Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) vs Synopsys (SNPS)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Synopsys (SNPS) has outperformed Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) over the past year, gaining 5.2% versus a gain of 3.1%. Over five years, CDNS leads with a +128.6% price change compared with +64.1% for SNPS. Cadence Design Systems is the larger company by market cap ($98.07 billion vs $96.33 billion), about 1.0 times the size, while Synopsys is growing revenue faster (+15.1% vs +14.1%).
On valuation, Synopsys trades at a lower forward P/E (27.0x vs 37.2x for Cadence Design Systems). Cadence Design Systems converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 20.9% versus 18.9%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | CDNS | SNPS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $356.12 | $502.67 |
| Market cap | $98.07B | $96.33B |
| 1-day change | -0.95% | -0.49% |
| YTD return | +13.93% | +7.01% |
| 1-year return | +3.08% | +5.20% |
| 5-year return | +128.60% | +64.13% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 70.80 | 88.81 |
| Forward P/E | 37.22 | 27.05 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.03 | $5.66 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $5.30B | $7.05B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +14.12% | +15.12% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.11B | $1.33B |
| Gross margin | — | 76.98% |
| Operating margin | 28.17% | 12.97% |
| Net margin | 20.94% | 18.89% |
| 52-week high | $416.69 | $539.48 |
| 52-week low | $262.75 | $362.55 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.54% | -6.82% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +14.07% | +13.51% |
| Average volume | 2.39M | 2.01M |
| Shares outstanding | 275.39M | 191.64M |
| Employees | 15,445 | 28,000 |
| Sector | Technology | Technology |
| Industry | Computer Software: Prepackaged Software | Computer Software: Prepackaged Software |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Synopsys trades at a higher earnings multiple (88.8x vs 70.8x trailing P/E).
About Cadence Design Systems
CDNS stock →Cadence Design Systems, Inc. develops computational, AI-driven software, hardware, and silicon intellectual property products and solutions.
Technology · Computer Software: Prepackaged Software · 15,445 employees
About Synopsys
SNPS stock →Synopsys, Inc. provides design IP solutions in the semiconductor and electronics industries.
Technology · Computer Software: Prepackaged Software · 28,000 employees
CDNS vs SNPS FAQ
Which is bigger, Cadence Design Systems or Synopsys?
Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) is larger, with a market capitalization of $98.07B compared with $96.33B for Synopsys (SNPS).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CDNS or SNPS?
SNPS returned +5.20% over the past 12 months, compared with +3.08% for CDNS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CDNS or SNPS?
CDNS has the lower trailing P/E at 70.8, versus 88.8 for SNPS. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Are Cadence Design Systems and Synopsys in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Computer Software: Prepackaged Software industry within the Technology sector.