Cognex Corporation (CGNX)

Payables turnover

Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Cost of revenue US$ in thousands 683,565 580,055 601,223 590,292 517,300
Payables US$ in thousands 38,046 21,454 27,103 44,051 16,270
Payables turnover 17.97 27.04 22.18 13.40 31.79

December 31, 2024 calculation

Payables turnover = Cost of revenue ÷ Payables
= $683,565K ÷ $38,046K
= 17.97

Based on the data provided, the payables turnover ratio for Cognex Corporation has exhibited fluctuations over the past five years. The payables turnover ratio measures how efficiently a company manages its trade credit by comparing its purchases to its accounts payable.

In 2020, Cognex had a high payables turnover ratio of 31.79, indicating that the company paid off its accounts payable almost 32 times during that year. This could imply that Cognex had a rigorous approach to managing its trade credit and was able to quickly settle its outstanding obligations.

However, in 2021, the payables turnover ratio dropped significantly to 13.40, suggesting that the company took longer to pay off its accounts payable compared to the previous year. This could be a sign of potential cash flow challenges or changes in the company's payment policies.

Subsequently, in 2022 and 2023, the payables turnover ratio increased to 22.18 and 27.04, respectively, indicating improvements in managing trade credit and prompt payment of accounts payable. This may indicate enhanced liquidity or better supplier relationships during those years.

In 2024, the payables turnover ratio decreased to 17.97, which, although lower than the previous year, still reflects a reasonable rate of payment of accounts payable.

Overall, fluctuations in the payables turnover ratio for Cognex Corporation suggest varying degrees of efficiency in managing trade credit and paying off accounts payable over the five-year period. It is essential for the company to monitor this ratio closely to ensure optimal cash flow management and maintain healthy supplier relationships.