COHR vs. ARM: Which Tech Growth Stock Offers More Upside Now?

Core Insights - Coherent Corp. (COHR) and Arm Holdings plc (ARM) are both technology companies focused on advanced hardware and innovation, playing crucial roles in modern computing [1][3] - COHR specializes in photonics and optical components, while ARM is known for its semiconductor IP that powers a significant share of smartphones and AI processors [2] Coherent Corp. (COHR) Summary - COHR experienced a remarkable 51% increase in fiscal 2025 revenue, driven by a 61% surge in its data center business, indicating strong demand in high-growth technology sectors [4] - The company is advancing its product offerings with the introduction of 1.6T transceivers and is developing next-generation 3.2T transceivers to meet the needs of hyperscale data centers [5] - COHR has tripled its indium phosphide production capacity year over year and launched the world's first 6-inch indium phosphide production line, enhancing cost efficiency and product volume [6] - The company is also entering the optical circuit switch (OCS) market, which is expected to accelerate growth as demand for higher bandwidth and faster data transmission increases [7] - COHR faces competition in the Silicon Carbide (SiC) market from companies like Wolfspeed and ON Semiconductor, which are pushing technological boundaries [8][10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for COHR indicates a 9% growth in sales and a 29% increase in EPS for fiscal 2026 [16] Arm Holdings plc (ARM) Summary - ARM's chip architectures are essential for mobile computing, powering devices from major companies like Apple, Qualcomm, and Samsung, and maintaining a competitive edge through efficiency and performance [11] - The company is becoming increasingly relevant in the AI and IoT sectors, with its architecture supporting the growing demand for embedded AI models [12] - ARM faces challenges in China due to the rising adoption of RISC-V, which could limit its growth in this key market [13] - The potential move into producing its own CPUs presents both opportunities for market expansion and risks of straining relationships with existing customers [14][15] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ARM suggests an 18% year-over-year growth in sales, with EPS expected to grow by 3% [19] Valuation and Investment Case - COHR is attractively valued with a forward P/E of 22.26X, while ARM's higher forward P/E of 72.07X reflects investor confidence in its growth potential [23] - COHR is viewed as the stronger investment case due to its execution in data center optics and expansion into Silicon Carbide, while ARM faces risks related to its dependence on China and potential channel conflicts [24] - Current Zacks Ranks indicate COHR as a Hold (3) and ARM as a Sell (4) [25]