Coherent Inc (COHR)vsMesa Laboratories Inc (MLAB)
COHR
Coherent Inc
$421.82
+5.90%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $83.52B
MLAB
Mesa Laboratories Inc
$104.38
-2.14%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $573.99M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Coherent Inc generates 2550% more annual revenue ($6.60B vs $249.13M). COHR leads profitability with a 7.1% profit margin vs 2.7%. MLAB trades at a lower P/E of 85.9x. COHR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
COHR
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
MLAB
Avoid30
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COHR.
Margin of Safety
+64.0%
Fair Value
$253.18
Current Price
$104.38
$148.80 discount
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
Revenue surging 20.5% year-over-year
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 4.4% — below average capital efficiency
7.1% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
2.6% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 3.6% — below average capital efficiency
2.7% 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 20.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.92 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MLAB
MLAB has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bear Case : COHR
The primary concerns for COHR are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 204.3x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : MLAB
The primary concerns for MLAB are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. A P/E of 85.9x 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 MLAB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
COHR carries more volatility with a beta of 2.05 — expect wider price swings.
COHR is growing revenue faster at 20.5% — sustainability is the question.
MLAB generates stronger free cash flow (11M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
COHR scores higher overall (56/100 vs 30/100) and 20.5% revenue growth. MLAB offers better value entry with a 64.0% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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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