10-KPeriod: FY2004

AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING INC Annual Report, Year Ended Aug 30, 2004

Filed August 30, 2004For Securities:ADP

Summary

This filing for Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, highlights a diversified business model with strong performance in its core Employer Services segment. The company continues to expand its offerings and geographic reach, particularly in payroll, HR, and benefits administration. Significant investments were made in systems development and programming to enhance existing products and develop new ones, indicating a commitment to innovation and staying ahead in the competitive computing services industry. The company also made strategic acquisitions in its Dealer Services and Claims Services segments to broaden its market presence and service capabilities. While facing a general economic slowdown, ADP demonstrated resilience with strong client retention and growth in key areas. For investors, ADP presents a stable and growing enterprise with a well-established market position across multiple service lines. The company's focus on outsourcing solutions for employers and the financial services industry, combined with strategic growth initiatives and a commitment to technology, positions it for continued success. The filing also notes proactive share repurchases, indicating a return of capital to shareholders. Despite the competitive landscape, ADP's leadership and diversification across various segments provide a solid foundation for future performance.

Key Highlights

  • 1ADP is a leading global provider of computerized transaction processing, data communication, and information services.
  • 2The Employer Services segment, serving over 478,000 employers, is the largest contributor, with 86% of its revenue from the United States.
  • 3Significant investments of $704 million were made in systems development and programming during fiscal year 2004.
  • 4Strategic acquisitions were made in Dealer Services (ProQuest Business Solutions, EDS's Automotive Retail Group) and Claims Services (ABZ Group B.V.) to expand offerings and market reach.
  • 5ADP's Brokerage Services segment received ISO 9001:2000 certification for key operations.
  • 6The company is well-diversified across Employer Services, Brokerage Services, Dealer Services, and Claims Services, serving a broad client base with no single client accounting for more than 2% of annual consolidated revenues.
  • 7ADP repurchased approximately 4.86 million shares of its common stock during the last three months of fiscal year 2004 as part of a broader share repurchase program.

Frequently Asked Questions

ADP operates through several key segments: Employer Services (payroll, HR, and benefit administration), Brokerage Services (transaction processing and investor communication for the financial services industry), Dealer Services (dealer management systems for automotive, truck, and powersports retailers), and Claims Services (business solutions for property and casualty insurance, auto collision repair, and auto recycling industries).

In fiscal year 2004, ADP demonstrated resilience despite economic conditions, with Employer Services showing growth driven by U.S. payroll and tax businesses and improved client retention. Brokerage Services benefited from increased trading activity and investor communications, while Dealer Services saw growth from new products. The company holds leadership positions in its major service offerings and emphasizes ongoing investments in technology and product development.

ADP actively pursues strategic acquisitions to enhance its business process outsourcing strategy and expand its market presence. Notable acquisitions in fiscal 2004 included ProQuest Business Solutions and EDS's Automotive Retail Group for Dealer Services, and ABZ Group B.V. for Claims Services. The company also expanded its global reach in Employer Services through alliances, such as with SAP AG, to serve multinational corporations.

ADP's filing indicates significant investment in systems development ($704 million in fiscal 2004). The company also actively engages in share repurchases, buying back nearly 4.86 million shares in the last quarter of fiscal 2004 under a board-approved plan. This suggests a strategy of reinvesting in the business while also returning capital to shareholders.