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

ADBE leads on 11 of 14 compared metrics.

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 June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — ADBE vs CDNS

growth of $100 · last 30y
ADBE +4281.6%CDNS +1664.9%ADBE compounded faster
05k10k15kStart $100200120062011201620212026$4,382$1,765
ADBE CDNS

ADBE vs CDNS: by the numbers

  • CDNS is the larger company ($106.18B vs $82.46B market cap).
  • ADBE trades at the lower earnings multiple (11.67 vs 89.73 P/E).
  • ADBE converts more revenue to profit (28.69% vs 21.18% net margin).
  • CDNS grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.78% vs 12.38% CAGR).

Which is better, ADBE or CDNS?

Metric tally: ADBE 11 · CDNS 3

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueADBE(lower P/E)
GrowthCDNS(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityADBE(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricADBECDNS
P/E ratio11.6789.73
Forward P/E7.7141.13
P/S ratio3.2519.06
P/B ratio7.1216.06
PEG ratio0.5514.88
EV / EBITDA8.6456.46
FCF yield12.53%1.36%

Profitability

MetricADBECDNS
Gross margin89.12%88.85%
Operating margin36.07%31.11%
Net margin28.69%21.18%
ROE62.76%17.85%
ROIC36.69%14.11%

Growth (annualized)

MetricADBECDNS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)12.38%14.78%
EPS CAGR (5Y)8.86%13.62%
FCF CAGR (5Y)11.60%11.44%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-17.72%24.38%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ADBE or CDNS?
It depends on your goal. value: ADBE (lower P/E); growth: CDNS (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: ADBE (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ADBE leads 11 to 3.
Is ADBE or CDNS cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ADBE is cheaper: ADBE trades at a 11.67 P/E and CDNS at 89.73.
Which has grown faster, ADBE or CDNS?
Over the past five years, CDNS grew revenue faster — ADBE at a 12.38% CAGR versus CDNS at 14.78%.
Is ADBE or CDNS more profitable?
ADBE runs the higher net margin — ADBE at 28.69% versus CDNS at 21.18%.
Which has been the better investment, ADBE or CDNS?
Over the past 10-year, CDNS delivered the higher annualized total return — ADBE at 7.71% versus CDNS at 31.59%. 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 June 13, 2026.