Bentley Systems, Incorporated (BSY) vs Cognex Corporation (CGNX)

A side-by-side comparison of Bentley Systems, Incorporated and Cognex Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 5, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — BSY vs CGNX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 6y
BSY +6.7% (+1.1%/yr)CGNX +4.7% (+0.8%/yr)BSY compounded faster over this window
50100150200Start $100202120222023202420252026$107$105
BSY CGNX

BSY vs CGNX: by the numbers

  • •CGNX is the larger company ($10.71B vs $10.16B market cap).
  • •BSY trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (38.61 vs 62.50 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •BSY converts more revenue to profit (18.10% vs 16.05% net margin).
  • •BSY grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.03% vs 2.07% CAGR).
  • •BSY pays the higher dividend yield (0.81% vs 0.53%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricBSYCGNX
P/E ratio38.6162.50
Forward P/E24.7938.28
PEG ratio2.55N/A
P/S ratio6.349.84
P/B ratio8.456.57
EV / EBITDA24.1439.27
FCF yield4.91%2.50%

Profitability

MetricBSYCGNX
Gross margin81.84%68.87%
Operating margin23.59%21.90%
Net margin18.10%16.05%
ROE24.12%10.73%
ROIC11.28%8.23%

Dividends

MetricBSYCGNX
Dividend yield0.81%0.53%
Payout ratio31.11%33.01%

Growth (annualized)

MetricBSYCGNX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)13.03%2.07%
EPS CAGR (5Y)14.87%-7.79%
FCF CAGR (5Y)13.91%0.66%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-9.51%-3.81%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, BSY or CGNX?
BSY has the lower trailing P/E: BSY trades at 38.61 and CGNX at 62.50. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, BSY or CGNX?
Over the past five years, BSY grew revenue faster — BSY at a 13.03% CAGR versus CGNX at 2.07%.
Does BSY or CGNX pay a bigger dividend?
BSY yields 0.81% and CGNX yields 0.53% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is BSY or CGNX more profitable?
BSY runs the higher net margin — BSY at 18.10% versus CGNX at 16.05%.
How have BSY and CGNX total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, BSY delivered -9.51% and CGNX delivered -3.81% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 5, 2026.