ADP: A Good Contrarian Stock

Automatic Data Processing (ADP) is starting to catch my eye as a good contrarian stock. (The first step, however, is to ignore their notoriously inaccurate monthly employment reports.)

The stock is down to $44 from $50 in early June. I’m not claiming any great insight on its business, but it’s simply a good stock at a good price. In the last three years, earnings are up 56%. Gross margins are around 50% and the company has a solid balance sheet.

The company also raised guidance for FY 08. ADP is now looking for 12% sales growth and profit growth of 18% to 21%. I like those numbers.