Cognex Corporation (CGNX)vsCoherent Inc (COHR)
CGNX
Cognex Corporation
$51.61
+1.18%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $8.52B
COHR
Coherent Inc
$272.04
-0.11%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $51.06B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Coherent Inc generates 533% more annual revenue ($6.29B vs $994.36M). CGNX leads profitability with a 11.5% profit margin vs 4.7%. COHR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.92. COHR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 52/100 (C-).
CGNX
Hold45
out of 100
Grade: D
COHR
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-77.7%
Fair Value
$24.21
Current Price
$51.61
$27.40 premium
Margin of Safety
-373.2%
Fair Value
$47.27
Current Price
$272.04
$224.77 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Earnings expanding 73.0% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
17.5% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 3.2% — below average capital efficiency
4.7% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CGNX
The strongest argument for CGNX centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Bull Case : COHR
The strongest argument for COHR centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 17.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.92 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CGNX
The primary concerns for CGNX are Return on Equity, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 75.0x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : COHR
The primary concerns for COHR are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 269.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CGNX profiles as a value stock while COHR is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
COHR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.91 — expect wider price swings.
COHR is growing revenue faster at 17.5% — sustainability is the question.
CGNX generates stronger free cash flow (72M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
COHR scores higher overall (52/100 vs 45/100) and 17.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Cognex Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS · USA
Cognex Corporation offers machine vision products that capture and analyze visual information to automate manufacturing and distribution tasks globally. The company is headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts.
Visit Website →Coherent Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS · USA
Coherent, Inc. provides lasers, laser-based technologies, and laser-based system solutions for a variety of scientific, commercial, and industrial research applications. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
Compare with Other SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?