Strong 2025 growth at Cadence (NASDAQ: CDNS) with upbeat 2026 outlook
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Cadence Design Systems reported strong fourth quarter and full-year 2025 results, plus upbeat guidance for 2026. 2025 revenue reached $5.297 billion, up from $4.641 billion, while non-GAAP operating margin expanded to 44.6% and non-GAAP diluted EPS rose to $7.14 from $5.97.
Fourth-quarter 2025 revenue was $1.440 billion with non-GAAP operating margin of 45.8% and non-GAAP EPS of $1.99. Year-end backlog climbed to a record $7.8 billion, with $3.8 billion expected to convert to revenue over the next 12 months.
For 2026, Cadence targets revenue of $5.9–$6.0 billion, non-GAAP operating margin of 44.75–45.75%, and non-GAAP EPS of $8.05–$8.15. The company expects about $2.0 billion of operating cash flow and plans to use roughly half of free cash flow for share repurchases.
Positive
- Double‑digit growth with margin expansion: 2025 revenue rose to $5.297 billion (about 14% growth) while non-GAAP operating margin increased to 44.6% and non-GAAP EPS grew roughly 20% to $7.14, indicating strong operational execution.
- Robust outlook supported by record backlog: 2026 guidance calls for $5.9–$6.0 billion revenue, 44.75–45.75% non-GAAP operating margin, and $8.05–$8.15 non-GAAP EPS, backed by $7.8 billion backlog and ~80% recurring revenue.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Cadence delivered strong 2025 growth with robust 2026 margin and EPS guidance.
Cadence Design Systems grew 2025 revenue to $5.297B, up about 14%, while non-GAAP EPS increased to $7.14 from $5.97. Non-GAAP operating margin improved to 44.6%, showing solid operating leverage despite higher R&D and integration costs.
Management guides 2026 revenue to $5.9–$6.0B, implying 11–13% growth, with non-GAAP operating margin of 44.75–45.75% and non-GAAP EPS of $8.05–$8.15. A record $7.8B backlog and ~80% recurring revenue underpin this outlook.
Free cash flow was $1.587B in 2025, and operating cash flow is expected around $2.0B in 2026. The plan to return roughly 50% of free cash flow via share repurchases in 2026, after $925M of buybacks in 2025, points to continued capital returns alongside investment in AI-driven products and pending acquisitions.
8-K Event Classification
2 items: 2.02, 9.01
2 items
Item 2.02
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): February 17, 2026
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||||
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | |||||
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) | |||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On February 17, 2026 Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (“Cadence”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.
A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.01 and a copy of the commentary by the Chief Financial Officer of Cadence regarding Cadence's financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.02, and the press release and the commentary are incorporated herein by reference.
The information contained in this Current Report shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
| Exhibit No. | Description | |||||||
99.01 | Press Release issued by Cadence Design Systems, Inc. on February 17, 2026. | |||||||
99.02 | CFO Commentary on Results of Quarter and Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2025. | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). | |||||||
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Dated: February 17, 2026
| CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS, INC. | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ John M. Wall | |||||||
John M. Wall | ||||||||
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
Exhibit 99.01
Cadence Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results
14% Revenue Growth and ~45% Non-GAAP Operating Margin for 2025
Record Backlog of $7.8 Billion
SAN JOSE, Calif. — February 17, 2026 — Cadence (Nasdaq: CDNS) today announced results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025.
Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial Results
•Revenue of $1.440 billion, compared to revenue of $1.356 billion in Q4 2024
•GAAP operating margin of 32.2%, compared to 33.7% in Q4 2024
•Non-GAAP operating margin of 45.8%, compared to 46.0% in Q4 2024
•GAAP diluted net income per share of $1.42, compared to $1.24 in Q4 2024
•Non-GAAP diluted net income per share of $1.99, compared to $1.88 in Q4 2024
Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results
•Revenue of $5.297 billion, compared to revenue of $4.641 billion in 2024
•GAAP operating margin of 28.2%, compared to 29.1% in 2024
•Non-GAAP operating margin of 44.6%, compared to 42.5% in 2024
•GAAP diluted net income per share of $4.06, compared to $3.85 in 2024
•Non-GAAP diluted net income per share of $7.14, compared to $5.97 in 2024
•Year-end backlog was $7.8 billion and revenue expected to be recognized in the next 12 months from remaining performance obligations was $3.8 billion
“Cadence delivered excellent results for the fourth quarter, closing an outstanding 2025 with over 14% revenue growth and 20% non-GAAP EPS growth,” said Anirudh Devgan, president and chief executive officer. “Strong customer demand for our expanding AI-driven product portfolio and the essential nature of Cadence's engineering software position us well to capture the massive opportunities in the AI era.”
“Cadence closed 2025 with a strong finish and broad-based strength across the business,” said John Wall, senior vice president and chief financial officer. “We delivered a 44.6% non-GAAP operating margin, reflecting continued productivity-driven profitability improvement. With strong Q4 bookings, we began 2026 with a record backlog of $7.8 billion and excellent momentum.”
CFO Commentary
Commentary on the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 financial results by John Wall, senior vice president and chief financial officer, is available at www.cadence.com/cadence/investor_relations.
Business Outlook
Cadence's outlook does not include the impact of its pending acquisition of Hexagon's design and engineering business.
For fiscal year 2026, the company expects:
•Revenue in the range of $5.9 billion to $6.0 billion
•GAAP operating margin in the range of 31.75% to 32.75%
•Non-GAAP operating margin in the range of 44.75% to 45.75%
•GAAP diluted net income per share in the range of $4.95 to $5.05
•Non-GAAP diluted net income per share in the range of $8.05 to $8.15
The company utilizes a long-term projected non-GAAP tax rate, which reflects currently available information, as well as other factors and assumptions. The non-GAAP tax rate is subject to change for a variety of reasons, including the rapidly evolving global tax environment, significant changes in the company’s geographic earnings mix, or other changes to the company’s strategy or business operations. The company expects to use the current
normalized non-GAAP tax rate through fiscal 2026 but will re-evaluate this rate periodically for significant items that may materially affect its projections.
Reconciliations of the financial results and business outlook from GAAP operating margin, GAAP net income and GAAP diluted net income per share to non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted net income per share, respectively, are included in this press release. Revenue growth outlook is based on the midpoint of the range.
Business Highlights
•The Cadence.ai portfolio continued gaining momentum with market shaping customers. Cadence introduced ChipStack, a groundbreaking agentic AI Super Agent for chip design and verification, built upon Cadence's foundational EDA platform. By leveraging intelligent agents that autonomously call the underlying Cadence tools, ChipStack is enabling faster design convergence and significantly improved engineering productivity
•Cadence’s Core EDA business grew 13% in 2025 driven by broad hyperscaler adoption, expanding digital full-flow deployments, and growing proliferation of its AI-driven products
•Hardware delivered another record year, adding more than 30 new customers, with seven of the top ten customers purchasing both Palladium Z3 and Protium X3 systems, reflecting strong AI and hyperscale demand
•Cadence’s IP business grew nearly 25% year-over-year in 2025, driven by the superior performance and expanding adoption of its IP portfolio, including HBM, UCIe, PCIe, DDR, and SerDes
•The System Design and Analysis business grew 13% in 2025, supported by strong demand for Cadence’s 3D‑IC platform and simulation solutions that are increasingly critical for AI infrastructure, high‑performance computing, and advanced mobile applications
Audio Webcast Scheduled
Anirudh Devgan, president and chief executive officer, and John Wall, senior vice president and chief financial officer, will host the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 financial results audio webcast today, February 17, 2026, at 2 p.m. (Pacific) / 5 p.m. (Eastern). Attendees are asked to register at the website at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled webcast. An archive of the webcast will be available starting February 17, 2026 at 5 p.m. (Pacific) and ending March 17, 2026 at 5 p.m. (Pacific). Webcast access is available at www.cadence.com/cadence/investor_relations.
About Cadence
Cadence is a market leader in AI and digital twins, pioneering the application of computational software to accelerate innovation in the engineering design of silicon to systems. Our design solutions, based on Cadence’s Intelligent System Design™ strategy, are essential for the world’s leading semiconductor and systems companies to build their next-generation products from chips to full electromechanical systems that serve a wide range of markets, including hyperscale computing, mobile communications, automotive, aerospace, industrial, life sciences and robotics. In 2024, Cadence was recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the world’s top 100 best-managed companies. Cadence solutions offer limitless opportunities—learn more at www.cadence.com.
© 2026 Cadence Design Systems, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Cadence, the Cadence logo and the other Cadence marks found at www.cadence.com/go/trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cadence Design Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including Cadence’s outlook on future operating results, financial condition, strategic objectives, business model and prospects, technology and product developments, strategic relationships, pending acquisition of Hexagon's design and engineering (“D&E”) business, backlog, industry trends, market growth, tax rates and other statements using words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” and words of similar import and the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Cadence’s control, and which may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, among others: (i) Cadence’s ability to compete successfully in the highly competitive industries in which it operates and realize the benefits of its investments in research and development, including opportunities presented by AI; (ii) the success of Cadence’s efforts to maintain and improve operational efficiency and growth; (iii) the mix of products and services sold, the timing of orders and deliveries and the ability to develop, install or deliver Cadence’s products or services; (iv) changes in customer demands or supply constraints that could result in delays in purchases, development, installations or deliveries of Cadence’s products or services, including those resulting from consolidation, restructurings and other operational efficiency improvements of Cadence’s customers; (v) economic, geopolitical and industry conditions, including export controls, tariffs, other trade restrictions and other government regulations, as well as rising tensions and armed conflicts around the world; (vi) changes in tax laws, interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations, inflation rates, Cadence’s increased debt levels and obligations and Cadence’s ability to access capital and debt markets in the future; (vii) legislative or regulatory requirements; (viii) Cadence’s pending acquisitions, the acquisition of other companies, businesses or technologies or the failure to successfully integrate and operate them; (ix) potential harm caused by compromises in cybersecurity and cybersecurity attacks; (x) capital expenditure requirements and events that affect cash flow, liquidity or reserves, or estimates Cadence may take from time to time with respect to accounts receivable, taxes and tax examinations, litigation, regulatory or other matters; (xi) the effects of any litigation, regulatory, tax or other proceedings to which Cadence is or may become a party or to which Cadence or its products, services, technologies or properties are subject, including Cadence’s ongoing compliance, cooperation, audit and other obligations under its July 2025 settlement agreements with the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”), any further inquiries or adverse actions by the DOJ, BIS or other U.S. or foreign governmental authorities and any impact of the settlements on Cadence’s operations and business dealings in China, U.S. government contracting business and other customer relationships; and (xii) Cadence’s ability to successfully meet any environmental, social and governance targets and practices. Cadence’s pending D&E acquisition remains subject to certain closing conditions, which may not be satisfied in a timely manner or at all. Cadence may not successfully integrate the D&E business or realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition. The acquisition and its effects on Cadence are subject to additional risks and uncertainties including fluctuations in the trading price of Cadence shares and in currency exchange and interest rates; Cadence’s ability to repay debt incurred to fund the acquisition; Cadence’s ability to motivate and retain key personnel; and the acquisition’s impact on relationships with third parties, including customers, partners and governmental authorities. In addition, the timing and amount of Cadence’s repurchases of its common stock are subject to business and market conditions, corporate and regulatory requirements, stock price, acquisition opportunities and other factors.
For a detailed discussion of these and other cautionary statements related to Cadence and its business, please refer to Cadence’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent report on Form 10-K, subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and future filings.
All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management's expectations as of the date of this press release and, except as required by law, Cadence disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation
Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for or superior to measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures contained within this press release with their most directly comparable GAAP results. Investors are also encouraged to look at the GAAP results as the best measure of financial performance.
To supplement Cadence’s financial results presented on a GAAP basis, Cadence management uses non-GAAP measures that it believes are helpful in understanding Cadence’s performance. One such measure is non-GAAP net income, which is a financial measure not calculated under GAAP. Non-GAAP net income is calculated by Cadence management by taking GAAP net income and excluding, as applicable, amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation expense, acquisition and integration-related costs including retention expenses, income or expenses related to foreign currency forward exchange contract associated with a pending acquisition, investments, divestitures and Cadence’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan, restructuring, loss related to contingent liability and other significant items not directly related to Cadence’s core business operations, and the income tax effect of non-GAAP pre-tax adjustments.
Cadence management uses non-GAAP net income because it excludes items that are generally not directly related to the performance of Cadence’s core business operations and therefore provides supplemental information to Cadence management and investors regarding the performance of the business operations, facilitates comparisons to the historical operating results and allows the review of Cadence's business from the same perspective as Cadence management, including forecasting and budgeting.
The following tables reconcile the specific items excluded from GAAP operating margin, GAAP net income and GAAP net income per diluted share in the calculation of non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share for the periods shown below:
| Operating Margin Reconciliation | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin as a percent of total revenue | 32.2% | 33.7% | ||||||||||||
| Reconciling items to non-GAAP operating margin as a percent of total revenue: | ||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 7.9% | 7.9% | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 2.1% | 2.0% | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | 3.4% | 1.7% | ||||||||||||
| Restructuring | 0.1% | (0.1)% | ||||||||||||
Non-qualified deferred compensation expenses | 0.1% | 0.0% | ||||||||||||
Special charges | 0.0% | 0.2% | ||||||||||||
Loss related to contingent liability* | 0.0% | 0.6% | ||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP operating margin as a percent of total revenue | 45.8% | 46.0% | ||||||||||||
* | Related to resolution of previously disclosed legal proceedings with the DOJ and BIS. | ||||
| Operating Margin Reconciliation | Years Ended | |||||||||||||
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin as a percent of total revenue | 28.2% | 29.1% | ||||||||||||
| Reconciling items to non-GAAP operating margin as a percent of total revenue: | ||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 8.6% | 8.4% | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 2.0% | 2.0% | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | 2.5% | 2.1% | ||||||||||||
| Restructuring | 0.6% | 0.5% | ||||||||||||
Non-qualified deferred compensation expenses | 0.3% | 0.2% | ||||||||||||
Special charges | 0.0% | 0.0% | ||||||||||||
Loss related to contingent liability* | 2.4% | 0.2% | ||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP operating margin as a percent of total revenue | 44.6% | 42.5% | ||||||||||||
* | Related to resolution of previously disclosed legal proceedings with the DOJ and BIS. | ||||
| Net Income Reconciliation | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | (unaudited) | |||||||||||||
| Net income on a GAAP basis | $ | 388,136 | $ | 340,210 | ||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 113,164 | 106,508 | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 30,229 | 26,776 | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | 48,652 | 23,477 | ||||||||||||
| Restructuring | 1,862 | (1,020) | ||||||||||||
Non-qualified deferred compensation expenses | 2,064 | 293 | ||||||||||||
Special charges | — | 1,902 | ||||||||||||
Loss related to contingent liability* | — | 8,322 | ||||||||||||
Other income or expense related to foreign currency forward exchange contract associated with a pending acquisition | 10,666 | — | ||||||||||||
Other income or expense related to investments, divestitures and non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets | (49,111) | 14,654 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments | (2,505) | (5,456) | ||||||||||||
| Net income on a non-GAAP basis | $ | 543,157 | $ | 515,666 | ||||||||||
* | Related to resolution of previously disclosed legal proceedings with the DOJ and BIS. | ||||
| Net Income Reconciliation | Years Ended | |||||||||||||
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | (unaudited) | |||||||||||||
| Net income on a GAAP basis | $ | 1,108,888 | $ | 1,055,484 | ||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 455,175 | 391,219 | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 105,332 | 90,449 | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | 135,073 | 95,562 | ||||||||||||
| Restructuring | 29,194 | 23,765 | ||||||||||||
Non-qualified deferred compensation expenses | 14,029 | 11,145 | ||||||||||||
Special charges | 1,988 | 3,135 | ||||||||||||
Loss related to contingent liability* | 128,545 | 8,322 | ||||||||||||
Other income or expense related to foreign currency forward exchange contract associated with a pending acquisition | 29,227 | — | ||||||||||||
Other income or expense related to investments, divestitures and non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets | (83,286) | (60,798) | ||||||||||||
| Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments | 27,497 | 17,162 | ||||||||||||
| Net income on a non-GAAP basis | $ | 1,951,662 | $ | 1,635,445 | ||||||||||
* | Related to resolution of previously disclosed legal proceedings with the DOJ and BIS. | ||||
| Diluted Net Income Per Share Reconciliation | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except per share data) | (unaudited) | |||||||||||||
| Diluted net income per share on a GAAP basis | $ | 1.42 | $ | 1.24 | ||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 0.41 | 0.39 | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 0.11 | 0.10 | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | 0.18 | 0.08 | ||||||||||||
| Restructuring | 0.01 | — | ||||||||||||
Non-qualified deferred compensation expenses | 0.01 | — | ||||||||||||
Special charges | — | 0.01 | ||||||||||||
Loss related to contingent liability* | — | 0.03 | ||||||||||||
Other income or expense related to foreign currency forward exchange contract associated with a pending acquisition | 0.04 | — | ||||||||||||
Other income or expense related to investments, divestitures and non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets | (0.18) | 0.05 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments | (0.01) | (0.02) | ||||||||||||
| Diluted net income per share on a non-GAAP basis | $ | 1.99 | $ | 1.88 | ||||||||||
| Shares used in calculation of diluted net income per share | 272,932 | 274,292 | ||||||||||||
* | Related to resolution of previously disclosed legal proceedings with the DOJ and BIS. | ||||
| Diluted Net Income Per Share Reconciliation | Years Ended | |||||||||||||
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except per share data) | (unaudited) | |||||||||||||
| Diluted net income per share on a GAAP basis | $ | 4.06 | $ | 3.85 | ||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 1.67 | 1.43 | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 0.38 | 0.33 | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | 0.49 | 0.35 | ||||||||||||
| Restructuring | 0.11 | 0.09 | ||||||||||||
Non-qualified deferred compensation expenses | 0.05 | 0.04 | ||||||||||||
Special charges | 0.01 | 0.01 | ||||||||||||
Loss related to contingent liability* | 0.47 | 0.03 | ||||||||||||
Other income or expense related to foreign currency forward exchange contract associated with a pending acquisition | 0.11 | — | ||||||||||||
Other income or expense related to investments, divestitures and non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets | (0.31) | (0.22) | ||||||||||||
| Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments | 0.10 | 0.06 | ||||||||||||
| Diluted net income per share on a non-GAAP basis | $ | 7.14 | $ | 5.97 | ||||||||||
| Shares used in calculation of diluted net income per share | 273,312 | 273,833 | ||||||||||||
* | Related to resolution of previously disclosed legal proceedings with the DOJ and BIS. | ||||
For more information, please contact:
Cadence Investor Relations
408-944-7100
investor_relations@cadence.com
Cadence Newsroom
408-944-7039
newsroom@cadence.com
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 3,001,317 | $ | 2,644,030 | ||||||||||
| Receivables, net | 944,939 | 680,460 | ||||||||||||
| Inventories | 303,545 | 257,711 | ||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other | 419,872 | 433,878 | ||||||||||||
| Total current assets | 4,669,673 | 4,016,079 | ||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 517,004 | 458,200 | ||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 2,749,143 | 2,378,671 | ||||||||||||
| Acquired intangibles, net | 718,223 | 594,734 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred taxes | 917,733 | 982,057 | ||||||||||||
| Other assets | 581,372 | 544,741 | ||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 10,153,148 | $ | 8,974,482 | ||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 856,856 | $ | 632,692 | ||||||||||
| Current portion of deferred revenue | 778,435 | 737,413 | ||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 1,635,291 | 1,370,105 | ||||||||||||
| Long-term liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
| Long-term portion of deferred revenue | 155,997 | 115,168 | ||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | 2,480,150 | 2,476,183 | ||||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 407,529 | 339,448 | ||||||||||||
| Total long-term liabilities | 3,043,676 | 2,930,799 | ||||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | 5,474,181 | 4,673,578 | ||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 10,153,148 | $ | 8,974,482 | ||||||||||
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements
For the Three Months and Years Ended December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended | Years Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product and maintenance | $ | 1,332,526 | $ | 1,239,287 | $ | 4,821,589 | $ | 4,213,509 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Services | 107,588 | 116,694 | 475,170 | 427,755 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 1,440,114 | 1,355,981 | 5,296,759 | 4,641,264 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Costs and expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of product and maintenance | 144,001 | 157,249 | 518,673 | 436,600 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of services | 44,753 | 62,742 | 203,576 | 210,902 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketing and sales | 206,778 | 200,406 | 802,633 | 757,483 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Research and development | 464,582 | 392,026 | 1,768,772 | 1,549,093 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 103,225 | 70,228 | 313,387 | 273,961 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 11,578 | 9,153 | 39,937 | 30,375 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss related to contingent liability | — | 8,322 | 128,545 | 8,322 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring | 1,862 | (1,020) | 29,194 | 23,765 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total costs and expenses | 976,779 | 899,106 | 3,804,717 | 3,290,501 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from operations | 463,335 | 456,875 | 1,492,042 | 1,350,763 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (29,440) | (29,907) | (116,541) | (75,999) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income, net | 59,066 | 9,684 | 146,542 | 121,055 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income before provision for income taxes | 492,961 | 436,652 | 1,522,043 | 1,395,819 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes | 104,825 | 96,442 | 413,155 | 340,335 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 388,136 | $ | 340,210 | $ | 1,108,888 | $ | 1,055,484 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net income per share - basic | $ | 1.43 | $ | 1.25 | $ | 4.09 | $ | 3.89 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net income per share - diluted | $ | 1.42 | $ | 1.24 | $ | 4.06 | $ | 3.85 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic | 270,924 | 272,069 | 271,333 | 271,212 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted | 272,932 | 274,292 | 273,312 | 273,833 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Years Ended | |||||||||||
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | $ | 2,644,030 | $ | 1,008,152 | |||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net income | 1,108,888 | 1,055,484 | |||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 227,828 | 196,935 | |||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 455,175 | 391,219 | |||||||||
Gain on divestitures and investments, net | (69,089) | (49,593) | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 66,048 | (128,737) | |||||||||
| ROU asset amortization and change in operating lease liabilities | 6,016 | (1,920) | |||||||||
| Other non-cash items | 7,166 | 6,138 | |||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquired businesses: | |||||||||||
| Receivables | (274,894) | (180,287) | |||||||||
| Inventories | (91,029) | (82,771) | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other | 43,382 | (81,529) | |||||||||
| Other assets | (18,569) | 11,866 | |||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 184,897 | 33,676 | |||||||||
| Deferred revenue | 69,411 | 66,478 | |||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 13,551 | 23,592 | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 1,728,781 | 1,260,551 | |||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Purchases of investments | (40,895) | (4,982) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from the sale and maturity of investments | 140,281 | 47,980 | |||||||||
Proceeds from the sale of IP and other assets | 11,500 | — | |||||||||
| Purchases of property, plant and equipment | (141,871) | (142,542) | |||||||||
| Cash paid in business combinations, net of cash acquired | (429,538) | (737,574) | |||||||||
| Net cash used for investing activities | (460,523) | (837,118) | |||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of debt | — | 3,196,595 | |||||||||
Payments of debt | — | (1,350,000) | |||||||||
Payments of debt issuance costs | — | (23,828) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock | 145,901 | 204,237 | |||||||||
| Stock received for payment of employee taxes on vesting of restricted stock | (169,842) | (237,737) | |||||||||
| Payments for repurchases of common stock | (925,034) | (550,026) | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities | (948,975) | 1,239,241 | |||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 38,004 | (26,796) | |||||||||
Increase in cash and cash equivalents | 357,287 | 1,635,878 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $ | 3,001,317 | $ | 2,644,030 | |||||||
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
(Unaudited)
Revenue Mix by Geography (% of Total Revenue)
| 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GEOGRAPHY | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Year | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Year | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Americas | 46 | % | 49 | % | 50 | % | 49 | % | 49 | % | 48 | % | 49 | % | 43 | % | 47 | % | 47 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| China | 12 | % | 12 | % | 13 | % | 13 | % | 12 | % | 11 | % | 9 | % | 18 | % | 12 | % | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Asia | 20 | % | 19 | % | 17 | % | 17 | % | 18 | % | 19 | % | 19 | % | 18 | % | 20 | % | 19 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Europe, Middle East and Africa | 17 | % | 14 | % | 14 | % | 15 | % | 15 | % | 16 | % | 16 | % | 14 | % | 14 | % | 15 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Japan | 5 | % | 6 | % | 6 | % | 6 | % | 6 | % | 6 | % | 7 | % | 7 | % | 7 | % | 6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue Mix by Product Category (% of Total Revenue)
| 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PRODUCT CATEGORY | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Year | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Year | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Core EDA | 76 | % | 73 | % | 70 | % | 68 | % | 71 | % | 71 | % | 71 | % | 71 | % | 69 | % | 70 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Semiconductor IP | 12 | % | 13 | % | 14 | % | 13 | % | 13 | % | 14 | % | 13 | % | 14 | % | 15 | % | 14 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System Design and Analysis | 12 | % | 14 | % | 16 | % | 19 | % | 16 | % | 15 | % | 16 | % | 15 | % | 16 | % | 16 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
Impact of Non-GAAP Adjustments on Forward Looking Operating Margin
As of February 17, 2026
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ending March 31, 2026 | Year Ending December 31, 2026 | |||||||||||||
| Forecast | Forecast | |||||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin as a percent of total revenue | 30% - 31% | 31.75% - 32.75% | ||||||||||||
| Reconciling items to non-GAAP operating margin as a percent of total revenue: | ||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 10% | 9% | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 2% | 2% | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | 2% | 2% | ||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP operating margin as a percent of total revenue† | 44% - 45% | 44.75% - 45.75% | ||||||||||||
| † | The non-GAAP measures presented in the table above should not be considered a substitute for financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. | ||||
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
Impact of Non-GAAP Adjustments on Forward Looking Diluted Net Income Per Share
As of February 17, 2026
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ending March 31, 2026 | Year Ending December 31, 2026 | |||||||||||||
| Forecast | Forecast | |||||||||||||
| Diluted net income per share on a GAAP basis | $1.16 to $1.22 | $4.95 to $5.05 | ||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 0.50 | 2.04 | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 0.12 | 0.46 | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | 0.11 | 0.36 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments | — | 0.24 | ||||||||||||
| Diluted net income per share on a non-GAAP basis† | $1.89 to $1.95 | $8.05 to $8.15 | ||||||||||||
| † | The non-GAAP measures presented in the table above should not be considered a substitute for financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. | ||||
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
Impact of Non-GAAP Adjustments on Forward Looking Net Income
As of February 17, 2026
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ending March 31, 2026 | Year Ending December 31, 2026 | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Forecast | Forecast | ||||||||||||
| Net income on a GAAP basis | $317 to $333 | $1,355 to $1,382 | ||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 137 | 557 | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 32 | 125 | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | 31 | 100 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments | 1 | 66 | ||||||||||||
| Net income on a non-GAAP basis† | $518 to $534 | $2,203 to $2,230 | ||||||||||||
| † | The non-GAAP measures presented in the table above should not be considered a substitute for financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. | ||||
Exhibit 99.02
CADENCE REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR 2025 | ||||||||
| CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS, INC. | ||||||||
CFO COMMENTARY | ||||||||
Key Takeaways for 2025 • Revenue growth of over 14% and non-GAAP EPS growth of ~20% year-over-year • Achieved FY 2025 non-GAAP operating margin of ~45% • Record backlog of ~$7.8 billion | Q1 2026 Outlook • Revenue: $1.420 billion - $1.460 billion • GAAP operating margin: 30% - 31% • Non-GAAP operating margin: 44% - 45% • GAAP EPS: $1.16 - $1.22 • Non-GAAP EPS: $1.89 - $1.95 • Expect to use approximately $200 million to repurchase Cadence shares in Q1 | Q4 2025 KEY METRICS | ||||||
• Revenue: $1.440 billion • GAAP operating margin: 32.2% • Non-GAAP operating margin: 45.8% • GAAP EPS: $1.42 • Non-GAAP EPS: $1.99 • Operating cash flow: $553 million | ||||||||
FY 2026 Outlook • Revenue: $5.9 billion - $6.0 billion • GAAP operating margin: 31.75% - 32.75% • Non-GAAP operating margin: 44.75% - 45.75% • GAAP EPS: $4.95 - $5.05 • Non-GAAP EPS: $8.05 - $8.15 • Operating cash flow: ~$2.0 billion • Expect to use approximately 50% of free cash flow to repurchase Cadence shares for the year | Financial Results Webcast | FY 2025 KEY METRICS | ||||||
Our Q4 2025 financial results webcast will begin February 17, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (Pacific). The webcast may be accessed at www.cadence.com/cadence/investor_relations. An archive of the webcast will be available on February 17, 2026 until 5:00 p.m. (Pacific) on March 17, 2026. | • Revenue: $5.297 billion • GAAP operating margin: 28.2% • Non-GAAP operating margin: 44.6% • GAAP EPS: $4.06 • Non-GAAP EPS: $7.14 • Operating cash flow: $1,729 million | |||||||
| February 17, 2026 | Cadence Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results | 1 | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
Financial Metrics
| (In Millions, except per share data) | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026E | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 2,988 | $ | 3,562 | $ | 4,090 | $ | 4,641 | $ | 5,297 | $5,900- $6,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue growth | 11% | 19% | 15% | 13% | 14% | 11% - 13% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3-year CAGR* | 12% | 15% | 15% | 16% | 14% | ~13% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP operating expenses | $ | 2,209 | $ | 2,488 | $ | 2,839 | $ | 3,291 | $ | 3,805 | $4,040 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP operating expense growth | 8% | 13% | 14% | 16% | 16% | ~6% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP operating expenses | $ | 1,877 | $ | 2,125 | $ | 2,373 | $ | 2,667 | $ | 2,935 | $3,258 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP operating expense growth | 8% | 13% | 12% | 12% | 10% | ~11% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GAAP operating margin | 26.1% | 30.1% | 30.6% | 29.1% | 28.2% | 31.75% - 32.75% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP operating margin | 37.2% | 40.3% | 42.0% | 42.5% | 44.6% | 44.75% - 45.75% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP earnings per share | $ | 2.50 | $ | 3.09 | $ | 3.82 | $ | 3.85 | $ | 4.06 | $4.95 - $5.05 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP earning per share | $ | 3.29 | $ | 4.27 | $ | 5.15 | $ | 5.97 | $ | 7.14 | $8.05 - $8.15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP EPS growth* | 18% | 30% | 21% | 16% | 20% | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3-year Non-GAAP EPS CAGR* | 21% | 25% | 23% | 22% | 19% | 16 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding | 278.9 | 275.0 | 272.7 | 273.8 | 273.3 | 272.5 - 274.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flow from operations | 1,101 | 1,242 | 1,349 | 1,261 | 1,729 | ~$2,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | 65 | 123 | 102 | 143 | 142 | ~$210 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
* At midpoint of outlook.
Profitability Trends
* At midpoint of outlook.
| (In Millions) | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026E* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 2,988 | $ | 3,562 | $ | 4,090 | $ | 4,641 | $ | 5,297 | $ | 5,950 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue Growth | 11% | 19% | 15% | 13% | 14% | 12% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3-Year Revenue Growth CAGR | 12% | 15% | 15% | 16% | 14% | 13% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 26.1% | 30.1% | 30.6% | 29.1% | 28.2% | 32.25% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP operating margin | 37.2% | 40.3% | 42.0% | 42.5% | 44.6% | 45.25% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | (7.0)% | (7.6)% | (8.0)% | (8.4)% | (8.6)% | (9.4)% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP operating margin adjusted for stock-based compensation | 30.2% | 32.7% | 34.0% | 34.1% | 36.0% | 35.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP operating income | $ | 779 | $ | 1,074 | $ | 1,251 | $ | 1,351 | $ | 1,492 | $ | 1,910 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP operating income | $ | 1,111 | $ | 1,436 | $ | 1,717 | $ | 1,974 | $ | 2,361 | $ | 2,692 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP operating income adjusted for stock-based compensation | $ | 901 | $ | 1,166 | $ | 1,391 | $ | 1,583 | $ | 1,906 | $ | 2,135 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 17, 2026 | Cadence Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results | 2 | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
First Quarter 2026 Financial Outlook
Q1 2025 | Q4 2025 | Q1 2026E | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue ($ Millions) | $ | 1,242 | $ | 1,440 | $1,420 - $1,460 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Q/Q Growth | 8% | (1)% - 1% | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Y/Y Growth | 6% | 14% - 18% | |||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Operating Margin | 29.1% | 32.2% | 30% - 31% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Operating Margin | 41.7% | 45.8% | 44% - 45% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP EPS | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.42 | $1.16 - $1.22 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP EPS | $ | 1.57 | $ | 1.99 | $1.89 - $1.95 | ||||||||||||||||||
Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Outlook
FY 2025 | FY 2026E | ||||||||||||||||
| Recurring Revenue | 80% | ~80% | |||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue ($ Millions) | $ | 5,297 | $5,900 - $6,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Y/Y Growth | 14% | 11% - 13% | |||||||||||||||
| Revenue from Beginning Backlog | ~69% | ~67% | |||||||||||||||
| GAAP Operating Margin | 28.2% | 31.75% - 32.75% | |||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Operating Margin | 44.6% | 44.75% - 45.75% | |||||||||||||||
| GAAP Other Income & Expense ($ Millions) | $ | 30 | $(43) - $(33) | ||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Other Income & Expense ($ Millions) | $ | (24) | $(43) - $(33) | ||||||||||||||
| GAAP Tax Rate | 27.1% | ~27% | |||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Tax Rate | 16.5% | 16.5% | |||||||||||||||
| Weighted Average Diluted Shares Outstanding (Millions) | 273.3 | 272.5 - 274.5 | |||||||||||||||
| GAAP EPS | $ | 4.06 | $4.95 - $5.05 | ||||||||||||||
| Y/Y Growth | 5% | 22% - 24% | |||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP EPS | $ | 7.14 | $8.05 - $8.15 | ||||||||||||||
| Y/Y Growth | 20% | 13% - 14% | |||||||||||||||
| Cash Flow from Operations ($ Millions) | $ | 1,729 | ~$2,000 | ||||||||||||||
| DSO | 64 | ~55 | |||||||||||||||
| Capital Expenditures ($ Millions) | $ | 142 | ~$210 | ||||||||||||||
| February 17, 2026 | Cadence Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results | 3 | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Financial Results
Backlog
| (In Billions) | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backlog | $ | 4.4 | $ | 5.8 | $ | 6.0 | $ | 6.8 | $ | 7.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue
| (In Millions) | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product and Maintenance | $ | 1,239 | $ | 1,111 | $ | 1,170 | $ | 1,208 | $ | 1,332 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Services | 117 | 131 | 105 | 131 | 108 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 1,356 | $ | 1,242 | $ | 1,275 | $ | 1,339 | $ | 1,440 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In Millions) | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product and Maintenance | $ | 2,813 | $ | 3,340 | $ | 3,834 | $ | 4,213 | $ | 4,822 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Services | 175 | 222 | 256 | 428 | 475 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 2,988 | $ | 3,562 | $ | 4,090 | $ | 4,641 | $ | 5,297 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recurring and Up-Front Revenue
Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue Recognized Over Time | 72 | % | 77 | % | 73 | % | 78 | % | 77 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Recurring Revenue | 4 | % | 5 | % | 5 | % | 4 | % | 2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recurring Revenue | 76 | % | 82 | % | 78 | % | 82 | % | 79 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Up-Front Revenue | 24 | % | 18 | % | 22 | % | 18 | % | 21 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Revenue | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue Recognized Over Time | 85 | % | 83 | % | 81 | % | 80 | % | 76 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Recurring Revenue | 3 | % | 2 | % | 3 | % | 3 | % | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recurring Revenue | 88 | % | 85 | % | 84 | % | 83 | % | 80 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Up-Front Revenue | 12 | % | 15 | % | 16 | % | 17 | % | 20 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Revenue | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trailing Twelve Months Recurring and Up-Front Revenue
| Trailing Twelve Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recurring Revenue | 83 | % | 82 | % | 80 | % | 80 | % | 80 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Up-Front Revenue | 17 | % | 18 | % | 20 | % | 20 | % | 20 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 17, 2026 | Cadence Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results | 4 | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
Revenue Mix by Geography
| (% of Total Revenue) | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Americas | 49 | % | 48 | % | 49 | % | 43 | % | 47 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| China | 13 | % | 11 | % | 9 | % | 18 | % | 12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Asia | 17 | % | 19 | % | 19 | % | 18 | % | 20 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Europe, Middle East and Africa | 15 | % | 16 | % | 16 | % | 14 | % | 14 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Japan | 6 | % | 6 | % | 7 | % | 7 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (% of Total Revenue) | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Americas | 45 | % | 46 | % | 43 | % | 49 | % | 47 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| China | 13 | % | 15 | % | 17 | % | 12 | % | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Asia | 19 | % | 18 | % | 19 | % | 18 | % | 19 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Europe, Middle East and Africa | 17 | % | 16 | % | 16 | % | 15 | % | 15 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Japan | 6 | % | 5 | % | 5 | % | 6 | % | 6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue Mix by Product Category
| (% of Total Revenue) | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Core EDA | 68 | % | 71 | % | 71 | % | 71 | % | 69 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Semiconductor IP | 13 | % | 14 | % | 13 | % | 14 | % | 15 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System Design and Analysis | 19 | % | 15 | % | 16 | % | 15 | % | 16 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (% of Total Revenue) | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Core EDA | 76 | % | 76 | % | 76 | % | 71 | % | 70 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Semiconductor IP | 13 | % | 12 | % | 12 | % | 13 | % | 14 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System Design and Analysis | 11 | % | 12 | % | 12 | % | 16 | % | 16 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Year Revenue CAGR by Product Category
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Core EDA | 10 | % | 14 | % | 15 | % | 13 | % | 11 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Semiconductor IP | 16 | % | 15 | % | 8 | % | 15 | % | 19 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System Design and Analysis | 19 | % | 24 | % | 22 | % | 30 | % | 25 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total 3 Year CAGR | 12 | % | 15 | % | 15 | % | 16 | % | 14 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Margin
Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Gross Margin | 83.8 | % | 86.5 | % | 85.6 | % | 86.4 | % | 86.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Gross Margin | 85.5 | % | 88.4 | % | 87.2 | % | 88.0 | % | 88.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Gross Margin | 89.7 | % | 89.6 | % | 89.4 | % | 86.0 | % | 86.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Gross Margin | 91.7 | % | 91.0 | % | 90.7 | % | 87.8 | % | 88.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 17, 2026 | Cadence Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results | 5 | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
Total Costs and Expenses
| (In Millions) | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total GAAP Costs and Expenses | $ | 899 | $ | 881 | $ | 1,034 | $ | 913 | $ | 977 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Non-GAAP Costs and Expenses | $ | 733 | $ | 724 | $ | 729 | $ | 701 | $ | 781 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In Millions) | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total GAAP Costs and Expenses | $ | 2,209 | $ | 2,488 | $ | 2,839 | $ | 3,291 | $ | 3,805 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Non-GAAP Costs and Expenses | $ | 1,877 | $ | 2,125 | $ | 2,373 | $ | 2,667 | $ | 2,935 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Margin
Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Operating Margin | 33.7 | % | 29.1 | % | 19.0 | % | 31.8 | % | 32.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Operating Margin | 46.0 | % | 41.7 | % | 42.8 | % | 47.6 | % | 45.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Operating Margin | 26.1 | % | 30.1 | % | 30.6 | % | 29.1 | % | 28.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Operating Margin | 37.2 | % | 40.3 | % | 42.0 | % | 42.5 | % | 44.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income Per Share
Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Net Income Per Share | $ | 1.24 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 0.59 | $ | 1.05 | $ | 1.42 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Net Income Per Share | $ | 1.88 | $ | 1.57 | $ | 1.65 | $ | 1.93 | $ | 1.99 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Net Income Per Share | $ | 2.50 | $ | 3.09 | $ | 3.82 | $ | 3.85 | $ | 4.06 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Net Income Per Share | $ | 3.29 | $ | 4.27 | $ | 5.15 | $ | 5.97 | $ | 7.14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total DSO
Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DSO | 48 | 44 | 51 | 55 | 64 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet and Cash Review
Free Cash Flow
| (In Millions) | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Cash from Operating Activities | $ | 441 | $ | 487 | $ | 378 | $ | 311 | $ | 553 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital Expenditures | 37 | 23 | 44 | 34 | 41 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Cash Flow | $ | 404 | $ | 464 | $ | 334 | $ | 277 | $ | 512 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In Millions) | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Cash from Operating Activities | $ | 1,101 | $ | 1,242 | $ | 1,349 | $ | 1,261 | $ | 1,729 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital Expenditures | 65 | 123 | 102 | 143 | 142 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Cash Flow | $ | 1,036 | $ | 1,119 | $ | 1,247 | $ | 1,118 | $ | 1,587 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 17, 2026 | Cadence Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results | 6 | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents
| (In Millions) | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | 2,644 | $ | 2,778 | $ | 2,823 | $ | 2,753 | $ | 3,001 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In Millions) | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | 1,089 | $ | 882 | $ | 1,008 | $ | 2,644 | $ | 3,001 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
•Approximately 71 percent of our cash and cash equivalents were in the U.S. at quarter-end.
Debt
| (In Millions) | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt (principal value) | $ | 2,500 | $ | 2,500 | $ | 2,500 | $ | 2,500 | $ | 2,500 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In Millions) | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt (principal value) | $ | 350 | $ | 750 | $ | 650 | $ | 2,500 | $ | 2,500 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
•In September 2024, Cadence issued $2.5 billion of Senior Notes at a weighted average interest rate of 4.44%.
Share Repurchase
| (In Millions) | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share Repurchase | $ | 150 | $ | 350 | $ | 175 | $ | 200 | $ | 200 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Shares | 0.519 | 1.361 | 0.607 | 0.584 | 0.613 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In Millions) | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share Repurchase | $ | 612 | $ | 1,050 | $ | 700 | $ | 550 | $ | 925 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Shares | 4.401 | 6.602 | 3.145 | 1.930 | 3.165 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employees
Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Headcount | 12,705 | 12,837 | 13,152 | 13,693 | 13,800 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Headcount | 9,298 | 10,228 | 11,226 | 12,705 | 13,800 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 17, 2026 | Cadence Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results | 7 | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
Forward Looking Statements
This CFO Commentary contains forward-looking statements, including Cadence's outlook on future operating results, financial condition, strategic objectives, business model and prospects, technology and product developments, strategic relationships, pending acquisition of Hexagon's design and engineering (“D&E”) business, backlog, industry trends, market growth, tax rates and other statements using words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” and words of similar import and the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Cadence’s control and which may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, among others: (i) Cadence’s ability to compete successfully in the highly competitive industries in which it operates and realize the benefits of its investments in research and development, including opportunities presented by AI; (ii) the success of Cadence’s efforts to maintain and improve operational efficiency and growth; (iii) the mix of products and services sold, the timing of orders and deliveries and the ability to develop, install or deliver Cadence’s products or services; (iv) changes in customer demands or supply constraints that could result in delays in purchases, development, installations or deliveries of Cadence’s products or services, including those resulting from consolidation, restructurings and other operational efficiency improvements of Cadence’s customers; (v) economic, geopolitical and industry conditions, including export controls, tariffs, other trade restrictions and other government regulations, as well as rising tensions and armed conflicts around the world; (vi) changes in tax laws, interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations, inflation rates, Cadence’s increased debt levels and obligations and Cadence’s ability to access capital and debt markets in the future; (vii) legislative or regulatory requirements; (viii) Cadence’s pending acquisitions, the acquisition of other companies, businesses or technologies or the failure to successfully integrate and operate them; (ix) potential harm caused by compromises in cybersecurity and cybersecurity attacks; (x) capital expenditure requirements and events that affect cash flow, liquidity or reserves, or estimates Cadence may take from time to time with respect to accounts receivable, taxes and tax examinations, litigation, regulatory or other matters; (xi) the effects of any litigation, regulatory, tax or other proceedings to which Cadence is or may become a party or to which Cadence or its products, services, technologies or properties are subject, including Cadence’s ongoing compliance, cooperation, audit and other obligations under its July 2025 settlement agreements with the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”), any further inquiries or adverse actions by the DOJ, BIS or other U.S. or foreign governmental authorities and any impact of the settlements on Cadence’s operations and business dealings in China, U.S. government contracting business and other customer relationships; and (xii) Cadence’s ability to successfully meet any environmental, social and governance targets and practices. Cadence’s pending D&E acquisition remains subject to certain closing conditions, which may not be satisfied in a timely manner or at all. Cadence may not successfully integrate the D&E business or realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition. The acquisition and its effects on Cadence are subject to additional risks and uncertainties including fluctuations in the trading price of Cadence shares and in currency exchange and interest rates; Cadence’s ability to repay debt incurred to fund the acquisition; Cadence’s ability to motivate and retain key personnel; and the acquisition’s impact on relationships with third parties, including customers, partners and governmental authorities. In addition, the timing and amount of Cadence’s repurchases of its common stock are subject to business and market conditions, corporate and regulatory requirements, stock price, acquisition opportunities and other factors.
For a detailed discussion of these and other cautionary statements related to Cadence and its business, please refer to Cadence’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent report on Form 10-K, subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and future filings.
All forward-looking statements in this document are based on management's expectations as of the date of this document and, except as required by law, Cadence disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation
Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for or superior to measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures contained within this CFO Commentary with their most directly comparable GAAP financial results. Investors are also encouraged to look at the GAAP results as the best measure of financial performance. See our earnings press release issued today for further discussion of our non-GAAP financial measures, as well as the reconciliation provided in the Appendix to this CFO Commentary.
Cadence’s management uses non-GAAP net income because it excludes items that are generally not directly related to the performance of the company’s core business operations and therefore provides supplemental information to Cadence’s management and investors regarding the performance of the business operations, facilitates comparisons to the historical operating results and allows the review of Cadence’s business from the same perspective as Cadence’s management, including forecasting and budgeting.
© 2026 Cadence Design Systems, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Cadence, the Cadence logo and the other Cadence marks found at www.cadence.com/go/trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cadence Design Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
| February 17, 2026 | Cadence Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results | 8 | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
APPENDIX I
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)
Reconciliation of GAAP Total Expenses to Non-GAAP Total Expenses
| (In Millions) | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP total costs and expenses | $ | 899 | $ | 881 | $ | 1,034 | $ | 913 | $ | 977 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciling items to non-GAAP total costs and expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | (107) | (108) | (118) | (116) | (113) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | (27) | (25) | (24) | (26) | (30) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | (23) | (23) | (26) | (37) | (49) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring | 1 | — | — | (27) | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-qualified deferred compensation (expenses) credits | — | 2 | (8) | (6) | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges | (2) | (2) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss related to contingent liability* | (8) | — | (129) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP total costs and expenses** | $ | 733 | $ | 724 | $ | 729 | $ | 701 | $ | 781 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Table may not foot due to rounding
| * | Related to resolution of previously disclosed legal proceedings with the DOJ and BIS. | ||||
** | The non-GAAP measures presented in the table above should not be considered a substitute for financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. | ||||
Reconciliation of GAAP Total Expenses to Non-GAAP Total Expenses
| (In Millions) | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026E | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP total costs and expenses | $ | 2,209 | $ | 2,488 | $ | 2,839 | $ | 3,291 | $ | 3,805 | $ | 4,040 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciling items to non-GAAP total costs and expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | (210) | (270) | (326) | (391) | (455) | (557) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | (67) | (60) | (62) | (90) | (105) | (125) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | (23) | (41) | (56) | (96) | (135) | (100) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring | 1 | — | (11) | (24) | (29) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-qualified deferred compensation (expenses) credits | (6) | 8 | (11) | (11) | (14) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges* | (27) | — | — | (3) | (2) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss related to contingent liability** | — | — | — | (8) | (129) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP total costs and expenses*** | $ | 1,877 | $ | 2,125 | $ | 2,373 | $ | 2,667 | $ | 2,935 | $ | 3,258 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Table may not foot due to rounding
* | 2021 includes costs related to a voluntary retirement program. | ||||
** | Related to resolution of previously disclosed legal proceedings with the DOJ and BIS. | ||||
*** | The non-GAAP measures presented in the table above should not be considered a substitute for financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. | ||||
| February 17, 2026 | Cadence Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results | 9 | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Income to Non-GAAP Operating Income and Non-GAAP Operating Income Adjusted for Stock-based Compensation
| (In Millions) | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026E | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP operating income | $ | 779 | $ | 1,074 | $ | 1,251 | $ | 1,351 | $ | 1,492 | $ | 1,910 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reconciling items to non-GAAP operating income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 210 | 270 | 326 | 391 | 455 | 557 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 67 | 60 | 62 | 90 | 105 | 125 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | 23 | 41 | 56 | 96 | 135 | 100 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring | (1) | — | 11 | 24 | 29 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-qualified deferred compensation expenses (credits) | 6 | (8) | 11 | 11 | 14 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges* | 27 | — | — | 3 | 2 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss related to contingent liability** | — | — | — | 8 | 129 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP operating income*** | $ | 1,111 | $ | 1,436 | $ | 1,717 | $ | 1,974 | $ | 2,361 | $ | 2,692 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | (210) | (270) | (326) | (391) | (455) | (557) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP operating income adjusted for stock-based compensation*** | $ | 901 | $ | 1,166 | $ | 1,391 | $ | 1,583 | $ | 1,906 | $ | 2,135 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Table may not foot due to rounding
* | 2021 includes costs related to a voluntary retirement program. | ||||
** | Related to resolution of previously disclosed legal proceedings with the DOJ and BIS. | ||||
*** | The non-GAAP measures presented in the table above should not be considered a substitute for financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. | ||||
| February 17, 2026 | Cadence Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results | 10 | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
Reconciliation of GAAP Gross Margin as a Percent of Total Revenue to Non-GAAP Gross Margin as a Percent of Total Revenue
Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP gross margin as a percent of total revenue | 83.8% | 86.5% | 85.6% | 86.4% | 86.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciling items to non-GAAP gross margin as a percent of total revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 1.3% | 1.4% | 1.1% | 1.2% | 1.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-qualified deferred compensation expenses (credits) | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP gross margin as a percent of total revenue* | 85.5% | 88.4% | 87.2% | 88.0% | 88.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | The non-GAAP measures presented in the table above should not be considered a substitute for financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. | ||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP gross margin as a percent of total revenue | 89.7% | 89.6% | 89.4% | 86.0% | 86.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciling items to non-GAAP gross margin as a percent of total revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 1.6% | 1.2% | 1.1% | 1.3% | 1.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-qualified deferred compensation expenses (credits) | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Special charges* | 0.1% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP gross margin as a percent of total revenue** | 91.7% | 91.0% | 90.7% | 87.8% | 88.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | 2021 includes costs related to a voluntary retirement program. | ||||
| ** | The non-GAAP measures presented in the table above should not be considered a substitute for financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. | ||||
| February 17, 2026 | Cadence Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results | 11 | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Margin as a Percent of Total Revenue to Non-GAAP Operating Margin as a Percent of Total Revenue
Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | Q1 2026E | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin as a percent of total revenue | 33.7% | 29.1% | 19.0% | 31.8% | 32.2% | 30% - 31% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciling items to non-GAAP operating margin as a percent of total revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 7.9% | 8.7% | 9.3% | 8.7% | 7.9% | 10% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 2.0% | 2.0% | 1.8% | 1.9% | 2.1% | 2% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | 1.7% | 1.8% | 2.0% | 2.8% | 3.4% | 2% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring | (0.1)% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 2.0% | 0.1% | 0% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-qualified deferred compensation expenses (credits) | 0.0% | (0.1)% | 0.6% | 0.4% | 0.1% | 0% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss related to contingent liability* | 0.6% | 0.0% | 10.1% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP operating margin as a percent of total revenue** | 46.0% | 41.7% | 42.8% | 47.6% | 45.8% | 44% - 45% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Related to resolution of previously disclosed legal proceedings with the DOJ and BIS. | ||||
** | The non-GAAP measures presented in the table above should not be considered a substitute for financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. | ||||
| February 17, 2026 | Cadence Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results | 12 | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Margin as a Percent of Total Revenue to Non-GAAP Operating Margin as a Percent of Total Revenue
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026E | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin as a percent of total revenue | 26.1% | 30.1% | 30.6% | 29.1% | 28.2% | 31.75% - 32.75% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciling items to non-GAAP operating margin as a percent of total revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 7.0% | 7.6% | 8.0% | 8.4% | 8.6% | 9% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 2.2% | 1.7% | 1.5% | 2.0% | 2.0% | 2% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | 0.8% | 1.1% | 1.4% | 2.1% | 2.5% | 2% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-qualified deferred compensation expenses (credits) | 0.2% | (0.2)% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges* | 0.9% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss related to contingent liability** | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.2% | 2.4% | 0% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP operating margin as a percent of total revenue*** | 37.2% | 40.3% | 42.0% | 42.5% | 44.6% | 44.75% - 45.75% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | 2021 includes costs related to a voluntary retirement program. | ||||
** | Related to resolution of previously disclosed legal proceedings with the DOJ and BIS. | ||||
*** | The non-GAAP measures presented in the table above should not be considered a substitute for financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. | ||||
| February 17, 2026 | Cadence Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results | 13 | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
Reconciliation of GAAP Diluted Net Income Per Share to Non-GAAP Diluted Net Income Per Share
| (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | Q1 2026E | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted net income per share on a GAAP basis | $ | 1.24 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 0.59 | $ | 1.05 | $ | 1.42 | $1.16 - $1.22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 0.39 | 0.39 | 0.43 | 0.42 | 0.41 | 0.50 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 0.10 | 0.09 | 0.09 | 0.10 | 0.11 | 0.12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | 0.08 | 0.09 | 0.09 | 0.14 | 0.18 | 0.11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring | — | — | — | 0.10 | 0.01 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-qualified deferred compensation expenses (credits) | — | (0.01) | 0.03 | 0.02 | 0.01 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges | 0.01 | 0.01 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss related to contingent liability* | 0.03 | — | 0.47 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income or expense related to foreign currency forward exchange contract associated with a pending acquisition | — | — | — | 0.07 | 0.04 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income or expense related to investments, divestitures and non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets | 0.05 | 0.01 | (0.17) | 0.03 | (0.18) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments | (0.02) | (0.01) | 0.12 | — | (0.01) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted net income per share on a non-GAAP basis** | $ | 1.88 | $ | 1.57 | $ | 1.65 | $ | 1.93 | $ | 1.99 | $1.89 - $1.95 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares used in calculation of diluted net income per share | 274,292 | 273,631 | 272,899 | 273,798 | 272,932 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Related to resolution of previously disclosed legal proceedings with the DOJ and BIS. | ||||
** | The non-GAAP measures presented in the table above should not be considered a substitute for financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. | ||||
| February 17, 2026 | Cadence Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results | 14 | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
Reconciliation of GAAP Diluted Net Income Per Share to Non-GAAP Diluted Net Income Per Share
| (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026E | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted net income per share on a GAAP basis | $ | 2.50 | $ | 3.09 | $ | 3.82 | $ | 3.85 | $ | 4.06 | $4.95 - $5.05 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 0.75 | 0.98 | 1.19 | 1.43 | 1.67 | 2.04 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | 0.24 | 0.22 | 0.23 | 0.33 | 0.38 | 0.46 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration-related costs | 0.08 | 0.15 | 0.21 | 0.35 | 0.49 | 0.36 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring | — | — | 0.04 | 0.09 | 0.11 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-qualified deferred compensation expenses (credits) | 0.02 | (0.03) | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.05 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges* | 0.10 | — | — | 0.01 | 0.01 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss related to contingent liability** | — | — | — | 0.03 | 0.47 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income or expense related to foreign currency forward exchange contract associated with a pending acquisition | — | — | — | — | 0.11 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income or expense related to investments, divestitures and non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets | (0.03) | 0.05 | (0.17) | (0.22) | (0.31) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments | (0.37) | (0.19) | (0.21) | 0.06 | 0.10 | 0.24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted net income per share on a non-GAAP basis*** | $ | 3.29 | $ | 4.27 | $ | 5.15 | $ | 5.97 | $ | 7.14 | $8.05 - $8.15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares used in calculation of diluted net income per share | 278,858 | 275,011 | 272,748 | 273,833 | 273,312 | 272.5 - 274.5M | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | 2021 includes costs related to a voluntary retirement program. | ||||
** | Related to resolution of previously disclosed legal proceedings with the DOJ and BIS. | ||||
*** | The non-GAAP measures presented in the table above should not be considered a substitute for financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. | ||||
| February 17, 2026 | Cadence Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results | 15 | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
Reconciliation of GAAP Total Other Income and Expense to Non-GAAP Total Other Income and Expense
| (In Millions) | 2024 | 2025 | 2026E | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP total other income and expense | $ | 45 | $ | 30 | $(43) - $(33) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciling items to non-GAAP total income and expense | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income or expense related to foreign currency forward exchange contract associated with a pending acquisition | — | 29 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income or expense related to investments, divestitures and non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets | (61) | (83) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP total other income and expense* | $ | (16) | $ | (24) | $(43) - $(33) | |||||||||||||||||||||
* | The non-GAAP measures presented in the table above should not be considered a substitute for financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. | ||||
| February 17, 2026 | Cadence Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results | 16 | ||||||
FAQ
How did Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) perform financially in fiscal year 2025?
Cadence delivered strong 2025 results with revenue of $5.297 billion, up from $4.641 billion. Non-GAAP operating margin improved to 44.6%, while non-GAAP diluted EPS increased to $7.14 from $5.97, reflecting solid growth and operating leverage across the business.
What were Cadence Design Systems’ key fourth quarter 2025 results?
In Q4 2025, Cadence generated $1.440 billion in revenue, up from $1.356 billion a year earlier. GAAP operating margin was 32.2%, non-GAAP operating margin reached 45.8%, and GAAP and non-GAAP diluted EPS were $1.42 and $1.99, respectively, supported by strong bookings.
What guidance did Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) provide for fiscal year 2026?
For 2026, Cadence expects revenue of $5.9–$6.0 billion, GAAP operating margin of 31.75–32.75% and non-GAAP operating margin of 44.75–45.75%. GAAP EPS is guided to $4.95–$5.05 and non-GAAP EPS to $8.05–$8.15, with operating cash flow around $2.0 billion.
How large is Cadence Design Systems’ backlog and recurring revenue base?
Cadence ended 2025 with a record $7.8 billion backlog and expects $3.8 billion of remaining performance obligations to turn into revenue within 12 months. Recurring revenue represented roughly 80% of total 2025 revenue, providing strong visibility into future results.
What are the main profitability trends for Cadence Design Systems (CDNS)?
Over recent years, Cadence has steadily expanded profitability, with 2025 GAAP operating margin at 28.2% and non-GAAP operating margin at 44.6%. Non-GAAP EPS has risen from $5.97 in 2024 to $7.14 in 2025, supported by high gross margins and disciplined cost control.
How is Cadence Design Systems using its cash flow and balance sheet strength?
Cadence produced $1.729 billion of operating cash flow and $1.587 billion of free cash flow in 2025, ending the year with $3.001 billion in cash and equivalents. The company repurchased $925 million of shares in 2025 and plans to return about half of 2026 free cash flow via buybacks.