Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (CDNS) vs Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. (MPWR)

A side-by-side comparison of Cadence Design Systems, Inc. and Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 8, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCDNS vs MPWR

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CDNS +1046.9% (+27.6%/yr)MPWR +1656.7% (+33.2%/yr)MPWR compounded faster over this window
05001k2k2k3kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,147$1,757
CDNS MPWR

CDNS vs MPWR: by the numbers

  • CDNS is the larger company ($78.62B vs $60.10B market cap).
  • CDNS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (58.19 vs 74.99 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MPWR converts more revenue to profit (24.41% vs 23.61% net margin).
  • MPWR grew revenue faster over the past five years (25.77% vs 15.04% CAGR).
  • MPWR pays a dividend (0.58% yield), while CDNS has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCDNSMPWR
P/E ratio58.1974.99
Forward P/E35.9544.63
P/S ratio13.7918.42
P/B ratio11.7315.47
EV / EBITDA38.3559.29
FCF yield2.09%0.97%

Profitability

MetricCDNSMPWR
Gross margin88.50%55.20%
Operating margin30.83%28.72%
Net margin23.61%24.41%
ROE20.09%20.51%
ROIC13.29%18.22%

Dividends

MetricCDNSMPWR
Dividend yieldN/A0.58%
Payout ratioN/A43.63%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCDNSMPWR
Revenue CAGR (5Y)15.04%25.77%
EPS CAGR (5Y)13.62%28.43%
FCF CAGR (5Y)15.03%19.36%
Total return CAGR (5Y)12.05%20.36%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CDNS or MPWR?
CDNS has the lower trailing P/E: CDNS trades at 58.19 and MPWR at 74.99. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CDNS or MPWR?
Over the past five years, MPWR grew revenue faster — CDNS at a 15.04% CAGR versus MPWR at 25.77%.
Does CDNS or MPWR pay a bigger dividend?
MPWR pays a dividend (0.58% yield), while CDNS has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is CDNS or MPWR more profitable?
MPWR runs the higher net margin — CDNS at 23.61% versus MPWR at 24.41%.
How have CDNS and MPWR total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CDNS delivered 27.42% and MPWR delivered 32.86% 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 8, 2026.