Key Points TSMC is the world’s largest and most advanced contract chipmaker. ASML provides the lithography tools that enable TSMC to produce those chips. One of these linchpins faces more headwinds than the other. 10 stocks we like better than Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing › TSMC (NYSE: TSM) and ASML (NASDAQ: ASML) are both linchpins of the semiconductor market. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) is the world's largest and most advanced contract chipmaker. ASML is the largest producer ...

Core Insights - TSMC has reported its largest quarterly profit on record, highlighting its strong exposure to AI demand and the shift towards 3nm production [1] Company Performance - TSMC's quarterly profit reflects a significant increase driven by the ramp-up in 3nm production, indicating robust demand in the semiconductor industry [1] Industry Trends - The shift in demand towards advanced semiconductor technologies, particularly 3nm, is a key trend influencing TSMC's performance and the broader semiconductor market [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to join the exclusive $3 trillion valuation club by 2029, currently occupied by Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, and Alphabet, given its current valuation of $1.5 trillion [1][2]. Group 1: Company Positioning - TSMC is the world's leading contract chip manufacturer and plays a critical role in the AI supply chain, supplying chips to major companies like Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom [4]. - The company is expanding its global footprint to mitigate risks associated with its location near mainland China, with a significant $165 billion investment in the U.S. to build several chip fabrication sites [6]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - TSMC is addressing the energy crisis associated with AI data centers by launching 2nm chips, which are expected to consume 25% to 30% less power than the previous 3nm generation when running at the same speed [7]. - The introduction of these 2nm chips is anticipated to support the growth of AI hyperscalers, despite the higher costs associated with the new technology [9].

Core Insights - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) shares have increased by 18.2% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks Computer and Technology sector's gain of 6.3% [1] - TSMC's stock performance has surpassed major semiconductor companies like NVIDIA, Advanced Micro Devices, and Broadcom [1] Stock Performance - TSMC shares are trading near their 52-week high of $296.72, closing at $292.19 last Friday [3] - The stock has shown significant growth compared to peers, with NVIDIA and AMD rising by 11.5% and 8.8%, respectively, while Broadcom declined by 2.1% [1] AI Growth Catalyst - TSMC is positioned as a leader in the global chip foundry market, crucial for companies involved in the AI boom, including NVIDIA, Marvell, and Broadcom [4] - AI-related chip sales tripled in 2024, contributing a mid-teen percentage to TSMC's total revenues, with expectations for AI revenues to double again in 2025 and grow 40% annually over the next five years [5] Capital Expenditure - TSMC plans to invest between $38 billion and $42 billion in capital expenditures in 2025, significantly higher than the $29.8 billion investment in 2024, with 70% focused on advanced manufacturing processes [6] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, TSMC's revenues surged 44% year over year to $30.07 billion, and EPS increased by 61% to $2.47, driven by demand for advanced 3nm and 5nm nodes [7][10] - TSMC raised its revenue growth guidance for full-year 2025 to 30%, up from mid-20% previously projected [11] Valuation - TSMC's stock trades at a forward 12-month P/E multiple of 26.99, lower than the sector average of 29.4, making it attractive for long-term investors [12][15] Near-Term Challenges - TSMC faces near-term challenges due to softness in key markets like PCs and smartphones, which are expected to see only low single-digit growth in 2025 [16] - The company's global expansion strategy, including new fabs in the U.S., Japan, and Germany, may lead to higher costs and a potential 2-3 percentage point annual decline in gross margins over the next three to five years [17] - Geopolitical tensions, particularly U.S.-China relations, pose strategic risks, with significant revenue exposure to China [18] Conclusion - TSMC remains a cornerstone of the semiconductor industry with strong capabilities in advanced chip manufacturing and exposure to AI demand, but short-term headwinds suggest a cautious approach [19][20]

Core Viewpoint - TSMC is poised to benefit significantly from the anticipated surge in global AI infrastructure spending, projected to rise from $600 billion in 2023 to $3 trillion to $4 trillion by the end of the decade [1][12]. Group 1: TSMC's Market Position - TSMC is recognized as the world's leading semiconductor contract manufacturer, essential for advanced chip production, particularly for AI applications [5][6]. - The company has a technological edge, consistently leading in shrinking node sizes, with nearly 75% of its revenue coming from chips built on nodes of 7 nanometers or smaller [7]. - TSMC's pricing power has strengthened, allowing it to increase prices while maintaining customer satisfaction, resulting in a rising gross margin [8]. Group 2: AI and Future Growth Opportunities - The demand for AI chips is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 40% through 2028, providing TSMC with a substantial growth runway [9]. - TSMC is also well-positioned to capitalize on emerging markets such as robotaxis, robotics, and quantum computing, which will require advanced chips [10]. - The company is actively collaborating with major customers to secure capacity and meet increasing demand for AI chips [9]. Group 3: Investment Perspective - TSMC is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 23 based on analysts' 2026 estimates, making it one of the best values in the semiconductor sector [11]. - Investors are encouraged to consider TSMC as a strategic investment to capitalize on the forthcoming AI spending boom [12].

Industry Overview - The chip market, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence (AI), is expected to expand significantly over the next five years, driven by increasing data center capital expenditures projected to reach $3 trillion to $4 trillion by 2030 [1][6]. Company Analysis Nvidia - Nvidia is positioned as a primary beneficiary of the AI spending spree, with expectations that the big four AI hyperscalers will spend around $600 billion on data center capital expenditures this year [5]. - The company estimates it captures about 35% of the total spending on a data center, which positions it well for future growth as the market expands [8]. - Nvidia's graphics processing units (GPUs) are critical to the AI arms race, and its continuous innovation keeps it at the forefront of the industry [7]. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) - TSMC is a leading chip foundry that fabricates chips for various tech companies, including Nvidia, AMD, Broadcom, and Apple, ensuring its long-term success regardless of specific technologies deployed [9]. - The company is set to launch 2nm chips later this year, which are expected to improve power consumption by 25% to 30% compared to its 3nm chipset [10]. - TSMC's innovations in energy efficiency are crucial as AI infrastructure expands, helping it maintain its leading position in the chip manufacturing sector [11]. ASML Holding - ASML is the sole manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, essential for producing advanced chips, giving it a technological monopoly in the industry [12]. - The company's business is expected to grow alongside new chip factory constructions, making it a strong alternative investment in the chip space [13]. - ASML's stock is currently down approximately 30% from its all-time high, presenting a potential long-term value investment opportunity [13].

Core Viewpoint - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has shown strong performance in a volatile market, achieving a 17.7% year-to-date gain, outperforming the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector which rose 10.9% [1][4]. Performance Comparison - TSMC's stock has outperformed several peers, including ASML Holding, ON Semiconductor, and Marvell Technology, which have seen declines of 0.5%, 25.1%, and 30.6% year-to-date, respectively [2]. AI Boom and Growth Potential - The ongoing AI boom positions TSMC as a key player in a multi-year growth cycle, with AI-related revenues tripling in 2024 and expected to double again in 2025, achieving a 40% compound annual growth rate over the next five years [5][7]. - TSMC is investing between $38 billion and $42 billion in capital expenditures for 2025, focusing 70% on advanced manufacturing processes to meet rising AI chip demand [8][11]. Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, TSMC's revenues surged 44% year-over-year to $30.07 billion, with EPS increasing by 61% to $2.47, driven by demand for 3nm and 5nm chips [12][10]. - TSMC raised its revenue growth guidance for full-year 2025 to 30%, up from mid-20% projections, with Q3 revenue expectations between $31.8 billion and $33 billion [13]. Valuation - TSMC's stock trades at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 22.27, lower than the sector average of 27.47, making it appealing for long-term investors [15]. Near-Term Challenges - TSMC faces near-term challenges, including a 25% electricity price hike in Taiwan, softness in key markets like PCs and smartphones, and higher costs associated with global expansion [18][19][20]. - Geopolitical tensions, particularly U.S.-China relations, pose strategic risks due to TSMC's significant revenue exposure to China [21]. Conclusion - TSMC remains a cornerstone of the semiconductor industry with strong capabilities in advanced chip manufacturing and exposure to AI demand, but short-term headwinds suggest a cautious approach, recommending a hold position for now [22].

Core Insights - NVIDIA and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) are pivotal in the global AI chip supply chain, with NVIDIA focusing on GPU design and TSMC on chip manufacturing [1][2] NVIDIA Analysis - NVIDIA's data center revenues surged 73% year-over-year to $39.1 billion in Q1 FY2026, driven by strong demand from cloud providers and enterprises [3] - The adoption of NVIDIA's Hopper 200 and Blackwell GPU platforms is accelerating, with expectations for higher performance from upcoming versions [4] - However, NVIDIA faces challenges from U.S. export restrictions, resulting in an estimated loss of $2.5 billion in H20 chip sales to China in Q1 and an anticipated $8 billion in Q2 [5][6] Taiwan Semiconductor Analysis - TSMC manufactures chips for major tech companies and has advanced to 3nm production, with plans for 2nm soon, positioning itself well to meet rising AI chip demand [7] - TSMC reported a 39% revenue increase and a 61% profit jump in Q2 2025, with AI-related revenues tripling in 2024 and expected to double in 2025 [8][11] - The company raised its FY2025 revenue growth guidance to 30% and plans to invest up to $42 billion in advanced manufacturing [9][10] Financial Performance Comparison - NVIDIA's EPS is projected to grow 42.1% in FY2026 and 32.1% in FY2027, with recent upward revisions indicating strong confidence [12] - TSMC's EPS is expected to grow 34.7% in 2025 and 15.2% in 2026, with upward trends in estimates over the past month [15] - Year-to-date, NVIDIA shares have increased by 28.9%, while TSMC shares have risen by 24.1% [18] Valuation Insights - TSMC's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 23.93X, significantly lower than NVIDIA's 35.57X, suggesting TSMC offers better value relative to its growth potential [20] - Given NVIDIA's short-term hurdles and higher valuation, TSMC is viewed as a more attractive investment option with a favorable risk-reward balance [22][23]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for TSMC, with an "Overweight" (OW) stance, suggesting accumulation ahead of the earnings print due to low expectations [1][6]. Core Insights - TSMC's preliminary revenue for 2Q25 was NT$933 billion, reflecting an 11% quarter-over-quarter (Q/Q) increase in TWD, translating to approximately US$29.6 billion, which is a 16% Q/Q increase in USD, exceeding both the company's guidance and Morgan Stanley's estimates [2][3]. - The likelihood of TSMC raising its full-year revenue guidance has increased, with expectations of a 27% year-over-year (Y/Y) growth in USD, driven by strong AI demand and tight leading-edge capacity [3][13]. - The report highlights that TSMC's fab utilization in the second half of 2025 remains robust despite lukewarm demand in smartphones and PCs, indicating a potential shift in demand dynamics [3][13]. Revenue and Earnings Guidance - TSMC is expected to raise its 2025 full-year revenue guidance from mid-20% to high-20% due to strong AI demand, with 3Q25 revenue projected to increase by 1% Q/Q in USD [17][18]. - The report forecasts a gross margin decline to 55.6% in 3Q25, with TWD revenue potentially decreasing by nearly 4% Q/Q due to TWD appreciation [15][17]. - The preliminary EPS estimate for 2Q25 is NT$14.40, with a gross margin around 57% [17]. Price Target and Valuation - The price target for TSMC remains NT$1,288, implying a 17% upside from the current share price of NT$1,100 [6][56]. - TSMC is trading at 17x the estimated EPS for 2026, which is considered attractive, with expectations of a re-rating to 20x due to increased bargaining power and sustainable AI demand [18][56]. Market Dynamics and Demand Drivers - The report notes that TSMC's wafer pricing strategy may be influenced by FX impacts, with expectations of a 3-5% price hike in 2026 due to strong demand and TWD appreciation [26][30]. - AI demand is projected to significantly contribute to TSMC's revenue, with expectations that cloud AI revenue will grow from 13% in 2024 to 34% by 2027 [37][40]. Semiconductor Tariffs and Regulatory Environment - The report discusses the potential for TSMC to receive an exemption from semiconductor tariffs due to its significant investment in US production, which could mitigate revenue risks associated with such tariffs [4][25].

Core Viewpoint - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is a crucial player in the AI chip manufacturing space, serving as a reliable partner for AI chipmakers despite not designing chips itself [1][7]. Group 1: TSMC's Market Position - TSMC is recognized as the world's most advanced semiconductor foundry, with major clients including Nvidia, AMD, Broadcom, and Apple, giving it unmatched scale and technological leadership [2]. - The company has a significant market share lead in the advanced node market, outperforming competitors like Intel and Samsung [2]. Group 2: Revenue and Growth - In Q1, TSMC's revenue increased by 35% to $25.5 billion, driven by high-performance computing (HPC) growth, and preliminary Q2 revenue is estimated to have risen by 39% to $31.9 billion [4]. - Chips manufactured on 7nm and smaller nodes accounted for 73% of TSMC's revenue in Q1, up from 65% the previous year, with 3nm nodes contributing 22% [3]. Group 3: Pricing Power and Margins - TSMC's strong pricing power is evident as it raises prices to counteract margin dilution from new fabs, with gross margin rising by 190 basis points to 58.8% in Q1 [4][5]. - The company plans to increase AI chip prices, with Arizona-made chips potentially commanding a 30% premium [5]. Group 4: Future Growth Prospects - TSMC anticipates AI-related revenue to grow at a mid-40% compounded average growth rate (CAGR) over the next five years starting in 2024 [8]. - The company is also positioned to benefit from the growth of autonomous driving and robotaxis, which will require advanced chips [9]. Group 5: Investment Appeal - TSMC is viewed as a safe investment in the AI semiconductor space, as it provides manufacturing services to all major players without needing to bet on a single chipmaker [11]. - The stock is attractively valued, trading at a forward P/E ratio of 24 based on 2025 estimates and a PEG ratio of less than 0.7, indicating it is undervalued [12].