Automatic Data Processing Inc vs Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. — how do they compare? Automatic Data Processing Inc trades at $271.34 (market cap $108.72B), while Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. trades at $308.56 (market cap $68.63B). The key difference: Automatic Data Processing Inc is the larger of the two by market cap, and Automatic Data Processing Inc pays the higher dividend (2.48%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ADP | APD | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $108.72B | $68.63B |
Sector | Industrials | Basic Materials |
52-Week High | $309.03 | $314.19 |
52-Week Low | $188.79 | $230.42 |
Enterprise Value | $109.76B | $85.80B |
Dividend Yield | 2.48% | 2.35% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ADP trades at $271.32, down 0.8% for the day, with strong technical momentum showing bullish moving averages and key support at $269. The company demonstrates robust fundamentals with consistent earnings beats, 20.11% net margins, and 72.24% ROE. Recent Q4 2026 results showed 7% revenue growth and 17% EPS growth, driving positive analyst sentiment despite elevated valuation multiples.
Outlook remains positive with a $280.50 consensus price target offering 3.4% upside potential. Key opportunities include margin expansion and dividend stability, while risks center on high valuation sensitivity and labor market volatility affecting ADP's payroll processing business. The stock presents a quality growth opportunity with disciplined risk management required.
Air Products and Chemicals (APD) trades at $303.44, up 1.17% today, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages and recent earnings beats. The stock shows strong analyst support with a consensus price target of $346, though high valuation ratios like a P/E of 30.86 and EV/EBITDA of 50.36 raise concerns. Recent news highlights a major semiconductor supply deal in Taiwan and raised guidance after Q3 2026 results.
The outlook is mixed: positive momentum from contract wins and earnings performance offers upside, but negative net income margins and elevated debt levels pose risks. Investors should weigh growth catalysts against financial leverage and profitability challenges.
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 →Since its founding in 1940, Air Products has become one of the leading industrial gas suppliers globally, with operations in 50 countries and 19,000 employees. The company is the largest supplier of hydrogen and helium in the world. It has a unique portfolio serving customers in a number of industries, including chemicals, energy, healthcare, metals, and electronics. Air Products generated $10.3 billion in revenue in fiscal 2021.
Read more on APD →