Southern Company (SO)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
TSM
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
$347.75
+1.31%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $1.71T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 12789% more annual revenue ($3.81T vs $29.55B). TSM leads profitability with a 45.1% profit margin vs 14.7%. TSM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.17. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
TSM
Exceptional Buy82
out of 100
Grade: A-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-254.9%
Fair Value
$26.66
Current Price
$94.61
$67.95 premium
Margin of Safety
+20.3%
Fair Value
$483.91
Current Price
$347.75
$136.16 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit
Keeps 45 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 53.9%
Generating 388.2B in free cash flow
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 52.9x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% 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 : 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 1.28 — 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 54/100), backed by strong 45.1% margins and 20.5% 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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?