Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) vs Cintas Corporation (CTAS)

ADP leads on 11 of 17 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and Cintas Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 17, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — ADP vs CTAS

growth of $100 · last 30y
ADP +1420.6%CTAS +3826.9%CTAS compounded faster
01k2k3k4k5kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,521$3,927
ADP CTAS

ADP vs CTAS: by the numbers

  • ADP is the larger company ($88.15B vs $70.71B market cap).
  • ADP trades at the lower earnings multiple (20.69 vs 37.28 P/E).
  • ADP converts more revenue to profit (20.12% vs 17.57% net margin).
  • CTAS grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.83% vs 8.08% CAGR).
  • ADP pays the higher dividend yield (2.99% vs 1.02%).

Which is better, ADP or CTAS?

Metric tally: ADP 11 · CTAS 6

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricADPCTAS
P/E ratio20.6937.28
Forward P/E20.0532.51
P/S ratio4.136.52
P/B ratio14.0615.01
PEG ratio3.203.08
EV / EBITDA13.8824.55
FCF yield5.77%2.49%

Profitability

MetricADPCTAS
Gross margin47.48%50.36%
Operating margin19.20%22.95%
Net margin20.12%17.57%
ROE68.43%40.46%
ROIC24.66%22.95%

Dividends

MetricADPCTAS
Dividend yield2.99%1.02%
Payout ratio66.27%40.18%

Growth (annualized)

MetricADPCTAS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.08%9.83%
EPS CAGR (5Y)11.83%16.48%
FCF CAGR (5Y)14.52%9.81%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.51%15.72%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ADP or CTAS?
It depends on your goal. value: ADP (lower P/E); growth: CTAS (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: ADP (higher dividend yield); quality: ADP (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ADP leads 11 to 6.
Is ADP or CTAS cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ADP is cheaper: ADP trades at a 20.69 P/E and CTAS at 37.28.
Which has grown faster, ADP or CTAS?
Over the past five years, CTAS grew revenue faster — ADP at a 8.08% CAGR versus CTAS at 9.83%.
Does ADP or CTAS pay a bigger dividend?
ADP yields 2.99% and CTAS yields 1.02% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ADP or CTAS more profitable?
ADP runs the higher net margin — ADP at 20.12% versus CTAS at 17.57%.
Which has been the better investment, ADP or CTAS?
Over the past 10-year, CTAS delivered the higher annualized total return — ADP at 12.11% versus CTAS at 23.58%. 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 17, 2026.