Accenture plc (ACN) vs Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP)
ADP leads on 9 of 17 compared metrics, though ACN is the cheaper stock.
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 July 20, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
ACN
Accenture plc
$144.73TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 20, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
ADP
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
$255.24TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 20, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — ACN vs ADP
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 25yACN +1319.2%ADP +971.6%ACN compounded faster
ACN ADP
ACN vs ADP: by the numbers
- •ADP is the larger company ($102.03B vs $88.57B market cap).
- •ACN trades at the lower earnings multiple (11.47 vs 23.79 P/E).
- •ADP converts more revenue to profit (20.12% vs 10.70% net margin).
- •ACN grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.80% vs 8.08% CAGR).
- •ACN pays the higher dividend yield (4.44% vs 2.60%).
Which is better, ACN or ADP?
Metric tally: ACN 8 · ADP 9It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueACN(lower P/E)
GrowthACN(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeACN(higher dividend yield)
QualityADP(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | ACN | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 11.47● | 23.79 |
| Forward P/E | 10.36● | 23.05 |
| P/S ratio | 1.21● | 4.75 |
| P/B ratio | 2.77● | 16.17 |
| PEG ratio | 3.40 | 3.20● |
| EV / EBITDA | 6.86● | 22.38 |
| FCF yield | 14.25%● | 5.02% |
Profitability
| Metric | ACN | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 31.97% | 47.48%● |
| Operating margin | 14.87% | 19.20%● |
| Net margin | 10.70% | 20.12%● |
| ROE | 24.53% | 68.43%● |
| ROIC | 16.99% | 24.66%● |
Dividends
| Metric | ACN | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 4.44%● | 2.60% |
| Payout ratio | 51.83% | 66.27% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ACN | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.80%● | 8.08% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 8.89% | 11.83%● |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 6.55% | 14.52%● |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -12.64% | 6.93%● |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, ACN or ADP?
- It depends on your goal. value: ACN (lower P/E); growth: ACN (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: ACN (higher dividend yield); quality: ADP (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ADP leads 9 to 8.
- Is ACN or ADP cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, ACN is cheaper: ACN trades at a 11.47 P/E and ADP at 23.79.
- 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 8.08%.
- Does ACN or ADP pay a bigger dividend?
- ACN yields 4.44% and ADP yields 2.60% 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 20.12%.
- Which has been the better investment, ACN or ADP?
- Over the past 10-year, ADP delivered the higher annualized total return — ACN at 4.14% versus ADP at 12.76%. 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 July 20, 2026.