Cognex (CGNX) vs Pentair (PNR)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Cognex (CGNX) has outperformed Pentair (PNR) over the past year, gaining 30.3% versus a loss of 53.2%. Over five years, PNR leads with a -27.2% price change compared with -27.8% for CGNX. Cognex is the larger company by market cap ($10.62 billion vs $8.38 billion), about 1.3 times the size.
On valuation, Pentair trades at a lower forward P/E (10.1x vs 31.1x for Cognex). Pentair offers the higher dividend yield (1.98% vs 0.53%). Pentair converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 15.7% 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 | PNR |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $63.15 | $52.53 |
| Market cap | $10.62B | $8.38B |
| 1-day change | +3.67% | +0.44% |
| YTD return | +69.29% | -49.78% |
| 1-year return | +30.29% | -53.22% |
| 5-year return | -27.84% | -27.24% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 60.72 | 13.54 |
| Forward P/E | 31.15 | 10.06 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.04 | $3.88 |
| Dividend yield | 0.53% | 1.98% |
| Annual dividend | $0.335 | $1.04 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $994.36M | $4.18B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.73% | +2.28% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $114.44M | $653.80M |
| Gross margin | 66.92% | 40.48% |
| Operating margin | 16.35% | 20.53% |
| Net margin | 11.51% | 15.66% |
| 52-week high | $72.88 | $112.13 |
| 52-week low | $34.60 | $51.13 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -13.36% | -53.15% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +25.28% | +45.06% |
| Average volume | 1.89M | 3.39M |
| Shares outstanding | 168.22M | 159.60M |
| Employees | 2,745 | 9,000 |
| 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 PNR by 83.5 percentage points over the past year.
- Cognex trades at a higher earnings multiple (60.7x vs 13.5x trailing P/E).
- Pentair offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.98% vs 0.53%).
- Cognex grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+8.73% vs +2.28%).
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 Pentair
PNR stock →Pentair plc provides various water solutions in the United States, Western Europe, China, Latin America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Canada. It operates through three segments: Flow, Water Solutions, and Pool.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 9,000 employees
CGNX vs PNR FAQ
Which is bigger, Cognex or Pentair?
Cognex (CGNX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $10.62B compared with $8.38B for Pentair (PNR).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CGNX or PNR?
CGNX returned +30.29% over the past 12 months, compared with -53.22% for PNR (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CGNX or PNR?
PNR has the lower trailing P/E at 13.5, versus 60.7 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 Pentair?
Pentair has the higher yield at 1.98%, compared with 0.53% for Cognex.
Are Cognex and Pentair in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.