Private payrolls rose by 140,000 in February, less than expected, ADP reports

Private sector job growth improved during February though growth was slightly less than expected, payrolls processing firm ADP reported Wednesday.

Companies added 140,000 positions for the month, an increase from the upwardly revised 111,000 in January but a bit below the Dow Jones estimate for 150,000.

Job gains came across multiple areas, led by leisure and hospitality with 41,000 and construction, which added 28,000 positions. Other…