Adobe Inc. (ADBE) vs Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (CDNS)

A side-by-side comparison of Adobe Inc. and Cadence Design Systems, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnADBE vs CDNS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ADBE +153.0% (+9.7%/yr)CDNS +1025.5% (+27.4%/yr)CDNS compounded faster over this window
05001k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$253$1,126
ADBE CDNS

ADBE vs CDNS: by the numbers

  • ADBE is the larger company ($99.57B vs $77.08B market cap).
  • ADBE trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (13.98 vs 55.65 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • ADBE converts more revenue to profit (28.05% vs 23.61% net margin).
  • CDNS grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.04% vs 11.95% CAGR).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricADBECDNS
P/E ratio13.9855.65
Forward P/E10.2334.39
P/S ratio3.8313.20
P/B ratio8.4611.24
EV / EBITDA9.5336.75
FCF yield10.99%2.18%

Profitability

MetricADBECDNS
Gross margin88.98%88.50%
Operating margin35.70%30.83%
Net margin28.05%23.61%
ROE61.92%20.09%
ROIC40.02%13.29%

Growth (annualized)

MetricADBECDNS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)11.95%15.04%
EPS CAGR (5Y)8.86%13.62%
FCF CAGR (5Y)10.15%15.03%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-17.47%11.63%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ADBE or CDNS?
ADBE has the lower trailing P/E: ADBE trades at 13.98 and CDNS at 55.65. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ADBE or CDNS?
Over the past five years, CDNS grew revenue faster — ADBE at a 11.95% CAGR versus CDNS at 15.04%.
Is ADBE or CDNS more profitable?
ADBE runs the higher net margin — ADBE at 28.05% versus CDNS at 23.61%.
How have ADBE and CDNS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ADBE delivered 9.76% and CDNS delivered 27.71% 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 September 13, 2026.