Price movement over the last 24 hours
Automatic Data Processing Inc vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Automatic Data Processing Inc trades at $242.2 (market cap $98.17B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $125.34 (market cap $318.26B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 3.2× Automatic Data Processing Inc's market cap, and Automatic Data Processing Inc pays the higher dividend (2.77%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ADP | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $98.17B | $318.26B |
Sector | Industrials | Health |
52-Week High | $310.94 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $188.79 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $99.24B | $361.68B |
Dividend Yield | 2.77% | 2.64% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ADP trades at $245.60, up 1.37% on the day, near its 52-week high. The stock shows bullish technical signals with consistent earnings beats in recent quarters. Revenue grew to $20.56 billion in 2025, with a net income margin of 20.12%. Analyst sentiment is mixed, with a consensus hold rating but a technical outlook suggesting strength. The company maintains strong profitability metrics and recently announced a dividend payment.
Outlook remains stable with projected revenue growth to $21.6 billion in 2026. Risks include competitive pressures and economic sensitivity. Opportunities lie in AI integration and margin expansion. The stock offers value through dividends and steady performance, though valuation multiples are elevated relative to historical averages.
Merck (MRK) trades at $126.78, showing stable recent performance with strong institutional interest. The company demonstrates solid fundamentals with 2025 revenue of $65.01B and net income of $18.25B, representing a 28.07% profit margin. Recent earnings have consistently beaten expectations, and the company is actively expanding through strategic acquisitions like Terns Pharmaceuticals. Technical indicators show a bullish trend with moving averages supporting upward momentum, though oscillators suggest some consolidation may be needed.
Merck presents a compelling investment case with strong profitability, consistent earnings beats, and strategic pipeline expansion through M&A. The stock offers 9.9% upside to the consensus price target of $139.33, supported by 67.6% analyst buy ratings. Key risks include patent expirations, competitive pressures in oncology, and integration challenges from recent acquisitions. The company's robust cash flow generation supports continued dividend payments and strategic investments.
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 →Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent hepatitis B and pediatric diseases as well as HPV and shingles. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the firm's sales are generated in the United States.
Read more on MRK →