Coherent Inc (COHR)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
COHR
Coherent Inc
$237.17
-0.99%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $45.87B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$394.49
-3.53%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $279.76B
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 65/100 (C+).
COHR
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
PANW
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-34.3%
Fair Value
$164.97
Current Price
$237.17
$72.20 premium
Margin of Safety
+21.7%
Fair Value
$498.95
Current Price
$394.49
$104.46 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 33.7% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 73.0% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 34.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
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 11.7x 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, PEG Ratio. 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 34.5% 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 56.5x 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 855.0x 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 2.11 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 34.5% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
COHR scores higher overall (65/100 vs 49/100) and 33.7% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 21.7% margin of safety. 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.
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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