WallStSmart

Ciena Corp (CIEN)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 73651% more annual revenue ($4.44T vs $6.02B). TSM leads profitability with a 49.9% profit margin vs 10.9%. CIEN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 86/100 (A).

CIEN

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.0Value: 5.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.18

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 CIEN.

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

CIEN5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
37.0%10/10

Revenue surging 37.0% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
422.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 422.9% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0810/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Return on EquityProfitability
21.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.588/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

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

CIEN3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Price/BookValuation
16.2x4/10

Trading at 16.2x book value

P/E RatioValuation
78.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.182/10

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 : CIEN

The strongest argument for CIEN centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 37.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.58 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 : CIEN

The primary concerns for CIEN are Price/Book, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 78.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : TSM

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CIEN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — expect wider price swings.

CIEN is growing revenue faster at 37.0% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

TSM scores higher overall (86/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 49.9% margins and 36.0% revenue growth. 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.

Ciena Corp

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Ciena Corporation provides hardware, software, and network services that support the transport, routing, switching, aggregation, service delivery, and management of video, data, and voice traffic on communications networks worldwide. The company is headquartered in Hanover, Maryland.

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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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