Cadence Design Systems Inc vs QUALCOMM, Inc. — how do they compare? Cadence Design Systems Inc trades at $378.2 (market cap $104.24B), while QUALCOMM, Inc. trades at $179.41 (market cap $187.72B). The key difference: QUALCOMM, Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and QUALCOMM, Inc. pays a 2.07% dividend while Cadence Design Systems Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CDNS | QCOM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $104.24B | $187.72B |
Sector | Technology | Technology |
52-Week High | $416.39 | $251.10 |
52-Week Low | $265.66 | $124.07 |
Enterprise Value | $105.91B | $193.19B |
Dividend Yield | — | 2.07% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) trades at $377.92, down 1.63% on the day, with strong analyst support (84% buy ratings) and a $400.25 consensus price target. The stock shows bullish technical signals with support at $373 and resistance at $385. Recent quarterly earnings have consistently beaten expectations, with Q2 2026 results expected on July 27, 2026. Revenue growth remains robust, climbing from $3.6B in 2022 to $5.3B in 2025, though profit margins have moderated slightly.
CDNS presents a compelling growth story driven by AI and semiconductor design demand, with upside to analyst targets. However, high valuation multiples (P/E 88.09, P/S 18.68) pose risks if growth slows. Key near-term catalyst is Q2 earnings; sustained execution is critical to justify premium valuation amid competitive pressures.
Qualcomm (QCOM) trades at $178.08, down 5.86% over 24 hours, with a bearish technical signal and mixed sentiment. The stock shows strong profitability with a 22.31% net income margin and consistent earnings beats in recent quarters. Recent news highlights its AI and data center diversification amid smartphone market challenges, with CEO Cristiano Amon projecting 'multiple billions' in data center revenue ahead (MarketBeat, June 2, 2026).
The outlook balances growth in AI and automotive against near-term margin pressures and competition. Analysts see upside to a $222.53 consensus target, but risks include Nvidia's entry into PC chips and soft smartphone demand. The stock offers value at a P/E of 19.78, with dividends providing income support.
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 →Qualcomm develops and licenses wireless technology and designs chips for smartphones. The company's key patents revolve around CDMA and OFDMA technologies, which are standards in wireless communications that are the backbone of all 3G and 4G networks. The firm is a leader in 5G network technology as well. Qualcomm's IP is licensed by virtually all wireless device makers. The firm is also the world's largest wireless chip vendor, supplying nearly every premier handset maker with leading-edge processors. Qualcomm also sells RF-front end modules into smartphones and chips into automotive and Internet of Things markets.
Read more on QCOM →