Coherent (COHR) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.41 per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate . This compares to earnings of $0.91 per share a year ago.
COHR is broadening beyond pluggable transceivers into systems and co-packaged optics, with NVIDIA collaboration and 2026-2027 traction as key signposts.
COHR's upside is tied to AI datacenter-driven mix and margin gains, but supply tightness through 2026-2027 could keep results uneven during multiple ramps.
COHR has bookings into 2027-2028 and margin levers from 1.6T mix and 6-inch wafers, yet supply tightness and a rich multiple raise risk.
The information technology sector delivered some of the portfolio's strongest performance in the fourth quarter. A strong ramp-up of Coherent's optical transceivers sales drove strong growth in its networking segment. Macom Technology Solutions' strong third-quarter earnings addressed investor concerns related to margin volatility, leading to a rebound in the fourth quarter.
Here is how Coherent (COHR) and Kforce (KFRC) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.
Coherent gains an edge over Arm Holdings with faster AI-driven growth, rising datacenter demand and improving financials, making it the stronger upside play.
Coherent is rated Buy, driven by robust AI data center optics demand and a defensible InP manufacturing moat. COHR revenue is projected to grow from $5.8B in FY2025 to $10.6B in FY2028E, with EPS compounding at a 45% CAGR. Margin expansion is underpinned by 6-inch InP wafer transition, higher ASP transceivers, and operating leverage, targeting >42% adjusted gross margin long-term.
Coherent is riding the AI megatrend, with shares up 88% YTD and robust earnings momentum driven by its Datacenter & Communications segment. COHR's Datacenter & Communications segment delivered 34% YoY revenue growth in FQ2 2026, far outpacing its 5-year CAGR, fueled by hyperscaler AI infrastructure demand. A strategic partnership with Nvidia, including a $2B investment, positions COHR to scale optical interconnect R&D and capitalize on rapid AI connectivity growth.
Coherent Corp.'s COHR focus on AI and Datacom is yielding tangible results, positioning the company to benefit from the expanding AI and high-performance computing markets. In the second quarter of fiscal 2026, the company recorded 33.5% year-over-year growth in its data center & communications segment's revenues.
Here is how Coherent (COHR) and Urgent.ly Inc. (ULYX) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.
Shares of Coherent Corp moved higher this week after the company unveiled advances in silicon carbide (SiC) epitaxy technology, reinforcing optimism around its role in powering next-generation AI data centers and industrial systems. The stock rose as much as 9% on April 10 following the announcement, with additional gains supported by broader strength in the optical networking sector.