Automatic Data Processing Inc vs Tidewater Inc — how do they compare? Automatic Data Processing Inc trades at $269.09 (market cap $107.69B), while Tidewater Inc trades at $92.72 (market cap $4.54B). The key difference: Automatic Data Processing Inc is far larger — about 23.7× Tidewater Inc's market cap, and Automatic Data Processing Inc pays a 2.51% dividend while Tidewater Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ADP | TDW | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $107.69B | $4.54B |
Sector | Industrials | Utilities |
52-Week High | $309.03 | $91.20 |
52-Week Low | $188.79 | $47.29 |
Enterprise Value | $108.73B | $4.58B |
Dividend Yield | 2.51% | — |
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.
Tidewater (TDW) trades at $90.20, up 0.64% today, with a bullish technical signal driven by moving averages and ADX. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat estimates (EPS $0.43 vs. $0.32 expected, Zacks Investment Research, 2026-08-03), though quarterly EPS has missed expectations in three of the last four quarters. The company maintains strong profitability with an 18.34% net margin and robust cash flow from operations of $379.11 million in 2025.
Outlook is mixed: bullish technicals and institutional interest support upside, but earnings misses and a high RSI near overbought levels pose risks. Analyst consensus leans hold (57.7%), with valuation metrics like P/E of 18.5 suggesting fair pricing. Key risks include operational costs from Middle East conflicts and revenue volatility.
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 →Tidewater is the leading global provider of offshore support vessels (OSVs) to the energy industry. With the world's largest fleet of platform supply vessels (PSVs) and anchor handling tugs (AHTS), it provides critical logistics and marine support for offshore oil, gas, and renewable energy projects. Following a period of massive strategic consolidation, Tidewater is now focused on maximizing day rates and free cash flow in a supply-constrained market, positioning itself as a primary beneficiary of the multi-year offshore upcycle.
Read more on TDW →