Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) vs Emerson Electric Co. (EMR)

ADP leads on 11 of 17 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and Emerson Electric Co. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 14, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — ADP vs EMR

growth of $100 · last 30y
ADP +1446.2%EMR +556.0%ADP compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,546$656
ADP EMR

ADP vs EMR: by the numbers

  • ADP is the larger company ($90.42B vs $80.13B market cap).
  • ADP trades at the lower earnings multiple (21.08 vs 33.04 P/E).
  • ADP converts more revenue to profit (20.12% vs 13.35% net margin).
  • ADP grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.08% vs 1.43% CAGR).
  • ADP pays the higher dividend yield (2.94% vs 1.53%).

Which is better, ADP or EMR?

Metric tally: ADP 11 · EMR 6

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

MetricADPEMR
P/E ratio21.0833.04
Forward P/E20.4319.92
P/S ratio4.214.40
P/B ratio14.333.97
PEG ratio3.201.77
EV / EBITDA14.1417.92
FCF yield5.66%3.87%

Profitability

MetricADPEMR
Gross margin47.48%52.66%
Operating margin19.20%19.96%
Net margin20.12%13.35%
ROE68.43%12.04%
ROIC24.66%7.26%

Dividends

MetricADPEMR
Dividend yield2.94%1.53%
Payout ratio66.27%53.87%

Growth (annualized)

MetricADPEMR
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.08%1.43%
EPS CAGR (5Y)11.83%4.54%
FCF CAGR (5Y)14.52%-0.23%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.80%10.27%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ADP or EMR?
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 11 to 6.
Is ADP or EMR cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ADP is cheaper: ADP trades at a 21.08 P/E and EMR at 33.04.
Which has grown faster, ADP or EMR?
Over the past five years, ADP grew revenue faster — ADP at a 8.08% CAGR versus EMR at 1.43%.
Does ADP or EMR pay a bigger dividend?
ADP yields 2.94% and EMR yields 1.53% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ADP or EMR more profitable?
ADP runs the higher net margin — ADP at 20.12% versus EMR at 13.35%.
Which has been the better investment, ADP or EMR?
Over the past 10-year, EMR delivered the higher annualized total return — ADP at 12.45% versus EMR at 13.28%. 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 14, 2026.