Machine vision company Cognex (CGNX 0.37%) hasn't looked like a growth stock during the past couple of years, but its long-term track record of growth is excellent. Moreover, the slowdown is due to a combination of factors likely to prove temporary.
Cognex's emerging customer initiative and Moritex acquisition are driving growth, but the core business continues to struggle, with automotive an area of particular weakness. While end markets like logistics and semis are bright spots, I expect macro headwinds to persist, delaying a return to strong growth. Pricing pressure and investments in future growth are also likely to weigh on margins in the short term, but this isn't concerning given Cognex's track record of profitable growth.
Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ:CGNX ) Q3 2024 Results Earnings Conference Call October 31, 2024 8:30 AM ET Company Participants Nathan McCurren - Head of Investor Relations and Treasurer Robert Willett - President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Fehr - Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Jamie Cook - Truist Securities Tommy Moll - Stephens Inc. Andrew Buscaglia - BNP Paribas Damian Karas - UBS Securities Michael Anastasiou - TD Cowen Jim Ricchiuti - Needham & Company Jacob Levinson - Melius Research Rob Mason - Robert W. Baird & Co. Operator Greetings.
Cognex Corporation (CGNX) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.20 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.17 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.16 per share a year ago.
Relatively high interest rates are negatively impacting automation and robotics end markets. But over time, automation should increase thanks to improved productivity, cost, quality, and analytics.
Nvidia has become a battleground stock, but its competitive position in AI remains incredibly strong. Cognex's end markets are weak in 2024, but the company's best days lie ahead.
Investors need to pay close attention to Cognex (CGNX) stock based on the movements in the options market lately.
Automotive and consumer discretionary spending remain weak in 2024. Cognex's cyclical recovery in logistics and semiconductors this year points the way to the recovery path for its other major end markets.
Now could be a great time for investors to consider the best robotics stocks to buy in August. I wrote around a month ago that there could be record volatility in the market.
Relatively high interest rates are hitting automobile sales and consumer discretionary spending. The company's sales growth has always been volatile.
Weak market conditions are driving an ongoing slowdown in Cognex's business. AI is a focus area for Cognex at the moment, but the challenging demand environment means that current investments will likely take time to pay off. Cognex's margins will recover, and AI-enabled products should ensure robust growth for many years to come.
Cognex Corporation CGNX reported mixed second-quarter financial results, after the closing bell on Wednesday.