Cadence Design Systems Inc vs Howmet Aerospace Inc — how do they compare? Cadence Design Systems Inc trades at $326.31 (market cap $90.20B), while Howmet Aerospace Inc trades at $283.39 (market cap $112.20B). The key difference: Howmet Aerospace Inc is the larger of the two by market cap, and Howmet Aerospace Inc pays a 0.2% dividend while Cadence Design Systems Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CDNS | HWM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $90.20B | $112.20B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $416.39 | $291.28 |
52-Week Low | $265.66 | $171.00 |
Enterprise Value | $91.41B | $116.30B |
Dividend Yield | — | 0.2% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) trades at $331.91, down 2.16% amid a bearish technical signal, though it remains supported by strong fundamentals. The company reported Q2 2026 earnings that beat estimates, with revenue growth of 24.2% driven by AI demand, and raised its full-year outlook. Analyst consensus is strongly bullish with an average price target of $415.11, representing 25% upside potential from current levels.
The stock offers compelling growth prospects from AI-driven semiconductor design demand, with record backlog of $8.1 billion supporting future revenue visibility. Key risks include high valuation multiples (P/E 65.12) and potential semiconductor cycle volatility. Institutional ownership remains strong with recent position increases by major funds like Amundi.
Howmet Aerospace (HWM) trades at $283.94, up 0.08% with strong bullish momentum following consecutive earnings beats. The stock shows robust fundamentals with Q2 2026 EPS of $1.33 beating estimates by 7.3%, driven by 24% revenue growth in aerospace and defense markets. Technical indicators signal bullish momentum with the current price above key support levels. The company raised full-year 2026 guidance, reflecting confidence in continued demand across commercial aerospace and gas turbine segments.
Outlook remains positive with 84% analyst buy ratings and $334.63 consensus price target suggesting 18% upside. Key risks include execution of capacity expansion plans and potential supply chain constraints. The combination of strong earnings momentum, raised guidance, and institutional support positions HWM for continued growth, though investors should monitor Q3 2026 results due for confirmation of guidance sustainability.
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Latest headlines on both assets
Cadence Design Systems is a provider of electronic design automation software, intellectual property, and system design and analysis products. EDA software automates the chip design process, enhancing design accuracy, productivity, and complexity in a full-flow end-to-end solution. Cadence offers a portfolio of design IP, as well as system design and analysis products, which enable system-level analysis and verification solutions. Cadence's comprehensive portfolio is benefiting from a mutual convergence of semiconductor companies moving up-stack toward systems-like companies, and systems companies moving down-stack toward in-house chip design. The resulting expansion in EDA customers, alongside secular digitalization of various end markets, benefits EDA vendors like Cadence.
Read more on CDNS →Howmet Aerospace provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. It specializes in jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and forged aluminum wheels.
Read more on HWM →