•
Jun 28, 2020

Cognex Q2 2020 Earnings Report

Cognex reported less-than-fabulous results due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, leading to restructuring and other charges.

Key Takeaways

Cognex reported a 15% decrease in revenue compared to Q2 2019, and a net loss of $1.142 million due to deteriorating global economic conditions and significant restructuring charges. Despite the difficult quarter, the company saw strong order activity in consumer electronics and e-commerce markets. Cognex expects revenue growth in Q3 2020.

Revenue decreased by 15% year-over-year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Net loss was $(1.142) million, or $(0.01) per diluted share, impacted by restructuring and other charges.

Order activity was strong in consumer electronics and e-commerce markets.

Company expects revenue growth in Q3 2020, driven by consumer electronics and logistics markets.

Total Revenue
$169M
Previous year: $199M
-15.0%
EPS
$0.18
Previous year: $0.27
-33.3%
Gross Margin
70%
Previous year: 74%
-5.4%
Effective Tax Rate
-51%
Previous year: 14%
-464.3%
Gross Profit
$119M
Previous year: $148M
-19.8%
Cash and Equivalents
$896M
Previous year: $89.1M
+905.8%
Free Cash Flow
$13.1M
Previous year: $55M
-76.2%
Total Assets
$1.93B
Previous year: $1.35B
+43.3%

Cognex

Cognex

Forward Guidance

Cognex expects revenue for Q3-20 will be between $200 million and $220 million. Gross margin for Q3-20 is expected to be in the mid-70% range. The effective tax rate is expected to be 19%, excluding discrete tax items.

Positive Outlook

  • Revenue for Q3-20 is expected to be between $200 million and $220 million.
  • This range represents growth both year-on-year and sequentially.
  • Higher expected revenue from customers in the consumer electronics market.
  • Higher expected revenue from customers in the logistics markets.
  • Gross margin for Q3-20 is expected to be in the mid-70% range.

Challenges Ahead

  • Cognex is experiencing weak business conditions in its core factory automation market.
  • The company expects weak business conditions in its core factory automation market to continue for some time.
  • Global uncertainty widened the expected revenue range for Q3-20.
  • Company is assuming that business conditions continue in line with the current situation.
  • Combined total of expenses for RD&E and SG&A is expected to be relatively flat with both Q2-20 and Q3-19.