Taipei: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) Chairman and CEO C.C. Wei announced at the company's annual shareholders' meeting that TSMC experienced a record-breaking year in 2025, with its stock price surging over 150%. Wei attributed this growth to the booming demand for artificial intelligence, which he believes will continue to drive the company's expansion in the future.
According to Focus Taiwan, Wei detailed that TSMC's stock price rose from NT$950 (US$30.17) per share at the previous year's meeting to NT$2,425 as of June 3 this year, marking a notable increase of more than 150%. Additionally, the company's cash dividends have increased by over 30%, climbing from NT$18 to at least NT$24 per share.
TSMC's consolidated revenue reached a record NT$3.81 trillion (US$120.98 billion) in 2025, representing a 31.6% increase from 2024, while full-year diluted earnings per share reached a high of NT$66.25, a 46.4% increase. Wei credited the company's success to expanding AI applications and committed to continuing investments in advanced technologies and production capacity to meet customer demands.
Wei commented on capital expenditure, stating that TSMC's 2026 spending is expected to reach near the upper end of the projected US$52 billion to US$56 billion range. He admitted uncertainty about when this spending might plateau, indicating no current indicators suggest a need to slow down.
Regarding advanced tooling, Wei addressed concerns about TSMC's progress, noting the acquisition of high numerical aperture extreme ultraviolet (High-NA EUV) lithography systems for research and development. However, these tools have not yet been deployed in mass production due to high costs.
Wei dismissed worries about competition from Intel Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co., asserting that TSMC will continue to excel through technology leadership and customer trust. He also offered brief, good-natured remarks on Elon Musk's plans to build a large-scale chip facility, saying, "Best wishes to him."
Wei reaffirmed TSMC's dedication to employees and shareholders, highlighting that employee profit-sharing has increased by approximately 30% annually since 2023, with further growth anticipated in 2026. Shareholder dividends are expected to continue their upward trajectory, outpacing inflation.
Beyond financial matters, Wei emphasized TSMC's social responsibilities, noting the company's significant consumption of Taiwan's electricity, land, and water resources, and its substantial contribution to the island's tax revenue. He also expressed concern over Taiwan's low birth rate, which could lead to a future shortage of engineers and technicians, despite TSMC employees having a birth rate five times the national average.