Cognex Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 4/6
Cognex's earnings have been declining at an average annual rate of -23.7%, while the Electronic industry saw earnings growing at 3.8% annually. Revenues have been declining at an average rate of 1.3% per year. Cognex's return on equity is 9.6%, and it has net margins of 13.6%.
Key information
-23.72%
Earnings growth rate
-22.80%
EPS growth rate
| Electronic Industry Growth | 15.34% |
| Revenue growth rate | -1.31% |
| Return on equity | 9.64% |
| Net Margin | 13.62% |
| Last Earnings Update | 05 Apr 2026 |
Recent past performance 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 AlphaNarrative 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 AlphaSeeking 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 AlphaRevenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Cognex makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05 Apr 26 | 1,047 | 143 | 374 | 141 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 994 | 114 | 364 | 139 |
| 28 Sep 25 | 972 | 110 | 364 | 135 |
| 29 Jun 25 | 930 | 122 | 362 | 136 |
| 30 Mar 25 | 920 | 118 | 364 | 137 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 915 | 106 | 371 | 140 |
| 29 Sep 24 | 882 | 89 | 367 | 142 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 844 | 78 | 356 | 139 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 847 | 100 | 347 | 138 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 838 | 113 | 339 | 139 |
| 01 Oct 23 | 880 | 157 | 325 | 142 |
| 02 Jul 23 | 893 | 172 | 318 | 143 |
| 02 Apr 23 | 925 | 174 | 314 | 144 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 1,006 | 216 | 312 | 141 |
| 02 Oct 22 | 1,011 | 214 | 319 | 139 |
| 03 Jul 22 | 1,086 | 259 | 321 | 140 |
| 03 Apr 22 | 1,080 | 277 | 318 | 137 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 1,037 | 280 | 309 | 135 |
| 03 Oct 21 | 1,017 | 296 | 300 | 134 |
| 04 Jul 21 | 983 | 304 | 288 | 130 |
| 04 Apr 21 | 883 | 226 | 271 | 129 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 811 | 176 | 268 | 131 |
| 27 Sep 20 | 757 | 187 | 268 | 130 |
| 28 Jun 20 | 689 | 141 | 268 | 127 |
| 29 Mar 20 | 719 | 191 | 276 | 125 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 726 | 204 | 274 | 119 |
| 29 Sep 19 | 749 | 169 | 266 | 115 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 798 | 208 | 267 | 117 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 810 | 215 | 266 | 116 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 806 | 219 | 263 | 116 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 796 | 146 | 257 | 115 |
| 01 Jul 18 | 830 | 168 | 252 | 111 |
| 01 Apr 18 | 797 | 168 | 238 | 108 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 766 | 177 | 221 | 99 |
| 01 Oct 17 | 712 | 243 | 203 | 92 |
| 02 Jul 17 | 594 | 194 | 184 | 84 |
| 02 Apr 17 | 564 | 180 | 174 | 80 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 530 | 144 | 166 | 78 |
| 02 Oct 16 | 489 | 130 | 159 | 76 |
| 03 Jul 16 | 449 | 103 | 153 | 75 |
| 03 Apr 16 | 445 | 103 | 150 | 73 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 451 | 108 | 152 | 70 |
| 04 Oct 15 | 451 | 111 | 153 | 66 |
| 05 Jul 15 | 498 | 133 | 161 | 67 |
Quality Earnings: CGNX has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: CGNX's current net profit margins (13.6%) are higher than last year (12.8%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: CGNX's earnings have declined by 23.7% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: CGNX's earnings growth over the past year (20.8%) exceeds its 5-year average (-23.7% per year).
Earnings vs Industry: CGNX earnings growth over the past year (20.8%) exceeded the Electronic industry 10.6%.
Return on Equity
High ROE: CGNX's Return on Equity (9.6%) is considered low.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/06/05 12:23 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/06/05 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/04/05 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
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.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* 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
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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.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Quinn Fredrickson | Baird |
| Robert Mason | Baird |
| Guy Hardwick | Barclays |