CGNX

Cognex Corporation

Fundamental data last updated:August 19, 2026

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company profile

SECTOR

Technology

industry

Hardware, Equipment & Parts

Exchange

NASDAQ

County of HQ

US

Next Earnings Date

Pending Announcement

Business Summary

Cognex Corporation provides machine vision products that capture and analyze visual information in order to automate manufacturing and distribution tasks worldwide. Its machine vision products are used to automate the manufacturing and tracking of discrete items, including mobile phones, aspirin bottles, and automobile tires by locating, identifying, inspecting, and measuring them during the manufacturing or distribution process. The company offers VisionPro software, a suite of patented vision tools for advanced programming; QuickBuild that allows customers to build vision applications with a graphical, flowchart-based programming interface; and Cognex deep learning vision software. It also provides a range of inspection tasks, including part location, identification, measurement, assembly verification, and robotic guidance; vision sensors for vision applications, such as checking the presence and size of parts; and the In-Sight product line of vision systems and sensors. In addition, the company offers DataMan, an image-based barcode readers and barcode verifiers. It sells its products to consumer electronics, automotive, consumer products, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices industries, as well as through a network of distributors and integrators. Cognex Corporation was incorporated in 1981 and is headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts.

 


VALUATION

P/E

76.54

Market Cap ($M USD)

$10.90B

Forward P/E

26.21

PEG

0.14

PRICE TO SALES

10.42

PRICE TO BOOK

7.38

EV / EBITDA

47.95

5-Year Average P/E

Free Cash Flow Yield

2.21%

DCF Value

$13.31

Graham Number

$13.08

Price to FCF

45.24

EV to FCF

44.56

Earnings Yield

1.31%

FCF Yield

2.21%

DIVIDEND

Yield

0.51%

Annual Payout

$0.34

Payout Ratio

38.78%

Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth

5-Year Dividend Growth Rate

Financial Health & Profitability

Earnings Per Share

$0.86

Next Year EPS Growth Estimate

$2.50

Next Year Revenue Growth Estimate

$1.54B

Return on Equity (ROE)

9.56%

FREE CASH FLOW

Operating Margin

18.76%

Debt-to-Equity

0.05

Piotroski F-Score

8

Altman Z-Score

14.03

Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)

10.81%

Current Ratio

3.55

Quick Ratio

2.84

Net Debt to EBITDA

-0.73

Interest Coverage

0.00

Gross Profit margin

68.02%

FCF PER SHARE

$1.45

REVENUE PER SHARE

$6.29

Gainseekers Quantitative Analysis

Summary

Cognex Corporation’s valuation presents a stark contrast between market exuberance and intrinsic worth. With a Price/Earnings ratio soaring at 76.70, the market appears to be pricing in perfection, yet the DCF value of 13.53 suggests a significant overvaluation. The Forward P/E of 29.18 indicates expectations of growth, but the Earnings Yield of just 1.30% signals limited immediate returns. However, the Altman Z-score of 13.89 reflects robust financial health, suggesting low bankruptcy risk. This stock is a paradox of high expectations and underlying safety, leaving investors to ponder if the growth can justify the premium.

AI Exposure / Tech Reliance

Cognex operates in the Hardware, Equipment & Parts industry, positioning it well to capitalize on AI advancements. Its technology is integral to automation, a field ripe for AI integration. This alignment with modern tech trends could bolster its resilience and growth potential.

The Bull Case

For the discerning GARP investor, Cognex offers compelling strengths. The ROIC of 10.81% showcases efficient capital use, while a Piotroski F-Score of 8 indicates solid financial health. Despite a modest FCF Yield of 2.21%, the company's robust operating margin of 18.76% underscores its pricing power. These metrics paint a picture of a company with strong execution and potential for sustained growth.

The Bear Case

Yet, the bear case is hard to ignore. The Price/Sales ratio of 10.44 and Price/Book of 7.39 highlight a valuation stretched to its limits. The stock's proximity to its 52-week high suggests technical overextension, raising caution flags. Additionally, an EV to EBITDA of 48.04 points to a rich valuation, potentially limiting future upside. Investors must weigh these risks against the company's growth narrative.

Market Sentiment & Smart Money

Short Interest %

Analyst Consensus

Buy

Average Analyst Price Target

$70.92

Institutional Ownership %

1-Year Beta

1.48

Insider Buying % (6 Mo)

Distance to 52-Week High

9.74%

Distance to 52-Week Low

55.40%

EARNINGS SURPRISE %

36.00%

50-DAY SMA

$56.58

200-DAY SMA

$46.64

⚠️ Financial Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Information may be delayed or inaccurate. We may earn a commission from partner links.