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5 Reasons TSM Is Riding the AI Wave After a Record Quarter

TSMC (TSM) stock jumped after record-breaking earnings underscored surging demand for AI chips and stronger long-term growth.

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Key Points

  • TSMC posted record quarterly revenue and earnings, crushing Wall Street estimates.
  • AI chip demand drove over half of total revenue and remains on a multi-year uptrend.
  • Management raised guidance again, signaling confidence in sustained semiconductor growth.

Record Results Show AI Demand Is Still Accelerating

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSM) delivered a blockbuster third quarter that left Wall Street impressed and reinforced its leadership role in the artificial intelligence supply chain. Revenue climbed 41% year over year to roughly $33.1 billion, while earnings per share jumped 39% to $2.92. Both figures easily surpassed analysts’ expectations.

The company credited strong demand for advanced process technologies — particularly for AI chips — as the primary growth driver. CEO C.C. Wei said on the earnings call that “conviction in the AI megatrend is strengthening,” emphasizing that semiconductor demand remains a critical enabler of AI expansion worldwide.

How Is TSM Benefiting From the AI Boom?

TSM is the backbone of the global AI hardware ecosystem. The company manufactures the most advanced chips used in Nvidia’s (NVDA) and AMD’s (AMD) data center products, as well as processors for Apple and Qualcomm. In the latest quarter, high-performance computing (HPC) — the segment that includes AI-related chips — surged 57% from last year and now accounts for 57% of total revenue.

Even with limited exposure to China due to U.S. export restrictions, TSM expects AI-related revenue to grow more than 40% annually over the next five years. The company’s CFO Wendell Huang said profitability also improved, with gross margin expanding to 59.5% thanks to cost efficiencies and robust pricing for cutting-edge chips.

What’s Next for TSM After Its Record-Breaking Quarter?

Management guided for fourth-quarter revenue between $32.2 billion and $33.4 billion, slightly above consensus, and lifted full-year growth expectations to the mid-30% range — up from the prior 30% outlook. That confidence reflects TSM’s belief that AI-related orders will continue to rise as adoption broadens beyond hyperscale data centers to enterprise applications.

TSM shares have already climbed more than 50% in 2025, touching new all-time highs before paring gains. While short-term volatility remains possible due to geopolitical uncertainty and tariff risks, the long-term fundamentals appear solidly aligned with the global AI expansion cycle.

What It Means for Investors

For investors, TSM’s latest results reaffirm that the semiconductor boom driven by AI is far from over. As the leading foundry for Nvidia, AMD, and other AI chipmakers, TSM stands at the center of one of the most powerful technology shifts in decades. Continued revenue acceleration, expanding margins, and a clear multiyear demand pipeline position the company for sustainable growth.

While geopolitical risks and export restrictions could create near-term challenges, TSM’s market dominance and technological edge provide a durable advantage. Long-term investors may see current dips as opportunities to gain exposure to one of the most critical players in the AI revolution.

Conclusion

Taiwan Semiconductor’s record earnings underscore the strength of the AI megatrend and its pivotal role in powering the next generation of computing. With demand showing no signs of slowing and margins expanding, TSM appears well positioned to maintain its leadership in the global chip industry.

FAQs

Why did TSM stock rise after earnings?

TSM stock climbed after the company beat Wall Street expectations on both revenue and earnings, raised its guidance, and confirmed that AI-related demand remains exceptionally strong.

How much of TSM’s revenue comes from AI chips?

High-performance computing, which includes AI-related chips, accounted for 57% of TSM’s total revenue in the third quarter, up from 51% a year earlier.

Is TSM affected by U.S.-China chip export restrictions?

Yes, but the company says the impact is limited. Despite export limits, TSM expects AI-related revenue to continue growing more than 40% per year over the next five years.

What is TSM’s growth forecast for 2025?

TSM now expects full-year revenue growth in the mid-30% range, reflecting strong demand for AI chips and steady smartphone recovery.

Is TSM stock a good long-term investment?

TSM remains a dominant player in the semiconductor industry and a key enabler of the AI revolution, making it an attractive long-term investment for those seeking exposure to global tech growth.


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