Health score, competitive moat, risk signals, and key metrics at a glance.
Cognex Corporation provides machine vision products that capture and analyze visual information to automate manufacturing and distribution tasks in the United States, Europe, Greater China, and internationally. Its machine vision products are used to automate the manufacture and distribution of discrete items, such as 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 traditional rule-based tools and deep learning-enabled tools for advanced programming; vision systems that combine smart cameras and software to perform a wide range of tasks, including part location, identification, measurement, assembly verification, and robotic guidance; OneVision, a cloud-based platform designed to transform how manufacturers build, train, and scale AI-powered vision applications; In-Sight product line of vision systems and sensors; QuickBuild, which allows customers to build vision applications with a graphical and flowchart-based programming interface; DataMan, an image-based barcode reader for fixed-mount and handheld models, as well as barcode verifiers; and vision accessories, such as industrial cameras, lenses, lighting, vision controllers, frame grabbers, and I/O cards. It sells its products to the automotive, logistics, packaging, consumer electronics, medical-related, semiconductor, and consumer products industries. The company was incorporated in 1981 and is headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts.
Competitive analysis based on 64 quarters of fundamental data
Operating margins are expanding at ~16.2%, suggesting durable pricing power and cost discipline.
ROE is positive at ~7.4% on average, adequate but below the threshold typically associated with wide moats.
Free cash flow is consistently positive and growing — a hallmark of a capital-light business that can self-fund growth.
TTM revenue has grown consistently (7 of 7 quarters up), with ~24.0% growth over the period. Strong demand durability.
Data-driven red flags and warnings across 64 quarters
Margins are stable or improving at ~18.6% — no sign of cost or pricing stress.
FCF covers net income by 1.8x on average — earnings are well-supported by cash generation.
Limited debt-to-equity data available.
Revenue is stable or growing over recent quarters — demand appears durable.
Free cash flow is consistently positive — the business self-funds without external capital reliance.
Shares decreased 2.9% — net buybacks are reducing shares outstanding and boosting per-share value.
as of April 2026
Revenue, EBITDA, operating income, net income, EPS, and shares
Gross, EBITDA, operating, and net margin trends
P/E, P/S, P/B, EV/EBITDA, FCF yield, and earnings yield
Total assets, cash, debt, book value, and leverage
Operating cash flow, free cash flow, FCF margin, and earnings quality