Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) vs CSX Corporation (CSX)

ADP leads on 13 of 17 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and CSX Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — ADP vs CSX

growth of $100 · last 30y
ADP +1431.6%CSX +1675.0%CSX compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,532$1,775
ADP CSX

ADP vs CSX: by the numbers

  • ADP is the larger company ($90.42B vs $88.39B market cap).
  • ADP trades at the lower earnings multiple (21.08 vs 29.18 P/E).
  • CSX converts more revenue to profit (21.55% vs 20.12% net margin).
  • ADP grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.08% vs 6.07% CAGR).
  • ADP pays the higher dividend yield (2.94% vs 1.14%).

Which is better, ADP or CSX?

Metric tally: ADP 13 · CSX 4

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueADP(lower P/E)
GrowthADP(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeADP(higher dividend yield)
QualityADP(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricADPCSX
P/E ratio21.0829.18
Forward P/E20.4321.92
P/S ratio4.216.26
P/B ratio14.336.52
PEG ratio3.205.70
EV / EBITDA14.0916.47
FCF yield5.66%4.66%

Profitability

MetricADPCSX
Gross margin47.48%37.54%
Operating margin19.20%33.45%
Net margin20.12%21.55%
ROE68.43%22.47%
ROIC24.66%8.40%

Dividends

MetricADPCSX
Dividend yield2.94%1.14%
Payout ratio66.27%35.06%

Growth (annualized)

MetricADPCSX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.08%6.07%
EPS CAGR (5Y)11.83%5.12%
FCF CAGR (5Y)14.52%8.34%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.80%9.44%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ADP or CSX?
It depends on your goal. value: ADP (lower P/E); growth: ADP (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: ADP (higher dividend yield); quality: ADP (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ADP leads 13 to 4.
Is ADP or CSX cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ADP is cheaper: ADP trades at a 21.08 P/E and CSX at 29.18.
Which has grown faster, ADP or CSX?
Over the past five years, ADP grew revenue faster — ADP at a 8.08% CAGR versus CSX at 6.07%.
Does ADP or CSX pay a bigger dividend?
ADP yields 2.94% and CSX yields 1.14% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ADP or CSX more profitable?
CSX runs the higher net margin — ADP at 20.12% versus CSX at 21.55%.
Which has been the better investment, ADP or CSX?
Over the past 10-year, CSX delivered the higher annualized total return — ADP at 12.45% versus CSX at 19.87%. 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 June 13, 2026.