ADP vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

ADP (Automatic Data Processing, Inc.) is a stock, while XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) is Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Over the past 10 years, ADP returned 12.50%/yr vs 8.99%/yr for XLU. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

ADP vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ADP achieves a -10.21% return, which is significantly lower than XLU's 2.66% return. Over the past 10 years, ADP has outperformed XLU with an annualized return of 12.50%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively lower 8.99% annualized return.

ADP

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: 7.55%
• YTD: -10.21%
• 6M: -10.14%
• 1Y: -28.14%
• 3Y*: 4.26%
• 5Y*: 5.16%
• 10Y*: 12.50%

XLU

• 1D: -1.87%
• 1M: -2.68%
• YTD: 2.66%
• 6M: 3.35%
• 1Y: 10.26%
• 3Y*: 12.85%
• 5Y*: 9.10%
• 10Y*: 8.99%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ADP vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ADP Automatic Data Processing, Inc.	-10.21%	-10.18%	28.41%	-0.25%	-1.29%	42.60%	5.86%	32.71%	14.25%	16.54%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.66%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between ADP and XLU is -0.03, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.03
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 1998	0.38

The correlation between ADP and XLU shifts across timeframes, from -0.03 (1 year) to 0.38 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

ADP vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ADP

ADP Risk / Return Rank: 8
ADP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
ADP Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
ADP Omega Ratio Rank: 6
ADP Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
ADP Martin Ratio Rank: 11

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 22
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 21
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 21

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ADP vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	ADP	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.16	0.71	-1.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.68	1.04	-2.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.80	1.13	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.72	1.12	-1.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.33	2.47	-3.80
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ADP vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ADP Sharpe Ratio is -1.16, which is lower than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ADP and XLU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ADP	XLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-1.16	0.71	-1.87
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24	0.53	-0.29
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	0.47	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.54	0.40	+0.14

Drawdowns

ADP vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ADP drawdown since its inception was -59.51%, which is greater than XLU's maximum drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ADP and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	ADP	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.51%	-51.98%	-7.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-39.25%	-9.18%	-30.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-40.78%	-17.26%	-23.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.78%	-25.26%	-15.52%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.78%	-36.07%	-4.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-28.14%	-8.18%	-19.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.59%	-10.22%	-2.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	22.88%	4.16%	+18.72%

Volatility

ADP vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) has a higher volatility of 9.30% compared to State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) at 5.60%. This indicates that ADP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ADP	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.30%	5.60%	+3.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.42%	11.70%	+8.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.35%	14.64%	+9.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.05%	17.34%	+4.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.48%	19.27%	+5.21%

Dividends

ADP vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

ADP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.83%, more than XLU's 2.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ADP Automatic Data Processing, Inc.	2.83%	2.46%	1.96%	2.21%	1.83%	1.55%	2.08%	1.92%	2.14%	2.00%	2.10%	2.36%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.73%	2.71%	2.96%	3.39%	2.92%	2.79%	3.14%	2.95%	3.33%	3.33%	3.41%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ADP and XLU in my portfolio?

ADP and XLU have a correlation of -0.03, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ADP or XLU?

ADP has higher volatility (9.30%) compared to XLU (5.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ADP dropped -59.51% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.70 vs -1.16), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.