Cognex (CGNX) vs Itron (ITRI)
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 Itron (ITRI) over the past year, gaining 33.3% versus a loss of 32.6%. Over five years, ITRI leads with a +13.7% price change compared with -27.4% for CGNX. Cognex is the larger company by market cap ($10.30 billion vs $3.75 billion), about 2.7 times the size.
On valuation, Itron trades at a lower forward P/E (12.2x vs 30.2x for Cognex). Cognex pays a dividend yielding 0.55%, while Itron does not currently pay one.
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 | ITRI |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $61.21 | $85.58 |
| Market cap | $10.30B | $3.75B |
| 1-day change | -7.75% | -3.18% |
| YTD return | +70.29% | -8.21% |
| 1-year return | +33.34% | -32.64% |
| 5-year return | -27.41% | +13.67% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 58.86 | 14.31 |
| Forward P/E | 30.19 | 12.23 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.04 | $5.98 |
| Dividend yield | 0.55% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.335 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $994.36M | — |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.73% | — |
| Net income (latest FY) | $114.44M | — |
| Gross margin | 66.92% | — |
| Operating margin | 16.35% | — |
| Net margin | 11.51% | — |
| 52-week high | $72.88 | $142.00 |
| 52-week low | $34.60 | $77.77 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -16.01% | -39.73% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +29.24% | +51.39% |
| Average volume | 1.88M | 744.38K |
| Shares outstanding | 168.22M | 43.79M |
| Employees | 2,745 | 4,987 |
| Sector | Technology | Technology |
| Industry | Scientific & Technical Instruments | Scientific & Technical Instruments |
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
- Cognex is about 2.7 times larger than Itron by market value ($10.30B vs $3.75B).
- CGNX has outperformed ITRI by 66.0 percentage points over the past year.
- Cognex trades at a higher earnings multiple (58.9x vs 14.3x trailing P/E).
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.
Technology · Scientific & Technical Instruments · 2,745 employees
About Itron
ITRI stock →Itron, Inc., a technology, solutions, and service company, provides end-to-end solutions that help manage energy, water, and smart city operations worldwide. It operates in four segments: Device Solutions, Networked Solutions, Outcomes, and Resiliency Solution.
Technology · Scientific & Technical Instruments · 4,987 employees
CGNX vs ITRI FAQ
Which is bigger, Cognex or Itron?
Cognex (CGNX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $10.30B compared with $3.75B for Itron (ITRI).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CGNX or ITRI?
CGNX returned +33.34% over the past 12 months, compared with -32.64% for ITRI (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CGNX or ITRI?
ITRI has the lower trailing P/E at 14.3, 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 Itron?
Cognex pays a dividend yielding 0.55%, while Itron does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Cognex and Itron in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Scientific & Technical Instruments industry within the Technology sector.