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.
CDNS
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
$289.37TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
SNPS
Synopsys, Inc.
$397.38TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CDNS vs SNPS
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCDNS +1005.1% (+27.2%/yr)SNPS +578.0% (+21.1%/yr)CDNS compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | CDNS | SNPS |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 57.53 | 69.48 |
| Forward P/E | 35.55 | 26.25 |
| P/S ratio | 13.65 | 8.08 |
| P/B ratio | 11.62 | 2.44 |
| EV / EBITDA | 37.98 | 32.97 |
| FCF yield | 2.11% | 3.67% |
Profitability
| Metric | CDNS | SNPS |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 88.50% | 72.38% |
| Operating margin | 30.83% | 9.75% |
| Net margin | 23.61% | 11.43% |
| ROE | 20.09% | 3.45% |
| ROIC | 13.29% | 1.74% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CDNS | SNPS |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Cadence Design Systems P/E ratioSynopsys P/E ratioCadence Design Systems ROESynopsys ROECadence Design Systems operating marginSynopsys operating marginCadence Design Systems revenue growthSynopsys revenue growthCadence Design Systems free cash flowSynopsys free cash flow
Cadence Design Systems & Synopsys appear in these rankings
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.