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Stock Comparison · Industry comparison · Software - Application

Autodesk vs Cadence Design Systems: Which Stock Looks Stronger in 2026?

Autodesk leads structurally, with valuation as the clearest single gap between the two profiles. The remaining gap is narrow enough that the comparison remains open to different readings. Both sides have seen trend damage — neither carries a clear market edge right now. With both trends damaged, the structural comparison carries most of the weight here.

The comparison is based on similar long-term financial trajectories, not sector labels.

Updated 2026-04-05

Valuation still does most of the heavy lifting in this comparison.

INDUSTRY COMPARISON

Both operate in: Software - Application

This comparison is based on industry proximity, not on functional trajectory similarity. ADSK and CDNS share the same industry classification.

For a similarity-based comparison, see how Autodesk and Cadence Design Systems each position within their functional peer groups in AssetNext.

Peer-Relative Score
ADSK
Autodesk, Inc.
56
Peer-Score
Signal qualityHigh
vs
CDNS
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
49
Peer-Score
Signal qualityHigh

Scores reflect position relative to comparable companies with similar long-term financial trajectories.

Pricing shapes this comparison more than a broad operating gap.

Dimension spread: ADSK vs CDNS Profitability 70 63 Stability 49 56 Valuation 50 34 Growth 48 46 ADSK CDNS
Gap Ranking
#1 Valuation +16
#2 Profitability +7
#3 Stability +7
#4 Growth +2
Price Setup

Left means cheaper relative valuation. Higher means stronger structure.

Price setup map for ADSK and CDNS Stronger + cheaper Stronger + richer Weaker + cheaper Weaker + richer ADSKCDNS Relative valuation Structural strength

The structural gap is limited here, but current pricing still leans against Cadence Design Systems, Inc..

Valuation position uses peer-relative PE percentile (idx_pct_pe) where available.

Relative Position vs Comparable Companies
Valuation
On valuation, Autodesk, Inc. is positioned higher in the group, while Cadence Design Systems, Inc. is closer to the middle.
Valuation — Dominant Gap
ADSK
50
CDNS
34
Gap+16in favour of ADSK

The multiple-based pricing edge comes from a forward P/E that is 12.6 turns lower.

What else supports the lead

Volatility exposure is also lower for Autodesk, Inc., which gives the lead a steadier footing.

What this means for the comparison

The result is clear, but valuation still explains more of it than the full profile does.

Explore full peer positioning in AssetNext

Break down the ADSK vs CDNS comparison across all dimensions with the full interactive tool.

Explore full breakdown →
Similar valuation-and-profitability comparisons

Explore how ADSK and CDNS each compare against other companies in their peer groups.

Rule-based, descriptive analysis only. Derived from peer percentile dimensions. Not investment advice. Peer groups are determined algorithmically based on structural similarity — not by sector classification alone.

How AssetNext Peer Scores Work

AssetNext scores reflect each company's structural position within its functional peer group — not a ranking against all stocks simultaneously. Peers are identified by similarity across eight financial dimensions, including revenue growth trajectory, margin structure, capital intensity, and earnings stability. A score of 75 means the company ranks in the top quartile within its own peer group, not the entire market.

Four dimension scores drive the overall peer score: Growth (revenue trajectory and expansion dynamics), Quality (margin structure and capital efficiency), Valuation (peer-relative pricing on standard multiples), and Stability (earnings consistency and financial predictability). Each dimension is scored 0–100 relative to the peer group, then combined into an overall peer score using equal weighting.

Scores are recalculated periodically as underlying financial data is updated. All analysis is descriptive and rule-based — AssetNext describes structural realities and never issues buy, sell or hold recommendations.