10-KPeriod: FY2005

AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING INC Annual Report, Year Ended Aug 31, 2005

Filed August 31, 2005For Securities:ADP

Summary

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) in its August 31, 2005, 10-K filing showcases its position as a global leader in transaction processing, data communication, and information services, with a strong emphasis on its Employer Services segment. This segment provides a comprehensive suite of human resources, payroll processing, and benefit administration solutions to over 518,000 employers across North America, Europe, South America, Australia, and Asia. The company highlights its strategic focus on expanding its offerings through product development, such as integrated payroll solutions with Microsoft, and acquisitions, including the significant addition of Bank of America's U.S. Clearing and Broker-Dealer Services divisions to bolster its Brokerage Services capabilities. ADP's diversified business model also includes robust Brokerage Services, Dealer Services, and Claims Services, catering to various industries like financial services, automotive retail, and property insurance. The company emphasizes its competitive strengths in service responsiveness, product quality, and price, underpinned by significant investments in systems development and programming. With a stable client base and long client retention periods across its segments, ADP demonstrates operational resilience and a commitment to sustained growth through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, positioning itself as a stable and diversified service provider.

Key Highlights

  • 1ADP is a leading global provider of outsourced business solutions, with a primary focus on Employer Services, offering payroll and HR solutions to over 518,000 employers.
  • 2The company has a significant international presence, particularly in Europe, and is expanding its GlobalView offering for multinational corporations.
  • 3Acquisitions played a key role in strengthening ADP's Brokerage Services segment with the integration of Bank of America's U.S. Clearing and Broker-Dealer Services divisions.
  • 4Dealer Services provides integrated management systems and business solutions to automotive, heavy truck, and powersports retailers, with over 19,500 dealers utilizing its services.
  • 5Claims Services offers integrated solutions for the property insurance, auto collision repair, and auto recycling industries, expanding its reach into new international markets.
  • 6ADP made significant investments in systems development and programming, totaling $696 million in fiscal year 2005, to enhance existing products and develop new ones.
  • 7The company maintains strong client retention rates, estimated at over 8 years for Employer Services and 10+ years for Brokerage and Dealer Services.

Frequently Asked Questions

ADP's primary business segments are Employer Services, Brokerage Services, Dealer Services, and Claims Services. Employer Services is a significant revenue driver, offering payroll and HR solutions to a large number of employers. Brokerage Services caters to the financial services industry, Dealer Services supports automotive retailers, and Claims Services provides solutions for the insurance and repair industries.

In fiscal year 2005, ADP acquired the U.S. Clearing and Broker-Dealer Services divisions from Bank of America to enhance its Brokerage Services. They also acquired Tesoft Automocion S.A. and AutoFuse, Inc. to strengthen their Dealer Services segment. Furthermore, ADP continued to develop integrated payroll solutions with Microsoft for the small business market.

ADP serves approximately 590,000 clients across various industries. The filing explicitly states that no single client or group of affiliated clients accounted for more than 2% of annual consolidated revenues in fiscal year 2005, indicating a well-diversified client base and low concentration risk.

ADP operates in highly competitive industries but believes it holds leadership positions in its major service offerings. Competition is primarily based on service responsiveness, product quality, and price. ADP believes it is competitive in all these areas and does not foresee any material negative factors impacting its competitive position. The company aims to provide comprehensive solutions across its diverse client segments.