WallStSmart

Paylocity Holdng (PCTY)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 244239% more annual revenue ($4.10T vs $1.68B). TSM leads profitability with a 46.5% profit margin vs 14.2%. PCTY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.13. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

PCTY

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.0Value: 7.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.22

TSM

Exceptional Buy

84

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 10.0Value: 6.7Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 3.86
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

PCTYUndervalued (+61.6%)

Margin of Safety

+61.6%

Fair Value

$280.52

Current Price

$107.94

$172.58 discount

UndervaluedFair: $280.52Overvalued
TSMUndervalued (+72.4%)

Margin of Safety

+72.4%

Fair Value

$1399.41

Current Price

$396.06

$1003.35 discount

UndervaluedFair: $1399.41Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

PCTY2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
21.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
39.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 39.4% YoY

TSM6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$2.04T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
36.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
46.5%10/10

Keeps 47 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
58.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 58.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
35.1%10/10

Revenue surging 35.1% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
58.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 58.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

PCTY2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.4x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.222/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

TSM2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
60.6x2/10

Trading at 60.6x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : PCTY

The strongest argument for PCTY centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 10.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.13 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 46.5% and operating margin at 58.1%. Revenue growth of 35.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : PCTY

The primary concerns for PCTY are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : TSM

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PCTY profiles as a value stock while TSM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

TSM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.25 — expect wider price swings.

TSM is growing revenue faster at 35.1% — sustainability is the question.

TSM generates stronger free cash flow (377.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

TSM scores higher overall (84/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 46.5% margins and 35.1% revenue growth. PCTY offers better value entry with a 61.6% 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.

Paylocity Holdng

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Paylocity Holding Corporation provides cloud-based payroll and human capital management software solutions for midsize organizations in the United States. The company is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois.

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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