UniFirst (NYSE: UNF - Get Free Report) and ABM Industries (NYSE: ABM - Get Free Report) are both mid-cap industrials companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation and profitability. Dividends UniFirst pays an annual dividend of $1.46

Dividend Kings are underperforming SPY in September, with a -4.22% average return versus SPY's marginal gain. Despite aggregate weakness, 29 Dividend Kings appear both undervalued and offer a long-term expected return of at least 10%. Recent dividend increases and higher projected earnings growth have modestly improved the Kings' average dividend growth rate to 4.49%.

Recognition highlights the strategy and measurable impact behind ABM's “Driving possibility, together” brand transformation Recognition highlights the strategy and measurable impact behind ABM's “Driving possibility, together” brand transformation

ABM shares jump 12.7% in three months as infrastructure growth, stronger cash flow and a raised earnings midpoint supported performance.

NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With demand for skilled semiconductor technicians continuing to outpace supply, ABM (NYSE: ABM), a leading provider of facility, operations, production maintenance, and infrastructure solutions, today announced the grand opening of the ABM Technical Training Center in Boise, Idaho, one of the nation's fastest-growing semiconductor manufacturing hubs.

Dividend Kings have a 50+ year track record of increasing dividends, showcasing resilience through economic challenges. I rank the Dividend Kings using my 9F Quality Scores, blending qualitative and quantitative factors for a robust, investment-grade assessment. ADP stands out as the best total-return candidate. It is undervalued, high-quality, and offering a strong projected dividend growth rate and Adjusted Chowder Number.

ABM Industries remains attractively valued at ~11x forward earnings, with a compelling margin of safety despite a 20% total return since the last review. ABM demonstrates healthy mid-single-digit revenue growth, driven by strong performance in Data Centers, Semiconductors, and M&A, with new segments now 11% of revenue. Margin expansion opportunities exist through operational efficiencies, M&A integration, and technology adoption, though low EBITDA margins highlight industry challenges and competitive pricing risks.

ABM Industries (ABM) might move higher on growing optimism about its earnings prospects, which is reflected by its upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Investors with an interest in Business - Services stocks have likely encountered both ABM Industries (ABM) and Thomson Reuters (TRI). But which of these two companies is the best option for those looking for undervalued stocks?

Here is how ABM Industries (ABM) and Liquidity Services (LQDT) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.