In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful force driving substantial growth in the semiconductor industry. This surge is exemplified by a remarkable 131% increase in the PHLX Semiconductor Sector index, reflecting the transformative impact of AI technology as it transitions from data centers to edge devices like smartphones, personal computers, and automotive systems.
Forecasts indicate that the market for semiconductor chips in smartphones could soar from $104 billion in 2023 to an anticipated $146 billion by 2024. Similarly, spending on semiconductors for personal computers is expected to rise significantly, jumping to $107 billion in 2025 from $89 billion last year. The automotive sector is also projected to witness robust growth, with chip spending slated to increase from $79 billion last year to $104 billion next year. Notably, investment in semiconductors for AI servers and data centers is expected to leap from $78 billion this year to $136 billion in 2024.
For investors keen on capitalizing on these flourishing semiconductor sectors fueled by AI innovations, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), widely recognized as TSMC, presents an attractive opportunity. This leading foundry caters to diverse markets and is poised to thrive on the growing demand spurred by AI advancements.
TSMC recently unveiled notable sales figures for September, boasting a staggering year-over-year sales increase of nearly 40%, amounting to 251.8 billion New Taiwan Dollars. When accounting for combined revenues from July, August, and September, TSMC’s Q3 revenue will likely approach 760 billion NT Dollars, marking a 39% rise compared to the previous year – substantially surpassing analysts’ projections of 748 billion NT Dollars. With expectations set for an earnings report release on October 17, analysts anticipate earnings of $1.80 per share, a robust increase of 40% from the same quarter last year, indicating strong upside potential.
In line with its impressive sales performance, TSMC’s revenue for the first three quarters of 2024 is up by 32% year-over-year. This trajectory suggests that TSMC is primed to exceed the anticipated 26% revenue growth to $87.2 billion projected by analysts for the financial year.
Strategically, TSMC stands at the forefront of AI-related initiatives, serving as a critical partner for numerous fabless chipmakers, including industry titans like Nvidia, AMD, Qualcomm, and Broadcom. The company also collaborates with Intel, which, despite having its own manufacturing facilities, relies on TSMC for its cutting-edge chip fabrication technologies. Moreover, partnerships with Apple position TSMC to benefit from the increasing sales of AI-integrated smartphones.
Examination of TSMC’s clients showcases its pivotal role in the AI chip ecosystem. Companies such as Nvidia and AMD are at the helm of AI accelerator developments, leveraging TSMC’s manufacturing expertise to outperform competitors in speed and energy efficiency. Furthermore, Qualcomm and Apple are key players in the AI smartphone market, while Marvell and Broadcom represent burgeoning niches for custom AI semiconductor solutions. Regardless of which companies gain market dominance, TSMC is well-positioned to thrive.
The demand for TSMC’s advanced packaging technology—which is essential in producing AI chips—is so high that it is sold out until 2025. To meet surging demand, TSMC is ramping up its production capacity for AI chips ahead of schedule, ensuring it can fulfill growing orders and drive revenue growth.
As TSMC gears up for its Q3 earnings report due on October 17, market momentum appears robust. The likelihood of surpassing consensus estimates and issuing favorable guidance for Q4 could provide a significant boost to TSMC’s stock performance.
Having surged 77% this year, TSMC’s stock remains competitively priced at 22 times forward earnings, suggesting a compelling buying opportunity for investors seeking exposure to the AI semiconductor boom.
Before committing to an investment in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, it might be wise to explore additional recommendations from investment advisors. Notably, while TSMC is a prime contender, expert analysts have highlighted other stocks that could offer considerable returns in the coming years.
In summary, TSMC is generating substantial momentum as it navigates the growing demand for semiconductors in numerous applications driven by AI. Investors looking for a strategic opportunity in the tech sector should consider TSMC as it appears poised for continued success and growth well into the future.