U.S. Private Sector Job Growth Steady
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 21 hours ago
0mins
Should l Buy ADP?
Source: PRnewswire
- Job Growth Trend: For the four weeks ending February 21, 2026, U.S. private employers added an average of 15,500 jobs per week, indicating stability in the job market, particularly after five consecutive weeks of growth, suggesting a strengthening economic recovery.
- Data Source and Adjustments: These figures come from the NER Pulse, which utilizes ADP's high-frequency data and is seasonally adjusted; although preliminary, these numbers may change as new data is incorporated, reflecting the dynamic nature of real-time employment trends.
- Release Frequency and Transparency: The NER Pulse is published every Tuesday at 8:15 a.m., providing 12 weeks of historical data to ensure policymakers and businesses can access the latest employment information in a timely manner for informed decision-making.
- ADP's Role: As a global leader in HR and payroll solutions, ADP leverages its unique data-driven perspective to help companies and policymakers understand changes in the job market, thereby driving business growth and enhancing workplace efficiency.
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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: 223.040
Low
230.00
Averages
276.83
High
332.00
Current: 223.040
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.
U.S. Private Sector Job Growth Steady
- Job Growth Trend: For the four weeks ending February 21, 2026, U.S. private employers added an average of 15,500 jobs per week, indicating stability in the job market, particularly after five consecutive weeks of growth, suggesting a strengthening economic recovery.
- Data Source and Adjustments: These figures come from the NER Pulse, which utilizes ADP's high-frequency data and is seasonally adjusted; although preliminary, these numbers may change as new data is incorporated, reflecting the dynamic nature of real-time employment trends.
- Release Frequency and Transparency: The NER Pulse is published every Tuesday at 8:15 a.m., providing 12 weeks of historical data to ensure policymakers and businesses can access the latest employment information in a timely manner for informed decision-making.
- ADP's Role: As a global leader in HR and payroll solutions, ADP leverages its unique data-driven perspective to help companies and policymakers understand changes in the job market, thereby driving business growth and enhancing workplace efficiency.
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- Trust Fund Crisis: The Social Security Administration projects that the trust fund will be depleted by 2032, leading to a 24% reduction in monthly payments unless Congress intervenes, highlighting the fragility of the current Social Security system.
- Support for Raising Tax Cap: A 2025 survey found broad support for raising the payroll tax cap for earnings over $400,000, even without increasing benefits for those additional contributions, reflecting a pressing public demand for Social Security reform.
- Impact of Income Inequality: Research indicates that income inequality has contributed to the shortfall in the Social Security trust fund, with coverage of earnings subject to payroll taxes dropping from 90% in 1983 to 82.5% in 2000, underscoring the need for policy adjustments.
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Economic Implications: Analysts are worried that the mixed signals from the jobs report could complicate future economic policies and decisions.
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- REIT Advantages: Realty Income pays a monthly dividend with a yield of 4.9%, having increased its per-share payout for 31 consecutive years, attracting investors looking for consistent cash flow that aligns with their monthly expenses.
- Significant Growth Potential: Brookfield Asset Management boasts a 4.3% dividend yield and targets annual growth of 15% to 20%, reflecting its investment strategy in growth sectors like renewable energy and AI, appealing to investors seeking capital appreciation.
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U.S. Private Sector Job Growth Steady
- Job Growth Trend: For the four weeks ending February 21, 2026, U.S. private employers added an average of 15,500 jobs per week, indicating stability in the job market, particularly after five consecutive weeks of growth, suggesting a strengthening economic recovery.
- Data Source and Adjustments: These figures come from the NER Pulse, which utilizes ADP's high-frequency data and is seasonally adjusted; although preliminary, these numbers may change as new data is incorporated, reflecting the dynamic nature of real-time employment trends.
- Release Frequency and Transparency: The NER Pulse is published every Tuesday at 8:15 a.m., providing 12 weeks of historical data to ensure policymakers and businesses can access the latest employment information in a timely manner for informed decision-making.
- ADP's Role: As a global leader in HR and payroll solutions, ADP leverages its unique data-driven perspective to help companies and policymakers understand changes in the job market, thereby driving business growth and enhancing workplace efficiency.
See More
Wealth Tax Calls Amid Social Security Funding Shortfall
- Payroll Tax Cap Issue: According to the Center for Economic and Policy Research, individuals earning over $1 million have stopped paying Social Security taxes for 2026, indicating that high earners may have fulfilled their tax obligations early in the year, exacerbating the funding shortfall for Social Security.
- Trust Fund Crisis: The Social Security Administration projects that the trust fund will be depleted by 2032, leading to a 24% reduction in monthly payments unless Congress intervenes, highlighting the fragility of the current Social Security system.
- Support for Raising Tax Cap: A 2025 survey found broad support for raising the payroll tax cap for earnings over $400,000, even without increasing benefits for those additional contributions, reflecting a pressing public demand for Social Security reform.
- Impact of Income Inequality: Research indicates that income inequality has contributed to the shortfall in the Social Security trust fund, with coverage of earnings subject to payroll taxes dropping from 90% in 1983 to 82.5% in 2000, underscoring the need for policy adjustments.
See More
CrowdStrike and 11 Additional Stocks That Have Increased in Value Daily Since the Start of the Iran War
Market Impact of the Iran War: The onset of the Iran War has led to a significant increase in oil prices, negatively affecting most stocks in the market.
Performance of Crowdstrike: Despite the overall market struggles, the conflict has positively impacted some of the worst-performing stocks of 2026, including Crowdstrike.
See More
Government and Private Sector Disagree on Employment; The Fed Must Choose a Side
Jobs Report Overview: The recent jobs report revealed troubling numbers that raised concerns about the state of the economy.
Market Reaction: The chaotic nature of the report led to significant volatility in the financial markets, reflecting investor uncertainty.
Economic Implications: Analysts are worried that the mixed signals from the jobs report could complicate future economic policies and decisions.
Public Perception: The report has contributed to a growing sense of unease among the public regarding job security and economic stability.
See More
Five Dividend Stocks for Reliable Income
- Verizon Reliable Income: Verizon Communications offers a forward-looking dividend yield of 5.6%, having raised its dividend for 19 consecutive years, reflecting strong demand for mobile services in the U.S. market, ensuring stable cash flow and investor confidence.
- Realty Income Monthly Dividends: As a real estate investment trust, Realty Income pays dividends monthly with a current yield of 4.9%, and has increased its per-share payout for 31 consecutive years, attracting investors seeking stable cash flow.
- ADP Steady Growth: Automatic Data Processing has doubled its dividend over the past decade, with a current yield of 3.2%, and its business model and expansion of additional services enable it to consistently provide reliable dividends, enhancing investor trust.
- Brookfield Asset Management: Brookfield Asset Management has a forward-looking yield of 4.3%, focusing on growth industries like renewable energy and AI, with an expected annual growth rate between 15% and 20%, appealing to long-term investors.
See More
Guide to High-Yield Dividend Stocks
- Stable Dividend Yield: Verizon Communications offers a 5.6% dividend yield, having raised its dividend for 19 consecutive years, demonstrating a strong customer base and stable income stream in the U.S. market, making it suitable for income-seeking investors.
- REIT Advantages: Realty Income pays a monthly dividend with a yield of 4.9%, having increased its per-share payout for 31 consecutive years, attracting investors looking for consistent cash flow that aligns with their monthly expenses.
- Significant Growth Potential: Brookfield Asset Management boasts a 4.3% dividend yield and targets annual growth of 15% to 20%, reflecting its investment strategy in growth sectors like renewable energy and AI, appealing to investors seeking capital appreciation.
- Diversified Income Sources: The JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF offers a dividend yield close to 7%, with fluctuations in yield, but generates cash flow by selling covered call options, making it suitable for investors looking to enhance risk-adjusted returns on stable income.
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