Cadence Design Systems Inc vs Quantumscape Corp — how do they compare? Cadence Design Systems Inc trades at $376.5 (market cap $104.24B), while Quantumscape Corp trades at $6.46 (market cap $3.95B). The key difference: Cadence Design Systems Inc is far larger — about 26.4× Quantumscape Corp's market cap, and Cadence Design Systems Inc is trading nearer its 52-week high, Quantumscape Corp nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CDNS | QS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $104.24B | $3.95B |
Sector | Technology | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $416.39 | $18.44 |
52-Week Low | $265.66 | $5.96 |
Enterprise Value | $105.91B | $3.11B |
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.
QuantumScape (QS) trades at $6.28, down 4.56% today, with a bearish technical outlook and negative profitability metrics. The company reported a net loss of $435.05M in 2025 and relies on financing cash flows to fund operations. Recent news highlights a joint research agreement with Honda, providing a potential catalyst for its solid-state battery technology development.
The outlook remains speculative with high execution risks as QS transitions from R&D to commercialization. Analyst sentiment is cautious with 73% hold ratings. Investment opportunity hinges on successful battery commercialization, but risks include persistent losses, competitive threats, and reliance on external funding.
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 →QuantumScape Corp is engaged in the development of next-generation solid-state lithium-metal batteries for use in electric vehicles. It developed anode-less cell design, which delivers high energy density while lowering material costs and simplifying manufacturing.
Read more on QS →