Automatic Data Processing Inc. stock underperforms Friday when compared to competitors

ADP reported that U.S. private employers added 16,250 jobs weekly in August 2026, per its NER Pulse. This marks a second consecutive week of growth. The data is preliminary and seasonally adjusted, with a two-week lag. ADP, a global HR and payroll solutions provider, publishes the NER Pulse weekly, except on monthly report weeks.

Analysts from Citi, Needham, and RBC Capital maintained ratings on ADP, BLZE, and MSFT. ADP has a Hold consensus with a $286.14 avg. target. BLZE has a Strong Buy consensus with a $22.83 avg. target. MSFT has a Strong Buy consensus with a $571.41 avg. target.

ADP reported that U.S. private employers added 12,000 jobs per week on average in the four weeks ending August 22, 2026, according to the NER Pulse. The data is preliminary and seasonally adjusted. ADP, a global HR and payroll solutions provider, produces the report in collaboration with the Stanford Digital Economy Lab.

Aeroports de Paris (ADP) shares rose 2% after JPMorgan upgraded it to Overweight, citing potential upside from upcoming regulatory visibility. JPMorgan also upgraded Fraport and Eiffage, while maintaining Neutral ratings on Aena, Zurich Airport, Vinci, and Getlink. The bank noted sector-wide de-rating due to geopolitical and political risks.

ADP reported 38,000 private payroll jobs added in August, below expectations. Education and health services gained 45,000 jobs, while manufacturing and professional services saw declines. Large firms added 34,000 jobs, mid-sized firms lost 2,000, and small firms added 2,000.

Private-sector employment in the U.S. increased by 38,000 jobs in August, according to the ADP National Employment Report. Base pay rose 3.2% and gross pay increased 4.7% year over year. The report also introduced enhanced analytics, including deeper insights into pay trends for job-stayers and job-changers.