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Sep 27, 2020
Cognex Q3 2020 Earnings Report
Reported strong results, exceeding expectations with the second-highest quarterly revenue, net income, and EPS in company history and significant operating margin expansion.
Key Takeaways
Cognex reported very good results for Q3 2020, exceeding expectations with strong revenue growth driven by large customer deployments in consumer electronics and e-commerce logistics. The company achieved the second-highest quarterly revenue, net income, and earnings per share in its history, along with significant operating margin expansion.
Revenue increased by 37% from Q3-19 and 48% from Q2-20, driven by large-customer deployments in consumer electronics and strong performance in e-commerce logistics.
Gross margin was 76% for Q3-20, up from 74% in Q3-19 and 70% in Q2-20, due to favorable product mix and cost efficiencies.
Operating margin reached 38% in Q3-20, compared to 24% a year ago, due to leverage in the business model.
Cognex's financial position remained strong with approximately $1 billion in cash and investments and no debt.
Forward Guidance
Cognex expects Q4 2020 revenue to be between $190 million and $210 million, with gross margin in the mid-70% range. Operating expenses are expected to increase by mid-single digits over Q3-20 and decrease from Q4-19. The effective tax rate is expected to be 18%, excluding discrete tax items.
Positive Outlook
- Revenue growth over Q4-19 is expected due to higher revenue from consumer electronics and e-commerce logistics.
- Operating expenses are expected to decrease from Q4-19.
- The company expects to record a discrete tax benefit of more than $12 million.
- Continued repurchase shares of its common stock pursuant to its existing stock repurchase program
- Revenue from automotive and the broader factory automation market improved on a sequential basis
Challenges Ahead
- Revenue is expected to decline from Q3-20 due to the timing of revenue from customers in the consumer electronics industry.
- Gross margin is expected to be lower than the gross margin reported for Q3-20.
Historical Earnings Impact
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Avg. Return Before/After Earnings
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