Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) vs ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW)
A side-by-side comparison of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and ServiceNow, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 8, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
ADP
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
$268.29TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 8, 2026, 3:20 PM EDT
NOW
ServiceNow, Inc.
$133.50TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 8, 2026, 3:20 PM EDT
Total return — ADP vs NOW
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yADP +285.1% (+14.4%/yr)NOW +809.0% (+24.7%/yr)NOW compounded faster over this window
ADP NOW
ADP vs NOW: by the numbers
- •NOW is the larger company ($138.02B vs $107.24B market cap).
- •ADP trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.35 vs 88.29 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •ADP converts more revenue to profit (20.11% vs 11.34% net margin).
- •NOW grew revenue faster over the past five years (23.29% vs 7.90% CAGR).
- •ADP pays a dividend (2.39% yield), while NOW has no payments in the available dividend history.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | ADP | NOW |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 25.35 | 88.29 |
| Forward P/E | 25.07 | 34.69 |
| P/S ratio | 5.05 | 9.94 |
| P/B ratio | 18.39 | 11.70 |
| EV / EBITDA | 24.50 | 55.41 |
| FCF yield | 4.49% | 3.13% |
Profitability
| Metric | ADP | NOW |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 48.19% | 74.77% |
| Operating margin | 18.58% | 11.40% |
| Net margin | 20.11% | 11.34% |
| ROE | 73.18% | 13.34% |
| ROIC | 23.85% | 5.54% |
Dividends
| Metric | ADP | NOW |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.39% | N/A |
| Payout ratio | 60.64% | N/A |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ADP | NOW |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 7.90% | 23.29% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 12.46% | 69.74% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 13.99% | 24.63% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 8.35% | 0.80% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, ADP or NOW?
- ADP has the lower trailing P/E: ADP trades at 25.35 and NOW at 88.29. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, ADP or NOW?
- Over the past five years, NOW grew revenue faster — ADP at a 7.90% CAGR versus NOW at 23.29%.
- Does ADP or NOW pay a bigger dividend?
- ADP pays a dividend (2.39% yield), while NOW has no payments in the available dividend history.
- Is ADP or NOW more profitable?
- ADP runs the higher net margin — ADP at 20.11% versus NOW at 11.34%.
- How have ADP and NOW total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, ADP delivered 14.35% and NOW delivered 24.92% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Automatic Data Processing P/E ratioServiceNow P/E ratioAutomatic Data Processing dividend yieldAutomatic Data Processing ROEServiceNow ROEAutomatic Data Processing operating marginServiceNow operating marginAutomatic Data Processing revenue growthServiceNow revenue growthAutomatic Data Processing free cash flowServiceNow free cash flow
Automatic Data Processing & ServiceNow 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 8, 2026.