WallStSmart

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 120238% more annual revenue ($3.81T vs $3.17B). TSM leads profitability with a 45.1% profit margin vs 20.3%. TSM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.17. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).

TSM

Exceptional Buy

82

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 10.0Value: 9.3Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 3.86

WAT

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 7.3Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.92
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

TSMUndervalued (+20.3%)

Margin of Safety

+20.3%

Fair Value

$483.91

Current Price

$343.29

$140.62 discount

UndervaluedFair: $483.91Overvalued
WATSignificantly Overvalued (-349.9%)

Margin of Safety

-349.9%

Fair Value

$73.17

Current Price

$301.92

$228.75 premium

UndervaluedFair: $73.17Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

WAT4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
33.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.8%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.9210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
29.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
20.3%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

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

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
52.3x2/10

Trading at 52.3x book value

WAT2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.1%2/10

Earnings declined 3.1%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : WAT

The strongest argument for WAT centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 33.8%. PEG of 1.25 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : TSM

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

Bear Case : WAT

The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

TSM profiles as a growth stock while WAT is a mature 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 60/100), 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.

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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Waters Corporation

HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA

Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.

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