WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 7709% more annual revenue ($4.94T vs $63.33B). TSM leads profitability with a 51.1% profit margin vs 20.9%. TSM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.77. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 86/100 (A).

CSCO

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.30

TSM

Exceptional Buy

86

out of 100

Grade: A

Growth: 9.3Profit: 10.0Value: 8.0Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 3.85
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CSCO.

TSMUndervalued (+55.1%)

Margin of Safety

+55.1%

Fair Value

$979.05

Current Price

$439.51

$539.54 discount

UndervaluedFair: $979.05Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSCO6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$423.39B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

EPS GrowthGrowth
52.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 52.1% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
26.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
20.9%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.988/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
27.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.7%

TSM6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$2.27T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
36.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
51.1%10/10

Keeps 51 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
58.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 58.7%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
50.9%10/10

Revenue surging 50.9% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
68.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 68.7% YoY

Areas to Watch

CSCO3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
8.7x4/10

Trading at 8.7x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.302/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

TSM2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
83.9x2/10

Trading at 83.9x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CSCO

The strongest argument for CSCO centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.9% and operating margin at 27.7%. Revenue growth of 17.6% 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 51.1% and operating margin at 58.7%. Revenue growth of 50.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CSCO

The primary concerns for CSCO are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : TSM

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

TSM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.

TSM is growing revenue faster at 50.9% — sustainability is the question.

TSM generates stronger free cash flow (510.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

TSM scores higher overall (86/100 vs 77/100), backed by strong 51.1% margins and 50.9% 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.

Cisco Systems Inc

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Cisco Systems, Inc. is an American multinational technology conglomerate headquartered in San Jose, California, in the center of Silicon Valley. Cisco develops, manufactures and sells networking hardware, software, telecommunications equipment and other high-technology services and products. Through its numerous acquired subsidiaries, such as OpenDNS, Webex, Jabber and Jasper, Cisco specializes in specific tech markets, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), domain security and energy management. On January 25, 2021, Cisco reincorporated in Delaware.

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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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