AMAT vs. TSM: Which Semiconductor Stock is the Better Buy?

Core Viewpoint - Applied Materials (AMAT) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) are pivotal in the semiconductor supply chain, each playing a unique role in global chip manufacturing [1][2] Group 1: Applied Materials (AMAT) - AMAT is a leader in semiconductor fabrication equipment, focusing on deposition, etching, and inspection, which are essential for chip manufacturing [3] - The company is experiencing strong demand for its AI-driven technologies, particularly in its Sym3 Magnum etch system, which has generated over $1.2 billion in revenue since its launch in February 2024 [4][5] - AMAT's revenues from advanced semiconductor nodes exceeded $2.5 billion in 2024, with expectations to double in fiscal 2025, driven by customer adoption of its GAA and backside power delivery solutions [6] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates year-over-year growth of 6% in revenues and 9.5% in EPS for AMAT [6] - AMAT's stock has gained 12.4% year-to-date, reflecting its strong market position [16] Group 2: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) - TSM is a major player in semiconductor chip production for global tech companies and has advanced into 3nm production, with plans for 2nm soon [11] - In Q2 2025, TSM reported a 44.4% increase in revenues and a 60.7% increase in profits, with high-performance computing chips contributing 60% of total revenues [10][12] - TSM's AI-related revenues tripled in 2024 and are projected to double again in 2025, indicating strong future growth potential [12] - The company plans to invest $42 billion in 2025, up from $29.8 billion in 2024, to maintain its leadership in advanced manufacturing [13] - TSM's stock has gained 21% year-to-date, showcasing its robust performance [16] Group 3: Comparative Analysis - While both companies are critical to the semiconductor industry, AMAT is currently viewed as the more attractive investment due to its leadership in key manufacturing processes and lower external risks compared to TSM [17][18] - TSM faces challenges such as geopolitical tensions, rising costs, and supply chain issues, which may impact its profitability [18] - AMAT holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), while TSM has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a more favorable investment outlook for AMAT [18]