Automatic Data Processing Inc vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Automatic Data Processing Inc trades at $266.12 (market cap $107.69B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $118.76 (market cap $43.14B). The key difference: Automatic Data Processing Inc is far larger — about 2.5× Paychex, Inc.'s market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.92%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ADP | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $107.69B | $43.14B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $309.03 | $140.81 |
52-Week Low | $188.79 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $108.73B | $46.63B |
Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 3.92% |
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.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $121.18, up 0.95% with a bullish technical outlook and strong fundamentals. The company maintains robust profitability with 27.03% net margins and consistent earnings beats. Recent expansion of WISE platform and steady small business employment trends support growth. Technical indicators show bullish momentum with support at $120 and resistance at $122.
PAYX offers stable dividend income and consistent execution but faces valuation concerns with P/E of 24.81 above sector averages. Analyst consensus remains cautious with 63% hold ratings. Key risks include economic sensitivity and competitive pressures in HR services. Upside depends on continued market share gains and margin maintenance.
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 →Paychex is a leading provider of payroll, human capital management, and insurance solutions servicing small and midsize clients primarily in the United States. The company, established in 1979, services over 730,000 clients and pays over 1 in 12 U.S. private-sector workers. Alongside its traditional payroll services, Paychex offers HCM solutions such as benefits administration and time and attendance software, as well as human resources outsourcing and insurance agency services.
Read more on PAYX →