AAPL vs. TSM: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
Here’s a clear look at AAPL and TSM, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.
Company Profile
| Symbol | AAPL | TSM |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | Apple Inc. | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited |
| Country | United States | Taiwan |
| GICS Sector | Information Technology | Information Technology |
| GICS Industry Group | Technology Hardware & Equipment | Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment |
| GICS Industry | Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals | Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment |
| GICS Sub-Industry | Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals | Semiconductors |
| Market Capitalization | 4,221.73 billion USD | 2,175.69 billion USD |
| Currency | USD | USD |
| Exchange | NasdaqGS | NYSE |
| Listing Date | December 12, 1980 | October 9, 1997 |
| Security Type | Common Stock | ADR |
AAPL is a standard domestic listing, while TSM trades as an American Depositary Receipt (ADR), offering U.S. investors access to its foreign-listed shares.
AAPL’s market capitalization (4,221.73 billion USD) is substantially larger than TSM’s (2,175.69 billion USD), indicating a significant difference in their market valuations.
TSM is an American Depositary Receipt (ADR), allowing U.S. investors direct exposure to its non-U.S. operations. AAPL, on the other hand, is a domestic entity.
Historical Performance
This chart compares the performance of AAPL and TSM by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.
Historical Performance at a Glance
| Symbol | AAPL | TSM |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Price Return | 2.61% | 3.21% |
| 13-Week Price Return | 3.96% | 29.31% |
| 26-Week Price Return | 5.91% | 55.17% |
| 52-Week Price Return | 46.47% | 17.52% |
| Month-to-Date Return | 5.93% | 5.39% |
| Year-to-Date Return | 5.73% | 45.16% |
| 10-Day Avg. Volume | 52.10M | 48.59M |
| 3-Month Avg. Volume | 46.55M | 41.32M |
| 3-Month Volatility | 25.64% | 37.09% |
| Beta | 1.07 | 1.15 |
With betas of 1.07 for AAPL and 1.15 for TSM, both stocks show similar sensitivity to overall market movements.
Profitability
Return on Equity (TTM)
AAPL
146.69%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 32.60%
- Q3
- 29.99%
- Median
- 9.62%
- Q1
- 6.04%
- Min
- -25.52%
AAPL’s Return on Equity of 146.69% is exceptionally high, placing it well beyond the typical range for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This demonstrates a superior ability to generate profit from shareholder investments, though it could also be inflated by high financial leverage.
TSM
36.93%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 48.79%
- Q3
- 19.97%
- Median
- 7.89%
- Q1
- 0.23%
- Min
- -28.42%
In the upper quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, TSM’s Return on Equity of 36.93% signals a highly effective use of shareholder capital to drive profitability compared to most of its peers.
Net Profit Margin (TTM)
AAPL
27.15%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 18.07%
- Q3
- 8.61%
- Median
- 5.19%
- Q1
- 1.29%
- Min
- -0.33%
AAPL’s Net Profit Margin of 27.15% is exceptionally high, placing it well beyond the typical range for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This demonstrates outstanding operational efficiency and a strong competitive advantage in converting revenue into profit.
TSM
47.00%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 55.60%
- Q3
- 23.51%
- Median
- 10.31%
- Q1
- -0.69%
- Min
- -34.23%
A Net Profit Margin of 47.00% places TSM in the upper quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, signifying strong profitability and more effective cost management than most of its peers.
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)
AAPL
32.64%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 15.64%
- Q3
- 10.89%
- Median
- 6.88%
- Q1
- 3.42%
- Min
- -1.25%
AAPL’s Operating Profit Margin of 32.64% is exceptionally high, placing it well above the typical range for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This demonstrates outstanding efficiency in managing its core operations, which can be a result of strong pricing power or superior cost control.
TSM
53.31%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 60.38%
- Q3
- 27.09%
- Median
- 12.40%
- Q1
- 2.30%
- Min
- -25.47%
An Operating Profit Margin of 53.31% places TSM in the upper quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This signals a strong ability to translate revenue into operating profit, outperforming most of its competitors in core business efficiency.
Profitability at a Glance
| Symbol | AAPL | TSM |
|---|---|---|
| Return on Equity (TTM) | 146.69% | 36.93% |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | 34.02% | 24.92% |
| Net Profit Margin (TTM) | 27.15% | 47.00% |
| Operating Profit Margin (TTM) | 32.64% | 53.31% |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | 47.86% | 61.87% |
Financial Strength
Current Ratio (MRQ)
AAPL
1.07
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 3.32
- Q3
- 2.16
- Median
- 1.46
- Q1
- 1.28
- Min
- 0.73
AAPL’s Current Ratio of 1.07 falls into the lower quartile for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This indicates a tighter liquidity situation and a more constrained capacity to handle short-term debt than many of its competitors.
TSM
2.49
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 7.65
- Q3
- 4.58
- Median
- 2.90
- Q1
- 2.27
- Min
- 1.23
TSM’s Current Ratio of 2.49 aligns with the median group of the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating that its short-term liquidity is in line with its sector peers.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)
AAPL
0.80
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 0.92
- Q3
- 0.71
- Median
- 0.32
- Q1
- 0.14
- Min
- 0.00
AAPL’s leverage is in the upper quartile of the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry, with a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.80. While this approach can boost equity growth, it also exposes the company to greater financial vulnerability.
TSM
0.17
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 1.34
- Q3
- 0.57
- Median
- 0.24
- Q1
- 0.01
- Min
- 0.00
TSM’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.17 is typical for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating its use of leverage is in line with the sector norm. This suggests a balanced approach to its capital structure.
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)
AAPL
622.51
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 25.10
- Q3
- 25.10
- Median
- 9.20
- Q1
- 4.08
- Min
- -23.93
With an Interest Coverage Ratio of 622.51, AAPL demonstrates a superior capacity to service its debt, placing it well above the typical range for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This stems from either robust earnings or a conservative debt load.
TSM
8.32
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 135.68
- Q3
- 58.79
- Median
- 14.73
- Q1
- 2.53
- Min
- -37.06
TSM’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 8.32 is positioned comfortably within the norm for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating a standard and healthy capacity to cover its interest payments.
Financial Strength at a Glance
| Symbol | AAPL | TSM |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (MRQ) | 1.07 | 2.49 |
| Quick Ratio (MRQ) | 1.02 | 2.31 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) | 0.80 | 0.17 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | 622.51 | 8.32 |
Growth
Revenue Growth
Revenue Growth at a Glance
| Symbol | AAPL | TSM |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (MRQ vs Prior YoY) | 16.60% | 35.13% |
| Revenue Growth (TTM vs Prior YoY) | 12.76% | 30.66% |
| 3-Year Revenue CAGR | 1.81% | 18.94% |
| 5-Year Revenue CAGR | 8.68% | 23.25% |
EPS Growth
EPS Growth at a Glance
| Symbol | AAPL | TSM |
|---|---|---|
| EPS Growth (MRQ vs Prior YoY) | 22.04% | 58.32% |
| EPS Growth (TTM vs Prior YoY) | 29.01% | 47.30% |
| 3-Year EPS CAGR | 6.89% | 19.11% |
| 5-Year EPS CAGR | 17.91% | 27.10% |
Dividend
Dividend Yield (TTM)
AAPL
0.37%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 5.69%
- Q3
- 3.18%
- Median
- 1.83%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
AAPL’s Dividend Yield of 0.37% is consistent with its peers in the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry, providing a dividend return that is standard for its sector.
TSM
0.84%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 2.06%
- Q3
- 0.84%
- Median
- 0.29%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
TSM’s Dividend Yield of 0.84% is consistent with its peers in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, providing a dividend return that is standard for its sector.
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)
AAPL
12.69%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 136.56%
- Q3
- 69.54%
- Median
- 43.52%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
AAPL’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 12.69% is within the typical range for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry, suggesting a balanced approach between shareholder payouts and company reinvestment.
TSM
25.55%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 168.19%
- Q3
- 72.81%
- Median
- 22.20%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
TSM’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 25.55% is within the typical range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, suggesting a balanced approach between shareholder payouts and company reinvestment.
Dividend at a Glance
| Symbol | AAPL | TSM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 0.37% | 0.84% |
| Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) | 12.69% | 25.55% |
Valuation
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)
AAPL
34.38
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 36.84
- Q3
- 25.33
- Median
- 13.53
- Q1
- 12.58
- Min
- 7.65
A P/E Ratio of 34.38 places AAPL in the upper quartile for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This high valuation relative to peers suggests the market holds elevated expectations for the company’s future growth.
TSM
30.25
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 198.58
- Q3
- 106.96
- Median
- 57.82
- Q1
- 37.55
- Min
- 14.03
In the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, TSM’s P/E Ratio of 30.25 suggests the stock may be undervalued compared to its peers, potentially presenting an attractive entry point for investors.
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)
AAPL
9.33
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 6.86
- Q3
- 3.13
- Median
- 0.87
- Q1
- 0.47
- Min
- 0.03
With a P/S Ratio of 9.33, AAPL trades at a valuation that eclipses even the highest in the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This implies the market has priced in exceptionally optimistic scenarios for future revenue growth, posing considerable valuation risk.
TSM
14.22
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 32.44
- Q3
- 15.48
- Median
- 8.72
- Q1
- 4.13
- Min
- 1.14
TSM’s P/S Ratio of 14.22 aligns with the market consensus for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This suggests its valuation, based on sales, is seen as standard and is on par with its competitors.
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)
AAPL
34.00
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 9.86
- Q3
- 4.72
- Median
- 1.89
- Q1
- 1.07
- Min
- 0.31
At 34.00, AAPL’s P/B Ratio is at an extreme premium to the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This signifies that the market’s valuation is heavily reliant on future potential rather than its current net asset value, which can be a high-risk proposition.
TSM
7.75
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 15.44
- Q3
- 8.26
- Median
- 3.95
- Q1
- 1.89
- Min
- 0.78
TSM’s P/B Ratio of 7.75 is within the conventional range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This shows a balanced market view, where the stock’s price is neither at a significant premium nor a discount to the book value of its peers.
Valuation at a Glance
| Symbol | AAPL | TSM |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) | 34.38 | 30.25 |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) | 9.33 | 14.22 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) | 34.00 | 7.75 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM) | 32.62 | 55.67 |