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Dec 31, 2023

Cognex Q4 2023 Earnings Report

Cognex's Q4 2023 results reflected a challenging but stable business environment, with revenue across most end markets down year-on-year and major customers pausing significant capital expenditures.

Key Takeaways

Cognex's Q4 2023 revenue was $196.7 million, a decrease of 18% year-over-year. Net income was $11.2 million, a decrease of 80% year-over-year. The company remains focused on cost management and investing in long-term growth prospects.

Revenue decreased by 18% compared to Q4 2022, but was flat compared to Q3 2023.

Gross margin was 69% for Q4 2023, compared to 71% for Q4 2022.

Net income decreased by 80% from Q4 2022 and 41% from Q3 2023.

Cognex's financial position remained strong with $576 million in cash and investments and no debt.

Total Revenue
$197M
Previous year: $239M
-17.9%
EPS
$0.11
Previous year: $0.27
-59.3%
Gross Margin
69%
Previous year: 71%
-2.8%
Effective Tax Rate
22%
Previous year: 7%
+214.3%
Gross Profit
$135M
Previous year: $170M
-20.4%
Cash and Equivalents
$203M
Previous year: $854M
-76.3%
Free Cash Flow
$7.48M
Previous year: $62.2M
-88.0%
Total Assets
$2.02B
Previous year: $1.96B
+3.0%

Cognex

Cognex

Forward Guidance

Cognex expects Q1 2024 revenue to be between $190 million and $205 million, with Moritex contributing 6-8% of revenue. Adjusted gross margin is expected to be in the high-60% range, and adjusted operating expense is expected to increase mid-single-digits sequentially. The adjusted effective tax rate is expected to be 16%.

Positive Outlook

  • Moritex is expected to contribute 6-8% of revenue.
  • Strategic logistics project is expected to drive longer-term, high-margin subscription revenue.
  • Focus on Emerging Customer initiative.
  • Expect another quarter with a challenging, yet relatively stable operating environment.
  • Adjusted gross margin1 is expected to be in the high-60% range

Challenges Ahead

  • De-leverage from softer revenue.
  • Negative revenue mix.
  • Approximately 2 percentage point drag from a full-quarter of Moritex.
  • 2 percentage point drag from a strategic logistics project.
  • Adjusted operating expense1 is expected to increase mid-single-digits on a sequential basis