Automatic Data Processing Inc vs Xylem, Inc. — how do they compare? Automatic Data Processing Inc trades at $267.31 (market cap $107.69B), while Xylem, Inc. trades at $121.73 (market cap $28.76B). The key difference: Automatic Data Processing Inc is far larger — about 3.7× Xylem, 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 | XYL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $107.69B | $28.76B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $309.03 | $152.95 |
52-Week Low | $188.79 | $106.34 |
Enterprise Value | $108.73B | $30.54B |
Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 1.4% |
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.
XYL trades at $121.59, up 0.33% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong quarterly earnings beats. Revenue grew to $9.04B in 2025, with net income margin expanding to 10.59%. Recent acquisitions like Cornell Pump and Roper Pump aim to strengthen its industrial water technology presence, while AI-driven demand for water-treatment equipment supports growth.
The outlook is positive, with a consensus price target of $150.43 implying 24% upside, backed by margin expansion and strategic acquisitions. Risks include execution of integration and potential revenue delays from electric metering projects, as noted in Q2 2026 results. Analyst sentiment is mixed but leans bullish, with 47.5% buy ratings.
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 →Xylem is a global leader in water technology and offers a wide range of solutions, including the transport, treatment, testing, and efficient use of water for customers in the utility, industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. Xylem was spun off from ITT in 2011. Based in Rye Brook, New York, Xylem has a presence in over 150 countries and employs 16,200. The company generated $6.2 billion in revenue and $611 million in adjusted operating income in 2021.
Read more on XYL →