Coherent Inc (COHR)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
COHR
Coherent Inc
$305.37
+4.16%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $57.41B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$330.65
-2.32%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $270.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 61% more annual revenue ($11.48B vs $7.12B). COHR leads profitability with a 11.3% profit margin vs 2.7%. COHR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.92. COHR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
COHR
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
PANW
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-86.0%
Fair Value
$164.21
Current Price
$305.37
$141.16 premium
Margin of Safety
+34.1%
Fair Value
$501.81
Current Price
$330.65
$171.16 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 33.7% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 73.0% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 34.4% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Grey zone — moderate risk
ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 9.8x book value
ROE of 1.1% — below average capital efficiency
2.7% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COHR
The strongest argument for COHR centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 33.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.92 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 34.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : COHR
The primary concerns for COHR are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 71.0x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 295.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COHR profiles as a growth stock while PANW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
COHR carries more volatility with a beta of 2.10 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 34.4% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (788M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
COHR scores higher overall (62/100 vs 51/100) and 33.7% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 34.1% 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.
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.
Palo Alto Networks Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. provides cybersecurity platform solutions globally. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
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