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 July 30, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCDNS vs SNPS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
CDNS +2214.9%SNPS +1976.1%CDNS compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,315$2,076
CDNS SNPS

CDNS vs SNPS: by the numbers

  • CDNS is the larger company ($91.59B vs $71.39B market cap).
  • CDNS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (66.16 vs 85.34 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CDNS converts more revenue to profit (23.61% vs 8.91% net margin).
  • SNPS grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.85% vs 15.04% CAGR).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCDNSSNPS
P/E ratio66.1685.34
Forward P/E40.9325.27
P/S ratio15.678.25
P/B ratio13.342.35
PEG ratio14.866.53
EV / EBITDA46.0740.12
FCF yield1.83%3.74%

Profitability

MetricCDNSSNPS
Gross margin88.50%73.47%
Operating margin30.83%8.36%
Net margin23.61%8.91%
ROE20.09%2.54%
ROIC14.11%1.97%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCDNSSNPS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)15.04%16.85%
EPS CAGR (5Y)13.62%13.07%
FCF CAGR (5Y)15.03%17.78%
Total return CAGR (5Y)17.95%5.53%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CDNS or SNPS?
CDNS has the lower trailing P/E: CDNS trades at 66.16 and SNPS at 85.34. 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 16.85%.
Is CDNS or SNPS more profitable?
CDNS runs the higher net margin — CDNS at 23.61% versus SNPS at 8.91%.
How have CDNS and SNPS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CDNS delivered 30.05% and SNPS delivered 21.31% 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 30, 2026.