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COHR or FSLR or QCOM
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Coherent Corp. (COHR) vs. First Solar (FSLR) vs. QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- COHR has delivered exceptional YTD gains of 36.21% and 278.17% over one year, fueled by AI datacenter demand and S&P 500 inclusion.
- FSLR shows solid YTD return of 23.34% but faces recent pullbacks amid backlog concerns and tax credit dependency in solar sector.
- QCOM lags with YTD decline around 21%, pressured by potential Apple business loss and analyst downgrades, despite AI and automotive exposure.
- Relative performance highlights COHR's momentum in optics for AI, contrasting FSLR's stability and QCOM's volatility in semiconductors.
- All three operate in technology but diverge: lasers/networking (COHR), solar energy (FSLR), wireless chips (QCOM).
- Market sentiment favors COHR on recent catalysts like Nvidia ties, while others grapple with sector headwinds.
Introduction
This stock comparison examines COHR, FSLR, and QCOM amid evolving technology and renewable energy landscapes. These firms span optics for AI datacenters, thin-film solar modules, and wireless semiconductors, offering traders insights into sector rotation opportunities. Investors tracking relative performance, growth drivers like AI demand versus clean energy subsidies, and risk factors such as supply chain pressures will find value in analyzing their recent market positioning, momentum, and analyst views. With distinct exposures, this analysis aids decisions on stock comparison in the current environment.
COHR Overview and Recent Performance
Coherent Corp. (COHR) specializes in engineered materials, optoelectronic components, and laser systems for industrial, communications, and electronics markets. Operating in Networking, Materials, and Lasers segments, it supplies transceivers and optics critical for AI datacenters and telecom. In recent market activity, COHR stock has surged, posting 36.21% YTD and 278.17% one-year returns as of March 11, 2026. Sentiment boosted by multibillion-dollar Nvidia supply deals for AI optics, S&P 500 addition effective March 23, and indium phosphide capacity expansions. Despite short-term volatility, strong analyst buy ratings with average targets around $276 underscore sustained AI-driven demand influencing positive performance.
FSLR Overview and Recent Performance
First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) leads in photovoltaic solar modules using thin-film cadmium telluride technology, serving utilities and large energy buyers globally. Recent weeks saw mixed stock behavior, with YTD return at 23.34% and one-year at 43.96% through March 11, 2026, but pullbacks from 2025 highs amid sector challenges. Key influences include 2025 revenue of $5.2 billion, robust backlog of 53.7 GW, yet concerns over depletion, pricing pressures, and reliance on Section 45X tax credits. Analyst adjustments reflect caution on 2026 guidance, tempering sentiment despite strong profitability at 29.28% margins.
QCOM Overview and Recent Performance
QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) develops wireless technologies, including 5G chips via QCT, licensing through QTL, and strategic investments in AI and automotive. In recent market activity, shares declined, with approximately 21% YTD drop and modest one-year gains around 10% as of March 11, 2026. Performance pressured by Bank of America downgrade citing Apple modem exit risks by 2027, competitive handset dynamics, though offset by AI robotics chips and automotive growth targeting $9B by 2029. Mixed analyst views, with average targets at $159, highlight valuation at forward P/E of 11.99 amid diversification efforts.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
COHR, FSLR, and QCOM share technology sector ties but contrast sharply. Business models differ: COHR's optics/lasers target AI datacenters; FSLR focuses on solar manufacturing; QCOM on wireless semiconductors and licensing. Growth drivers favor COHR via Nvidia partnerships versus FSLR's subsidy-sensitive renewables and QCOM's diversifying automotive/AI. Recent momentum strongest for COHR (36% YTD), moderate for FSLR (23%), weak for QCOM (-21%). Risks include FSLR's backlog erosion, QCOM's client concentration, and COHR's high beta (1.91). Valuation sensitivity shows QCOM cheapest forward (12x), FSLR at 14x trailing. Sentiment tilts to COHR on catalysts, with trade-offs in stability versus upside.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Tickeron’s AI currently favors COHR based on superior trend consistency, S&P inclusion catalyst, and AI optics momentum positioning it ahead in relative performance. While FSLR offers stability in solar and QCOM diversification potential, COHR's observable factors suggest higher probability of near-term outperformance amid tech rallies.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer. Disclaimers and Limitations
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
COHR’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green whileFSLR’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s), and QCOM’s FA Score reflects 2 green FA rating(s).
- COHR’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- FSLR’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- QCOM’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
COHR’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while FSLR’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s), and QCOM’s TA Score reflects 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- COHR’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- FSLR’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- QCOM’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 2 bearish.
Price Growth
COHR (@Electronic Equipment/Instruments) experienced а +19.11% price change this week, while FSLR (@Alternative Power Generation) price change was +4.17% , and QCOM (@Semiconductors) price fluctuated +0.99% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronic Equipment/Instruments industry was +1.17%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.36%, and the average quarterly price growth was +2.08%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Alternative Power Generation industry was +0.41%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -7.43%, and the average quarterly price growth was -5.14%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Semiconductors industry was +6.73%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +4.51%, and the average quarterly price growth was +18.06%.
Reported Earning Dates
COHR is expected to report earnings on May 13, 2026.
FSLR is expected to report earnings on Apr 23, 2026.
QCOM is expected to report earnings on Apr 29, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronic Equipment/Instruments (+1.17% weekly)This industry manufactures electronic products used in various critical and sophisticated technologies, including laser-based systems, circuit and continuity testers, electro-optical measuring instruments and high-speed precision weighing and inspection equipment. Some major companies operating in this business are Canon Inc., Keysight Technologies Inc., and Fortive Corp.
@Alternative Power Generation (+0.41% weekly)The alternative power generation industry consists of companies that operate power facilities converting non-conventional forms of energy into electricity. These energy forms are alternatives to fossil fuels, and many of them are derived from natural resources. Alternative energy forms include solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal steam. A major purpose behind using alternative energy – also called ‘clean’ energy - is to address concerns related to the more conventional fossil fuels, such as the latter’s high carbon dioxide emissions which is often considered a factor in global warming. Alternative power generation has been gaining traction in recent years, and could grow further in the future. Large organizations like Google have invested substantially in wind and solar energy-powered electricity. Some of the prominent U.S. companies operating in the alternative power generation industry includes Ormat Technologies, Inc., TerraForm Power, Inc. and NextEra Energy Partners LP.
@Semiconductors (+6.73% weekly)The semiconductor industry manufacturers all chip-related products, including research and development. These chips are used in innumerable electronic devices, including computers, cell phones, smartphones, and GPSs. Intel Corporation, NVIDIA Corp., and Broadcomm are some of the prominent players in this industry. Semiconductor companies usually tend to do well during periods of healthy economic growth, thereby inducing further research and development in the industry – which in turn augurs well for productivity and growth in the economy. In the near future, demand for semiconductor products (and possibly innovation within the segment) should only expand further, with the proliferation of 5G, autonomous vehicles, IoT, and various AI-driven electronics set to herald a new, advanced chapter in the technology-driven world as we know it. With burgeoning prospects comes great competition. In 2015, SIA estimated that U.S. semiconductor industry ranks as the second most competitive U.S. industry out of 2882 U.S. industries designated manufacturers by the U.S. Census Bureau.
| COHR | FSLR | QCOM | |
| Capitalization | 57.7B | 21.9B | 137B |
| EBITDA | 1.08B | 2.15B | 14.8B |
| Gain YTD | 66.603 | -22.111 | -24.652 |
| P/E Ratio | 301.47 | 14.32 | 25.82 |
| Revenue | 6.29B | 5.22B | 44.9B |
| Total Cash | 864M | 2.86B | 11.8B |
| Total Debt | 3.55B | 655M | 14.8B |
COHR | FSLR | QCOM | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 17 | 17 | 54 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 91 Overvalued | 91 Overvalued | 8 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 12 | 61 | 90 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 86 | 49 | 42 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 35 | 57 | 64 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 20 | 27 | 16 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
QCOM's Valuation (8) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry is significantly better than the same rating for COHR (91) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry, and is significantly better than the same rating for FSLR (91) in the Electronic Components industry. This means that QCOM's stock grew significantly faster than COHR’s and significantly faster than FSLR’s over the last 12 months.
COHR's Profit vs Risk Rating (12) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry is somewhat better than the same rating for FSLR (61) in the Electronic Components industry, and is significantly better than the same rating for QCOM (90) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry. This means that COHR's stock grew somewhat faster than FSLR’s and significantly faster than QCOM’s over the last 12 months.
QCOM's SMR Rating (42) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry is in the same range as FSLR (49) in the Electronic Components industry, and is somewhat better than the same rating for COHR (86) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry. This means that QCOM's stock grew similarly to FSLR’s and somewhat faster than COHR’s over the last 12 months.
COHR's Price Growth Rating (35) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry is in the same range as FSLR (57) in the Electronic Components industry, and is in the same range as QCOM (64) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry. This means that COHR's stock grew similarly to FSLR’s and similarly to QCOM’s over the last 12 months.
QCOM's P/E Growth Rating (16) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry is in the same range as COHR (20) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry, and is in the same range as FSLR (27) in the Electronic Components industry. This means that QCOM's stock grew similarly to COHR’s and similarly to FSLR’s over the last 12 months.
| COHR | FSLR | QCOM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 3 days ago 83% | 1 day ago 70% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 83% | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 71% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 79% | N/A |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 69% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 82% | 1 day ago 80% | 1 day ago 64% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 85% | 1 day ago 82% | 1 day ago 67% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 81% | 11 days ago 80% | 1 day ago 64% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 17 days ago 78% | 20 days ago 78% | 5 days ago 73% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 79% | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 68% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 87% | 1 day ago 69% |
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COHR and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, COHR has been closely correlated with MKSI. These tickers have moved in lockstep 74% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if COHR jumps, then MKSI could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To COHR | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COHR | 100% | +8.21% | ||
| MKSI - COHR | 74% Closely correlated | +2.10% | ||
| KEYS - COHR | 61% Loosely correlated | +0.38% | ||
| ST - COHR | 54% Loosely correlated | +0.67% | ||
| ESE - COHR | 52% Loosely correlated | +0.26% | ||
| VPG - COHR | 50% Loosely correlated | +1.36% | ||
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