Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) vs Fortinet, Inc. (FTNT)
FTNT leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics, though ADP is the cheaper stock.
A side-by-side comparison of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and Fortinet, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 18, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
ADP
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
$255.26TechnologyAt close: Jul 17, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
FTNT
Fortinet, Inc.
$161.61TechnologyAt close: Jul 17, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
Total return — ADP vs FTNT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 17yADP +913.8%FTNT +9635.5%FTNT compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
ADP FTNT
ADP vs FTNT: by the numbers
- •FTNT is the larger company ($118.40B vs $102.04B market cap).
- •ADP trades at the lower earnings multiple (23.79 vs 62.40 P/E).
- •FTNT converts more revenue to profit (27.49% vs 20.12% net margin).
- •FTNT grew revenue faster over the past five years (21.13% vs 8.08% CAGR).
- •ADP pays a dividend (2.60% yield) while FTNT does not currently pay one.
Which is better, ADP or FTNT?
Metric tally: ADP 7 · FTNT 9It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueADP(lower P/E)
GrowthFTNT(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityFTNT(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | ADP | FTNT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 23.79● | 62.40 |
| Forward P/E | 23.05● | 51.28 |
| P/S ratio | 4.75● | 16.89 |
| P/B ratio | 16.17● | 121.29 |
| PEG ratio | 3.20● | 4.64 |
| EV / EBITDA | 22.38● | 48.13 |
| FCF yield | 5.02%● | 2.03% |
Profitability
| Metric | ADP | FTNT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 47.48% | 80.67%● |
| Operating margin | 19.20% | 31.06%● |
| Net margin | 20.12% | 27.49%● |
| ROE | 68.43% | 197.48%● |
| ROIC | 24.66% | 28.75%● |
Dividends
| Metric | ADP | FTNT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.60% | — |
| Payout ratio | 66.27% | — |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ADP | FTNT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.08% | 21.13%● |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 11.83% | 32.39%● |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 14.52% | 21.24%● |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 6.73% | 25.59%● |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, ADP or FTNT?
- It depends on your goal. value: ADP (lower P/E); growth: FTNT (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: FTNT (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, FTNT leads 9 to 7.
- Is ADP or FTNT cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, ADP is cheaper: ADP trades at a 23.79 P/E and FTNT at 62.40.
- Which has grown faster, ADP or FTNT?
- Over the past five years, FTNT grew revenue faster — ADP at a 8.08% CAGR versus FTNT at 21.13%.
- Does ADP or FTNT pay a bigger dividend?
- ADP pays a dividend (2.60% yield) while FTNT does not currently pay one.
- Is ADP or FTNT more profitable?
- FTNT runs the higher net margin — ADP at 20.12% versus FTNT at 27.49%.
- Which has been the better investment, ADP or FTNT?
- Over the past 10-year, FTNT delivered the higher annualized total return — ADP at 12.83% versus FTNT at 37.22%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Automatic Data Processing P/E ratioFortinet P/E ratioAutomatic Data Processing dividend yieldFortinet dividend yieldAutomatic Data Processing ROEFortinet ROEAutomatic Data Processing operating marginFortinet operating marginAutomatic Data Processing revenue growthFortinet revenue growthAutomatic Data Processing free cash flowFortinet free cash flow
Automatic Data Processing & Fortinet 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 18, 2026.