MetaCap

Automatic Data Processing (ADP) vs Zscaler (ZS)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.

Summary

Automatic Data Processing (ADP) has outperformed Zscaler (ZS) over the past year, losing 6.9% versus a loss of 30.9%. Over five years, ADP leads with a +27.1% price change compared with -25.9% for ZS. Automatic Data Processing is the larger company by market cap ($107.28 billion vs $35.35 billion), about 3.0 times the size, while Zscaler is growing revenue faster (+25.4% vs +6.7%).

On valuation, Automatic Data Processing trades at a lower forward P/E (20.2x vs 38.7x for Zscaler). Automatic Data Processing pays a dividend yielding 2.45%, while Zscaler does not currently pay one. Automatic Data Processing converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 20.1% versus -1.9%.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

ADP-6.87%ZS-30.93%
+11%-28%-66%
Oct 8, 20251 yearOct 8, 2026
ADP+31.32%ZS-18.69%
+65%-4%-73%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

ADP versus ZS key metrics
MetricADPZS
Share price$270.73$216.81
Market cap$107.28B$35.35B
1-day change+2.55%+1.53%
YTD return+5.25%-3.61%
1-year return-6.87%-30.93%
5-year return+27.12%-25.93%
P/E ratio (TTM)24.75—
Forward P/E20.2038.70
EPS (TTM)$10.94$-0.39
Dividend yield2.45%0.00%
Annual dividend$6.64$0.00
Revenue (latest FY)$21.95B$3.35B
Revenue growth (YoY)+6.74%+25.42%
Net income (latest FY)$4.41B$-63.18M
Gross margin46.42%76.80%
Operating margin—-3.98%
Net margin20.11%-1.88%
52-week high$288.00$336.99
52-week low$188.16$114.63
Distance from 52-week high-6.00%-35.66%
Analyst consensusholdbuy
Avg. price target upside+5.79%+4.40%
Average volume2.23M2.83M
Shares outstanding396.25M163.05M
Employees67,0008,700
SectorTechnologyTechnology
IndustryEDP ServicesEDP 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 3.0 times larger than Zscaler by market value ($107.28B vs $35.35B).
  • ADP has outperformed ZS by 24.1 percentage points over the past year.
  • Automatic Data Processing offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.45% vs 0.00%).
  • Automatic Data Processing is more profitable, keeping 20.1 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -1.9 cents for Zscaler.
  • Zscaler grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+25.42% vs +6.74%).

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 Zscaler

ZS stock →

Zscaler, Inc. operates as a cloud security company worldwide.

Technology · EDP Services · 8,700 employees

ADP vs ZS FAQ

Which is bigger, Automatic Data Processing or Zscaler?

Automatic Data Processing (ADP) is larger, with a market capitalization of $107.28B compared with $35.35B for Zscaler (ZS).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, ADP or ZS?

ADP returned -6.87% over the past 12 months, compared with -30.93% for ZS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which pays a higher dividend, Automatic Data Processing or Zscaler?

Automatic Data Processing pays a dividend yielding 2.45%, while Zscaler does not currently pay a regular dividend.

Are Automatic Data Processing and Zscaler in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the EDP Services industry within the Technology sector.

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