Core Insights - Artisan Partners' "Artisan Small Cap Fund" reported strong performance in Q3 2025, with major US indices reaching record highs and the fund's Investor Class returning 8.69% [1] - Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ:CGNX) was highlighted as a key investment, despite a one-month return of -25.46% and a 52-week decline of 8.35% [2][4] - The investment thesis for Cognex is supported by a new management team, advancements in AI, and potential cyclical recovery in its end markets [3] Fund Performance - The Artisan Small Cap Fund's Investor Class fund ARTSX returned 8.69%, Advisor Class fund APDSX returned 8.75%, and Institutional Class fund APHSX returned 8.73% in Q3 2025 [1] - The Russell 2000 Growth Index had a higher return of 12.19% during the same period [1] Cognex Corporation Overview - Cognex Corporation specializes in machine vision products for automating manufacturing and distribution tasks [2] - As of November 17, 2025, Cognex's stock closed at $35.98 with a market capitalization of $6.03 billion [2] - Cognex reported Q3 2025 revenue of $277 million, an 18% increase year-over-year [4] Investment Thesis for Cognex - The investment thesis includes three key drivers: a new management team focused on customer service and cost control, advancements in AI reducing costs for small and mid-sized customers, and potential cyclical recovery in end markets [3] - Cognex is not among the top 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 41 hedge fund portfolios holding its stock at the end of Q2 2025 [4]

Core Insights - Amazon's deployment of a million robots is projected to eliminate the need for 160,000 new jobs in the retail sector, indicating a significant shift towards automation in the industry [1] - Other major retailers, including Walmart and Target, are also recognizing the implications of automation on their workforce needs, suggesting a broader trend across the retail landscape [1] Industry Impact - The introduction of robotics in retail operations is expected to streamline processes and reduce labor costs, which may lead to a reevaluation of hiring practices across the sector [1] - As automation becomes more prevalent, traditional job roles in retail may diminish, prompting a need for workforce retraining and adaptation to new technologies [1]

Group 1 - The article does not provide any specific content or key points related to a company or industry [1]

Cognex FY Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Cognex Corporation (NasdaqGS:CGNX) - **Industry**: Industrial Machine Vision and ID Reading Solutions - **CEO**: Matt Moschner, who took over on July 1, succeeding Robert Willett after 17 years of leadership [2][2] Key Financial Performance - **Q3 Growth**: 13% year-over-year growth, with strong momentum in logistics, consumer electronics, and packaging [3][3] - **Fourth Quarter Outlook**: Anticipated high single-digit sequential decline in automotive sales [5][5] Market Segments and Growth Drivers 1. Logistics - **Largest and Fastest Growing Segment**: Includes retail distribution, e-commerce, airport automation, and parcels [8][10] - **Key Clients**: Major brands like Walmart, Amazon, and FedEx [8][10] - **Growth Metrics**: Seven consecutive quarters of double-digit growth, driven by AI tools and technology advancements [12][12] 2. Automotive - **Current Status**: Previously a drag on growth due to the EV cycle and geopolitical uncertainties, but signs of stabilization and potential growth in North America [13][13] - **Caution in Europe**: Continued uncertainty in the European automotive market [13][13] 3. Packaging - **Market Definition**: Encompasses fast-moving consumer goods and healthcare products [14][14] - **Growth Drivers**: Increased manufacturing investments in pharmaceuticals and consumer goods [14][14] 4. Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing - **Market Dynamics**: Benefiting from a supercycle driven by AI chipsets and capacity buildouts globally [15][15] 5. Emerging Markets - **Aerospace and Defense**: High-quality requirements and traceability are key drivers for potential growth [27][27] - **Data Centers**: Automation and robotics are being integrated into assembly and maintenance processes [28][30] Technological Advancements - **AI Integration**: Cognex has invested heavily in AI-driven visual inspection technologies, enhancing product capabilities and user experience [35][35][39][39] - **Hardware and Software Synergy**: Development of proprietary hardware optimized for AI applications, enhancing performance and cost-effectiveness [42][43][43] Strategic Initiatives - **Sales Approach**: Increased focus on penetrating smaller regional manufacturers, particularly in consumer goods [21][21] - **Cost Management and Profitability Goals**: Aiming to return to an operating margin range of 20-30% adjusted EBITDA, with a historical average of 28% [46][46] Conclusion - **Outlook**: Despite uncertainties, there is optimism for growth across various sectors, driven by technological advancements and strategic investments in AI and automation [16][16][46][46]

Core Insights - Cognex Corporation, a leader in industrial machine vision technology, announced participation in upcoming investor conferences, enhancing its visibility in the investment community [1][6]. Company Overview - Cognex has over 40 years of experience in making advanced machine vision accessible, enabling manufacturing and distribution companies to enhance speed, intelligence, and efficiency through automation [2]. - The company provides innovative technology in vision sensors and systems that address critical challenges in manufacturing and distribution, serving various industries including automotive, consumer electronics, and packaged goods [2][3]. - Cognex focuses on AI to improve the capabilities and deployment of its tools, allowing factories and warehouses to enhance quality and efficiency without requiring extensive technical expertise [3]. Financial Performance - Cognex reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2025, indicating ongoing growth and performance in the industrial machine vision sector [4].

Core Insights - Cognex Corporation's shares have increased by 2.10% year-over-year and 15.20% year-to-date [1] - The company reported Q3 2025 financial results, with revenues rising 18% year-over-year to $277 million [1] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 67% year-over-year, reaching $69 million, up from $41 million [1]

Core Insights - Cognex (CGNX) has been struggling to meet its potential for several years, indicating a disconnect between its vision and actual results [1] Group 1: Company Performance - Cognex has consistently posted disappointing results, failing to translate its strategic vision into tangible outcomes [1] Group 2: Investment Opportunities - The service "Value in Corporate Events" focuses on identifying actionable investment opportunities through major corporate events such as earnings reports, M&A, and IPOs [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter revenue reached $277 million, an 18% year-over-year increase or 16% on a constant currency basis [11] - Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 730 basis points, reaching 22.1%, the highest since Q2 2023 [12][13] - Adjusted diluted EPS increased by 47% year-over-year to $0.28, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit EPS growth [13][15] - Free cash flow for Q3 was $86 million, contributing to a trailing twelve-month free cash flow of $214 million, a 132% increase compared to the previous year [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Logistics experienced double-digit year-over-year revenue growth for the seventh consecutive quarter, driven by large e-commerce customers [6][7] - Automotive revenue continued to decline, but the rate of decline is moderating, with expectations of a less steep decline in 2025 compared to a 14% contraction last year [7][8] - Packaging delivered solid revenue growth across most geographies, with a positive outlook for the full year [8] - Consumer electronics showed significant year-over-year revenue growth, indicating a recovery after a prolonged down cycle [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas revenue grew by 27% year-over-year, primarily due to strength in logistics and a one-time contribution from a commercial partnership [11] - Europe revenue increased by 24%, driven by consumer electronics customers shifting orders from China to Europe [11][12] - Greater China revenue rose by 9% year-over-year, with strong growth across most verticals except automotive [12] - Other Asia revenue declined by 5% year-over-year, but grew by 4% when adjusted for prior year comparisons [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the leading provider of AI technology for industrial machine vision, focusing on profitable growth and disciplined execution [3][4] - The launch of the new SLX product line in logistics represents a strategic move to penetrate higher-value vision applications [4][5] - The company is committed to driving productivity in its sales organization and expanding its customer base over the next five years [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The macroeconomic environment remains uneven, with momentum in consumer electronics, logistics, and packaging, while automotive remains soft [6][7] - The company anticipates continued growth in logistics driven by automation, with a positive long-term outlook for the automotive market as customers focus on quality and cost reduction [8][9] - Management remains cautious about the semiconductor market but expects growth driven by AI investments [9] Other Important Information - The company returned $37 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in Q3, totaling $224 million over the past 12 months [16] - The company ended Q3 with $600 million in net cash and investments, providing flexibility for potential M&A opportunities [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand strength in consumer electronics - Management noted that the growth in consumer electronics is driven by increased customer output, product rollouts, and supply chain diversification [21][22] Question: Growth in Greater China - Management highlighted strong year-over-year growth in Greater China, attributed to localized investments and a stable competitive dynamic [25][26] Question: Trends in logistics - Management indicated that most growth is from productivity improvements in existing facilities, with significant potential for further automation [31][32] Question: Automotive market outlook - Management acknowledged the automotive market remains challenging but is nearing a bottom, with stronger activity in the U.S. compared to Europe [40][42] Question: Competitive environment with AI - Management discussed the evolving competitive landscape, emphasizing Cognex's leadership in AI vision technology and the democratization of visual inspection solutions [95][96] Question: M&A strategy - Management confirmed that M&A is part of the capital allocation strategy but emphasized a high bar for strategic fit and financial profile of potential targets [97][98]

Financial Performance - Q3 2025 revenue reached $277 million, an 18% year-over-year increase[7] - Adjusted EBITDA margin for Q3 2025 was 249%, a 730 basis points increase year-over-year[7,8] - Free cash flow for Q3 2025 was $86 million, a 66% year-over-year increase[7,18] - Adjusted diluted EPS grew 69% year-over-year[8] - Excluding a one-time benefit from a commercial partnership and an additional month of Moritex in Q3 2024, revenue increased by 15% year-over-year[15,20] End Market Analysis - Logistics accounted for 23% of full-year 2024 revenue, showing strong growth driven by large customers[14] - Automotive accounted for 22% of full-year 2024 revenue, experiencing continued softness[14] - Packaging accounted for 21% of full-year 2024 revenue, demonstrating solid growth across most geographies[14] - Consumer Electronics accounted for 17% of full-year 2024 revenue, showing broad-based strong growth[14] - Semiconductor accounted for 11% of full-year 2024 revenue, with modest growth[14] Q4 2025 Outlook - Revenue is projected to be between $230 million and $245 million, representing a 3% increase at the midpoint compared to Q4 2024[25] - Adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to be between 170% and 200%, consistent with the prior year[25,26] - Adjusted earnings per share (diluted) are projected to be between $019 and $024, a 75% increase at the midpoint[25]

分组1 - Cognex Corporation reported quarterly earnings of $0.33 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.27 per share, and showing an increase from $0.20 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of +22.22% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $276.89 million for the quarter ended September 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.64%, compared to $234.74 million in the same quarter last year [2] - Cognex has consistently outperformed consensus EPS and revenue estimates over the last four quarters [2] 分组2 - The stock has gained approximately 31.9% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 17.2% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.22 on revenues of $235.82 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $0.89 on revenues of $960.56 million [7] - The Electronics - Testing Equipment industry, to which Cognex belongs, is currently ranked in the top 9% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook for the sector [8]