WallStSmart

Baidu Inc (BIDU)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 2851% more annual revenue ($3.81T vs $129.08B). TSM leads profitability with a 45.1% profit margin vs 4.3%. BIDU appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.66. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).

BIDU

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 4.0Value: 4.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 2.40

TSM

Exceptional Buy

82

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 10.0Value: 9.3Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 3.86
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

BIDUSignificantly Overvalued (-1147.8%)

Margin of Safety

-1147.8%

Fair Value

$11.63

Current Price

$115.60

$103.97 premium

UndervaluedFair: $11.63Overvalued
TSMUndervalued (+20.3%)

Margin of Safety

+20.3%

Fair Value

$483.91

Current Price

$347.75

$136.16 discount

UndervaluedFair: $483.91Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BIDU2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.668/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

TSM6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$1.71T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
35.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
45.1%10/10

Keeps 45 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
53.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 53.9%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$388.17B10/10

Generating 388.2B in free cash flow

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.8610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Areas to Watch

BIDU4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
1.9%3/10

ROE of 1.9% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
4.3%3/10

4.3% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.5%3/10

Operating margin of 4.5%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

TSM2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
52.9x2/10

Trading at 52.9x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BIDU

The strongest argument for BIDU centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.66 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : TSM

The strongest argument for TSM centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 45.1% and operating margin at 53.9%. Revenue growth of 20.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BIDU

The primary concerns for BIDU are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 65.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : TSM

The primary concerns for TSM are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BIDU profiles as a value stock while TSM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

TSM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — expect wider price swings.

TSM is growing revenue faster at 20.5% — sustainability is the question.

TSM generates stronger free cash flow (388.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

TSM scores higher overall (82/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 45.1% margins and 20.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Baidu Inc

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · INTERNET CONTENT & INFORMATION · China

Baidu, Inc. provides Internet search services primarily in China. The company is headquartered in Beijing, China.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTORS · USA

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Limited is a Taiwanese multinational semiconductor contract manufacturing and design company. It is one of Taiwan's largest companies, the world's most valuable semiconductor company, and the world's largest dedicated independent (pure-play) semiconductor foundry, with its headquarters and main operations located in the Hsinchu Science Park in Hsinchu, Taiwan. It is majority owned by foreign investors.

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