Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ: CGNX) provides machine vision computer systems that automate a range of manufacturing processes. Essentially, the systems link to video cameras and serve as eyes where human vision is insufficient. The firm's Modular Vision Systems automate the manufacture of discrete items (e.g: semiconductor chips) by locating, identifying, inspecting and measuring them during the manufacturing process. Its Surface Inspection Systems monitor the surfaces of materials processed in a continuous fashion (e.g: paper, metal, plastic) for imperfections. Cognex has offices throughout North America, Japan, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX), Ford Motor (NYSE: F) and Sony (NYSE: SNE) are customers.

Cognex pleased investors earlier in the week, when it reported Q1 EPS of 20 cents and revenues of $60.5 million. Analysts had been looking for 17 cents and $59.9 million. Management also guided Q2 EPS to 20-24 cents (20 cent consensus) and Q2 revenues to $65-$68 million ($63.14 million consensus). The firm expects gross margin to remain in the low-70% range.

Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ: CGNX) provides machine vision computer systems that automate a range of manufacturing processes. Essentially, the systems link to video cameras and serve as eyes where human vision is insufficient. The firm's Modular Vision Systems automate the manufacture of discrete items (e.g: semiconductor chips) by locating, identifying, inspecting and measuring them during the manufacturing process. Its Surface Inspection Systems monitor the surfaces of materials processed in a continuous fashion (e.g: paper, metal, plastic) for imperfections. Cognex has offices throughout North America, Japan, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX), Ford Motor (NYSE: F) and Sony (NYSE: SNE) are customers.

The company pleased investors earlier in the month, when it reported Q4 EPS of 25 cents and revenues of $65.3 million. Analysts had been expecting 20 cents and $60.9 million. Management also guided Q1 EPS to 13-18 cents (18 cent consensus) and Q1 revenues to $58-$61 million ($58.45 million consensus). In discussing the coming year, the CEO alluded to the introduction of "a number of important new products." Needham subsequently upgraded the shares to "strong buy" and declared a price target of $25.

Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ: CGNX) provides machine vision computer systems that automate a range of manufacturing processes. Essentially, the systems link to video cameras and serve as eyes where human vision is insufficient. The firm's Modular Vision Systems automate the manufacture of discrete items (e.g: semiconductor chips) by locating, identifying, inspecting and measuring them during the manufacturing process. Its Surface Inspection Systems monitor the surfaces of materials processed in a continuous fashion (e.g: paper, metal, plastic) for imperfections. Cognex has offices throughout North America, Japan, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Ford Motor (NYSE: F) is a major customer.

The company pleased investors earlier in the month, when it reported Q3 EPS of 17 cents and revenues of $54.8 million. Analysts had been expecting 10 cents and $54.6 million. Management also guided Q4 EPS to 17-23 cents (18 cent consensus) and Q4 revenues to $56-$62 million ($59.89 million consensus). Bear Stearns and Barrington Research subsequently upgraded the shares to "outperform".