Photronics Inc (PLAB)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)
PLAB
Photronics Inc
$49.48
+3.58%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $2.92B
TSM
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
$396.06
+0.57%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $2.04T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 475868% more annual revenue ($4.10T vs $862.22M). TSM leads profitability with a 46.5% profit margin vs 15.8%. TSM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.22. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).
PLAB
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
TSM
Exceptional Buy84
out of 100
Grade: A-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-47.4%
Fair Value
$25.85
Current Price
$49.48
$23.63 premium
Margin of Safety
+72.4%
Fair Value
$1399.41
Current Price
$396.06
$1003.35 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 24.4%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit
Keeps 47 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 58.1%
Revenue surging 35.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 58.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 60.6x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : PLAB
The strongest argument for PLAB centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.8% and operating margin at 24.4%.
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 : PLAB
The primary concerns for PLAB are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : TSM
The primary concerns for TSM are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PLAB profiles as a mature stock while TSM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
PLAB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.43 — 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.
Bottom Line
TSM scores higher overall (84/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 46.5% margins and 35.1% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "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.
Photronics Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA
Photronics, Inc. manufactures and sells photomask products and services in the United States, Taiwan, Korea, Europe, China, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Brookfield, Connecticut.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS Stocks
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