Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) vs Dover Corporation (DOV)

A side-by-side comparison of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and Dover 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
Different business models: ADP is classified in Technology; DOV is classified in Industrials. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnADP vs DOV

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ADP +286.2% (+14.5%/yr)DOV +278.5% (+14.2%/yr)ADP compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$386$379
ADP DOV

ADP vs DOV: by the numbers

  • ADP is the larger company ($110.75B vs $25.45B market cap).
  • DOV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.83 vs 25.30 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • ADP converts more revenue to profit (20.11% vs 13.48% net margin).
  • ADP grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.90% vs 2.54% CAGR).
  • ADP pays the higher dividend yield (2.53% vs 1.10%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricADPDOV
P/E ratio25.3022.83
Forward P/E22.6017.67
P/S ratio5.053.02
P/B ratio18.363.30
EV / EBITDA24.4714.88
FCF yield4.50%4.61%

Profitability

MetricADPDOV
Gross margin48.19%39.58%
Operating margin18.58%16.87%
Net margin20.11%13.48%
ROE73.18%14.73%
ROIC23.85%9.56%

Dividends

MetricADPDOV
Dividend yield2.53%1.10%
Payout ratio62.10%25.18%

Growth (annualized)

MetricADPDOV
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.90%2.54%
EPS CAGR (5Y)12.46%10.95%
FCF CAGR (5Y)13.99%2.55%
Total return CAGR (5Y)8.34%2.98%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ADP or DOV?
DOV has the lower trailing P/E: ADP trades at 25.30 and DOV at 22.83. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ADP or DOV?
Over the past five years, ADP grew revenue faster — ADP at a 7.90% CAGR versus DOV at 2.54%.
Does ADP or DOV pay a bigger dividend?
ADP yields 2.53% and DOV yields 1.10% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ADP or DOV more profitable?
ADP runs the higher net margin — ADP at 20.11% versus DOV at 13.48%.
How have ADP and DOV total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ADP delivered 14.46% and DOV delivered 14.80% 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.