Automatic Data Processing Inc vs American States Water Company — how do they compare? Automatic Data Processing Inc trades at $271.34 (market cap $107.69B), while American States Water Company trades at $87.85 (market cap $3.47B). The key difference: Automatic Data Processing Inc is far larger — about 31× American States Water Company's market cap, and Automatic Data Processing Inc pays the higher dividend (2.51%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ADP | AWR | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $107.69B | $3.47B |
Sector | Industrials | Utilities |
52-Week High | $309.03 | $89.28 |
52-Week Low | $188.79 | $70.10 |
Enterprise Value | $108.73B | $4.37B |
Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 2.49% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ADP trades at $269.14, down 1.66% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported strong Q4 2026 earnings, beating estimates with EPS of $2.62 versus $2.57 expected, and revenue growth continues steadily. Analyst consensus is a $280.50 price target, though the majority rating is Hold. Recent news highlights dividend declarations and employment data reports.
Outlook remains positive due to consistent earnings beats and margin expansion, but high valuation multiples like a P/E of 24.78 pose a risk if growth slows. Key risks include economic sensitivity affecting payroll services demand and competitive pressures in HR solutions.
American States Water (AWR) trades at $87.45, up 1.02% with a bullish technical outlook. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings of $1.09 per share, beating estimates, driven by water rate increases and revenue growth of 11.2%. Profitability remains robust with a 20.52% net income margin and ROE of 13.62%. Recent news highlights AWR's 71-year dividend growth streak and inclusion in TIME's America's Best Companies 2026 list.
AWR offers stable income with consistent dividend growth but faces valuation concerns at 23.92 P/E. Analyst consensus is cautious with 50% hold ratings. Key risks include regulatory dependence and competitive pressures. The stock presents a defensive play with reliable dividends but limited near-term upside given current multiples.
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 →American States Water provides water and electric services to over one million people in the U.S. It also manages water and wastewater systems for various military bases under long-term privatization contracts.
Read more on AWR →