Cognex Corporation (CGNX)vsCoherent Inc (COHR)
CGNX
Cognex Corporation
$58.97
+0.92%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $9.83B
COHR
Coherent Inc
$237.17
-0.99%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $45.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Coherent Inc generates 554% more annual revenue ($7.12B vs $1.09B). CGNX leads profitability with a 16.1% profit margin vs 11.3%. COHR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.92. COHR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
CGNX
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
COHR
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+49.0%
Fair Value
$84.38
Current Price
$58.97
$25.41 discount
Margin of Safety
-34.3%
Fair Value
$164.97
Current Price
$237.17
$72.20 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 79.2% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Strong operational efficiency at 29.4%
16.9% revenue growth
Revenue surging 33.7% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 73.0% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Grey zone — moderate risk
ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CGNX
The strongest argument for CGNX centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.1% and operating margin at 29.4%. Revenue growth of 16.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : COHR
The strongest argument for COHR centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 33.7% 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 PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 56.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : COHR
The primary concerns for COHR are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 56.5x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COHR carries more volatility with a beta of 2.11 — expect wider price swings.
COHR is growing revenue faster at 33.7% — sustainability is the question.
CGNX generates stronger free cash flow (68M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
COHR scores higher overall (65/100 vs 59/100) and 33.7% revenue growth. CGNX offers better value entry with a 49.0% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" 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.
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