Automatic Data Processing (ADP) vs Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Automatic Data Processing (ADP) has outperformed Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH) over the past year, losing 9.9% versus a loss of 16.0%. Over five years, ADP leads with a +24.0% price change compared with -27.6% for CTSH. Automatic Data Processing is the larger company by market cap ($106.70 billion vs $26.47 billion), about 4.0 times the size, while Cognizant Technology Solutions is growing revenue faster (+7.0% vs +6.7%).
On valuation, Cognizant Technology Solutions trades at a lower forward P/E (9.3x vs 20.1x for Automatic Data Processing). Automatic Data Processing offers the higher dividend yield (2.47% vs 2.21%). Automatic Data Processing converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 20.1% versus 10.6%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | ADP | CTSH |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $269.27 | $58.77 |
| Market cap | $106.70B | $26.47B |
| 1-day change | +1.99% | +2.98% |
| YTD return | +2.63% | -31.24% |
| 1-year return | -9.88% | -16.00% |
| 5-year return | +23.96% | -27.60% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 24.61 | 12.64 |
| Forward P/E | 20.09 | 9.27 |
| EPS (TTM) | $10.94 | $4.65 |
| Dividend yield | 2.47% | 2.21% |
| Annual dividend | $6.64 | $1.30 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $21.95B | $21.11B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +6.74% | +6.95% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $4.41B | $2.23B |
| Gross margin | 46.42% | 33.72% |
| Operating margin | — | 16.06% |
| Net margin | 20.11% | 10.56% |
| 52-week high | $291.34 | $87.03 |
| 52-week low | $188.16 | $37.08 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -7.58% | -32.47% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +6.36% | +12.13% |
| Average volume | 2.24M | 7.70M |
| Shares outstanding | 396.25M | 450.44M |
| Employees | 67,000 | 356,700 |
| Sector | Technology | Technology |
| Industry | EDP Services | EDP Services |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Automatic Data Processing is about 4.0 times larger than Cognizant Technology Solutions by market value ($106.70B vs $26.47B).
- Automatic Data Processing trades at a higher earnings multiple (24.6x vs 12.6x trailing P/E).
- Automatic Data Processing is more profitable, keeping 20.1 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 10.6 cents for Cognizant Technology Solutions.
About Automatic Data Processing
ADP stock →Automatic Data Processing, Inc. provides cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solutions worldwide.
Technology · EDP Services · 67,000 employees
About Cognizant Technology Solutions
CTSH stock →Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation, a professional services company, provides consulting and technology, and outsourcing services in North America, Europe, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Financial Services; Health Sciences; Products and Resources; and Communications, Media and Technology.
Technology · EDP Services · 356,700 employees
ADP vs CTSH FAQ
Which is bigger, Automatic Data Processing or Cognizant Technology Solutions?
Automatic Data Processing (ADP) is larger, with a market capitalization of $106.70B compared with $26.47B for Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ADP or CTSH?
ADP returned -9.88% over the past 12 months, compared with -16.00% for CTSH (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ADP or CTSH?
CTSH has the lower trailing P/E at 12.6, versus 24.6 for ADP. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Automatic Data Processing or Cognizant Technology Solutions?
Automatic Data Processing has the higher yield at 2.47%, compared with 2.21% for Cognizant Technology Solutions.
Are Automatic Data Processing and Cognizant Technology Solutions in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the EDP Services industry within the Technology sector.