WallStSmart

Cadence Design Systems Inc (CDNS)vsWPP PLC ADR (WPP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

WPP PLC ADR generates 145% more annual revenue ($13.55B vs $5.53B). CDNS leads profitability with a 21.2% profit margin vs -1.6%. CDNS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.93. CDNS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

CDNS

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.5Value: 3.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.09

WPP

Avoid

34

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 4.0Value: 5.7Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.73
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CDNS.

WPPUndervalued (+68.9%)

Margin of Safety

+68.9%

Fair Value

$58.87

Current Price

$17.70

$41.17 discount

UndervaluedFair: $58.87Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CDNS6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.0910/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$114.85B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
21.2%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
29.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.7%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.7%8/10

18.7% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.0% YoY

WPP1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.71B8/10

Generating 1.7B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CDNS3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Price/BookValuation
15.8x4/10

Trading at 15.8x book value

PEG RatioValuation
3.932/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
96.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

WPP4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
2.2%3/10

Operating margin of 2.2%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.232/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-8.3%2/10

Revenue declined 8.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CDNS

The strongest argument for CDNS centers on Altman Z-Score, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.2% and operating margin at 29.7%. Revenue growth of 18.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : WPP

The strongest argument for WPP centers on Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : CDNS

The primary concerns for CDNS are Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 96.6x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : WPP

The primary concerns for WPP are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.69 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CDNS profiles as a growth stock while WPP is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

CDNS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.13 — expect wider price swings.

CDNS is growing revenue faster at 18.7% — sustainability is the question.

WPP generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CDNS scores higher overall (62/100 vs 34/100), backed by strong 21.2% margins and 18.7% revenue growth. WPP offers better value entry with a 68.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Cadence Design Systems Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Cadence Design Systems, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, California, is an American multinational computational software company. The company produces software, hardware and silicon structures for designing integrated circuits, systems on chips (SoCs) and printed circuit boards.

WPP PLC ADR

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA

WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, expertise, trade and technology services in North America, the UK, Western Continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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