Cadence Design Systems Inc logo

Cadence Design Systems Inc(CDNS)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL RECENCY
2-STAR RATING
WEAK BUY
BUY for 14 days
PROFIT SINCE LAST BUY
-9.53% ▼
LAST CLOSE
$322.17
10/26/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
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  • 1Y
  • 1M
  • 1W
  • BUY Advisory
  • SELL Advisory (Profit)
  • SELL Advisory (Loss)
  • Profit
  • Loss
  • PASS (Skip)
Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for CDNS

10/26/2026: CDNS (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.

Cadence Design Systems is a leading provider of electronic design automation (EDA) software and intellectual property used to develop complex chips and electronic systems. The company thrives on high-barrier-to-entry technology, maintaining a strong position in the semiconductor design lifecycle with excellent profit margins. Its primary investment story centers on the rising demand for sophisticated AI hardware and high-performance computing, which necessitates advanced design tools. While the company demonstrates consistent financial performance, investors should monitor risks such as its high valuation, customer concentration, and geopolitical trade tensions. Overall, Cadence is a growth-oriented stock that may best suit investors looking for exposure to the foundational software powering modern silicon innovation.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorStrong fitCadence provides essential infrastructure for the secular growth of AI and semiconductors.
Momentum investorStrong fit while signal remains positiveThe stock frequently benefits from positive industry trends and high earnings visibility.
Value investorWeak fitThe stock typically trades at a premium multiple reflecting its quality and growth profile.
Dividend investorWeak fitThe company does not pay a cash dividend, focusing capital on R&D and buybacks.
Low-risk investorMixed fitWhile business quality is high, the valuation and cyclical nature of semiconductors can lead to volatility.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityMedium / highHigh growth expectations can lead to significant share price swings during market corrections.
Valuation riskHighPremium multiples require consistent execution to avoid potential valuation compression.
Competition risk (EDA/AI)MediumStrong competition from Synopsys and new AI-native tool entrants requires constant innovation.
Business qualityStrongThe company's high recurring revenue and deep integration create a wide economic moat.
Dividend incomeLow / noneIncome-focused investors will not find this stock suitable for yield.
Execution riskMediumMaintaining leadership requires successful integration of increasingly complex AI and system-level technologies.

Price Behavior

Strong Uptrend
PRICE PATH

Strong Uptrend

The stock has maintained a strong upward price trend across the last three quarters.

Moderately Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Moderately Choppy

The stock has experienced noticeable price swings while retaining some directional structure.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit 2.86%
Avg. Invested days 43
Today’s Advisory WEAK BUY
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 3.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 10/26/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
CDNS receives a 4-star rating, supported by strong unit economics, solid company fundamentals, and strong analyst coverage. The rating is constrained by weak price momentum.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
CDNS has solid overall fundamentals (4 stars), with solid financial health, solid growth momentum, and solid ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, moderate earnings growth (+5.1%) and strong cash generation (FCF margin 30.0%) are partially offset by very low insider ownership of 0.33%.

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
CDNS's financial health is supported by strong cash strength, including free-cash-flow generation of $1.6B (30.0% of revenue). Operating efficiency is solid (4 stars), which helps explain the 4-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Free-cash-flow growth is CDNS's strongest growth driver at +41.9% FY2025 versus FY2024 (strong, 5 stars). By comparison, revenue growth (+14.1%, solid) is also solid, while earnings growth (+5.1%, moderate) holds the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 91.7% and approximately 99.4% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership is only 0.33%, which materially reduces the ownership score.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

BlackRock Inc 9.68%
Vanguard Capital Management, LLC 6.54%
State Street Corp 4.73%
FMR Inc 3.47%
Amvescap Plc. 3.26%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
CDNS generates approximately $864 of gross profit, $311 of operating income, and $300 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Strong margins, cash conversion, and capital efficiency support the rating.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 27.14%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
CDNS has a high-quality, large-cap, liquid profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback, while soft valuation.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Quality TiltLarge / Mega Cap StabilityHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Large-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 87.29B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 62.92
1Y Target Price 406.24
Price to earnings Ratio 62.92
1Y Target Price 406.24
Volume (30-day avg) 2.5M shares
Beta 1.13
52 Weeks Range 262.75 - 416.69
Updated Date 10/25/2026
52 Weeks Range 262.75 - 416.69
Updated Date 10/25/2026
Dividends yield (FY) -
Basic EPS (TTM) 5.03

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
Product SubscriptionsTime-based licenses for EDA software and hardware emulation platforms.Most revenue comes from recurring contracts, providing high predictability.
Maintenance and ServicesSupport, updates, and technical consulting services.Ongoing service fees ensure a steady baseline of cash flow.
IP LicensingUpfront and royalty fees for semiconductor intellectual property blocks.High-margin licensing adds significant value to the bottom line.
Geographic ReachGlobal operations with significant exposure to North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.The company is globally diversified, mirroring the international semiconductor supply chain.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

Revenue by Geography

Geography revenue - Year on Year

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Earnings Date

Report Date 2026-10-26
When After Market
Estimate 1.61
Actual -

Profitability

Profit Margin 23.61%
Operating Margin (TTM) 28.58%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 10.61%
Return on Equity (TTM) 23.23%

Valuation

Trailing PE 62.92
Forward PE 31.55
Enterprise Value 78.53B
Price to Sales(TTM) 14.93
Enterprise Value 78.53B
Price to Sales(TTM) 14.93
Enterprise Value to Revenue 14.5
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 37.18
Shares Outstanding 275.82M
Shares Floating 274.17M
Shares Outstanding 275.82M
Shares Floating 274.17M
Percent Insiders 0.33
Percent Institutions 91.69

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

Form CRS provides a relationship summary of our automated advisory services, flat subscription fees, and conflicts of interest. Form ADV Part 2A brochure contains complete details on services, billing, and disclosures. If any summary differs from our current regulatory filings, the filed Form ADV controls.