Accenture plc (ACN) vs Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (CDNS)

A side-by-side comparison of Accenture plc and Cadence Design Systems, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnACN vs CDNS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 25y
ACN +1414.7%CDNS +1765.3%CDNS compounded faster
01k2k3k4kStart $10020062011201620212026$1,515$1,865
ACN CDNS

ACN vs CDNS: by the numbers

  • ACN is the larger company ($100.76B vs $95.08B market cap).
  • ACN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (12.31 vs 67.32 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CDNS converts more revenue to profit (23.61% vs 10.70% net margin).
  • CDNS grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.04% vs 8.80% CAGR).
  • ACN pays a dividend (4.13% yield), while CDNS has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricACNCDNS
P/E ratio12.3167.32
Forward P/E11.1142.16
P/S ratio1.3015.95
P/B ratio2.9713.58
PEG ratio3.4014.86
EV / EBITDA7.3746.87
FCF yield13.26%1.80%

Profitability

MetricACNCDNS
Gross margin31.97%88.50%
Operating margin14.87%30.83%
Net margin10.70%23.61%
ROE24.53%20.09%
ROIC16.99%14.11%

Dividends

MetricACNCDNS
Dividend yield4.13%N/A
Payout ratio51.83%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricACNCDNS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.80%15.04%
EPS CAGR (5Y)8.89%13.62%
FCF CAGR (5Y)6.55%15.03%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-11.93%18.88%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ACN or CDNS?
ACN has the lower trailing P/E: ACN trades at 12.31 and CDNS at 67.32. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ACN or CDNS?
Over the past five years, CDNS grew revenue faster — ACN at a 8.80% CAGR versus CDNS at 15.04%.
Does ACN or CDNS pay a bigger dividend?
ACN pays a dividend (4.13% yield), while CDNS has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is ACN or CDNS more profitable?
CDNS runs the higher net margin — ACN at 10.70% versus CDNS at 23.61%.
How have ACN and CDNS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ACN delivered 4.98% and CDNS delivered 30.48% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 28, 2026.