Cadence Design Systems Inc vs Upwork Inc — how do they compare? Cadence Design Systems Inc trades at $382.85 (market cap $104.24B), while Upwork Inc trades at $9.13 (market cap $1.12B). The key difference: Cadence Design Systems Inc is far larger — about 93.1× Upwork Inc's market cap, and Cadence Design Systems Inc is trading nearer its 52-week high, Upwork Inc nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CDNS | UPWK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $104.24B | $1.12B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $416.39 | $22.11 |
52-Week Low | $265.66 | $7.84 |
Enterprise Value | $105.91B | $915.11M |
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.
UPWK trades at $9.12, up 3.4% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported $787.78M revenue and $115.43M net income for 2025, with strong profitability margins. Recent news highlights AI integration initiatives and board refreshment, but multiple law firms are investigating potential securities law violations following earnings misses and a guidance cut.
The outlook is mixed: analyst consensus is a Buy with a $10.67 price target, but earnings misses and legal scrutiny pose risks. Revenue growth has slowed, and net cash flow turned negative in 2025. Upside depends on successful AI adoption and execution, while downside risks include ongoing investigations and competitive pressures in the gig economy.
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 →Upwork Inc is a United States-based company that operates an online marketplace that enables businesses to find and work with highly-skilled independent professionals. The develops platform for hiring and freelancing purposes. Its products offering include Upwork Basic, Upwork Plus, Upwork Business, Upwork Enterprise, and Upwork Payroll. The business generates revenue from Talent and Clients across the USA, India, the Philippines and the rest of the world. Substantial income is derived from providing services to Clients.
Read more on UPWK →