WallStSmart

nLIGHT Inc (LASR)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 1457465% more annual revenue ($3.81T vs $261.33M). TSM leads profitability with a 45.1% profit margin vs -9.0%. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).

LASR

Avoid

30

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 6.0Profit: 2.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0

TSM

Exceptional Buy

82

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 10.0Value: 9.3Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 3.86
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for LASR.

TSMUndervalued (+20.3%)

Margin of Safety

+20.3%

Fair Value

$483.91

Current Price

$347.75

$136.16 discount

UndervaluedFair: $483.91Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LASR1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
71.3%10/10

Revenue surging 71.3% year-over-year

TSM6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$1.71T10/10

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

LASR4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
16.2x4/10

Trading at 16.2x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Return on EquityProfitability
-10.6%2/10

ROE of -10.6% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
-9.0%1/10

Currently unprofitable

TSM2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
52.9x2/10

Trading at 52.9x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LASR

The strongest argument for LASR centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 71.3% 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 : LASR

The primary concerns for LASR are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : TSM

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LASR profiles as a hypergrowth stock while TSM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

LASR carries more volatility with a beta of 2.34 — expect wider price swings.

LASR is growing revenue faster at 71.3% — 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 30/100), backed by strong 45.1% margins and 20.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

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

nLIGHT Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTORS · USA

nLIGHT, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and sells fiber and semiconductor lasers for industrial, microfabrication, aerospace and defense applications. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington.

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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