Automatic Data Processing Inc vs Alliant Energy Corporation — how do they compare? Automatic Data Processing Inc trades at $267.2 (market cap $107.69B), while Alliant Energy Corporation trades at $69.54 (market cap $17.78B). The key difference: Automatic Data Processing Inc is far larger — about 6.1× Alliant Energy Corporation's market cap, and Alliant Energy Corporation pays the higher dividend (3.12%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ADP | LNT | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $107.69B | $17.78B |
Sector | Industrials | Utilities |
52-Week High | $309.03 | $78.03 |
52-Week Low | $188.79 | $63.62 |
Enterprise Value | $108.73B | $29.88B |
Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 3.12% |
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.
Alliant Energy (LNT) trades at $68.21, down 1.67% on the day, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages but bullish oscillators. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $0.65, beating estimates, and reaffirmed full-year guidance. Revenue grew to $4.36B in 2025, with net income margin at 18.45%. Analyst consensus is a Buy with a $77.67 price target, indicating potential upside. Recent news highlights institutional activity, including Assenagon Asset Management increasing its stake by 339.9% as of August 12, 2026.
LNT presents a stable investment opportunity with consistent earnings beats and a dividend yield, but faces risks from rising debt levels and bearish technical trends. The stock's valuation metrics, including a P/E of 21.7, are reasonable for the utilities sector. Upside is supported by analyst targets, while headwinds include higher interest costs and competitive pressures.
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 →Alliant Energy is the parent of two regulated utilities, Interstate Power and Light and Wisconsin Power and Light, serving nearly 1 million electricity and natural gas customers and approximately 420,000 natural gas-only customers. Both subsidiaries engage in the generation and distribution of electricity and the distribution and transportation of natural gas. Alliant also owns a 16% interest in American Transmission Co.
Read more on LNT →