Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (CDNS) vs Fortinet, Inc. (FTNT)

FTNT leads on 12 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Cadence Design Systems, Inc. and Fortinet, 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 — CDNS vs FTNT

growth of $100 · last 17y
CDNS +6159.5%FTNT +8713.3%FTNT compounded faster
02k4k6k8kStart $10020122015201820212024$6,260$8,813
CDNS FTNT

CDNS vs FTNT: by the numbers

  • FTNT is the larger company ($107.19B vs $106.18B market cap).
  • FTNT trades at the lower earnings multiple (56.49 vs 89.73 P/E).
  • FTNT converts more revenue to profit (27.49% vs 21.18% net margin).
  • FTNT grew revenue faster over the past five years (21.13% vs 14.78% CAGR).

Which is better, CDNS or FTNT?

Metric tally: CDNS 3 · FTNT 12

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueFTNT(lower P/E)
GrowthFTNT(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityFTNT(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricCDNSFTNT
P/E ratio89.7356.49
Forward P/E41.1342.79
P/S ratio19.0615.29
P/B ratio16.06109.80
PEG ratio14.884.54
EV / EBITDA56.4639.77
FCF yield1.36%2.24%

Profitability

MetricCDNSFTNT
Gross margin88.85%80.67%
Operating margin31.11%31.06%
Net margin21.18%27.49%
ROE17.85%197.48%
ROIC14.11%28.75%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCDNSFTNT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)14.78%21.13%
EPS CAGR (5Y)13.62%32.39%
FCF CAGR (5Y)11.44%21.24%
Total return CAGR (5Y)24.38%26.14%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CDNS or FTNT?
It depends on your goal. value: FTNT (lower P/E); growth: FTNT (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: FTNT (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, FTNT leads 12 to 3.
Is CDNS or FTNT cheaper?
On trailing earnings, FTNT is cheaper: CDNS trades at a 89.73 P/E and FTNT at 56.49.
Which has grown faster, CDNS or FTNT?
Over the past five years, FTNT grew revenue faster — CDNS at a 14.78% CAGR versus FTNT at 21.13%.
Is CDNS or FTNT more profitable?
FTNT runs the higher net margin — CDNS at 21.18% versus FTNT at 27.49%.
Which has been the better investment, CDNS or FTNT?
Over the past 10-year, FTNT delivered the higher annualized total return — CDNS at 31.59% versus FTNT at 36.02%. 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.