WallStSmart

Paychex Inc (PAYX)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 111808% more annual revenue ($4.44T vs $3.97B). TSM leads profitability with a 49.9% profit margin vs 26.6%. TSM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.01. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

PAYX

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.5Value: 4.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.40

TSM

Exceptional Buy

84

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

PAYXSignificantly Overvalued (-49.7%)

Margin of Safety

-49.7%

Fair Value

$63.35

Current Price

$122.13

$58.78 premium

UndervaluedFair: $63.35Overvalued
TSMUndervalued (+56.3%)

Margin of Safety

+56.3%

Fair Value

$897.55

Current Price

$392.31

$505.24 discount

UndervaluedFair: $897.55Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

PAYX4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
47.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 47 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
38.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.3%

Profit MarginProfitability
26.6%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
43.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 43.4% YoY

TSM6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$2.07T10/10

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

PAYX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.024/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
11.6x4/10

Trading at 11.6x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.233/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.402/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

TSM2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
89.2x2/10

Trading at 89.2x 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 38.3%. Revenue growth of 12.5% 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 49.9% and operating margin at 60.3%. Revenue growth of 36.0% 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

PAYX profiles as a mature stock while TSM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

TSM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.25 — expect wider price swings.

TSM is growing revenue faster at 36.0% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

TSM scores higher overall (84/100 vs 69/100), 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.

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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