February 2026 U.S. Private Sector Employment Report
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 5 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy ADP?
Source: PRnewswire
- Significant Job Growth: In February 2026, the U.S. private sector added 63,000 jobs, marking the best employment growth since July 2025, particularly in construction and education and health services, indicating positive signs of economic recovery.
- Stable Wage Growth: Pay for job-stayers remained at a 4.5% year-over-year growth, while pay growth for job-changers slowed to 6.3%, reflecting that despite stable overall wage growth, the pay premium for switching jobs has hit a record low, potentially affecting employee mobility.
- Industry and Regional Variations: By industry, goods-producing sectors added 16,000 jobs, while service-providing sectors saw an increase of 47,000 jobs, with the South region experiencing the most significant growth at 37,000 jobs, highlighting differentiated economic performance across regions.
- Impact of Establishment Size: Small establishments contributed 60,000 new jobs, while medium establishments saw a decrease of 7,000 jobs, indicating that small businesses remain a primary driver of job growth in the current economic climate, reflecting the varying impacts of establishment size on the labor market.
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Analyst Views on ADP
Wall Street analysts forecast ADP stock price to rise
12 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
7 Hold
3 Sell
Hold
Current: 226.240
Low
230.00
Averages
276.83
High
332.00
Current: 226.240
Low
230.00
Averages
276.83
High
332.00
About ADP
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. is a provider of cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solutions. Its segments include Employer Services and Professional Employer Organization (PEO). Its Employer Services segment serves clients ranging from single-employee small businesses to large enterprises with tens of thousands of employees around the world, offering a range of technology-based HCM solutions, including its cloud-based platforms, and human resource outsourcing (HRO) (other than PEO) solutions. Its offerings include Payroll Services, Benefits Administration, Talent Management, HR Management, Workforce Management, Compliance Services, Insurance Services and Retirement Services. Its PEO business, called ADP TotalSource, provides clients with guidance, technology, comprehensive employee benefits, risk management, safety, and workers’ compensation program. Its compensation management software supports the compensation planning needs.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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