Cognex (CGNX) vs Fortive (FTV)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Cognex (CGNX) has outperformed Fortive (FTV) over the past year, gaining 33.2% versus a gain of 13.9%. Over five years, FTV leads with a +3.2% price change compared with -27.5% for CGNX. Fortive is the larger company by market cap ($17.07 billion vs $10.30 billion), about 1.7 times the size, while Cognex is growing revenue faster (+8.7% vs +1.9%).
On valuation, Fortive trades at a lower forward P/E (17.4x vs 30.2x for Cognex). Cognex offers the higher dividend yield (0.55% vs 0.21%). Fortive converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.9% versus 11.5%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | CGNX | FTV |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $61.21 | $56.52 |
| Market cap | $10.30B | $17.07B |
| 1-day change | -7.75% | -2.37% |
| YTD return | +70.12% | +2.37% |
| 1-year return | +33.21% | +13.93% |
| 5-year return | -27.48% | +3.22% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 58.86 | 29.75 |
| Forward P/E | 30.19 | 17.37 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.04 | $1.90 |
| Dividend yield | 0.55% | 0.21% |
| Annual dividend | $0.335 | $0.12 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $994.36M | $4.16B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.73% | +1.92% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $114.44M | $579.20M |
| Gross margin | 66.92% | 63.50% |
| Operating margin | 16.35% | 17.32% |
| Net margin | 11.51% | 13.93% |
| 52-week high | $72.88 | $64.56 |
| 52-week low | $34.60 | $47.71 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -16.01% | -12.45% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +29.24% | +12.60% |
| Average volume | 1.88M | 2.44M |
| Shares outstanding | 168.22M | 302.02M |
| Employees | 2,745 | 10,000 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Industrial Machinery/Components | Industrial Machinery/Components |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- CGNX has outperformed FTV by 19.3 percentage points over the past year.
- Cognex trades at a higher earnings multiple (58.9x vs 29.7x trailing P/E).
- Cognex grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+8.73% vs +1.92%).
About Cognex
CGNX stock →Cognex Corporation provides machine vision products that capture and analyze visual information to automate manufacturing and distribution tasks in the United States, Europe, Greater China, and internationally. Its machine vision products are used to automate the manufacture and distribution of discrete items, such as mobile phones, automotive components, and e-commerce packages, by locating, identifying, inspecting, and measuring them.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 2,745 employees
About Fortive
FTV stock →Fortive Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets products, software, and services in the United States, China, and internationally. It operates through Intelligent Operating Solutions and Advanced Healthcare Solutions segments.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 10,000 employees
CGNX vs FTV FAQ
Which is bigger, Cognex or Fortive?
Fortive (FTV) is larger, with a market capitalization of $17.07B compared with $10.30B for Cognex (CGNX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CGNX or FTV?
CGNX returned +33.21% over the past 12 months, compared with +13.93% for FTV (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CGNX or FTV?
FTV has the lower trailing P/E at 29.7, versus 58.9 for CGNX. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Cognex or Fortive?
Cognex has the higher yield at 0.55%, compared with 0.21% for Fortive.
Are Cognex and Fortive in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.