Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (CDNS) vs Synopsys, Inc. (SNPS)

A side-by-side comparison of Cadence Design Systems, Inc. and Synopsys, 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 SNPS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CDNS +1005.1% (+27.2%/yr)SNPS +578.0% (+21.1%/yr)CDNS compounded faster over this window
05001k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,105$678
CDNS SNPS

CDNS vs SNPS: by the numbers

  • CDNS is the larger company ($79.69B vs $76.09B market cap).
  • CDNS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (57.53 vs 69.48 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CDNS converts more revenue to profit (23.61% vs 11.43% net margin).
  • SNPS grew revenue faster over the past five years (18.23% vs 15.04% CAGR).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCDNSSNPS
P/E ratio57.5369.48
Forward P/E35.5526.25
P/S ratio13.658.08
P/B ratio11.622.44
EV / EBITDA37.9832.97
FCF yield2.11%3.67%

Profitability

MetricCDNSSNPS
Gross margin88.50%72.38%
Operating margin30.83%9.75%
Net margin23.61%11.43%
ROE20.09%3.45%
ROIC13.29%1.74%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCDNSSNPS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)15.04%18.23%
EPS CAGR (5Y)13.62%13.07%
FCF CAGR (5Y)15.03%17.99%
Total return CAGR (5Y)11.30%3.35%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CDNS or SNPS?
CDNS has the lower trailing P/E: CDNS trades at 57.53 and SNPS at 69.48. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CDNS or SNPS?
Over the past five years, SNPS grew revenue faster — CDNS at a 15.04% CAGR versus SNPS at 18.23%.
Is CDNS or SNPS more profitable?
CDNS runs the higher net margin — CDNS at 23.61% versus SNPS at 11.43%.
How have CDNS and SNPS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CDNS delivered 27.53% and SNPS delivered 21.03% 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.