WallStSmart

Moodys Corporation (MCO)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 49253% more annual revenue ($3.81T vs $7.72B). TSM leads profitability with a 45.1% profit margin vs 31.9%. TSM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.17. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).

MCO

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.5Value: 10.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.99

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

MCOUndervalued (+33.1%)

Margin of Safety

+33.1%

Fair Value

$639.76

Current Price

$428.05

$211.71 discount

UndervaluedFair: $639.76Overvalued
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

MCO5 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
62.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 62 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
31.9%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
42.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 42.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
57.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 57.6% YoY

Market CapQuality
$76.27B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

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

MCO3 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.934/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
31.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
18.7x4/10

Trading at 18.7x book value

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 : MCO

The strongest argument for MCO centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.9% and operating margin at 42.1%. Revenue growth of 13.0% 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 : MCO

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

Bear Case : TSM

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MCO profiles as a mature stock while TSM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

MCO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.44 — 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 71/100), backed by strong 45.1% margins and 20.5% revenue growth. MCO offers better value entry with a 33.1% 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.

Moodys Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

Moody's Corporation, often referred to as Moody's, is an American business and financial services company. It is the holding company for Moody's Investors Service (MIS), an American credit rating agency, and Moody's Analytics (MA), an American provider of financial analysis software and services.

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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