from micro to global enterprises. ADP was established in 1949 and serves over 990,000 clients primarily in the United States. ADP's employer services segment offers payroll, HCM solutions, HR outsourcing, insurance and retirement services. The smaller but faster-growing PEO segment provides HR outsourcing solutions to small and midsize businesses through a co-employment model.
Read more on ADP →Albemarle is the world's largest lithium producer. Our outlook for robust lithium demand is predicated upon increased demand for electric vehicle batteries. Albemarle produces lithium from its salt brine deposits in Chile and the U.S. and its hard rock joint venture mines in Australia. Albemarle is also a global leader in the production of bromine, used in flame retardants. The company is also a major producer of oil refining catalysts.
Read more on ALB →