Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) vs General Dynamics Corporation (GD)

ADP leads on 11 of 17 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and General Dynamics Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 15, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — ADP vs GD

growth of $100 · last 30y
ADP +1420.6%GD +2219.5%GD compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,521$2,320
ADP GD

ADP vs GD: by the numbers

  • GD is the larger company ($97.23B vs $89.23B market cap).
  • ADP trades at the lower earnings multiple (20.80 vs 22.61 P/E).
  • ADP converts more revenue to profit (20.12% vs 8.07% net margin).
  • ADP grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.08% vs 6.89% CAGR).
  • ADP pays the higher dividend yield (2.97% vs 1.69%).

Which is better, ADP or GD?

Metric tally: ADP 11 · GD 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)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricADPGD
P/E ratio20.8022.61
Forward P/E20.1619.73
P/S ratio4.161.83
P/B ratio14.143.78
PEG ratio3.201.63
EV / EBITDA13.9516.32
FCF yield5.74%6.29%

Profitability

MetricADPGD
Gross margin47.48%15.24%
Operating margin19.20%10.24%
Net margin20.12%8.07%
ROE68.43%16.65%
ROIC24.66%10.58%

Dividends

MetricADPGD
Dividend yield2.97%1.69%
Payout ratio66.27%38.94%

Growth (annualized)

MetricADPGD
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.08%6.89%
EPS CAGR (5Y)11.83%7.22%
FCF CAGR (5Y)14.52%11.42%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.59%15.76%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ADP or GD?
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 GD cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ADP is cheaper: ADP trades at a 20.80 P/E and GD at 22.61.
Which has grown faster, ADP or GD?
Over the past five years, ADP grew revenue faster — ADP at a 8.08% CAGR versus GD at 6.89%.
Does ADP or GD pay a bigger dividend?
ADP yields 2.97% and GD yields 1.69% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ADP or GD more profitable?
ADP runs the higher net margin — ADP at 20.12% versus GD at 8.07%.

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 15, 2026.