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 30yADP +1431.6%MMM +452.8%ADP compounded faster
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 4It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueADP(lower P/E)
GrowthADP(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeADP(higher dividend yield)
QualityADP(higher ROIC)
Valuation
| Metric | ADP | MMM |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 21.08● | 30.50 |
| Forward P/E | 20.43 | 16.68● |
| P/S ratio | 4.21 | 3.37● |
| P/B ratio | 14.33● | 25.85 |
| PEG ratio | 3.20 | — |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.09● | 18.55 |
| FCF yield | 5.66%● | 2.44% |
Profitability
| Metric | ADP | MMM |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 47.48%● | 39.51% |
| Operating margin | 19.20% | 19.60%● |
| Net margin | 20.12%● | 11.14% |
| ROE | 68.43% | 85.41%● |
| ROIC | 24.66%● | 11.53% |
Dividends
| Metric | ADP | MMM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.94%● | 1.91% |
| Payout ratio | 66.27% | 50.00% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ADP | MMM |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Automatic Data Processing P/E ratio3M P/E ratioAutomatic Data Processing dividend yield3M dividend yieldAutomatic Data Processing ROE3M ROEAutomatic Data Processing operating margin3M operating marginAutomatic Data Processing revenue growth3M revenue growthAutomatic Data Processing free cash flow3M free cash flow
Automatic Data Processing & 3M 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 June 13, 2026.