Semiconductor design software provider Cadence Design Systems (NASDAQ:CDNS) met Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, with sales up 23.1% year on year to $1.24 billion. The company’s outlook for the full year was close to analysts’ estimates with revenue guided to $5.19 billion at the midpoint. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.57 per share was 4.9% above analysts’ consensus estimates.
Is now the time to buy CDNS? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).
Cadence (CDNS) Q1 CY2025 Highlights:
- Revenue: $1.24 billion vs analyst estimates of $1.24 billion (23.1% year-on-year growth, in line)
- Adjusted EPS: $1.57 vs analyst estimates of $1.50 (4.9% beat)
- Adjusted Operating Income: $518 million vs analyst estimates of $506.2 million (41.7% margin, 2.3% beat)
- The company slightly lifted its revenue guidance for the full year to $5.19 billion at the midpoint from $5.18 billion
- Management raised its full-year Adjusted EPS guidance to $6.78 at the midpoint, a 1.2% increase
- Operating Margin: 29.1%, up from 24.8% in the same quarter last year
- Free Cash Flow Margin: 37.3%, up from 29.8% in the previous quarter
- Billings: $1.23 billion at quarter end, up 24.1% year on year
- Market Capitalization: $83.49 billion
StockStory’s Take
Cadence’s first quarter results reflected steady demand for its core electronic design automation (EDA) tools and significant growth in its IP (intellectual property) business. Management attributed the quarter’s performance to heightened investment across AI, hyperscale computing, and advanced chip architectures, with CEO Anirudh Devgan noting, “Customers are increasingly relying on our product as we execute our intelligent system design strategy and expand our differentiated end-to-end portfolio.” Partnerships with major players—such as NVIDIA and Rapidus—were cited as key contributors to the business’s momentum.
Looking ahead, Cadence’s updated guidance is shaped by continued strength in its recurring software revenue model and expanded customer commitments, particularly in areas like AI-driven design and system verification. Management emphasized prudence regarding potential macroeconomic and geopolitical risks, especially in China, but maintained a positive outlook based on resilient customer R&D investment. CFO John Wall noted, “Recurring revenue—any beat in recurring revenue feeds through the rest of the year,” supporting the company’s decision to slightly raise its full-year outlook.
Key Insights from Management’s Remarks
Cadence’s management highlighted several strategic advances and operational themes that underpinned this quarter’s performance and set the stage for future growth.
- AI-Driven Design Demand: The company reported broad customer adoption of AI-powered design tools, with solutions like Cadence Cerebrus and Verisium gaining traction among top-tier hyperscalers and semiconductor firms. Management noted that over half of new design projects are now AI-enabled, which is expected to accelerate productivity and time-to-market for customers.
- IP Business Expansion: Cadence’s IP segment grew 40% year-over-year, driven by demand for advanced AI, high-performance computing (HPC), and chiplet-based architectures. New deals included a major expansion with a global system company for AI and HPC IP, and a pending acquisition of Arm’s Artisan foundation IP business to strengthen the core portfolio.
- Resilient Hardware Supply Chain: Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and trade policy changes, Cadence maintained stable hardware deliveries by diversifying its manufacturing footprint. The company assembles products both in the U.S. and internationally, reducing exposure to tariffs and potential supply chain disruptions.
- Recurring Revenue Visibility: Management emphasized the advantages of its ratable, predominantly recurring software business model. This structure provides strong revenue visibility and resilience against macroeconomic swings, as illustrated by higher-than-forecast recurring revenue in Q1.
- System Design and Data Center Momentum: The system design and analysis business delivered more than 50% year-over-year growth. Notably, Cadence’s Digital Twin Reality Data Center product gained traction with large cloud service providers, and the BETA CAE acquisition enhanced opportunities in automotive and aerospace markets.
Drivers of Future Performance
Cadence’s management expects future performance to be shaped by ongoing demand for AI-enabled design tools, further diversification of its product portfolio, and the resilience of its recurring revenue model.
- AI and 3D-IC Proliferation: The rapid adoption of AI-driven automation and 3D integrated circuit (3D-IC) technology is expected to drive additional customer investment and market expansion. Management highlighted that the increasing complexity of chip designs will sustain demand for Cadence’s advanced solutions.
- IP Portfolio Growth and Integration: The pending Arm Artisan IP acquisition and continued investments in IP are positioned to broaden Cadence’s customer base and deepen existing relationships, particularly as customers seek comprehensive design solutions for new foundry ecosystems and advanced nodes.
- Geopolitical and Macro Risks: Management continues to monitor risks related to tariffs, export controls, and regional economic shifts. While Cadence assumes flat growth in China for the year, any changes in customer R&D spending or regulatory environment could impact results.
Top Analyst Questions
- Harlan Sur (JPMorgan): Asked about the potential for China’s domestic chip design activity to become a tailwind. Management maintained a prudent outlook, assuming flat China revenue despite recent growth.
- Lee Simpson (Morgan Stanley): Inquired about exposure to new U.S. tariffs. CEO Anirudh Devgan explained that the company’s software is not subject to tariffs and its diversified hardware manufacturing mitigates risk.
- Gary Mobley (Loop Capital): Queried how increased use of GPU-based servers affects licensing models. Management described a shift toward more subscription and cloud-based offerings, with flexible packaging to meet customer needs.
- Vivek Arya (Bank of America): Sought clarification on share gain opportunities at Intel. Management acknowledged Intel as a growth opportunity and said discussions are underway to deepen engagement.
- Jay Vleeschhouwer (Griffin Securities): Requested details on key R&D focus areas. CEO Devgan identified AI, 3D-IC, and hardware/software co-optimization as critical themes for ongoing investment.
Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters
Looking ahead, the StockStory team will be monitoring (1) the pace of adoption for Cadence’s AI-driven EDA tools and system verification platforms, (2) the integration progress of new IP assets such as the pending Arm Artisan acquisition and Secure-IC, and (3) resilience in recurring revenue streams amid evolving trade and regulatory policies, especially in China. Additional attention will be paid to expansion in automotive, data center, and cloud markets as indicators of sustained business momentum.
Cadence currently trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 15.7×. At this valuation, is it a buy or sell post earnings? See for yourself in our free research report.
The Best Stocks for High-Quality Investors
The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025.
While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we’re homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver’s seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 176% over the last five years.
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.