1 Dirt Cheap Artificial Intelligence (AI) Semiconductor Stock to Buy Hand Over Fist Before It Joins the $2 Trillion Club in 2026

Core Viewpoint - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is positioned for significant growth, potentially reaching a $2 trillion valuation by 2026, driven by increasing demand for AI infrastructure and its strategic expansions [3][4]. Company Overview - TSMC is currently valued at $1.7 trillion and would need an 18% increase in share price to reach a $2 trillion valuation, equating to approximately $380 per share [4]. - The stock has appreciated 62% over the past year, indicating strong market performance [4]. Industry Context - Major tech companies, referred to as hyperscalers, are expected to invest $527 billion in AI infrastructure by 2026, a 13% increase from earlier forecasts [7]. - McKinsey & Company projects that $5 trillion will be spent on AI workloads by 2030, indicating a robust demand for chips [8]. Competitive Position - TSMC plays a crucial role in manufacturing chips for leading companies like Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom, which are heavily investing in AI technologies [9]. - The company is expanding its manufacturing capabilities globally, including new facilities in Japan and Germany, and considering a $300 billion expansion in Arizona [11][12]. Financial Metrics - TSMC's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is currently 24, which may not seem low, but the company is trading about 22% below its peak forward earnings levels [13][15]. - Analysts expect TSMC to generate $13.26 in earnings per share (EPS) by 2026, and at a peak forward P/E of 30, the stock could reach $390 per share [15][16]. Investment Thesis - TSMC is viewed as a strong investment opportunity within the AI infrastructure sector, offering reasonable pricing relative to its growth prospects [17].