Automatic Data Processing Inc vs UnitedHealth Group Inc — how do they compare? Automatic Data Processing Inc trades at $271.34 (market cap $107.69B), while UnitedHealth Group Inc trades at $404.95 (market cap $361.00B). The key difference: UnitedHealth Group Inc is far larger — about 3.4× 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 | UNH | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $107.69B | $361.00B |
Sector | Industrials | Health |
52-Week High | $309.03 | $436.35 |
52-Week Low | $188.79 | $259.02 |
Enterprise Value | $108.73B | $402.86B |
Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 2.31% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ADP trades at $269.14, down 1.66% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported strong Q4 2026 earnings, beating estimates with EPS of $2.62 versus $2.57 expected, and revenue growth continues steadily. Analyst consensus is a $280.50 price target, though the majority rating is Hold. Recent news highlights dividend declarations and employment data reports.
Outlook remains positive due to consistent earnings beats and margin expansion, but high valuation multiples like a P/E of 24.78 pose a risk if growth slows. Key risks include economic sensitivity affecting payroll services demand and competitive pressures in HR solutions.
UnitedHealth Group (UNH) trades at $408.74, showing modest daily gains of 0.41% amid a bearish technical signal. The company demonstrates strong fundamental performance with consistent earnings beats in recent quarters and robust analyst support (82.7% buy ratings). Recent developments include dividend payments and strategic initiatives to streamline pediatric care authorizations, positioning UNH well in the healthcare sector.
UNH presents a compelling investment case with strong cash flow generation and market leadership, though investors face risks from regulatory scrutiny and margin compression. The stock trades at a discount to analyst consensus target of $476.50, offering potential upside if operational improvements and growth initiatives materialize as projected.
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 →UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest private health insurers, providing medical benefits to 50 million members globally, including 5 million outside the U.S. at the end of 2021. As a leader in employer-sponsored, self-directed, and government-backed insurance plans, UnitedHealth has obtained massive scale in managed care. Along with its insurance assets, UnitedHealth's continued investments in its Optum franchises have created a healthcare services colossus that spans everything from medical and pharmaceutical benefits to providing outpatient care and analytics to both affiliated and third-party customers.
Read more on UNH →