Why Taiwan Semiconductor? Understanding the Investment Story
The Indispensable Foundry
TSMC stands as the most critical company most people have never heard of. With 67.1% market share versus Samsung distant 8.1%, TSMC essentially monopolizes advanced chip manufacturing. Every major AI player - Nvidia, AMD, Apple, Qualcomm, Broadcom - depends on TSMC to turn their designs into silicon reality. This positions TSMC as the ultimate picks-and-shovels play in the AI gold rush.
The company reported $26.85 billion in Q4 revenue, growing 14.1% as AI accelerator revenue is expected to double year-over-year in 2025. Management forecasts AI revenue to grow at a mid-40% CAGR for five years starting from 2024. High-performance computing, which includes AI chips, now represents 53% of total revenue, fundamentally transforming TSMC from a mobile-focused foundry to an AI powerhouse.
Technology Leadership Widening
Advanced nodes below 7nm drove 73% of wafer revenue, with 3nm contributing 22% and 5nm representing 36%. The crucial 2nm node enters volume production in H2 2025, with early tape-outs already exceeding 3nm and 5nm combined. This technology leadership creates a virtuous cycle - the most advanced chips require the most advanced manufacturing, which only TSMC can provide at scale.
Valuation: Reasonable for Monopolistic Position
Trading at 24 times forward earnings with a PEG ratio below 0.7, TSMC appears undervalued relative to growth. Stocks with PEG ratios below 1 are typically considered cheap, and TSMC trades at a significant discount despite its monopolistic position. The market seems to be pricing in excessive geopolitical risk, creating opportunity for investors who believe Taiwan remains stable.
Opportunities for 2025 and Beyond
The $42 Billion Expansion
TSMC plans capital expenditures between $38-42 billion in 2025, up 28-41% year-over-year. This massive investment ensures capacity for the AI boom while maintaining technology leadership. New fabs in Arizona, Japan, and Europe diversify geographic risk while maintaining Taiwan as the innovation hub. The company essentially prints money with these investments, generating returns exceeding 25% on invested capital.
CoWoS Advanced Packaging Dominance
Beyond leading-edge logic, TSMC dominates CoWoS advanced packaging crucial for AI chips. This technology enables the massive chips powering AI by connecting multiple dies into single packages. With capacity booked through 2026, TSMC controls another bottleneck in the AI supply chain, further cementing its irreplaceable position.
Who Is This Stock For?
Perfect For
- ✓AI investors seeking foundational exposure
- ✓Long-term holders comfortable with geopolitics
- ✓Tech bulls believing in semiconductor supercycle
- ✓Diversified portfolio builders
Less Suitable For
- ✗Investors worried about China-Taiwan tensions
- ✗Short-term traders seeking quick gains
- ✗Those uncomfortable with foreign stocks
- ✗Risk-averse retirees
Investment Recommendation
Conclusion
TSMC represents the safest way to play the AI revolution, serving as the essential manufacturer for every major chip designer. The company monopolistic position, technology leadership, and reasonable valuation create a compelling investment despite geopolitical concerns. As the AI arms dealer selling to all sides, TSMC wins regardless of which companies dominate AI chips. Geographic diversification reduces Taiwan risk while maintaining the innovation advantages.