Stock Analysis on Net

Automatic Data Processing Inc. (NASDAQ:ADP)

This company has been moved to the archive! The financial data has not been updated since April 29, 2022.

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Microsoft Excel

Economic Profit

Automatic Data Processing Inc., economic profit calculation

US$ in thousands

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Jun 30, 2021 Jun 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2019 Jun 30, 2018 Jun 30, 2017 Jun 30, 2016
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1 2,334,712 2,508,856 2,290,136 1,628,778 1,771,847 1,527,436
Cost of capital2 11.43% 11.39% 11.44% 11.41% 11.33% 11.21%
Invested capital3 10,152,600 9,580,300 9,463,158 7,289,794 7,519,836 7,921,908
 
Economic profit4 1,174,506 1,417,221 1,207,575 796,828 920,006 639,055

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-06-30).

1 NOPAT. See details »

2 Cost of capital. See details »

3 Invested capital. See details »

4 2021 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= 2,334,71211.43% × 10,152,600 = 1,174,506


Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
NOPAT exhibits an overall upward trajectory from 2016 to 2020, increasing from approximately 1.53 billion to about 2.51 billion US dollars. However, a slight decline is observed in 2021, where the figure decreases to approximately 2.33 billion US dollars. This indicates strong operational performance with some volatility in the most recent year.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital remains relatively stable throughout the period, fluctuating narrowly between 11.21% and 11.44%. This stability suggests consistent financing conditions and risk profile over the years assessed.
Invested Capital
Invested capital shows a decreasing trend from around 7.92 billion US dollars in 2016 to approximately 7.29 billion in 2018, followed by a notable increase from 2019 onwards, reaching about 10.15 billion US dollars in 2021. This reflects changes in asset investment and resource commitments, particularly a considerable increase in the last three years under review.
Economic Profit
Economic profit follows a pattern similar to NOPAT, generally increasing from 639 million US dollars in 2016 to a high of roughly 1.42 billion in 2020. The figure then declines to approximately 1.17 billion in 2021. This trend suggests that the company's value-creation capacity improved significantly over the years but experienced a setback in the last reported year.

Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Automatic Data Processing Inc., NOPAT calculation

US$ in thousands

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Jun 30, 2021 Jun 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2019 Jun 30, 2018 Jun 30, 2017 Jun 30, 2016
Net earnings 2,598,500 2,466,500 2,292,800 1,620,800 1,733,400 1,492,500
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1 (251,100) 26,000 9,300 500 8,100 700
Increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts2 (12,900) 37,600 3,600 1,700 11,500 2,600
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues3 (16,800) (36,900) (53,800) (20,000) 10,000 23,000
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents4 (280,800) 26,700 (40,900) (17,800) 29,600 26,300
Interest expense 59,700 107,100 129,900 102,700 80,000 56,200
Interest expense, operating lease liability5 9,634 10,118 15,200 14,153 12,510 13,101
Adjusted interest expense 69,334 117,218 145,100 116,853 92,510 69,301
Tax benefit of interest expense6 (14,560) (24,616) (30,471) (32,836) (32,379) (24,255)
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes7 54,774 92,602 114,629 84,017 60,132 45,046
(Gain) loss on marketable securities (11,300) (12,900) 900 2,500 (2,200) 5,000
Interest income on corporate funds (36,500) (84,500) (97,600) (83,500) (76,700) (62,400)
Investment income, before taxes (47,800) (97,400) (96,700) (81,000) (78,900) (57,400)
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income8 10,038 20,454 20,307 22,761 27,615 20,090
Investment income, after taxes9 (37,762) (76,946) (76,393) (58,239) (51,285) (37,310)
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax10 900
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) 2,334,712 2,508,856 2,290,136 1,628,778 1,771,847 1,527,436

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-06-30).

1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »

2 Addition of increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts.

3 Addition of increase (decrease) in deferred revenues.

4 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net earnings.

5 2021 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= 437,900 × 2.20% = 9,634

6 2021 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= 69,334 × 21.00% = 14,560

7 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net earnings.

8 2021 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= 47,800 × 21.00% = 10,038

9 Elimination of after taxes investment income.

10 Elimination of discontinued operations.


Net Earnings
The net earnings exhibited an overall increasing trend from 2016 to 2021. Starting at $1,492,500 thousand in 2016, the figure rose to $1,733,400 thousand in 2017 before experiencing a slight decline to $1,620,800 thousand in 2018. After this dip, net earnings showed a significant increase to $2,292,800 thousand in 2019, continuing upward to $2,466,500 thousand in 2020 and reaching $2,598,500 thousand in 2021. This pattern suggests a strong recovery and consistent growth momentum in recent years despite minor fluctuations.
Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
The NOPAT values closely mirror the net earnings trend with increasing values from 2016 through 2020 followed by a decline in 2021. Initially, NOPAT rose from $1,527,436 thousand in 2016 to $1,771,847 thousand in 2017 but then decreased to $1,628,778 thousand in 2018. It rebounded substantially to $2,290,136 thousand in 2019 and increased further to a peak of $2,508,856 thousand in 2020. In 2021, however, NOPAT declined to $2,334,712 thousand. This decline in 2021 contrasts with the continued rise in net earnings, highlighting potential changes in operational efficiency, tax impacts, or adjustments in operating expenses.
Comparative Insights
Both metrics demonstrate a pattern of growth punctuated by a downturn in 2018, followed by robust increases through 2020. The divergence observed in 2021, where net earnings continued to grow but NOPAT decreased, may require further investigation. This discrepancy could point to factors such as non-operating income influences on net earnings, changes in tax structures, or operational cost shifts affecting NOPAT independently of net profits. Overall, the financial data shows resilience with strong profitability gains over the period analyzed.

Cash Operating Taxes

Automatic Data Processing Inc., cash operating taxes calculation

US$ in thousands

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Jun 30, 2021 Jun 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2019 Jun 30, 2018 Jun 30, 2017 Jun 30, 2016
Provision for income taxes 762,700 716,100 712,800 550,300 797,700 741,300
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit) (251,100) 26,000 9,300 500 8,100 700
Add: Tax savings from interest expense 14,560 24,616 30,471 32,836 32,379 24,255
Less: Tax imposed on investment income 10,038 20,454 20,307 22,761 27,615 20,090
Cash operating taxes 1,018,322 694,262 713,664 559,875 794,364 744,765

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-06-30).


Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes showed fluctuations over the period under review. It initially increased from 741,300 thousand US dollars in mid-2016 to 797,700 thousand US dollars by mid-2017. This was followed by a notable decline to 550,300 thousand US dollars in mid-2018. Subsequently, the provision rose again, reaching 712,800 thousand US dollars in 2019 and remaining relatively stable around 716,100 thousand US dollars in 2020. By mid-2021, it increased slightly to 762,700 thousand US dollars. Overall, the data indicate some volatility with a general tendency towards recovery and growth in the latter years.
Cash Operating Taxes
Cash operating taxes mirrored the trends of provision for income taxes, reflecting a general correlation between the two metrics. Starting at 744,765 thousand US dollars in 2016, cash operating taxes slightly decreased to 794,364 thousand US dollars in 2017 before falling significantly to 559,875 thousand US dollars in 2018. Subsequently, there was an increase to 713,664 thousand US dollars in 2019. In 2020, there was a slight decrease to 694,262 thousand US dollars, followed by a substantial jump to 1,018,322 thousand US dollars in 2021. The sharp increase in 2021 suggests a possible change in tax obligations or operational cash flows impacting tax payments.
Comparative Insights
Both the provision for income taxes and cash operating taxes show some alignment in their patterns with synchronous ups and downs over the years. However, cash operating taxes experienced a more pronounced increase in 2021 compared to the provision for income taxes, indicating either an adjustment in timing or recognition of actual cash tax payments vis-à-vis accounting provisions. This divergence in the final year could warrant further investigation to understand underlying causes such as changes in tax policy, fiscal adjustments, or operational factors.

Invested Capital

Automatic Data Processing Inc., invested capital calculation (financing approach)

US$ in thousands

Microsoft Excel
Jun 30, 2021 Jun 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2019 Jun 30, 2018 Jun 30, 2017 Jun 30, 2016
Obligations under reverse repurchase agreements 23,500 13,600 262,000
Short-term debt 1,001,800
Long-term debt 2,985,000 1,002,800 2,002,200 2,002,400 2,002,400 2,007,700
Operating lease liability1 437,900 439,900 542,858 484,694 428,436 445,608
Total reported debt & leases 3,446,400 2,458,100 2,807,058 2,487,094 2,430,836 2,453,308
Stockholders’ equity 5,670,100 5,752,200 5,399,900 3,459,600 3,977,000 4,481,600
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2 434,700 693,200 595,900 17,200 69,700 150,800
Allowance for doubtful accounts3 79,600 92,500 54,900 51,300 49,600 38,100
Deferred revenues4 566,300 583,100 620,000 604,300 624,300 614,300
Equity equivalents5 1,080,600 1,368,800 1,270,800 672,800 743,600 803,200
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax6 (10,600) 14,800 257,300 680,800 379,200 215,100
Adjusted stockholders’ equity 6,740,100 7,135,800 6,928,000 4,813,200 5,099,800 5,499,900
Marketable securities7 (33,900) (13,600) (271,900) (10,500) (10,800) (31,300)
Invested capital 10,152,600 9,580,300 9,463,158 7,289,794 7,519,836 7,921,908

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-06-30).

1 Addition of capitalized operating leases.

2 Elimination of deferred taxes from assets and liabilities. See details »

3 Addition of allowance for doubtful accounts receivable.

4 Addition of deferred revenues.

5 Addition of equity equivalents to stockholders’ equity.

6 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

7 Subtraction of marketable securities.


Total reported debt & leases
The total reported debt and leases figures indicate some fluctuations over the analyzed periods. Initially, the debt remained relatively stable between 2016 and 2018, with values just above 2.4 billion US dollars. In 2019, there was a noticeable increase to approximately 2.81 billion, followed by a decrease in 2020 to around 2.46 billion. However, by 2021, the debt sharply increased to approximately 3.45 billion, representing the highest level within the given timeframe.
Stockholders’ equity
The stockholders’ equity showed a declining trend from 2016 to 2018, dropping from about 4.48 billion to around 3.46 billion US dollars. A significant recovery is observed in 2019, with equity rising sharply to approximately 5.4 billion, continuing to increase moderately in 2020 to about 5.75 billion. In 2021, there was a slight decrease to roughly 5.67 billion, though equity remained well above the levels seen in the initial years.
Invested capital
Invested capital experienced a downward trend from 2016 through 2018, declining from approximately 7.92 billion to about 7.29 billion US dollars. In 2019, invested capital increased markedly to roughly 9.46 billion, and then grew slightly in 2020 to approximately 9.58 billion. The upward movement continued into 2021, reaching around 10.15 billion, the highest level in the period examined.
Overall analysis
The data reflect a period of contraction in both equity and invested capital through 2018, followed by a phase of robust growth starting in 2019. The sudden increase in total debt in 2021, coupled with the continued growth in invested capital, suggests increased leverage and investment activity during that year. Despite the spike in debt in 2021, stockholders’ equity remained relatively strong compared to earlier years, indicating a potentially balanced approach to financing growth with a mix of debt and equity.

Cost of Capital

Automatic Data Processing Inc., cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 89,693,078 89,693,078 ÷ 93,221,778 = 0.96 0.96 × 11.80% = 11.36%
Debt3 3,090,800 3,090,800 ÷ 93,221,778 = 0.03 0.03 × 2.37% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.06%
Operating lease liability4 437,900 437,900 ÷ 93,221,778 = 0.00 0.00 × 2.20% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.01%
Total: 93,221,778 1.00 11.43%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-06-30).

1 US$ in thousands

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 57,946,438 57,946,438 ÷ 60,533,038 = 0.96 0.96 × 11.80% = 11.30%
Debt3 2,146,700 2,146,700 ÷ 60,533,038 = 0.04 0.04 × 2.91% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.08%
Operating lease liability4 439,900 439,900 ÷ 60,533,038 = 0.01 0.01 × 2.30% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.01%
Total: 60,533,038 1.00 11.39%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2020-06-30).

1 US$ in thousands

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 72,785,232 72,785,232 ÷ 75,660,390 = 0.96 0.96 × 11.80% = 11.36%
Debt3 2,332,300 2,332,300 ÷ 75,660,390 = 0.03 0.03 × 2.80% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.07%
Operating lease liability4 542,858 542,858 ÷ 75,660,390 = 0.01 0.01 × 2.80% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.02%
Total: 75,660,390 1.00 11.44%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2019-06-30).

1 US$ in thousands

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 58,812,610 58,812,610 ÷ 61,286,304 = 0.96 0.96 × 11.80% = 11.33%
Debt3 1,989,000 1,989,000 ÷ 61,286,304 = 0.03 0.03 × 2.92% × (1 – 28.10%) = 0.07%
Operating lease liability4 484,694 484,694 ÷ 61,286,304 = 0.01 0.01 × 2.92% × (1 – 28.10%) = 0.02%
Total: 61,286,304 1.00 11.41%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2018-06-30).

1 US$ in thousands

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 49,498,904 49,498,904 ÷ 51,999,240 = 0.95 0.95 × 11.80% = 11.24%
Debt3 2,071,900 2,071,900 ÷ 51,999,240 = 0.04 0.04 × 2.92% × (1 – 35.00%) = 0.08%
Operating lease liability4 428,436 428,436 ÷ 51,999,240 = 0.01 0.01 × 2.92% × (1 – 35.00%) = 0.02%
Total: 51,999,240 1.00 11.33%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2017-06-30).

1 US$ in thousands

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 40,905,387 40,905,387 ÷ 43,499,695 = 0.94 0.94 × 11.80% = 11.10%
Debt3 2,148,700 2,148,700 ÷ 43,499,695 = 0.05 0.05 × 2.94% × (1 – 35.00%) = 0.09%
Operating lease liability4 445,608 445,608 ÷ 43,499,695 = 0.01 0.01 × 2.94% × (1 – 35.00%) = 0.02%
Total: 43,499,695 1.00 11.21%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2016-06-30).

1 US$ in thousands

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »


Economic Spread Ratio

Automatic Data Processing Inc., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Jun 30, 2021 Jun 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2019 Jun 30, 2018 Jun 30, 2017 Jun 30, 2016
Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands)
Economic profit1 1,174,506 1,417,221 1,207,575 796,828 920,006 639,055
Invested capital2 10,152,600 9,580,300 9,463,158 7,289,794 7,519,836 7,921,908
Performance Ratio
Economic spread ratio3 11.57% 14.79% 12.76% 10.93% 12.23% 8.07%
Benchmarks
Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4
Accenture PLC 9.28% 9.86% 8.59%
Adobe Inc. 12.15% 4.43% 2.54%
Cadence Design Systems Inc. 9.33% 10.13%
CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. -6.25% 4.61%
Fair Isaac Corp. 14.01% 2.84% 0.81%
International Business Machines Corp. -5.17% -4.84%
Intuit Inc. 1.31% 4.68% 18.31%
Microsoft Corp. 32.20% 30.23% 25.37%
Oracle Corp. 5.82% 0.19%
Palantir Technologies Inc. -47.24% -87.24%
Palo Alto Networks Inc. -3.14% -4.10% -0.95%
Salesforce Inc. -8.60% -11.62%
ServiceNow Inc. 4.39% 6.01%
Synopsys Inc. -3.78% -3.60% -6.58%
Workday Inc. -15.37% -18.85%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-06-30).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 Invested capital. See details »

3 2021 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × 1,174,506 ÷ 10,152,600 = 11.57%

4 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Economic Profit
The economic profit exhibited an overall increasing trend from 2016 to 2020, rising from 639,055 thousand US dollars to a peak of 1,417,221 thousand US dollars in 2020. However, in 2021, there was a noticeable decline to 1,174,506 thousand US dollars, indicating a reduction in value creation compared to the previous year.
Invested Capital
Invested capital declined between 2016 and 2018, decreasing from 7,921,908 thousand US dollars to 7,289,794 thousand US dollars. This downward movement was followed by a significant increase in 2019, reaching 9,463,158 thousand US dollars, and continued growth in the subsequent years, culminating in 10,152,600 thousand US dollars in 2021. This suggests an expansion in the capital base over the latter half of the period.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio demonstrated variation over the years. Starting at 8.07% in 2016, it increased sharply to 12.23% in 2017, followed by a slight decline to 10.93% in 2018. The ratio improved again in 2019 and 2020, peaking at 14.79% in 2020. In 2021, it decreased to 11.57%, reflecting a diminished spread compared to the peak but still higher than the initial years.
Overall Trends and Insights
The data reveals a pattern of growth in economic profit and invested capital with fluctuations in economic spread ratio. The steady increase in invested capital from 2019 onwards likely facilitated the rise in economic profit during the same period. The economic spread ratio indicates periods of enhanced profitability relative to capital cost, with a peak in 2020 followed by a notable decline in 2021. The drop in economic profit and spread ratio in 2021 suggests either increased costs, reduced efficiency, or market conditions impacting returns despite higher capital investment.

Economic Profit Margin

Automatic Data Processing Inc., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Jun 30, 2021 Jun 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2019 Jun 30, 2018 Jun 30, 2017 Jun 30, 2016
Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands)
Economic profit1 1,174,506 1,417,221 1,207,575 796,828 920,006 639,055
 
Revenues 15,005,400 14,589,800 14,175,200 13,325,800 12,379,800 11,667,800
Add: Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues (16,800) (36,900) (53,800) (20,000) 10,000 23,000
Adjusted revenues 14,988,600 14,552,900 14,121,400 13,305,800 12,389,800 11,690,800
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2 7.84% 9.74% 8.55% 5.99% 7.43% 5.47%
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
Accenture PLC 4.76% 5.01% 3.97%
Adobe Inc. 15.15% 6.35% 3.81%
Cadence Design Systems Inc. 9.47% 10.21%
CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. -12.98% 4.05%
Fair Isaac Corp. 14.71% 3.16% 0.97%
International Business Machines Corp. -9.87% -8.41%
Intuit Inc. 1.66% 5.27% 12.20%
Microsoft Corp. 26.73% 22.44% 18.77%
Oracle Corp. 11.52% 0.44%
Palantir Technologies Inc. -77.82% -177.72%
Palo Alto Networks Inc. -4.22% -6.66% -1.05%
Salesforce Inc. -19.72% -28.59%
ServiceNow Inc. 3.80% 4.91%
Synopsys Inc. -6.01% -6.18% -11.37%
Workday Inc. -20.06% -24.26%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-06-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-06-30).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 2021 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Adjusted revenues
= 100 × 1,174,506 ÷ 14,988,600 = 7.84%

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Economic Profit
Economic profit exhibited an upward trend from 2016 through 2020, increasing from 639,055 thousand US dollars in 2016 to a peak of 1,417,221 thousand US dollars in 2020. However, in 2021, there was a noticeable decline to 1,174,506 thousand US dollars, representing a reduction of approximately 17% from the previous year.
Adjusted Revenues
Adjusted revenues consistently increased over the six-year period. Starting at 11,690,800 thousand US dollars in 2016, revenues grew steadily each year, reaching 14,988,600 thousand US dollars in 2021. The year-over-year increases indicate sustained revenue growth without any declines or plateaus.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin followed a generally positive trajectory with some fluctuations. It rose from 5.47% in 2016 to a high of 9.74% in 2020. In 2021, the margin decreased to 7.84%, reflecting a reduction in economic profit relative to revenues despite continued revenue growth.
Insights
The data reveals a pattern where both economic profit and economic profit margin improved significantly through 2020, suggesting enhanced profitability and efficiency over the period. The concurrent growth in adjusted revenues underscores business expansion. The decline in economic profit and margin in 2021, amid ongoing revenue growth, may indicate increased costs, competitive pressures, or other factors impacting profitability that merit further investigation.