First Solar Inc (FSLR)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)
FSLR
First Solar Inc
$176.89
+0.33%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $18.55B
TSM
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
$439.51
-1.79%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $2.27T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 91844% more annual revenue ($4.94T vs $5.38B). TSM leads profitability with a 51.1% profit margin vs 32.5%. FSLR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.36. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 86/100 (A).
FSLR
Strong Buy77
out of 100
Grade: B+
TSM
Exceptional Buy86
out of 100
Grade: A
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+30.4%
Fair Value
$247.09
Current Price
$176.89
$70.20 discount
Margin of Safety
+55.1%
Fair Value
$979.05
Current Price
$439.51
$539.54 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 42.6%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit
Keeps 51 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 58.7%
Revenue surging 50.9% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 68.7% YoY
Areas to Watch
Revenue declined 3.7%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Moderate valuation
Trading at 83.9x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FSLR
The strongest argument for FSLR centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.5% and operating margin at 42.6%. PEG of 0.36 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 51.1% and operating margin at 58.7%. Revenue growth of 50.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FSLR
The primary concerns for FSLR are Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : TSM
The primary concerns for TSM are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FSLR profiles as a declining stock while TSM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
FSLR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.79 — expect wider price swings.
TSM is growing revenue faster at 50.9% — sustainability is the question.
TSM generates stronger free cash flow (510.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
TSM scores higher overall (86/100 vs 77/100), backed by strong 51.1% margins and 50.9% revenue growth. FSLR offers better value entry with a 30.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Strong 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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