Cognex (CGNX) vs Sensata Technologies (ST)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Sensata Technologies (ST) has outperformed Cognex (CGNX) over the past year, gaining 38.8% versus a gain of 33.2%. Over five years, ST leads with a -27.4% price change compared with -27.5% for CGNX. Cognex is the larger company by market cap ($10.20 billion vs $6.10 billion), about 1.7 times the size.
On valuation, Sensata Technologies trades at a lower forward P/E (10.2x vs 29.9x for Cognex). Sensata Technologies offers the higher dividend yield (1.14% vs 0.55%). Cognex converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 11.5% versus 0.8%.
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 | ST |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $60.66 | $41.93 |
| Market cap | $10.20B | $6.10B |
| 1-day change | -0.90% | -1.04% |
| YTD return | +70.12% | +27.28% |
| 1-year return | +33.21% | +38.78% |
| 5-year return | -27.48% | -27.41% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 58.33 | 69.88 |
| Forward P/E | 29.92 | 10.24 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.04 | $0.60 |
| Dividend yield | 0.55% | 1.14% |
| Annual dividend | $0.335 | $0.48 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $994.36M | $3.70B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.73% | -5.81% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $114.44M | $31.30M |
| Gross margin | 66.92% | 29.27% |
| Operating margin | 16.35% | 6.41% |
| Net margin | 11.51% | 0.84% |
| 52-week high | $72.88 | $53.89 |
| 52-week low | $34.60 | $28.16 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -16.77% | -22.19% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +30.42% | +26.40% |
| Average volume | 1.89M | 1.45M |
| Shares outstanding | 168.22M | 145.54M |
| Employees | 2,745 | 16,700 |
| 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
- Cognex is more profitable, keeping 11.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 0.8 cents for Sensata Technologies.
- Cognex grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+8.73% vs -5.81%).
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 Sensata Technologies
ST stock →Sensata Technologies Holding plc develops, manufactures, and sells sensors and sensor-rich solutions, electrical protection components and systems, and other products used in mission-critical systems and applications in the United States, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Automotive; Industrials; and Aerospace, Defense, and Commercial Equipment.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 16,700 employees
CGNX vs ST FAQ
Which is bigger, Cognex or Sensata Technologies?
Cognex (CGNX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $10.20B compared with $6.10B for Sensata Technologies (ST).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CGNX or ST?
ST returned +38.78% over the past 12 months, compared with +33.21% for CGNX (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CGNX or ST?
CGNX has the lower trailing P/E at 58.3, versus 69.9 for ST. 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 Sensata Technologies?
Sensata Technologies has the higher yield at 1.14%, compared with 0.55% for Cognex.
Are Cognex and Sensata Technologies in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.