The artificial intelligence (AI) boom has been fueled by large tech companies developing impressive AI models that can handle increasingly complex tasks. But a sometimes overlooked aspect of AI are the companies that manufacture complex processors that make those models possible.
Two such semiconductor manufacturing companies are ASML (ASML 0.60%) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM +0.42%), often referred to as TSMC. While both have their strengths, which one looks like the better stock right now? Here's what's happening with each, and which one is likely the better AI stock.
Image source: Getty Images.
ASML's opportunities and risks
ASML has a unique angle in the processor manufacturing market through its extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography system that's used to make AI processors. These machines are very complex and not easily replicated, which is why ASML is one of the few companies in the world with these machines. This means that any semiconductor manufacturing company that needs one of these machines has to come to ASML for it.
Despite this opportunity, it's not all sunshine and rainbows for ASML's business. The company is reeling from President Donald Trump's tariffs, and management said recently that potential growth in 2026 will be affected by them. ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet said on the Q2 earnings call: "We continue to see increasing uncertainty driven by macroeconomic and geopolitical developments. Therefore, while we still prepare for growth in 2026, we cannot confirm it at this stage."
NASDAQ: ASML
Key Data Points
That's a shift from management's previous stance that the company would grow significantly this year and next. The company also lowered its estimated sales for this year to about 32.5 billion euros, down from its previous estimate of up to 35 billion euros.
That uncertainty has caused ASML's shares to plunge recently, dropping 13% over the past 12 months. And with investors still unsure how tariffs will impact the company over the next couple of years, they're right to be a little wary.
TSMC's advantages and challenges
Taiwan Semiconductor also has a unique position in the AI space. The company is the leading manufacturer of AI processors, with an estimated 90% of the advanced processor market. This means that when AI giants, including Nvidia, need AI processors made, Taiwan Semiconductor is often their first choice.
This demand continues to fuel growth for the company, and TSMC's management estimates that AI sales will double this year. The company is already well on its way, with revenue rising by 38% to $30 billion in Q2. TSMC's bottom line is impressive as well, with earnings rising 61% to $2.47 per American depository receipt (ADR).
NYSE: TSM
Key Data Points
And while ASML is experiencing some turbulence with its business, TSMC is still going strong. Taiwan Semiconductor CEO Wendell Huang said, "Moving into third quarter 2025, we expect our business to be supported by strong demand for our leading-edge process technologies."
Continued demand for AI processors has resulted in TSMC's share price climbing about 40% over the past 12 months, which is significantly better than the S&P 500's gains of 15% over the same time. While some investors are concerned about when the AI boom will be over, it's certainly too early to call it now.
The verdict: Taiwan Semiconductor is the better AI stock
Taiwan Semiconductor is increasing sales and earnings at a healthy clip, has a corner on AI processor manufacturing, and continues to benefit from an expanding AI market. While ASML is a strong contender, the company's recent tariff uncertainty and lowered sales expectations aren't great news for investors.
ASML stock is also slightly more expensive than TSMC's at the moment, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of about 28, compared to Taiwan Semiconductor's 26. I think both companies could be good long-term AI investments, but for all the reasons above, I think Taiwan Semiconductor deserves the win in this matchup.
