Cognex (CGNX)


Market Price (9/19/2026): $61.5 | Market Cap: $10.3 BilSector: Information Technology | Industry: Electronic Equipment & Instruments

Cognex (CGNX)


Market Price (9/19/2026): $61.5
Market Cap: $10.3 Bil
Sector: Information Technology
Industry: Electronic Equipment & Instruments

Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.

0

Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 25%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 25%

Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Autonomous Technologies, Automation & Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence. Themes include Machine Vision, Show more.

Weak multi-year price returns
3Y Excs Rtn is -25%

Key risks
CGNX key risks include [1] a strong dependence on volatile capital spending from customers in cyclical industries such as consumer electronics, Show more.

0 Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 25%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 25%
1 Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Autonomous Technologies, Automation & Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence. Themes include Machine Vision, Show more.
2 Weak multi-year price returns
3Y Excs Rtn is -25%
3 Key risks
CGNX key risks include [1] a strong dependence on volatile capital spending from customers in cyclical industries such as consumer electronics, Show more.

CGNX in ETFs

Weight = CGNX's share of each fund

VTI0.01%
ITOT0.01%
IWB0.01%
IJH0.30%
VIG0.05%
VB0.13%
BOTZ2.7%
ROBO1.3%
+25 more covered ETFs

Valuation & Metrics

Price Chart

Why The Stock Moved

Qualitative Assessment

AI Analysis | Feedback

Updated on 9/14/2026

Cognex (CGNX) stock has lost about 5% since 5/31/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Implied Q4 Fiscal 2026 Deceleration Despite Strong Q2 Fiscal 2026 Results and Raised Full-Year Guidance. While Cognex reported strong financial performance for Q2 fiscal 2026, with earnings per share (EPS) of $0.45 exceeding analyst estimates by 7.14% and revenue increasing by 16.9% year-over-year, the market reacted negatively to the implied deceleration in Q4 fiscal 2026 growth. Cognex reported Q2 fiscal 2026 results on August 5, 2026, for the quarter ending July 5, 2026. Despite raising its full-year 2026 revenue outlook to $1.13 billion to $1.15 billion, analysis of this guidance, when combined with Q1 and Q3 forecasts, suggested a significant slowdown in Q4 fiscal 2026 revenue growth to approximately 7.1% year-over-year, leading to concerns about the company's future momentum.

2. Slight Revenue Miss in Q2 Fiscal 2026. Cognex narrowly missed consensus revenue estimates for Q2 fiscal 2026, reporting $291.26 million against analyst expectations of $292.10 million. This small miss, though less than 1%, contributed to a negative investor sentiment, especially when considered alongside the implied future growth deceleration.

Show more
Updated on 9/14/2026

Cognex (CGNX) stock has lost about 5% since 5/31/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Implied Q4 Fiscal 2026 Deceleration Despite Strong Q2 Fiscal 2026 Results and Raised Full-Year Guidance. While Cognex reported strong financial performance for Q2 fiscal 2026, with earnings per share (EPS) of $0.45 exceeding analyst estimates by 7.14% and revenue increasing by 16.9% year-over-year, the market reacted negatively to the implied deceleration in Q4 fiscal 2026 growth. Cognex reported Q2 fiscal 2026 results on August 5, 2026, for the quarter ending July 5, 2026. Despite raising its full-year 2026 revenue outlook to $1.13 billion to $1.15 billion, analysis of this guidance, when combined with Q1 and Q3 forecasts, suggested a significant slowdown in Q4 fiscal 2026 revenue growth to approximately 7.1% year-over-year, leading to concerns about the company's future momentum.

2. Slight Revenue Miss in Q2 Fiscal 2026. Cognex narrowly missed consensus revenue estimates for Q2 fiscal 2026, reporting $291.26 million against analyst expectations of $292.10 million. This small miss, though less than 1%, contributed to a negative investor sentiment, especially when considered alongside the implied future growth deceleration.

3. Valuation Compression and Profit-Taking After Significant Prior Gains. Prior to the recent decline, Cognex's stock had experienced a substantial rally, gaining approximately 78% year-to-date by its peak in June 2026. This significant appreciation made the stock vulnerable to profit-taking by investors. Additionally, broader macroeconomic factors, such as the re-emergence of a "higher-for-longer" interest rate narrative, contributed to valuation compression as investors adjusted their willingness to pay a premium for future earnings.

4. Analyst Downgrades. Following the Q2 fiscal 2026 earnings release, several analyst firms adjusted their ratings and price targets for Cognex. Notably, HSBC downgraded Cognex from a "Buy" to a "Hold" rating with a $65 price target around August 6, 2026. Wall Street Zen also issued a "Hold" rating downgrade on September 13, 2026. These downgrades likely contributed to the negative investor sentiment and selling pressure on the stock.

5. Insider Selling Activity. A series of insider stock sales totaling approximately $15 million was reported in the 90 days leading up to July 29, 2026. This significant amount of insider selling, exceeding the $5 million threshold, likely signaled to the market a lack of confidence from company insiders, further pressuring the stock price.

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Stock Movement Drivers

Fundamental Drivers

The -6.4% change in CGNX stock from 5/31/2026 to 9/18/2026 was primarily driven by a -23.3% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)53120269182026Change
Stock Price ($)65.7661.56-6.4%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)1,0471,0894.0%
Net Income Margin (%)13.6%16.1%17.9%
P/E Multiple76.858.9-23.3%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)167167-0.5%
Cumulative Contribution-6.4%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

5/31/2026 to 9/18/2026
ReturnCorrelation
CGNX-6.4% 
Market (SPY)0.9%62.1%
Sector (XLK)-0.7%75.9%

Fundamental Drivers

The 13.5% change in CGNX stock from 2/28/2026 to 9/18/2026 was primarily driven by a 39.5% change in the company's Net Income Margin (%).
(LTM values as of)22820269182026Change
Stock Price ($)54.2561.5613.5%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)9941,0899.5%
Net Income Margin (%)11.5%16.1%39.5%
P/E Multiple79.358.9-25.6%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)167167-0.1%
Cumulative Contribution13.5%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

2/28/2026 to 9/18/2026
ReturnCorrelation
CGNX13.5% 
Market (SPY)11.6%65.0%
Sector (XLK)36.8%71.8%

Fundamental Drivers

The 41.0% change in CGNX stock from 8/31/2025 to 9/18/2026 was primarily driven by a 22.2% change in the company's Net Income Margin (%).
(LTM values as of)83120259182026Change
Stock Price ($)43.6661.5641.0%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)9301,08917.1%
Net Income Margin (%)13.1%16.1%22.2%
P/E Multiple60.158.9-1.9%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)1681670.3%
Cumulative Contribution41.0%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

8/31/2025 to 9/18/2026
ReturnCorrelation
CGNX41.0% 
Market (SPY)19.4%42.6%
Sector (XLK)45.1%45.5%

Fundamental Drivers

The 33.7% change in CGNX stock from 8/31/2023 to 9/18/2026 was primarily driven by a 28.0% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)83120239182026Change
Stock Price ($)46.0361.5633.7%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)8931,08922.0%
Net Income Margin (%)19.3%16.1%-16.9%
P/E Multiple46.058.928.0%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)1721673.0%
Cumulative Contribution33.7%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

8/31/2023 to 9/18/2026
ReturnCorrelation
CGNX33.7% 
Market (SPY)75.6%47.6%
Sector (XLK)119.9%47.3%

Return vs. Risk

Price Returns Compared

 202120222023202420252026Total [1]
Returns
CGNX Return-3%-39%-11%-13%1%70%-22%
Peers Return20%-19%23%12%-4%15%48%
S&P 500 Return27%-19%24%23%16%12%103%

Monthly Win Rates [3]
CGNX Win Rate67%42%50%50%50%56% 
Peers Win Rate63%35%57%55%50%49% 
S&P 500 Win Rate75%42%67%75%67%44% 

Max Drawdowns [4]
CGNX Max Drawdown-22%-49%-41%-32%-43%-22% 
Peers Max Drawdown-19%-38%-23%-20%-31%-24% 
S&P 500 Max Drawdown-5%-25%-10%-8%-19%-9% 


[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] Peers: ROCK, TDY, ZBRA, AME, EMR. See CGNX Returns vs. Peers.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2026 data is for the year up to 9/18/2026 (YTD)

How Low Can It Go

EventCGNXS&P 500
2025 US Tariff Shock
  % Loss-30.7%-18.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven44.2%23.1%
  Time to Breakeven93 days79 days
2024 Yen Carry Trade Unwind
  % Loss-25.3%-7.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven33.9%8.5%
  Time to Breakeven556 days18 days
Summer-Fall 2023 Five Percent Yield Shock
  % Loss-36.0%-9.5%
  % Gain to Breakeven56.3%10.5%
  Time to Breakeven839 days24 days
2023 SVB Regional Banking Crisis
  % Loss-14.0%-6.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven16.3%7.1%
  Time to Breakeven24 days31 days
2020 COVID-19 Crash
  % Loss-26.8%-33.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven36.6%50.9%
  Time to Breakeven36 days140 days
Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare
  % Loss-38.5%-19.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven62.5%23.8%
  Time to Breakeven120 days105 days

Compare to ROCK, TDY, ZBRA, AME, EMR

In The Past

Cognex's stock fell -30.7% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 44.2% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

EventCGNXS&P 500
2025 US Tariff Shock
  % Loss-30.7%-18.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven44.2%23.1%
  Time to Breakeven93 days79 days
2024 Yen Carry Trade Unwind
  % Loss-25.3%-7.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven33.9%8.5%
  Time to Breakeven556 days18 days
Summer-Fall 2023 Five Percent Yield Shock
  % Loss-36.0%-9.5%
  % Gain to Breakeven56.3%10.5%
  Time to Breakeven839 days24 days
2020 COVID-19 Crash
  % Loss-26.8%-33.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven36.6%50.9%
  Time to Breakeven36 days140 days
Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare
  % Loss-38.5%-19.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven62.5%23.8%
  Time to Breakeven120 days105 days
2015-2016 China Devaluation / Global Growth Scare
  % Loss-22.8%-12.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven29.5%13.9%
  Time to Breakeven48 days62 days
2014-2016 Oil Price Collapse
  % Loss-31.9%-6.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven46.8%7.3%
  Time to Breakeven138 days15 days
2011 US Debt Ceiling Crisis & European Contagion
  % Loss-30.6%-17.9%
  % Gain to Breakeven44.0%21.8%
  Time to Breakeven67 days123 days
2010 Eurozone Sovereign Debt Crisis / Flash Crash
  % Loss-20.5%-15.4%
  % Gain to Breakeven25.7%18.2%
  Time to Breakeven34 days125 days
2008-2009 Global Financial Crisis
  % Loss-52.8%-53.4%
  % Gain to Breakeven112.1%114.4%
  Time to Breakeven409 days1085 days
Summer 2007 Credit Crunch
  % Loss-25.6%-8.6%
  % Gain to Breakeven34.5%9.5%
  Time to Breakeven205 days47 days

Compare to ROCK, TDY, ZBRA, AME, EMR

In The Past

Cognex's stock fell -30.7% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 44.2% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

About Cognex (CGNX)

Cognex Corporation (CGNX) is a global leader in machine vision products, which are sophisticated systems designed to capture and analyze visual information to automate a wide range of manufacturing and distribution tasks. Essentially, Cognex's technology gives machines "eyes" and "brains" to perform precise operations like locating, identifying, inspecting, and measuring individual items, such as mobile phones, aspirin bottles, or automobile tires, throughout their production or logistics processes. This automation significantly enhances efficiency, quality control, and tracking capabilities in industrial environments.

The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products to achieve these goals. Its software suite includes VisionPro, providing advanced vision tools for complex programming, and QuickBuild, which allows for intuitive application development with a graphical interface, alongside its deep learning vision software. For hardware, Cognex provides various vision sensors for basic applications like checking part presence and size, as well as the advanced In-Sight product line of integrated vision systems and sensors. Furthermore, its DataMan series is a prominent offering, known for reliable image-based barcode readers and verifiers crucial for product tracking and authentication.

Cognex serves a diverse and global client base across industries that demand high-precision automation and quality assurance. Its primary customers operate in sectors such as consumer electronics, automotive manufacturing, general consumer products, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. The company distributes its innovative solutions both directly to end-users and through an extensive network of distributors and integrators worldwide.

AI Analysis | Feedback

  • Cognex is like the **Nvidia for industrial machine vision**, providing the specialized AI and processing power for factory automation.
  • Cognex is like the **Intel for factory automation's 'eyes and visual brain'**, offering the core visual intelligence for manufacturing processes.
  • Cognex is like **Apple's 'Face ID' for manufacturing**, using advanced vision to identify, inspect, and track products on production lines.

AI Analysis | Feedback

```html
  • VisionPro Software: A suite of patented vision tools designed for advanced programming of machine vision applications.
  • QuickBuild: A graphical, flowchart-based programming interface that enables customers to build vision applications easily.
  • Cognex Deep Learning Vision Software: Specialized vision software that leverages deep learning for complex inspection tasks.
  • Vision Sensors: Devices used for basic vision applications like checking the presence and size of parts.
  • In-Sight Product Line: Integrated vision systems and sensors for a wide range of industrial automation applications.
  • DataMan: A line of image-based barcode readers and barcode verifiers used for identification and tracking.
```

AI Analysis | Feedback

Cognex Corporation (CGNX) sells its machine vision products and software primarily to other companies, operating on a business-to-business (B2B) model. Based on the provided background information, specific major customer companies are not identified by name. Instead, the company description indicates the industries in which its major customers operate. These industries represent the categories of companies that Cognex serves:

  • Consumer Electronics Industry
  • Automotive Industry
  • Consumer Products Industry
  • Food and Beverage Industry
  • Pharmaceuticals Industry
  • Medical Devices Industry

Cognex also sells its products through a network of distributors and integrators, who then supply the end-user companies within these manufacturing and distribution sectors.

AI Analysis | Feedback

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AI Analysis | Feedback

Matt Moschner, President and Chief Executive Officer

Matt Moschner was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Cognex in February 2025. He joined Cognex from within the company and has outlined three strategic priorities for Cognex's future: becoming the leading provider of AI technology for industrial machine vision applications, delivering a superior customer experience, and doubling the company's served customer base over the next five years.

Dennis Fehr, Chief Financial Officer

Dennis Fehr was appointed Chief Financial Officer in July 2025, continuing to lead finance and IT functions, and expanding his role to include corporate strategy and M&A. He was drawn from Cognex's internal talent bench.

Carl Gerst, Executive Vice President, Global Sales & Products

Carl Gerst is the Executive Vice President, Global Sales & Products, responsible for global sales and product strategy, and leading top-line growth initiatives for Cognex. He is part of the executive leadership team assembled by CEO Matt Moschner from within Cognex.

Sheila DiPalma, Executive Vice President, Employee Services, Chief Culture Officer

Sheila DiPalma serves as the Executive Vice President, Employee Services, and Chief Culture Officer. In this role, she is responsible for employee services, culture, communications, and global real estate and facilities. She was appointed to this role as part of the new executive leadership team in July 2025.

Mark Fennell, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary

Mark Fennell is the Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, with responsibility for legal and governance matters, including intellectual property and corporate transactions. He was appointed to this position as part of the new executive leadership team announced in July 2025.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Here are the key risks to Cognex (CGNX):

  1. Economic Downturn and Cyclicality in Key Industries: Cognex's business is highly dependent on capital expenditures by manufacturers in various industries, including consumer electronics and automotive. A significant slowdown or downturn in the global economy or specific key industrial sectors can directly impact demand for machine vision products, leading to reduced sales and revenue. For example, persistent weakness in the automotive sector and European markets beyond 2026 is identified as a primary risk. The company's short sales cycle also provides limited visibility into future growth, making it vulnerable if the market were to shift or slow down.
  2. Technological Obsolescence and Intense Competition: Operating in the rapidly evolving machine vision and industrial automation space, Cognex faces continuous pressure to innovate and stay ahead of competitors. The risk of technological obsolescence is significant, especially with the accelerated development of AI-driven industrial machine vision solutions. Failure to adapt to emerging technologies, slower uptake of new software platforms (like cloud and AI software), or intense pricing pressure in core machine vision hardware could undercut the company's competitive advantage, profit margins, and growth trajectory.
  3. Profitability and Margin Pressure: Cognex has experienced shrinking adjusted operating margins and declining free cash flow margins over the past several years. This trend raises questions about the company's expense structure and its ability to achieve economies of scale and sustained profitability, even with revenue growth. Persistent profitability and margin pressure, partly due to tougher pricing in core machine vision hardware, could limit the company's capacity for future investments in R&D and market expansion, thereby affecting long-term financial health.

AI Analysis | Feedback

The rapid democratization and commoditization of advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence technologies for industrial applications, driven by open-source frameworks, increasingly powerful yet lower-cost generic camera hardware, and user-friendly AI development platforms, represent an emerging threat. This trend allows new entrants, system integrators, and even end-user manufacturers to develop and deploy sophisticated machine vision solutions with significantly reduced reliance on Cognex's proprietary hardware and specialized software, potentially leading to increased competition and erosion of the value proposition for highly integrated, premium systems.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Cognex Corporation (CGNX) operates within several significant addressable markets related to machine vision technology and industrial automation. The company's main products, which include machine vision systems, vision sensors, and barcode readers, serve a global market with substantial projected growth.

Machine Vision Market

The global machine vision market, which encompasses Cognex's core products like VisionPro software, QuickBuild, deep learning vision software, and In-Sight vision systems, was estimated at USD 20,378.6 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 41,744.0 million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.0% from 2025 to 2030. Other estimates for the global machine vision market include USD 16.07 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 29.78 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 7.10% from 2025 to 2033. Another report states the market size as USD 15.83 billion in 2025, expected to grow to USD 23.63 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.3%.

  • Asia-Pacific: This region dominated the global machine vision market with over 43% share in 2024. It is projected to reach USD 11,429 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 8.60%. The market in Asia-Pacific is also projected to reach USD 9.81 billion by 2030, up from USD 5.85 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2025 to 2030.
  • North America: The U.S. machine vision market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 12% from 2025 to 2030. The broader North American machine vision market is projected to reach USD 6.66 billion by 2030 from USD 4.13 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2025 to 2030. The U.S. market alone is expected to reach USD 2.04 billion by 2026.
  • Europe: The machine vision market in Europe is projected to reach USD 5.43 billion by 2030, up from USD 3.61 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 7.3% from 2025 to 2030.

Barcode Reader Market

Cognex's DataMan image-based barcode readers address a significant segment of the global 2D barcode reader market. This market was valued at USD 8.5 billion globally in 2024 and is estimated to grow to USD 20.4 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 9.2%. Other estimates place the global 2D barcode reader market at USD 8.44 billion in 2025, projected to grow to USD 15.58 billion by 2034 with a CAGR of 7.10%. Another report suggests a market size of USD 8.14 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 13.60 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2025 to 2030.

  • Asia-Pacific: This region dominated the 2D barcode reader market, holding a 40.10% share in 2025. The regional market was valued at USD 3.39 billion in 2025 and held a substantial share of over 42.5% in 2024.
  • North America: The North American 2D barcode reader market held a major share of over 31% in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.12% during the forecast period.

Vision Sensor Market

Cognex's In-Sight product line includes vision systems and sensors. The global vision sensor market is expected to reach USD 8.2 billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 11.3% during the forecast period (2023-2030). Another report values the global market for Vision Sensors at US$6.8 billion in 2024, projected to reach US$13.2 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.8% from 2024 to 2030.

  • Asia Pacific: This region dominated the global Vision Sensor Market in 2022 and is expected to remain dominant until 2030, reaching a market value of USD 3.1 billion by 2030.
  • North America: The North American region is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 10.8% during 2023-2030 for vision sensors.
  • Europe: The Europe region is poised to grow at a CAGR of 10.6% during 2023-2030 for vision sensors.

Cognex itself identifies a "$7B served market across diverse set of verticals with ~10%-11% CAGR through-cycle" globally.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Cognex Corporation (CGNX) is expected to drive future revenue growth over the next 2-3 years through several strategic initiatives and market tailwinds, including advanced AI-enabled product offerings, diversified expansion across key end markets, and a focused effort on customer acquisition and salesforce transformation.

Expected Drivers of Future Revenue Growth:

  1. AI-Enabled Product Innovation and Expansion: Cognex is heavily investing in and launching new AI-driven machine vision products and solutions. These include products like DataMan 290, In-Sight 8900, OneVision, and SLX, which are designed to enhance capabilities such as auto-setup, advanced code filtering, embedded AI for OEMs, and unified deep learning platforms. These innovations are expected to strengthen Cognex's leadership in industrial machine vision, expand its addressable market, deepen penetration in under-automated workflows, and facilitate market share gains across various industries.
  2. Diversified Growth Across Key End Markets: While acknowledging moderated growth in some areas, Cognex anticipates continued revenue expansion from its key end markets. Specifically, the company projects mid-to-high single-digit organic revenue growth in Logistics and Packaging, high single-to-double-digit growth in Consumer Electronics, and a recovery in the Semiconductor sector with mid-single to double-digit growth, particularly in the latter half of 2026, supported by AI-driven investment cycles. The Automotive sector is also expected to stabilize, moving from declines to flat or low-single-digit growth.
  3. Customer Base Expansion and Enhanced Go-to-Market Strategy: Cognex is actively working to significantly grow its customer base, reporting approximately 9,000 new customer accounts added in 2025, a threefold increase from 2024. The company aims to double its customer base within five years by unifying its global sales organization, implementing three new selling motions for more efficient coverage, and improving customer relationship management processes. These efforts are expected to increase pipeline velocity, conversion rates, and overall market reach, particularly in Packaging and Factory Automation.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Share Repurchases

  • Cognex repurchased $151 million of its common stock in 2025.
  • In 2024, the company spent $43 million to repurchase its common stock.
  • On February 11, 2026, Cognex's Board of Directors authorized an additional $500 million share repurchase capacity, supplementing the $115 million remaining as of December 31, 2025, bringing the total available for repurchase to $650 million.

Outbound Investments

  • Cognex acquired Moritex, a machine vision and optical systems manufacturer, in August 2023 for $273 million.
  • In December 2022, Cognex acquired SAC for an undisclosed amount.

Capital Expenditures

  • Cognex's capital expenditures were approximately $13.3 million in 2021, $15.5 million in 2022, $19.7 million in 2023, and $5.5 million in 2024.
  • The capital expenditure for the last twelve months (LTM) as of November 21, 2025, was $5.51 million.

Better Bets vs. Cognex (CGNX)

Peer Outperformance in Electronic Equipment & Instruments

CGNX has trailed 60% of its 25 Electronic Equipment & Instruments peers over 5Y. Among the peers that beat it are PI, KEYS and MIR. Electronic Equipment & Instruments ranks 9th of 12 industries in Information Technology by median 5Y return. The sector’s gains have largely come from elsewhere.
Share of Electronic Equipment & Instruments constituents that CGNX has outperformed, by holding period. Peers without a full price history over a given window are excluded from that window.
1Y
87%
of 30 industry peers · 34.1% return
3Y
63%
of 27 industry peers · 43.2% return
5Y
40%
of 25 industry peers · -28.4% return
Electronic Equipment & Instruments peers with revenue growth within 4pp of CGNX's that beat it on at least 2 of 3 windows, and by at least 20pp over 5Y. Growth is matched by construction, so the gap is largely a re-rating gap. The multiple column is the context for it.
Ticker Name Rev Growth 3Y Avg P/E 1Y3Y5Y 5Y Gap
CGNX Cognex 7.3% 58.9x 34.1%43.2%-28.4%
PI Impinj 5.6% -204.7x -7.4%191.6%215.7% +244pp
KEYS Keysight Technologies 6.6% 45.5x 89.0%152.0%88.8% +117pp
MIR Mirion Technologies 10.6% 157.3x -35.9%106.3%56.8% +85pp
ITRI Itron 6.8% 14.6x -25.3%44.6%14.7% +43pp
Price returns, excluding dividends. P/E shown for context only and not used for matching.
Median price return by industry across the Information Technology sector, ranked by 5Y. Electronic Equipment & Instruments is CGNX's own industry. Use this to see which corners of the sector have carried the returns.
Industry Names 1Y med3Y med5Y med Top 3 by 5Y
Electronic Manufacturing Services 9 52.1%181.3%268.8% TTMI 801% · FLEX 705% · SANM 419%
Technology Distributors 9 28.9%72.0%93.7% CLMB 332% · AVT 193% · SNX 146%
Semiconductor Materials & Equipment 26 89.8%82.2%93.2% AXTI 784% · AEHR 741% · KLAC 402%
Communications Equipment 36 16.8%84.8%75.0% AAOI 1310% · LITE 990% · FEIM 981%
Electronic Components 26 32.0%62.1%64.5% CLS 3836% · BELFA 1302% · COHR 425%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 20 33.3%77.5%50.2% DELL 1135% · STX 1090% · SMCI 949%
Semiconductors 55 20.4%28.8%38.4% POET 1815% · MU 1302% · NVDA 919%
Internet Services & Infrastructure 6 7.4%46.2%23.4% DOCN 58% · VRSN 41% · GDDY 35%
Electronic Equipment & Instruments ← 26 -13.1%6.0%-11.4% PI 216% · ACFN 114% · OSIS 112%
IT Consulting & Other Services 28 -24.5%-19.3%-28.5% CHRN 537268% · APLD 1258% · TSSI 669%
Application Software 122 -30.3%-16.0%-46.5% VIDA 176264% · INLX 5435% · PLTR 519%
Systems Software 68 -17.7%7.9%-55.7% QNC 457% · ZETA 379% · PANW 358%
Median of constituents with a full price history over each window. Top names are unfiltered by size in this render.

Latest Trefis Analyses

Recent Active Movers

Peer Comparisons

Peers to compare with:

Financials

CGNXROCKTDYZBRAAMEEMRMedian
NameCognex Gibralta.Teledyne.Zebra Te.AMETEK Emerson . 
Mkt Price61.5641.49603.46346.63237.64149.92193.78
Mkt Cap10.31.227.916.554.483.822.2
Rev LTM1,0891,4456,3745,8477,86418,6366,111
Op Inc LTM2381101,2409702,0373,8551,105
FCF LTM268431,1429041,8253,4601,023
FCF 3Y Avg1741091,0177331,7252,462875
CFO LTM277711,2719791,9603,9121,125
CFO 3Y Avg1881361,1258081,8602,896966

Growth & Margins

CGNXROCKTDYZBRAAMEEMRMedian
NameCognex Gibralta.Teledyne.Zebra Te.AMETEK Emerson . 
Rev Chg LTM17.1%35.8%7.9%12.7%12.7%4.8%12.7%
Rev Chg 3Y Avg7.3%5.8%4.5%3.7%7.1%7.7%6.4%
Rev Chg Q16.9%64.6%9.8%20.4%15.0%7.0%16.0%
QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM4.0%16.1%2.4%4.7%3.5%1.7%3.8%
Op Inc Chg LTM80.7%-23.1%12.9%19.9%11.2%15.5%14.2%
Op Inc Chg 3Y Avg25.2%-6.7%6.9%13.4%8.3%13.2%10.7%
Op Mgn LTM21.9%7.6%19.4%16.6%25.9%20.7%20.1%
Op Mgn 3Y Avg15.6%11.3%18.8%14.4%25.9%18.4%17.0%
QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM3.1%0.4%0.4%1.8%-0.0%0.7%0.6%
CFO/Rev LTM25.4%4.9%19.9%16.7%24.9%21.0%20.5%
CFO/Rev 3Y Avg19.1%12.9%18.9%15.5%25.8%16.1%17.5%
FCF/Rev LTM24.6%3.0%17.9%15.5%23.2%18.6%18.2%
FCF/Rev 3Y Avg17.6%10.5%17.1%14.0%23.9%13.7%15.5%

Valuation

CGNXROCKTDYZBRAAMEEMRMedian
NameCognex Gibralta.Teledyne.Zebra Te.AMETEK Emerson . 
Mkt Cap10.31.227.916.554.483.822.2
P/S9.50.94.42.86.94.54.4
P/Op Inc43.211.222.517.126.721.722.1
P/EBIT43.211.222.519.727.222.422.4
P/E58.9-8.228.730.734.532.531.6
P/CFO37.217.422.016.927.821.421.7
Total Yield2.2%-12.2%3.5%3.3%3.4%4.5%3.4%
Dividend Yield0.5%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.5%1.5%0.3%
FCF Yield 3Y Avg2.2%5.9%4.3%5.1%3.9%3.3%4.1%
D/E0.01.10.10.20.00.20.1
Net D/E-0.01.10.10.20.00.10.1

Returns

CGNXROCKTDYZBRAAMEEMRMedian
NameCognex Gibralta.Teledyne.Zebra Te.AMETEK Emerson . 
1M Rtn1.7%-13.3%-7.0%-2.3%-2.2%-4.9%-3.6%
3M Rtn-6.7%1.4%-2.6%46.9%0.2%-0.2%0.0%
6M Rtn25.4%6.8%-2.1%70.2%13.8%17.9%15.8%
12M Rtn34.1%-33.1%7.3%7.4%26.7%15.4%11.4%
3Y Rtn43.2%-40.9%43.1%37.5%58.7%59.9%43.1%
1M Excs Rtn2.4%-12.5%-6.2%-1.5%-1.4%-4.1%-2.8%
3M Excs Rtn-8.7%-0.6%-4.6%44.9%-1.8%-2.2%-2.0%
6M Excs Rtn7.0%-12.2%-20.8%52.3%-3.1%0.5%-1.3%
12M Excs Rtn24.6%-45.6%-6.4%-6.7%12.5%0.3%-3.0%
3Y Excs Rtn-25.4%-111.9%-23.8%-32.7%-12.4%-9.5%-24.6%

Financials

Segment Financials

Revenue by Segment
$ Mil20252024202320222021
Machine vision technology9949158381,006 
Application-specific customer solutions    148
Standard products and services    889
Total9949158381,0061,037


Operating Income by Segment
$ Mil20252024202320142013
Machine vision technology163115131  
Modular Vision Systems Division (MVSD)   15799
Reconciling Items   -28-22
Surface Inspections Systems Division (SISD)   169
Total16311513114486


Net Income by Segment
$ Mil202520242023
Machine vision technology114106113
Total114106113


Price Behavior

Price Behavior
Market Price$61.56 
Market Cap ($ Bil)10.3 
First Trading Date10/09/1989 
Distance from 52W High-14.9% 
   50 Days200 Days
DMA Price$62.70$54.51
DMA Trendupdown
Distance from DMA-1.8%12.9%
 3M1YR
Volatility52.3%58.9%
Downside Capture290.53195.83
Upside Capture225.11196.69
Correlation (SPY)56.4%43.0%
CGNX Betas & Captures as of 8/31/2026

 1M2M3M6M1Y3Y
Beta2.812.722.532.311.941.48
Up Beta3.554.563.392.522.641.35
Down Beta0.47-0.001.451.591.411.44
Up Capture169%188%277%322%312%396%
Bmk +ve Days10213268138427
Stock +ve Days10193064123373
Down Capture432%335%245%203%149%110%
Bmk -ve Days11213259113324
Stock -ve Days11233463127377

[1] Upside and downside betas calculated using positive and negative benchmark daily returns respectively
Based On 1-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with CGNX
CGNX40.8%59.0%0.78-
Sector ETF (XLK)40.5%26.4%1.2545.8%
Equity (SPY)16.9%12.9%0.9442.9%
Gold (GLD)19.1%29.3%0.608.1%
Commodities (DBC)46.9%20.6%1.76-20.2%
Real Estate (VNQ)4.9%13.6%0.108.8%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)-34.5%43.9%-0.8423.4%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 5-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with CGNX
CGNX-6.2%44.8%-0.00-
Sector ETF (XLK)20.2%25.9%0.6954.4%
Equity (SPY)12.9%17.2%0.5754.2%
Gold (GLD)19.1%18.8%0.838.2%
Commodities (DBC)11.3%19.5%0.455.2%
Real Estate (VNQ)1.1%18.8%-0.0538.0%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)11.2%52.5%0.3925.6%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 10-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with CGNX
CGNX10.4%42.4%0.37-
Sector ETF (XLK)24.4%25.0%0.8859.8%
Equity (SPY)15.1%18.0%0.7259.8%
Gold (GLD)12.1%16.4%0.615.7%
Commodities (DBC)8.3%18.1%0.3713.4%
Real Estate (VNQ)4.4%20.7%0.1841.1%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)61.7%66.1%1.0215.3%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How

Short Interest

Short Interest: As Of Date8312026
Short Interest: Shares Quantity7.7 Mil
Short Interest: % Change Since 81520262.5%
Average Daily Volume1.7 Mil
Days-to-Cover Short Interest4.6 days
Basic Shares Quantity167.3 Mil
Short % of Basic Shares4.6%

Earnings Returns History

Updated 9/8/2026
Expand for More
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
8/5/2026-4.7%-14.2%-13.9%
5/6/20265.9%2.2%-2.2%
2/11/202636.3%30.0%11.7%
10/29/2025-12.9%-14.6%-19.8%
7/30/202520.8%21.1%30.7%
4/30/20251.9%4.1%10.1%
2/12/2025-13.6%-14.9%-19.5%
10/30/2024-0.6%5.3%-1.0%
...
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive121210
# Negative121214
Median Positive6.2%9.9%13.7%
Median Negative-8.7%-13.1%-12.3%
Max Positive36.3%30.0%30.7%
Max Negative-21.2%-24.7%-20.8%
Collapse to Preview
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
8/5/2026-4.7%-14.2%-13.9%
5/6/20265.9%2.2%-2.2%
2/11/202636.3%30.0%11.7%
10/29/2025-12.9%-14.6%-19.8%
7/30/202520.8%21.1%30.7%
4/30/20251.9%4.1%10.1%
2/12/2025-13.6%-14.9%-19.5%
10/30/2024-0.6%5.3%-1.0%
7/31/2024-21.2%-24.7%-19.2%
5/2/20245.9%13.1%11.4%
2/15/20246.5%12.9%12.9%
10/31/20233.0%3.0%7.9%
8/3/2023-0.1%-4.4%-7.6%
5/4/20236.6%6.4%20.3%
2/16/2023-13.0%-15.0%-10.7%
11/3/20228.1%17.0%17.2%
8/2/2022-6.6%-7.5%-15.2%
5/5/2022-10.9%-23.6%-20.8%
2/17/20226.6%8.2%15.4%
11/4/2021-13.5%-12.0%-17.0%
8/5/2021-5.4%-10.2%-2.9%
5/6/2021-1.7%-7.3%-0.7%
2/11/20214.6%-2.7%-6.7%
10/28/20203.9%11.5%14.5%
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive121210
# Negative121214
Median Positive6.2%9.9%13.7%
Median Negative-8.7%-13.1%-12.3%
Max Positive36.3%30.0%30.7%
Max Negative-21.2%-24.7%-20.8%

SEC Filings

Expand for More
Report DateFiling DateFiling
06/30/202608/06/202610-Q
03/31/202605/07/202610-Q
12/31/202502/12/202610-K
09/30/202510/30/202510-Q
06/30/202507/31/202510-Q
03/31/202505/01/202510-Q
12/31/202402/13/202510-K
09/30/202410/31/202410-Q
06/30/202408/01/202410-Q
03/31/202405/02/202410-Q
12/31/202302/15/202410-K
09/30/202310/31/202310-Q
06/30/202308/03/202310-Q
03/31/202305/04/202310-Q
12/31/202202/16/202310-K
09/30/202211/03/202210-Q
Collapse to Preview
Report DateFiling DateFiling
06/30/202608/06/202610-Q
03/31/202605/07/202610-Q
12/31/202502/12/202610-K
09/30/202510/30/202510-Q
06/30/202507/31/202510-Q
03/31/202505/01/202510-Q
12/31/202402/13/202510-K
09/30/202410/31/202410-Q
06/30/202408/01/202410-Q
03/31/202405/02/202410-Q
12/31/202302/15/202410-K
09/30/202310/31/202310-Q
06/30/202308/03/202310-Q
03/31/202305/04/202310-Q
12/31/202202/16/202310-K
09/30/202211/03/202210-Q
06/30/202208/02/202210-Q
03/31/202205/05/202210-Q
12/31/202102/17/202210-K
09/30/202111/04/202110-Q
06/30/202108/05/202110-Q
03/31/202105/06/202110-Q
12/31/202002/11/202110-K
09/30/202010/28/202010-Q
06/30/202007/29/202010-Q
03/31/202004/27/202010-Q
12/31/201902/13/202010-K
09/30/201910/28/201910-Q

Recent Forward Guidance

Updated 8/6/2026

Latest: Q2 2026 Earnings Reported 8/5/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricSourceLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
Q3 2026 RevenueReported300.00 Mil310.00 Mil320.00 Mil6.9% Higher NewGuidance: 290.00 Mil for Q2 2026
Q3 2026 Adj. EBITDA MarginReported32.0%33.5%35.0% 4.0%Higher NewGuidance: 29.5% for Q2 2026
Q3 2026 Adj. EPS (diluted)Reported0.50.520.5423.8% Higher NewGuidance: 0.42 for Q2 2026
2026 RevenueReported1.13 Bil1.14 Bil1.15 Bil   
2026 Adj. EBITDA MarginReported29.0%30.0%31.0%   
2026 Adj. EPS (diluted)Reported1.641.661.68   


Prior: Q1 2026 Earnings Reported 5/6/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricSourceLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
Q2 2026 RevenueReported280.00 Mil290.00 Mil300.00 Mil18.4% Higher NewGuidance: 245.00 Mil for Q1 2026
Q2 2026 Adjusted EBITDA MarginReported28.0%29.5%31.0% 9.0%Higher NewGuidance: 20.5% for Q1 2026
Q2 2026 Adjusted Earnings Per Share (diluted)Reported0.40.420.4475.0% Higher NewGuidance: 0.24 for Q1 2026

Q4 2025 Earnings Reported 2/11/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricSourceLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
Q1 2026 RevenueReported235.00 Mil245.00 Mil255.00 Mil3.2% Higher NewGuidance: 237.50 Mil for Q4 2025
Q1 2026 Adjusted EBITDA MarginReported19.0%20.5%22.0% 2.0%Higher NewGuidance: 18.5% for Q4 2025
Q1 2026 Adjusted Earnings Per Share (diluted)Reported0.220.240.2611.6% Higher NewGuidance: 0.21 for Q4 2025
2026 Annualized Cost ReductionsReported35.00 Mil37.50 Mil40.00 Mil   
2026 Adjusted EBITDA MarginReported 25.0%    

Q3 2025 Earnings Reported 10/29/2025

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricSourceLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
Q4 2025 RevenueReported230.00 Mil237.50 Mil245.00 Mil-6.9% Lower NewGuidance: 255.00 Mil for Q3 2025
Q4 2025 Adjusted EBITDA MarginReported17.0%18.5%20.0% -2.5%Lower NewGuidance: 21.0% for Q3 2025
Q4 2025 Adjusted Earnings Per Share (diluted)Reported0.190.210.24-18.9% Lower NewGuidance: 0.27 for Q3 2025

Insider Activity

Updated 8/11/2026
Expand for More
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Long, Darren MarcVice PresidentDirectSell528202666.3420,2521,343,457264,685Form
2MacDonald, Laura AnnVP and PAODirectSell512202665.5641,6002,727,429344,731Form
3Fennell, MarkChief Legal Officer &SecretaryDirectSell512202667.0564,873  Form
4MacDonald, Laura AnnVP and PAODirectSell512202666.8098,1226,554,765351,246Form
5Parrotte, Dianne M DirectSell303202654.0044,0002,376,0001,805,274Form
Collapse to Preview
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Long, Darren MarcVice PresidentDirectSell528202666.3420,2521,343,457264,685Form
2MacDonald, Laura AnnVP and PAODirectSell512202665.5641,6002,727,429344,731Form
3Fennell, MarkChief Legal Officer &SecretaryDirectSell512202667.0564,873  Form
4MacDonald, Laura AnnVP and PAODirectSell512202666.8098,1226,554,765351,246Form
5Parrotte, Dianne M DirectSell303202654.0044,0002,376,0001,805,274Form
6Papadimitriou, Angelos DirectSell224202655.584,150230,659901,625Form
7Gerst, CarlEVP, Global Sales and ProductsDirectSell224202655.9310,532  Form
8Kuechen, JoergHead of Corporate M&ADirectSell224202656.0361,900  Form
9Gerst, CarlEVP, Global Sales and ProductsDirectSell224202655.993,804212,979270,759Form
10Willett, Robert DirectSell217202659.502,148  Form
11MacDonald, Laura AnnVP and PAODirectSell213202657.1614,881850,553126,431Form
12Willett, Robert DirectSell213202658.39177,052  Form
13Willett, Robert DirectSell1022202549.516,704  Form
14Dipalma, Sheila MarieEVP, Employee ServicesDirectSell908202545.032,00090,060296,387Form
15Dipalma, Sheila MarieEVP, Employee ServicesDirectSell908202545.002,00290,090386,190Form
16MacDonald, Laura AnnVP and PAODirectSell908202545.002,666119,970206,685Form

Investor Activity (13F)

Updated Sep 19, 2026
13F holdings as of Mar 31, 2026 (Q1 2026)

Active managers (13F portfolio over $250M, at least 3 holdings) with a position over $5M that is either over 10% of their portfolio or held in a concentrated book of 50 or fewer total positions. Index/ETF, sovereign, bank, community-bank and charitable/donor-advised filers are excluded.

Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Engaged Capital LLC$23.7 Mil7.8%8TRIM -48.1%13F
Electron Capital Partners, LLC$43.5 Mil2.0%44Hold13F
Westerly Capital Management, LLC$6.1 Mil1.9%36ADD +25.0%13F
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Westerly Capital Management, LLC$6.1 Mil1.9%36ADD +25.0%13F
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Engaged Capital LLC$23.7 Mil7.8%8TRIM -48.1%13F
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Electron Capital Partners, LLC$43.5 Mil2.0%44Hold13F
Engaged Capital LLC$23.7 Mil7.8%8TRIM -48.1%13F
Westerly Capital Management, LLC$6.1 Mil1.9%36ADD +25.0%13F
Core Cache Last Updated: 9/18/2026