This estimate is higher than analysts previously assumed: due to the high acquisition costs of equipment for lithography in the extreme ultraviolet range (EUV), TSMC was expected to provide $ 20 billion in capital expenditures in 2021. At the same time, most of the costs are expected to be spent on expanding 5nm production, establishing mass 3nm production, as well as research and development of 2nm standards.

Curiously, according to estimates by investment bank Morgan Stanley, TSMC will receive 130.5 billion Taiwan dollars ($ 4.6 billion) in December. If the estimate is correct, then this is TSMC’s new monthly record. Overall, in 2021, the bank estimates that TSMC will earn 1.5 trillion Taiwan dollars ($ 53.4 billion), 13% more than in 2020.

The Taiwanese press also reports that TSMC currently produces about 60,000 5nm silicon wafers per month, and TSMC is expected to ramp up production to 100,000 units per month in the second half of 2021. In addition, it is reported that when the mass 3-nm production is launched, the volume will be 10-30 thousand wafers per month.

TSMC intends to release official data on its financial performance in Q4 2020 as early as next week on Thursday.