Cognex Corporation
NASDAQ: CGNX · TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS
Updated 2026-04-29
Cognex Corporation (CGNX) Stock Valuation Analysis
Fair value estimate, historical valuation range, and quality signals for CGNX.
Current price exceeds what fundamentals support. Risk/reward skewed unfavorably.
CGNX historical valuation range
Where current P/E sits in CGNX's own 5Y range.
CGNX intrinsic value (DCF)
DCF-based fair value estimate vs current market price.
Intrinsic value calculated using discounted cash flow (DCF) model based on projected free cash flows, discount rate, and terminal growth assumptions. A positive margin of safety indicates the current price is below estimated fair value, providing a cushion against estimation error.
CGNX valuation signals
Quick-read green flags, caution flags, and risks based on current metrics.
P/E Ratio — History
Current: 78.71x
P/S Ratio — History
Current: 8.99x
Is CGNX overvalued in 2026?
Cognex Corporation (CGNX) currently trades at $53.52 per share with a market capitalization of $8,938,582,000.00. Based on our multi-factor framework, the stock appears richly valued with a Smart Value Score of 45/100. This score blends growth quality, financial health, and price attractiveness into a single institutional-grade read.
The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 78.7x, above its 5-year median of 56.6x. The PEG ratio of 2.71 indicates the price has run ahead of the underlying growth rate.
Looking at its own history, CGNX is currently trading more expensive than 80% of the last 5Y on P/E. This places it in the 80th percentile of its historical range, a zone where forward returns have typically been muted.
Our discounted cash flow model estimates CGNX's intrinsic value at $83.89 per share, against the current market price of $53.52. This implies a margin of safety of +48.71%. A meaningful cushion exists against model error, making this a reasonable risk-adjusted entry.
The Piotroski F-Score of 5/9 puts financial quality in a middling range, neither a standout strength nor an obvious red flag.
Bottom line: CGNX appears richly valued on our framework, with a Smart Value Score of 45/100. At current levels the risk/reward is skewed against the buyer. A materially lower price or significant operational improvement would be needed to change the picture.
Frequently asked questions
Is CGNX overvalued in 2026?
Based on a Smart Value Score of 45/100, CGNX appears overvalued. Current price exceeds what fundamentals currently justify.
What is CGNX's fair value?
Our DCF model estimates CGNX's intrinsic value at $83.89 per share, versus the current price of $53.52. This produces a margin of safety of +48.71%.
What P/E ratio does CGNX trade at?
CGNX trades at a P/E of 78.7x on trailing twelve-month earnings, compared to its 5-year median of 56.6x.
Is CGNX a buy based on valuation?
WallStSmart does not issue buy or sell recommendations. Our Smart Value Score of 45/100 reflects the combined read on growth, quality, and price. The profile skews cautious. Consider waiting for a better price or clearer operational improvement.
How does CGNX's valuation compare to its history?
On P/E, CGNX currently sits in the 80th percentile of its own 5Y range. That is historically expensive relative to where it has traded over the period.
What is CGNX's Smart Value Score?
CGNX's Smart Value Score is 45/100. The Smart Value Score is a proprietary WallStSmart metric blending growth quality, financial health, and valuation attractiveness into a single 0-100 read. Scores above 75 are rare and indicate strong multi-factor alignment.