Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-18 23:55Core Viewpoint - TSMC is expected to see significant revenue growth and improved profit margins by Q1 2026, driven by cost control, capacity increases, and favorable exchange rates, despite potential dilution from overseas expansion and new technology ramp-up [1] Revenue and Profitability - TSMC forecasts revenue between $34.6 billion and $35.8 billion for Q1 2026, with a median year-over-year growth of 37.9% and a quarter-over-quarter growth of 4.3% [1] - The expected gross margin is projected to be between 63% and 65%, with a median year-over-year increase of 5.2 percentage points and a quarter-over-quarter increase of 1.7 percentage points [1] Cost Control and Expansion - The improvement in gross margin is attributed to effective cost control, increased capacity, and better exchange rates, although overseas factory ramp-up is expected to dilute margins by 2%-3% initially and 3%-4% in later stages [1] - The introduction of 2nm technology is anticipated to begin ramping up in the second half of 2026, contributing to a gross margin dilution of 2%-3% for the year [1] Capital Expenditure and Demand Confidence - TSMC's significant upward revision of its capital budget for 2026 reflects management's confidence in the long-term demand for advanced processes and revenue growth [1] - Continuous communication with clients has validated the real application basis for AI-related demand, leading to an increase in revenue growth expectations for AI accelerators [1] AI and Semiconductor Expansion - From 2024 to 2029, TSMC expects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 55%-59% for AI accelerator-related revenue, supported by technological differentiation and a broad customer base [1] - The demand for advanced processes driven by AI computing is initiating a new expansion cycle in semiconductor manufacturing, positively impacting key semiconductor process equipment and related supply chains [1]