Coherent Inc (COHR)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
COHR
Coherent Inc
$319.71
+4.85%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $59.94B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$179.32
+0.98%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $145.43B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 57% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $6.29B). PANW leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs 4.7%. COHR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.92. PANW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
COHR
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
PANW
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-26.6%
Fair Value
$176.68
Current Price
$319.71
$143.03 premium
Margin of Safety
+60.8%
Fair Value
$457.02
Current Price
$179.32
$277.70 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
17.5% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
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
Trading at 13.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 14.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : COHR
The primary concerns for COHR are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 313.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 100.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COHR profiles as a growth stock while PANW 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.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (470M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PANW scores higher overall (56/100 vs 52/100) and 14.9% revenue growth. 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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