WallStSmart

MaxLinear Inc (MXL)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 780399% more annual revenue ($4.44T vs $568.93M). TSM leads profitability with a 49.9% profit margin vs -18.2%. MXL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.39. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 86/100 (A).

MXL

Hold

38

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.7Profit: 2.0Value: 6.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.17

TSM

Exceptional Buy

86

out of 100

Grade: A

Growth: 9.3Profit: 10.0Value: 7.3Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 3.85
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MXL.

TSMUndervalued (+50.6%)

Margin of Safety

+50.6%

Fair Value

$889.36

Current Price

$433.24

$456.12 discount

UndervaluedFair: $889.36Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MXL3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3910/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
55.2%10/10

Revenue surging 55.2% year-over-year

Debt/EquityHealth
0.299/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

TSM6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$2.22T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
49.9%10/10

Keeps 50 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
60.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 60.3%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
36.0%10/10

Revenue surging 36.0% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
77.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 77.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

MXL4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Price/BookValuation
13.9x4/10

Trading at 13.9x book value

Return on EquityProfitability
-29.1%2/10

ROE of -29.1% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-71.4%2/10

Earnings declined 71.4%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
88.6x2/10

Trading at 88.6x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MXL

The strongest argument for MXL centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 55.2% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.39 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 49.9% and operating margin at 60.3%. Revenue growth of 36.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : MXL

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

Bear Case : TSM

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

MXL carries more volatility with a beta of 3.94 — expect wider price swings.

MXL is growing revenue faster at 55.2% — sustainability is the question.

TSM generates stronger free cash flow (287.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

TSM scores higher overall (86/100 vs 38/100), backed by strong 49.9% margins and 36.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

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

MaxLinear Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTORS · USA

MaxLinear, Inc. provides high-performance analog, radio frequency (RF) and mixed signal communications-on-chip (SoC) solutions for the connected home, wired and wireless infrastructure, and multi-market and industrial applications to world level. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.

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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