Cadence Design Systems Inc vs Rockwell Automation — how do they compare? Cadence Design Systems Inc trades at $376.5 (market cap $104.24B), while Rockwell Automation trades at $473.5 (market cap $51.24B). The key difference: Cadence Design Systems Inc is far larger — about 2× Rockwell Automation's market cap, and Rockwell Automation pays a 1.2% dividend while Cadence Design Systems Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CDNS | ROK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $104.24B | $51.24B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $416.39 | $495.08 |
52-Week Low | $265.66 | $328.67 |
Enterprise Value | $105.91B | $54.87B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.2% |
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.
Rockwell Automation (ROK) trades at $460.45, down 2.47% today, with a neutral technical signal and bullish moving averages. The company shows strong profitability with 48.92% gross margins and has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent news highlights leadership in industrial automation and AI integration, including new FactoryTalk software launches and WEF recognition for its Singapore facility.
ROK presents a mixed outlook with solid fundamentals but premium valuation (P/E 47.81). Analyst consensus is cautious with 64% hold ratings, though price targets suggest modest upside to $471.71. Key risks include execution challenges in scaling MES integration and industrial sector volatility. The stock offers growth exposure to industrial automation trends with dividend 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 →Rockwell Automation is a pure-play automation competitor that is the successor entity to Rockwell International, which spun off its former Rockwell Collins avionics segment in 2001. As of fiscal 2021, the firm operates through three segments--intelligent devices, software and control, and lifecycle services. Intelligent devices contains its drives, sensors, and industrial components, software and control contains its information and network and security software, while lifecycle services contains its consulting and maintenance services as well as its Sensia JV with Schlumberger.
Read more on ROK →