Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) vs 3M Company (MMM)

ADP leads on 12 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and 3M Company across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — ADP vs MMM

growth of $100 · last 30y
ADP +1431.6%MMM +452.8%ADP compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,532$553
ADP MMM

ADP vs MMM: by the numbers

  • ADP is the larger company ($90.42B vs $82.57B market cap).
  • ADP trades at the lower earnings multiple (21.08 vs 30.50 P/E).
  • ADP converts more revenue to profit (20.12% vs 11.14% net margin).
  • ADP grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.08% vs -5.36% CAGR).
  • ADP pays the higher dividend yield (2.94% vs 1.91%).

Which is better, ADP or MMM?

Metric tally: ADP 12 · MMM 4

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

MetricADPMMM
P/E ratio21.0830.50
Forward P/E20.4316.68
P/S ratio4.213.37
P/B ratio14.3325.85
PEG ratio3.20
EV / EBITDA14.0918.55
FCF yield5.66%2.44%

Profitability

MetricADPMMM
Gross margin47.48%39.51%
Operating margin19.20%19.60%
Net margin20.12%11.14%
ROE68.43%85.41%
ROIC24.66%11.53%

Dividends

MetricADPMMM
Dividend yield2.94%1.91%
Payout ratio66.27%50.00%

Growth (annualized)

MetricADPMMM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.08%-5.36%
EPS CAGR (5Y)11.83%-8.53%
FCF CAGR (5Y)14.52%-21.95%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.80%2.23%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ADP or MMM?
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 12 to 4.
Is ADP or MMM cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ADP is cheaper: ADP trades at a 21.08 P/E and MMM at 30.50.
Which has grown faster, ADP or MMM?
Over the past five years, ADP grew revenue faster — ADP at a 8.08% CAGR versus MMM at -5.36%.
Does ADP or MMM pay a bigger dividend?
ADP yields 2.94% and MMM yields 1.91% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ADP or MMM more profitable?
ADP runs the higher net margin — ADP at 20.12% versus MMM at 11.14%.
Which has been the better investment, ADP or MMM?
Over the past 10-year, ADP delivered the higher annualized total return — ADP at 12.45% versus MMM at 4.53%. 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 13, 2026.