We came across a bullish thesis on Coherent Corp (COHR) on ValueInvestorsClub by differentiatedfractal31415. In this article we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on COHR. Coherent shares were trading at $53.60 when this thesis was published, vs. closing price of $77.72 on Aug 29.
A technician soldering a semiconductor chip, emphasizing the power of the company’s products.
Coherent Corp. (COHR) presents a compelling investment opportunity, particularly due to the crucial role of optical connectivity in GPU clusters. With GPU clusters becoming integral to AI and data center infrastructure, overcoming the interconnect bandwidth wall is essential. This term describes the gap between data movement speeds and the processing speeds of GPUs. Historically, performance limitations have been guided by Amdahl’s Law, where the slowest component constrains overall performance. For instance, the memory wall issue reflects how memory scaling hasn’t kept pace with GPU computing power, causing GPUs to idle up to 50% of the time while waiting for data transfers.
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Optical connectivity addresses these limitations by enabling high-speed, long-distance data transmission. While copper is effective for short-range connections, optical components are crucial for the extensive interconnect needs of large clusters. The demand for optical transceivers—components that convert electrical signals into optical ones—is driven by the need for rapid data transfer between servers and switches within data centers. The optical transceiver market is growing rapidly, with an estimated CAGR of 12.5% from 2024 to 2030, reflecting increasing demand driven by advancements in AI and data centers.
Coherent Corp. is positioned to capitalize on these trends, with a projected internal rate of return (IRR) exceeding 20% over the next three years. The company’s valuation stands out as attractive compared to other AI-exposed peers, and its vertical integration model, which includes in-house laser manufacturing, enhances its competitive edge in the optical components market. The industry’s shift toward consolidation into a few major players and accelerating innovation supports Coherent’s stability in the optical cycle.
Financially, Coherent’s performance in the datacom sector is strong, with datacom-related revenue contributing significantly to its total earnings. The company reported datacom revenue of $1.2 billion for the fiscal year 2023, indicating robust demand for its optical transceivers. Coherent’s diverse portfolio, which includes high-speed transceivers and other critical optical components, aligns well with the increasing demand for advanced data connectivity solutions. Additionally, the company’s recent acquisition of SiC LLC and its restructuring efforts are expected to enhance its financial stability and operational efficiency.
Market dynamics suggest substantial growth opportunities, with AI data centers projected to require interconnect bandwidths exceeding 800 Gbps per link in the coming years. As data rates and cluster sizes continue to expand, the need for advanced optical transceivers is set to increase. Coherent’s ongoing innovations and strategic investments position it favorably to benefit from this growth trajectory, making it a strong candidate for investment in the optical connectivity sector.
COHR is not on our list of the 31 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 52 hedge fund portfolios held COHR at the end of the first quarter which was 37 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of COHR as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is as promising as COHR but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.