Automatic Data Processing Inc vs Becton Dickinson and Co — how do they compare? Automatic Data Processing Inc trades at $266.98 (market cap $107.69B), while Becton Dickinson and Co trades at $179.16 (market cap $49.41B). The key difference: Automatic Data Processing Inc is far larger — about 2.2× Becton Dickinson and Co's market cap, and Automatic Data Processing Inc pays the higher dividend (2.51%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ADP | BDX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $107.69B | $49.41B |
Sector | Industrials | Health |
52-Week High | $309.03 | $185.39 |
52-Week Low | $188.79 | $138.62 |
Enterprise Value | $108.73B | $65.51B |
Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 2.32% |
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.
BDX trades at $179.63, up 1.57% with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages. The company reported strong Q3 2026 earnings, beating estimates with $3.23 EPS versus $3.14 expected, and raised full-year guidance. Revenue growth remains steady at 4.4% FX-neutral, though margins face pressure from tariffs. Analysts maintain a mixed consensus with 47% buy ratings and a $183 price target, suggesting modest upside from current levels.
The stock presents a balanced opportunity with solid fundamentals and dividend stability, but faces headwinds from margin compression and competitive pressures. Near-term catalysts include continued execution on growth initiatives, while risks include tariff impacts and healthcare regulatory changes. The current valuation at 31.39 P/E appears fair given growth 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 →Becton, Dickinson is the world's largest manufacturer and distributor of medical surgical products, such as needles, syringes, and sharps-disposal units. The company also manufactures diagnostic instruments and reagents, as well as flow cytometry and cell-imaging systems. BD Interventional (largely the former Bard business) accounts for 23% of revenue. International revenue accounts for 44% of the company's business.
Read more on BDX →