Cognex (CGNX) vs Watsco (WSO)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Cognex (CGNX) has outperformed Watsco (WSO) over the past year, gaining 33.2% versus a loss of 28.7%. Over five years, WSO leads with a -0.9% price change compared with -27.5% for CGNX. Watsco is the larger company by market cap ($11.64 billion vs $10.25 billion), about 1.1 times the size, while Cognex is growing revenue faster (+8.7% vs -5.0%).
On valuation, Watsco trades at a lower forward P/E (21.2x vs 30.0x for Cognex). Watsco offers the higher dividend yield (4.36% vs 0.55%). Cognex converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 11.5% versus 6.9%.
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 | WSO |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $60.91 | $282.23 |
| Market cap | $10.25B | $11.64B |
| 1-day change | -0.49% | -0.15% |
| YTD return | +70.12% | -16.12% |
| 1-year return | +33.21% | -28.68% |
| 5-year return | -27.48% | -0.93% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 58.57 | 24.18 |
| Forward P/E | 30.04 | 21.15 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.04 | $11.67 |
| Dividend yield | 0.55% | 4.36% |
| Annual dividend | $0.335 | $12.30 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $994.36M | $7.24B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.73% | -4.98% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $114.44M | $496.99M |
| Gross margin | 66.92% | 28.05% |
| Operating margin | 16.35% | 9.95% |
| Net margin | 11.51% | 6.87% |
| 52-week high | $72.88 | $459.00 |
| 52-week low | $34.60 | $279.04 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -16.42% | -38.51% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +29.88% | +33.19% |
| Average volume | 1.89M | 503.70K |
| Shares outstanding | 168.22M | 35.59M |
| Employees | 2,745 | 6,950 |
| Sector | Industrials | Consumer Discretionary |
| 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 WSO by 61.9 percentage points over the past year.
- Cognex trades at a higher earnings multiple (58.6x vs 24.2x trailing P/E).
- Watsco offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (4.36% vs 0.55%).
- Cognex grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+8.73% vs -4.98%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Cognex in Industrials and Watsco in Consumer Discretionary.
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 Watsco
WSO stock →Watsco, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the distribution of air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment, and related parts and supplies in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It distributes equipment, including residential ducted and ductless air conditioners, such as gas, electric, and oil furnaces; commercial air conditioning and heating equipment systems; and other specialized equipment.
Consumer Discretionary · Industrial Machinery/Components · 6,950 employees
CGNX vs WSO FAQ
Which is bigger, Cognex or Watsco?
Watsco (WSO) is larger, with a market capitalization of $11.64B compared with $10.25B for Cognex (CGNX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CGNX or WSO?
CGNX returned +33.21% over the past 12 months, compared with -28.68% for WSO (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CGNX or WSO?
WSO has the lower trailing P/E at 24.2, versus 58.6 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 Watsco?
Watsco has the higher yield at 4.36%, compared with 0.55% for Cognex.
Are Cognex and Watsco in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.