KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)
KLAC
KLA Corporation
$1,543.82
-1.43%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $205.79B
TSM
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
$347.75
+1.31%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $1.71T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 29788% more annual revenue ($3.81T vs $12.74B). TSM leads profitability with a 45.1% profit margin vs 35.8%. TSM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.17. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).
KLAC
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
TSM
Exceptional Buy82
out of 100
Grade: A-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+3.9%
Fair Value
$1605.71
Current Price
$1543.82
$61.89 discount
Margin of Safety
+20.3%
Fair Value
$483.91
Current Price
$347.75
$136.16 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 101 in profit
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 41.3%
Earnings expanding 40.9% YoY
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 37.0x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 52.9x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : KLAC
The strongest argument for KLAC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.8% and operating margin at 41.3%.
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 : KLAC
The primary concerns for KLAC are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.6x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : TSM
The primary concerns for TSM are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KLAC profiles as a mature stock while TSM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
KLAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — 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 70/100), backed by strong 45.1% margins and 20.5% revenue growth. 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.
KLA Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA
KLA Corporation is a capital equipment company based in Milpitas, California. It supplies process control and yield management systems for the semiconductor industry and other related nanoelectronics industries. The company's products and services are intended for all phases of wafer, reticle, integrated circuit (IC) and packaging production, from research and development to final volume manufacturing.
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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS Stocks
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