Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) is
estimated to invest NT$40 billion (US$1.3 billion) for
R&D this year, hoping to attract more clients and
effectively compete with Intel and Samsung.
TSMC said R&D budget will account for 8% of its 2012
revenue, which is projected at NT$500 billion (US$17.2
billion).
The company will invest in next-generation process
technologies, including 20nm process scheduled to start
by the end of this year, 3D-IC process set to enter into
volume production this year or next and 14nm process set
to be commercialized in 2014.
The company said its 2012 capital spending will be
mostly on expansion of 28nm process capacity and early
deployment of 20nm process technology.
TSMC's move was expected as the Taiwan-based foundry is
trying to gain more share in the foundry market. Both
Samsung and Intel have been also heavily invested in
their foundry businesses over the past few years.
TSMC's net sales for April 2012 were approximately
NT$40.01 billion, an increase of 9.3 percent over March 2012 and an increase of 10.4 percent
over April 2011. Revenues for January through April 2012 totaled NT$144.26 billion, an increase
of 3.9 percent compared to the same period in 2011.
On a consolidated basis, net sales for April 2012 were approximately NT$40.5 billion, an
increase of 9.2 percent over March 2012 and an increase of 9.1 percent over April 2011.