Coherent Inc (COHR)vsMesa Laboratories Inc (MLAB)
COHR
Coherent Inc
$272.04
-0.11%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $51.06B
MLAB
Mesa Laboratories Inc
$83.60
+3.04%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $455.25M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Coherent Inc generates 2443% more annual revenue ($6.29B vs $247.54M). COHR leads profitability with a 4.7% profit margin vs 1.5%. MLAB trades at a lower P/E of 126.8x. COHR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 52/100 (C-).
COHR
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
MLAB
Hold38
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-373.2%
Fair Value
$47.27
Current Price
$272.04
$224.77 premium
Margin of Safety
-1964.0%
Fair Value
$4.42
Current Price
$83.60
$79.18 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 73.0% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
17.5% revenue growth
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 3.2% — below average capital efficiency
4.7% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
3.6% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 2.2% — below average capital efficiency
1.5% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : MLAB
The strongest argument for MLAB centers on Price/Book.
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.
Bear Case : MLAB
The primary concerns for MLAB are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. A P/E of 126.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COHR profiles as a growth stock while MLAB is a value 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.
MLAB generates stronger free cash flow (18M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
COHR scores higher overall (52/100 vs 38/100) 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.
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.
Mesa Laboratories Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS · USA
Mesa Laboratories, Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets quality control instruments and disposable products in the United States, Europe, Asia, North America, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado.
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