TSMC Q2 2025 Earnings Call: AI Demand Drives Growth, Overseas Expansion Progresses

Earnings Call
Jul 17

【Earnings Highlights and Outlook】
- Financial Performance: TSMC reported Q2 2025 revenue of $30.1 billion, up 17.8% sequentially and exceeding guidance. Full-year 2025 revenue is now expected to grow around 30% year-over-year in US dollar terms.
- Gross Margin: Q2 gross margin was 58.6%, down 0.2 percentage points sequentially due to unfavorable foreign exchange rates and overseas fab dilution, partially offset by higher capacity utilization and cost improvements.
- Outlook: Q3 2025 revenue is forecast between $31.8-33 billion. Gross margin is expected to be 55.5-57.5%, with further pressure from foreign exchange and overseas fab ramp-up.

【Q&A Highlights】

Q1: How is the demand outlook for AI and data center, and how is TSMC addressing capacity constraints?
- AI Demand: AI-related demand remains very strong, with momentum expected to continue for years.
- Capacity Strategy: TSMC is working to "narrow the gap" between demand and supply, particularly for advanced nodes like 3nm and 2nm.
- Long-term Outlook: The company sees structural, multi-year demand for AI and data center applications.

Q2: Can you provide an update on TSMC's global manufacturing footprint expansion?
- US Expansion: Plans to invest $165 billion in US semiconductor manufacturing, including six advanced wafer fabs, two advanced packaging facilities, and an R&D center in Arizona.
- Japan and Europe: Progress on specialty technology fabs in Japan (Kumamoto) and plans for Germany, based on customer needs and market conditions.
- Taiwan Investment: Plans for 11 wafer manufacturing fabs and 4 advanced packaging facilities in Taiwan over the next several years.

Q3: What is the status and outlook for TSMC's 2nm and 1.4nm technology nodes?
- 2nm (N2) Development: On track for volume production in 2H 2025. Expected to deliver 10-15% speed improvement at the same power, or 25-30% power reduction at the same speed compared to N3E.
- N2P and A16: Enhanced versions of N2 family, with volume production scheduled for 2H 2026.
- 1.4nm (N1.4): Features second-generation nanosheet transistor structure. Development progressing well, with volume production scheduled for 2028.

Q4: How is TSMC addressing the profitability challenges from overseas expansion and foreign exchange impacts?
- Gross Margin Target: TSMC maintains its long-term gross margin target of 53% and higher, despite near-term headwinds.
- Overseas Fab Strategy: The company is working to improve cost structures in overseas fabs, particularly in Arizona, and collaborating with customers and suppliers to manage impacts.
- Value Creation: TSMC continues to focus on technology leadership, manufacturing excellence, and customer trust to strengthen its competitive position and earn value.

Q5: What is TSMC's strategy for advanced packaging technologies, particularly for AI applications?
- Customer-Driven Development: TSMC is developing various advanced packaging technologies based on customer demands, including system integration and CoWoS solutions.
- AI Focus: Advanced packaging solutions are being prioritized to address increasing die sizes and power efficiency needs for AI chips.
- Technology Synergy: While there are similarities between different packaging technologies, TSMC is developing a variety of solutions to meet diverse customer needs.

Q6: How does TSMC view the potential of humanoid robots as a future driver for semiconductor demand?
- Market Potential: It's still too early to accurately assess the market size and impact, but humanoid robots could potentially be a significant driver in the future.
- Application Areas: Initial applications are expected in medical and eldercare industries, requiring complex sensor technologies and computational power.
- Long-term Outlook: The humanoid robot market could potentially be much larger than the electric vehicle market, but development and adoption will take time due to complexity and safety considerations.

Disclaimer: This earnings call summary is generated by AI and is for informational purposes only. Due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may exist. It does not constitute investment advice or commitments.

Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

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