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ADBE vs WDAY
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Adobe (ADBE) vs. Workday (WDAY) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both ADBE and WDAY are software leaders navigating a sharp industry reset in sentiment around artificial intelligence (AI), and both have traded lower year-to-date.
- Adobe is substantially larger (roughly $96 billion market capitalization versus about $46 billion for Workday) and trades at a lower forward price-to-earnings multiple, reflecting heavier near-term AI-disruption concerns.
- Adobe's recent quarterly report showed double-digit revenue growth and record operating cash flow, while Workday delivered a ninth consecutive earnings beat with expanding margins.
- Both companies are undergoing leadership transitions, adding execution uncertainty to their fundamental stories.
- Adobe's growth is concentrated in creative and digital-experience software, while Workday focuses on enterprise human capital management (HCM) and financial management.
Introduction
Adobe Inc. (ADBE) and Workday, Inc. (WDAY) are two prominent names in enterprise and creative software, yet they occupy different corners of the technology landscape. This stock comparison is relevant for investors weighing how generative AI is reshaping software pricing, growth, and market positioning. Adobe dominates creative and document workflows, while Workday anchors human resources and finance systems for large organizations. Both stocks have faced sentiment shifts in recent weeks as investors reassess how quickly AI monetization can offset competitive pressure. A head-to-head review of their business models, relative performance, and risk profiles can help traders and long-term investors understand where each company stands in the current environment.
ADBE Overview and Recent Performance
Adobe is best known for its Creative Cloud applications such as Photoshop and Illustrator, its Acrobat document tools, and its Experience Cloud digital-marketing platform. In its most recent quarter, Adobe reported revenue of roughly $6.76 billion, up about 13% year over year, with non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) rising to $6.13. Total annualized recurring revenue (ARR) reached $27.5 billion, while AI-first ARR surpassed $650 million, growing more than 150% year over year. Monthly active users across creativity and productivity products crossed one billion.
Despite these results, sentiment has been uneven. Adobe's shares are down meaningfully over the past year, weighed down by concerns that cheaper, AI-native design tools from rivals such as Canva and Figma could erode pricing power. In recent weeks, however, the stock has staged a recovery, and the company authorized a $25 billion share repurchase program, signaling confidence in its cash generation. Adobe raised its full-year revenue outlook while guiding the next quarter's revenue slightly below consensus expectations, keeping the stock's forward valuation near multi-year lows.
WDAY Overview and Recent Performance
Workday provides cloud-based HCM (human capital management) and financial management software to large enterprises, government agencies, and educational institutions, with more than 11,500 organizations as customers. In its most recent quarter, Workday reported total revenue of approximately $2.65 billion, up 13% year over year, while adjusted EPS of $2.75 topped analyst estimates for a ninth consecutive quarter of earnings beats. Non-GAAP operating margin expanded to 31.1%, reflecting ongoing cost discipline.
Workday's AI narrative centers on agentic AI, with ARR from these offerings approaching $600 million and growing more than 200% year over year, though monetization remains in its early stages. The stock has declined roughly 11% year-to-date, with recent analyst caution — including a downgrade citing the possibility that enterprise HR budgets may trail more immediate AI spending priorities. Workday also announced a modest workforce reduction amid a strategic realignment and has navigated a leadership change, with co-founder Aneel Bhusri returning as chief executive. Its shares have recovered from their 52-week lows but remain below earlier highs.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies differ most sharply in business model focus and valuation. Adobe is an asset-light subscription business with exceptional profitability — gross margins near 89% and strong free cash flow — but it faces direct competition in creative software from low-cost, AI-driven alternatives. Workday's moat rests on deep integration into enterprise HR and finance workflows, which are difficult to replace, yet its growth is more measured and its market opportunity is narrower than Adobe's sprawling creative and marketing ecosystem.
On valuation, Adobe trades at a notably lower forward P/E than Workday, partly because the market is pricing in a larger AI-disruption risk to its core creative franchises. Workday carries a higher multiple but also faces questions about whether HR budgets will keep pace with broader AI infrastructure spending. Both companies are exposed to similar macro headwinds in enterprise software spending and both are investing heavily in AI, but Adobe's cash position and buyback capacity give it a different shareholder-return profile than Workday, which is earlier in its AI monetization cycle and in the midst of a leadership transition.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, cash-flow strength, and relative valuation, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward Adobe as the more favorable risk-reward setup in the current environment. Adobe combines double-digit revenue growth, record operating cash flow, aggressive share repurchases, and a compressed forward valuation, which together suggest a stronger cushion against downside. Workday's expanding margins and growing agentic-AI pipeline are genuine positives, but its softer recent momentum, leadership transition, and early-stage AI monetization introduce more near-term uncertainty. That said, this is a probabilistic assessment rather than a definitive forecast — each stock's trajectory will ultimately depend on execution and how quickly AI investments translate into durable revenue.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ADBE is a Hold and WDAY is a StrongBuy.
ADBE in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026
ADBE moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 24 of 36 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ADBE as a result. In 53 of 85 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ADBE just turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where ADBE's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 26 of 42 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Following a +4.70% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ADBE advanced for three days, in 192 of 312 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for ADBE moved out of overbought territory on October 23, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 38 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 26 of the 38 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 68%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 5 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 10-day moving average for ADBE crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 18, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 12 of 17 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 71%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ADBE declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 70%.
ADBE broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for ADBE entered a downward trend on October 07, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 19 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ADBE’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 69 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (8.914) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.853). P/E Ratio (14.714) is within average values for comparable stocks, (15.200). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.558) is also within normal values, averaging (2.824). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.075) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.923) is also within normal values, averaging (71.128).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 80 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ADBE’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 94, placing this stock worse than average.
WDAY in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026
WDAY moved above its 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 30 of 40 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 15, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on WDAY as a result. In 60 of 87 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for WDAY just turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where WDAY's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 34 of 48 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
The 10-day moving average for WDAY crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 9 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
Following a +6.90% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WDAY advanced for three days, in 173 of 303 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where WDAY declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 71%.
WDAY broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for WDAY entered a downward trend on October 07, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 36 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. WDAY’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 54 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 82 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (7.834) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.853). P/E Ratio (42.681) is within average values for comparable stocks, (15.200). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.689) is also within normal values, averaging (2.824). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.075) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.773) is also within normal values, averaging (71.128).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 94 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. WDAY’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 94, placing this stock worse than average.
ADBE | WDAY | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 69 Overvalued | 82 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 19 | 54 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 36 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 80 | 94 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
ADBE's Valuation (69) in the Packaged Software industry is in the same range as WDAY (82) in the Information Technology Services industry. This means that ADBE’s stock grew similarly to WDAY’s over the last 12 months.
ADBE's Profit vs Risk Rating (100) in the Packaged Software industry is in the same range as WDAY (100) in the Information Technology Services industry. This means that ADBE’s stock grew similarly to WDAY’s over the last 12 months.
ADBE's SMR Rating (19) in the Packaged Software industry is somewhat better than the same rating for WDAY (54) in the Information Technology Services industry. This means that ADBE’s stock grew somewhat faster than WDAY’s over the last 12 months.
WDAY's Price Growth Rating (36) in the Information Technology Services industry is in the same range as ADBE (45) in the Packaged Software industry. This means that WDAY’s stock grew similarly to ADBE’s over the last 12 months.
ADBE's P/E Growth Rating (80) in the Packaged Software industry is in the same range as WDAY (94) in the Information Technology Services industry. This means that ADBE’s stock grew similarly to WDAY’s over the last 12 months.
| ADBE | WDAY | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 59% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 73% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 69% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 71% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 63% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 64% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 62% | 5 days ago 57% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 12 days ago 70% | 18 days ago 71% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 66% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 79% | 2 days ago 78% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ADBE’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while WDAY’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- ADBE’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- WDAY’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ADBE’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while WDAY’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ADBE’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- WDAY’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
ADBE (@Packaged Software) experienced а +7.59% price change this week, while WDAY (@Packaged Software) price change was +10.05% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Packaged Software industry was +2.68%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.56%, and the average quarterly price growth was +4.53%.
Reported Earning Dates
ADBE is expected to report earnings on Dec 09, 2026.
WDAY is expected to report earnings on Nov 24, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Packaged Software (+2.68% weekly)Packaged software comprises multiple software programs bundled together and sold as a group. For example, Microsoft Office includes multiple applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. In some cases, buying a bundled product is cheaper than purchasing each item individually[s20] . Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corp. and Adobe are some major American packaged software makers.
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ADBE and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ADBE has been closely correlated with WDAY. These tickers have moved in lockstep 75% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ADBE jumps, then WDAY could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To ADBE | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADBE | 100% | -2.49% | ||
| WDAY - ADBE | 75% Closely correlated | N/A | ||
| ADSK - ADBE | 72% Closely correlated | -1.08% | ||
| INTU - ADBE | 70% Closely correlated | -3.24% | ||
| FRSH - ADBE | 66% Closely correlated | +1.11% | ||
| VERX - ADBE | 66% Loosely correlated | +0.46% | ||
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WDAY and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, WDAY has been closely correlated with ADBE. These tickers have moved in lockstep 75% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if WDAY jumps, then ADBE could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To WDAY | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WDAY | 100% | N/A | ||
| ADBE - WDAY | 75% Closely correlated | -2.49% | ||
| ASAN - WDAY | 75% Closely correlated | +4.52% | ||
| NOW - WDAY | 75% Closely correlated | +1.25% | ||
| FRSH - WDAY | 74% Closely correlated | +1.11% | ||
| INTU - WDAY | 72% Closely correlated | -3.24% | ||
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