Automatic Data Processing Inc vs Becton Dickinson and Co — how do they compare? Automatic Data Processing Inc trades at $270 (market cap $108.72B), while Becton Dickinson and Co trades at $181.29 (market cap $48.93B). 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 (2.48%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ADP | BDX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $108.72B | $48.93B |
Sector | Industrials | Health |
52-Week High | $309.03 | $185.39 |
52-Week Low | $188.79 | $138.62 |
Enterprise Value | $109.76B | $65.03B |
Dividend Yield | 2.48% | 2.34% |
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.
BDX (Becton, Dickinson and Company) trades at $176.86, down 0.12% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages and strong earnings beats in recent quarters. The company reported Q3 2026 revenue of $5.0 billion, up 4.4% FX-neutral, and raised full-year guidance, though margins faced pressure. Analyst sentiment is mixed with a consensus price target of $183.00, while institutional ownership remains stable amid positive news on GLP-1 therapy expansions and dividend declarations.
The stock offers steady growth potential with a 2.7% dividend yield and consistent earnings outperformance, but risks include margin compression, regulatory recalls, and high valuation multiples. Near-term resistance at $180 and support at $173 will test bullish momentum, with the current price near the consensus target suggesting limited upside without further catalysts.
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 →