First Solar Inc (FSLR)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)
FSLR
First Solar Inc
$190.29
+2.40%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $20.42B
TSM
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
$326.74
+0.19%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $1.69T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 72879% more annual revenue ($3.81T vs $5.22B). TSM leads profitability with a 45.1% profit margin vs 29.3%. FSLR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.49. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).
FSLR
Exceptional Buy82
out of 100
Grade: A-
TSM
Exceptional Buy82
out of 100
Grade: A-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+65.8%
Fair Value
$665.03
Current Price
$190.29
$474.74 discount
Margin of Safety
+20.4%
Fair Value
$484.85
Current Price
$326.74
$158.11 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 32.6%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 32.3% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit
Keeps 45 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 53.9%
Generating 388.2B in free cash flow
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
No major concerns identified
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 50.0x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FSLR
The strongest argument for FSLR centers on PEG Ratio, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.3% and operating margin at 32.6%. Revenue growth of 11.1% 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 45.1% and operating margin at 53.9%. Revenue growth of 20.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FSLR
No major red flags identified for FSLR, but monitor valuation.
Bear Case : TSM
The primary concerns for TSM are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FSLR profiles as a mature stock while TSM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
FSLR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.65 — 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
FSLR scores higher overall (82/100 vs 82/100), backed by strong 29.3% margins and 11.1% revenue growth. TSM offers better value entry with a 20.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Exceptional 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.
First Solar Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOLAR · USA
First Solar, Inc. offers solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions in the United States, Japan, France, Canada, India, Australia, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona.
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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