Core Viewpoint - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is focusing on cautious spending while expanding globally to meet the rising demand for AI chips, despite facing macroeconomic and currency risks [1][2]. Financial Performance - TSMC reported a quarterly revenue of $30.07 billion, representing a 44% year-over-year increase in USD and a 38.6% increase in New Taiwanese dollars, driven by advanced 3nm and 5nm chip technologies [3]. - Net income rose 61% year-over-year to $2.47 per share, with gross margin expanding to 58.6% and operating margin reaching 49.6% [3]. - For the third quarter, TSMC expects revenue between $31.8 billion and $33 billion, with gross margins of 55.5% to 57.5% [4]. Market Dynamics - High-performance computing and smartphone chips accounted for 87% of TSMC's revenue, with North America contributing 75% of total sales [4]. - The company is fast-tracking its Arizona projects to meet customer demand, aiming to begin production at a second plant by 2027 [2]. Analyst Insights - Needham analyst Charles Shi maintained a Buy rating on TSMC, raising the fiscal 2025 revenue growth outlook from 24-26% to approximately 30% [5]. - Shi projected third-quarter revenue of $32.4 billion and earnings per share of $2.65, indicating a positive outlook for the company [8]. - TSMC is working on pricing increases for 2026 to potentially offset foreign exchange impacts on gross margins [7].

Core Viewpoint - 2025 has been challenging for AI stocks, with pressures from trade wars, high valuations, and signs of slowing demand impacting performance [1] Company Overview - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is the largest contract semiconductor manufacturer, handling over 50% of global contract chip production and approximately 90% of advanced chip production [4] - TSMC is a key player in the technology supply chain, serving major companies like Apple, Nvidia, and Qualcomm, and is significant in the AI sector due to its advanced chip-making capabilities [5] Recent Performance - TSMC reported a 41.6% increase in revenue to $25.5 billion in the first quarter, with operating income at $12.4 billion and an operating margin of 48.5% [6] - Advanced chips (7nm or less) constituted 73% of TSMC's revenue, with high-performance computing accounting for 59% of total revenue, indicating strong demand for AI applications [8] Growth Strategy - TSMC is poised for growth due to increasing semiconductor demand, driven by the integration of semiconductors into more products and advancements in technology [9] - The company is expanding its manufacturing footprint globally, including significant investments in the U.S., with a commitment of $100 billion for chip manufacturing [10] Competitive Advantages - TSMC's competitive advantages are expected to strengthen as it diversifies its manufacturing base and increases capacity [11] - The company is currently trading at a low price-to-earnings ratio of 21, suggesting it is undervalued compared to the S&P 500 [12] Long-term Outlook - TSMC's growth potential, competitive advantages, and low valuation position it as a strong investment opportunity in the long term [14]

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. TSM just delivered a quarter that Wall Street won't soon forget – but you wouldn't know it by looking at the stock chart.The chip giant crushed first quarter estimates, powered by AI-hungry demand for its 3nm and 5nm chips, yet shares continue to short-circuit.Strong Fundamentals, Stronger HeadwindsFirst quarter revenue surged 41.6% year-over-year to $25.53 billion, topping expectations of $23.92 billion. EPS came in at $2.12, well above the $1.82 consensus. TSM also p ...