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ADP vs ROP
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Automatic Data Processing (ADP) vs. Roper Technologies (ROP) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- ADP (Automatic Data Processing) is a human capital management leader with roughly $21.9 billion in fiscal 2026 revenue and steady high-single-digit growth, but slower top-line expansion than ROP.
- ROP (Roper Technologies) is a diversified vertical-software compounder delivering low-teens revenue growth and EBITDA margins near 40%, supported by an active acquisition and buyback program.
- Both companies are leaning into AI, but ROP is monetizing it across numerous niche software businesses, while ADP is embedding it into payroll and HR workflows.
- ADP offers higher dividend income and defensive stability; ROP emphasizes cash-flow compounding and capital returns through repurchases.
- Relative performance has favored ROP on growth momentum, while ADP has faced cyclical employment and valuation headwinds in recent months.
Introduction
Investors comparing ADP and ROP are weighing two different flavors of software-enabled business. ADP is a dominant player in payroll and human capital management (HCM), while Roper Technologies is a diversified holding company focused on niche vertical software and technology-enabled products. This stock comparison is relevant for traders and investors evaluating market positioning, growth durability, and the relative performance of a defensive compounder versus a faster-growing consolidator. The analysis below covers recent developments, momentum, risk factors, and how each name is positioned in the current environment.
ADP Overview and Recent Performance
ADP (Automatic Data Processing) is one of the world's largest providers of payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance services, serving more than 1.1 million clients through its Employer Services and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) segments. In its most recent fiscal year, total revenue reached approximately $21.9 billion, up about 7%, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) growing roughly 11%.
Recent market activity reflects a mix of resilience and caution. ADP has continued to deliver steady revenue growth and record client retention in the low-90s percentage range, while its Retirement Services business surpassed $1 billion in annual revenue for the first time. The company has also accelerated its AI push, launching its ADP Assist agents and expanding its Zone service platform. However, shares have faced pressure from slowing employment trends and longer sales cycles, which have weighed on sentiment and prompted some analysts to trim price targets despite solid fundamentals. ADP's premium valuation, near 30 times earnings, has also been a point of debate.
ROP Overview and Recent Performance
ROP (Roper Technologies) operates market-leading businesses in vertical software and technology-enabled products across defensible niche markets, including legal, insurance, healthcare, and government contracting. Software now represents roughly 78% of revenue, and recurring revenue provides strong visibility. In its most recent quarter, total revenue grew about 11% with 6% organic growth, while EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) rose roughly 8% to a margin near 38%.
Roper has used its cash flow to compound shareholder value, repurchasing billions of dollars in stock and raising full-year adjusted EPS guidance. Management has highlighted accelerating AI-enabled product launches across its portfolio and signaled an attractive acquisition pipeline. The company's debt-financed buyback strategy has modestly increased leverage, and some segments face input-cost or end-market pressure. Still, recent market activity has reflected improving organic growth and strong free-cash-flow-per-share momentum, supporting a more favorable relative performance trend.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The core contrast between these two stocks lies in business model and growth profile. ADP is a scaled, recurring-revenue HCM franchise with a more defensive, dividend-oriented profile. Its growth is steady but modest, and its earnings benefit from interest on client funds, which ties performance partly to interest-rate dynamics. ROP is a higher-margin, acquisition-driven compounder with faster organic growth and a disciplined capital-deployment strategy that emphasizes buybacks and niche M&A (mergers and acquisitions).
On momentum, Roper has shown stronger recent growth and improving guidance, while ADP has faced cyclical employment headwinds and a premium multiple that leaves less room for error. Risk factors differ too: ADP is exposed to labor-market cycles and rising competition in HCM software, whereas Roper carries integration risk and moderately higher leverage. Sector exposure is another trade-off — ADP is concentrated in workplace services, while Roper spreads risk across multiple verticals. Overall, Roper offers faster compounding, while ADP offers greater stability and income.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, growth momentum, and catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward ROP in the current environment. Roper's stronger organic growth, rising guidance, aggressive share repurchases, and broadening AI monetization across its portfolio suggest more favorable relative positioning and momentum. ADP remains a high-quality, stable franchise, but its slower growth and cyclical sensitivity currently weigh against its appeal as a momentum candidate. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive, reflecting the relative balance of catalysts and risks for each name.
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 ROP is a Hold.
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 25 of 45 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 07, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ADP as a result. In 42 of 89 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 47%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ADP just turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where ADP's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 26 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
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 +5.19% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ADP advanced for three days, in 159 of 317 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 6 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 9 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 47%.
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.
The Aroon Indicator for ADP entered a downward trend on October 13, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 10 (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 41 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent 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 87 (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 (19.983) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.734). P/E Ratio (27.727) is within average values for comparable stocks, (15.183). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.446) is also within normal values, averaging (2.824). Dividend Yield (0.022) settles around the average of (0.074) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.020) is also within normal values, averaging (71.128).
ROP in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026
The 10-day moving average for ROP crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 9 of 13 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 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ROP as a result. In 49 of 106 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 ROP just turned positive on October 06, 2026. Looking at past instances where ROP's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 19 of 48 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 40%.
ROP moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +10.21% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ROP advanced for three days, in 142 of 337 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 42%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates 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.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 10 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 ROP 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 45%.
ROP 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.
The Aroon Indicator for ROP entered a downward trend on October 08, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 39 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ROP’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 61 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating 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 Valuation Rating of 68 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly 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 (2.317) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.896). P/E Ratio (18.180) is within average values for comparable stocks, (15.157). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.393) is also within normal values, averaging (2.824). Dividend Yield (0.008) settles around the average of (0.075) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.782) is also within normal values, averaging (71.128).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued 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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 87 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average 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 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ROP’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 94, placing this stock worse than average.
ADP | ROP | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 42 | 35 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 87 Overvalued | 68 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 46 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 17 | 61 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 10 | 39 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 41 | 87 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 75 |
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.
ROP's Valuation (68) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry is in the same range as ADP (87) in the Data Processing Services industry. This means that ROP’s stock grew similarly to ADP’s over the last 12 months.
ADP's Profit vs Risk Rating (46) in the Data Processing Services industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ROP (100) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry. This means that ADP’s stock grew somewhat faster than ROP’s over the last 12 months.
ADP's SMR Rating (17) in the Data Processing Services industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ROP (61) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry. This means that ADP’s stock grew somewhat faster than ROP’s over the last 12 months.
ADP's Price Growth Rating (10) in the Data Processing Services industry is in the same range as ROP (39) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry. This means that ADP’s stock grew similarly to ROP’s over the last 12 months.
ADP's P/E Growth Rating (41) in the Data Processing Services industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ROP (87) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry. This means that ADP’s stock grew somewhat faster than ROP’s over the last 12 months.
| ADP | ROP | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 38% | 1 day ago 43% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 41% | 1 day ago 49% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 1 day ago 46% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 52% | 1 day ago 40% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | 1 day ago 41% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 56% | 1 day ago 37% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 50% | 1 day ago 42% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | about 1 month ago 47% | 17 days ago 45% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 48% | 1 day ago 52% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 42% | 1 day ago 47% |
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 2 FA rating(s) are green while ROP’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- ADP’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- ROP’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 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 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while ROP’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ADP’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- ROP’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
ADP (@Packaged Software) experienced а +7.80% price change this week, while ROP (@Packaged Software) price change was +14.48% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Packaged Software industry was +2.81%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.45%, and the average quarterly price growth was +4.65%.
Reported Earning Dates
ADP is expected to report earnings on Oct 28, 2026.
ROP is expected to report earnings on Feb 03, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Packaged Software (+2.81% 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% | +4.56% | ||
| PAYX - ADP | 86% Closely correlated | +5.61% | ||
| PCTY - ADP | 77% Closely correlated | +4.93% | ||
| PAYC - ADP | 67% Closely correlated | +4.44% | ||
| SSNC - ADP | 65% Loosely correlated | +2.81% | ||
| MANH - ADP | 65% Loosely correlated | +2.69% | ||
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