Wrapping up Q4 earnings, we look at the numbers and key takeaways for the design software stocks, including Cadence Design Systems (NASDAQ: CDNS) and its peers.

The demand for rich, interactive 2D, 3D, VR and AR experiences is growing, and while the ubiquitous metaverse might still be more of a buzzword than a real thing, what is real is the demand for the tools to create these experiences, whether they are games, 3D tours or interactive movies.

The 7 design software stocks we track reported a strong Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 3.2% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was in line.

Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 6.8% since the latest earnings results.

Cadence Design Systems (NASDAQ: CDNS)

Powering the chips behind everything from smartphones to AI accelerators for over 35 years, Cadence Design Systems (NASDAQ: CDNS) provides essential computational software, hardware, and intellectual property used by engineers to design and verify advanced electronic systems and semiconductors.

Cadence Design Systems reported revenues of $1.44 billion, up 6.2% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 1%. Overall, it was a strong quarter for the company with EPS guidance for next quarter exceeding analysts’ expectations and a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

“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.

Cadence Design Systems delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates and weakest full-year guidance update of the whole group. Unsurprisingly, the stock is down 1.3% since reporting and currently trades at $279.78.

Is now the time to buy Cadence Design Systems? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Best Q4: Autodesk (NASDAQ: ADSK)

Starting with AutoCAD in the 1980s and evolving into a comprehensive design ecosystem, Autodesk (NASDAQ: ADSK) provides software solutions for architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and entertainment industries to design, simulate, and visualize projects.

Autodesk reported revenues of $1.96 billion, up 19.4% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 2.1%. The business had an exceptional quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ billings estimates and EPS guidance for next quarter exceeding analysts’ expectations.

However, the results were likely priced into the stock as it’s traded sideways since reporting. Shares currently sit at $234.17.

Is now the time to buy Autodesk? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Weakest Q4: Unity (NYSE: U)

Powering over half of the world's mobile games and expanding into industries from automotive to architecture, Unity (NYSE: U) provides software tools and services that allow developers to create, run, and monetize interactive 2D and 3D content across multiple platforms.

Unity reported revenues of $503.1 million, up 10.1% year on year, exceeding analysts’ expectations by 2.1%. Still, it was a mixed quarter as it posted EBITDA guidance for next quarter missing analysts’ expectations significantly.

As expected, the stock is down 38.9% since the results and currently trades at $17.75.

Read our full analysis of Unity’s results here.

Procore Technologies (NYSE: PCOR)

With a mission to build software for the people that build the world, Procore Technologies (NYSE: PCOR) provides cloud-based software that enables owners, contractors, and other stakeholders to collaborate and manage construction projects from any device.

Procore Technologies reported revenues of $349.1 million, up 15.6% year on year. This result surpassed analysts’ expectations by 2.4%. It was a very strong quarter as it also put up a solid beat of analysts’ billings estimates and accelerating customer growth.

The company added 227 customers to reach a total of 17,850. The stock is up 16.8% since reporting and currently trades at $55.93.

Read our full, actionable report on Procore Technologies here, it’s free.

Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE)

Originally named after Adobe Creek that ran behind co-founder John Warnock's house, Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) develops software products used for digital content creation, document management, and marketing solutions across desktop, mobile, and cloud platforms.

Adobe reported revenues of $6.40 billion, up 12% year on year. This print beat analysts’ expectations by 1.9%. Overall, it was a strong quarter as it also logged an impressive beat of analysts’ billings estimates and EPS guidance for next quarter beating analysts’ expectations.

The stock is down 12.3% since reporting and currently trades at $236.49.

Read our full, actionable report on Adobe here, it’s free.

Market Update

Late in 2025 into early 2026, there was hand wringing around artificial intelligence. For software companies, the fear was that AI would erode pricing power and compress margins as new tools made it easier to replicate what once required expensive enterprise platforms. Crypto investors had their own version of the same anxiety: if AI agents could trade, allocate capital, and manage wallets autonomously, what exactly was the long-term value of today’s crypto infrastructure?

These concerns triggered a noticeable rotation away from these sectors and into safer havens. But markets rarely dwell on one narrative for long. Spring 2026 came, and the focus shifted abruptly from technological disruption to geopolitical risk. The US’ conflict with Iran became the dominant driver of market psychology, and when geopolitics takes center stage, the script changes quickly. Investors stop debating growth rates and start worrying about oil supply, inflation, and global stability.

Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Hidden Gem Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.