Cadence Design Systems Inc vs Microchip Technology Inc. — how do they compare? Cadence Design Systems Inc trades at $325.5 (market cap $90.20B), while Microchip Technology Inc. trades at $80.81 (market cap $43.99B). The key difference: Cadence Design Systems Inc is far larger — about 2.1× Microchip Technology Inc.'s market cap, and Microchip Technology Inc. pays a 2.25% dividend while Cadence Design Systems Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CDNS | MCHP | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $90.20B | $43.99B |
Sector | Technology | Technology |
52-Week High | $416.39 | $102.97 |
52-Week Low | $265.66 | $49.02 |
Enterprise Value | $91.41B | $49.12B |
Dividend Yield | — | 2.25% |
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.
Microchip Technology (MCHP) trades at $81.39, down 3.9% on the day, amid a bullish technical setup and strong analyst support. The company has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q2 2026 EPS of $0.76 exceeding expectations. Recent news highlights robust data center revenue growth (98% last quarter) and strategic acquisitions like Hailo to bolster edge AI capabilities. Valuation metrics remain elevated with a P/E of 119.15, reflecting high growth expectations.
MCHP's outlook is positive with expanding AI infrastructure demand and raised guidance, though high valuation and recent net income pressure in 2025 pose risks. The consensus price target of $104 suggests 28% upside potential. Key risks include execution on growth initiatives and semiconductor cycle volatility. Institutional sentiment remains strongly bullish with no sell ratings among 44 analysts.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →Microchip became an independent company in 1989 when it was spun off from General Instrument. More than half of revenue comes from MCUs, which are used in a wide array of electronic devices from remote controls to garage door openers to power windows in autos. The company's strength lies in lower-end 8-bit MCUs that are suitable for a wider range of less technologically advanced devices, but the firm has expanded its presence in higher-end MCUs and analog chips as well.
Read more on MCHP →