Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) vs Mastercard Incorporated (MA)
A side-by-side comparison of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and Mastercard Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: ADP is classified in Technology; MA is classified in Financial Services. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
ADP
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
$268.26TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MA
Mastercard Incorporated
$569.19Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — ADP vs MA
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yADP +268.0% (+13.9%/yr)MA +498.8% (+19.6%/yr)MA compounded faster over this window
ADP MA
ADP vs MA: by the numbers
- •MA is the larger company ($499.20B vs $107.23B market cap).
- •ADP trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (24.50 vs 31.31 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MA converts more revenue to profit (46.34% vs 20.11% net margin).
- •MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.09% vs 7.90% CAGR).
- •ADP pays the higher dividend yield (2.48% vs 0.60%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | ADP | MA |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 24.50 | 31.31 |
| Forward P/E | 21.88 | 28.52 |
| P/S ratio | 4.89 | 14.23 |
| P/B ratio | 17.78 | 88.97 |
| EV / EBITDA | 23.70 | N/A |
| FCF yield | 4.64% | N/A |
Profitability
| Metric | ADP | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 48.19% | 100.00% |
| Operating margin | 18.58% | 59.84% |
| Net margin | 20.11% | 46.34% |
| ROE | 73.18% | 289.73% |
| ROIC | 23.85% | N/A |
Dividends
| Metric | ADP | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.48% | 0.60% |
| Payout ratio | 60.64% | 18.54% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ADP | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 7.90% | 16.09% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 12.46% | 20.93% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 13.99% | N/A |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 8.14% | 10.88% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, ADP or MA?
- ADP has the lower trailing P/E: ADP trades at 24.50 and MA at 31.31. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, ADP or MA?
- Over the past five years, MA grew revenue faster — ADP at a 7.90% CAGR versus MA at 16.09%.
- Does ADP or MA pay a bigger dividend?
- ADP yields 2.48% and MA yields 0.60% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is ADP or MA more profitable?
- MA runs the higher net margin — ADP at 20.11% versus MA at 46.34%.
- How have ADP and MA total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, ADP delivered 14.35% and MA delivered 19.83% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Automatic Data Processing P/E ratioMastercard P/E ratioAutomatic Data Processing dividend yieldMastercard dividend yieldAutomatic Data Processing ROEMastercard ROEAutomatic Data Processing operating marginMastercard operating marginAutomatic Data Processing revenue growthMastercard revenue growthAutomatic Data Processing free cash flow
Automatic Data Processing & Mastercard 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 September 10, 2026.