WallStSmart

First Solar Inc (FSLR)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 75631% more annual revenue ($4.10T vs $5.42B). TSM leads profitability with a 46.5% profit margin vs 30.7%. FSLR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.70. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

FSLR

Exceptional Buy

82

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 9.0Value: 6.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.38

TSM

Exceptional Buy

84

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 10.0Value: 6.7Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 3.85
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FSLROvervalued (-6.2%)

Margin of Safety

-6.2%

Fair Value

$251.74

Current Price

$314.95

$63.21 premium

UndervaluedFair: $251.74Overvalued
TSMUndervalued (+49.5%)

Margin of Safety

+49.5%

Fair Value

$839.44

Current Price

$415.17

$424.27 discount

UndervaluedFair: $839.44Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FSLR6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Profit MarginProfitability
30.7%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
33.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
65.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 65.1% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.3810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

PEG RatioValuation
0.708/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

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

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
32.8%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 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

FSLR1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$-333.39M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

TSM2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
36.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
63.5x2/10

Trading at 63.5x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FSLR

The strongest argument for FSLR centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.7% and operating margin at 33.1%. Revenue growth of 23.6% 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 46.5% and operating margin at 58.1%. Revenue growth of 35.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : FSLR

The primary concerns for FSLR are Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : TSM

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FSLR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.69 — 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.

Monitor SOLAR industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

TSM scores higher overall (84/100 vs 82/100), backed by strong 46.5% margins and 35.1% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Exceptional 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.

First Solar Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOLAR · USA

First Solar, Inc. offers solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions in the United States, Japan, France, Canada, India, Australia, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona.

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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