Coherent, Inc. (COHR) AI Stock Analysis
COHR AI stock analysis summary
AI ResearchCoherent, Inc. (COHR) develops engineered materials, optoelectronic components, and devices across compound semiconductors and photonic solutions. In FY2026, the company generated $7.12B in revenue with net income expanding to $805.0M. However, substantial capital expenditures of $1.11B led to free cash flow of -$1.03B for the year.
- Market cap
- $45.87B
- Revenue (TTM)
- $7.12B
- P/E
- 56.5x fwd 30.5x
- 1Y return
- 100.8% S&P 500 16.8%
- Avg. target
- $410.43 76.2% vs last close
Bull case
- Annual net income jumped to $805.0M in FY2026, accompanied by 33.7% quarterly revenue growth and 73.0% quarterly earnings growth in the latest quarter.
- Analysts project EPS to grow 67.9% to $9.42 in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, supported by a PEG ratio of 0.92.
- Coherent has delivered strong price performance with a 1-year return of 100.8%, beating the S&P 500 return of 16.8%.
Bear case
- Capital expenditures reached $1.11B in FY2026, reducing operating cash flow to $79.5M and driving free cash flow to -$1.03B.
- Valuation multiples are elevated compared to the median of its S&P 500 Technology peers, with trailing P/E at 56.5x versus 30.8x and EV/EBITDA at 40.0x versus 19.5x.
- Shareholder dilution has been substantial, with the 5-year share count expanding by 73.7%.
What Coherent does
Coherent Corp. develops, manufactures, and markets engineered materials, optoelectronic components, and devices globally through two primary segments: Compound Semiconductors and Photonic Solutions. The Compound Semiconductors segment produces optical and electro-optical components for high-power lasers, infrared optics, and assemblies for aerospace, defense, and medical uses, alongside engineered materials like silicon carbide. The Photonic Solutions segment manufactures transceivers for data centers and telecom optical networks, pump lasers, optical amplifiers, wavelength selective switches, crystal materials, and optoelectronic modules serving optical communications, life sciences, and consumer electronics markets.
Growth and profitability
Revenue grew from $3.32B in FY2022 to $7.12B in FY2026, reflecting a 5-year CAGR of 18.0%. After net losses of $259.5M in FY2023 and $156.2M in FY2024, profitability recovered with net income reaching $49.4M in FY2025 and $805.0M in FY2026. Operating margin improved from 1.0% in FY2023 to 12.7% in FY2026, while gross margin was 37.5%. In the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, quarterly revenue growth reached 33.7% year-over-year, and quarterly earnings grew 73.0%. Diluted EPS rose to $5.10 in FY2026, compared to $1.66 in FY2024.
Balance sheet and cash flow
As of June 30, 2026, Coherent held $1.99B in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $3.54B, resulting in net debt of $1.55B. The balance sheet shows shareholders' equity of $10.90B, a current ratio of 2.43, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. Operating cash flow dropped to $79.5M in FY2026 from $633.6M in FY2025. With capital expenditures of $1.11B in FY2026, free cash flow stood at -$1.03B. Cash uses also included dividends paid of $11.4M, while the share count increased 73.7% over 5 years.
Valuation and performance
COHR closed at $232.90 on October 16, 2026, representing a 1-year return of 100.8% and a 5-year return of 304.6%, outpacing the S&P 500 (SPY) returns of 16.8% and 83.0% over those periods. The stock trades at a trailing P/E of 56.5x and a forward P/E of 30.5x, above the median of its S&P 500 Technology peers at 30.8x and 20.3x. Its EV/EBITDA of 40.0x exceeds the peer median of 19.5x. Coherent trades at a price-to-sales ratio of 6.4x versus the peer median of 6.2x, with a PEG ratio of 0.92.
What analysts expect
Wall Street sentiment includes 15 Strong Buy, 4 Buy, and 5 Hold ratings, with 0 Sell and 0 Strong Sell ratings. The mean price target of $410.43 implies upside of 76.2% from the last close of $232.90. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, consensus estimates project revenue of $10.63B and EPS of $9.42, indicating 67.9% EPS growth. Coherent beat EPS estimates in each of the last 4 quarters, and its next earnings date is November 4, 2026.
Key risks and what to watch
- Coherent carries total debt of $3.54B and net debt of $1.55B alongside negative free cash flow of -$1.03B in FY2026.
- The stock exhibits elevated price volatility, reflected in a beta of 2.11 and a 20.9% discount to its 200-day moving average.
- Operating margins of 11.8% over the trailing twelve months lag the S&P 500 Technology peer median of 23.7%.
AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer
About this COHR AI stock analysis
This page is an AI-written research summary of Coherent, Inc. (COHR). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.
Related: COHR income statement, COHR balance sheet, COHR key metrics, COHR analyst forecast, COHR chart. See the COHR stock overview for the latest quote and news.
COHR AI stock analysis FAQ
What does Coherent, Inc. do?
Coherent, Inc. manufactures and markets engineered materials, optoelectronic components, and devices across two segments: Compound Semiconductors and Photonic Solutions. Its products include laser components, transceivers for data centers, and advanced materials such as silicon carbide.
What is Coherent's current valuation?
As of October 16, 2026, Coherent has a market cap of $45.87B and an enterprise value of $62.34B. It trades at a trailing P/E of 56.5x, forward P/E of 30.5x, and price-to-sales ratio of 6.4x.
Does Coherent pay a dividend?
Coherent paid $11.4M in dividends during FY2026, though a regular dividend policy is not formally specified.
What are Wall Street analysts forecasting for COHR?
Analysts have a mean price target of $410.43, representing 76.2% upside over the October 16, 2026 close of $232.90. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, analysts estimate revenue of $10.63B and EPS of $9.42.
When is Coherent's next earnings report?
Coherent's next earnings date is scheduled for November 4, 2026.