Autodesk vs Synopsys (ADSK vs SNPS)

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

Autodesk (ADSK) and Synopsys (SNPS) compete in software and cloud. Here are Autodesk and Synopsys 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 Synopsys.

Autodesk vs Synopsys: the figures

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

3 key differences between Autodesk and Synopsys

1. Valuation: Synopsys trades at 81.8x its annual earnings and Autodesk at 35.0x; the market pays more for each dollar of Synopsys profit, usually because it expects more growth.
2. Growth: Synopsys grew sales +42.4% year on year in its latest quarter, against +16.1% for Autodesk.
3. Debt: Synopsys owes 3.5x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Autodesk holds more cash than debt.

Autodesk or Synopsys: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Synopsys 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 Synopsys 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 Synopsys 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.

Synopsys (SNPS)

Synopsys sells electronic design automation software that engineers use to design chips, plus pre-verified building blocks of intellectual property they can drop into their designs. Design Automation is its main segment, alongside Design IP, and the Ansys acquisition added engineering simulation software. Customers are chip designers and electronics companies. Full Synopsys analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Autodesk vs Synopsys

Is Autodesk or Synopsys the better stock?

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

Which pays a higher dividend, Autodesk or Synopsys?

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

Which is more expensive, Autodesk or Synopsys?

On P/E, Synopsys (81.8x) 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 Synopsys?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Autodesk and Synopsys, 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 Synopsys.

More comparisons with Autodesk or Synopsys

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

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