Form 4: Cognex VP Darren Long Executes Stock Options and Sales
Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership
Cognex Corporation Vice President Darren Marc Long exercised stock options and sold shares on May 27, 2026.
Summary
- Vice President Darren Marc Long exercised options for a total of 18,673 shares of Cognex Corporation (CGNX) common stock.
- The exercised options were acquired at strike prices ranging from $49.12 to $56.44.
- Following the exercises, the reporting person sold 19,752 shares in total at prices between $66.32 and $66.52 per share.
- The transactions resulted in a net change in direct beneficial ownership, leaving the reporting person with 3,990 shares.
Sentiment
Score: 5
Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral event, as it represents routine executive financial management rather than a strategic shift or performance-related signal.
Positives
- The executive continues to maintain a direct equity stake in the company following the transactions.
- The exercise of options indicates the executive's participation in long-term incentive compensation programs.
Negatives
- The executive reduced their total direct beneficial ownership of common stock through the sale of 19,752 shares.
Risks
- Future share price volatility may impact the value of remaining unexercised stock options and restricted stock units.
- Reliance on equity-based compensation exposes the executive to market fluctuations in Cognex stock.
Future Outlook
The filing does not provide forward-looking guidance regarding company performance, but notes the existence of various unvested stock options and restricted stock units with vesting dates extending through 2029.
Industry Context
StockSavvy.ai notes that insider selling is a common practice for executives managing personal portfolios and does not necessarily reflect a lack of confidence in the company's long-term prospects, especially when related to option expirations or compensation vesting.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- The transaction follows standard SEC reporting requirements for executive equity movements.
- The volume of shares sold is consistent with typical executive portfolio rebalancing activities observed in the technology and industrial automation sectors.
Stakeholder Impact
- Minimal impact on shareholders as the transactions represent individual portfolio management by an officer.
Next Steps
- Future vesting of remaining stock options and restricted stock units as per the schedule disclosed in Table II.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 02/20/2018 | Earliest transaction date referenced in the filing. |
| 05/27/2026 | Date of the reported option exercises and share sales. |
| 05/28/2026 | Date of signature by the reporting person. |
Keywords
Cognex, CGNX, Insider Trading, Form 4, Stock Options, Executive Compensation
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