Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (CDNS) vs Motorola Solutions, Inc. (MSI)

A side-by-side comparison of Cadence Design Systems, Inc. and Motorola Solutions, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCDNS vs MSI

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CDNS +1008.3% (+27.2%/yr)MSI +608.9% (+21.6%/yr)CDNS compounded faster over this window
05001k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,108$709
CDNS MSI

CDNS vs MSI: by the numbers

  • CDNS is the larger company ($79.69B vs $77.38B market cap).
  • MSI trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (36.71 vs 57.53 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CDNS converts more revenue to profit (23.61% vs 17.44% net margin).
  • CDNS grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.04% vs 9.18% CAGR).
  • MSI pays a dividend (1.02% yield), while CDNS has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCDNSMSI
P/E ratio57.5336.71
Forward P/E35.5526.34
P/S ratio13.656.32
P/B ratio11.6228.96
EV / EBITDA37.9823.62
FCF yield2.11%3.46%

Profitability

MetricCDNSMSI
Gross margin88.50%49.97%
Operating margin30.83%25.05%
Net margin23.61%17.44%
ROE20.09%79.87%
ROIC13.29%16.59%

Dividends

MetricCDNSMSI
Dividend yieldN/A1.02%
Payout ratioN/A37.17%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCDNSMSI
Revenue CAGR (5Y)15.04%9.18%
EPS CAGR (5Y)13.62%18.30%
FCF CAGR (5Y)15.03%10.51%
Total return CAGR (5Y)11.30%15.19%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CDNS or MSI?
MSI has the lower trailing P/E: CDNS trades at 57.53 and MSI at 36.71. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CDNS or MSI?
Over the past five years, CDNS grew revenue faster — CDNS at a 15.04% CAGR versus MSI at 9.18%.
Does CDNS or MSI pay a bigger dividend?
MSI pays a dividend (1.02% yield), while CDNS has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is CDNS or MSI more profitable?
CDNS runs the higher net margin — CDNS at 23.61% versus MSI at 17.44%.
How have CDNS and MSI total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CDNS delivered 27.53% and MSI delivered 21.53% 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 11, 2026.