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Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) Stock Analysis

Score A+

Compounder · Grade A · Bearish

Industrials · Software - Application

$222.51

Fair Value

$359.78

+61.7%

Conviction

10/10

Quality

A

Classification

Compounder

Investment Thesis

High quantitative score: Solid company with strong risk/reward at 7.4:1.

For New Investors

Quantitative score: high

For Current Holders

Quantitative score: neutral

Buy if

  • Price drops 15-20% (improves asymmetry)
  • Bull scenario catalysts materialize
  • Market-wide correction creates opportunity

Sell if

  • Bear scenario triggers occur
  • Quality metrics deteriorate (ROIC declining)
  • Better alternatives emerge

Valuation

Fair Value estimate: $359.78 (+61.7%). Significantly undervalued.

PEG-Based EPS

$400.52

FCF DCF Model

$400.52

EV/EBITDA

$320.97

Blended Fair Value

$359.78

Confidence

High

Methods

PEG-Based EPS, FCF 2-Stage DCF, EV/EBITDA

Quality Analysis

A

106/120 points

Investable

ROE (3Y Avg)

81.9%

ROIC-WACC Spread

19.4%

D/E Ratio

1.5x

Current Ratio

1.1x

Interest Coverage

12x

FCF Positive Years

3/3

Quality Flags

  • Leverage: D/E 1.5x (6/15 pts)

Market Sentiment

Wall Street Consensus

$242.00

+8.8% Upside

15 analysts

Range: $190.00$281.00

Rating: Hold

Our model is significantly more bullish than Wall Street.

Trend & Technical

Bearish

Price ($222.43) is 10.5% below SMA 200 ($248.55). Bearish trend. Caution on entry.

Technical Score51/100

Tech Score 51/100 — Neutral technical picture. Mixed signals across indicators.

Risk & Reward

Asymmetry Ratio

7.39:1

Expected Return

+47.3%

Bull Upside

+73.9%

Bear Downside

-10.0%

Excellent asymmetry: 7.39:1 ratio. Upside significantly outweighs downside.

Verdict: Very Favorable

Scenario Analysis

Bear

Base

Bull

Buy Zone & Action Plan

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Technical Analysis

RSI, MACD, moving averages, trend signals, and momentum indicators.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fair value of ADP?

Based on our multi-method conviction analysis, the estimated fair value of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) is $359.78. This is calculated by blending PEG-Based EPS, FCF 2-Stage DCF, EV/EBITDA and applying a quality premium of 0% based on the company's fundamentals. The confidence level of this estimate is high.

Is ADP a buy, sell, or hold?

ADP currently has a STRONG_BUY rating with a conviction score of 10/10. High quantitative score: Solid company with strong risk/reward at 7.4:1. Quantitative score: high.

Is ADP a high-quality stock?

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. has a quality grade of A (106/120 points), rated as Investable. Key metrics include ROE of 81.9%, ROIC-WACC spread of 19.4%, and D/E ratio of 1.5x.

What type of stock is ADP?

ADP is classified as a "compounder" in our framework. Mature growth: 8.6%, Cyclical sector: Industrials, Moderate growth: 8.6%, Dividend paying: 2.9%, Market-like beta: 0.84

What do Wall Street analysts say about ADP?

15 Wall Street analysts have a consensus price target of $242.00 for ADP, representing +8.8% upside. Targets range from $190.00 to $281.00. The consensus recommendation is "Hold". Our model is significantly more bullish than Wall Street.

What are the risks of investing in ADP?

The risk/reward asymmetry ratio for ADP is 7.39:1, rated as Very Favorable. Excellent asymmetry: 7.39:1 ratio. Upside significantly outweighs downside. The expected return is +47.3%, with bull case upside of +73.9% and bear case downside of -10.0%.

What is the current trend for ADP?

ADP is in a bearish trend. Price ($222.43) is 10.5% below SMA 200 ($248.55). Bearish trend. Caution on entry. The technical score is 51/100.

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Last updated: May 19, 2026 · Framework version 3.7

This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always do your own research before making investment decisions.