WallStSmart

Coherent Inc (COHR)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 60416% more annual revenue ($3.81T vs $6.29B). TSM leads profitability with a 45.1% profit margin vs 4.7%. COHR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.92. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).

COHR

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 4.5Value: 4.0Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.53

TSM

Exceptional Buy

82

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 10.0Value: 6.0Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 3.86
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

COHRSignificantly Overvalued (-368.6%)

Margin of Safety

-368.6%

Fair Value

$47.74

Current Price

$243.48

$195.74 premium

UndervaluedFair: $47.74Overvalued
TSMUndervalued (+20.4%)

Margin of Safety

+20.4%

Fair Value

$484.85

Current Price

$326.74

$158.11 discount

UndervaluedFair: $484.85Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

COHR3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
73.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 73.0% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.928/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.5%8/10

17.5% revenue growth

TSM6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$1.69T10/10

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

COHR4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.534/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Return on EquityProfitability
3.2%3/10

ROE of 3.2% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
4.7%3/10

4.7% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
238.7x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

TSM2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
50.0x2/10

Trading at 50.0x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : COHR

The strongest argument for COHR centers on EPS Growth, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 17.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.92 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 : COHR

The primary concerns for COHR are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 238.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : TSM

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

COHR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.91 — 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.

Monitor SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

TSM scores higher overall (82/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 45.1% margins and 20.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

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

Coherent Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS · USA

Coherent, Inc. provides lasers, laser-based technologies, and laser-based system solutions for a variety of scientific, commercial, and industrial research applications. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.

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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