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 July 29, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCDNS vs MSI

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
CDNS +2298.1%MSI +897.4%CDNS compounded faster
01k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,398$997
CDNS MSI

CDNS vs MSI: by the numbers

  • CDNS is the larger company ($93.66B vs $72.68B market cap).
  • MSI trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (35.48 vs 68.53 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CDNS converts more revenue to profit (23.61% vs 17.61% net margin).
  • CDNS grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.04% vs 9.52% CAGR).
  • MSI pays a dividend (1.07% yield), while CDNS has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCDNSMSI
P/E ratio68.5335.48
Forward P/E42.4025.95
P/S ratio16.246.23
P/B ratio13.8229.08
PEG ratio14.860.81
EV / EBITDA47.7023.79
FCF yield1.77%3.36%

Profitability

MetricCDNSMSI
Gross margin88.50%49.28%
Operating margin30.83%24.84%
Net margin23.61%17.61%
ROE20.09%82.15%
ROIC14.11%15.89%

Dividends

MetricCDNSMSI
Dividend yieldN/A1.07%
Payout ratioN/A36.50%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCDNSMSI
Revenue CAGR (5Y)15.04%9.52%
EPS CAGR (5Y)13.62%18.30%
FCF CAGR (5Y)15.03%11.35%
Total return CAGR (5Y)18.98%16.10%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CDNS or MSI?
MSI has the lower trailing P/E: CDNS trades at 68.53 and MSI at 35.48. 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 9.52%.
Does CDNS or MSI pay a bigger dividend?
MSI pays a dividend (1.07% 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 17.61%.
How have CDNS and MSI total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CDNS delivered 30.53% and MSI delivered 22.08% 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 July 29, 2026.