Valuation benchmarks for CAD and PLM Software Companies. Access public trading comps, EV/EBITDA acquisition multiples, and private market data for pitch books and valuation analysis.
Companies in this trading comparables group develop and license computerβaided design (CAD), product lifecycle management (PLM), and adjacent engineering software that digitizes product design, data management, and verification. Revenue models center on subscription and perpetual licenses, maintenance, and services, with select hardware attachments. They are comparable given shared enterprise focus, sticky missionβcritical workflows, high gross margins, and recurring revenue profiles used as valuation benchmarks.
Typical capabilities include 3D mechanical CAD modeling and simulation, enterprise PLM for product data management and digital thread, electronic design automation for IC design and verification, PCB and IC package design tools, analytics for design reuse and manufacturing optimization, industrial IoT connectivity with AR visualization of digital twins, configurable design IP and verification IP, and professional services for methodology, implementation, and integration with ERP/MES.
Primary buyers include industrial manufacturers, electronics and semiconductor companies, apparel and textile brands, and enterprise engineering teams. Key outcomes are faster timeβtoβmarket, improved yield and quality, reduced material waste, and better collaboration across the product lifecycle. Valuation benchmarks emphasize ARR and subscription mix, revenue growth, gross margins, net revenue retention, seat expansion, and services attach rates for large enterprise deployments.
2. Valuation Analysis: Public Trading Comps & Multiples for CAD and PLM Software Companies companies
2.1 - Public Peer Groups & Median Valuation Multiples for CAD and PLM Software Companies sector
Description: Companies in this trading comparables group develop and license computerβaided design (CAD), product lifecycle management (PLM), and adjacent engineering software that digitizes product design, data management, and verification. Revenue models center on subscription and perpetual licenses, maintenance, and services, with select hardware attachments. They are comparable given shared enterprise focus, sticky missionβcritical workflows, high gross margins, and recurring revenue profiles used as valuation benchmarks.
Description:
Provider of industrial intelligence solutions combining software, equipment, data, and services, specializing in integrated technology for industries using soft materials such as fashion, automotive, and furniture.
Key Products:
CAD Software: Design and development software for product creation
Cutting Machines: Automated machines for precision cutting and material handling
PLM Services: Product lifecycle management tools for collaboration and efficiency
Data Analytics: Solutions for analyzing production data and optimizing processes
Digitalization Services: Enabling digital transformation through advanced technologies
Description:
Provider of software, hardware, and intellectual property for the design and verification of advanced semiconductors and electronic systems, offering custom IC design, simulation products, system design, analysis tools, and methodology services.
Key Products:
IC Design Products: Tools for custom, analog, mixed-signal, RF, and digital IC design and verification
System Design and Analysis: Solutions for PCB design, IC packaging, and system analysis
IP Solutions: Offers verified, customizable IP blocks and verification IP
Design Services: Methodology, education, and hosted design solutions with technical support
Tensilica DSPs: IP for audio, vision, AI, communications, radar, and automotive applications.
What is the current median EV/Revenue multiple for CAD and PLM Software Companies?
Based on our index of public trading comparables, the median Enterprise Value to Revenue (EV/Rev) multiple for the CAD and PLM Software Companies sector is currently
β.βx.
High-growth peers in the top quartile are trading at
ββ.βx.
View full data.
What is the average EV/EBITDA multiple for companies in this sector?
Profitable companies in the CAD and PLM Software Companies sector trade at a median EV/EBITDA multiple of
ββ.βx.
This represents a change vs the 5-year historical average.
Our platform tracks EBITDA multiples for CAD and PLM Software Companies and other key peer groups.
How have valuation multiples for CAD and PLM Software Companies trended over the last 5 years?
Valuations have adjusted since 2021.
The sector saw peak multiples of ββ.βx EV/Revenue, settling to a 5-year average of β.βx today.
Access our Historical Trends chart for granular monthly data.
What are recent M&A transaction multiples in the CAD and PLM Software Companies space?
Recent precedent transactions indicate implied enterprise values ranging from
β.βx to
ββ.βx Revenue.
Private market deals often trade at a liquidity discount compared to public peers.
Unlock the full list of precedent transactions.
Which public companies are used as trading comps for CAD and PLM Software Companies?
The primary trading comparable group includes CAD and PLM Software Companies.
Key constituents used for benchmarking include large-cap leaders and specialized mid-cap players.
See the full list of companies in the Public Trading Comps section.
How do I value a private company in the CAD and PLM Software Companies sector?
Valuing a private CAD and PLM Software Companies company typically involves applying current
EV/Revenue and EV/EBITDA multiples from public peers to the private company's financial metrics.
A discount for lack of marketability (DLOM) of 20-30% is often applied.
Our private company valuation database provides the exact multiples needed for this calculation.
What are the CAD and PLM Software Companies industry valuation multiples for 2025?
For 2025, the CAD and PLM Software Companies industry is trading at a median EV/Revenue multiple of
β.βx.
This reflects current market sentiment, interest rates, and growth expectations.
Access our platform to see how these multiples have changed from 2024 to 2025.
What is the difference between trading comps and transaction multiples for CAD and PLM Software Companies?
Trading comps look at how public markets value similar companies today, while
transaction multiples (or precedent transactions) look at the price paid in past M&A deals.
Transaction multiples often include a "control premium," typically resulting in higher valuations than trading comps.
Our database tracks both trading multiples and M&A transaction multiples.
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