Automatic Data Processing (ADP): Today's Featured Technology Winner

Editor's Note: Any reference to TheStreet Ratings and its underlying recommendation does not reflect the opinion of TheStreet, Inc. or any of its contributors including Jim Cramer or Stephanie Link.

Automatic Data Processing ( ADP) pushed the Technology sector higher today making it today's featured technology winner. The sector as a whole closed the day up 0.6%. By the end of trading, Automatic Data Processing rose $0.92 (1.2%) to $75.58 on heavy volume. Throughout the day, 3,873,552 shares of Automatic Data Processing exchanged hands as compared to its average daily volume of 1,964,300 shares. The stock ranged in a price between $74.80-$75.90 after having opened the day at $75.57 as compared to the previous trading day's close of $74.66. Other companies within the Technology sector that increased today were: LiveDeal ( LIVE), up 36.7%, Luna Innovations ( LUNA), up 22.9%, eOn Communications Corporation ( EONC), up 20.1% and China Mobile Games and Entertainment Group ( CMGE), up 19.2%.

Automatic Data Processing, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides technology-based outsourcing solutions to employers and vehicle retailers and manufacturers worldwide. Automatic Data Processing has a market cap of $35.9 billion and is part of the computer software & services industry. Shares are down 7.6% year to date as of the close of trading on Tuesday. Currently there are 5 analysts that rate Automatic Data Processing a buy, 2 analysts rate it a sell, and 13 rate it a hold.

TheStreet Ratings rates Automatic Data Processing as a buy. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, growth in earnings per share, solid stock price performance, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and notable return on equity. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows weak operating cash flow.

On the negative front, Jive Software ( JIVE), down 18.8%, FireEye ( FEYE), down 11.4%, xG Technology ( XGTI), down 8.5% and Vicon Industries ( VII), down 6.7% , were all laggards within the technology sector with ASML ( ASML) being today's technology sector laggard.

For investors not wanting singular stock exposure, ETFs may be of interest. Investors who are bullish on the technology sector could consider Technology Select Sector SPDR ( XLK) while those bearish on the technology sector could consider ProShares Ultra Short Technology ( REW).

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