Stocks

Analyzing the Investment Opportunity in Taiwan Semiconductor Following a Stock Price Dip

Published May 2, 2024

Following its latest earnings report, shares of Taiwan Semiconductor saw a downturn. This movement presents a chance for investors to ponder whether this represents a fleeting downturn or a more persistent issue. While short-term market reactions might show pessimism, those with a long-term view could find valuable opportunities to buy into strong investments at a lower cost.

Taiwan Semiconductor experienced a 6% drop in stock value post-earnings release, a modest sell-off compared to other firms. Yet, it highlighted an opening for buying into a company that plays a significant role in the market for artificial intelligence (AI) chips.

High Demand for TSMC's Cutting-Edge Products

As the leading contract chipmaker globally, Taiwan Semiconductor, abbreviated as TSMC, does not compete directly with other chipmakers but instead manufactures for companies such as Apple and Nvidia. They rely on TSMC for production due to their lack of manufacturing facilities.

Staying ahead in technology, TSMC offers the advanced 3-nanometer wafers and is gearing up for its 2-nanometer chips by 2025. These measurements are critical as they dictate the density of transistors on a chip, with smaller numbers allowing for more powerful and efficient chips, which is particularly valuable in fields like AI.

Shifting to the prospect of even smaller 2nm chips, TSMC foresees another surge in demand, with AI chips predicted to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 50% over the next five years. This implies a substantial future revenue stream from AI-related products.

The Impact of the Smartphone Sector on TSMC's Performance

In the past year, smartphone-related income, which makes up a significant portion of TSMC's revenue, has reduced, primarily due to declines in the smartphone division. This decline is noteworthy as it represents nearly 38% of TSMC's total revenue, with Apple being a key customer.

The company is witnessing a dichotomy—its smartphone segment struggles while demand for AI chips is booming. Long-term investors understand that despite the lengthening smartphone upgrade cycle, the escalating need for AI chips may well compensate for the sluggish smartphone market.

In the long haul, TSMC appears positioned to overcome these challenges, though it may require time for market realization. With the current stock dip, the company's shares are trading at a forward earnings multiple that suggests value compared to the broader market.

Considering the recent decrease due to short-run concerns and the company's importance in the tech sector, Taiwan Semiconductor emerges as an appealing option for potentially buying on the dip. Given the modest extent of the sell-off, interested investors may wish to act swiftly.

Taiwan, Semiconductor, Investment