CGNX
TechnologyCognex Corporation · Hardware, Equipment & Parts · $11B
What is Cognex Corporation?
Cognex Corporation is a machine vision technology company that helps manufacturers and distributors automate visual inspection and tracking tasks across global supply chains.
Cognex develops software and hardware that enable machines to see, identify, and measure objects during manufacturing or distribution. Its products locate parts, verify assemblies, read barcodes, and guide robots — serving industries from consumer electronics to pharmaceuticals.
Incorporated in 1981 and headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, Cognex has built decades of experience in industrial automation.
- VisionPro and deep learning vision software
- In-Sight vision systems and sensors
- DataMan image-based barcode readers
Is CGNX a Good Stock to Buy?
UQS Score rates CGNX as Below Average overall.
The Risk pillar stands out as the clearest positive, suggesting the balance sheet and financial stability are relatively sound. Moat and Valuation both register as Neutral, indicating neither a commanding competitive edge nor an obviously stretched price.
Quality and Growth are both rated Weak, reflecting challenges in profitability trends and revenue expansion relative to sector peers.
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Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.
Does CGNX pay dividends?
Yes — Cognex Corporation pays a dividend.
Cognex pays a regular dividend, which is relatively uncommon among mid-cap technology companies. This reflects a degree of financial discipline and cash generation, though investors should weigh the dividend alongside the company's Weak Quality and Growth pillar ratings.
When does CGNX report earnings?
Cognex reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, typical for US-listed equities.
Given Weak ratings in both Quality and Growth, recent earnings cycles have reflected pressure on profitability and top-line momentum relative to sector peers. The Risk pillar remains a relative bright spot in the financial profile.
For the most recent quarter's results, visit Cognex Corporation's investor relations page directly.
CGNX Price History
-30.3% over 5Y
Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.
What if I invested in Cognex Corporation?
Based on Cognex Corporation's historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cognex do?
Cognex makes machine vision products — cameras, sensors, and software — that help factories and distribution centers automate visual tasks like part inspection, barcode reading, and robotic guidance. Its customers span automotive, electronics, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
Does CGNX pay dividends?
Yes, Cognex pays a regular dividend. For a mid-cap technology company, this is relatively uncommon and signals a degree of financial stability, though investors should review the full UQS pillar profile before drawing conclusions.
When does CGNX report earnings?
Cognex reports on a standard quarterly schedule. We do not publish specific upcoming earnings dates — check Cognex's investor relations page for the latest schedule and recent results.
Is CGNX a good stock to buy?
UQS Score rates CGNX as Below Average, driven by Weak Quality and Growth pillars. The Risk pillar is Strong, which provides some reassurance on financial stability. The full pillar breakdown is available to Pro members.
Is CGNX overvalued?
The UQS Valuation pillar for CGNX is rated Neutral, suggesting the stock is neither clearly cheap nor obviously expensive relative to its fundamentals. Pro members can view the detailed valuation metrics behind this rating.
What is CGNX's market cap bracket?
Cognex is classified as a mid-cap company. This places it in a segment that can offer growth potential but may carry more volatility than large- or mega-cap peers in the technology sector.
Is CGNX a long-term quality indicator?
As a long-term quality indicator, CGNX currently scores Below Average on the UQS composite. The Strong Risk pillar is a positive signal for durability, but Weak Quality and Growth ratings suggest the business faces meaningful headwinds over a longer horizon.
What sector does CGNX belong to?
Cognex operates in the Technology sector, specifically within industrial automation and machine vision. Its products sit at the intersection of hardware, software, and artificial intelligence applied to manufacturing processes.
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Pro Analysis
CGNX — Score History
| Date | UQS | Quality | Moat | Growth | Risk | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2026 | 47.6 | 36.0 | 42.0 | 38.0 | 96.4 | 40.1 | -0.1 |
| May 22, 2026 | 47.7 | 36.0 | 42.0 | 37.9 | 96.4 | 41.0 | -0.1 |
| May 21, 2026 | 47.8 | 36.0 | 42.0 | 37.9 | 96.4 | 41.4 | -0.2 |
| May 20, 2026 | 48.0 | 36.0 | 42.0 | 37.9 | 96.4 | 42.7 | +0.1 |
| May 19, 2026 | 47.9 | 36.0 | 42.0 | 37.9 | 96.4 | 42.1 | +0.2 |
| May 17, 2026 | 47.7 | 36.0 | 42.0 | 37.9 | 96.4 | 41.0 | 0.0 |
| May 16, 2026 | 47.7 | 36.0 | 42.0 | 37.9 | 96.4 | 40.9 | +0.1 |
| May 15, 2026 | 47.6 | 36.0 | 42.0 | 37.9 | 96.4 | 40.1 | -0.1 |
| May 14, 2026 | 47.7 | 36.0 | 42.0 | 37.6 | 96.4 | 41.1 | +0.2 |
| May 13, 2026 | 47.5 | 36.0 | 42.0 | 37.6 | 96.4 | 40.2 | +0.2 |
CGNX — Pillar Breakdown
Quality
— 36.0/100 (25%)Cognex Corporation has average quality metrics, with room for improvement in margins or capital efficiency.
How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.
Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.
Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.
Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.
Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.
Free cash flow relative to market value.
Growth
— 38.0/100 (20%)Cognex Corporation shows steady but unspectacular growth, typical for mature companies.
Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.
Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.
Year-over-year earnings per share growth.
Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.
Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.
Risk
— 96.4/100 (15%)Cognex Corporation carries minimal financial risk with conservative leverage and strong solvency.
Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.
Total debt relative to shareholder equity.
Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.
Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.
Valuation
— 40.1/100 (15%)Cognex Corporation has a mixed valuation — some metrics suggest fair value while others appear stretched.
Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.
How many years of FCF the market cap represents.
P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.
Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.
Moat
— 42/100 (25%)Cognex Corporation possesses some competitive advantages but faces meaningful competition. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for CGNX.
Score Composition
Financial Data
More Stock Analysis
How is the CGNX UQS Score Calculated?
The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for Cognex Corporation is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.
Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.
Moat (25%) assesses Cognex Corporation's competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.
Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.
Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.
Valuation (15%) measures whether Cognex Corporation is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.
Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.