Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
TSM
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
$411.68
-0.60%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $2.18T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 1334% more annual revenue ($4.10T vs $286.27B). TSM leads profitability with a 46.5% profit margin vs 3.0%. TSM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
TSM
Exceptional Buy84
out of 100
Grade: A-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-89.1%
Fair Value
$535.26
Current Price
$1008.79
$473.53 premium
Margin of Safety
+72.3%
Fair Value
$1394.10
Current Price
$411.68
$982.42 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit
Keeps 47 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 58.1%
Revenue surging 35.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 58.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 62.9x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 21.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : TSM
The strongest argument for TSM centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 46.5% and operating margin at 58.1%. Revenue growth of 35.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 52.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : TSM
The primary concerns for TSM are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
TSM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.
TSM is growing revenue faster at 35.1% — sustainability is the question.
TSM generates stronger free cash flow (377.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
TSM scores higher overall (84/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 46.5% margins and 35.1% 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.
Costco Wholesale Corp
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Costco Wholesale Corporation (doing business as Costco Wholesale and also known simply as Costco) is an American multinational corporation which operates a chain of membership-only (needing a membership to shop there) big-box retail stores. As of 2020, Costco was the fifth largest retailer in the world, and the world's largest retailer of choice and prime beef, organic foods, rotisserie chicken, and wine as of 2016.
Visit Website →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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