Payroll and HR services provider Automatic Data Processing (NASDAQ: ADP) reported revenue ahead of Wall Street’s expectations in Q2 CY2025, with sales up 7.5% year on year to $5.13 billion. The company expects next quarter’s revenue to be around $5.10 billion, close to analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.26 per share was 1.5% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Is now the time to buy ADP? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

StockStory’s Take

Automatic Data Processing’s second quarter results were characterized by steady revenue growth and stable operating margins. Management attributed the quarter’s performance to continued momentum in its Next Gen product suite, expanding AI-driven features, and strengthening client retention across both small business and enterprise segments. CEO Maria Black pointed to “broad-based” improvements in client satisfaction and retention, especially as enhancements to the Lyric platform and the integration of WorkForce Software began to pay off. Management acknowledged that Employer Services bookings in HR Outsourcing were softer than anticipated, largely due to delayed decision-making among larger clients, but emphasized strong pipelines moving into the next quarter.

Looking ahead, management views investments in artificial intelligence, new product rollouts, and international expansion as critical to sustaining growth. Black highlighted that “our vast dataset allows us to expand from simple agents to autonomous agents,” underscoring the company’s commitment to differentiated AI capabilities for human capital management. CFO Peter Hadley cautioned that while retention rates remain high, a slight moderation is expected due to macroeconomic uncertainty and potential increases in small business closures. The company is also prioritizing integration of recent acquisitions and expanding embedded payroll partnerships to drive bookings and operational efficiency in coming quarters.

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management credited the quarter’s growth to ongoing technology investments, robust client retention, and the scaling of key platforms, while noting that delays in large outsourcing deals and mixed international momentum were important factors.

• Next Gen product traction: The Lyric HCM suite saw client adoption more than double, with new client wins coming from a diverse competitive landscape. Management noted that product maturity and enhancements have begun to drive broader market penetration, especially in enterprise and multinational accounts.

• AI-driven operational efficiency: The rollout of ADP Assist and proprietary AI tools has led to millions of client interactions, with management reporting tangible productivity gains and reduced service friction. The company is using AI both to simplify work for its associates and to personalize client experiences, which has supported retention and margin stability.

• Retention and satisfaction gains: Client retention rates increased to near record-high levels, driven by improvements in customer satisfaction scores across business lines. Management attributed this to ongoing investments in product quality and support, especially for small business and international clients.

• Delayed HR Outsourcing bookings: Employer Services HR Outsourcing bookings were softer than planned, as large, complex deals in mid-market and enterprise segments were delayed rather than lost. Management emphasized that pipelines for these services remain healthy and active, with most deals described as postponed rather than canceled.

• International and M&A activity: The acquisition of WorkForce Software and expanded international payroll offerings in regions like Japan and Saudi Arabia contributed to the company’s global positioning. However, international bookings only partially offset earlier softness, and management is focused on scaling these initiatives for future quarters.

Drivers of Future Performance

ADP’s outlook is underpinned by continued investment in AI, product integration, and diversified booking channels, though management anticipates some margin pressure from ongoing growth initiatives and macroeconomic headwinds.

• AI and automation expansion: Management aims to scale autonomous, role-based AI agents to enhance both client experience and internal operations, expecting these technologies to yield incremental productivity improvements and support future margin expansion. Investments in proprietary AI tools are ongoing, with a net investment position anticipated throughout the year.

• Broader product and channel reach: The integration of WorkForce Software, maturation of the Lyric suite, and expansion of embedded payroll partnerships (such as with Clover) are expected to drive bookings growth, particularly in the enterprise and multinational segments. Management also cited new distribution strategies and seller ecosystem investments as supporting factors.

• Macro and retention risks: CFO Peter Hadley highlighted potential headwinds from a moderating macroeconomic environment, with expectations for a slight decline in retention rates and lower pays per control growth, particularly in the small business segment. Management is monitoring these trends closely, adjusting assumptions as needed.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

Looking forward, the StockStory team will be tracking (1) the pace of adoption for Lyric and Next Gen Payroll across new and existing client segments, (2) the contribution of embedded payroll partnerships and international expansion to bookings growth, and (3) the realization of operational efficiencies from AI investments. Execution on integrating recently acquired businesses and maintaining high client retention will also be critical in assessing ADP’s trajectory.

ADP currently trades at $300, down from $308.83 just before the earnings. In the wake of this quarter, is it a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it’s free).

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