WallStSmart

Southern Company (SO)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 13500% more annual revenue ($4.10T vs $30.18B). TSM leads profitability with a 46.5% profit margin vs 14.5%. TSM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

SO

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 5.0

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

SOSignificantly Overvalued (-26.1%)

Margin of Safety

-26.1%

Fair Value

$73.33

Current Price

$91.80

$18.47 premium

UndervaluedFair: $73.33Overvalued
TSMUndervalued (+72.3%)

Margin of Safety

+72.3%

Fair Value

$1394.10

Current Price

$411.68

$982.42 discount

UndervaluedFair: $1394.10Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

SO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$103.49B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%

TSM6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$2.18T10/10

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

SO3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.662/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-0.8%2/10

Earnings declined 0.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.72B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

TSM2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
36.0x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
62.9x2/10

Trading at 62.9x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : SO

The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.

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 : SO

The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : TSM

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

TSM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — 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 56/100), backed by strong 46.5% margins and 35.1% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "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.

Southern Company

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.

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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