Automatic Data Processing Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 5/6
Automatic Data Processing has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 10.9%, while the Professional Services industry saw earnings growing at 13.1% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 7.6% per year. Automatic Data Processing's return on equity is 68.4%, and it has net margins of 20.1%.
Key information
10.90%
Earnings growth rate
11.91%
EPS growth rate
| Professional Services Industry Growth | 10.99% |
| Revenue growth rate | 7.56% |
| Return on equity | 68.43% |
| Net Margin | 20.12% |
| Last Earnings Update | 31 Mar 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Analysts Are Updating Their Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADP) Estimates After Its Third-Quarter Results
May 02
Automatic Data Processing (ADP): The Payroll Titan Faces a Complex Labor Market Inflection
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) , the global vanguard of human capital management (HCM) and payroll outsourcing, enters the weekend of Sunday, April 26, 2026 , in a state of resilient transition.
ADP: Dividend Strength And AI Agents Will Support Repriced Earnings Potential
Analysts have trimmed Automatic Data Processing's analyst price target by roughly $5 to align with a slightly lower fair value estimate of about $256. This reflects updated assumptions around revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E, while incorporating a recent wave of reduced targets and mixed but constructive research commentary.Automatic Data Processing Might Be Cheap For A Reason
Apr 17
Cloud HCM Adoption And Global Payroll Expansion Will Transform Long Term Earnings Power
Catalysts About Automatic Data Processing Automatic Data Processing provides payroll, human capital management and outsourced HR solutions to employers of all sizes around the world. What are the underlying business or industry changes driving this perspective?ADP: Dividend Strength And AI Agents Will Support Repriced Earnings Multiple
The analyst price target for Automatic Data Processing has been reduced by about $10 to reflect slightly higher discount rate assumptions, a modestly lower future P/E multiple, and recent Street target cuts, even as profit margin expectations are essentially unchanged. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Automatic Data Processing shows a cluster of reduced price targets alongside fresh bullish initiations.
AI Payroll Demand And International Expansion Will Shape A Steady But Limited Outlook
Catalysts About Automatic Data Processing Automatic Data Processing provides payroll and broader human capital management services and outsourcing solutions to employers of various sizes across multiple countries. What are the underlying business or industry changes driving this perspective?ADP: Dividend Strength And AI Agents Will Support Premium Earnings Multiple
Analysts have trimmed their average price target for Automatic Data Processing by $0.60 to $271.40 as they balance a series of target reductions from major firms with fresh bullish initiations that highlight steady assumptions for growth, margins, and valuation multiples. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Automatic Data Processing highlights a split view, with some firms trimming targets and others starting coverage with a positive stance.ADP: Dividend Strength And AI HR Execution Will Support Premium P/E
Analysts have trimmed their average price target on Automatic Data Processing by about $5 to $272. This reflects slightly softer revenue growth assumptions, a modestly higher discount rate, and only a small adjustment to long term P/E expectations, despite relatively steady margin forecasts.ADP: Dividend Strength And HR Platform Execution Will Support Premium P/E
The analyst price target for Automatic Data Processing has been reduced by about $2 to reflect slightly lower fair value estimates, as analysts factor in a series of recent target cuts alongside one bullish initiation. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates on Automatic Data Processing show a cluster of target price cuts alongside one new bullish initiation, which is why the average target has shifted only modestly.ADP: Dividend Power And HR Platform Execution Will Support Premium P/E
Analysts have trimmed their average price target on Automatic Data Processing by about $10, reflecting slightly more cautious assumptions on revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E multiples after a series of target cuts from major research firms, alongside one fresh bullish initiation. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Automatic Data Processing shows a cluster of target cuts alongside one new, more optimistic initiation.ADP: Dividend And Buyback Strength Will Support Premium P/E In Tougher Backdrop
Analysts have nudged their price expectations for Automatic Data Processing slightly lower, trimming the fair value estimate by about US$1 to US$288.54. They are factoring in recent price target cuts alongside cautious commentary on the stock's ability to support a premium P/E multiple despite solid recent results.ADP: Dividend And Buyback Support Will Offset Tougher Employment And Rate Backdrop
Analysts have trimmed their price targets for Automatic Data Processing to a range around $245 to $303, reflecting concerns that a tougher macro backdrop, slowing employment trends, and longer sales cycles could make it harder for the stock to support a premium P/E multiple despite recent solid quarterly results. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates show a more cautious stance around Automatic Data Processing, with trimmed price targets and a focus on how the company will handle a tougher backdrop for employment and interest rates.ADP: Dividend And Buyback Strength Will Support Returns Through Cyclical Headwinds
Analysts have trimmed their price target on Automatic Data Processing by about $2 to reflect solid recent results but a tougher near term backdrop, citing slowing employment trends, longer sales cycles, cyclical risks for payroll outsourcers, and updated assumptions for interest rates and foreign exchange. Analyst Commentary Analysts remain divided on Automatic Data Processing as they recalibrate expectations following the latest quarterly results, with several trimming price targets but differing on the company’s ability to sustain premium valuation levels.
ADP Stock: Why Boring Payroll Is One of the Most Durable Businesses in Tech
Automatic Data Processing (NASDAQ: ADP) is rarely described as exciting. It doesn’t launch viral products or chase consumer trends.Automatic Data Processing (NASDAQ:ADP) Is Paying Out A Larger Dividend Than Last Year
Dec 11ADP: Dividend Strength Will Support Returns Despite Cyclical Employment Headwinds
The analyst price target for Automatic Data Processing has been trimmed slightly as fair value moves from approximately $293.23 to $291.31 per share. Analysts cite a tougher path for sustaining premium valuation multiples amid slowing employment trends, cyclical concerns in payroll outsourcing, and evolving macro and interest rate expectations despite solid recent operating performance.ADP: Persistent Demand And Dividend Growth Will Sustain Bullish Momentum
Analysts have recently lowered their price targets for Automatic Data Processing, reducing them by as much as $70 per share. They cite tougher growth prospects, cyclical risks, and macroeconomic headwinds, despite the company's solid recent results.Automatic Data Processing (NASDAQ:ADP) Will Pay A Larger Dividend Than Last Year At $1.70
Nov 15ADP: Resilient Demand Will Drive Long-Term Opportunity Amid Macro Uncertainty
Analysts have reduced their price target for Automatic Data Processing by approximately $18 to $293. They cited solid recent results but also expressed concerns about tougher macroeconomic conditions and slowing employment trends.This Is Why Automatic Data Processing, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:ADP) CEO Compensation Looks Appropriate
Nov 05ADP Stock: Solid Fundamentals, But AI Investments Test Its Margin Resilience
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADP) remains one of the most reliable pillars in human capital management, blending predictable cash flows with an expanding suite of digital HR solutions.Long-Term Demand For HR Outsourcing Will Overcome Near-Term Macro Weakness
Analysts have marginally reduced their fair value estimate for Automatic Data Processing by about $2.55 to $311.62. This change reflects concerns over slowing employment trends, longer sales cycles, and cyclical headwinds highlighted in recent research.Cloud Based HR Solutions Will Transform Global Workforce Management
The consensus analyst price target for Automatic Data Processing has decreased by $4 to $314. This change reflects adjustments for changing macroeconomic expectations and updated sector outlooks.Cloud Based HR Solutions Will Transform Global Workforce Management
Analysts have slightly lowered ADP’s price target to $318.17, citing ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and softer near-term bookings despite resilient long-term growth prospects in HCM, HR outsourcing, and payroll. Analyst Commentary Sector-wide volatility in human capital management due to slowing macroeconomic and employment trends is tempering near-term price targets.Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADP) Investors Are Less Pessimistic Than Expected
Sep 02Here's Why Automatic Data Processing (NASDAQ:ADP) Can Manage Its Debt Responsibly
Jul 22
Automatic Data Processing: It Has Always Been Expensive, Try Range Trading
Jan 31Automatic Data Processing Moves Upmarket: Assessing The WorkForce Acquisition
Jan 20Automatic Data Processing: A Powerful New Dividend King Is Born
Nov 15Automatic Data Processing: Don't Underestimate The Threat Of AI
Sep 14Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Automatic Data Processing makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 26 | 21,600 | 4,346 | 4,230 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 21,214 | 4,235 | 4,164 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 20,903 | 4,136 | 4,101 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 20,561 | 4,080 | 4,021 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 20,203 | 3,998 | 3,956 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 19,903 | 3,934 | 3,880 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 19,523 | 3,849 | 3,796 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 19,203 | 3,752 | 3,749 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 18,912 | 3,699 | 3,661 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 18,586 | 3,558 | 3,654 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 18,309 | 3,492 | 3,583 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 18,012 | 3,412 | 3,501 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 17,662 | 3,261 | 3,488 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 17,247 | 3,146 | 3,363 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 16,882 | 3,027 | 3,285 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 16,498 | 2,949 | 3,172 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 16,108 | 2,862 | 3,116 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 15,697 | 2,744 | 3,064 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 15,367 | 2,697 | 3,044 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 15,005 | 2,599 | 2,982 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 14,645 | 2,472 | 2,814 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 14,591 | 2,482 | 2,793 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 14,565 | 2,486 | 2,790 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 14,590 | 2,467 | 2,929 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 14,692 | 2,530 | 2,971 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 14,473 | 2,463 | 2,889 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 14,296 | 2,370 | 2,879 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 14,110 | 2,293 | 3,058 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 13,947 | 1,958 | 2,868 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 13,815 | 1,866 | 2,941 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 13,561 | 1,978 | 2,914 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 13,274 | 1,885 | 2,894 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 13,076 | 2,010 | 2,874 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 12,791 | 1,937 | 2,822 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 12,540 | 1,777 | 2,758 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 12,372 | 1,788 | 2,631 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 12,213 | 1,750 | 2,629 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 12,051 | 1,694 | 2,598 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 11,871 | 1,525 | 2,585 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 11,668 | 1,493 | 2,589 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 11,464 | 1,468 | 2,592 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 11,240 | 1,426 | 2,576 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 11,086 | 1,417 | 2,537 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 15 | 10,939 | 1,377 | 2,508 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: ADP has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: ADP's current net profit margins (20.1%) are higher than last year (19.8%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: ADP's earnings have grown by 10.9% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: ADP's earnings growth over the past year (8.7%) is below its 5-year average (10.9% per year).
Earnings vs Industry: ADP earnings growth over the past year (8.7%) exceeded the Professional Services industry 3.2%.
Return on Equity
High ROE: ADP's Return on Equity (68.4%) is considered outstanding.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/05 21:56 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/05 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/06/30 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. is covered by 40 analysts. 16 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| null null | Argus Research Company |
| Mark Marcon | Baird |
| Ramsey El-Assal | Barclays |