Is Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock a Buy for 2026?

Core Viewpoint - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM) had a strong performance in 2025, with stock prices rising over 50%, and is expected to continue its growth trajectory into 2026 due to its strategic position in the semiconductor industry, particularly in the AI sector [1][3]. Group 1: Company Performance - Taiwan Semiconductor's stock rose more than 50% in 2025, making it a top performer in its sector [1]. - The company is projected to achieve a revenue growth of approximately 21% in 2026, which translates to around 20% growth in U.S. dollars, reflecting strong performance for a company with a market cap of nearly $1.6 trillion [6][11]. - The stock trades at a valuation of 24 times next year's earnings, which is lower than many major tech companies, indicating it is reasonably valued [10][11]. Group 2: Industry Position - Taiwan Semiconductor is a key supplier in the growing AI industry, manufacturing chips for major companies like Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom, which positions it well to benefit from ongoing AI spending [3][4]. - The global computer market is projected to be worth around $1 trillion by 2030, with data center capital expenditures expected to reach $3 trillion to $4 trillion, indicating significant growth potential for Taiwan Semiconductor [4]. - The company is expected to outperform the market, as its growth rate is above the average S&P 500 growth rate of 10% [11][12]. Group 3: Investment Considerations - Taiwan Semiconductor is considered a strong candidate for investment in 2026, especially for those not overly exposed to the AI sector [12]. - The company is anticipated to be one of the best-performing stocks in its cohort for 2026, with minimal risk of performance derailment from AI hyperscalers reducing spending [13].