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Upturn AI SWOT - About
CGNX 
Cognex Corporation (CGNX)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
08/28/2025: CGNX (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Number of Analysts
20 Analysts rated it
Well-followed company, solid analyst reports, reliable data for confident investing.
1 Year Target Price $47.06
1 Year Target Price $47.06
| 8 | Strong Buy |
| 3 | Buy |
| 8 | Hold |
| 0 | Sell |
| 1 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -16.52% | Avg. Invested days 37 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  2.0 | Stock Returns Performance  1.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 08/28/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Mid-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 7.38B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 61.03 | 1Y Target Price 47.06 |
Price to earnings Ratio 61.03 | 1Y Target Price 47.06 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 20 | Beta 1.47 | 52 Weeks Range 22.57 - 45.03 | Updated Date 08/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 22.57 - 45.03 | Updated Date 08/29/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 0.72% | Basic EPS (TTM) 0.72 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Revenue by Geography
Geography revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 13.13% | Operating Margin (TTM) 17.44% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 4.11% | Return on Equity (TTM) 8.1% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 61.03 | Forward PE 46.3 | Enterprise Value 7247575410 | Price to Sales(TTM) 7.94 |
Enterprise Value 7247575410 | Price to Sales(TTM) 7.94 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 7.8 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 44.05 | Shares Outstanding 167899008 | Shares Floating 160340197 |
Shares Outstanding 167899008 | Shares Floating 160340197 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.29 | Percent Institutions 100.54 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Cognex Corporation
Company Overview
History and Background
Cognex Corporation was founded in 1981 by Dr. Robert J. Shillman, William Silver, and Marilyn Matz in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Initially focused on developing human vision systems, the company pivoted to machine vision in the mid-1980s and became a pioneer in the field. Cognex went public in 1989 and has since grown through innovation and strategic acquisitions.
Core Business Areas
- Vision Systems: Develops and manufactures machine vision systems used to automate manufacturing and inspection processes. This includes hardware and software for image acquisition, processing, and analysis.
- Vision Software: Offers software products, including Cognex Designer, VisionPro, and In-Sight Explorer, that provide tools for developing and deploying machine vision applications.
- Barcode Readers: Produces barcode readers used for logistics, manufacturing, and other applications. These readers decode 1D and 2D barcodes.
- Surface Inspection Systems: Develops and provides sophisticated solutions for identifying surface flaws on continuously manufactured materials such as metal and paper, allowing real-time detection of even minute surface imperfections.
Leadership and Structure
Robert J. Shillman is the Chairman. Robert Willett is the CEO. The company operates with a functional organizational structure, with departments for engineering, sales, marketing, and operations.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- In-Sight Vision Systems: A series of self-contained, industrial-grade vision systems used for automated inspection and quality control. Competitors include Keyence, Omron, and Teledyne DALSA. Revenue is a significant portion of Cognex's overall revenue (estimated to be over 40%). Cognex has a significant market share in this segment.
- Market Share (%): 30
- Market Share (%): 25
- VisionPro Software: A PC-based vision software platform for developing and deploying complex machine vision applications. Competitors include Matrox Imaging Library, MVTec HALCON, and National Instruments Vision Builder. Revenue is also a significant portion of Cognex's overall revenue (estimated to be over 20%).
- DataMan Barcode Readers: A line of handheld and fixed-mount barcode readers for various applications, including logistics and manufacturing. Key competitors are Zebra Technologies and Honeywell Scanning & Mobility. DataMan has substantial market share, especially in the industrial sector.
- Market Share (%): 20
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The machine vision industry is driven by increasing automation in manufacturing, logistics, and other sectors. Key trends include the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning for vision applications, the growth of e-commerce, and the demand for higher quality control standards.
Positioning
Cognex is a leading player in the machine vision industry, known for its innovative technology, strong brand reputation, and global presence. Its competitive advantages include its comprehensive product portfolio, advanced software capabilities, and extensive sales and support network.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The total addressable market for machine vision is estimated to be in the tens of billions of dollars, projected to grow significantly in the coming years. Cognex is well-positioned to capture a significant share of this market due to its strong technological capabilities and diverse product offerings.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong brand reputation
- Extensive product portfolio
- Advanced software capabilities
- Global sales and support network
- High investment in R&D
- Strong customer base
- High Gross Profit Margins
Weaknesses
- Reliance on cyclical industries
- High operating expenses
- Exposure to currency fluctuations
- Complex product offerings can be difficult for smaller customers
- Price Competition
Opportunities
- Growth in automation across industries
- Adoption of AI and deep learning
- Expansion into new markets and applications
- Strategic acquisitions
- Increase in quality requirements
- Growth of e-commerce logistics
Threats
- Intense competition
- Technological obsolescence
- Economic downturns
- Geopolitical risks
- Supply chain disruptions
- Changing trade regulations
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- KEYC
- OMRON.JP
- TELEDYNE.DLSA
Competitive Landscape
Cognex benefits from its established brand, superior technology, and comprehensive solutions. Competitors are nipping at their heals but their lead in R&D should maintain the gap.
Major Acquisitions
SAC Sirius Advanced Cybernetics GmbH
- Year: 2021
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 34
- Strategic Rationale: To expand its surface inspection capabilities, particularly in the metals industry.
SICK AG's laser scanner business
- Year: 2024
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 160
- Strategic Rationale: To expand its footprint in the logistics market.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Cognex has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, driven by organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. The company's growth has been impacted by economic cycles and technological shifts.
Future Projections: Analysts project continued growth for Cognex, driven by increasing automation and the adoption of machine vision in new applications. Growth rates are expected to be in the high single digits to low double digits annually.
Recent Initiatives: Cognex has recently focused on expanding its product portfolio, strengthening its sales and support network, and investing in new technologies, such as AI and deep learning.
Summary
Cognex is a leading player in the machine vision industry with a strong brand and advanced technology. While cyclical industries impact its financials, its solid balance sheet and cash flow position it well for growth. Expansion into new markets and strategic acquisitions are key to future success, and competition, especially from KEYENCE, and technological shifts remain its primary challenges. Recent acquisitions solidify its growth in the logistics market.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Cognex Corporation Investor Relations
- SEC Filings (10-K, 10-Q)
- Analyst Reports
- Industry Research Reports
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Market conditions and company performance can change, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Cognex Corporation
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters Natick, MA, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1989-07-20 | President, CEO & Director Mr. Matthew Moschner | ||
Sector Technology | Industry Scientific & Technical Instruments | Full time employees 2914 | Website https://www.cognex.com |
Full time employees 2914 | Website https://www.cognex.com | ||
Cognex Corporation provides machine vision products that capture and analyze visual information 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, automotive components, and e-commerce packages by locating, identifying, inspecting, and measuring them. The company offers VisionPro software, a suite of patented vision tools for advanced programming; In-Sight product line of vision systems and sensors; QuickBuild that allows customers to build vision applications with a graphical, flowchart-based programming interface; and DataMan, an image-based barcode readers and barcode verifiers; vision accessories, such as industrial cameras, lenses, lighting, vision controllers, frame grabbers, and I/O cards. It sells its products to automotive, logistics, consumer electronics, medical-related, semiconductor, consumer products, and food and beverage industries through a network of distributors and integrators. The company was incorporated in 1981 and is headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts.
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