U.S. Employment Growth and Wage Increase in February
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 5 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy ADP?
Source: Newsfilter
- Significant Job Growth: In February 2026, the U.S. private sector added 63,000 jobs, marking the best hiring performance since July 2025, particularly in construction and education/health services, indicating a strong economic recovery momentum.
- Stable Wage Growth: Pay for job-stayers remained at a 4.5% annual increase, while job-changers saw a decline to 6.3%, suggesting that despite increased hiring, wage competitiveness has weakened, potentially affecting employee mobility.
- Industry Performance Variance: Among the new jobs, the service sector contributed 47,000 positions, with notable growth in education and health services, while manufacturing lost 5,000 jobs, highlighting structural changes across industries.
- Regional Employment Disparities: The South added 37,000 jobs, becoming the primary driver of growth, while the Midwest saw a decrease of 4,000 jobs, reflecting uneven economic recovery across regions, which may influence policymakers' decisions.
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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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