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.
ADBE
Adobe Inc.
$250.50TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 16, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
CDNS
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
$279.90TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 16, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — ADBE vs CDNS
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yADBE +153.0% (+9.7%/yr)CDNS +1025.5% (+27.4%/yr)CDNS compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | ADBE | CDNS |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 13.98 | 55.65 |
| Forward P/E | 10.23 | 34.39 |
| P/S ratio | 3.83 | 13.20 |
| P/B ratio | 8.46 | 11.24 |
| EV / EBITDA | 9.53 | 36.75 |
| FCF yield | 10.99% | 2.18% |
Profitability
| Metric | ADBE | CDNS |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 88.98% | 88.50% |
| Operating margin | 35.70% | 30.83% |
| Net margin | 28.05% | 23.61% |
| ROE | 61.92% | 20.09% |
| ROIC | 40.02% | 13.29% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ADBE | CDNS |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Adobe P/E ratioCadence Design Systems P/E ratioAdobe ROECadence Design Systems ROEAdobe operating marginCadence Design Systems operating marginAdobe revenue growthCadence Design Systems revenue growthAdobe free cash flowCadence Design Systems free cash flow
Adobe & Cadence Design Systems appear in these rankings
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.