Cognex (CGNX) Q3 2026 Earnings
How Did CGNX Stock React to Q3 2026 Earnings?
Did CGNX Beat Earnings? Q3 2026 Results
Yes. Cognex reported Q3 2026 earnings of $0.53 a share on Nov 4, 2026, beating the $0.52 consensus estimate by 2.0%. Revenue was $313.4M against a $313.6M estimate.
Cognex delivered a broadly solid third quarter for fiscal 2026, beating the bottom-line consensus for the sixth consecutive quarter while revenue came in essentially in line with expectations. Adjusted diluted EPS of $0.53 edged past the $0.52 consensus estimate by 1.98%, lifted by a sharp improvement in profitability; GAAP gross margin expanded to 70.8% from 67.6% a year earlier, with management crediting favorable product mix, higher volume, and faster-than-expected pricing execution. Revenue of $313.39 million grew 13.2% year over year, fractionally below the $313.59 million consensus, though the company noted that stripping out a one-time prior-year benefit from a medical lab automation partnership, underlying growth ran closer to 19%. GAAP net income surged to $84.82 million from $17.66 million, with the year-ago period weighed down by a $33.65 million discrete tax charge. Looking ahead, Cognex raised its full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $1.68-$1.72 and guided Q4 revenue of $270-$290 million, with the pending all-cash acquisition of depth-sensing camera maker RealSense expected to close before year-end.
- Broad-based strength across most major end markets drove record revenue of $313 million, up 13% year over year (19% excluding the prior-year Commercial Partnership benefit)
- Favorable mix, higher volume and faster-than-expected pricing execution lifted adjusted gross margin to 71.3%, more than offsetting memory cost headwinds
- Operating expenses fell 7% on cost management activities, partly offset by higher sales commissions
- Adjusted EBITDA margin of 35.5%, up 1,060 bps year over year, with flow-through above 100%
- Lower GAAP effective tax rate of 17.9% vs. 71.9% in the prior-year quarter, which included a $33.7 million discrete tax expense
“Our third-quarter results reflect strong execution across the business, with record revenue, broad-based growth across most of our major end markets, and continued progress against our strategic objectives.”
Cognex CEO, on the earnings call
What Is Cognex's Outlook?
For Q4 2026, Cognex guides to revenue of $270–$290 million (vs. $252 million in Q4 2025), an adjusted EBITDA margin of 29%–32%, and adjusted diluted EPS of $0.37–$0.41. It raised full-year 2026 guidance: revenue to $1,143–$1,163 million (prior $1,130–$1,150 million), adjusted EBITDA margin to 31%–32% (prior 29%–31%), and adjusted diluted EPS to $1.68–$1.72 (prior $1.64–$1.68). The company continues to expect strong double-digit revenue growth and year-over-year profitability expansion. The RealSense acquisition is expected to close in Q4 2026, and Cognex will host its 2027 Investor Day in June.
CGNX YoY Financials
| Metric | Q3 2026 | Q3 2025 | Year over year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $313.4M | $276.9M | +13.2% |
| Gross Profit | $221.7M | $187.3M | +18.4% |
| Operating Income | $100.8M | $57.8M | +74.5% |
| Net Income | $84.8M | $17.7M | +380.2% |
When Does Cognex Report Next?
Figures from SEC filings and company reports. Not investment advice.