ADP Posts Higher 1Q Profit Despite Revenue Decline

ROSELAND, N.J. (AP) — Rising unemployment and the struggles of the U.S. auto industry were both evident as payroll and benefits outsourcer Automatic Data Processing Inc. reported a slim 3 percent profit rise in its first quarter. Cost controls offset lower revenue.

The company attributed the revenue decline to the recession, along with unfavorable foreign exchange rates, which ADP said shaved 2 percentage points from the total.

"The actions taken in last year's fourth quarter to reduce our expense structure benefited the current quarter's results," said President and CEO Gary C. Butler. ADP reduced expenses 5 percent from the year-ago quarter to $1.69 billion.

ADP also boosted its guidance for the full fiscal year.

For the three months ended Sept. 30, net income rose to $284.1 million, or 56 cents per share, from $276.9 million, or 54 cents per share, in the year-ago period. There were 2 percent fewer shares outstanding in the most recent period.

Revenue dipped 4 percent to $2.1 billion from $2.18 billion last year.