Accenture plc (ACN) vs Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP)
A side-by-side comparison of Accenture plc and Automatic Data Processing, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 4, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
ACN
Accenture plc
$193.12TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 3, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
ADP
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
$283.53TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 3, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — ACN vs ADP
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yACN +106.3% (+7.5%/yr)ADP +293.3% (+14.7%/yr)ADP compounded faster over this window
ACN ADP
ACN vs ADP: by the numbers
- •ACN is the larger company ($118.18B vs $113.34B market cap).
- •ACN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (15.42 vs 25.89 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •ADP converts more revenue to profit (20.11% vs 10.70% net margin).
- •ACN grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.80% vs 7.90% CAGR).
- •ACN pays the higher dividend yield (3.38% vs 2.34%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | ACN | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 15.42 | 25.89 |
| Forward P/E | 13.93 | 25.60 |
| P/S ratio | 1.63 | 5.16 |
| P/B ratio | 3.73 | 18.78 |
| EV / EBITDA | 9.27 | 25.01 |
| FCF yield | 10.58% | 4.40% |
Profitability
| Metric | ACN | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 31.97% | 48.19% |
| Operating margin | 14.87% | 18.58% |
| Net margin | 10.70% | 20.11% |
| ROE | 24.53% | 73.18% |
| ROIC | 17.13% | 23.85% |
Dividends
| Metric | ACN | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.38% | 2.34% |
| Payout ratio | 53.05% | 60.53% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ACN | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.80% | 7.90% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 8.89% | 12.46% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 6.55% | 13.99% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -9.15% | 8.81% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, ACN or ADP?
- ACN has the lower trailing P/E: ACN trades at 15.42 and ADP at 25.89. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, ACN or ADP?
- Over the past five years, ACN grew revenue faster — ACN at a 8.80% CAGR versus ADP at 7.90%.
- Does ACN or ADP pay a bigger dividend?
- ACN yields 3.38% and ADP yields 2.34% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is ACN or ADP more profitable?
- ADP runs the higher net margin — ACN at 10.70% versus ADP at 20.11%.
- How have ACN and ADP total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, ACN delivered 7.19% and ADP delivered 14.60% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Accenture P/E ratioAutomatic Data Processing P/E ratioAccenture dividend yieldAutomatic Data Processing dividend yieldAccenture ROEAutomatic Data Processing ROEAccenture operating marginAutomatic Data Processing operating marginAccenture revenue growthAutomatic Data Processing revenue growthAccenture free cash flowAutomatic Data Processing free cash flow
Accenture & Automatic Data Processing appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 4, 2026.