Cognex : Quarterly Report for Quarter Ending April 5, 2026 (Form 10-Q)

About this update from Cognex Corporation

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this report, as well as oral statements made by the Company from time to time, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers can identify these forward-looking statements by our use of the words "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "potential," "believes," "projects," "intends," "plans," "aims," "will," "may," "shall," "could," "should," "opportunity," "goal," "objective," "target," "milestone" and similar words and other statements of a similar sense. These statements are based on our current estimates and expectations as to prospective events and circumstances, which may or may not be in our control and as to which there can be no firm assurances given. These forward-looking statements, which include statements regarding business and market trends, future financial performance, financial targets, milestones and related timing expectations, the impacts of our strategic portfolio review, the impact of tariffs, customer demand and order rates and timing of related revenue, future product or revenue mix, research and development activities, sales and marketing activities including our salesforce transformation, new product offerings, innovation and product development activities, customer acceptance of our products, commercial partnerships, capital expenditures, cost management activities including expected annualized operating expense reductions, investments, liquidity, dividends and stock repurchases, strategic and growth plans and opportunities, acquisitions, and estimated tax benefits and expenses, changes in tax legislation, and other tax matters, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such risks and uncertainties include: (1) the technological obsolescence of current products and the inability to develop new products; (2) the impact of competitive pressures; (3) the inability to attract and retain skilled employees and effectively plan for succession, while maintaining our unique corporate culture; (4) the failure to properly manage the distribution of products and services; (5) economic, political, and other risks associated with international sales and operations, including the impact of trade disputes, the imposition of tariffs, the economic climate in China, and the wars and conflicts involving Iran, Ukraine, and Israel and those that may arise in the future in the geographies where we conduct business; (6) the challenges in integrating and achieving expected results from acquired businesses; (7) uncertainty surrounding our future capital needs; (8) the inability to effectively scale our operations and salesforce to support a significantly expanded customer base; (9) information security breaches and other cybersecurity threats; (10) the failure to comply with laws or regulations relating to data privacy, data protection, AI, or other automated technologies; (11) the inability to protect our proprietary technology and intellectual property; (12) the inability to manage direct and indirect disruptions to our supply chain, which could cause delays in obtaining components for our products at reasonable prices; (13) the failure to manufacture and deliver products in a timely manner; (14) the inability to obtain, or the delay in obtaining, components for our products at reasonable prices, including memory chips; (15) the inability to design and manufacture high-quality products; (16) the loss of, or curtailment of purchases by, large customers in the logistics, consumer electronics, or automotive end markets; (17) challenges in accurately forecasting our financial results due to seasonal and cyclical variations in customer purchasing patterns and economic and market volatility; (18) potential impairment charges with respect to our investments or acquired intangible assets; (19) exposure to additional tax liabilities, increases and fluctuations in our effective tax rate, and other tax matters; (20) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and the use of derivative instruments; (21) unfavorable global economic conditions, including, without limitation, increases in interest rates, elevated inflation rates, and recession risks; (22) business disruptions from natural or man-made disasters, public health crises, or other events outside our control; (23) stock price volatility; (24) our involvement in time-consuming and costly litigation or activist shareholder activities; and (25) the failure to effectively transform our operating model, manage our expenses, and achieve expected cost reductions. The foregoing list should not be construed as exhaustive and we encourage readers to refer to the detailed discussion of risk factors included in Part I - Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 (the "Annual Report"), as updated by Part II - Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this "Quarterly Report"). The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company disclaims any obligation to subsequently revise forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date such statements are made. Executive Overview Cognex makes advanced machine vision easy, paving the way for manufacturing and distribution companies to become faster, smarter, and more efficient through automation. We are a global technology leader in industrial machine vision systems that seek to improve efficiency and help solve critical manufacturing and distribution challenges, providing support across a diverse set of industrial end markets. In addition to revenue derived from the sale of machine vision products, the Company also generates revenue by providing maintenance and support, consulting, and training services to its customers; however, service revenue accounted for less than 10% of total revenue for all periods presented. Machine vision is used in a variety of end markets where technology is widely recognized as an important component of automated production, distribution, and quality assurance. Virtually every manufacturer or distributor can achieve better quality and efficiency by using machine vision. This results in a broad base of potential customers across a variety of end markets, including logistics, consumer electronics, automotive, packaging, and semiconductor. Revenue for the first quarter of 2026 totaled $268,437,000, representing an increase of 24% over the first quarter of 2025 due to broad-based strength across our major end markets, as well as the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes on revenue. Gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 71% for the first quarter of 2026 as compared to 67% for the first quarter of 2025 due to a more favorable end-market mix and increased cost efficiencies from higher sales volume. Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2026 increased 11% from the first quarter of 2025. The impact of higher incentive compensation accruals due to stronger business performance, the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates on expenses, and higher reorganization charges incurred to further drive efficiencies across the organization were partially offset by savings from continued cost management activities. Operating income increased to 22% of revenue for the first quarter of 2026 as compared to 12% of revenue for the first quarter of 2025 due to operating leverage achieved from revenue growth. Net income increased to 19% of revenue, or $0.31 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2026, as compared to 11% of revenue, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2025. Results of Operations As foreign currency exchange rates are a factor in understanding period-to-period comparisons, we believe the presentation of our results on a constant-currency basis in addition to reported results improves investors' ability to understand our operating results and evaluate our performance in comparison to prior periods. We also use results on a constant-currency basis as one measure to evaluate our performance. Constant-currency information compares results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period-over-period. We generally refer to such amounts calculated on a constant-currency basis as excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes. Results on a constant-currency basis are not in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") and should be considered in addition to, and not a substitute for, results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Revenue Revenue increased by $52,401,000, or 24%, for the three-month period in 2026 as compared to the same period in 2025. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates resulted in a higher level of reported revenue in 2026 as compared to 2025. Excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes, revenue increased by 21% over the prior year. The increase was due to broad-based demand across our major end markets, including revenue growth across our consumer electronics customer base, higher revenue from semiconductor and packaging customers, and continued growth with large logistics customers. The following table sets forth our disaggregated revenue information by geographic area based upon the customer's country of domicile (in thousands) for the three-month periods ended April 5, 2026 and March 30, 2025. Three-months Ended April 5, 2026 March 30, 2025 $ Change % Change (unaudited) Americas $ 121,301 $ 99,374 $ 21,927 22 % Percentage of total revenue 45 % 46 % Europe $ 63,815 $ 46,790 $ 17,025 36 % Percentage of total revenue 24 % 22 % Greater China $ 37,759 $ 26,946 $ 10,813 40 % Percentage of total revenue 14 % 12 % Other Asia $ 45,562 $ 42,926 $ 2,636 6 % Percentage of total revenue 17 % 20 % Total revenue $ 268,437 $ 216,036 $ 52,401 24 % Changes in revenue from a geographic perspective were as follows: • Revenue from customers based in the Americas increased by 22% for the three-month period in 2026 as compared to the same period in 2025 due to stronger performance across our major end markets. • Revenue from customers based in Europe increased by 36% for the three-month period in 2026 as compared to the same period in 2025. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates resulted in a higher level of reported revenue in the first quarter of 2026 as compared to the same period in 2025, as the U.S. Dollar was weaker on average versus the Euro and sales denominated in Euros were translated into U.S. Dollars at a higher rate. Excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes, revenue from customers based in Europe increased by 23% for the three-month period in 2026 due to stronger performance across our major end markets, with the exception of ongoing softness in the automotive end market. • Revenue from customers based in Greater China increased by 40% for the three-month period in 2026 as compared to the same period in 2025. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates resulted in a higher level of reported revenue in 2026, driven by a weaker U.S. Dollar versus the Chinese Renminbi as compared to the prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes, revenue from customers based in Greater China increased by 36% for the three-month period in 2026 primarily due to higher revenue from customers in the consumer electronics and semiconductor end markets. • Revenue from customers based in other countries in Asia increased by 6% for the three-month period in 2026 as compared to the same period in 2025. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates did not have a material impact on revenue for the three-month period in 2026. The increase was primarily due to higher revenue from customers in the consumer electronics and semiconductor end markets. Gross Profit The following table sets forth our gross profit (in thousands) for the three-month periods ended April 5, 2026 and March 30, 2025. Three-months Ended April 5, 2026 March 30, 2025 $ Change % Change (unaudited) Gross profit $ 190,939 $ 144,323 $ 46,616 32 % Percentage of total revenue 71 % 67 % Gross margin was 71% for the three-month period in 2026 as compared to 67% for the same period in 2025. The increase was primarily due to more favorable end-market mix and increased cost efficiencies from higher sales volume, slightly offset by the impact of tariffs. Operating Expenses The following table sets forth our operating expenses (in thousands) for the three-month periods ended April 5, 2026 and March 30, 2025. Three-months Ended April 5, 2026 March 30, 2025 $ Change % Change (unaudited) Research, development, and engineering expenses $ 37,025 $ 34,727 $ 2,298 7 % Percentage of total revenue 14 % 16 % Selling, general, and administrative expenses $ 94,041 $ 83,504 $ 10,537 13 % Percentage of total revenue 35 % 39 % Total operating expenses $ 131,066 $ 118,231 $ 12,835 11 % Percentage of total revenue 49 % 55 % Research, Development, and Engineering Expenses Research, development, and engineering (RD&E) expenses increased by $2,298,000, or 7%, for the three-month period in 2026 as compared to the same period in 2025. The impact of higher incentive compensation accruals due to stronger business performance and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates were partially offset by savings from continued cost management activities. RD&E expenses as a percentage of revenue was 14% for the three-month period in 2026 as compared to 16% for the same period in 2025. We believe that a continued commitment to RD&E activities is essential to maintain or achieve product leadership with our existing products and to provide innovative new product offerings, as well as to provide engineering support for large customers. These percentages are impacted by revenue levels and investment cycles. Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased by $10,537,000, or 13%, for the three-month period in 2026 as compared to the same period in 2025. The impact of higher incentive compensation accruals due to stronger business performance, the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, higher stock-based compensation, and higher reorganization charges incurred to further drive efficiencies across the organization were partially offset by savings from continued cost management activities. Non-operating Income (Expense) The following table sets forth our non-operating income (expense) (in thousands) for the three-month periods ended April 5, 2026 and March 30, 2025. Three-months Ended April 5, 2026 March 30, 2025 $ Change % Change (unaudited) Foreign currency gain (loss) $ (1,345) $ (2,453) $ 1,108 (45) % Investment income $ 4,836 $ 3,990 $ 846 21 % Other income (expense) $ (1,607) $ 169 $ (1,776) (1051) % Total non-operating income (expense) $ 1,884 $ 1,706 $ 178 10 % The Company recorded foreign currency losses of $1,345,000 and $2,453,000 for the three-month periods in 2026 and 2025, respectively. Foreign currency gains and losses in each period resulted primarily from the revaluation and settlement of assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the Company, which is the U.S. Dollar, or its subsidiaries. Investment income increased by $846,000, or 21%, for the three-month period in 2026 as compared to the same period in 2025 primarily due to a higher invested balance. The Company recorded other expense of $1,607,000 for the three-month period in 2026 and other income of $169,000 for the three-month period in 2025. Other expense for the three-month period in 2026 included a pre-tax loss of $1,539,000 related to the divestiture of the Company's Japan-focused trading business (refer to Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements). Income Tax Expense The following table sets forth income tax information (in thousands) for the three-month periods ended April 5, 2026 and March 30, 2025. Three-months Ended April 5, 2026 March 30, 2025 $ Change % Change (unaudited) Income before income tax expense $ 61,757 $ 27,798 $ 33,959 122 % Income tax expense $ 10,053 $ 4,195 $ 5,858 140 % Effective income tax rate 16 % 15 % The Company's effective tax rate was 16% for the three-month period in 2026 and 15% for the same period in 2025. The Company recorded net discrete tax benefits of $1,179,000 and $307,000 for the three-month periods in 2026 and 2025, respectively. Excluding the impact of discrete tax items, the Company's effective tax rate was 18% for the three-month period in 2026 and 16% for the same period in 2025. The increase was primarily due to a greater portion of Company's pre-tax income being earned in higher tax rate jurisdictions. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company has historically been able to generate positive cash flow from operations, which has funded its operating activities and other cash requirements and resulted in an accumulated cash and investment balance of $621,942,000 as of April 5, 2026. The Company has established guidelines relative to credit ratings, diversification, and maturities of its investments to maintain liquidity and safety of its investment portfolio. Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $45,093,000 for the three-month period in 2026 as compared to $40,502,000 for the same period in 2025. The increase in operating cash inflow from the prior year was primarily driven by stronger business performance, partially offset by higher Company bonus payments that are made in the first quarter of each year. Investing Activities Net cash provided by investing activities totaled $791,000 for the three-month period in 2026 as compared to $33,087,000 for the same period in 2025. The decrease in investing cash inflow from the prior year was due to a higher level of investment maturities during the three-month period in 2025 to provide liquidity for our stock repurchase program. Investing activities for the three-month period in 2026 included net proceeds of $11,519,000 from the divestiture of the Company's Japan-focused trading business (refer to Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements). Investing activities also included capital expenditures that totaled $2,757,000 for the three-month period in 2026 as compared to $2,501,000 for the same period in 2025. Capital expenditures in each period consisted primarily of investments in business systems, manufacturing test equipment related to new product introductions, and building and leasehold improvements. Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities totaled $68,901,000 for the three-month period in 2026 and $118,370,000 for the same period in 2025. The decrease in financing cash outflow from the prior year was due to higher proceeds from stock option exercises during the three-month period in 2026 that partially offset the impact of the Company's stock repurchase and dividend programs. In March 2022, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") authorized a program providing for the repurchase of $500,000,000 of the Company's common stock (the "Program"). Under the Program, in addition to repurchases made in other periods, the Company repurchased 2,375,000 shares at a total cost of $98,995,000 during the three-month period in 2026, leaving a remaining balance of $16,025,000 as of April 5, 2026. On February 11, 2026, the Board authorized the repurchase of an additional $500,000,000 of the Company's common stock upon completion of the Program. The Company may repurchase shares under these programs in future periods depending on a variety of factors, including, among other things, the impact of dilution from employee stock awards, stock price, share availability, and cash requirements. The Company is authorized to make repurchases of its common stock through open market purchases, pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, or in privately negotiated transactions. The Board declared and paid cash dividends of $0.085 per share in the three-month period ended April 5, 2026, totaling $14,196,000. Future dividends will be declared at the discretion of the Board and will depend on such factors as the Board deems relevant, including, among other things, the Company's ability to generate positive cash flow from operations. Future Cash Requirements As of April 5, 2026, the Company had inventory purchase commitments of $50,616,000, with the majority payable within twelve months, and lease payment obligations of $90,537,000, with $16,482,000 payable within twelve months. We believe that the Company's existing cash and investment balances, together with cash flow from operations, will be sufficient to meet its operating, investing, and financing activities for the next twelve months. In addition, the Company has no long-term debt. We believe that our strong cash position has put us in a relatively good position with respect to anticipated longer-term liquidity needs. New Pronouncements Refer to Part I - Note 2 within this Quarterly Report, for a full description of recently issued accounting pronouncements including the expected dates of adoption and the expected impact on the financial position and results of operations of the Company.

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