Looking back on design software stocks’ Q4 earnings, we examine this quarter’s best and worst performers, including PTC (NASDAQ: PTC) 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.

In light of this news, share prices of the companies have held steady as they are up 1.6% on average since the latest earnings results.

PTC (NASDAQ: PTC)

Originally known as Parametric Technology Corporation until its 2013 rebranding, PTC (NASDAQ: PTC) provides software that helps manufacturers design, develop, and service physical products through digital solutions for CAD, PLM, ALM, and SLM.

PTC reported revenues of $685.8 million, up 21.4% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 8.2%. Overall, it was a very strong quarter for the company with EPS guidance for next quarter exceeding analysts’ expectations and an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

"PTC delivered solid financial results in Q1'26, driven by large deal volume and competitive displacements. The continued progress we're making with our go-to-market transformation is resulting in strong and strategic demand capture. This gives us greater confidence that we are building a more durable, multi-year growth engine," said Neil Barua, President and CEO, PTC.

PTC achieved the biggest analyst estimates beat, fastest revenue growth, and highest full-year guidance raise of the whole group. Investor expectations, however, were likely higher than Wall Street’s published projections, leaving some wishing for even better results (analysts’ consensus estimates are those published by big banks and advisory firms, not the investors who make buy and sell decisions). The stock is down 7.1% since reporting and currently trades at $140.59.

We think PTC is a good business, but is it a buy today? Read our full report 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.

The market seems content with the results as the stock is up 4.7% since reporting. It currently trades at $244.50.

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 11.7% since the results and currently trades at $25.67.

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 number surpassed analysts’ expectations by 2.4%. Overall, 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 13.7% since reporting and currently trades at $54.46.

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

Dolby Laboratories (NYSE: DLB)

Known for its iconic "D" logo that appears before countless movies and TV shows, Dolby Laboratories (NYSE: DLB) designs and licenses audio and video technologies that enhance entertainment experiences in movies, TV shows, music, and other media.

Dolby Laboratories reported revenues of $346.7 million, down 2.9% year on year. This result beat analysts’ expectations by 4.4%. It was a very strong quarter as it also logged an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and full-year EPS guidance exceeding analysts’ expectations.

Dolby Laboratories had the slowest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is up 2.3% since reporting and currently trades at $64.50.

Read our full, actionable report on Dolby Laboratories 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 9 Best Market-Beating Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.