Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (CDNS) vs Synopsys, Inc. (SNPS)
CDNS and SNPS are evenly matched — 8 metrics each of 16.
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 June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
Total return — CDNS vs SNPS
growth of $100 · last 30yCDNS +1664.9%SNPS +2100.7%SNPS compounded faster
CDNS SNPS
CDNS vs SNPS: by the numbers
- •CDNS is the larger company ($106.18B vs $86.91B market cap).
- •CDNS trades at the lower earnings multiple (89.73 vs 103.65 P/E).
- •CDNS converts more revenue to profit (21.18% vs 8.91% net margin).
- •SNPS grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.85% vs 14.78% CAGR).
Which is better, CDNS or SNPS?
Metric tally: CDNS 8 · SNPS 8It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueCDNS(lower P/E)
GrowthSNPS(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityCDNS(higher ROIC)
Valuation
| Metric | CDNS | SNPS |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 89.73● | 103.65 |
| Forward P/E | 41.13 | 30.74● |
| P/S ratio | 19.06 | 10.02● |
| P/B ratio | 16.06 | 2.85● |
| PEG ratio | 14.88 | 7.93● |
| EV / EBITDA | 56.46 | 35.20● |
| FCF yield | 1.36% | 3.08%● |
Profitability
| Metric | CDNS | SNPS |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 88.85%● | 73.47% |
| Operating margin | 31.11%● | 8.36% |
| Net margin | 21.18%● | 8.91% |
| ROE | 17.85%● | 2.54% |
| ROIC | 14.11%● | 1.97% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CDNS | SNPS |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 14.78% | 16.85%● |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 13.62%● | 13.07% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 11.44% | 17.78%● |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 24.38%● | 11.52% |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, CDNS or SNPS?
- It depends on your goal. value: CDNS (lower P/E); growth: SNPS (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: CDNS (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, they are evenly matched.
- Is CDNS or SNPS cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, CDNS is cheaper: CDNS trades at a 89.73 P/E and SNPS at 103.65.
- Which has grown faster, CDNS or SNPS?
- Over the past five years, SNPS grew revenue faster — CDNS at a 14.78% CAGR versus SNPS at 16.85%.
- Is CDNS or SNPS more profitable?
- CDNS runs the higher net margin — CDNS at 21.18% versus SNPS at 8.91%.
- Which has been the better investment, CDNS or SNPS?
- Over the past 10-year, CDNS delivered the higher annualized total return — CDNS at 31.59% versus SNPS at 24.06%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Cadence Design Systems P/E ratioSynopsys P/E ratioCadence Design Systems dividend yieldSynopsys dividend yieldCadence 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 June 13, 2026.