Discontinued — last reported Q1 '19

Operating Expenses

Stock-based compensation expense

Cadence Design Systems Stock-based compensation expense decreased by 2.5% to $113.16M in Q4 2025 compared to the prior quarter. Year-over-year, this metric grew by 6.2%, from $106.51M to $113.16M. Over 4 years (FY 2021 to FY 2025), Stock-based compensation expense shows an upward trend with a 21.3% CAGR. This increase may warrant attention — for this metric, lower values are generally preferred.

Analysis

StatementIncome Statement
SectionOperating Expenses
CategoryProfitability
SignalLower is better
VolatilityModerate
First reportedQ1 2018
Last reportedQ1 2019

How to read this metric

Rising levels may signal aggressive talent acquisition or retention efforts, but can also indicate potential future dilution for shareholders.

Detailed definition

The total expense recognized in the income statement related to equity-based awards granted to employees and directors....

Peer comparison

Highly prevalent in the software and technology sectors as a primary tool for competitive compensation.

Metric ID: is_ms_stock_based_compensation

Historical Data

19 periods
 Q2 '21Q3 '21Q4 '21Q1 '22Q2 '22Q3 '22Q4 '22Q1 '23Q2 '23Q3 '23Q4 '23Q1 '24Q2 '24Q3 '24Q4 '24Q1 '25Q2 '25Q3 '25Q4 '25
Value$50.52M$52.75M$54.23M$59.47M$64.27M$73.45M$73.25M$74.29M$76.61M$88.03M$86.68M$88.13M$87.57M$109.01M$106.51M$107.61M$118.33M$116.07M$113.16M
QoQ Change+4.4%+2.8%+9.7%+8.1%+14.3%-0.3%+1.4%+3.1%+14.9%-1.5%+1.7%-0.6%+24.5%-2.3%+1.0%+10.0%-1.9%-2.5%
YoY Change+27.2%+39.3%+35.1%+24.9%+19.2%+19.9%+18.3%+18.6%+14.3%+23.8%+22.9%+22.1%+35.1%+6.5%+6.2%
Range$50.52M$118.33M
CAGR+19.6%
Avg YoY Growth+22.2%
Median YoY Growth+22.1%
Current Streak2 quarters decline

Business Segments

View all
SegmentQ1 '25Q2 '25Q3 '25Q4 '25
Reportable Segment$107.61M$118.33M$116.07M$113.16M
Total$107.61M$118.33M$116.07M$113.16M

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cadence Design Systems's stock-based compensation expense?
Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) reported stock-based compensation expense of $113.16M in Q4 2025.
How has Cadence Design Systems's stock-based compensation expense changed year-over-year?
Cadence Design Systems's stock-based compensation expense increased by 6.2% year-over-year, from $106.51M to $113.16M.
What is the long-term trend for Cadence Design Systems's stock-based compensation expense?
Over 4 years (2021 to 2025), Cadence Design Systems's stock-based compensation expense has grown at a 21.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), from $210.09M to $455.18M.
What does stock-based compensation expense mean?
The cost of paying employees with company stock instead of cash.