ADP vs Emerson (ADP vs EMR)

ADP (ADP) vs Emerson (EMR) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

ADP (ADP) and Emerson (EMR) compete in industrials. Here are ADP and Emerson side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy ADP or Emerson.

ADP vs Emerson: the figures

ADP and Emerson figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that ADP or Emerson figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between ADP and Emerson

1. Valuation: Emerson trades at 37.3x its annual earnings and ADP at 26.9x; the market pays more for each dollar of Emerson profit, usually because it expects more growth.
2. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, ADP keeps 20.3 as net profit and Emerson keeps 13.8.
3. Debt: Emerson owes 1.9x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while ADP owes 0.3x its EBITDA.

ADP or Emerson: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Emerson is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): ADP pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: ADP has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: ADP trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither ADP nor Emerson wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How ADP and Emerson make money

ADP (ADP)

ADP handles payroll, HR and benefits for employers. Employer Services, its larger segment, provides payroll and workforce software, while PEO Services acts as a co-employer for small businesses, taking over payroll, insurance and benefits. ADP also earns interest on client funds it holds briefly before paying out wages and taxes. Full ADP analysis.

Emerson (EMR)

Emerson sells automation technology to factories, refineries, chemical plants and drugmakers. It reports Intelligent Devices, the larger business, with valves, measurement instruments, analyzers and discrete automation, and Software and Control, which includes control systems, AspenTech industrial software and NI test and measurement equipment. Full Emerson analysis.

Frequently asked questions: ADP vs Emerson

Is ADP or Emerson the better stock?

Choosing between ADP and Emerson depends on what you are looking for. Emerson is growing faster right now, and ADP trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy ADP or Emerson: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, ADP or Emerson?

As of November 4, 2026, ADP yields 2.30% and Emerson yields 1.33%. Also check how much of their profit ADP and Emerson pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, ADP or Emerson?

On P/E, Emerson (37.3x) is more expensive than ADP (26.9x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both ADP and Emerson?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as ADP and Emerson, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying ADP or Emerson.

More comparisons with ADP or Emerson

• ADP vs Eaton
• ADP vs Parker-Hannifin
• Emerson vs Eaton
• Emerson vs Parker-Hannifin

More companies like ADP and Emerson: industrials stocks. Educational content about ADP and Emerson, not investment advice.