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ADP vs MANH
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Automatic Data Processing (ADP) vs. Manhattan Associates (MANH) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- ADP is a large-cap provider of payroll and human capital management (HCM) services, while MANH is a mid-cap developer of supply chain and omnichannel commerce software.
- ADP offers a growing dividend and lower volatility, positioning it as a defensive, income-oriented holding; MANH pays no dividend and relies on buybacks, making it a more momentum-driven growth play.
- Recent relative performance has diverged sharply, with MANH's shares rallying strongly in recent months while ADP's gains have been more measured.
- Valuation differs substantially: MANH trades at a premium earnings multiple, whereas ADP carries a more moderate multiple typical of a mature cash-flow business.
- Sector exposure is a key trade-off, as ADP's results are tied to employment trends while MANH's are tied to retail, distribution, and supply chain technology spending.
- For more detail, explore ADP Major News and ADP Today's Price Move, plus MANH Major News and MANH Today's Price Move.
- To see which of these names automated systems currently favor, explore the Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
ADP and MANH sit at different points in the technology landscape, yet both attract the attention of investors weighing stability against growth. ADP (Automatic Data Processing) is a long-established leader in payroll and workforce management, prized for recurring revenue and dependable shareholder returns. MANH (Manhattan Associates) is a specialized supply chain software company riding a cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) transition. Comparing the two offers a useful lens on how defensive quality and growth momentum perform in the current market. This stock comparison is especially relevant for traders evaluating relative performance, risk tolerance, and market positioning across two very different business models.
ADP Overview and Recent Performance
ADP is one of the world's largest providers of cloud-based HCM solutions, spanning payroll, HR outsourcing, benefits administration, and professional employer organization (PEO) services. Its scale and recurring contract structure generate consistent cash flow, which management has historically returned to shareholders through a steadily rising dividend and share buybacks.
In recent market activity, ADP has demonstrated resilience rather than explosive momentum. Recent quarterly results showed solid revenue and adjusted earnings growth, supported by new business bookings and record client retention, alongside continued investment in AI-powered tools. However, analysts have trimmed some price targets in response to a softer employment backdrop, longer sales cycles, and sensitivity to interest rates, which influence the float income ADP earns on client funds. Despite these concerns, ADP's low beta and defensive characteristics have kept its relative performance steadier than many technology peers, and the stock has logged a notable multi-day winning streak in recent weeks.
MANH Overview and Recent Performance
Manhattan Associates develops cloud-native software that helps retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and logistics providers manage supply chains, inventory, and omnichannel operations. Its flagship Manhattan Active platform has driven a shift toward subscription revenue, with cloud subscription growth running well above overall revenue growth in recent quarters.
MANH's stock has been one of the stronger performers in its segment in recent months, climbing substantially as cloud bookings accelerated and the company reported consecutive record bookings quarters. Sentiment has been reinforced by analyst upgrades and raised price targets tied to AI-driven supply chain tools, including agentic AI capabilities, and by new customer mandates. At the same time, the company has navigated a workforce reduction and a transition in which legacy license and maintenance revenue is declining as customers migrate to the cloud. MANH's elevated valuation and higher volatility reflect a market that is pricing in continued growth execution.
Trending AI Robots
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies occupy different business-model categories. ADP is a diversified human capital management outsourcer whose fortunes track U.S. and global employment conditions and interest rates. MANH is a concentrated supply chain software vendor whose growth depends on cloud migration, retail and distribution technology budgets, and competitive positioning against larger enterprise software rivals.
Growth drivers also contrast. ADP's expansion is incremental, powered by new bookings, pricing, and cross-selling, while MANH's is more transformational, tied to converting on-premises customers to cloud subscriptions and monetizing AI capabilities. Recent momentum favors MANH, which has re-rated higher on accelerating cloud demand, whereas ADP's advance has been steadier and more valuation-sensitive.
Risk profiles diverge meaningfully. ADP carries lower beta and offers dividend income, but faces cyclical employment risk and interest-rate sensitivity. MANH offers faster growth and a debt-free balance sheet but trades at a much richer earnings multiple, heightening sensitivity to any execution misstep or slowdown in cloud bookings. In short, this is a contrast between mature, cash-generating stability and higher-growth, higher-volatility optionality.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor MANH for near-term trend strength, given its consistent upward momentum, accelerating cloud bookings, and improving analyst sentiment over recent weeks. ADP, by contrast, presents a more stable and defensive profile with steadier, lower-volatility price action and dependable dividend support. The relative positioning depends on the objective: a momentum-oriented signal would lean toward MANH, while a stability-focused framework would favor ADP's consistency. Neither outcome is guaranteed, and the assessment reflects probabilistic trend analysis rather than a definitive forecast.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ADP is a Buy and MANH is a Buy.
ADP in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 08, 2026
ADP moved above its 50-day moving average on October 08, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 24 of 44 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 09, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ADP as a result. In 42 of 91 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 46%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ADP just turned positive on November 02, 2026. Looking at past instances where ADP's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 26 of 49 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
The 10-day moving average for ADP crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 8 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
Following a +3.76% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ADP advanced for three days, in 153 of 311 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 49%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 112 of 252 cases where ADP Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 44%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for ADP moved out of overbought territory on October 27, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 37 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 17 of the 37 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 46%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ADP declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 48%.
ADP broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 12 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. ADP’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 17 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 31 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 94, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 86 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (19.930) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.906). P/E Ratio (27.653) is within average values for comparable stocks, (9.554). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.446) is also within normal values, averaging (2.824). Dividend Yield (0.022) settles around the average of (0.069) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.020) is also within normal values, averaging (70.383).
MANH in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026
The 10-day moving average for MANH crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 12, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on MANH as a result. In 64 of 92 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for MANH just turned positive on October 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where MANH's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 38 of 52 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
MANH moved above its 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +2.84% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MANH advanced for three days, in 233 of 339 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 127 of 200 cases where MANH Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 63%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 40 of 64 cases where MANH's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MANH declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 68%.
MANH broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 11 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 14 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 35 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. MANH’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 63 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 94, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 96 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (93.573) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.906). P/E Ratio (71.812) is within average values for comparable stocks, (9.554). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.566) is also within normal values, averaging (2.824). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.069) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (11.338) is also within normal values, averaging (70.383).
ADP | MANH | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 36 | 39 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 86 Overvalued | 96 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 46 | 63 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 17 | 14 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 12 | 35 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 31 | 11 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
ADP's Valuation (86) in the Data Processing Services industry is in the same range as MANH (96) in the Packaged Software industry. This means that ADP’s stock grew similarly to MANH’s over the last 12 months.
ADP's Profit vs Risk Rating (46) in the Data Processing Services industry is in the same range as MANH (63) in the Packaged Software industry. This means that ADP’s stock grew similarly to MANH’s over the last 12 months.
MANH's SMR Rating (14) in the Packaged Software industry is in the same range as ADP (17) in the Data Processing Services industry. This means that MANH’s stock grew similarly to ADP’s over the last 12 months.
ADP's Price Growth Rating (12) in the Data Processing Services industry is in the same range as MANH (35) in the Packaged Software industry. This means that ADP’s stock grew similarly to MANH’s over the last 12 months.
MANH's P/E Growth Rating (11) in the Packaged Software industry is in the same range as ADP (31) in the Data Processing Services industry. This means that MANH’s stock grew similarly to ADP’s over the last 12 months.
| ADP | MANH | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 46% | 2 days ago 64% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 39% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 46% | 2 days ago 70% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 73% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | 2 days ago 71% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 55% | 2 days ago 71% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 49% | 8 days ago 69% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 48% | 3 days ago 68% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 67% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 44% | 2 days ago 63% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ADP’s FA Score shows that 3 FA rating(s) are green while MANH’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- ADP’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
- MANH’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ADP’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while MANH’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ADP’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- MANH’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
ADP (@Packaged Software) experienced а +3.19% price change this week, while MANH (@Packaged Software) price change was +0.94% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Packaged Software industry was -2.44%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.86%, and the average quarterly price growth was +4.03%.
Reported Earning Dates
ADP is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
MANH is expected to report earnings on Feb 02, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Packaged Software (-2.44% weekly)Packaged software comprises multiple software programs bundled together and sold as a group. For example, Microsoft Office includes multiple applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. In some cases, buying a bundled product is cheaper than purchasing each item individually[s20] . Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corp. and Adobe are some major American packaged software makers.
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ADP and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ADP has been closely correlated with PAYX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 86% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ADP jumps, then PAYX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To ADP | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADP | 100% | +1.12% | ||
| PAYX - ADP | 86% Closely correlated | +1.25% | ||
| PCTY - ADP | 78% Closely correlated | +0.67% | ||
| ROP - ADP | 67% Closely correlated | +0.60% | ||
| PAYC - ADP | 66% Closely correlated | +0.63% | ||
| MANH - ADP | 65% Loosely correlated | +2.31% | ||
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MANH and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MANH has been closely correlated with BLKB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 70% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if MANH jumps, then BLKB could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To MANH | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MANH | 100% | +2.31% | ||
| BLKB - MANH | 70% Closely correlated | +0.62% | ||
| WDAY - MANH | 67% Closely correlated | -0.69% | ||
| PCTY - MANH | 66% Closely correlated | +0.67% | ||
| BSY - MANH | 66% Loosely correlated | -0.35% | ||
| ADP - MANH | 65% Loosely correlated | +1.12% | ||
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