WallStSmart

MaxLinear Inc (MXL)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 806333% more annual revenue ($4.10T vs $508.90M). TSM leads profitability with a 46.5% profit margin vs -26.0%. MXL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.39. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

MXL

Hold

38

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.7Profit: 2.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.17

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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MXL.

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

MXL2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3910/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
43.0%10/10

Revenue surging 43.0% year-over-year

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

MXL4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Price/BookValuation
18.6x4/10

Trading at 18.6x book value

Return on EquityProfitability
-29.1%2/10

ROE of -29.1% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-71.4%2/10

Earnings declined 71.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-10.26M2/10

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 : MXL

The strongest argument for MXL centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 43.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.39 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 46.5% and operating margin at 58.1%. Revenue growth of 35.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : MXL

The primary concerns for MXL are Price/Book, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : TSM

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MXL profiles as a hypergrowth stock while TSM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

MXL carries more volatility with a beta of 3.96 — expect wider price swings.

MXL is growing revenue faster at 43.0% — sustainability is the question.

TSM generates stronger free cash flow (377.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

TSM scores higher overall (84/100 vs 38/100), backed by strong 46.5% margins and 35.1% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

MaxLinear Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTORS · USA

MaxLinear, Inc. provides high-performance analog, radio frequency (RF) and mixed signal communications-on-chip (SoC) solutions for the connected home, wired and wireless infrastructure, and multi-market and industrial applications to world level. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.

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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