Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) vs AppLovin Corporation (APP)

A side-by-side comparison of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and AppLovin Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnADP vs APP

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 5y
ADP +62.9% (+10.2%/yr)APP +396.9% (+37.8%/yr)APP compounded faster over this window
05001kStart $10020222023202420252026$163$497
ADP APP

ADP vs APP: by the numbers

  • APP is the larger company ($107.77B vs $107.50B market cap).
  • ADP trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (24.56 vs 24.66 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • APP converts more revenue to profit (64.58% vs 20.11% net margin).
  • APP grew revenue faster over the past five years (25.84% vs 7.90% CAGR).
  • ADP pays a dividend (2.53% yield), while APP has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricADPAPP
P/E ratio24.5624.66
Forward P/E21.9420.33
P/S ratio4.9015.78
P/B ratio17.8234.07
EV / EBITDA23.7619.96
FCF yield4.63%4.18%

Profitability

MetricADPAPP
Gross margin48.19%88.46%
Operating margin18.58%77.44%
Net margin20.11%64.58%
ROE73.18%139.42%
ROIC23.85%63.79%

Dividends

MetricADPAPP
Dividend yield2.53%N/A
Payout ratio62.10%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricADPAPP
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.90%25.84%
EPS CAGR (5Y)12.46%73.54%
FCF CAGR (5Y)13.99%73.58%
Total return CAGR (5Y)8.34%33.14%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ADP or APP?
ADP has the lower trailing P/E: ADP trades at 24.56 and APP at 24.66. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ADP or APP?
Over the past five years, APP grew revenue faster — ADP at a 7.90% CAGR versus APP at 25.84%.
Does ADP or APP pay a bigger dividend?
ADP pays a dividend (2.53% yield), while APP has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is ADP or APP more profitable?
APP runs the higher net margin — ADP at 20.11% versus APP at 64.58%.
How have ADP and APP total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, ADP delivered 8.34% and APP delivered 33.14% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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 13, 2026.