Cognex Corporation

NasdaqGS:CGNX Stock Report

Market Cap: US$10.1b

Cognex Management

Management criteria checks 2/4

Cognex's CEO is Matt Moschner, appointed in Feb 2025, has a tenure of 1.33 years. total yearly compensation is $8.10M, comprised of 6.5% salary and 93.5% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.01% of the company’s shares, worth $1.00M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 1.3 years and 4.1 years respectively.

Key information

Matt Moschner

Chief executive officer

US$8.1m

Total compensation

CEO salary percentage6.53%
CEO tenure1.3yrs
CEO ownership0.01%
Management average tenure1.3yrs
Board average tenure4.1yrs

Recent management updates

Recent updates

Narrative Update Jun 03

CGNX: AI Vision Turnaround And Cost Discipline Will Support Fairly Valued Outlook

Narrative Update: Cognex Analyst Price Target Move The analyst price target for Cognex is updated from $50.92 to $61.65, with analysts citing AI-enabled vision systems, a broader customer base, an improved mix, and expense leverage as key factors supporting higher fair value assumptions. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates around Cognex point to a more constructive tone on growth opportunities tied to AI enabled vision systems and a broader customer base, but there is still a pocket of caution that centers on how much of this optimism is already reflected in the stock price and how consistently the company can execute.
Narrative Update May 19

CGNX: Margin Execution And Automation Demand Will Drive Future Share Upside

Analysts have lifted the updated price target framework for Cognex to $90.99 from $60.96, citing broad Street target increases. These changes reflect a more favorable organic growth outlook, stronger gross margin performance, and ongoing operating expense leverage.
Analysis Article May 09

Cognex Corporation Beat Analyst Estimates: See What The Consensus Is Forecasting For This Year

Cognex Corporation ( NASDAQ:CGNX ) just released its quarterly report and things are looking bullish. The company beat...
Seeking Alpha Apr 30

Cognex: Reindustrialization And The Military Industrial Complex Can Drive Global Growth

Summary Cognex is rated Strong Buy with a price target of $80, reflecting optimism for durable, margin-accretive growth. CGNX is positioned to benefit from North American reindustrialization, military mobilization, and semiconductor market expansion, supporting robust revenue and EPS forecasts. Forecasts for EQ1'26 are $255 million in net revenue and $0.26 EPS, at the top end of management guidance, driven by manufacturing productivity and automation trends. Shares trade below historical EV/aEBITDA midpoints, presenting an appealing entry point ahead of earnings and anticipated operational outperformance. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update Apr 28

CGNX: Margin Discipline And End Market Recovery Will Support Fairly Valued Outlook

Cognex's analyst price target has slipped slightly from about $52 to $50.92 as analysts balance a softer revenue growth outlook with firmer margin expectations and still elevated P/E assumptions. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Cognex shows a split view, with some firms lifting targets and ratings while others are taking a more restrained stance as they reassess growth, margins, and valuation after the latest earnings updates.
Narrative Update Apr 14

CGNX: Margin Execution And Buybacks Will Support Premium Multiple In Recovery

The analyst price target for Cognex has edged up by $0.10 to $65.60 as analysts highlight margin improvement efforts, cost reduction plans, and a recovering demand backdrop across key end markets. Analyst Commentary Recent research signals a generally constructive shift in sentiment on Cognex, with several banks lifting price targets and a few moving ratings higher as they reassess earnings power, margins, and the demand backdrop.
Narrative Update Mar 31

CGNX: Margin Discipline And Buybacks Will Support Premium Multiple In Industrial Recovery

Analyst price targets on Cognex have moved higher, with the updated fair value estimate holding at $65.50. Analysts point to margin improvement, cost initiatives, a recovering short cycle industrial group, and steadier segment trends as key supports for the new targets.
Narrative Update Mar 17

CGNX: Margin Execution And Buybacks Will Support Premium Multiple In Industrial Recovery

Cognex's analyst fair value estimate has been revised higher from $60.55 to $65.50. Analysts highlight improving short cycle industrial demand, faster margin progress, cost reduction efforts, and a broader customer base, which support higher revenue growth assumptions and a richer future P/E of 44.37x versus 41.32x previously.
Narrative Update Mar 02

CGNX: Margin Execution And Demand Stability Will Shape Fairly Valued Outlook

The analyst fair value estimate for Cognex has been raised from $36.62 to $52.00, reflecting higher Street price targets in the $55 to $75 range and analyst expectations for improved margins, cost control, and a more stable demand backdrop across key segments. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Cognex clusters around higher price targets and a more constructive stance on margins, cost controls, and demand stability, but the tone is not uniformly bullish.
Analysis Article Feb 19

We Like The Quality Of Cognex's (NASDAQ:CGNX) Earnings

Investors signalled that they were pleased with Cognex Corporation's ( NASDAQ:CGNX ) most recent earnings report. This...
Narrative Update Feb 16

CGNX: Cost Discipline And Automation Demand Will Support Margins And Buybacks

Analysts have raised their price target on Cognex by about $11.90 to $60.55, citing updated assumptions around fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E multiples, which are in line with recent Street target increases from UBS, Barclays, and KeyBanc. Analyst Commentary Recent target changes around Cognex reflect a mix of optimism on long term demand drivers and some caution on execution and timing, with several firms adjusting their models as part of broader industrial technology outlooks for 2026.
Narrative Update Feb 02

CGNX: Industrial Tech Tailwinds Will Face Stricter Execution And Margin Expectations

Analysts have trimmed their price target on Cognex to US$54, down US$2, as they refresh assumptions around fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E in light of updated views on industrial technology demand across data centers, factory and warehouse automation, electronics, test and measurement, and semiconductors. Analyst Commentary Recent research trims the price target on Cognex to US$54, which signals that some expectations around future growth, margins, and valuation are being reset, even as broader industrial technology end markets such as data centers, factory automation, warehouse automation, electronics, test and measurement, and semiconductors are viewed constructively.
Narrative Update Jan 19

CGNX: Cost Cuts And Automation Exposure Will Drive Future Share Upside

Analysts have trimmed their average price target for Cognex by about $2 to roughly $54, reflecting updated views on fair value, discount rate, growth, margins and future P/E after recent sector wide adjustments to industrial technology outlooks. Analyst Commentary Recent Street commentary around Cognex centers on small adjustments to fair value assumptions while keeping a generally constructive view on the company and its exposure to industrial technology end markets.
Narrative Update Jan 05

CGNX: Cost Discipline And Activist Pressure Will Drive Stronger Margins

Analysts have nudged their price target for Cognex slightly higher, reflecting a modest fair value increase to about $48.65 as they anticipate margin recovery and stronger 2025 EBITDA, supported by continued R&D investment and disciplined cost control. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts highlight expectations for a strong EBITDA recovery in 2025, supported by top line growth and disciplined expense management, which underpins the higher fair value range.
Narrative Update Dec 21

CGNX: EBITDA Recovery And Cost Cuts Will Drive Strong Share Upside

Analysts have raised their price target on Cognex to a range centered around approximately $55, up from the prior mid $30s to low $40s range. They cite expectations for stronger revenue growth, higher profit margins, and a robust EBITDA recovery supported by disciplined expense management and sustained R&D investment.
Narrative Update Dec 07

CGNX: Cost Discipline And Activist Pressure Will Drive Stronger Margins And Earnings

Analysts have nudged their average price target on Cognex slightly higher, with recent moves such as a lift to about $45 and a bullish $55 initiation. These changes reflect expectations for a measured recovery in growth and margins, supported by stronger 2025 EBITDA and disciplined cost control.
Narrative Update Nov 23

CGNX: Cost Reductions And Expense Discipline Will Drive Earnings Recovery In 2025

The analyst price target for Cognex has increased from $37 to $45. Analysts cite improved profit margins and expectations for stronger EBITDA recovery, driven by disciplined expense management and robust investments in R&D and sales.
Narrative Update Nov 06

CGNX: Expense Discipline And Cost Cuts Will Drive Stronger Margins Ahead

The analyst price target for Cognex has increased from $48.25 to $48.90, as analysts note improving margin prospects beyond near-term tariff headwinds. They also anticipate strong EBITDA recovery driven by disciplined expense management and ongoing growth initiatives.
Narrative Update Oct 23

Analysts Weigh Cognex Growth Outlook Amid Valuation Changes and Activist Investor Developments

Analysts have increased their fair value estimate for Cognex from $48.00 to $48.25. This change is attributed to improving demand trends and expectations of stronger future EBITDA margins.
Narrative Update Oct 09

Cloud And AI Vision Solutions Will Expand Market Reach

The analyst fair value estimate for Cognex has been raised modestly from $47.21 to $48.00 per share. Analysts anticipate improved revenue growth and margin recovery, supported by disciplined cost management and ongoing investment in core strengths.
Narrative Update Sep 25

Cloud And AI Vision Solutions Will Expand Market Reach

Analysts have raised their price target for Cognex to $47.21, citing improving end-market demand, stronger than expected operating leverage, and sector-wide optimism on earnings growth. Analyst Commentary Improving demand across most of Cognex's end markets is expected to drive a return to more normalized upcycle operating leverage into 2026.
Analysis Article Sep 21

When Should You Buy Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ:CGNX)?

While Cognex Corporation ( NASDAQ:CGNX ) might not have the largest market cap around , it led the NASDAQGS gainers...
Narrative Update Sep 10

Cloud And AI Vision Solutions Will Expand Market Reach

Analysts have trimmed their price target for Cognex to $46.17 as near-term neutrality and only modest improvements outweigh longer-term optimism for margin expansion and demand recovery in 2026. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts expect improving demand across most end markets to drive a return to normalized upcycle operating leverage by 2026.
Analysis Article Sep 03

A Look At The Intrinsic Value Of Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ:CGNX)

Key Insights Cognex's estimated fair value is US$46.24 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Current share price of...
Analysis Article Aug 01

Why Investors Shouldn't Be Surprised By Cognex Corporation's (NASDAQ:CGNX) 27% Share Price Surge

Cognex Corporation ( NASDAQ:CGNX ) shares have continued their recent momentum with a 27% gain in the last month alone...
Analysis Article Jul 23

Cognex's (NASDAQ:CGNX) Returns Have Hit A Wall

Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? Amongst other things...
Analysis Article Jun 16

Is It Too Late To Consider Buying Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ:CGNX)?

Cognex Corporation ( NASDAQ:CGNX ), might not be a large cap stock, but it led the NASDAQGS gainers with a relatively...
Seeking Alpha Mar 04

Cognex: Headwinds Likely To Persist In 2025

Summary Cognex's has come under pressure in recent months with ongoing demand weakness undermining investor confidence in the company. While Cognex has a bright future, macro headwinds seem set to persist in the near term and could increase as 2025 progresses. This could be problematic for Cognex's stock, as its valuation remains elevated, despite the recent pullback. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha Jan 26

Cognex: Vision Does Not Translate In Results

Summary Cognex has struggled to meet its potential, with stagnant revenues and expensive acquisitions, but shows signs of recovery heading into 2025. Despite recent growth, shares are still valued highly, trading at 50 times earnings and 8 times sales, making caution advisable. Improved performance in semiconductor sectors could drive future growth, but significant execution is required to justify current valuations. Net cash holdings are strong, but adjusted earnings remain low, necessitating careful observation of continued momentum into 2025. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha

CEO Compensation Analysis

How has Matt Moschner's remuneration changed compared to Cognex's earnings?
DateTotal CompensationSalaryCompany Earnings
Apr 05 2026n/an/a

US$143m

Dec 31 2025US$8mUS$529k

US$114m

Compensation vs Market: Matt's total compensation ($USD8.10M) is below average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD14.81M).

Compensation vs Earnings: Insufficient data to compare Matt's compensation with company performance.


CEO

Matt Moschner (39 yo)

1.3yrs
Tenure
US$8,099,369
Compensation

Mr. Matthew Moschner, also known as Matt, is Chief Executive Officer & Director of Cognex Corporation from June 27, 2025 and serves as its President of Cognex Corporation from February 20, 2025 and served...


Leadership Team

NamePositionTenureCompensationOwnership
Matthew Moschner
President1.3yrsUS$8.10m0.0099%
$ 1.0m
Dennis Fehr
Senior VP of Finance & CFO2.1yrsUS$3.48m0.0096%
$ 972.7k
Carl Gerst
Executive Vice President of Global Sales & Productsless than a yearUS$3.66m0%
$ 0
Sheila DiPalma
Executive VP of Employee Services & Chief Culture Officer8.7yrsUS$2.19m0.0090%
$ 913.0k
Robert Shillman
Founder45.4yrsUS$216.05kno data
Mike Bowdoin
Vice President of Operationsless than a yearno data0.0067%
$ 677.1k
Laura MacDonald
VP of Finance18.5yrsUS$1.25m0.0032%
$ 320.9k
Greer Aviv
Head of Investor Relations1yrno datano data
Mark Fennell
VP, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretaryless than a yearno datano data
Robin Pratt
Corporate Communications Contractorno datano datano data
Didier Lacroix
Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales & Marketingno datano datano data
Richard Morin
Secretaryno dataUS$538.28kno data
1.3yrs
Average Tenure
58yo
Average Age

Experienced Management: CGNX's management team is not considered experienced ( 1.3 years average tenure), which suggests a new team.


Board Members

NamePositionTenureCompensationOwnership
Matthew Moschner
President1yrUS$8.10m0.0099%
$ 1.0m
Robert Shillman
Founder5.1yrsUS$216.05kno data
Anthony Sun
Chairman & Lead Independent Director44.4yrsUS$403.03k0.23%
$ 23.6m
Marjorie Sennett
Independent Director4.6yrsUS$345.03k0.016%
$ 1.6m
Sachin Lawande
Independent Director5.4yrsUS$340.03k0.017%
$ 1.7m
Angelos Papadimitriou
Independent Director3.3yrsUS$335.03k0.0097%
$ 986.9k
John T. Lee
Independent Director4.1yrsUS$355.03k0.015%
$ 1.5m
Sami Atiya
Independent Directorless than a yearno datano data
Christopher Donato
Independent Directorless than a yearno datano data
4.1yrs
Average Tenure
61yo
Average Age

Experienced Board: CGNX's board of directors are considered experienced (4.1 years average tenure).


Company Analysis and Financial Data Status

DataLast Updated (UTC time)
Company Analysis2026/06/08 09:58
End of Day Share Price 2026/06/05 00:00
Earnings2026/04/05
Annual Earnings2025/12/31

Data Sources

The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.

PackageDataTimeframeExample US Source *
Company Financials10 years
  • Income statement
  • Cash flow statement
  • Balance sheet
Analyst Consensus Estimates+3 years
  • Forecast financials
  • Analyst price targets
Market Prices30 years
  • Stock prices
  • Dividends, Splits and Actions
Ownership10 years
  • Top shareholders
  • Insider trading
Management10 years
  • Leadership team
  • Board of directors
Key Developments10 years
  • Company announcements

* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.

Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.

Analysis Model and Snowflake

Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.

Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Industry and Sector Metrics

Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.

Analyst Sources

Cognex Corporation is covered by 37 analysts. 20 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.

AnalystInstitution
Quinn FredricksonBaird
Robert MasonBaird
Guy HardwickBarclays