Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. reported October revenue of NT$586.89 billion, or about US$17.88 billion, on Tuesday, as demand for advanced chips continued to benefit from heavy investment in artificial intelligence.
Sales rose 59.7% from a year earlier and 14.7% from September, according to CNBC’s report on TSMC’s monthly results. The figures measure revenue, rather than profit, and show growth against both the previous month and the same period last year.
AI investment supports advanced-chip demand
The world’s largest contract chipmaker has benefited as major technology companies invest in AI infrastructure, supporting demand for advanced semiconductors. October’s sales follow a strong third quarter, although the monthly release does not establish how much of the increase came specifically from AI-related orders.
Last month, TSMC reported record third-quarter net profit of NT$763.1 billion on revenue of NT$1.49 trillion. Profit exceeded estimates, CNBC reported. The quarterly figures cover a different reporting period from October’s sales and should not be treated as a monthly profit measure.
Capital spending expected to rise
TSMC expects capital expenditure over 2026–2028 to be significantly higher than in the preceding three years as it invests to support customer demand. That statement describes the company’s spending outlook, not expenditure already completed across the entire period.
Its third-quarter operating margin reached 58.7%, above the upper end of its guidance range of 58%. The margin result adds context to the sales growth, but October’s revenue announcement alone does not provide a new monthly operating-margin figure.
Taiwan exports also post strong gains
TSMC shares closed 2.24% higher on Tuesday, CNBC reported, amid broader market volatility in Taiwan. Separately, the island’s financial regulator tightened short-selling restrictions effective Monday, reducing the daily limit on intraday short-selling orders from 30% to 3%.
Taiwan’s October exports rose 58.9% from a year earlier to US$96.76 billion, according to government data released Monday. Electronic-components exports increased 61.4%, CNBC reported, citing local media accounts of finance ministry figures. Those national trade figures provide broader industry context and are distinct from TSMC’s company revenue.
