TSMC(US:TSM) Huan Qiu Wang Zi Xun·2025-12-17 23:26Core Viewpoint - TSMC's performance in 2025 is projected to reach NT$3.7 trillion, driven by strong demand for AI, but concerns arise over the ongoing losses at its Kumamoto plant in Japan due to low capacity utilization and market challenges [1][2] Group 1: TSMC's Financial Outlook - TSMC's projected revenue for 2025 is NT$3.7 trillion, reflecting optimism in the AI sector [1] - The company has faced significant losses at its Kumamoto plant, which has raised concerns among stakeholders [1][2] Group 2: Challenges at Kumamoto Plant - The Kumamoto plant's capacity utilization is reportedly low, with ongoing losses attributed to reduced demand for automotive chips from Japanese manufacturers [2] - The plant's 28nm process is particularly affected, leading to a capacity utilization rate of approximately 50% [3] - TSMC is considering changing the planned production from 6nm to 2nm at the Kumamoto plant to address the ongoing losses, which would significantly increase investment costs from over US$10 billion to over US$25 billion [3] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The rise of mature process technology in mainland China has impacted TSMC's mature process capacity utilization, with reports indicating that the advanced 6nm process in Taiwan has also seen a decline to 60-70% utilization [2] - The Japanese automotive market's sluggish recovery has further exacerbated the challenges faced by TSMC's Kumamoto plant [3] Group 4: Government and Investment Considerations - The success of the 2nm process at the Kumamoto plant hinges on whether the Japanese government will provide additional subsidies [3] - TSMC's financial performance in the U.S. has also been under scrutiny, with significant losses reported at its Arizona facility since its establishment [3]