•
Apr 04, 2021

Cognex Q1 2021 Earnings Report

Cognex reported record first quarter results with new records for revenue, net income, and net income per diluted share.

Key Takeaways

Cognex Corporation reported a strong start to 2021, achieving record first-quarter revenue of $239 million, a 43% increase year-over-year. The company's net income also reached a record $69.848 million, with an operating margin of 33%. Growth was driven by continued strong performance in the e-commerce sector of logistics and improved business activity across all geographic regions.

Cognex reported record first quarter revenue, net income, and earnings per share.

Revenue increased by 43% compared to Q1-20 and 7% from Q4-20, reaching $239 million.

The e-commerce sector of logistics contributed significantly to the company's growth.

Gross margin increased to 77% due to higher volume and a favorable revenue mix.

Total Revenue
$239M
Previous year: $167M
+42.9%
EPS
$0.36
Previous year: $0.11
+227.3%
Gross Margin
77%
Previous year: 75%
+2.7%
Effective Tax Rate
11%
Previous year: 11%
+0.0%
Gross Profit
$185M
Previous year: $126M
+46.8%
Cash and Equivalents
$876M
Previous year: $845M
+3.7%
Total Assets
$1.91B
Previous year: $1.89B
+1.3%

Cognex

Cognex

Forward Guidance

Cognex expects revenue in Q2-21 to be between $250 million and $270 million, representing substantial growth over Q2-20. Gross margin for Q2-21 is expected to be in the mid-70% range, and operating expenses are expected to be flat to slightly up from Q1-21. The effective tax rate is expected to be 18%, excluding discrete tax items.

Positive Outlook

  • Revenue in Q2-21 is expected to be between $250 million and $270 million.
  • This range represents anticipated substantial growth over Q2-20.
  • Operating expenses are expected to be flat to slightly up from Q1-21.
  • The effective tax rate is expected to be 18%, excluding discrete tax items.

Challenges Ahead

  • Gross margin for Q2-21 is expected to be in the mid-70% range.
  • Gross margin is expected to be lower than the gross margin reported in recent quarters.