CDNS vs SNPS: AI Stock Comparison

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

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.
$SNPS
Synopsys, Inc.
EDA software and silicon IP, now with Ansys simulation.
AI exposure score⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡ 3/5⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡ 3/5
Shares outstanding274.4M
as of 2026-09-30 · 10-Q cover page · SEC filing
191.6M
as of 2026-08-24 · 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) $2.48B
10-Q period ended 2026-07-31; +42% y/y · SEC filing
Gross margin 72.6%
Gross profit / revenue, same quarter · SEC filing
Operating income $357.5M
Same quarter; 14% operating margin · SEC filing
Next earningsNot yet announced / not on our calendar
Dec 9, 2026 expected
Synopsys, Inc. quarterly earnings · source
Next catalystNot yet announced / not on our calendar
Dec 9, 2026 expected
Synopsys, Inc. quarterly earnings · source
Upcoming catalystsNone tracked
Dec 9, 2026 expected
Synopsys, Inc. quarterly earnings · source
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.
Not yet announced / not on our calendar
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 highly competitive industries, and if we do not continue to meet our customers’ demand for innovative technology at lower costs, our products may not be competitive or may…” — 10-K risk factor (filed 2025-12-22) · source
  • “We are subject to governmental export and import requirements that could subject us to liability and restrict our ability to sell our products and services, which could impair our ability…” — 10-K risk factor (filed 2025-12-22) · 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.

Synopsys tools and IP are used across AI chip design. Growth depends on design activity at chipmakers and hyperscalers designing their own silicon.

Full analysis: $CDNS →Full analysis: $SNPS →

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Related matchups

Deep dives: CDNS next earnings & catalysts · SNPS next earnings & catalysts · AI earnings this week