Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the world's top contract chipmaker and the backbone of the global tech supply chain, has announced a blockbuster first quarter of 2025. Net profit and capital spending by the company have both jumped above market estimates, driven by strong demand for leading-edge chips, especially those used to drive artificial intelligence and high-end computing. The picture, though, is clouded by geopolitical uncertainty, particularly U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies.
Q1 2025 Financial Highlights
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TSMC posted a net profit of T$361.6 billion for Q1 2025, surpassing the market expectation of T$354.6 billion and a 57% year-on-year improvement.
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Net revenue for the quarter was about $25.6 billion, representing a 41.6% increase over last year's comparable period.
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Earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 are approximated at $2.10, a major increase from previous year.
Capital Expenditure (Capex)
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Q1 2025 capex was $10.06 billion, close to a doubling of Q1 2024's $5.77 billion, indicating aggressive spending in cutting-edge manufacturing capacity.
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TSMC's annual capex guidance continues at $38 billion to $42 billion, with most in advanced technologies such as 3nm and 2nm manufacturing.
Business Drivers
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Growth was driven by accelerating demand for AI chips and high-performance computing as customers such as Apple and Nvidia increased orders.
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March 2025 revenue alone rose 46.5% year-over-year, pointing to consistent momentum in advanced chip orders.
Geopolitical and Market Risks
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The outlook for TSMC is overshadowed by U.S. trade policy, including demands for tariffs and increased U.S.-based production, as the administration of President Trump examines Taiwan's leadership in the semiconductor industry.
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The company is exposed to export controls and potential penalties on chip shipments to Chinese companies.
Strategic Investments and Global Expansion
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TSMC keeps on growing internationally, with significant investments in U.S. manufacturing plants, including a $100 billion pledge made during President Trump.
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Even with international expansion, TSMC asserts that the majority of its manufacturing will still be in Taiwan.
Industry Impact
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As the lead manufacturer of the world's most advanced chips, TSMC's performance and capital expenditures serve as the benchmark for the whole semiconductor industry.
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Investors and market observers are paying close attention to TSMC's guidance for indications of future demand, supply chain health, and the effects of continued geopolitical tensions.
Sources: Reuters, DigiTimes, Moomoo, TSMC March 2025 Revenue Report, AInvest, Korea JoongAng Daily