Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) vs Union Pacific Corporation (UNP)

ADP leads on 11 of 17 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and Union Pacific Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 14, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — ADP vs UNP

growth of $100 · last 30y
ADP +1446.2%UNP +2250.9%UNP compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,546$2,351
ADP UNP

ADP vs UNP: by the numbers

  • UNP is the larger company ($161.91B vs $90.42B market cap).
  • ADP trades at the lower earnings multiple (21.08 vs 22.46 P/E).
  • UNP converts more revenue to profit (29.20% vs 20.12% net margin).
  • ADP grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.08% vs 5.05% CAGR).
  • ADP pays the higher dividend yield (2.94% vs 2.02%).

Which is better, ADP or UNP?

Metric tally: ADP 11 · UNP 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)

Valuation

MetricADPUNP
P/E ratio21.0822.46
Forward P/E20.4319.87
P/S ratio4.216.55
P/B ratio14.338.34
PEG ratio3.202.34
EV / EBITDA14.1414.73
FCF yield5.66%3.52%

Profitability

MetricADPUNP
Gross margin47.48%45.67%
Operating margin19.20%40.09%
Net margin20.12%29.20%
ROE68.43%37.15%
ROIC24.66%11.70%

Dividends

MetricADPUNP
Dividend yield2.94%2.02%
Payout ratio66.27%45.96%

Growth (annualized)

MetricADPUNP
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.08%5.05%
EPS CAGR (5Y)11.83%8.74%
FCF CAGR (5Y)14.52%0.04%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.80%6.62%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ADP or UNP?
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 UNP cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ADP is cheaper: ADP trades at a 21.08 P/E and UNP at 22.46.
Which has grown faster, ADP or UNP?
Over the past five years, ADP grew revenue faster — ADP at a 8.08% CAGR versus UNP at 5.05%.
Does ADP or UNP pay a bigger dividend?
ADP yields 2.94% and UNP yields 2.02% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ADP or UNP more profitable?
UNP runs the higher net margin — ADP at 20.12% versus UNP at 29.20%.
Which has been the better investment, ADP or UNP?
Over the past 10-year, UNP delivered the higher annualized total return — ADP at 12.45% versus UNP at 14.35%. 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 14, 2026.