Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) vs Salesforce, Inc. (CRM)
CRM leads on 11 of 16 compared metrics.
A side-by-side comparison of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and Salesforce, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 25, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
ADP
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
$250.09TechnologyAt close: Jul 24, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
CRM
Salesforce, Inc.
$163.66TechnologyAt close: Jul 24, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
Total return — ADP vs CRM
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 22yADP +1123.0%CRM +3773.0%CRM compounded faster
ADP CRM
ADP vs CRM: by the numbers
- •CRM is the larger company ($134.04B vs $99.97B market cap).
- •CRM trades at the lower earnings multiple (18.96 vs 23.31 P/E).
- •ADP converts more revenue to profit (20.12% vs 18.73% net margin).
- •CRM grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.89% vs 8.08% CAGR).
- •ADP pays the higher dividend yield (2.66% vs 1.05%).
Which is better, ADP or CRM?
Metric tally: ADP 5 · CRM 11It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueCRM(lower P/E)
GrowthCRM(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeADP(higher dividend yield)
QualityADP(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | ADP | CRM |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 23.31 | 18.96● |
| Forward P/E | 22.59 | 13.90● |
| P/S ratio | 4.66 | 3.33● |
| P/B ratio | 15.84 | 4.16● |
| PEG ratio | 3.20 | 1.24● |
| EV / EBITDA | 21.93 | 13.32● |
| FCF yield | 5.12% | 10.29%● |
Profitability
| Metric | ADP | CRM |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 47.48% | 77.64%● |
| Operating margin | 19.20% | 21.94%● |
| Net margin | 20.12%● | 18.73% |
| ROE | 68.43%● | 23.44% |
| ROIC | 24.66%● | 8.76% |
Dividends
| Metric | ADP | CRM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.66%● | 1.05% |
| Payout ratio | 66.27% | 21.81% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ADP | CRM |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.08% | 13.89%● |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 11.83% | 11.87% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 14.52% | 21.18%● |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 6.25%● | -7.67% |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, ADP or CRM?
- It depends on your goal. value: CRM (lower P/E); growth: CRM (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: ADP (higher dividend yield); quality: ADP (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, CRM leads 11 to 5.
- Is ADP or CRM cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, CRM is cheaper: ADP trades at a 23.31 P/E and CRM at 18.96.
- Which has grown faster, ADP or CRM?
- Over the past five years, CRM grew revenue faster — ADP at a 8.08% CAGR versus CRM at 13.89%.
- Does ADP or CRM pay a bigger dividend?
- ADP yields 2.66% and CRM yields 1.05% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is ADP or CRM more profitable?
- ADP runs the higher net margin — ADP at 20.12% versus CRM at 18.73%.
- Which has been the better investment, ADP or CRM?
- Over the past 10-year, ADP delivered the higher annualized total return — ADP at 12.55% versus CRM at 7.27%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Automatic Data Processing P/E ratioSalesforce P/E ratioAutomatic Data Processing dividend yieldSalesforce dividend yieldAutomatic Data Processing ROESalesforce ROEAutomatic Data Processing operating marginSalesforce operating marginAutomatic Data Processing revenue growthSalesforce revenue growthAutomatic Data Processing free cash flowSalesforce free cash flow
Automatic Data Processing & Salesforce 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 25, 2026.