CDNS vs KLAC: AI Stock Comparison

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. vs KLA Corporation: AI exposure, key metrics, next earnings dates, upcoming catalysts and risks — every number linked to its source.

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Tie: both score 3/5 on AI exposure under our rubric; compare the catalysts and risks below. The score measures how directly each business is tied to AI, not which stock to buy.
⏱ Next catalyst: Not enough tracked catalysts to compare.
$CDNS
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
Chip-design (EDA) software and IP.
$KLAC
KLA Corporation
Inspection and metrology tools that keep chip yields up.
AI exposure score⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡ 3/5⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡ 3/5
Shares outstanding274.4M
as of 2026-09-30 · 10-Q cover page · SEC filing
1.30B
as of 2026-10-26 · 10-Q cover page · SEC filing
CategoryMemory & semicapMemory & semicap
Key metrics
Revenue (latest quarter) $1.63B
10-Q period ended 2026-09-30; +22% y/y · SEC filing
Operating income $428.7M
Same quarter; 26% operating margin · SEC filing
Net income $289.7M
Same quarter · SEC filing
Revenue (latest quarter) $4.14B
10-Q period ended 2026-09-30; +29% y/y · SEC filing
Net income $1.55B
Same quarter · SEC filing
Next earningsNot yet announced / not on our calendarNot yet announced / not on our calendar
Next catalystNot yet announced / not on our calendarNot yet announced / not on our calendar
Upcoming catalystsNone trackedNone tracked
Most recent reported
Oct 26, 2026
Cadence Design Systems, Inc. reports quarterly results · source
EDA demand tracks how many new AI chip designs are in flight. Revenue: $1.63B (+22% y/y), per 10-Q.
Oct 28, 2026
KLA Corporation reports quarterly results · source
Process-control tools; read on leading-edge and advanced-packaging spend. Revenue: $4.14B (+29% y/y), per 10-Q.
Key risks
  • “We are subject to governmental export and import controls that subject us to liability and impair our ability to compete in global markets as well as a variety of other laws and regulations.” — 10-K risk factor (filed 2026-02-19) · source
  • “We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be…” — 10-K risk factor (filed 2026-02-19) · source
  • “We operate in industries that have historically been cyclical, including the semiconductor industry, and customer purchasing decisions are highly dependent on local and global economic…” — 10-K risk factor (filed 2026-08-06) · source
  • “Ongoing changes in the technology industry, including AI-related developments and changes in semiconductor manufacturing processes, customer investment patterns and end-market demand, could…” — 10-K risk factor (filed 2026-08-06) · source
AI angle

Cadence software is used to design AI accelerators and the systems around them. More custom AI silicon means more design starts, and Cadence is also building AI into its own design tools.

KLA's process-control tools become more critical as AI chips move to complex nodes and advanced packaging. Its demand follows foundry and memory capex cycles.

Full analysis: $CDNS →Full analysis: $KLAC →

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