Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter revenue decreased by 3.4% sequentially in NT dollars and 5.1% in U.S. dollars, impacted by smartphone seasonality but partially offset by growth in AI-related demand [5][6]. - Gross margin decreased by 0.2 percentage points sequentially to 58.8%, primarily due to the earthquake impact and the start of overseas dilution [6][15]. - Operating margin decreased by 0.5 percentage points sequentially to 48.5% [6]. - First quarter EPS was TWD 13.94 and ROE was 32.7% [6]. - Cash and marketable securities at the end of the first quarter totaled TWD 2.7 trillion or US28.4 billion and US100 billion in advanced semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S., bringing total investment to US38 billion and US$42 billion, with 70% allocated for advanced process technologies [18]. - The company aims for a long-term gross margin of 53% and higher, despite expected margin dilution from overseas fabs [16][17]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the January 21 earthquake impacted production but recovery efforts were successful [21]. - The company continues to observe robust AI-related demand and expects revenue from AI accelerators to double in 2025 [26]. - Management remains cautious about potential tariff impacts but has not seen changes in customer behavior so far [24][77]. Other Important Information - The company is working on balancing supply and demand for CoWoS capacity, with expectations of continued strong demand [50][145]. - The construction of new fabs in Arizona and Japan is ongoing, with plans to ramp up production based on customer demand [35][37]. Q&A Session Summary Question: AI demand and CoWoS capacity - Management acknowledged that while there have been rumors about CoWoS demand adjustments, the demand remains strong and is expected to exceed supply in 2026 [46][54]. Question: U.S. investment and tariff implications - Management clarified that the expansion in Arizona is driven by customer demand, particularly from U.S. companies, and they are in discussions with the U.S. government for necessary permits [61][62]. Question: Geopolitical risks and production planning - Management stated that they are mindful of potential impacts from recent tariff announcements but have not seen changes in customer behavior [76][77]. Question: Semiconductor tariffs and involvement in negotiations - Management confirmed that they do not get involved in tariff negotiations between governments [90]. Question: Revenue outlook and customer behavior - Management indicated that the strong second quarter guidance is driven by demand for 3-nanometer and 5-nanometer technologies, with no observed changes in customer behavior due to tariffs [99][101]. Question: Shareholder returns and buyback policy - Management reiterated their commitment to a sustainable and steadily increasing dividend policy rather than adopting a share buyback framework [152].
TSMC(TSM) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript