Is AppLovin a Better Buy Than Cadence Design Systems?
Cadence Design Systems fell -10% during the past Week. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer AppLovin gives you more. AppLovin (APP) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in APP
- APP’s quarterly revenue growth was 68.2%, vs. CDNS’s 10.1%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 86.4%, ahead of CDNS’s 19.7%.
- APP leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 52.5% and 3-year average of 35.7%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how CDNS’s fundamentals stack up against those of APP on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| CDNS | APP | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 47.8 | 47.0 | APP |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 10.1% | 68.2% | APP |
| Last 12 Months | 19.7% | 86.4% | APP |
| Last 3 Year Average | 15.0% | 36.0% | APP |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 31.5% | 52.5% | APP |
| Last 3 Year Average | 29.8% | 35.7% | APP |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 52.8% | 3303.8% | CDNS |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: CDNS Revenue Comparison | APP Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: CDNS Operating Income Comparison | APP Operating Income Comparison
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See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell APP Stock and Buy or Sell CDNS Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| CDNS Return | 37% | -14% | 70% | 10% | 4% | -5% | 117% | ||
| APP Return | 45% | -89% | 278% | 713% | 108% | -30% | 626% | <=== | |
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 1% | 85% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| CDNS Win Rate | 58% | 33% | 67% | 75% | 50% | 0% | 47% | ||
| APP Win Rate | 67% | 8% | 83% | 83% | 58% | 0% | 50% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 50% | 62% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| CDNS Max Drawdown | -12% | -28% | -2% | -9% | -23% | -5% | -13% | ||
| APP Max Drawdown | -24% | -90% | -8% | -4% | -32% | -30% | -31% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -1% | -7% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 2/2/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read APP Dip Buyer Analyses to see how the stock has fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about CDNS or APP? Consider portfolio approach.
Move Beyond Single Stocks With A Multi Asset Portfolio
Stocks soar and sink but bonds commodities and other assets balance the ride. A multi asset portfolio keeps returns steadier and reduces single market risk.
The asset allocation framework of Trefis’ Boston-based, wealth management partner yielded positive returns during the 2008-09 period when the S&P lost more than 40%. Our partner’ strategy now includes Trefis High Quality Portfolio, which has a track record of comfortably outperforming its benchmark that includes all 3 – the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 indices