By Dave Kovaleski
Publication Date: 2026-10-02 11:00:00
Nvidia (NVDA +1.09%) and Micron (MU +3.03%) are synonymous with the artificial intelligence (AI) boom.
Both are chip stocks, both have posted enormous returns, and both are reliant on another AI chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM +0.66%).
In many ways, Taiwan Semiconductor, or TSMC, is the gatekeeper of the AI boom, because without it, the breakneck growth of Nvidia, Micron, and other AI-related companies would not be possible.
Image source: Getty Images.
Taiwan Semiconductor, the AI gatekeeper
TSMC does pretty much one thing: It makes chips and semiconductor components for other companies, like Nvidia and Micron. That’s why it is called a foundry — a term that refers to a factory where things are manufactured.
As a semiconductor foundry, it is dominant, making about 70% of all chips and roughly 90% of more advanced AI semiconductor chips. Its major customers include Nvidia, as well as other tech stock giants like Apple, Broadcom, Advanced Micro Devices, and Amazon, to name a few.
TSMC makes millions of advanced chips every year and will generate some $33 billion from its largest customer, Nvidia, in 2026.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
Today’s Change
(0.66%) $3.01
Current Price
$459.20
Key Data Points
Market Cap
Day’s Range
$453.46 – $460.42
52wk Range
$266.82 – $479.00
Volume
97.7K
Avg…
