Automatic Data Processing Inc vs Lam Research Corporation — how do they compare? Automatic Data Processing Inc trades at $268.29 (market cap $107.69B), while Lam Research Corporation trades at $324.41 (market cap $389.67B). The key difference: Lam Research Corporation is far larger — about 3.6× Automatic Data Processing Inc's market cap, and Automatic Data Processing Inc pays the higher dividend (2.51%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ADP | LRCX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $107.69B | $389.67B |
Sector | Industrials | Technology |
52-Week High | $309.03 | $433.33 |
52-Week Low | $188.79 | $97.03 |
Enterprise Value | $108.73B | $387.83B |
Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 0.33% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ADP trades at $268.23, down 1.99% over the past day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $280.50. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q4 2026 EPS of $2.62 beating expectations, and maintains robust profitability with a net income margin of 20.11%. Recent news highlights dividend declarations and positive earnings momentum, though valuation ratios like a P/E of 24.78 suggest a premium.
The outlook for ADP is supported by consistent earnings growth and solid cash flow, but high valuation multiples and competitive pressures in payroll processing pose risks. Upside potential exists if the company meets Q3 2026 EPS expectations of $2.78, while macroeconomic labor market trends could impact performance. Analyst sentiment is mixed, with 63.89% holding, indicating cautious optimism amid elevated pricing.
Lam Research (LRCX) trades at $328.93, up 7.35% with strong technical momentum and bullish moving average signals. The company demonstrates robust fundamentals with 2025 revenue of $18.44B, net income of $5.36B (31.27% margin), and consistent earnings beats. Recent expansion into panel-level packaging and semiconductor workforce development initiatives position LRCX for continued AI-driven growth.
Outlook remains positive with 78% analyst buy ratings and $397.18 consensus price target, though elevated valuation ratios (P/E 54.06) and potential semiconductor cycle volatility present risks. The stock offers exposure to AI infrastructure growth but requires monitoring of competitive threats and capital expenditure trends.
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 →Lam Research manufactures equipment used to fabricate semiconductors. The firm is focused on the etching, deposition, and clean markets, which are key steps in the semiconductor manufacturing process, especially for 3D NAND flash storage, advanced DRAM, and leading-edge logic/foundry chipmakers. Lam's flagship Kiyo, Vector, and Sabre products are sold in all major geographies to key customers such as Samsung Electronics, Micron, Intel, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing.
Read more on LRCX →