CDNS vs SPY: Cadence Design Systems, Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This CDNS vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Cadence Design Systems, Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.
Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how Cadence Design Systems, Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.
Compare Stock Performance
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 1987 to 2025 (39 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 33-year comparison period, Cadence Design Systems, Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 20 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Cadence Design Systems, Inc. in 13 years.
CDNS - Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Overall Winner: CDNS with an average annual return of 24.27% (vs 11.71% for SPY)
Understanding CDNS vs SPY Performance
When comparing Cadence Design Systems, Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.
Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.
Cumulative Growth Comparison
A $10,000 investment in Cadence Design Systems, Inc. grew to $1,832,311, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | CDNS Return | CDNS Cumulative | SPY Return | SPY Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1988 | -33.33% | $6,666.67 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1989 | +69.81% | $11,320.75 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1990 | +86.81% | $21,148.66 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1991 | +8.52% | $22,951.10 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1992 | +2.55% | $23,536.59 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1993 | -13.20% | $20,430.24 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1994 | -43.64% | $11,515.22 | +8.71% | $10,870.91 | -52.35% (SPY) | SPY |
| 1995 | +81.32% | $20,879.25 | +0.67% | $10,943.47 | +80.65% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 1996 | +221.02% | $67,026.39 | +37.39% | $15,035.16 | +183.63% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 1997 | +50.48% | $100,858.75 | +21.20% | $18,223.19 | +29.27% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 1998 | +25.24% | $126,315.11 | +33.14% | $24,261.81 | -7.90% (SPY) | SPY |
| 1999 | +19.30% | $150,691.72 | +28.03% | $31,063.11 | -8.73% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2000 | -20.17% | $120,302.74 | +20.66% | $37,482.18 | -40.83% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2001 | +24.65% | $149,952.43 | -8.85% | $34,165.23 | +33.50% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2002 | -11.88% | $132,138.98 | -10.13% | $30,703.75 | -1.75% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2003 | -44.91% | $72,799.94 | -22.42% | $23,820.14 | -22.49% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2004 | +54.20% | $112,259.25 | +24.18% | $29,580.86 | +30.02% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2005 | -24.37% | $84,901.44 | +10.75% | $32,760.13 | -35.12% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2006 | +23.05% | $104,475.08 | +5.32% | $34,504.59 | +17.73% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2007 | +5.66% | $110,392.24 | +13.84% | $39,281.03 | -8.18% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2008 | -6.28% | $103,458.52 | +5.33% | $41,375.53 | -11.61% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2009 | -78.21% | $22,539.18 | -36.24% | $26,382.38 | -41.98% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2010 | +55.99% | $35,158.77 | +22.65% | $32,359.23 | +33.33% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2011 | +34.97% | $47,452.85 | +13.14% | $36,610.39 | +21.83% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2012 | +24.55% | $59,102.95 | +0.85% | $36,922.44 | +23.70% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2013 | +30.66% | $77,222.52 | +14.17% | $42,154.69 | +16.49% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2014 | +0.14% | $77,332.84 | +29.00% | $54,380.19 | -28.86% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2015 | +35.40% | $104,711.20 | +14.56% | $62,298.86 | +20.84% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2016 | +10.52% | $115,721.72 | +1.29% | $63,101.60 | +9.23% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2017 | +22.84% | $142,157.90 | +13.59% | $71,674.43 | +9.26% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2018 | +65.04% | $234,611.02 | +20.78% | $86,569.38 | +44.25% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2019 | +3.40% | $242,589.47 | -5.25% | $82,026.91 | +8.65% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2020 | +60.44% | $389,220.59 | +31.09% | $107,527.02 | +29.36% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2021 | +90.97% | $743,300.11 | +17.24% | $126,059.55 | +73.74% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2022 | +37.26% | $1,020,285.70 | +30.51% | $164,514.60 | +6.76% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2023 | -12.30% | $894,838.89 | -18.65% | $133,838.54 | +6.35% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2024 | +70.62% | $1,526,730.55 | +26.71% | $169,585.78 | +43.91% (CDNS) | CDNS |
| 2025 | +14.29% | $1,744,851.49 | +25.59% | $212,981.61 | -11.30% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2026 | +5.01% | $1,832,310.93 | +17.66% | $250,597.02 | -12.65% (SPY) | SPY |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means CDNS outperformed SPY that year.
Company Profiles
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
CDNS
Cadence Design Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of electronic design automation (EDA) software, hardware, and intellectual property (IP). The company's computational software and accelerated hardware enable engineers to design and verify advanced integrated circuits (ICs), systems on chips (SoCs), and printed circuit boards (PCBs).
Key Innovations
- ✓Pioneered the concept of integrated design environments for electronic design automation.
- ✓Developed computational software and accelerated hardware that enable the design of complex integrated circuits and systems on chips.
Business Segments
- Electronic Design Automation (EDA) SoftwareProvides software for the design and verification of integrated circuits and printed circuit boards.
- HardwareOffers hardware products such as emulation and prototyping systems for system verification.
- Intellectual Property (IP)Licenses a broad portfolio of IP cores for various applications, including processors, interfaces, and memory.
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
SPY
SPY is the first exchange-traded fund (ETF) listed in the US. It is designed to track the S&P 500 Index, which measures the performance of the large-cap segment of the US equity market.
Key Innovations
- ✓First US-listed ETF
Business Segments
- ETFPassive investment vehicle tracking the S&P 500.
How This Comparison Works
Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:
- ✓Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
- ✓Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
- ✓Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
- ✓Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates
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Important Disclaimer
This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.