WallStSmart

Paychex Inc (PAYX)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 103325% more annual revenue ($4.10T vs $3.97B). TSM leads profitability with a 46.5% profit margin vs 26.6%. TSM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.22. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

PAYX

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.5Value: 4.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.32

TSM

Exceptional Buy

84

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 10.0Value: 6.7Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 3.86
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

PAYXSignificantly Overvalued (-36.3%)

Margin of Safety

-36.3%

Fair Value

$69.56

Current Price

$92.63

$23.07 premium

UndervaluedFair: $69.56Overvalued
TSMUndervalued (+72.4%)

Margin of Safety

+72.4%

Fair Value

$1399.41

Current Price

$396.06

$1003.35 discount

UndervaluedFair: $1399.41Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

PAYX4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
40.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
44.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 44.4%

Profit MarginProfitability
26.6%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
19.9%8/10

19.9% revenue growth

TSM6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$2.04T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
36.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 36 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

PAYX4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.744/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
8.3x4/10

Trading at 8.3x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.303/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

TSM2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
60.6x2/10

Trading at 60.6x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : PAYX

The strongest argument for PAYX centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.6% and operating margin at 44.4%. Revenue growth of 19.9% 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 : PAYX

The primary concerns for PAYX are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity.

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 1.25 — 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 SOFTWARE - APPLICATION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

TSM scores higher overall (84/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 46.5% margins and 35.1% 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.

Paychex Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Paychex, Inc. is an American provider of human resource, payroll, and benefits outsourcing services for small- to medium-sized businesses.

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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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