Cadence Design Systems, Inc.

NasdaqGS:CDNS Stock Report

Market Cap: US$103.4b

Cadence Design Systems Future Growth

Future criteria checks 2/6

Cadence Design Systems is forecast to grow earnings and revenue by 14.7% and 11.2% per annum respectively. EPS is expected to grow by 13.8% per annum. Return on equity is forecast to be 29.8% in 3 years.

Key information

14.7%

Earnings growth rate

13.82%

EPS growth rate

Software earnings growth19.8%
Revenue growth rate11.2%
Future return on equity29.83%
Analyst coverage

Good

Last updated27 May 2026

Recent future growth updates

Recent updates

Narrative Update • May 13

CDNS: AI Software Multiple Pressure Will Dominate Forward Return Expectations

Cadence Design Systems' analyst price targets have moved higher by up to $25, with analysts pointing to solid recent results, updated longer term earnings estimates, and ongoing AI related demand as key drivers behind the shift. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Cadence Design Systems shows a mix of enthusiasm around AI related demand and updated long term earnings estimates, alongside some caution around valuation and the pace of growth into 2026.
Narrative Update • Apr 29

CDNS: AI Partnerships And Software Multiples Will Shape Forward Returns

The analyst price target for Cadence Design Systems has been raised by $4.31 to $316.06. Analysts cite recent target revisions across the Street that balance higher long term earnings estimates with a more conservative P/E multiple amid software sector volatility and AI related demand expectations.
Seeking Alpha • Apr 28

Cadence Design Systems: The Foundation For All Things AI

Summary Cadence Design Systems remains a Buy, with robust demand, accelerating revenue growth, and record backlog driven by AI and agentic design tailwinds. Cadence reported Q1 revenue up 19% YoY, signaling strengthening business activity and outperformance versus expectations. Short-term headwinds include gross margin softness, declining cash flows, and near-term profitability drag from the Hexagon deal, but long-term outlook remains compelling. Despite a forward P/E above 40, CDNS stock’s premium valuation is justified by its foundational role in AI and improved positioning post-Hexagon deal. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
New Narrative • Apr 24

Cadence Design Systems (CDNS): The Silicon-to-Systems AI Inflection

Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) , the premier architect of computational software for semiconductor and systems design, enters the final trading hours of Friday, April 24, 2026 , as it prepares for its Q1 2026 earnings release scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2026. The company sits at a critical juncture in the "Silicon-to-Systems" era, having just expanded its strategic alliances with NVIDIA and Google Cloud to integrate Gemini LLMs and Cadence’s ChipStack AI Super Agent into its cloud-native platforms.
Narrative Update • Apr 15

CDNS: AI Demand And Software Multiple Compression Will Shape Forward Returns

Analysts have modestly adjusted their fair value estimate for Cadence Design Systems to $311.75. This reflects updated expectations for slightly stronger revenue growth, higher profit margins and a lower assumed discount rate, even as price targets across the Street pull back on compressed software multiples and more cautious 2026 assumptions.
Narrative Update • Apr 01

CDNS: AI Software Demand And NVIDIA Partnership Will Drive Shares Higher

Analysts have trimmed the blended price target on Cadence Design Systems by about $12 to reflect lower applied P/E multiples amid broader software volatility, even as they highlight solid Q4 results, raised long term EPS estimates, and ongoing AI related demand as key supports for the updated outlook. Analyst Commentary Recent research points to a mixed but generally constructive view on Cadence Design Systems, with analysts adjusting price targets to account for software sector volatility while still pointing to execution on earnings and demand as support for the equity story.
Narrative Update • Mar 17

CDNS: AI Software Demand And Multiple Compression Will Shape Future Returns

Analyst price targets for Cadence Design Systems have been trimmed by about $25 to $35 per share as analysts factor in lower valuation multiples after recent software volatility. They still point to solid Q4 results, raised longer term EPS estimates, and AI driven recurring software demand as key supports for the updated views.
Narrative Update • Mar 03

CDNS: AI Demand And Software Volatility Will Shape Future Pricing

Analysts trimmed their fair value estimate for Cadence Design Systems from about $317.59 to $310.77, reflecting lower valuation multiples even as they factor in higher revenue growth, stronger profit margins and updated P/E assumptions supported by recent earnings beats, longer term guidance and continued AI related demand. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Cadence Design Systems points to a mixed setup for investors, with several bearish analysts trimming price targets even as they acknowledge solid execution and AI related demand.
Narrative Update • Feb 17

CDNS: AI Design And Chiplet Advances Will Support Measured Future Pricing

Analysts have modestly lifted their price target on Cadence Design Systems, citing updated assumptions for revenue growth of 10.54%, profit margin of 20.81%, and a future P/E of 74.42. These factors collectively support a fair value estimate near $317.59.
Narrative Update • Feb 03

CDNS: AI Design And Chiplet Ecosystem Progress Will Shape Fair Pricing

Narrative Update on Cadence Design Systems Analysts now see fair value for Cadence Design Systems at about US$318, roughly US$4 below the prior estimate, reflecting slightly adjusted assumptions on discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E. What's in the News Private equity investor Orlando Bravo highlighted the recent software selloff as creating what he called a "huge buying opportunity," which may shape sentiment around software names that, like Cadence, are tied to critical design and infrastructure tools (Financial Times interview, as cited in periodical).
Narrative Update • Jan 20

CDNS: AI Design Demand And Chiplet Progress Will Test Fair Valuation

Narrative Update on Cadence Design Systems Analysts have lifted their fair value estimate for Cadence Design Systems from US$278.62 to US$321.36, citing recent price target increases such as the move to US$405, as well as continued confidence in strong chip design demand in artificial intelligence and high performance compute applications. Analyst Commentary Recent commentary around Cadence Design Systems has centered on how current expectations line up with the company’s execution in chip design tools for artificial intelligence and high performance compute.
Narrative Update • Jan 06

CDNS: AI And High Performance Compute Demand Will Drive Future Upside

Analysts have raised their fair value estimate for Cadence Design Systems by $8 to $418, citing stronger recent Q3 results, firm forward growth guidance, and continued demand for the company's tools in artificial intelligence and high performance computing as the main reasons for the higher target. Analyst Commentary Analysts reacting to the recent Q3 report are highlighting what they see as solid execution and a supportive demand backdrop for Cadence Design Systems, especially in artificial intelligence and high performance computing workloads.
Analysis Article • Dec 31

Is There Now An Opportunity In Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CDNS)?

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CDNS ) received a lot of attention from a substantial price movement on the...
Narrative Update • Dec 14

CDNS: AI And HPC Design Demand Will Drive Shares Higher

Analysts have nudged their price target on Cadence Design Systems higher by $2 to approximately $384 per share, citing sustained strength in advanced chip design activity for artificial intelligence and high performance computing, as well as solid near term growth guidance. Analyst Commentary JPMorgan lifted its price target on Cadence Design Systems to $405 from $390 and reiterated an Overweight rating following a strong Q3 print and guidance for another quarter of solid growth.
Narrative Update • Nov 29

CDNS: Advanced Chip Designs in AI Will Drive Share Performance Higher

Analysts have raised their price target for Cadence Design Systems from $390 to $405, citing strong Q3 results and continued growth in advanced chip design activities, particularly in artificial intelligence and high performance computing. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts point to Cadence's consistently strong earnings performance, highlighting impressive Q3 results and positive forward guidance.
Narrative Update • Nov 15

CDNS: Advanced Chip Design Demand Will Drive Stronger Share Performance

The analyst price target for Cadence Design Systems has been increased by $3 to $381.64, as analysts cite continued strong demand in advanced chip design as well as a positive growth outlook following robust quarterly results. Analyst Commentary Recent updates from major analysts have highlighted both strengths and risks facing Cadence Design Systems.
Narrative Update • Nov 01

CDNS: Advanced AI Chip Designs Will Drive Continued Market Leadership

Analysts raised their fair value estimate for Cadence Design Systems to $378.26 from $370.84. They cited improved revenue growth expectations and ongoing strength in demand for advanced chip design, particularly in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing sectors.
Narrative Update • Oct 17

AI Design And Chiplet Architecture Will Drive Future Success

Analysts have recently raised their price target for Cadence Design Systems to $400, up from previous targets around $350. They cite robust earnings, upward guidance revisions, and expectations for continued growth, driven by strength in hardware and AI-related demand.
Narrative Update • Oct 03

AI Design And Chiplet Architecture Will Drive Future Success

The analyst price target for Cadence Design Systems has been slightly raised to $370.84. This reflects ongoing confidence in the company's growth prospects and robust demand, according to recent analyst commentary.
Analysis Article • Aug 06

Investors Can Find Comfort In Cadence Design Systems' (NASDAQ:CDNS) Earnings Quality

NasdaqGS:CDNS 1 Year Share Price vs Fair Value Explore Cadence Design Systems's Fair Values from the Community and...
Seeking Alpha • Apr 27

Cadence Design Systems: Gaining Ground To Synopsys

Summary Cadence Design Systems has a strong product portfolio, robust R&D investment, and market share gains despite Synopsys' lead. Cadence's market share rose to 35.1% in 2024, narrowing the gap with Synopsys, driven by functional verification platforms like Palladium Z3 and Protium X3. Synopsys' aggressive acquisition strategy and larger R&D spending support its market leadership, but Cadence's partnerships and geographic growth in the US and Asia remain strong. Despite challenges in China, Cadence's projected 5-year average revenue growth of 12.8% and FCF margins of 24.5% indicate significant upside potential. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Feb 24

Cadence Design Systems: Strong Compounder But Lacks The Growth I Desire

Summary Cadence Design Systems stock is fairly valued with limited downside, in the long run, due to its stable, recurring business and strong position in analog semiconductor design. Despite its strengths, Cadence's growth is slower than desired, leading to a hold rating. Cadence's investment in AI tools and R&D enhances productivity and ARPU, offering long-term growth potential. Financially, Cadence outperforms Synopsys in gross margins and FCF/EC, but faces risks from decreasing margins and competition from Chinese EDA companies. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Dec 02

Cadence Q3: Export Control Regulations Might Affect Growth; Downgrade To 'Sell'

Summary I assigned a “Sell” rating to Cadence Design Systems stock due to overvaluation concerns and potential export restrictions, with a one-year price target of $270 per share. Despite delivering strong revenue and profit growth, geopolitical tensions and new US export restrictions on China could cloud Cadence's business growth. Cadence's AI initiatives and partnerships with major chip design companies bolster their intelligent system design strategy, but valuation remains a concern. Upside risks include potential export licenses and accelerated revenue growth in developed markets, driven by the rapid growth in AI. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Oct 31

Cadence Design Systems: Initiating With A Buy On AI Strides

Summary I'm initiating Cadence Design Systems stock with a buy for mid to long-term investors. Cadence should see better top-line growth in 2025 and 2026 on the back of AI adoption and the increased need for EDA providers, a market that it dominates alongside Synopsys. The EDA market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.40% from 2024 to 2032 to $35.88 billion. I hereon share my sentiment on CDNS and why I see more upside after this quarter's report. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha

Earnings and Revenue Growth Forecasts

NasdaqGS:CDNS - Analysts future estimates and past financials data (USD Millions)
DateRevenueEarningsFree Cash FlowCash from OpAvg. No. Analysts
12/31/20287,9281,9352,6302,79713
12/31/20277,0181,6142,2632,42324
12/31/20266,2041,2431,7151,93625
3/31/20265,5291,1711,4301,598N/A
12/31/20255,2971,1091,5981,729N/A
9/30/20255,2131,0611,4901,617N/A
6/30/20255,0891,0121,5971,716N/A
3/31/20254,8751,0811,3901,494N/A
12/31/20244,6411,0551,1181,261N/A
9/30/20244,3541,0399521,091N/A
6/30/20244,1621,0559431,077N/A
3/31/20244,0771,0471,2101,335N/A
12/31/20234,0901,0411,2471,349N/A
9/30/20233,9219581,2351,341N/A
6/30/20233,8018901,1341,262N/A
3/31/20233,6828551,0411,173N/A
12/31/20223,5628491,1181,242N/A
10/1/20223,4357851,0901,194N/A
7/2/20223,2837751,0951,173N/A
4/2/20223,1547441,1601,229N/A
1/1/20222,9886961,0341,101N/A
10/2/20212,9756939401,021N/A
7/3/20212,891678848931N/A
4/3/20212,801654806896N/A
1/2/20212,683591810905N/A
9/26/20202,5231,077838929N/A
6/27/20202,4361,016773861N/A
3/28/20202,378992N/A762N/A
12/28/20192,336989N/A730N/A
9/28/20192,307428N/A702N/A
6/29/20192,259426N/A674N/A
3/30/20192,197393N/A633N/A
12/29/20182,138346N/A605N/A
9/29/20182,070233N/A600N/A
6/30/20182,023215N/A579N/A
3/31/20181,983209N/A536N/A
12/30/20171,943204N/A471N/A
9/30/20171,910257N/A541N/A
7/1/20171,871241N/A536N/A
4/1/20171,845221N/A454N/A
12/31/20161,816203N/A445N/A
10/1/20161,788245N/A371N/A
7/2/20161,776258N/A373N/A
4/2/20161,739267N/A415N/A
1/2/20161,702252N/A378N/A
10/3/20151,684237N/A387N/A
7/4/20151,651197N/A388N/A

Analyst Future Growth Forecasts

Earnings vs Savings Rate: CDNS's forecast earnings growth (14.7% per year) is above the savings rate (3.5%).

Earnings vs Market: CDNS's earnings (14.7% per year) are forecast to grow slower than the US market (17% per year).

High Growth Earnings: CDNS's earnings are forecast to grow, but not significantly.

Revenue vs Market: CDNS's revenue (11.2% per year) is forecast to grow slower than the US market (11.9% per year).

High Growth Revenue: CDNS's revenue (11.2% per year) is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year.

Earnings per Share Growth Forecasts

Future Return on Equity

Future ROE: CDNS's Return on Equity is forecast to be high in 3 years time (29.8%)

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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status

DataLast Updated (UTC time)
Company Analysis2026/05/31 14:12
End of Day Share Price 2026/05/29 00:00
Earnings2026/03/31
Annual Earnings2025/12/31

Data Sources

The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.

PackageDataTimeframeExample US Source *
Company Financials10 years
  • Income statement
  • Cash flow statement
  • Balance sheet
Analyst Consensus Estimates+3 years
  • Forecast financials
  • Analyst price targets
Market Prices30 years
  • Stock prices
  • Dividends, Splits and Actions
Ownership10 years
  • Top shareholders
  • Insider trading
Management10 years
  • Leadership team
  • Board of directors
Key Developments10 years
  • Company announcements

* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.

Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.

Analysis Model and Snowflake

Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.

Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Industry and Sector Metrics

Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.

Analyst Sources

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. is covered by 41 analysts. 25 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.

AnalystInstitution
Joseph VruwinkBaird
Gary MobleyBenchmark Company
Nay Soe NaingBerenberg