Adobe Inc. (ADBE) vs Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP)
A side-by-side comparison of Adobe Inc. and Automatic Data Processing, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 1, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
ADBE
Adobe Inc.
$286.08TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 1, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
ADP
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
$283.49TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 1, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — ADBE vs ADP
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yADBE +191.9% (+11.3%/yr)ADP +302.0% (+14.9%/yr)ADP compounded faster over this window
ADBE ADP
ADBE vs ADP: by the numbers
- •ADBE is the larger company ($113.72B vs $113.32B market cap).
- •ADBE trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.75 vs 26.13 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •ADBE converts more revenue to profit (28.69% vs 20.11% net margin).
- •ADBE grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.38% vs 7.90% CAGR).
- •ADP pays a dividend (2.32% yield), while ADBE is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | ADBE | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 16.75 | 26.13 |
| Forward P/E | 12.00 | 25.84 |
| P/S ratio | 4.67 | 5.21 |
| P/B ratio | 10.22 | 18.95 |
| EV / EBITDA | 12.17 | 25.24 |
| FCF yield | 9.03% | 4.36% |
Profitability
| Metric | ADBE | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 89.12% | 48.19% |
| Operating margin | 36.07% | 18.58% |
| Net margin | 28.69% | 20.11% |
| ROE | 62.76% | 73.18% |
| ROIC | 36.61% | 23.85% |
Dividends
| Metric | ADBE | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 2.32% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 60.53% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ADBE | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 12.38% | 7.90% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 8.86% | 12.46% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 12.31% | 13.99% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -15.10% | 8.84% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, ADBE or ADP?
- ADBE has the lower trailing P/E: ADBE trades at 16.75 and ADP at 26.13. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, ADBE or ADP?
- Over the past five years, ADBE grew revenue faster — ADBE at a 12.38% CAGR versus ADP at 7.90%.
- Does ADBE or ADP pay a bigger dividend?
- ADP pays a dividend (2.32% yield), while ADBE is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
- Is ADBE or ADP more profitable?
- ADBE runs the higher net margin — ADBE at 28.69% versus ADP at 20.11%.
- How have ADBE and ADP total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, ADBE delivered 11.09% and ADP delivered 14.78% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Adobe P/E ratioAutomatic Data Processing P/E ratioAutomatic Data Processing dividend yieldAdobe ROEAutomatic Data Processing ROEAdobe operating marginAutomatic Data Processing operating marginAdobe revenue growthAutomatic Data Processing revenue growthAdobe free cash flowAutomatic Data Processing free cash flow
Adobe & 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 1, 2026.