Autodesk vs Cadence (ADSK vs CDNS)

Autodesk (ADSK) vs Cadence (CDNS) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Autodesk (ADSK) and Cadence (CDNS) compete in software and cloud. Here are Autodesk and Cadence side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Autodesk or Cadence.

Autodesk vs Cadence: the figures

Autodesk and Cadence figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Autodesk or Cadence figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Autodesk and Cadence

1. Valuation: Cadence trades at 65.5x its annual earnings and Autodesk at 35.0x; the market pays more for each dollar of Cadence profit, usually because it expects more growth.
2. Growth: Cadence grew sales +22.0% year on year in its latest quarter, against +16.1% for Autodesk.
3. Debt: Cadence owes 0.6x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Autodesk holds more cash than debt.

Autodesk or Cadence: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Cadence is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you prefer caution: Autodesk has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Autodesk trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither Autodesk nor Cadence wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How Autodesk and Cadence make money

Autodesk (ADSK)

Autodesk sells subscriptions to design software such as AutoCAD, Revit for architects and engineers, Fusion for manufacturing and Maya for film and games. It breaks out revenue by product family: Architecture, Engineering and Construction is the largest, followed by AutoCAD, Manufacturing, and Media and Entertainment, across the Americas, Europe and Asia. Full Autodesk analysis.

Cadence (CDNS)

Cadence Design Systems provides software and hardware for designing and verifying chips and electronic systems. Its core is chip-design software, complemented by emulation and prototyping hardware, licensed intellectual property and system analysis tools. Customers include semiconductor firms plus consumer electronics, automotive and aerospace companies around the world. Full Cadence analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Autodesk vs Cadence

Is Autodesk or Cadence the better stock?

Choosing between Autodesk and Cadence depends on what you are looking for. Cadence is growing faster right now, and Autodesk trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Autodesk or Cadence: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Autodesk or Cadence?

Neither pays a dividend as of November 4, 2026: Autodesk and Cadence put what they earn into growth or other forms of shareholder return.

Which is more expensive, Autodesk or Cadence?

On P/E, Cadence (65.5x) is more expensive than Autodesk (35.0x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both Autodesk and Cadence?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Autodesk and Cadence, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Autodesk or Cadence.

More comparisons with Autodesk or Cadence

• Autodesk vs Synopsys
• Autodesk vs Workday
• Cadence vs Synopsys
• Cadence vs Workday

More companies like Autodesk and Cadence: software and cloud stocks. Educational content about Autodesk and Cadence, not investment advice.