Automatic Data Processing Inc vs Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc — how do they compare? Automatic Data Processing Inc trades at $268.05 (market cap $107.69B), while Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc trades at $48.18 (market cap $8.28B). The key difference: Automatic Data Processing Inc is far larger — about 13× Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc's market cap, and Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc pays the higher dividend (5.99%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ADP | ARE | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $107.69B | $8.28B |
Sector | Industrials | Real Estate |
52-Week High | $309.03 | $87.45 |
52-Week Low | $188.79 | $40.41 |
Enterprise Value | $108.73B | $20.98B |
Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 5.99% |
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.
Alexandria Real Estate Equities (ARE) trades at $48.35, down 2.79% today, with a bearish technical signal and mixed fundamentals. The stock shows a negative net income margin of -37.12% for 2025, though recent Q2 2026 FFO beat estimates. Analyst consensus is a 'Buy' with a $53.71 price target, but technical indicators suggest near-term pressure with support at $47 and resistance at $50.
Outlook remains cautious due to profitability challenges and high debt, but leasing momentum and strategic partnerships offer recovery potential. Risks include ongoing net losses and market volatility, while institutional interest and dividend payments provide some stability. Investors should weigh fundamental weaknesses against long-term real estate sector recovery prospects.
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 →Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc is an urban office real estate investment trust (REIT). It is engaged in the business of providing space for lease to life science, agtech, and technology tenants. The company has established a significant market presence in key locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. Alexandria has a longstanding and proven track record of developing Class A properties clustered in urban life science, agtech, and technology campuses that provide tenants with highly dynamic and collaborative environments. Alexandria also provides strategic capital to transformative life science, agtech, and technology companies through venture capital platform.
Read more on ARE →