ADP vs Eaton (ADP vs ETN)

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

ADP (ADP) and Eaton (ETN) compete in industrials. Here are ADP and Eaton 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 Eaton.

ADP vs Eaton: the figures

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

3 key differences between ADP and Eaton

1. Growth: Eaton grew sales +28.0% year on year in its latest quarter, against +6.1% for ADP.
2. Debt: Eaton owes 2.8x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while ADP owes 0.3x its EBITDA.
3. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, ADP keeps 20.3 as net profit and Eaton keeps 12.2.

ADP or Eaton: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Eaton 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 Eaton 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 Eaton 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.

Eaton (ETN)

Eaton makes power management equipment such as switchgear, circuit breakers, transformers and backup power systems for data centers, buildings and factories. Electrical Americas is its largest segment, followed by Electrical Global, Aerospace, which supplies aircraft components, and Vehicle and eMobility, which sells parts for trucks and cars. Full Eaton analysis.

Frequently asked questions: ADP vs Eaton

Is ADP or Eaton the better stock?

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

Which pays a higher dividend, ADP or Eaton?

As of November 4, 2026, ADP yields 2.30% and Eaton yields 1.12%. Also check how much of their profit ADP and Eaton pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, ADP or Eaton?

On P/E, Eaton (35.3x) 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 Eaton?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as ADP and Eaton, 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 Eaton.

More comparisons with ADP or Eaton

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

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