UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-Q 
(Mark One)
[ X ]Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended AprilJuly 5, 2015 or
          
[    ]Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from __________ to __________
            
Commission File Number 001-34218
COGNEX CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Massachusetts 04-2713778
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

One Vision Drive
Natick, Massachusetts 01760-2059
(508) 650-3000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  
  YesX     No      
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    
  YesX     No      
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
Large accelerated filerX  Accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated filer   Smaller reporting company 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    
  Yes      NoX    
As of AprilJuly 5, 2015, there were 87,128,03787,102,221 shares of Common Stock, $.002 par value per share, of the registrant outstanding.
 



INDEX
 
PART IFINANCIAL INFORMATION 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 


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COGNEX CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Three-months Ended Six-months Ended
Three-months EndedJuly 5, 2015 June 29, 2014 July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014
April 5, 2015 March 30, 2014(unaudited) (unaudited)
(unaudited)       
Revenue   $143,829
 $92,276
 $245,202
 $173,592
Product$105,775
 $83,569
Service7,659
 7,360
113,434
 90,929
Cost of revenue   30,508
 18,190
 52,852
 34,743
Product23,634
 17,286
Service4,320
 3,798
27,954
 21,084
Gross margin   113,321
 74,086
 192,350
 138,849
Product82,141
 66,283
Service3,339
 3,562
85,480
 69,845
Research, development, and engineering expenses18,076
 12,502
18,302
 12,524
 35,288
 24,093
Selling, general, and administrative expenses43,487
 34,900
43,241
 35,538
 83,174
 67,330
Operating income23,917
 22,443
51,778
 26,024
 73,888
 47,426
Foreign currency gain (loss)405
 (110)(39) (74) 620
 (184)
Investment income850
 787
957
 801
 1,807
 1,588
Other expense(310) (273)(55) (75) (365) (348)
Income before income tax expense24,862
 22,847
Income tax expense4,360
 4,341
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense52,641
 26,676
 75,950
 48,482
Income tax expense on continuing operations9,125
 4,001
 12,962
 7,991
Income from continuing operations43,516
 22,675
 62,988
 40,491
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 16)198
 3,273
 1,228
 3,963
Net income$20,502
 $18,506
$43,714
 $25,948
 $64,216
 $44,454
          
Earnings per weighted-average common and common-equivalent share:   
Basic$0.24
 $0.21
Diluted$0.23
 $0.21
Basic earnings per weighted-average common and common-equivalent share:Basic earnings per weighted-average common and common-equivalent share:
Income from continuing operations$0.50
 $0.26
 $0.72
 $0.47
Income from discontinued operations$
 $0.04
 $0.02
 $0.04
Net income$0.50
 $0.30
 $0.74
 $0.51
       
Diluted earnings per weighted-average common and common-equivalent share:Diluted earnings per weighted-average common and common-equivalent share:
Income from continuing operations$0.49
 $0.25
 $0.71
 $0.45
Income from discontinued operations$
 $0.04
 $0.01
 $0.05
Net income$0.49
 $0.29
 $0.72
 $0.50
          
Weighted-average common and common-equivalent shares outstanding:   Weighted-average common and common-equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic86,764
 86,879
87,199
 86,782
 86,977
 86,830
Diluted88,749
 89,259
89,185
 88,965
 88,951
 89,112
       
Cash dividends per common share$0.07
 $
 $0.07
 $










The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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COGNEX CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
 
Three-months EndedThree-months Ended Six-months Ended
April 5, 2015 March 30, 2014July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014 July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014
(unaudited)(unaudited) (unaudited)
Net income$20,502
 $18,506
$43,714
 $25,948
 $64,216
 $44,454
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:          
Cash flow hedges:          
Net unrealized gain (loss), net of tax of ($73) and ($16) in 2015 and 2014, respectively(520) (199)
Reclassification of net realized (gain) loss into current operations110
 33
Change in net unrealized gain (loss), net of tax of $48 and $10 in the three-month periods and net of tax of $(25) and ($6) in the six-month periods, respectively237
 (36) (283) (235)
Reclassification of net realized loss into current operations69
 24
 179
 57
Net change related to cash flow hedges(410) (166)306
 (12) (104) (178)
          
Available-for-sale investments:          
Net unrealized gain (loss), net of tax of $134 and $113 in 2015 and 2014, respectively899
 1,019
Reclassification of net realized (gain) loss into current operations(29) (501)
Change in net unrealized gain (loss), net of tax of ($128) and $69 in the three-month periods and net of tax of $6 and $182 in the six-month periods, respectively(333) 542
 566
 1,561
Reclassification of net realized gain into current operations(192) (105) (221) (606)
Net change related to available-for-sale investments870
 518
(525) 437
 345
 955
          
Foreign currency translation adjustments:          
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of ($636) and $7 in 2015 and 2014, respectively(10,690) 445
Change in currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $107 and $53 in the three-month periods and net of tax of ($529) and $60 in the six-month periods, respectively2,450
 (544) (8,240) (99)
Net change related to foreign currency translation adjustments(10,690) 445
2,450
 (544) (8,240) (99)
          
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(10,230) 797
2,231
 (119) (7,999) 678
Total comprehensive income$10,272
 $19,303
$45,945
 $25,829
 $56,217
 $45,132









The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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COGNEX CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
 
April 5, 2015 December 31, 2014July 5, 2015 December 31, 2014
(unaudited)  (unaudited)  
ASSETS      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$36,047
 $55,694
$61,691
 $55,694
Short-term investments142,343
 90,456
223,464
 90,456
Accounts receivable, less reserves of $1,024 and $1,095 in 2015 and 2014, respectively56,264
 50,938
Accounts receivable, less reserves of $752 and $820 in 2015 and 2014, respectively44,728
 40,053
Unbilled revenue51,648
 
Inventories48,458
 35,536
39,400
 29,223
Deferred income taxes8,990
 8,985
9,248
 8,985
Prepaid expenses and other current assets17,857
 22,997
20,997
 17,686
Held for sale assets (Note 16)38,927
 29,814
Total current assets309,959
 264,606
490,103
 271,911
Long-term investments370,433
 400,845
233,752
 400,845
Property, plant, and equipment, net48,692
 47,907
49,905
 45,963
Deferred income taxes16,349
 14,452
16,649
 14,452
Intangible assets, net9,606
 10,699
7,653
 9,670
Goodwill81,689
 81,689
77,388
 77,388
Other assets1,617
 1,536
2,756
 1,505
$838,345
 $821,734
$878,206
 $821,734
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Current liabilities:      
Accounts payable$13,295
 $19,114
$15,202
 $17,223
Accrued expenses32,240
 39,949
31,276
 35,614
Accrued income taxes928
 1,048
397
 1,048
Deferred revenue20,447
 20,563
18,994
 14,598
Held for sale liabilities (Note 16)14,598
 12,191
Total current liabilities66,910
 80,674
80,467
 80,674
Reserve for income taxes4,372
 4,623
4,603
 4,623
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
 

 
Shareholders’ equity:      
Common stock, $.002 par value –
Authorized: 140,000 shares, issued and outstanding: 87,128 and 86,542 shares in 2015 and 2014, respectively
174
 173
Common stock, $.002 par value –
Authorized: 140,000 shares, issued and outstanding: 87,102 and 86,542 shares in 2015 and 2014, respectively
174
 173
Additional paid-in capital272,070
 251,717
294,155
 251,717
Retained earnings544,448
 523,946
546,205
 523,946
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax(49,629) (39,399)(47,398) (39,399)
Total shareholders’ equity767,063
 736,437
793,136
 736,437
$838,345
 $821,734
$878,206
 $821,734
 





The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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COGNEX CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

 Three-months Ended
 April 5, 2015 March 30, 2014
 (unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:   
Net income$20,502
 $18,506
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:   
Stock-based compensation expense6,946
 4,004
Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment2,346
 1,990
Amortization of intangible assets1,093
 916
Amortization of discounts or premiums on investments203
 896
Realized gain on sale of investments(29) (501)
Tax effect of stock option exercises(3,694) (2,165)
Change in deferred income taxes(1,251) 127
Change in operating assets and liabilities(26,380) (6,312)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities(264) 17,461
Cash flows from investing activities:   
Purchases of investments(157,083) (124,734)
Maturities and sales of investments130,476
 117,753
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment(4,264) (2,685)
Net cash used in investing activities(30,871) (9,666)
Cash flows from financing activities:   
Issuance of common stock under stock option plans9,666
 5,951
Repurchase of common stock
 (14,287)
Tax effect of stock option exercises3,694
 2,165
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities13,360
 (6,171)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(1,872) 195
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(19,647) 1,819
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period55,694
 40,644
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$36,047
 $42,463
 Six-months Ended
 July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014
 (unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:   
Net income$64,216
 $44,454
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Stock-based compensation expense11,577
 7,960
Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment4,816
 4,051
Amortization of intangible assets2,183
 1,830
Amortization of discounts or premiums on investments377
 1,284
Realized gain on sale of investments(221) (606)
Tax effect of stock option exercises(9,358) (3,481)
Change in deferred income taxes(2,010) (1,507)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:   
Accounts receivable(5,387) (16,952)
Unbilled revenue(52,697) (587)
Inventories(11,200) (5,150)
Deferred costs344
 (16,189)
Deferred revenue8,485
 10,516
Accrued income taxes8,719
 2,777
Accrued expenses(3,887) (1,537)
Other(7,312) 4,845
Net cash provided by operating activities8,645
 31,708
Cash flows from investing activities:   

6










Purchases of investments(222,834) (189,746)
Maturities and sales of investments252,768
 177,280
Cash paid for purchased technology(10,475) 
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment(9,525) (5,341)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities9,934
 (17,807)
Cash flows from financing activities:   
Issuance of common stock under stock option plans21,457
 9,026
Repurchase of common stock(35,848) (27,004)
Payment of dividends(6,110) 
Tax effect of stock option exercises9,358
 3,481
Net cash used in financing activities(11,143) (14,497)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(1,439) 124
Net change in cash and cash equivalents5,997
 (472)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period55,694
 40,644
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$61,691
 $40,172
    
Noncash items related to discontinued operations:   
Depreciation and amortization expense$566
 $576
Capital expenditures482
 261
Stock-based compensation expense427
 555
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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COGNEX CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
 
Common Stock 
Additional
Paid-in
 Retained 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
 
Total
Shareholders’
Common Stock 
Additional
Paid-in
 Retained 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
 
Total
Shareholders’
Shares Par Value Capital Earnings Loss EquityShares Par Value Capital Earnings Loss Equity
Balance as of December 31, 201486,542
 $173
 $251,717
 $523,946
 $(39,399) $736,437
86,542
 $173
 $251,717
 $523,946
 $(39,399) $736,437
Issuance of common stock under stock plans586
 1
 9,665
 

 

 9,666
1,280
 2
 21,455
     21,457
Repurchase of common stock(720) (1)   (35,847)   (35,848)
Stock-based compensation expense

 

 6,946
 

 

 6,946
    11,577
     11,577
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises

 

 3,694
 

 

 3,694
    9,358
     9,358
Tax benefit for research and development credits as a result of stock options    48
     48
    48
     48
Payment of dividends      (6,110)   (6,110)
Net income

 

 

 20,502
 

 20,502
      64,216
   64,216
Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $73

 

 

 

 (520) (520)
Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $25        (283) (283)
Reclassification of net realized loss on cash flow hedges

 

 

 

 110
 110
        179
 179
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net of tax of $134

 

 

 

 899
 899
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net of tax of $6        566
 566
Reclassification of net realized gain on the sale of available-for-sale investments

 

 

 

 (29) (29)        (221) (221)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $636

 

 

 

 (10,690) (10,690)
Balance as of April 5, 2015 (unaudited)87,128
 $174
 $272,070
 $544,448
 $(49,629) $767,063
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $529        (8,240) (8,240)
Balance as of July 5, 2015 (unaudited)87,102
 $174
 $294,155
 $546,205
 $(47,398) $793,136











The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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COGNEX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
As permitted by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, these notes are condensed and do not contain all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Reference should be made to the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
In the opinion of the management of Cognex Corporation (the “Company”), the accompanying consolidated unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal, recurring adjustments and financial statement reclassifications, including those related to the disposition of a business (more fully described in Note 16), necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of AprilJuly 5, 2015, and the results of its operations for the three-month and six-month periods ended AprilJuly 5, 2015 and March 30,June 29, 2014, and changes in shareholders’ equity, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the periods presented.
The results disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three-month and six-month periods ended AprilJuly 5, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
On July 6, 2015, the Company completed the sale of its Surface Inspection Systems Division (SISD). Therefore, the results of SISD are reported as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.
NOTE 2: New Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”
The amendments in ASU 2014-09 will supersede and replace all currently existing U.S. GAAP, including industry-specific revenue recognition guidance, with a single, principle-based revenue recognition framework. The concept guiding this new model is that revenue recognition will depict transfer of control to the customer in an amount that reflects consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled. The core principles supporting this framework include (1) identifying the contract with a customer, (2) identifying separate performance obligations within the contract, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations, and (5) recognizing revenue. This new framework will require entities to apply significantly more judgment. This increase in management judgment will require expanded disclosure on estimation methods, inputs, and assumptions for revenue recognition. The Transition Resource Group (TRG) is evaluating the impact of this ASU and will release implementation guidance in future periods. The guidance in ASU 2014-09 is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and currently early2017. Early adoption is not permitted. However, the Financial Accounting Standards Board is considering delaying the effective date of this standard by one year and also allowing early adoption. Management will continue to evaluate the impact of this standard as it evolves.
Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-05, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software"
ASU 2015-05 provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, then the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. For public companies, the guidance in ASU 2015-05 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not expect ASU 2015-05 to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements and disclosures.

Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-11, "Inventory - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory"
ASU 2015-11 requires companies to measure most inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby simplifying the current guidance under which a company must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. This Update eliminates the need to determine replacement cost and evaluate whether said cost is within a quantitative range. This Update also further aligns U.S. GAAP and international accounting standards. For public companies, the guidance in ASU 2015-11 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not expect ASU 2015-11 to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements and disclosures.

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COGNEX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 3: Fair Value Measurements
Financial Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table summarizes the financial assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of AprilJuly 5, 2015 (in thousands):
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
Assets:      
Money market instruments$1,240
 $
$6,312
 $
Corporate bonds
 241,634

 214,983
Treasury bills
 96,168

 81,936
Asset-backed securities
 77,840

 76,105
Euro liquidity fund
 62,045

 63,163
Agency bonds
 12,887
Sovereign bonds
 11,645

 8,105
Municipal bonds
 6,699

 6,684
Supranational bonds
 1,902
Agency bonds
 4,284
Cash flow hedge forward contracts
 327

 151
Economic hedge forward contracts
 7

 2
Liabilities:      
Cash flow hedge forward contracts
 762

 243
Economic hedge forward contracts
 17

 8
The Company’s money market instruments are reported at fair value based upon the daily market price for identical assets in active markets, and are therefore classified as Level 1.
The Company’s debt securities and forward contracts are reported at fair value based upon model-driven valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be derived from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, and are therefore classified as Level 2. Management is responsible for estimating the fair value of these financial assets and liabilities, and in doing so, considers valuations provided by a large, third-party pricing service. For debt securities, this service maintains regular contact with market makers, brokers, dealers, and analysts to gather information on market movement, direction, trends, and other specific data. They use this information to structure yield curves for various types of debt securities and arrive at the daily valuations. The Company's forward contracts are typically traded or executed in over-the-counter markets with a high degree of pricing transparency. The market participants are generally large commercial banks.
The Company did not record an other-than-temporary impairment of these financial assets or liabilities during the three-monthsix-month period ended AprilJuly 5, 2015.
Financial Assets that are Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
The Company has an interest in a limited partnership, which is accounted for using the cost method and is required to be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Management is responsible for estimating the fair value of this investment, and in doing so, considers valuations of the partnership’s investments as determined by the General Partner. Publicly-traded investments in active markets are reported at the market closing price less a discount, as appropriate, to reflect restricted marketability. Fair value for private investments for which observable market prices in active markets do not exist is based upon the best information available including the value of a recent financing, reference to observable valuation measures for comparable companies (such as revenue multiples), public or private transactions (such as the sale of a comparable company), and valuations for publicly-traded comparable companies. The valuations also incorporate the General Partner’s own judgment and close familiarity with the business activities of each portfolio company. Significant increases or decreases in any of these inputs in isolation may result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement. The portfolio consists of securities of public and private companies, and consequently, inputs used in the fair value calculation are classified as Level 3. The Company did not record an other-than-temporary impairment of this asset during the three-monthsix-month period ended AprilJuly 5, 2015.

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COGNEX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Non-financial Assets that are Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
Non-financial assets such as goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment are required to be measured at fair value only when an impairment loss is recognized. The Company did not record an impairment charge related to these assets during the three-monthsix-month period ended AprilJuly 5, 2015.
NOTE 4: Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments
Cash, cash equivalents, and investments consisted of the following (in thousands):
April 5, 2015 December 31, 2014July 5, 2015 December 31, 2014
Cash$34,807
 $54,917
$55,379
 $54,917
Money market instruments1,240
 777
6,312
 777
Cash and cash equivalents36,047
 55,694
61,691
 55,694
Treasury bills75,431
 
Euro liquidity fund62,045
 48,235
63,163
 48,235
Corporate bonds37,413
 30,889
39,071
 30,889
Treasury bills31,644
 
Asset-backed securities37,894
 1,311
Sovereign bonds5,605
 
6,095
 
Supranational bonds1,902
 1,901
Municipal bonds1,819
 1,237
1,810
 1,237
Agency bonds1,523
 6,883

 6,883
Asset-backed securities392
 1,311
Supranational bonds
 1,901
Short-term investments142,343
 90,456
223,464
 90,456
Corporate bonds204,221
 216,294
175,912
 216,294
Asset-backed securities77,448
 62,556
38,211
 62,556
Treasury bills64,524
 90,412
6,505
 90,412
Municipal bonds4,874
 6,600
Agency bonds11,364
 9,566
4,284
 9,566
Sovereign bonds6,040
 13,461
2,010
 13,461
Municipal bonds4,880
 6,600
Limited partnership interest1,956
 1,956
1,956
 1,956
Long-term investments370,433
 400,845
233,752
 400,845
$548,823
 $546,995
$518,907
 $546,995
TheTreasury bills consist of debt securities issued by both the U.S. and foreign governments; the Euro liquidity fund invests in a portfolio of investment-grade bonds; corporate bonds consist of debt securities issued by both domestic and foreign companies; treasury billsasset-backed securities consist of debt securities issuedcollateralized by both the U.S. and foreign governments;pools of receivables or loans with credit enhancement; sovereign bonds consist of direct debt issued by foreign governments; supranational bonds consist of direct debt issued by two or more foreign central governments; municipal bonds consist of debt securities issued by state and local government entities; agency bonds consist of domestic or foreign obligations of government agencies and government sponsored enterprises that have government backing; and asset-backed securitiessupranational bonds consist of direct debt securities collateralizedissued by pools of receivablestwo or loans with credit enhancement.more foreign central governments. The Euro liquidity fund is denominated in Euros, and the remaining securities are denominated in U.S. Dollars.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The following table summarizes the Company’s available-for-sale investments as of AprilJuly 5, 2015 (in thousands):
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value
Short-term:              
Treasury bills$75,392
 $39
 $
 $75,431
Euro liquidity fund$61,866
 $179
 $
 $62,045
63,032
 131
 
 63,163
Corporate bonds37,356
 58
 (1) 37,413
39,034
 48
 (11) 39,071
Treasury bills31,652
 
 (8) 31,644
Asset-backed securities37,888
 17
 (11) 37,894
Sovereign bonds5,594
 11
 
 5,605
6,087
 8
 
 6,095
Supranational bonds1,900
 2
 
 1,902
Municipal bonds1,814
 5
 
 1,819
1,807
 3
 
 1,810
Agency bonds1,521
 2
 
 1,523
Asset-backed securities392
 
 
 392
Long-term:             
Corporate bonds203,712
 618
 (109) 204,221
175,920
 274
 (282) 175,912
Asset-backed securities77,417
 43
 (12) 77,448
38,203
 17
 (9) 38,211
Treasury bills64,468
 57
 (1) 64,524
6,506
 2
 (3) 6,505
Municipal bonds4,853
 21
 
 4,874
Agency bonds11,344
 20
 
 11,364
4,279
 5
 
 4,284
Sovereign bonds6,033
 7
 
 6,040
2,010
 
 
 2,010
Municipal bonds4,855
 25
 
 4,880
$509,924
 $1,027
 $(131) $510,820
$455,011
 $565
 $(316) $455,260
The following table summarizes the Company’s gross unrealized losses and fair values for available-for-sale investments in an unrealized loss position as of AprilJuly 5, 2015 (in thousands):
Unrealized Loss Position For:  Unrealized Loss Position For:  
Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater TotalLess than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total
Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
Corporate bonds$48,070
 $(109) $399
 $(1) $48,469
 $(110)$101,856
 $(287) $1,463
 $(6) $103,319
 $(293)
Asset-backed securities20,783
 (17) 1,926
 (3) 22,709
 (20)
Treasury bills33,143
 (9) 
 
 33,143
 (9)5,203
 (3) 
 
 5,203
 (3)
Asset-backed securities16,974
 (7) 2,597
 (5) 19,571
 (12)
$98,187
 $(125) $2,996
 $(6) $101,183
 $(131)$127,842
 $(307) $3,389
 $(9) $131,231
 $(316)
As of AprilJuly 5, 2015, the Company did not recognize an other-than-temporary impairment of these investments. In its evaluation, management considered the type of security, the credit rating of the security, the length of time the security has been in a loss position, the size of the loss position, our intent and ability to hold the security to expected recovery of value, and other meaningful information. The Company does not intend to sell, and is unlikely to be required to sell, any of these available-for-sale investments before its effective maturity or market price recovery.
The Company recorded gross realized gains and gross realized losses on the sale of debt securities totaling $197,000210,000 and $168,00018,000, respectively, during the three-month period ended AprilJuly 5, 2015 and $512,000117,000 and $11,00012,000, respectively, during the three-month period ended March 30,June 29, 2014. TheseThe Company recorded gross realized gains and gross realized losses on the sale of debt securities totaling $408,000 and $187,000, respectively, during the six-month period ended July 5, 2015 and $629,000 and $23,000, respectively, during the six-month period ended June 29, 2014.These gains and losses are included in "Investment income" on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Prior to the sale of these securities, unrealized gains and losses for these debt securities, net of tax, are recorded in shareholders’ equity as other comprehensive income (loss).

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COGNEX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The following table presents the effective maturity dates of the Company’s available-for-sale investments as of AprilJuly 5, 2015 (in thousands):
 1
Year or Less
 
1-2
Years
 
2-3
Years
 
3-4
Years
 
4-5
Years
 5-8 Years Total 1
Year or Less
 
1-2
Years
 
2-3
Years
 
3-4
Years
 
4-5
Years
 5-8 Years Total
Corporate bonds$37,413
 $101,597
 $74,312
 $22,542
 $5,770
 $
 $241,634
$39,071
 $84,541
 $66,216
 $19,360
 $5,795
 $
 $214,983
Treasury bills31,644
 64,524
 
 
 
 
 96,168
75,431
 5,101
 1,404
 
 
 
 81,936
Asset-backed securities392
 8,564
 38,917
 16,673
 8,982
 4,312
 77,840
37,894
 23,627
 3,752
 3,401
 6,847
 584
 76,105
Euro liquidity fund62,045
 
 
 
 
 
 62,045
63,163
 
 
 
 
 
 63,163
Agency bonds1,523
 6,360
 5,004
 
 
 
 12,887
Sovereign bonds5,605
 6,040
 
 
 
 
 11,645
6,095
 2,010
 
 
 
 
 8,105
Municipal bonds1,819
 334
 3,546
 
 
 1,000
 6,699
1,810
 4,373
 501
 
 
 
 6,684
Supranational bonds1,902
 
 
 
 
 
 1,902
Agency bonds
 980
 3,304
 
 
 
 4,284
$142,343
 $187,419
 $121,779
 $39,215
 $14,752
 $5,312
 $510,820
$223,464
 $120,632
 $75,177
 $22,761
 $12,642
 $584
 $455,260
The Company is a Limited Partner in Venrock Associates III, L.P. (Venrock), a venture capital fund. The Company has committed to a total investment in the limited partnership of up to $20,500,000, with an expiration date of December 31, 2015. As of AprilJuly 5, 2015, the Company contributed $19,886,000 to the partnership. The remaining commitment of $614,000 can be called by Venrock at any time before December 31, 2015. Distributions and contributions are at the discretion of Venrock’s management. No contributions were made and no distributions were received during the threesix-month period ended AprilJuly 5, 2015.
NOTE 5: Inventories
Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
April 5, 2015 December 31, 2014July 5, 2015 December 31, 2014
Raw materials$29,621
 $23,498
$27,157
 $18,223
Work-in-process10,885
 5,753
5,471
 5,054
Finished goods7,952
 6,285
6,772
 5,946
$48,458
 $35,536
$39,400
 $29,223
NOTE 6: Warranty Obligations
The Company records the estimated cost of fulfilling product warranties at the time of sale based upon historical costs to fulfill claims. Obligations may also be recorded subsequent to the time of sale whenever specific events or circumstances impacting product quality become known that would not have been taken into account using historical data. While we engage in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of our component suppliers and third-party contract manufacturers, the Company’s warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, material usage, and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. An adverse change in any of these factors may result in the need for additional warranty provisions. Warranty obligations are included in “Accrued expenses” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The changes in the warranty obligations wereobligation was as follows (in thousands):
Balance as of December 31, 2014$4,494
$4,086
Provisions for warranties issued during the period734
2,851
Fulfillment of warranty obligations(608)(2,593)
Foreign exchange rate changes(412)(341)
Balance as of April 5, 2015$4,208
Balance as of July 5, 2015$4,003
NOTE 7: Contingencies
In March 2013, the Company filed a lawsuit against Microscan Systems, Inc. (“Microscan”) and Code Corporation ("Code") in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging that Microscan’s Mobile Hawk handheld imager infringes U.S. Patent 7,874,487 owned by the Company (the “'487 patent”). The lawsuit sought to prohibit Code Corporation from manufacturing the product, and Microscan from selling and distributing the product. The Company also sought monetary damages resulting from the alleged infringement. Late in the day onOn April 30, 2014, the jury found that Microscan willfully infringed the ‘487 patent and awarded Cognex $2,578,000 in damages. In July 2014, Microscan filed a Notice

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COGNEX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

found that Microscan willfully infringed the ‘487 patent and awarded Cognex $2,600,000 in damages. Following the verdict, Microscan filed motions requesting judgment as a matter of law on the issues of infringement, invalidity and willfulness, as well as a motion to dismiss for lack of standing. The Company filed motions seeking treble damages (based on the finding of willfulness), attorneys’ fees as an exceptional case, and a permanent injunction against future infringement of the ‘487 patent and the import, manufacture and/or sale of Microscan’s Mobile Hawk product within the U.S. In June 2014, the court issued an order denying all of Microscan’s motions and the Company’s motion for treble damages, while granting the Company’s motion for permanent injunction (limited to enjoining future infringement of the ‘487 patent and the import, manufacture and/or sale of infringing versions of Microscan’s Mobile Hawk product within the U.S.) and the Company’s motion for attorneys’ fees, in part, pending a determination thereof following submission of supplemental briefs by both parties. In July 2014, Microscan filed a Notice of Appeal with the Federal Circuit appealing all orders, findings, and/or conclusions of the District Court that were adverse to Microscan. In August 2014, the Company filed a Notice of Appeal with the Federal Circuit appealing the order granting summary judgment that claims 23, 28, and 29 of the ’487 patent are invalid. Also in August 2014, the Federal Circuit consolidated Microscan’s appeal and the Company’s appeal. In November 2014, the Company filed an unopposed motion to dismiss the Company's appeal, and in December 2014, the Court of Appeals granted the Company's motion to dismiss the Company's appeal. In January 2015, Microscan submitted their appeal brief asserting that the damage award should be vacated, the infringement judgment should be reversed, and that the remaining '487 claims are invalid.brief. The Company filed its response to Microscan’s appeal brief, contesting all assertions therein on March 16, 2015.
In August 2014, Microscan filed a lawsuit against the Company in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York alleging that the Company’s DataMan® 8500 handheld imager infringes U.S. Patent 6,352,204
(the (the “'204 patent”). The lawsuit sought to prohibit the Company from manufacturing, selling, and distributing the DataMan® 7500, 8500, product.8600, and 9500 products. Microscan also sought monetary damages resulting from the alleged infringement. In September 2014, the Company filed an Answer to the Complaint denying all allegations and asserting in a counterclaim that the ’204 patent is invalid. In October 2014, the Company filed an Amended Answer further explaining its counterclaim of invalidity. Also in October 2014, Microscan filed an Amended Complaint alleging that the Company’s DataMan® 7500 and DataMan® 8600 also infringe the ’204 patent. The Company subsequently responded in October 2014 with its Answer to the Amended Complaint. In December 2014, a Markman hearing regarding the legal construction of the relevant patent claim terms was held. In January 2015, the Court issued an order construing such patent claim terms. In early February 2015, the Company submitted summary judgment motions. On April 6, 2015 the Court issued its rulings on the summary judgment motions. The Court partially granted the Company’s summary judgment motion of non-infringement, dismissing Microscan’s contention that the accused products literally infringe, but denying summary judgment to the Company with respect to Microscan’s claim of infringement under other doctrines. The Court granted the Company’s motion for summary judgment dismissing Microscan’s contention that any infringement was willful. The Court denied the Company’s motion for summary judgment with respect to the invalidity of one claim and denied the Company’s motion on the claim of laches. The Court granted Microscan’s motion for summary judgment holding that the Company infringed a single claim. The trial took place from April 21, 2015 to April 29, 2015 in the Southern District of New York. On April 30, 2015, the jury reached a verdict awarding Microscan royalties of $4,411,000 related to sales of the Company’s products during the applicable period. Cognex intends
On June 25, 2015, the Company executed a settlement agreement with Microscan in the amount of $3,500,000 settling all outstanding litigation between the parties. The settlement included a patent license agreement valued at $1,667,000 that allows the Company to filecontinue producing current models of its handheld barcode readers, which was recorded as an appeal, subjectasset as of July 5, 2015 and will be amortized to cost of revenue over the Court’s final assessment and decisions regarding the jury’s verdict.
The Company cannot predict the outcomefive year life of the above-referenced pending matter andpatent. The remaining $1,833,000 of the settlement was recorded as expense in the second quarter of 2015. All cases were dismissed by the end of July 2015. On July 1, 2015, the Company also executed an adverse resolution of this lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, liquidity, results of operations, and/or indemnification obligations. In addition, variousimmaterial settlement agreement with Code.
Various other claims and legal proceedings generally incidental to the normal course of business are pending or threatened on behalf of or against the Company.Company, including some pertaining to the Company’s recently divested surface inspection business, which arose prior to the transaction closing date and for which the Company retains liability pursuant to the agreement governing such divesture. While we cannot predict the outcome of these incidental matters, we believe that any liability arising from them will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.
NOTE 8: Guarantees
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into guarantee contracts with certain customers, generally in the Company’s Surface Inspection Systems Division (SISD) business. These guarantees represent standby letters of credit (LOC) which can be grouped into three categories: (1) bank guarantees which may require the Company to return a customer’s initial payment if the Company cannot deliver the order; (2) warranty bonds which may require the Company to resolve warranty issues within a specified time period; and (3) performance bonds which include a combination of the above two options. The type of LOC is generally determined based upon customer request and the guarantee amount represents the maximum potential amount of future payments. All of the Company’s LOCs are with the same counterparty and they do not contain any recourse provisions or collateral obligations.

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COGNEX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The following table details the letters of credit outstanding as of AprilJuly 5, 2015:
Type 
Guarantee
Amount
(in thousands)
 Guarantee Due Date 
Guarantee
Amount
(in thousands)
 Guarantee Due Date
Bank guarantees $1,241
 Various from May 2015 to January 2017 $1,117
 Various from July 2015 to July 2016
Performance bonds 550
 Various from July 2015 to December 2017
Warranty bonds 594
 Various from May 2015 to December 2016 510
 Various from August 2015 to December 2016
Performance bonds 568
 Various from June 2015 to December 2017
 $2,403
  $2,177
 
The Company evaluates losses for guarantees under accounting for contingencies. The Company considers such factors as the degree of probability that the Company would be required to satisfy the guarantee and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the loss. To date, the Company has not incurred any losses as a result of these obligations, and therefore, has not recorded any liability related to such obligation in its financial statements. The fair value of the Company’s outstanding guarantees is immaterial for all periods presented.
Pursuant to the sale of the Company's Surface Inspection Systems Division, completed on July 6, 2015, as more fully described in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company assigned and transferred all of its rights, duties, liabilities, and obligations under a majority of these LOC agreements to AMETEK, Inc. Approximately $2,125,000 of the LOC balance was transferred. The remaining balance represents LOCs related to the Company's continuing operations.

14


COGNEX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 9: Indemnification Provisions
Except as limited by Massachusetts law, the by-laws of the Company require it to indemnify certain current or former directors, officers, and employees of the Company against expenses incurred by them in connection with each proceeding in which he or she is involved as a result of serving or having served in certain capacities. Indemnification is not available with respect to a proceeding as to which it has been adjudicated that the person did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief that the action was in the best interests of the Company. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these provisions is unlimited. The Company has never incurred significant costs related to these indemnification provisions. As a result, the Company believes the estimated fair value of these provisions is minimal.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may accept standard limited indemnification provisions in connection with the sale of its products, whereby it indemnifies its customers for certain direct damages incurred in connection with third-party patent or other intellectual property infringement claims with respect to the use of the Company’s products. The term of these indemnification provisions generally coincides with the customer’s use of the Company’s products. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these provisions is generally subject to fixed monetary limits. The Company has never incurred significant costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification provisions. As a result, the Company believes the estimated fair value of these provisions is minimal.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company also accepts limited indemnification provisions from time to time, whereby it indemnifies customers for certain direct damages incurred in connection with bodily injury and property damage arising from the installation of the Company’s products. The term of these indemnification provisions generally coincides with the period of installation. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these provisions is generally limited and is likely recoverable under the Company’s insurance policies. As a result of this coverage, and the fact that the Company has never incurred significant costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification provisions, the Company believes the estimated fair value of these provisions is minimal.
Under the terms of the Company’s sale of its Surface Inspection Systems Division to AMETEK, Inc., the Company has agreed to retain certain liabilities in connection with its business dealings occurring prior to the transaction closing date of July 6, 2015, and to indemnify AMETEK, Inc. in connection with these retained liabilities and for any breach of the representations and warranties made by the Company to AMETEK, Inc. in connection with the sales agreement itself, as is usual and customary in such transactions. As of the date of this report, the Company believes the estimated fair value of these provisions is minimal.
NOTE 10: Derivative Instruments
The Company’s foreign currency risk management strategy is principally designed to mitigate the potential financial impact of changes in the value of transactions and balances denominated in foreign currencies resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Currently, the Company enters into two types of hedges to manage this risk. The first are economic hedges which utilize foreign currency forward contracts with maturities of up to 45 days to manage the exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates arising primarily from foreign-denominated receivables and payables. The gains and losses on these derivatives are intended to be offset by the changes in the fair value of the assets and liabilities being hedged. These economic hedges are not designated as hedging instruments for hedge accounting treatment. The second are cash flow hedges which utilize foreign currency forward contracts with maturities of up to 18 months to hedge specific forecasted transactions of the Company's foreign subsidiaries with the goal of protecting our budgeted revenues and expenses against foreign currency exchange rate changes compared to our budgeted rates. These cash flow hedges are designated as hedging instruments for hedge accounting treatment.

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COGNEX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The Company had the following outstanding forward contracts (in thousands):
As of April 5, 2015 As of December 31, 2014As of July 5, 2015 As of December 31, 2014
CurrencyNotional
Value
 USD
Equivalent
 Notional
Value
 USD
Equivalent
Notional
Value
 USD
Equivalent
 Notional
Value
 USD
Equivalent
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:              
Japanese Yen1,266,500
 $9,836
 1,225,000
 $10,211
1,151,500
 $9,186
 1,225,000
 $10,211
Hungarian Forint818,000
 2,864
 803,000
 3,099
791,500
 2,809
 803,000
 3,099
Singapore Dollar3,274
 2,214
 3,515
 2,564
3,071
 2,144
 3,515
 2,564
Canadian Dollar487
 440
 758
 688
290
 263
 758
 688
British Pound304
 408
 491
 732
179
 246
 491
 732
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:    Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:    
Japanese Yen785,000
 $6,542
 535,000
 $4,464
600,000
 $4,877
 345,000
 $2,878
British Pound1,650
 2,432
 1,400
 2,183
1,700
 2,655
 1,400
 2,183
Singapore Dollar1,425
 1,056
 1,225
 922
Taiwanese Dollar34,500
 1,109
 28,000
 883
29,000
 940
 28,000
 883
Korean Won1,100,000
 1,003
 940,000
 858
950,000
 845
 940,000
 858
Singapore Dollar1,250
 918
 1,225
 922
Hungarian Forint234,000
 850
 410,000
 1,569
220,000
 772
 410,000
 1,569
Information regarding the fair value of the outstanding forward contracts was as follows (in thousands):
Asset Derivatives Liability DerivativesAsset Derivatives Liability Derivatives
Balance Fair Value Balance Fair ValueBalance Fair Value Balance Fair Value
Sheet
Location
 April 5, 2015 December 31, 2014 
Sheet
Location
 April 5, 2015 December 31, 2014
Sheet
Location
 July 5, 2015 December 31, 2014 
Sheet
Location
 July 5, 2015 December 31, 2014
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:      Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:      
Cash flow hedge forward contracts
Prepaid expenses and
other current assets
 $327
 $108
 
Accrued
expenses
 $762
 $84
Prepaid expenses and
other current assets
 $151
 $108
 
Accrued
expenses
 $243
 $84
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:      Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:      
Economic hedge forward contractsPrepaid expenses and
other current assets
 $7
 $6
 Accrued expenses $17
 $13
Prepaid expenses and
other current assets
 $2
 $5
 Accrued expenses $8
 $13

The table below details the gross activity for all derivative assets and liabilities which were presented on a net basis on the Consolidated Balance Sheets due to the right of offset with each counterparty (in thousands):
Asset DerivativesAsset Derivatives Liability DerivativesAsset Derivatives Liability Derivatives
 April 5, 2015 December 31, 2014 April 5, 2015 December 31, 2014 July 5, 2015 December 31, 2014 July 5, 2015 December 31, 2014
Gross amounts of recognized assets $335
 $188
 Gross amounts of recognized liabilities $819
 $149
 $153
 $187
 Gross amounts of recognized liabilities $412
 $149
Gross amounts offset (1) (74) Gross amounts offset (40) (52) 
 (74) Gross amounts offset (161) (52)
Net amount of assets presented $334
 $114
 Net amount of liabilities presented $779
 $97
 $153
 $113
 Net amount of liabilities presented $251
 $97


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Information regarding the effect of derivative instruments, net of the underlying exposure, on the consolidated financial statements was as follows (in thousands):
Location in Financial Statements Three-months EndedLocation in Financial Statements Three-months Ended Six-months Ended
 April 5, 2015 March 30, 2014 July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014 July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:   
Gains (losses) recorded in shareholders' equity (effective portion)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $(378) $(62)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $(72) $(74) $(72) $(74)
Gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into current operations (effective portion)Product revenue $(152) $13
Product revenue $(159) $4
 $(311) $17
Research, development, and engineering expenses 1
 (30)Research, development, and engineering expenses 18
 (9) 19
 (25)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 41
 (16)Selling, general, and administrative expenses 72
 (19) 113
 (49)
Total gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into current operations $(110) $(33)Total gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into current operations $(69) $(24) $(179) $(57)
Gains (losses) recognized in current operations (ineffective portion and discontinued derivatives)Foreign currency gain (loss) $
 $
Foreign currency gain (loss) $
 $
 $
 $
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:   
Gains (losses) recognized in current operationsForeign currency gain (loss) $78
 $(152)Foreign currency gain (loss) $233
 $(15) $342
 $(137)
The following table provides the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, related to derivative instruments (in thousands):
Balance as of December 31, 2014 $32
 $32
Reclassification of net realized loss on cash flow hedges into current operations 110
 179
Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedges (520) (283)
Balance as of April 5, 2014 $(378)
Balance as of July 5, 2015 $(72)
Net losses expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, into current operations within the next twelve months are $401,000.$65,000.
NOTE 11: Stock-Based Compensation Expense
The Company’s share-based payments that result in compensation expense consist of stock option grants and restricted stock awards. As of AprilJuly 5, 2015, the Company had 7,823,9297,815,489 shares available for grant. On April 17, 2015, the 2007 Stock Option and Incentive Plan received shareholder approval for an amendment and restatement of the plan, reserving an additional 2,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.002 per share, for issuance. Generally, stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market value of the Company’s common stock at the grant date, vest over four years based upon continuous service, and expire ten years from the grant date. Restricted stock awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market value of the Company's common stock at the time of grant. Conditions of the award may be based on continuing employment and or achievement of pre-established performance goals and objectives. Vesting for performance-based restricted stock awards and time-based restricted stock awards must be greater than one year and three years, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity for the three-monthsix-month period ended AprilJuly 5, 2015:
Shares
(in thousands)
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)
Shares
(in thousands)
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)
Outstanding as of December 31, 20146,812
 $23.26
  6,812
 $23.26
  
Granted1,399
 41.26
  1,427
 41.36
  
Exercised(586) 16.49
  (1,280) 16.76
  
Forfeited or expired(24) 9.20
  (43) 8.68
  
Outstanding as of April 5, 20157,601
 $27.07
 7.6 $178,001
Exercisable as of April 5, 20153,137
 $16.59
 5.8 $106,335
Options vested or expected to vest as of
April 5, 2015 (1)
6,732
 $25.79
 7.4 $166,252
Outstanding as of July 5, 20156,916
 $28.14
 7.4 $136,975
Exercisable as of July 5, 20152,533
 $16.74
 5.6 $79,074
Options vested or expected to vest as of
July 5, 2015 (1)
6,140
 $26.97
 7.2 $128,812
 (1) In addition to the vested options, the Company expects a portion of the unvested options to vest at some point in the future. Options expected to vest are calculated by applying an estimated forfeiture rate to the unvested options.
The fair values of stock options granted in each period presented were estimated using the following weighted-average assumptions:
Three-months EndedThree-months Ended Six-months Ended
April 5, 2015 March 30, 2014July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014 July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014
Risk-free rate2.1% 2.7%2.1% 2.7% 2.1% 2.7%
Expected dividend yield1.25% %1.25% % 1.25% %
Expected volatility40% 41%40% 41% 40% 41%
Expected term (in years)5.4
 5.4
5.4
 5.4
 5.4
 5.4
Risk-free rate
The risk-free rate was based upon a treasury instrument whose term was consistent with the contractual term of the option.
Expected dividend yield
Generally, the current dividend yield is calculated by annualizing the cash dividend declared by the Company’s Board of Directors and dividing that result by the closing stock price on the grant date. However, in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company paid the full annual dividends for 2013 and 2014 in advance, and therefore, the dividend yield for those years has been adjusted to zero. A dividend yield of 1.25% was estimated for future periods from 2015 through the expected life of the option.
Expected volatility
The expected volatility was based upon a combination of historical volatility of the Company’s common stock over the contractual term of the option and implied volatility for traded options of the Company’s stock.
Expected term
The expected term was derived from the binomial lattice model from the impact of events that trigger exercises over time.
The Company stratifies its employee population into two groups: one consisting of senior management and another consisting of all other employees. The Company currently expects that approximately 74% of its stock options granted to senior management and 73% of its options granted to all other employees will actually vest. Therefore, the Company currently applies an estimated annual forfeiture rate of 10% to all unvested options for senior management and a rate of 11% for all other employees. The Company revised its estimated forfeiture rates in the first quarters of 2015 and 2014, resulting in an increase to compensation expense of $461,000 and $288,000, respectively.
The weighted-average grant-date fair values of stock options granted during the three-month periods ended AprilJuly 5, 2015 and March 30,June 29, 2014 were $14.34$14.40 and $15.34,$15.28, respectively. The weighted-average grant-date fair values of stock

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COGNEX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

options granted during the six-month periods ended July 5, 2015 and June 29, 2014 were $14.34 and $15.34, respectively.
The total intrinsic values of stock options exercised for the three-month periods ended AprilJuly 5, 2015 and March 30,June 29, 2014 were $16,740,000$22,490,000 and $8,933,000,$5,710,000, respectively. The total intrinsic values of stock options exercised for the six-month periods ended July 5, 2015 and June 29, 2014 were $39,230,000 and $14,643,000, respectively. The total fair values of stock options vested for the three-month periods ended AprilJuly 5, 2015 and March 30,June 29, 2014 were $13,523,000$897,000 and $8,361,000,$2,621,000, respectively.The total fair values of stock options vested for the six-month periods ended July 5, 2015 and June 29, 2014 were $14,419,000 and $10,982,000, respectively.
As of AprilJuly 5, 2015, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options was $30,963,000,$26,785,000, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.101.91 years.
The following table summarizes the Company's restricted stock award activity:
Shares (in thousands) Weighted-Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)Shares (in thousands) Weighted-Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Nonvested as of December 31, 201420
 $34.05
  20
 $34.05
  
Granted
 
  
 
  
Vested
 
  
 
  
Forfeited or expired
 
  
 
  
Nonvested as of April 5, 201520
 $34.05
 $329
Nonvested as of July 5, 201520
 $34.05
 $278
The fair values of restricted stock awards granted were determined based upon the market value of the Company's common stock at the time of grant. The initial cost is then amortized over the period of vesting until the restrictions lapse. These restricted shares will be fully vested in 2018. Participants are entitled to dividends on restricted stock awards, but only receive those amounts if the shares vest. The sale or transfer of these shares is restricted during the vesting period.
The total stock-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefit recognized for the three-month period ended AprilJuly 5, 2015 were $6,946,0004,631,000 and $2,337,0001,532,000, respectively, and for the three-month period ended March 30,June 29, 2014 were $4,004,000$3,956,000 and $1,306,000,$1,266,000, respectively. The total stock-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefit recognized for the six-month period ended July 5, 2015 were $11,577,000 and $3,869,000, respectively, and for the six-month period ended June 29, 2014 were $7,960,000 and $2,572,000, respectively. No compensation expense was capitalized as of AprilJuly 5, 2015 or December 31, 2014.
The following table details the stock-based compensation expense by caption for each period presented on the Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
Three-months EndedThree-months Ended Six-months Ended
April 5, 2015 March 30, 2014July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014 July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014
Product cost of revenue$420
 $285
Service cost of revenue73
 63
Cost of revenue$349
 $286
 $816
 $613
Research, development, and engineering1,848
 1,056
1,153
 949
 2,967
 1,967
Selling, general, and administrative4,605
 2,600
2,985
 2,473
 7,367
 4,825
Discontinued operations144
 248
 427
 555
$6,946
 $4,004
$4,631
 $3,956
 $11,577
 $7,960
Upon the sale of the Company's Surface Inspection Systems Division to AMETEK, Inc., completed on July 6, 2015, as more fully described in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company accelerated the vesting of stock options, with respect to 171,000 underlying shares, resulting in an additional $1,105,000 of stock option expense in the third quarter of 2015.

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COGNEX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 12: Stock Repurchase Program
In November 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $80,000,000 of the Company’s common stock. Purchases under this 2011 program were completed in 2014. In April 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $50,000,000 of the Company's common stock. Purchases under this 2014 program began in 2014 upon completion of the 2011 program. The Company did not repurchase anyrepurchased 720,000 shares at a cost of $35,848,000 in the three-monthsix-month period ended AprilJuly 5, 2015. On August 3, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $100,000,000of the Company's stock. This new authorization will commence once the Company completes the April 2014 program. The Company may repurchase shares under this program in future periods depending upon a variety of factors, including, among other things, the impact of dilution from employee stock options, stock price, share availability, and cash requirements.

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COGNEX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 13: Taxes
A reconciliation of the United States federal statutory corporate tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate, or income tax provision, was as follows:
Three-months EndedThree-months Ended Six-months Ended
April 5, 2015 March 30, 2014July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014 July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014
Continuing Operations:       
Income tax provision at federal statutory rate35 % 35 %35 % 35 % 35 % 35 %
State income taxes, net of federal benefit1 % 1 %1 % 1 % 1 % 1 %
Foreign tax rate differential(17)% (17)%(19)% (19)% (19)% (19)%
Discrete tax events(1)%  % % (2)% (1)% (1)%
Income tax provision18 % 19 %
Other %  % 1 %  %
Income tax provision related to continuing operations17 % 15 % 17 % 16 %
The effective tax rate for the three-monthsix-month period ended AprilJuly 5, 2015 included the impact of onethe following discrete tax event, whereby the Company recordedevents: (1) a decrease in tax expense by $364,000 recorded in the first quarter of $364,0002015 from the expiration of the statutes of limitations for certain reserves for income tax uncertainties.uncertainties, (2) a decrease in tax expense of $112,000 recorded in the second quarter of 2015 from the final true-up of the prior year's tax accrual upon filing the actual tax returns, and (3) an increase to tax expense of $65,000 recorded in the second quarter of 2015 from the write down of a deferred tax asset. These discrete events decreased the effective tax rate on continuing operations from a provision of 18% to a provision of 17% for the six-month period ended July 5, 2015. The discrete events noted above did not have an impact on the effective tax rate on continuing operations in the three-month period ended July 5, 2015.
The effective tax rate for the six-month period ended June 29, 2014 included the impact of the following discrete tax event: a decrease in tax expense of $418,000 recorded in the second quarter of 2014 from the closing of the Internal Revenue Service audit of the Company for tax years 2010 and 2011. This discrete event decreased the effective tax rate on continuing operations from a provision of 19%17% to a provision of 18%15% and 16% for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 29, 2014, respectively.
During the six-month period ended AprilJuly 5, 2015.
During the three-month period ended April 5, 2015, the Company recorded a $211,000$9,000 decrease in reserves for income taxes, net of deferred tax benefit, including a reduction to additional paid in capital of $48,000$48,000 and a reduction in income tax expense of $163,000.$39,000. Included in this net decrease is the discrete event noted above. Estimated interest and penalties included in these amounts totaled $15,000$32,000 for the three-monthsix-month period ended AprilJuly 5, 2015.2015.
In the first quarter of 2014, management adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." This ASU requires companies to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion thereof, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss (NOL) carryforward or a similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward. In the first quarter of 2014, the Company reclassified a reserve for income taxes of $1,028,000 as a reduction to noncurrent deferred tax assets in compliance with this new guidance. Retroactive application was not required under this ASU, and therefore, prior periods were not restated.
The Company’s reserve for income taxes, including gross interest and penalties, was $5,400,000$5,631,000 as of AprilJuly 5, 2015, which included $4,372,000$4,603,000 classified as a noncurrent liability and $1,028,000$1,028,000 recorded as a reduction to noncurrent deferred tax assets. The amount of gross interest and penalties included in these balances was $494,000.$561,000. If the Company’s tax positions were sustained or the statutes of limitations related to certain positions expired, these reserves would be released and income tax expense would be reduced in a future period, less $616,000 that would be recorded through additional paid-in capital. As a result of the expiration of certain statutes of limitations and the conclusion of the IRS examination, there is a potential that a portion of these reserves could be released, which would decrease income tax expense by approximately $550,000 to $650,000 over the next twelve months.
The Company has defined its major tax jurisdictions as the United States, Ireland, China, and Japan, and within the United States, Massachusetts and California. Within the United States, the tax years 2012 through 2014 remain open

20


COGNEX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

to examination by the Internal Revenue Service, while the tax years 2011 through 2014 remain open to various state taxing authorities, and the tax years 2010 through 2014 remain open to examination by various taxing authorities in other jurisdictions in which the Company operates.
NOTE 14: Weighted-Average Shares
Weighted-average shares were calculated as follows (in thousands):
Three-months EndedThree-months Ended Six-months Ended
April 5, 2015 March 30, 2014July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014 July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding86,764
 86,879
87,199
 86,782
 86,977
 86,830
Effect of dilutive stock options1,985
 2,380
1,986
 2,183
 1,974
 2,282
Weighted-average common and common-equivalent shares outstanding88,749
 89,259
89,185
 88,965
 88,951
 89,112
Stock options to purchase 2,263,7872,171,856 and 585,2081,912,850 shares of common stock, on a weighted-average basis, were outstanding during the three-month and six-month periods ended AprilJuly 5, 2015, respectively, and March 30,1,301,306 and 947,235 for the same periods in 2014, respectively, but were not included in the calculation of dilutive net income per share because they were anti-dilutive.

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COGNEX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 15: Segment Information
TheAs of July 5, 2015, the Company hashad two reportable segments: the Modular Vision Systems Division (MVSD) and the Surface Inspection Systems Division (SISD). MVSD develops, manufactures, and markets modular vision systems that are used to control the manufacture of discrete items by locating, identifying, inspecting, and measuring them during the manufacturing process. SISD develops, manufactures, and markets surface inspection vision systems that are used to inspect surfaces of materials processed in a continuous fashion, such as metals, paper, nonwoven, plastics, and glass, to ensure there are no flaws or defects on the surfaces. On July 6, 2015 (the first day of the Company's third quarter), the Company completed the sale of SISD to AMETEK, Inc. Additional detail related to this disposition is contained in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Segments are determined based upon the way that management organizes its business for making operating decisions and assessing performance. The Company evaluatesGiven the disposition of the SISD segment performance based upon income or loss from operations, excluding stock-based compensation expense.noted above, management is in the process of reviewing its organizational structure and will update this segment disclosure during the third quarter of 2015.
The following table summarizes information about the remaining segments (in thousands):
Three-months Ended April 5, 2015MVSD SISD Reconciling Items Consolidated
Product revenue$97,494
 $8,281
 $
 $105,775
Service revenue3,879
 3,780
 
 7,659
Operating income33,307
 1,896
 (11,286) 23,917
Three-months Ended July 5, 2015MVSD  Reconciling Items Consolidated
Revenue$143,829
  $
 $143,829
Operating income62,179
  (10,401) 51,778
Three-months Ended March 30, 2014MVSD SISD Reconciling Items Consolidated
Product revenue$77,618
 $5,951
 $
 $83,569
Service revenue3,698
 3,662
 
 7,360
Operating income28,292
 1,013
 (6,862) 22,443
Six-months Ended July 5, 2015MVSD  Reconciling Items Consolidated
Revenue$245,202
  $
 $245,202
Operating income95,155
  (21,267) 73,888
Three-months Ended June 29, 2014MVSD  Reconciling Items Consolidated
Revenue$92,276
  $
 $92,276
Operating income33,818
  (7,794) 26,024
Six-months Ended June 29, 2014MVSD  Reconciling Items Consolidated
Revenue$173,592
  $
 $173,592
Operating income61,783
  (14,357) 47,426
Reconciling items consist of stock-based compensation expense and unallocated corporate expenses, which primarily include corporate headquarters costs, professional fees, and patent infringement litigation. Additional asset information by segment is not produced internally for use by the chief operating decision maker, and therefore, is not presented.

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COGNEX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Additional asset information is not provided because cash and investments are commingled and the segments share assets and resources in a number of locations around the world.
NOTE 16: Discontinued Operations
On July 6, 2015 (the first day of the Company's third quarter), the Company completed the sale of its Surface Inspection Systems Division (SISD) to AMETEK, Inc. (AMETEK) for $160,000,000 in cash, less a working capital adjustment of $1,600,000 and transaction costs of approximately $5,000,000. Accordingly, management concluded that the assets of SISD met all of the criteria to be classified as "held for sale" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 5, 2015.

Carrying amounts of major assets and liabilities included as part of the disposal group were as follows (in thousands):
 July 5, 2015 December 31, 2014
Accounts receivable, net$9,550
 $10,885
Inventories, net5,943
 6,313
Unbilled revenue2,573
 2,356
Prepaid expenses and other current assets3,391
 2,955
Property, plant, and equipment, net1,720
 1,944
Intangible assets, net11,338
 1,029
Goodwill4,301
 4,301
Other assets111
 31
Held for sale assets$38,927
 $29,814
    
Accounts payable1,470
 1,891
Accrued expenses3,787
 4,335
Deferred revenue9,341
 5,965
Held for sale liabilities$14,598
 $12,191

Management also concluded that the disposal group met the criteria of a discontinued operation and has presented the profit from operation of this discontinued business separately from continuing operations on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The pretax gain associated with this sale is expected to be approximately $125,000,000 and will be recorded in the third quarter of 2015.


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COGNEX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The major classes of revenue and expense included in discontinued operations were as follows (in thousands):
 Three-months Ended Six-months Ended
 July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014 July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014
Revenue$11,187
 $16,526
 $23,248
 $26,139
Cost of revenue(5,765) (7,506) (11,291) (11,948)
Research, development, and engineering expenses(1,022) (1,118) (2,126) (2,068)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses(4,176) (3,204) (7,800) (6,384)
Foreign currency gain (loss)77
 (22) (177) (22)
Pretax income from discontinued operations301
 4,676
 1,854
 5,717
Income tax expense103
 1,403
 626
 1,754
Income from discontinued operations, net$198
 $3,273
 $1,228
 $3,963

Significant noncash items related to the discontinued business were as follows (in thousands):
 Three-months Ended Six-months Ended
 July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014 July 5, 2015 June 29, 2014
Capital expenditures$171
 $152
 $482
 $261
Stock-based compensation expense144
 248
 427
 555
Depreciation expense203
 193
 401
 388
Amortization expense82
 94
 165
 188

The Company also entered into a Transition Services Agreement (TSA) with AMETEK to ensure an orderly and effective transition of SISD. Under the terms of the TSA, the Company has agreed to continue to perform certain administrative activities related to SISD; however, AMETEK is responsible for monitoring the business and making all strategic decisions. Although the parties intend to complete this transition as quickly as possible, the Company expects this TSA to remain in place throughout the second half of 2015. The income associated with this TSA is expected to be immaterial.
NOTE 16:17: Subsequent Events
On April 17,August 3, 2015, the 2007 Stock Option and Incentive Plan received shareholder approval forCompany's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an amendment and restatementadditional $100,000,000 of the plan, reserving anCompany's stock. This new authorization will commence once the Company completes the April 2014 program. For additional 2,000,000 shares of commondetail regarding the Company's stock par value $0.002 per share, for issuance.repurchases, see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In addition, on May 4,August 3, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.07 per share. The dividend is payable on June 19,September 18, 2015 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 5,September 4, 2015.

Finally, on April 30, 2015, the jury reached a verdict awarding Microscan royalties of $4,411,000 related to sales of the Company’s products during the applicable period. Cognex intends to file an appeal, subject to the Court’s final assessment and decisions regarding the jury’s verdict. Additional information regarding this litigation is included in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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COGNEX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)



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ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this report, as well as oral statements made by the Company from time to time, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Readers can identify these forward-looking statements by our use of the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “shall,��shall,” “could,” “should,” and similar words and other statements of a similar sense. These statements are based upon our current estimates and expectations as to prospective events and circumstances, which may or may not be in our control and as to which there can be no firm assurances given. These forward-looking statements, which include statements regarding business and market trends, future financial performance, customer order rates, expected areas of growth, emerging markets, future product mix, research and development activities, investments, and strategic plans, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such risks and uncertainties include: (1) the loss of a large customer; (2) current and future conditions in the global economy; (3) the reliance on revenue from the consumer electronics or automotive industries; (4) the inability to penetrate new markets; (5) the cyclicality of the semiconductor and electronics industries; (6) the inability to achieve significant international revenue; (7) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and the use of derivative instruments; (8) the inability to attract and retain skilled employees; (9) the reliance upon key suppliers to manufacture and deliver critical components for our products; (10) the failure to effectively manage product transitions or accurately forecast customer demand; (11) the inability to design and manufacture high-quality products; (12) the technological obsolescence of current products and the inability to develop new products; (13) the failure to properly manage the distribution of products and services; (14) the inability to protect our proprietary technology and intellectual property; (15) our involvement in time-consuming and costly litigation; (16) the impact of competitive pressures; (17) the challenges in integrating and achieving expected results from acquired businesses; (18) potential impairment charges with respect to our investments or for acquired intangible assets or goodwill; (19) exposure to additional tax liabilities; and (20) information security breaches or business system disruptions. The foregoing list should not be construed as exhaustive and we encourage readers to refer to the detailed discussion of risk factors included in Part I-Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company disclaims any obligation to subsequently revise forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date such statements are made.

Executive Overview

Cognex Corporation is a leading worldwide provider of machine vision products that capture and analyze visual information in order to automate tasks, primarily in manufacturing processes, where vision is required. Our Modular Vision Systems Division (MVSD) specializes in machine vision systems and ID products that are used to automate the manufacture and tracking of discrete items, while ouritems. On July 6, 2015, the Company completed the sale of its Surface Inspection Systems Division (SISD) that specializes in machine vision systems that are used to inspect the surfaces of materials processed in a continuous fashion. The financial results of SISD are reported as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.

In addition to product revenue derived from the sale of machine vision systems, the Company also generates revenue by providing maintenance and support, training, consulting, and installationtraining services to its customers. Ourcustomers; however, service revenue accounted for less than 10% of total revenue for all periods presented.

The Company’s customers can be classified into three primary markets:are predominantly in the factory automation semiconductor and electronics capital equipment, and surface vision.

market. Factory automation customers who are included in the Company’s MVSD segment, purchase Cognex vision products and incorporate them into their manufacturing processes. Virtually every manufacturer can achieve better quality and manufacturing efficiency by using machine vision, and therefore, this market includes a broad base of customers across a variety of industries, including consumer electronics, automotive, consumer products, food and beverage, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. The factoryFactory automation marketcustomers also includes customers who purchase Cognex vision products for use outside of the assemblymanufacturing process, such as using ID products in logistics automation for package sorting and distribution. Sales to factory automation customers represented 84%95% of total revenue for both the three-month and six-month periods in 2015, compared to 91% and 92% of total revenue for the first quarter of 2015.same periods in 2014.

SemiconductorA small percentage of the Company’s customers are in the semiconductor and electronics capital equipment manufacturers, who are included in the Company’s MVSD segment,market. These customers purchase Cognex vision products and integrate them into the automation equipment that they manufacture

25



and then sell to their customers to either make semiconductor chips or assemble printed

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circuit boards. Demand from these capital equipment manufacturerscustomers has historically been highly cyclical, with periods of investment followed by downturn.on a declining trend for the past several years. Sales to semiconductor and electronics capital equipment manufacturers represented 6%only 5% of total revenue for both the three-month and six-month periods in the first quarter of 2015.

Surface vision customers, who comprise the Company’s SISD segment, are manufacturers of materials processed in a continuous fashion, such as metals, paper, nonwoven, plastics,2015, compared to 9% and glass. These customers need sophisticated machine vision to detect, classify, and analyze defects on the surfaces of those materials as they are being processed at high speeds. Surface inspection sales represented 10%8% of total revenue for the same periods in the first quarter of 2015.2014.

Revenue for the firstsecond quarter of 2015 totaled $113,434,000,$143,829,000, representing an increase of $22,505,000,$51,553,000, or 25%56%, from the firstsecond quarter of 2014 driven by higher sales to factory automation customers.revenue from large orders in the consumer electronics industry recognized in 2015. Gross margin was 75%79% of revenue in the firstsecond quarter of 2015 compared to 77%80% of revenue in the firstsecond quarter of 2014 due primarily to volume pricing discounts on certain large orders and a shift in mix to relatively lower margin maintenance and support services.higher new product introduction costs. Operating expenses increased by $14,161,000,$13,481,000, or 30%28%, from the firstsecond quarter of 2014 due primarily to higher personnel-related costs resulting from additional headcount. Management believes these personnel investments are important to the Company's efforts to maintain the record levels of business achieved by the Company in the prior year and to generate further growth. Operating income increased by $1,474,000,$25,754,000, or 7%99%, over the firstsecond quarter of 2014. Operating income was $23,917,000,$51,778,000, or 21%36% of revenue, in the firstsecond quarter of 2015 compared to $22,443,000,$26,024,000, or 28% of revenue, in the second quarter of 2014; income from continuing operations was $43,516,000, or 30% of revenue, in the second quarter of 2015 compared to $22,675,000, or 25% of revenue, in the firstsecond quarter of 2014; netand income from continuing operations per diluted share was $20,502,000, or 18% of revenue,$0.49 in the firstsecond quarter of 2015 compared to $18,506,000, or 20% of revenue,$0.25 in the first quarter of 2014; and net income per diluted share was $0.23 in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $0.21 in the firstsecond quarter of 2014.

Results of Operations

As foreign currency exchange rates are a factor in understanding period-to-period comparisons, we believe the presentation of results on a constant-currency basis in addition to reported results helps improve investors’ ability to understand our operating results and evaluate our performance in comparison to prior periods. We also use results on a constant-currency basis as one measure to evaluate our performance.  Constant-currency information compares results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period-over-period. We generally refer to such amounts calculated on a constant-currency basis as excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes. Results on a constant-currency basis are not in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Revenue

Revenue increased by $51,553,000, or 56%, for the first quarter of 2015three-month period and increased by $22,505,000,$71,610,000, or 25%41%, fromfor the first quarter of 2014. Although the Company recorded higher sales in all three markets it serves, this increase was primarily attributable to the factory automation market.

Factory Automation Market

Sales to customers in the factory automation market represented 84% of total revenue in the first quarter of 2015, compared to 83% in the first quarter of 2014. Sales to these customers increased by $19,743,000, or 26%, from the first quarter of 2014.six-month period. Excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes, on revenue sales to factory automation customers increased by $25,709,000,$59,181,000, or 34%64%, compared tofor the first quarter of 2014,three-month period, and increased by $85,708,000, or 49%, for the six-month period, as sales denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the Euro, were translated tointo U.S. Dollars at a lower rate. This relatively high factory automationrevenue growth rate was driven by revenue from large orders in the consumer electronics industry recognized in 2015. Excluding these large orders, revenue from factory automation customers increased for both the three-month and six-month periods on a constant-currency basis in each of the Company’s geographic regions, with the highest growth rate coming from Greater China and Europe. Revenue from semiconductor and electronics capital equipment manufacturers decreased for the three-month period and was relatively flat for the six-month period on a constant-currency basis.

The level of large orders is not expected to continue in the third quarter of 2015, and therefore, we expect revenue to decline in the third quarter compared to the second quarter of 2015, although we expect third quarter revenue to be higher than the first quarter of 2015.

Sales to factory automation customers increased by $1,557,000, or 2%, from the fourth quarter of 2014. Excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on revenue, sales to factory automation customers increased by $4,661,000, or 5%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2014. Management expects factory automation revenue to continue to grow in the second quarter as compared to the first quarter.





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Semiconductor and Electronics Capital Equipment Market

Sales to customers who make automation equipment for the semiconductor and electronics industries represented 6% and 7% of total revenue in the first quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Sales to these customers increased by $315,000, or 5%, from the first quarter of 2014 and increased by $1,315,000, or 26%, from the fourth quarter of 2014. The impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes on revenue was not significant in either period. Despite the positive sequential momentum, the semiconductor and electronics capital equipment market has historically been highly cyclical and management has limited visibility regarding future order levels from these customers.

Surface Inspection Market

Sales to customers in the surface inspection market represented 10% of total revenue in both the first quarters of 2015 and 2014. Revenue from these customers increased by $2,448,000, or 25%, from the first quarter of 2014, as the first quarter of 2014 was adversely impacted by delays in revenue recognition related to a new software release. Sequentially, surface inspection revenue decreased by $6,621,000, or 35%, from the fourth quarter of 2014, which was a record revenue quarter for the Company in this market. The impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes on revenue was not significant in either period. Surface inspection revenue reported each quarter can vary significantly depending upon the timing of customer orders, system deliveries, and installations, as well as the impact of revenue deferrals.

Product Revenue

Product revenue increased by $22,206,000, or 27%, from the first quarter of 2014. A higher volume of systems sold to MVSD customers accounted for $19,876,000 of the increase. The remaining increase of $2,330,000 came from higher SISD product revenue.

Service Revenue

Service revenue, which is derived from the sale of maintenance and support, training, consulting, and installation services, increased by $299,000, or 4%, from the first quarter of 2014. Higher MVSD maintenance and support revenue was partially offset by lower revenue from MVSD consulting services. Service revenue as a percentage of total revenue was 7% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 8% in the first quarter of 2014.

Gross Margin

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 75%79% and 78% for the three-month and six-month periods in the first quarter of 2015, respectively, compared to 77%80% for the same periods in the first quarter of 2014. This decreaseThe lower gross margin was due to lower MVSD marginshigher new product introduction costs, as described below.

MVSD Margin

MVSD gross marginwell as a percentage of revenue was 78% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 80% in the first quarter of 2014 due to lower product and service margins. The lower product margin was due to volume pricing discounts on certain large orders,orders. In addition, changes in foreign currency exchange rates had a negative impact on gross margin, as well as higher new product introduction costs.a significant amount of revenue is denominated in Euros, while inventories are predominantly purchased in U.S. Dollars. These productgross margin decreases were partially offset by the favorable impact of material cost reductions and volume purchasing, as well as manufacturing efficiencies achieved from higher revenue levels as fixed manufacturing costs were spread over a larger revenue base. The lower service margin was due to a shift in mix to relatively lower-margin maintenance and support services.

SISD Margin

SISDWe expect gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 53%to decline in the firstthird quarter of 2015 compared to 52% in the firstsecond quarter of 2014. The increase was2015 due to a higher product marginlevel of lower-margin maintenance and a greater percentage of SISD revenue from the sale of products, which have higher margins than the sale of services, partially offset by lower service margins. The product margin increase was due to manufacturing efficiencies achieved from higher revenue levels, while the lower service margin was due to a shift in mix to relatively lower-margin installationsupport services.

Product Margin

Product gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 78% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 79% in the first quarter of 2014. This decrease was due to lower MVSD product margins as described above.

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Service Margin

Service gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 44% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 48% in the first quarter of 2014. This decrease was due to lower MVSD service margins as described above.

Research, Development, and Engineering Expenses

Research, development, and engineering (RD&E) expenses increased $5,778,000, or 46%, for the first quarter of 2015three-month period and increased by $5,574,000,$11,195,000, or 45%46%, compared tofor the same period in 2014. MVSD RD&E expenses increased by $5,418,000, or 47%, and SISD RD&E expenses increased by $156,000, or 15%.six-month period.

The table below details the $5,418,000 net increaseincreases in MVSD RD&E in 2015expenses (in thousands):
MVSD RD&E expenses in 2014$11,479
Three-month Period Six-month Period
RD&E expenses in 2014$12,524
 $24,093
Outsourced engineering costs3,218
 4,542
Personnel-related costs2,056
1,983
 4,041
Outsourced engineering costs1,323
Stock-based compensation expense848
248
 1,096
Engineering prototypes659
338
 721
Company bonus accruals257
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(619)(782) (1,411)
Other894
773
 2,206
MVSD RD&E expenses in 2015$16,897
RD&E expenses in 2015$18,302
 $35,288

The increase in MVSD RD&E expenses was due to higher personnel-related costs, such as salaries and fringe benefits, resulting from headcount additions and modest salary increases granted early in 2015. Headcount was added to support the significantly higher level of business in 2014 and the impact of these investments areon year-over-year expense comparisons is expected to continue in the second half of 2015. The Company also incurred higher spending on outsourced engineering costs and engineering prototypes. In addition, stock-based compensation expense increased due to a higher stock price valuation for options granted in the previous four years and company bonus expense increased due to the additional headcount.years. Offsetting these increases was the favorable impact of a weaker Euro, as expenses denominated in Euros were translated to U.S. Dollars at a lower rate.

The increase in SISD RD&E expenses was due to higher spending on engineering prototypes ($118,000).

RD&E expenses as a percentage of revenue was 16%13% and 14% for the three-month and six-month periods in the first quarter of 2015, respectively, compared to 14% infor the first quarter ofsame periods in 2014. We believe that a continued commitment to RD&E activities is essential in order to maintain or achieve product leadership with our existing products and to provide innovative new product offerings. In addition, we consider our ability to accelerate time to market for new products to be critical to our revenue growth. Therefore, we expect to continue to make significant RD&E investments in the future, and we target our RD&E spending to be between 10% and 15% of revenue. This percentage is impacted by revenue levels.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased by $7,703,000, or 22%, for the first quarter of 2015three-month period and increased by $8,587,000,$15,844,000, or 25%24%, compared tofor the same period in 2014.six-month period. MVSD SG&A expenses increased by $5,611,000,$5,755,000, or 19%, for the three-month period and increased by $11,369,000, or 20%, while SISD SG&A expenses increased by $305,000, or 9%.for the six-month period. Corporate expenses that are not allocated to eithera division increased by $2,671,000,$1,948,000, or 66%.37%, for the three-month period and increased by $4,475,000, or 48%, for the six-month period.


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The table below details the $5,611,000 net increaseincreases in MVSD SG&A in 2015expenses (in thousands):
Three-month Period Six-month Period
MVSD SG&A expenses in 2014$27,571
$30,299
 $58,056
Personnel-related costs4,770
5,405
 10,486
Stock-based compensation expense987
518
 1,505
Travel expenses550
Outsourced professional services439
Company bonus accruals278
Sales demonstration equipment1,009
 1,170
Rent expense200
 596
Depreciation expense266
 447
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(2,378)(3,072) (5,467)
Other965
1,429
 2,632
MVSD SG&A expenses in 2015$33,182
$36,054
 $69,425

The increase in MVSD SG&A expenses was due to headcount additions, resulting in higher personnel-related costs, such as salaries, fringe benefits, sales commissions, and travel expenses, as well as modest salary increases granted early in 2015. Headcount was added to support the significantly higher level of business in 2014 and the impact of these investments areon year-over-year expense comparisons is expected to continue in the second half of 2015. Stock-basedIn addition, stock-based compensation expense increased due to a higher stock price valuation for options granted in the previous four years and company bonus expense increased due to the additional headcount. Excluding the impact of increased headcount, travel expenses wereyears. The Company also higher to support the higher levels of business. In addition, the Company incurred higher spending on outsourced professional services, primarilyexpenses related to human resourcessales demonstration equipment, higher rent expense resulting from worldwide office expansion, and higher depreciation expense related to information systems.technology investments. Offsetting these increases was the favorable impact of a weaker Euro and to a lesser extent a weaker Japanese Yen, as expenses denominated in these currencies were translated to U.S. Dollars at lower rates.

The increase in SISD SG&A expenses was primarily due to higher sales commissions ($194,000), personnel-related costs ($137,000), and travel costs ($100,000). Offsetting these increases was the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates, namely a weaker Japanese Yen and Euro, as expenses denominated in these currencies were translated to U.S. Dollars at lower rates ($215,000).

The increase in corporate expenses was due principally to a settlement of outstanding patent litigation with Microscan Systems, Inc. reached in the second quarter of 2015 under which the Company paid $3,500,000 in July 2015. The settlement included a patent license agreement valued at $1,667,000 that allows the Company to continue producing current models of its handheld barcode readers, which was recorded as an asset as of July 5, 2015 and will be amortized to cost of revenue over the five year life of the patent. The remaining $1,833,000 of the settlement was recorded as expense in the second quarter of 2015. This litigation also resulted in higher legal fees ($344,000 for the three-month period and $1,520,000 for the six-month period). In addition, stock-based compensation expense ($1,189,000) andwas higher legal fees related tofor the Company's patent-infringement actions against Microscan Systems, Inc., as described in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statementssix-month period ($1,167,000)1,315,000).

Nonoperating Income (Expense)

The Company recorded foreign currency losses of $39,000 and foreign currency gains of $405,000$620,000 for the three-month and six-month periods in the first quarter of 2015, respectively, compared to foreign currency losses of $110,000$74,000 and $184,000 for the same periods in the first quarter of 2014. The foreign currency gains and losses in each period resulted primarily from the revaluation and settlement of accounts receivable, accounts payable, and intercompany balances that are reported in one currency and collected in another. As of the date of this report, the Company expects to invoice a significant amount of U.S. Dollar-denominated business on the books of its Irish subsidiary, for which the functional currency is the Euro, in the third quarter of 2015. These accounts receivable will be subject to revaluation and settlement in foreign currency gain (loss) in current operations.

Investment income increased by $63,000,$156,000, or 8%19%, fromfor the first quarter of 2014three-month period and increased by $219,000, or 14%, for the six-month period due to increased funds available for investment, partially offset by declining yields, on average, on the Company's portfolio of debt securities.investment.

The Company recorded other expense of $310,000$55,000 and $273,000$365,000 for the three-month and six-month periods in 2015, respectively, compared to other expense of $75,000 and $348,000 for the first quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively.same periods in 2014. Other income (expense) includes rental income, net of associated expenses, from leasing buildings adjacent to the Company’s corporate headquarters.


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Income Tax Expense

The Company’s effective tax rate was 18% and 19%17% for the first quarters ofthree-month and six-month periods in 2015, compared to 15% and 2014, respectively.16% for the same periods in 2014. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2015 included the impact of onethe following discrete tax event, whereby the Company recordedevents: (1) a decrease in tax expense of $364,000 related torecorded in the first quarter of 2015 from the expiration of statutes of limitations for certain reserves for income tax uncertainties. No discreteuncertainties, (2) a decrease in tax events wereexpense of $112,000 recorded in the firstsecond quarter of 2014.

2015 from the final true-up of the prior year’s tax accrual upon filing the actual tax returns, and (3) an increase in tax expense of $65,000 recorded in the second quarter of 2015 from the write down of a deferred tax asset. The effective tax rate for 2014 included the impact of the following discrete tax event: a decrease in tax expense of $418,000 recorded in the second quarter of 2014 from the closing of the Internal Revenue Service audit of the Company for tax years 2010 and 2011. Excluding the impact of thisthese discrete event,tax events, the Company’s effective tax rate was 19% in bothrelatively consistent for all periods presented.presented at approximately 17%.


Discontinued Operations


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TableOn July 6, 2015, the Company completed the sale of Contentsits Surface Inspection Systems Division (SISD) that specializes in machine vision systems that are used to inspect the surfaces of materials processed in a continuous fashion. The financial results of SISD are reported as a discontinued operation. Income from discontinued operations was $198,000 and $1,228,000 for the three-month and six-month periods in 2015, respectively, compared to $3,273,000 and $3,963,000 for the same periods in 2014. Income from discontinued operations in 2014 included the recognition of revenue that had been deferred in 2013 related to a new software release, and accordingly, revenue levels were lower in 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease in income from discontinued operations was also due to professional fees recorded in 2015 related to the sale of SISD.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company has historically been able to generate positive cash flow from operations, which has funded its operating activities and other cash requirements and has resulted in an accumulated cash, cash equivalent, and investment balance of $548,823,000$518,907,000 as of AprilJuly 5, 2015. The Company has established guidelines relative to credit ratings, diversification, and maturities of its investments that maintain liquidity.

The Company’s cash requirements during the three monthssix-months ended AprilJuly 5, 2015 were met with its existing cash balances, cash from investment maturities, positive cash flows from operations, and the proceeds from stock option exercises. Cash flows from operating activities which included large cash outlays primarily related to the purchase of inventory, the payouta significant increase in unbilled revenue that, as of the annualdate of this report, the Company bonus, the final payment relatedexpects to the 2014 acquisition of a building in Cork, Ireland, and the payment of income taxes to various jurisdictions, were relatively flatinvoice largely in the firstthird quarter of 2015.2015 and collect before year end. In addition to operating activities, cash requirements consisted of investment purchases, the repurchase of investmentscommon stock, the payment of dividends, and capital expenditures. Capital expenditures for the three monthssix-month period ended AprilJuly 5, 2015 totaled $4,264,000$9,525,000 and consisted primarily of expenditures for building improvements at the Company's headquarters and adjacent buildings in Natick, Massachusetts, as well as computer hardware, computer software, and manufacturing test equipment related to new product introductions.

On July 6, 2015 (the first day of the Company's third quarter), the Company completed the sale of its Surface Inspection Systems Division for $160,000,000 in cash, less a working capital adjustment of $1,600,000 and transaction costs of approximately $5,000,000. A majority of this cash was received in July 2015. The remaining cash, representing a working capital adjustment, is expected to be received in the third quarter.
The Company is a Limited Partner in Venrock Associates III, L.P. (Venrock), a venture capital fund. The Company has committed to a total investment in the limited partnership of up to $20,500,000, with the commitment period expiring on December 31, 2015. The Company does not have the right to withdraw from the partnership prior to this date. As of AprilJuly 5, 2015, the Company had contributed $19,886,000 to the partnership. The remaining commitment of $614,000 can be called by Venrock in any period through December 31, 2015. Distributions and contributions are at the discretion of Venrock’s management. No contributions were made and no distributions were received during the three monthssix-month period ended AprilJuly 5, 2015.

On May 4, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.07 per share payable in the second quarter of 2015 that totaled $6,110,000. On August 3, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.07 per share payable in the third quarter of 2015. Future dividends will be declared at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and will depend upon such factors as the Board deems relevant including, among other things, the Company’s ability to generate positive cash flows from operations.

In November 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $80,000,000 of the Company’s common stock. Purchases under this 2011 program were completed in 2014.
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In April 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additionalup to $50,000,000 of the Company's common stock. PurchasesThe Company repurchased 720,000 shares at a cost of $35,848,000 during the second quarter of 2015 under this 2014 program began in 2014 upon completionprogram. On August 3, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $100,000,000 of the 2011Company's stock. This new authorization will commence once the Company completes the April 2014 program. The Company did not repurchase any shares during the three-months ended April 5, 2015. The Company may repurchase shares under this program in future periods depending upon a variety of factors, including, among other things, the impact of dilution from employee stock options, stock price, share availability, and cash requirements.

The Company believes that its existing cash, cash equivalent, and investment balances, together with cash flow from operations, will be sufficient to meet its operating, investing, and financing activities for the next twelve months. As of AprilJuly 5, 2015, the Company had approximately $546,867,000$516,951,000 in cash, cash equivalents, and debt securities that could be converted into cash. In addition, the Company has no debt and does not anticipate needing debt financing in the near future. We believe that our strong cash position has put us in a relatively good position with respect to our longer-term liquidity needs.

New Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”
The amendments in ASU 2014-09 will supersede and replace all currently existing U.S. GAAP, including industry-specific revenue recognition guidance, with a single, principle-based revenue recognition framework. The concept guiding this new model is that revenue recognition will depict transfer of control to the customer in an amount that reflects consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled. The core principles supporting this framework include (1) identifying the contract with a customer, (2) identifying separate performance obligations within the contract, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations, and (5) recognizing revenue. This new framework will require entities to apply significantly more judgment. This increase in management judgment will require expanded disclosure on estimation methods, inputs, and assumptions for revenue recognition. The Transition Resource Group (TRG) is evaluating the impact of this ASU and will release implementation guidance in future periods. The guidance in ASU 2014-09 is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and currently early2017. Early adoption is not permitted. However, the Financial Accounting Standards Board is

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considering delaying the effective date of this standard by one year and also allowing early adoption. Management will continue to evaluate the impact of this standard as it evolves.

Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-05, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software"
ASU 2015-05 provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, then the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. For public companies, the guidance in ASU 2015-05 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not expect ASU 2015-05 to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements and disclosures.

Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-11, "Inventory - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory"
ASU 2015-11 requires companies to measure most inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby simplifying the current guidance under which a company must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. This Update eliminates the need to determine replacement cost and evaluate whether said cost is within a quantitative range. This Update also further aligns U.S. GAAP and international accounting standards. For public companies, the guidance in ASU 2015-11 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not expect ASU 2015-11 to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements and disclosures.
ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no material changes to the Company’s exposures to market risk since December 31, 2014.
ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has evaluated, with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in such rules) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date. From time to time, the Company reviews its disclosure controls

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and procedures, and may from time to time make changes aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and to ensure that the Company’s systems evolve with its business. There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended AprilJuly 5, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In March 2013, the Company filed a lawsuit against Microscan Systems, Inc. (“Microscan”) and Code Corporation ("Code") in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging that Microscan’s Mobile Hawk handheld imager infringes U.S. Patent 7,874,487 owned by the Company (the “'487 patent”). The lawsuit sought to prohibit Code Corporation from manufacturing the product, and Microscan from selling and distributing the product. The Company also sought monetary damages resulting from the alleged infringement. Late in the day onOn April 30, 2014, the jury found that Microscan willfully infringed the ‘487 patent and awarded Cognex $2.6M$2,578,000 in damages. Following the verdict, Microscan filed motions requesting judgment as a matter of law on the issues of infringement, invalidity and willfulness, as well as a motion to dismiss for lack of standing. The Company filed motions seeking treble damages (based on the finding of willfulness), attorneys’ fees as an exceptional case, and a permanent injunction against future infringement of the ‘487 patent and the import, manufacture and/or sale of Microscan’s Mobile Hawk product within the U.S. In June 2014, the court issued an order denying all of Microscan’s motions and the Company’s motion for treble damages, while granting the Company’s motion for permanent injunction (limited to enjoining future infringement of the ‘487 patent and the import, manufacture and/or sale of infringing versions of Microscan’s Mobile Hawk product within the U.S.) and the Company’s motion for attorneys’ fees, in part, pending a determination thereof following submission of supplemental briefs by both parties. In July 2014, Microscan filed a Notice of Appeal with the Federal Circuit appealing all orders, findings, and/or conclusions of the District Court that were adverse to Microscan. In August 2014, the Company filed a Notice of Appeal with the Federal Circuit appealing the order granting summary judgment that claims 23, 28, and 29 of the ’487 patent are invalid. Also in August 2014, the Federal Circuit consolidated Microscan’s appeal and the Company’s appeal. In November 2014, the Company filed an unopposed motion to dismiss the Company's appeal, and in December 2014, the Court of Appeals granted the Company's motion to dismiss the Company's appeal. In January 2015, Microscan submitted their appeal brief asserting that the damage award should be vacated, the infringement judgment should be reversed, and that the remaining '487 claims are invalid.brief. The Company filed its response to Microscan’s appeal brief, contesting all assertions therein on March 16, 2015.
In August 2014, Microscan filed a lawsuit against the Company in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York alleging that the Company’s DataMan® 8500 handheld imager infringes U.S. Patent 6,352,204
(the (the “'204 patent”). The lawsuit sought to prohibit the Company from manufacturing, selling, and distributing the DataMan® 7500, 8500, product.8600, and 9500 products. Microscan also sought monetary damages resulting from the alleged infringement. In September 2014, the Company filed an Answer to the Complaint denying all allegations and asserting in a counterclaim that the ’204 patent is invalid. In October 2014, the Company filed an Amended Answer further explaining its counterclaim of invalidity. Also in October 2014, Microscan filed an Amended Complaint alleging that the Company’s DataMan® 7500 and DataMan® 8600 also infringe the ’204 patent. The Company subsequently responded in October 2014 with its Answer to the Amended Complaint. In December 2014, a Markman hearing regarding the legal construction of the relevant patent claim terms was held. In January 2015, the Court issued an order construing such patent claim terms. In early February 2015, the Company submitted summary judgment motions. On April 6, 2015 the Court issued its rulings on the summary judgment motions. The Court partially granted the Company’s summary judgment motion of non-infringement, dismissing Microscan’s contention that the accused products literally infringe, but denying summary judgment to the Company with respect to Microscan’s claim of infringement under other doctrines. The Court granted the Company’s motion for summary judgment dismissing Microscan’s contention that any infringement was willful. The Court denied the Company’s motion for summary judgment with respect to the invalidity of one claim and denied the Company’s motion on the claim of laches. The Court granted Microscan’s motion for summary judgment holding that the Company infringed a single claim. The trial took place from April 21, 2015 to April 29, 2015 in the Southern District of New York. On April 30, 2015, the jury reached a verdict awarding Microscan royalties of $4,411,000 related to sales of the Company’s products during the applicable period. Cognex intends
On June 25, 2015, the Company executed a settlement agreement with Microscan in the amount of $3,500,000 settling all outstanding litigation between the parties. The settlement included a patent license agreement valued at $1,667,000 that allows the Company to filecontinue producing current models of its handheld barcode readers, which was recorded as an appeal, subjectasset as of July 5, 2015 and will be amortized to cost of revenue over the Court’s final assessment and decisions regarding the jury’s verdict.
The Company cannot predict the outcomefive year life of the above-referenced pending matter andpatent. The remaining $1,833,000 of the settlement was recorded as expense in the second quarter of 2015. All cases were dismissed by the end of July 2015. On July 1, 2015, the Company also executed an adverse resolution of this lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, liquidity, results of operations, and/or indemnification obligations. In addition, variousimmaterial settlement agreement with Code.
Various other claims and legal proceedings generally incidental to the normal course of business are pending or threatened on behalf of or against the Company.Company, including some pertaining to the Company’s recently divested surface inspection business, which arose prior to the transaction closing date and for which the Company retains liability pursuant to the agreement governing such divesture. While we cannot predict the outcome of these incidental matters, we believe that any liability arising from them will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
For a complete list of factors that could affect the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial condition, see the risk factors discussion provided in Part I—Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases by the Company of shares of its Common Stock during the periods indicated.
 
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs (1)
 
Approximate
Dollar Value
of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
January 1—February 1, 2015
 
 
 $42,422,000
February 2 —March 1, 2015
 
 
 $42,422,000
March 2—April 5, 2015
 
 
 $42,422,000
Total
 
 
 $42,422,000
 
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs (1)
 
Approximate
Dollar Value
of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
April 6 - May 3, 2015
 
 
 $42,422,000
May 4 - May 31, 2015
 
 
 $42,422,000
June 1 - July 5, 2015720,000
 49.79
 720,000
 $6,574,000
Total720,000
 49.79
 720,000
 $6,574,000
(1) In April 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of $50,000,000 of the Company's stock. In August 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $100,000,000 of the Company's stock. Purchases under this 2015 program will commence once the 2014 is completed.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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 ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number
  
10.1
Cognex Corporation 2007 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended and restated*
31.1
 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934*
31.2
 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934*
32.1
 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**
32.2
 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**
101
 xBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language)
  The following materials from Cognex Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended AprilJuly 5, 2015, formatted in xBRL: (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three-month and six-month periods ended AprilJuly 5, 2015 and March 30,June 29, 2014; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three-month and six-month periods ended AprilJuly 5, 2015 and March 30,June 29, 2014; (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of AprilJuly 5, 2015 and December 31, 2014; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three-monthsix-month periods ended AprilJuly 5, 2015 and March 30,June 29, 2014; (v) Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the three-monthsix-month period ended AprilJuly 5, 2015; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
*
 Filed herewith
**
 Furnished herewith


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
Date:May 4,August 3, 2015 COGNEX CORPORATION
     
   By:/s/ Robert J. Willett
    Robert J. Willett
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (principal executive officer)
     
   By:/s/ Richard A. Morin
    Richard A. Morin
    Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration
    and Chief Financial Officer
    (principal financial and accounting officer)


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