Coherent Inc (COHR)vsESCO Technologies Inc (ESE)
COHR
Coherent Inc
$272.04
-0.11%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $51.06B
ESE
ESCO Technologies Inc
$288.77
+4.31%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $7.17B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Coherent Inc generates 438% more annual revenue ($6.29B vs $1.17B). ESE leads profitability with a 26.0% 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-).
COHR
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
ESE
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
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
-763.9%
Fair Value
$32.78
Current Price
$288.77
$255.99 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
Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 10.0%
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 : ESE
The strongest argument for ESE centers on Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.0% and operating margin at 8.8%.
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 : ESE
The primary concerns for ESE are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 57.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COHR profiles as a growth stock while ESE is a mature 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.
ESE generates stronger free cash flow (61M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
COHR scores higher overall (52/100 vs 48/100) 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.
ESCO Technologies Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS · USA
ESCO Technologies Inc. produces and supplies products and systems designed for the industrial and commercial markets worldwide. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.
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