台積電 ADR (TSM) 2021 Q3 法說會逐字稿

(foreign language) Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to TSMC's Third Quarter 2021 Earnings Conference Call. This is Jeff Su, TSMC's Director of Investor Relations and your host for today.

（外文）大家下午好，歡迎參加台積電2021年第三季財報電話會議。我是台積電投資者關係總監 Jeff Su，也是今天的主持人。

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, TSMC is hosting our earnings conference call via live audio webcast through the company's website at www.tsmc.com, where you can also download the earnings release materials. If you are joining us through the conference call, your dial-in lines are in listen-only mode.

為了防止 COVID-19 的傳播，台積電將透過公司網站 www.tsmc.com 透過現場音訊網路直播舉辦我們的財報電話會議，您也可以在該網站下載財報發布資料。如果您透過電話會議加入我們，您的撥入線路將處於僅監聽模式。

The format for today's event will be as follows: first, TSMC's Vice President and CFO, Mr. Wendell Huang, will summarize our operations in the third quarter 2021 followed by our guidance for the fourth quarter 2021. Afterwards, Mr. Huang and TSMC's CEO, Dr. C.C. Wei, will jointly provide the company's key messages, then we will open the line for Q&A.

今天活動的形式如下：首先，台積電副總裁兼財務長黃文德爾先生將總結我們2021年第三季的營運情況，然後是我們對2021年第四季的指導。隨後，黃先生與台積電執行長C.C.魏先生將共同提供公司的關鍵信息，然後我們將開通問答專線。

As usual, I would like to remind everybody that today's discussions may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to the safe harbor notice that appears on our press release.

像往常一樣，我想提醒大家，今天的討論可能包含前瞻性陳述，這些陳述存在重大風險和不確定性，可能導致實際結果與前瞻性陳述中包含的結果有重大差異。請參閱我們新聞稿中的安全港通知。

And now I would like to turn the call over to TSMC's CFO, Mr. Wendell Huang, for the summary of operations and the current quarter guidance.

現在我想將電話轉給台積電首席財務官黃文德爾先生，以獲取營運摘要和當前季度指導。

Thank you, Jeff. Third quarter revenue increased 11.4% sequentially in NT terms or 12% in dollar terms. Our third quarter business was driven by strong demand across all 4 growth platforms, which are smartphone, HPC, IoT and automotive-related applications.

謝謝你，傑夫。第三季營收以新台幣計算季增 11.4%，以美元計算季增 12%。我們第三季的業務是由智慧型手機、高效能運算、物聯網和汽車相關應用這 4 個成長平台的強勁需求所推動的。

Gross margin increased 1.3 percentage points sequentially to 51.3%, mainly due to the improvement in back-end profitability and a more favorable technology mix. Operating margin increased 2.1 percentage points sequentially to 41.2%, mainly due to better operating leverage. Overall, our third quarter EPS was TWD 6.03 and ROE was 30.7%.

毛利率季增1.3個百分點至51.3%，主要得益於後端獲利能力的改善及更有利的技術組合。營業利潤率比上一季成長 2.1 個百分點，達到 41.2%，主要得益於更好的營業槓桿。整體而言，我們第三季 EPS 為新台幣 6.03，ROE 為 30.7%。

Now let's move on to the revenue by technology. 5-nanometer process technology contributed 18% of wafer revenue in the third quarter, while 7-nanometer accounted for 34%. Advanced technologies, which are defined as 7-nanometer and below, accounted for 52% of wafer revenue.

現在讓我們繼續討論技術收入。5奈米製程技術貢獻了第三季晶圓收入的18%，而7奈米製程技術則佔34%。7 奈米及以下的先進技術佔晶圓收入的 52%。

Now moving on to revenue contribution by platform. Smartphone increased 15% quarter-over-quarter to account for 44% of our third quarter revenue. HPC increased 9% to account for 37%. IoT increased 23% to account for 9%. Automotive increased 5% to account for 4%. And DCE decreased 2% to account for 3%.

現在繼續討論平台的收入貢獻。智慧型手機季度較上季成長 15%，占我們第三季營收的 44%。HPC 成長了 9%，達到 37%。物聯網成長了 23%，佔 9%。汽車產業成長了 5%，達到 4%。大商所佔比下降2%至3%。

Moving on to the balance sheet. We ended the third quarter with cash and marketable securities of TWD 976 billion or equivalent USD 35 billion. On the liability side, current liabilities increased TWD 8 billion mainly due to the increase of TWD 24 billion in accounts payables and the increase of TWD 6 billion in dividend payable, partially offset by the decrease of TWD 21 billion in short-term loans.

繼續看資產負債表。截至第三季末，我們的現金和有價證券為 9,760 億新台幣，相當於 350 億美元。負債方面，流動負債增加80億新台幣，主要是應付帳款增加240億新台幣和應付股利增加60億新台幣，部分被短期貸款減少210億新台幣所抵銷。

Long-term interest-bearing debt increased by TWD 50 billion mainly as we raised TWD 49 billion corporate bonds during the quarter.

長期有息債務增加500億新台幣，主要是本季籌集了490億新台幣的公司債務。

On financial ratios, accounts receivable turnover days decreased 2 days to 40 days while days of inventory remained at 85 days.

財務比率方面，應收帳款週轉天數減少2天至40天，存貨天數維持在85天。

Now let me make a few comments on cash flow and CapEx. During the third quarter, we generated about TWD 319 billion in cash from operations, including some customer prepayments, spent TWD 189 billion in CapEx and distributed TWD 65 billion for fourth quarter '20 cash dividend. Short-term loans decreased TWD 18 billion, while bonds payable increased by TWD 49 billion. Overall, our cash balance increased TWD 106 billion to TWD 854 billion at the end of the quarter. In U.S. dollar terms, our third quarter capital expenditures totaled USD 6.77 billion.

現在讓我對現金流和資本支出發表一些評論。第三季度，我們從營運中產生了約 3,190 億新台幣的現金，包括一些客戶預付款，資本支出支出了 1,890 億新台幣，並為 20 年第四季度分配了 650 億新台幣的現金股息。短期貸款減少180億元新台幣，應付債券增加490億元新台幣。總體而言，本季末我們的現金餘額增加了 1,060 億新台幣，達到 8,540 億新台幣。以美元計算，我們第三季的資本支出總計 67.7 億美元。

I've finished my financial summary. Now let's turn on to our fourth quarter guidance. Based on the current business outlook, we expect our fourth quarter revenue to be between USD 15.4 billion and USD 15.7 billion, which represents a 4.5% sequential increase at the midpoint. Based on the exchange rate assumption of USD 1 to TWD 28, gross margin is expected to be between 51% and 53%, operating margin between 39% and 41%.

我已經完成了財務摘要。現在讓我們來看看第四季的指導。根據目前的業務前景，我們預計第四季營收將在 154 億美元至 157 億美元之間，中位數將較上季成長 4.5%。根據1美元兌換28新台幣的匯率假設，毛利率預計在51%至53%之間，營業利益率在39%至41%之間。

On July 12, we announced we have completed the purchase of 5 million doses of vaccine as part of our efforts to help fight against COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. We recognized a small portion of the vaccine donation expense in the third quarter and the majority of it will be recognized in the fourth quarter, which will have around 1 percentage point impact on our operating margin.

7 月 12 日，我們宣布已完成 500 萬劑疫苗的採購，作為幫助台灣對抗 COVID-19 大流行的努力的一部分。我們在第三季確認了一小部分疫苗捐贈費用，大部分將在第四季度確認，這將對我們的營業利潤率產生約1個百分點的影響。

This concludes my financial presentation.

我的財務報告到此結束。

Now let me turn to our key messages. I will start by making some comments on our 2021 capital budget.

現在讓我談談我們的關鍵訊息。我首先對我們 2021 年的資本預算發表一些評論。

Every year, our CapEx is spent in anticipation of the growth that will follow in future years. We are witnessing a structural increase in underlying semiconductor demand underpinned by the industry megatrends of 5G-related and HPC applications. In order to support our customers' growth and meet the increasing demand for our advanced and specialty technologies in the next several years, we have budgeted our full year 2021 CapEx to be around USD 30 billion.

每年，我們的資本支出都用於預測未來幾年的成長。我們目睹了在 5G 相關和 HPC 應用產業大趨勢的支撐下，潛在半導體需求出現結構性成長。為了支持客戶的成長並滿足未來幾年對我們先進和專業技術不斷增長的需求，我們將 2021 年全年資本支出預算約為 300 億美元。

Next, let me talk about our profitability. Our third quarter gross margin increased 1.3 percentage points sequentially to 51.3% mainly due to better back-end profitability and technology mix. Based on the exchange rate assumption of USD 1 to TWD 28, we have just guided fourth quarter 2021 gross margin to be 52% at the midpoint.

接下來我來談談我們的獲利能力。我們第三季的毛利率比上一季成長 1.3 個百分點，達到 51.3%，這主要是由於後端獲利能力和技術組合的改善。基於 1 美元兌 28 新台幣的匯率假設，我們剛剛預測 2021 年第四季毛利率中位數為 52%。

The midpoint of our fourth quarter gross margin guidance also implies that our full year 2021 gross margin is expected to be higher than 50%, despite the rapidly rising depreciation cost, the dilution from N5 ramp and the unfavorable foreign exchange rate in 2021 as compared to 2020.

我們第四季毛利率指引的中點也意味著，儘管折舊成本迅速上升、N5 產能稀釋以及 2021 年匯率不利，但我們 2021 年全年毛利率預計將高於 50%。

As we have discussed before, 6 factors determine TSMC's profitability: leadership technology development and ramp-up; pricing; cost; capacity utilization; technology mix; and foreign exchange rate, which is not controllable. Taking all these factors into consideration, we believe our long-term gross margin of 50% and higher is achievable.

正如我們之前討論過的，台積電的獲利能力由六大因素決定：領先的技術開發和產能提升；定價；成本;產能利用率；技術組合；還有外匯匯率，這是不可控的。考慮到所有這些因素，我們相信我們的長期毛利率達到50%及以上是可以實現的。

Now let me turn the microphone over to C.C.

現在讓我把麥克風交給 C.C.

Thank you, Wendell. We hope everybody is staying safe and healthy during this time. First, let me start with our near-term demand and inventory. We concluded our third quarter with revenue of TWD 414.7 billion or USD 14.9 billion, driven by strong demand across all 4 growth platforms, which are smartphone, HPC, IoT and automotive-related applications.

謝謝你，溫德爾。我們希望每個人在這段時間都保持安全和健康。首先，讓我從我們的近期需求和庫存開始。在智慧型手機、HPC、物聯網和汽車相關應用等所有 4 個成長平台的強勁需求推動下，我們第三季的營收達到 4,147 億新台幣（149 億美元）。

Moving into fourth quarter 2021. We expect our sequential growth to be supported by strong demand for our industry-leading 5-nanometer technology. Based on the midpoint of our fourth quarter revenue guidance, our full year 2021 revenue is expected to grow about 24% year-over-year in U.S. dollar terms.

進入 2021 年第四季。我們預計我們的連續成長將受到對我們行業領先的 5 奈米技術的強勁需求的支持。根據我們第四季營收指引的中位數，我們 2021 年全年營收預計以美元計算將年增約 24%。

On the inventory front, we continue to expect our customers and the supply chain to gradually prepare a higher level of inventory in the second half of this year as compared to the historical seasonal level. Given the industry continuing to ensure supply security, we expect the supply chain to maintain a higher level of inventory for a longer period of time.

在庫存方面，我們繼續預期我們的客戶和供應鏈將在今年下半年逐步準備比歷史季節性更高的庫存水準。鑑於產業持續確保供應安全，我們預計供應鏈將在較長時間內維持較高的庫存水準。

In the near term, we continue to observe short-term imbalances due to disruptions in the supply chain brought about by COVID-19. We also continue to observe the structural increase in long-term demand, underpinned by the industry megatrends of 5G and HPC-related applications and the higher silicon content in many end devices, including automotive, PCs, servers, networking and smartphones.

短期內，我們繼續觀察到 COVID-19 造成的供應鏈中斷而導致的短期失衡。我們也持續觀察到長期需求的結構性成長，這得益於 5G 和 HPC 相關應用的產業大趨勢以及汽車、個人電腦、伺服器、網路和智慧型手機等許多終端設備中更高的矽含量。

While the short-term imbalances may or may not persist, we believe our technology leadership will enable TSMC to capture the strong demand for our advanced and specialty technologies, and we expect our capacity to remain tight in 2021 and throughout 2022.

雖然短期失衡可能會持續，也可能不會持續，但我們相信我們的技術領先地位將使台積電能夠抓住對我們先進和專業技術的強勁需求，我們預計我們的產能在2021 年和整個2022 年將保持緊張。

Next, let me talk about TSMC's long-term growth driver and return. We are entering a period of higher structural growth. The multiyear megatrend of 5G and HPC-related applications are expected to fuel a massive requirement for computation power and propel greater need for energy-efficient computing, which demands the use of leading-edge technologies. These megatrends will not only spur unit growth but also drive increasing semiconductor content in HPC, smartphone, automotive and IoT applications.

接下來我來講一下台積電的長期成長動力和回報。我們正在進入一個更高的結構性成長時期。5G 和 HPC 相關應用的多年大趨勢預計將推動對運算能力的巨大需求，並推動對節能運算的更大需求，這需要使用領先的技術。這些大趨勢不僅會刺激銷售成長，還會推動 HPC、智慧型手機、汽車和物聯網應用中的半導體含量不斷增加。

COVID-19 has also fundamentally accelerated the digital transformation, making semiconductors more pervasive and essential in people's lives. With our technology leadership, manufacturing excellence and customer trust, TSMC is better positioned to capture the growth from the favorable industry megatrend with our differentiated technologies.

COVID-19 也從根本上加速了數位轉型，使半導體在人們的生活中更加普遍和重要。憑藉我們的技術領先、卓越的製造和客戶的信任，台積電能夠更好地利用我們的差異化技術，從有利的行業大趨勢中捕捉成長。

To address the structural increase in the long-term market demand profile, TSMC is working closely with our customers to plan our capacity and investing in leading-edge and specialty technologies to support their demand.

為了滿足長期市場需求的結構性成長，台積電正在與客戶密切合作，規劃我們的產能並投資領先的專業技術來支援他們的需求。

Our capital investment decisions are based on 4 disciplines: technology leadership, flexible and responsive manufacturing, retaining customer's trust and earning the proper return. At the same time, we face manufacturing cost challenges due to increasing process complexity at leading node, new investment in mature nodes, expansion of our global manufacturing footprint and rising material and basic commodity cost.

我們的資本投資決策基於四個原則：技術領先、靈活反應的製造、保持客戶的信任並獲得適當的回報。同時，由於領先節點的製程複雜性不斷增加、對成熟節點的新投資、全球製造足跡的擴大以及材料和基本商品成本的上升，我們面臨製造成本的挑戰。

As we continue to work closely with our customers to support their growth, our pricing strategy will remain strategic, not opportunistic, to reflect our value creation. We will also continue to work diligently with our suppliers to deliver on cost improvement.

隨著我們繼續與客戶密切合作以支持他們的成長，我們的定價策略將保持策略性而非機會主義，以反映我們的價值創造。我們也將繼續與供應商努力合作，以實現成本改善。

Even as we shoulder a greater burden of the investment for the industry, by taking such actions, we believe we can achieve a proper return that enables us to invest to support our customers' growth and deliver long-term profitable growth with 50% and higher gross margin for our shareholders.

即使我們承擔了更大的行業投資負擔，透過這樣的行動，我們相信我們能夠獲得適當的回報，使我們能夠投資支持客戶的成長，並實現 50% 或更高的長期利潤增長我們股東的毛利率。

Now let me talk about our Japan fab plan. We are expanding our manufacturing footprint to sustain and enhance our competitive advantage in providing industry-leading technologies, the world's largest logic capacity, efficient and cost-effective manufacturing and to better serve our customers.

現在我來談談我們的日本晶圓廠計劃。我們正在擴大我們的製造足跡，以維持和增強我們在提供行業領先的技術、全球最大的邏輯產能、高效且具有成本效益的製造方面的競爭優勢，並更好地為我們的客戶服務。

Our global manufacturing expansion strategy is based on customers' needs, business opportunities, operating efficiency and cost economic considerations. After conducting due diligence, we announced our intention to build a specialty technology fab in Japan, subject to our Board of Directors' approval.

我們的全球製造擴張策略是基於客戶的需求、商機、營運效率和成本經濟考量。經過盡職調查後，我們宣布有意在日本建立專業技術工廠，但須獲得董事會批准。

We have received a strong commitment to support this project from both our customers and the Japanese government. This fab will utilize 22-, 28-nanometer technology for semiconductor wafer fabrication. Fab construction is scheduled to begin in 2022 and production is targeted to begin in late 2024. Further details will be provided subject to the Board approval.

我們的客戶和日本政府都做出了支持該專案的堅定承諾。該工廠將利用 22 奈米、28 奈米技術進行半導體晶圓製造。工廠建設計劃於 2022 年開始，生產預計於 2024 年底開始。進一步的細節將在董事會批准後提供。

We believe the expansion of our global manufacturing footprint will enable us to better serve our customers' need and reach global talent while earning the proper return from our investments and deliver long-term profitable growth for our shareholders.

我們相信，全球製造業務的擴張將使我們能夠更好地滿足客戶的需求並吸引全球人才，同時從我們的投資中獲得適當的回報，並為我們的股東帶來長期的獲利成長。

Finally, I'll talk about the N3 and N3E status. Our N3 technology will use FinFET transistor structure to deliver the best technology maturity, performance and cost for our customers. Our N3 technology development is on track. We have developed complete platform support for both HPC and smartphone applications. N3 risk production is scheduled in 2021, and production will start in second half of 2022. We continue to see a high level of customer engagement at N3 and expect more new tapeouts for N3 for the first year as compared with N5.

最後說一下N3和N3E狀態。我們的 N3 技術將使用 FinFET 電晶體結構，為我們的客戶提供最佳的技術成熟度、性能和成本。我們的 N3 技術開發已步入正軌。我們為 HPC 和智慧型手機應用程式開發了完整的平台支援。N3風險生產計劃於2021年進行，生產將於2022年下半年開始。我們繼續看到 N3 的客戶參與度很高，並預計與 N5 相比，N3 第一年會有更多的新流片。

We also introduced N3E as an extension of our N3 family. N3E will feature improved manufacturing process window with better performance, power and yield. Volume production of N3E is scheduled for 1 year after N3.

我們還推出了 N3E 作為 N3 系列的擴充。N3E 將改進製造流程窗口，提供更好的性能、功耗和產量。N3E預計N3後1年量產。

Our 3-nanometer technology will be the most advanced foundry technology in both PPA and transistor technology when it is introduced. With our technology leadership and strong customer demand, we are confident that N3 family will be another long and last -- will be a large and long-lasting node for TSMC.

我們的3奈米技術一旦推出，將成為PPA和電晶體技術中最先進的代工技術。憑藉我們的技術領先地位和強勁的客戶需求，我們相信 N3 系列將是另一個長久而持久的——將成為台積電的一個大型且持久的節點。

This concludes our key message. Thank you for your attention.

我們的關鍵訊息到此結束。感謝您的關注。

Thank you, C.C. This concludes our prepared statements. (Operator Instructions) Should you wish to raise your question in Chinese, I will translate it to English before our management answers your question. (Operator Instructions) Now let's begin the Q&A session. Operator, please proceed with the first caller on the line.

謝謝你，C.C.我們準備好的演講到此結束。（操作員說明）如果您想用中文提出問題，我會在我們的管理層回答您的問題之前將其翻譯成英文。（操作員說明） 現在讓我們開始問答環節。接線員，請接聽線路上的第一個來電者。

The first one to ask questions, Gokul Hariharan, JPMorgan.

第一個提問的是摩根大通的 Gokul Hariharan。

Congrats on the good results. My first question is on the long-term road map. Intel has now unveiled their long-term road map until 2025 with 4 process nodes, looking to catch up with TSMC and potentially even overtake. Could TSMC talk a little bit more about its own longer-term road map, timing of adoption of some of the new technologies, like gate-all-around, high-NA EUV, back power line, et cetera?

恭喜取得好成績。我的第一個問題是關於長期路線圖的。英特爾現已公佈了到 2025 年的長期路線圖，擁有 4 個工藝節點，希望趕上台積電，甚至有可能超越。台積電能否多談談自己的長期路線圖、採用一些新技術的時機，例如全閘極、高數值孔徑 EUV、後電源線等？

And where does TSMC see itself from a process technology leadership perspective in the next 3 to 5 years? The N3 message is definitely well received. But maybe could we talk a little bit more longer term, given some of your competitors are kind of addressing that kind of time frame as well? That's my first question.

從製程技術領先的角度來看，台積電在未來 3 至 5 年內如何看待自己？N3消息肯定很受歡迎。但考慮到你們的一些競爭對手也在解決這樣的時間框架，也許我們可以談談更長遠的問題嗎？這是我的第一個問題。

Okay. Thank you, Gokul. Please let me summarize your first question. So Gokul's first question is about -- regards to our long-term technology road map. He notes that an IDM outlined their long-term road map for the next 3 to 5 years and talking about catching up and overtaking. So Gokul wants to know what are our views or plans or our road map, I guess, around the timing of new technologies, such as new transistor structure like gate-all-around, high-NA, et cetera. And how do we see our technology leadership positioned in the next 3 to 5 years?

好的。謝謝你，戈庫爾。請讓我總結一下你的第一個問題。因此，戈庫爾的第一個問題是關於我們的長期技術路線圖。他指出，IDM 概述了他們未來 3 到 5 年的長期路線圖，並談論追趕和超越。因此，我想，Gokul 想知道我們對於新技術的時間安排有何看法、計劃或路線圖，例如環柵、高數值孔徑等新型電晶體結構。我們如何看待未來 3 到 5 年內我們的技術領先地位？

Okay. Gokul, I don't comment on my competitors' technology road map or their technology approaches. But for TSMC, we are confident that we'll be very competitive. And we do have a very competitive schedule. Actually, let me share that in our 3-nanometer technology and the 2-nanometer technology. And I can share with you that in our 2-nanometer technology, the density and performance will be the most competitive in 2025. And of course, I can also share with you that the gate-all-around structure is being considered, although I'm not going to -- not ready to release more information about it.

好的。Gokul，我不會評論競爭對手的技術路線圖或他們的技術方法。但對於台積電來說，我們有信心我們將非常有競爭力。我們確實有一個非常有競爭力的時間表。其實我來分享一下我們的3奈米技術和2奈米技術。而我可以跟大家分享的是，在我們的2奈米技術中，到2025年，密度和性能將是最具競爭力的。當然，我也可以與大家分享的是，我們正在考慮採用全柵結構，儘管我不打算——不準備發布更多有關它的資訊。

So that's, again, let me conclude in 1 sentence we'll become very competitive and we are confident that our technology leadership will be maintained.

因此，讓我用一句話總結一下，我們將變得非常有競爭力，並且我們有信心保持我們的技術領先地位。

Okay. Thank you, C.C. Gokul, do you have a second question?

好的。謝謝你，C.C. Gokul，你還有第二個問題嗎？

Yes. So looking at CapEx, I think back in Q1 results, TSMC indicated spending $100 billion-plus in CapEx over the next 3 years. Since then, you have talked about Japan capacity expansion. It looks like there are some capacity expansion plans for leading-edge in Kaohsiung as well. Could we talk a little bit about is $100 billion going to be enough? Or do you still need to see -- do you still see some upside to this $100 billion budget on the CapEx over the next 3 to 4 years since the growth seems to be stronger?

是的。因此，看看資本支出，我想回顧第一季的業績，台積電表示未來 3 年將在資本支出上花費 1000 億美元以上。從那時起，您就談到了日本的產能擴張。高雄似乎也有一些領先的產能擴張計畫。我們能否談談 1000 億美元是否足夠？或者您仍然需要看看，由於成長似乎更加強勁，您是否仍然認為未來 3 到 4 年內 1000 億美元的資本支出預算有一些上升空間？

And if we see that upside in CapEx, are we still looking at the high end of 10% to 15% growth CAGR? Or do we believe that there could be faster growth than this 10% to 15% -- or high end of 10% to 15% that we had talked about previously?

如果我們看到資本支出的上升趨勢，我們是否仍然關注 10% 至 15% 複合年增長率的高端？或者我們認為成長速度可能會高於 10% 至 15%，或者我們之前討論過的 10% 至 15% 的上限？

Okay, Gokul. Let me see if I can catch. Your second question is around our CapEx and growth -- longer-term CapEx and growth outlook. So Gokul is asking what sort of our plans in Japan and plans for expansion in Taiwan. Will there be upside to this $100 billion CapEx number that we have talked about in the previous -- for the next few years? And then also, will there be a higher long-term growth CAGR target as a result as well?

好吧，戈庫爾。讓我看看我能不能抓住。您的第二個問題是關於我們的資本支出和成長—長期資本支出和成長前景。所以戈庫爾問我們在日本有什麼樣的計畫以及在台灣的擴張計畫。我們之前討論過的 1000 億美元資本支出數字在未來幾年會有上升空間嗎？此外，是否還會有更高的長期複合年增長率目標？

Okay, Gokul. This is Wendell. Let me answer your question. We are not able to comment specifically on next few years' CapEx. Our capital investment decisions are based on 4 disciplines: technology leadership, flexible and responsive manufacturing, retaining customers' trust and earning the proper return, as C.C. just mentioned.

好吧，戈庫爾。這是溫德爾。讓我回答你的問題。我們無法具體評論未來幾年的資本支出。正如 C.C. 所言，我們的資本投資決策基於 4 個原則：技術領先、靈活響應的製造、保留客戶的信任並獲得適當的回報。剛才提到的。

Every year, our CapEx is spent in anticipation of the growth that will follow in future years. As we said, we are witnessing a structural increase in underlying semiconductor demand, underpinned by the industry megatrends of 5G-related and HPC applications and increasing silicon content. So as long as our growth outlook looks good, there could be upside to our CapEx plans, and we will continue our disciplined investment approach to support our customers and capture the growth opportunities.

每年，我們的資本支出都用於預測未來幾年的成長。正如我們所說，在 5G 相關和 HPC 應用的行業大趨勢以及矽含量增加的支撐下，我們正在見證潛在半導體需求的結構性增長。因此，只要我們的成長前景良好，我們的資本支出計畫就可能有上升空間，我們將繼續採取嚴格的投資方法來支持我們的客戶並抓住成長機會。

Now in terms of our revenue CAGR, we're not planning to make any changes at this moment. We will provide you with more information in our January conference.

現在就我們的收入複合年增長率而言，我們目前不打算做出任何改變。我們將在一月份的會議上為您提供更多資訊。

Okay. Thank you, Gokul.

好的。謝謝你，戈庫爾。

Next one to ask questions, Bruce Lu from Goldman Sachs.

下一位提問者是來自高盛的 Bruce Lu。

I think my first question is that 80% of TSMC's CapEx is focused on advanced node capacity expansion. And do you see that the mature node becomes the bottleneck for your customers? How do you ensure your customer can have enough mature nodes or chips?

我想我的第一個問題是，台積電 80% 的資本支出都集中在先進節點產能擴張。您是否發現成熟的節點成為您客戶的瓶頸？如何保證您的客戶擁有足夠成熟的節點或晶片？

Okay. Sorry, Bruce. Let me repeat your question. Question is around the mature nodes and that with 80 -- typically, a majority of our CapEx is for the leading nodes. So how can we ensure that our customers will not be bottlenecked or have enough on the mature nodes as well?

好的。對不起，布魯斯。讓我重複一下你的問題。問題在於成熟的節點，通常有 80 個節點，我們的大部分資本支出都用於領先節點。那麼如何確保我們的客戶不會出現瓶頸，或是在成熟的節點上也有足夠的資源呢？

Okay. Bruce, let me answer that question. TSMC's strategy at mature nodes is to work closely with our customers, to develop and invest in specialty technology solutions, to meet customers' requirement and create differentiated and long-lasting value to customers. We take a holistic view and work with our customer to decide the optimal capacity to support their demand. Okay.

好的。布魯斯，讓我來回答這個問題。台積電在成熟節點的策略是與客戶緊密合作，開發和投資特殊技術解決方案，以滿足客戶的需求，為客戶創造差異化和持久的價值。我們以整體視角與客戶合作，決定滿足他們需求的最佳產能。好的。

Okay, okay. Does that answer your first question, Bruce?

好吧，好吧。這能回答你的第一個問題嗎，布魯斯？

Yes. Let me try to answer it -- ask a different question. So I think recently, we have a lot of investors asking that there are a lot of noise on the end demand, such as on the TV or China's smartphone. The inventory level is all at a higher level. But the foundry outlook remains very, very positive and almost everyone is raising their capacity and CapEx.

是的。讓我試著回答這個問題——問一個不同的問題。所以我認為最近，我們有很多投資人詢問終端需求有很多噪音，像是電視或中國的智慧型手機。庫存水平均處於較高水準。但代工廠的前景仍然非常非常樂觀，幾乎每個人都在提高產能和資本支出。

And can you try to tell the investor what's the discrepancy? And where is the -- why the foundry can continue to see such a strong demand while the end demand is deteriorating?

您能否嘗試告訴投資人差異是什麼？為什麼在最終需求惡化的情況下，代工廠卻能繼續看到如此強勁的需求？

Okay. So Bruce, let me summarize your second question. Second question for Bruce is around looking at end demand in the foundry. Bruce notes that there's a lot of, I guess, noises about different types of end demand, however, the foundry outlook seems to be very positive. So how do we explain this disconnect or discrepancy?

好的。布魯斯，讓我總結一下你的第二個問題。布魯斯的第二個問題是關於鑄造廠的最終需求。Bruce 指出，我猜，關於不同類型的最終需求有很多聲音，但是，代工廠的前景似乎非常樂觀。那我們要如何解釋這種脫節或差異呢？

Okay, Bruce. Let me say that while we do not rule out the possibility of an inventory correction, but we expect TSMC's capacity remain very tight in 2021 and throughout 2022. This is because of our technology leadership position.

好吧，布魯斯。我想說的是，雖然我們不排除庫存調整的可能性，但我們預計台積電的產能在2021年和整個2022年仍然非常緊張。這是因為我們的技術領先地位。

And even there's a correction to occur, we believe it could be less volatile for TSMC than previous downturn as our underlying structural megatrend of 5G-related and HPC applications, and actually the increasing silicon content, in addition to the unit growth, in the end devices will continue.

即使出現修正，我們相信台積電的波動性可能比之前的低迷要小，因為我們的 5G 相關和 HPC 應用的基本結構性大趨勢，以及實際上除了單位增長之外，矽含量的增加，最終設備將繼續。

And again, with our technology leadership, we are better positioned to capture the mid- to long-term growth opportunities. I hope that answers your question regarding discrepancy between the demand and why it's still very tight in capacity.

同樣，憑藉我們的技術領先地位，我們能夠更好地抓住中長期成長機會。我希望這能回答您關於需求之間的差異以及為什麼容量仍然非常緊張的問題。

Thank you, Bruce.

謝謝你，布魯斯。

Next one, Randy Abrams, Credit Suisse.

下一位是瑞信的蘭迪·艾布拉姆斯。

I wanted to ask, probably for Wendell, a few questions on the margins. You mentioned 50% and above. Just a couple of follow-ups on that. Should we think it's still within a couple of points of 50% or with efforts to firm up pricing, you could push it higher? Just reflecting to maintain return on capital, you will have a higher asset base. And that's kind of first part of that question.

我想問一些邊緣問題，可能是問溫德爾。你提到了50%及以上。只是對此進行了一些後續行動。我們是否應該認為它仍在 50% 的幾個百分點內，或者透過努力提高定價，您可以將其推高？只要反映保持資本報酬率，你就會擁有更高的資產基礎。這是這個問題的第一部分。

And then within margin, if you can update us on the inefficiencies you had operating at a high level, if you've worked that out. And also if you have an initial view on depreciation for 2022.

然後在保證金範圍內，如果您能向我們介紹您在高水準運作時效率低下的情況，如果您已經解決了這個問題。另外，如果您對 2022 年折舊有初步看法。

Okay. Randy, let me summarize your question. So your question is about our margins. So Randy notes that we now say 50% and above. He wants to know, is this a couple of points above? How high above? And will we be able to maintain our, I guess, ROIC or ROE as a result?

好的。蘭迪，讓我總結一下你的問題。所以你的問題是關於我們的利潤率。蘭迪指出，我們現在說 50% 及以上。他想知道，這就是上面的幾點嗎？上面多高？我猜我們能否因此保持我們的投資報酬率或淨資產收益率？

And also that last time, we had talked about sort of running at a high level of utilization and certain inefficiencies. So has that now become more improved? Or what is the outlook there? And also the depreciation outlook for 2022.

上次我們也討論了在高利用率下運作和某些低效率問題。那現在情況有改善了嗎？或是那裡的前景如何？還有 2022 年的貶值前景。

Okay. Let me answer the last question first. Depreciation in 2022 will increase. But the magnitude, we are going to tell you next year in January.

好的。我先回答最後一個問題。2022年折舊將會增加。但其規模，我們將在明年一月告訴您。

For the margin, how many percentage points over 50%? We don't want to disclose it right now, but we hope we can tell you more in the January investor conference. And that will, of course, bring a better ROE than before due to the higher margin targets. You also asked about utilization?

利潤率超過50%有多少個百分點？我們現在不想透露，但希望能在一月份的投資者會議上告訴您更多。當然，由於更高的利潤目標，這將帶來比以前更好的淨資產收益率。你還問了利用率？

Randy also asking about inefficiencies. When we had talked previously about when we run at a high level of utilization, less-efficient cost improvement and things like that, so Randy is wondering, is this -- is it continuing? Is it...

蘭迪也詢問了效率低下的問題。當我們之前談到當我們以高利用率運行時，效率較低的成本改進以及類似的事情時，蘭迪想知道，這種情況是否會持續？難道是…

The utilization continues to be pretty high. At the same time, the cost improvement activities is ongoing. As a matter of fact, in the fourth quarter, we believe the margin will be better, partially because of the cost improvement activities.

利用率仍然很高。同時，成本改善活動正在進行中。事實上，我們認為第四季的利潤率會更好，部分原因是成本改善活動。

Okay. Great. Then second question I'll ask. And just one quick follow-up. Actually, related to utilization 50% and above. If you have a utilization view, is that a 90% or is that full capacity?

好的。偉大的。然後我要問第二個問題。只需一個快速跟進。實際上，與利用率50%以上有關。如果您有利用率視圖，是 90% 還是滿容量？

And then the second question I have is on the capital intensity. One of the equipment suppliers, Tokyo Electron, they put up a slide about a moderating increase in capital intensity. So CapEx per K. They have it like 2-nanometer just rising gradually to 210 million per 1,000 wafers. Could you discuss, if you can, a CapEx per K either absolute or how you see that trending?

我的第二個問題是關於資本密集度。設備供應商之一東京電子（Tokyo Electron）發布了一張關於資本密集度適度增長的幻燈片。所以每 K 的資本支出。如果可以的話，您能否討論一下每 K 資本支出的絕對值或您如何看待這一趨勢？

And do you see that continuing to accelerate up or actions you're taking to keep it more stable after the increase we've seen in the past few years?

在過去幾年的成長之後，您是否看到繼續加速成長或採取行動使其保持更加穩定？

Okay. So Randy's second question is about capital intensity. He notes that Tokyo Electron is showing that the capital intensity or the CapEx per K is moderating the pace of increase, particularly as you get into 2-nanometer. So he was wondering if we can just comment on our CapEx per K.

好的。所以蘭迪的第二個問題是關於資本密集度。他指出，Tokyo Electron 表明資本密集度或每 K 資本支出正在減緩成長速度，特別是當您進入 2 奈米時。所以他想知道我們是否可以對每 K 的資本支出發表評論。

Well, Randy, I -- what I can share with you is that CapEx per K for advanced -- more and more advanced technology is normally higher. That's for sure. So -- but at the same time, through selling our values and working with the customers and the suppliers, we believe we are able to still earn a proper return, which is, at this moment, a 50% and higher gross margin is achievable.

蘭迪，我可以與您分享的是，越來越先進的技術的每 K 資本支出通常會更高。這是肯定的。因此，但同時，透過推銷我們的價值觀並與客戶和供應商合作，我們相信我們仍然能夠獲得適當的回報，也就是說，目前可以實現 50% 或更高的毛利率。

Okay, Randy? Thank you, Randy.

好吧，蘭迪？謝謝你，蘭迪。

Next one to ask questions, Brett Simpson from Arete Research.

下一位提問者是來自 Arete Research 的 Brett Simpson。

Yes. My question was on the N3 introduction next year. Can you talk a bit about the ramp-up of N3? Is it going to be a typical ramp very similar to the last couple of node ramps? Or do you see the timing of this being different?

是的。我的問題是關於明年推出的 N3。能談談 N3 的升級嗎？它會是一個與最後幾個節點斜坡非常相似的典型斜坡嗎？或者您認為這種情況發生的時間有所不同嗎？

And also, just in terms of the cost, there's a lot of talk about cost rising above expectations for N3 as you add more EUV layers. Can you just clarify how you see costs at N3 and whether you can still achieve a 70% density gain at that node?

而且，僅就成本而言，隨著添加更多 EUV 層，N3 的成本將超出預期，有許多討論。您能否澄清一下您如何看待 N3 的成本以及您是否仍然可以在該節點實現 70% 的密度增益？

Okay, Brett. So let me see. Your first question is around N3. Brett wants to know with N3 ramping in the second half of next year, what type of ramp do we expect versus the prior nodes? Will it be typical? Or will the timing be different? And also on the N3 cost, what does the N3 cost structure look like? Is that your question, Brett?

好吧，布雷特。那麼讓我看看。你的第一個問題是關於N3的。Brett 想知道明年下半年 N3 的爬坡，與之前的節點相比，我們預計會出現什麼類型的爬坡？會是典型的嗎？或者時間會有所不同嗎？還有關於 N3 成本，N3 成本結構是什麼樣的？這是你的問題嗎，布雷特？

That's right.

這是正確的。

Okay. Brett, this is C.C. Wei. Let me answer your second part of the question first. N3 is of course -- definitely it is higher than N5. That is because of technology complexity and we have to use many new equipment, which is -- cost higher.

好的。布雷特，這是 C.C.偉.讓我先回答你問題的第二部分。N3當然是──肯定比N5高。這是因為技術複雜，我們必須使用許多新設備，成本更高。

But then, the ramp-up is very similar to the previous node. With many customers' engagement, actually, it's higher than what we observed in the previous node. So second half of 2022 will be our mass production, but you can expect that revenue will be seen in first quarter of 2023 because it takes long -- it takes cycle time to have all those wafer out.

但之後的上升過程與之前的節點非常相似。事實上，許多客戶的參與度高於我們在前一個節點中觀察到的程度。因此，我們將在 2022 年下半年進行量產，但您可以預計，收入將在 2023 年第一季看到，因為這需要很長的時間——將所有這些晶圓生產出來需要周期時間。

Okay. So basically, on 3-nanometer, this won't be -- typically, you'd see your first revenue Q2 or Q3. It's going to be later of next year, is that right?

好的。所以基本上，在 3 奈米技術上，這不會是——通常，你會在第二季或第三季看到第一個收入。明年晚些時候，對嗎？

That's right.

這是正確的。

Yes, Brett. I think we have been consistently saying that N3 will begin the production in second half 2022. That has been a consistent message since we first introduced N3 in 2019.

是的，布雷特。我想我們一直在說 N3 將於 2022 年下半年開始生產。自 2019 年首次推出 N3 以來，這一直是我們傳達的一致訊息。

Okay. Great. And maybe just a follow-up on 28-nanometer. You just talked about a new fab that's coming on stream in 2024 in Japan. And can you maybe just clarify the latest thinking in terms of Europe? Because I don't know that we could -- we may see new fab expansion for TSMC.

好的。偉大的。也許只是 28 奈米的後續。您剛剛談到了將於 2024 年在日本投產的一座新晶圓廠。您能否澄清一下有關歐洲的最新想法？因為我不知道我們是否可以——我們可能會看到台積電擴建新的晶圓廠。

And then in terms of looking at the 28-nanometer node, there's a lot of capacity being expanded at the moment. Can you talk about what's driving this? And why you think this will not lead to an oversupply situation in time?

然後就28奈米節點而言，目前有大量產能正在擴展。您能談談是什麼推動了這個趨勢嗎？為什麼您認為這不會及時導致供應過剩的情況？

Okay. Thank you, Brett. So Brett's second question is around 28-nanometer. Two parts. First, of course, that C.C. just announced our intention to build 28-nanometer in Japan. So Brett wants to know, do we have plans in Europe? And then the second part is that with 28-nanometer, what is driving the longer-term structural demand for 28? Is there a risk of oversupply of 28-nanometer?

好的。謝謝你，布雷特。所以Brett的第二個問題是關於28奈米的。兩部分。首先，當然是 C.C.剛剛宣布我們打算在日本生產 28 奈米。所以布雷特想知道，我們在歐洲有計畫嗎？第二部分是28奈米，是什麼推動了28奈米的長期結構性需求？28奈米是否有供過於求的風險？

Okay. We don't rule out the possibility of building a fab in other areas, that including the Europe. However, we do emphasize when we build up a new capacity for 28-nanometer, it's almost all to serve the specialty technologies, for some of the specialty technology that is not offered by our competitor. And TSMC is working with our customers to meet their demand. So is there any possibility of oversupply? Not for TSMC, okay? That's all I can let you know.

好的。我們不排除在其他地區建造晶圓廠的可能性，包括歐洲。不過，我們確實強調，我們在28奈米新產能建置的時候，幾乎都是服務專業技術，有些專業技術是我們競爭對手沒有的。台積電正在與我們的客戶合作以滿足他們的需求。那麼是否存在供給過剩的可能性呢？不適合台積電，好嗎？這就是我能告訴你的一切。

Okay. Thank you, Brett.

好的。謝謝你，布雷特。

Next one to ask questions, Roland Shu Citigroup.

下一位提問者，Roland Shu Citigroup。

So my first question is, you have a global manufacturing expansion strategy to build more fab overseas going forward. Like you said, you also don't exclude the possibility to build a fab in Europe. So my question is, is a joint venture with a local government or key customers an option for you to build this new fab overseas? Or you prefer to build a fab 100% owned, like what you build for those fabs in China or U.S. that you are building now?

所以我的第一個問題是，你們有一個全球製造擴張策略，未來將在海外建造更多晶圓廠。正如您所說，您也不排除在歐洲建立晶圓廠的可能性。所以我的問題是，你們在海外建造這座新晶圓廠是否可以選擇與地方政府或主要客戶建立合資企業？或者您更願意建造一座 100% 擁有的晶圓廠，就像您現在正在為中國或美國建造的晶圓廠一樣？

Okay. Roland, your first question is about our overseas fabs. Roland wants to know, as we expand overseas, will we consider joint ventures with local governments or our key customers? Or will we continue to -- or will it be 100% owned, like what we have done in China and in the U.S.?

好的。羅蘭，你的第一個問題是關於我們海外的晶圓廠。羅蘭想知道，當我們向海外擴張時，我們是否會考慮與當地政府或我們的主要客戶建立合資企業？或者我們會繼續——還是會像我們在中國和美國所做的那樣，100%擁有它？

Okay, Roland, let me answer these questions first. Normally, as you mentioned, our overseas fabs, we normally own 100%. We do not consider a JV with government. However, JV with other companies or key customers can be considered on a case-by-case basis.

好吧，羅蘭，我先回答這些問題。通常，正如您所提到的，我們的海外晶圓廠通常是100%的。我們不考慮與政府建立合資企業。但是，可以根據具體情況考慮與其他公司或主要客戶建立合資企業。

Okay. Yes. My second question is on your -- now you've set a short term goal of a zero emission growth by 2025, but you have to continue to invest in 5-nanometer, 3-nanometer or even 2-nanometer before 2025. So how are you going to achieve this zero emission growth target and also, in the meantime, keep up with your expansion plan? So these right now, these are aggressive zero emission growth plan to decelerate your investment plans to meet your target.

好的。是的。我的第二個問題是關於你們的——現在你們已經設定了到2025年零排放成長的短期目標，但是你們必須在2025年之前繼續投資5奈米、3奈米甚至2奈米。那麼，您將如何實現零排放成長目標，同時跟上您的擴張計畫？因此，現在這些都是積極的零排放成長計劃，旨在減緩您的投資計劃以實現您的目標。

Okay, Roland. Roland's second question is asking that our commitment recently announced to zero emissions growth by 2025. But as we continue to invest and expand on N5 and N3, how will we be able to achieve this target?

好吧，羅蘭。羅蘭的第二個問題是詢問我們最近宣布的 2025 年實現零排放成長的承諾。但隨著我們繼續在N5和N3上進行投資和擴張，我們如何實現這個目標？

Okay. Roland, it's actually a net zero in 2050, not zero emission in 2025. We are going to do this first by working ourselves to save -- to become more energy-efficient because a lot of the carbon emission comes from the electricity. Our production, we can try to minimize the carbon emission.

好的。羅蘭，實際上是2050年實現淨零排放，而不是2025年實現零排放。為此，我們首先要努力節約，提高能源效率，因為大量碳排放來自電力。我們的生產，我們可以盡量減少碳排放。

And secondly, we are going to use more green energy, which is the -- which will emit the most part of the carbon. And for whatever is left, it will depend on carbon trading, the carbon rights in the future. So that's the basic framework of achieving this net zero in 2050.

其次，我們將使用更多的綠色能源，這將排放大部分碳。至於剩下的，就取決於未來的碳交易、碳權。這就是 2050 年實現淨零排放的基本架構。

No. Actually, I'm talking about zero emission growth. So you have this near-term target, zero emission growth by 2025. So I know there's a difference from this, like in Net Zero in 2050.

不。實際上，我說的是零排放成長。因此，您的近期目標是到 2025 年實現零排放成長。所以我知道這與 ​​2050 年的淨零排放有所不同。

Right.

正確的。

Yes. The way to achieve those are pretty much the same.

是的。實現這些目標的方法幾乎相同。

I think when -- sorry. Roland, your question is about net zero emissions growth by 2025. And Wendell said, we have net zero emissions by 2050, right? So I think what Wendell was saying is that our -- we will continue to invest in technology, but we have also, as Wendell just said, our own internal efforts, our use of renewable energies, carbon credits and also working with our suppliers and our supply chain on green manufacturing to achieve and deliver on these targets.

我想當——抱歉。Roland，您的問題是關於 2025 年淨零排放成長的問題。溫德爾說，到 2050 年我們將實現淨零排放，對吧？因此，我認為溫德爾所說的是，我們將繼續投資於技術，但正如溫德爾剛才所說，我們也進行了內部努力，使用再生能源、碳信用額，並與我們的供應商和我們的綠色製造供應鏈旨在實現和實現這些目標。

Okay. Understood.

好的。明白了。

Okay. Thank you, Roland.

好的。謝謝你，羅蘭。

Next one to ask question, Charlie Chan from Morgan Stanley.

下一位提問者是摩根士丹利的陳查理。

So my question -- first question is about the chip shortage situation. I think the Chairman took an interview by Time Magazine, and his view is that there should be more than sufficient finished chip in the supply chain. So can you help us, our global investors, to understand when do you think that chip shortage, especially for the automotive can be fixed? And also, your advise to the major governments or car makers besides asking you to provide the customer data, what would be a better way to manage the shortage issue going forward?

所以我的問題是——第一個問題是關於晶片短缺的情況。我想董事長接受了時代雜誌的採訪，他的觀點是供應鏈中的成品晶片應該是綽綽有餘的。那麼，您能否幫助我們，我們的全球投資者，了解您認為晶片短缺（尤其是汽車晶片短缺）何時可以解決？另外，您對主要政府或汽車製造商的建議除了要求您提供客戶資料之外，還有什麼更好的方法來管理未來的短缺問題？

Okay. So thank you, Charlie. Charlie's first question is around the chip shortage with several aspects to it. Charlie wants to know, with the chip shortage and also sort of observations of customers' stockpiling chips, he wants to know that how do we see the situation? And when can this be fixed, particularly for the automotive segment? And yes, let me stop there first.

好的。所以謝謝你，查理。查理的第一個問題是關於晶片短缺的幾個方面。查理想知道，隨著晶片短缺以及對客戶囤積晶片的觀察，他想知道我們如何看待這種情況？什麼時候可以解決這個問題，特別是汽車領域？是的，讓我先到此為止。

Yes. For the automotive, let me specifically point it out. The automotive supply chain actually is quite long and complex. It's more complicated than we initially thought.

是的。對於汽車，我要特別指出一下。汽車供應鏈實際上相當長且複雜。這比我們原先想的還要複雜。

But let me say that TSMC's participation in the global automotive IC market is only about 15%. And we are doing our part to support our automotive customer with what they need. However, we cannot solve the entire industry's supply challenge. And recent factors, such as pandemic in Southeast Asia, are also affecting the auto IC supply. Again, we are actively taking the steps throughout the first half of this year to address the chip supply challenges for our automotive customer.

但我要說的是，台積電在全球汽車IC市場的參與度只有15%左右。我們正在盡自己的一份力量來滿足我們的汽車客戶的需求。然而，我們無法解決整個產業的供應挑戰。而近期東南亞疫情等因素也影響汽車IC供應。同樣，我們在今年上半年積極採取措施，解決汽車客戶的晶片供應挑戰。

And we also believe the wafer supply shortage is greatly reduced for our automotive customers, starting probably in third quarter. The end of OEM, probably we'll wait for a couple of quarters to see it. That's our estimate.

我們也相信，從第三季開始，我們的汽車客戶的晶圓供應短缺將大大減少。OEM 的終結，可能我們要等幾個季度才能看到。這是我們的估計。

It's super helpful. And another question is about, again, the price hike, right? So I think news were reporting you decided to hike the price by 5% to 20%. So may we know how do you determine the different range applying to different customers? What's the kind of strategic reason behind for a different range of a price hike?

這非常有幫助。另一個問題又是關於價格上漲，對嗎？所以我認為新聞報導了您決定將價格提高 5% 到 20%。那我們如何確定適用於不同客戶的不同範圍呢？不同幅度的漲價背後有何策略性原因？

And I know you don't want to give the next year guidance, right? But based on the 5%, 20% price hike, in terms of percentage of gross margin improvement, can you or Wendell comment on the margin improvement?

我知道您不想提供明年的指導，對嗎？但基於5%、20%的漲價，就毛利率改善的百分比而言，您或Wendell能否評論一下毛利率的改善？

Okay. Charlie's second question is asking about pricing and he is asking that recently, there's lots of news that we have increased our price by anywhere from 5% to 20%. So he wants to know how do we decide, how much to increase for what types of nodes or customers. And then also, what will be the impact to 2022 gross margin? Is that correct, Charlie?

好的。Charlie 的第二個問題是問定價，他問的是最近有很多消息稱我們的價格上漲了 5% 到 20%。所以他想知道我們如何決定，對於什麼類型的節點或客戶增加多少。那麼，對2022年毛利率有何影響？這是正確的嗎，查理？

Yes.

是的。

Charlie. In fact, we do not comment on our pricing, this is a very private discussion between TSMC and our customers. But let me say that we continue to work closely with our customers to support their growth. That one needed TSMC to expand the capacity to support their growth. It's for both leading-edge technologies and specialty technologies. And so our wafer's pricing strategy continue to be strategic, not opportunistic or short term and so that we can be better prepared to support the capacity expansion.

查理.事實上，我們不會對我們的定價發表評論，這是台積電和我們的客戶之間非常私人的討論。但我要說的是，我們將繼續與客戶密切合作，支持他們的成長。那需要台積電擴大產能以支持其成長。它既適用於尖端技術，也適用於專業技術。因此，我們的晶圓定價策略仍然是策略性的，而不是機會主義的或短期的，以便我們能夠更好地準備支持產能擴張。

As for the return, let me emphasize it again. Our gross margin will be 50% and higher. TSMC needs to earn a proper return that can enable us to invest for the future expansion to support our customers' growth.

至於回報，我再強調一下。我們的毛利率將達到50%甚至更高。台積電需要獲得適當的回報，以便我們能夠為未來的擴張進行投資，以支持我們客戶的成長。

Okay. I guess my question is that whether your desired ROI or desired margin changed, right? Meaning you -- for example, you hiked the price by certain percentage points, but besides passing through this cost, you just mentioned, whether they would lead to further margin expansion? I think that should be the core of my question.

好的。我想我的問題是您期望的投資回報率或期望的利潤率是否發生了變化，對吧？是說你，例如你把價格提高了一定的百分點，但是除了轉嫁這個成本之外，你剛才提到，是否會導致利潤率進一步擴大？我認為這應該是我問題的核心。

Right. Charlie, I think we just said that in the past, we always say about 50% gross margin. But now we're saying that 50% and higher gross margins is achievable.

正確的。查理，我想我們剛才說過，過去我們總是說毛利率約 50%。但現在我們說 50% 或更高的毛利率是可以實現的。

Thank you, Charlie.

謝謝你，查理。

Right now, we have Nick Gaudois from UBS.

現在，我們有來自瑞銀的尼克高杜瓦 (Nick Gaudois)。

Yes. Just going back to the confirmation you just did on investing in Japan. Should we understand that the portion of CapEx in '22, '23 is incorporated in your overall guidance of $100 billion? Or would that come on top? And would you -- could you specify it if you can at all? And related question to that would be, what kind of capacity are we talking about for 22- and 28-nanometer?

是的。回到您剛剛對日本投資的確認。我們是否應該理解，'22、'23 的資本支出部分已納入您 1000 億美元的總體指導中？還是這會出現在最上面？如果可以的話，您能具體說明一下嗎？與此相關的問題是，我們談論的 22 奈米和 28 奈米的容量是什麼樣的？

Okay. So Nick's first question is about our fab plans in Japan. He wants to know that with today's announcement, is the CapEx for the Japan fab already incorporated in the -- this $100 billion target that we have talked about previously? And also, can we disclose the capacity for Japan?

好的。尼克的第一個問題是關於我們在日本的晶圓廠計畫。他想知道，隨著今天的公告，日本晶圓廠的資本支出是否已納入我們之前討論過的 1000 億美元目標中？另外，我們可以透露一下日本的產能嗎？

Okay, Nick. The CapEx for this project, as we said last time in last quarterly release, was not included in the $100 billion budget that you mentioned. So it will be incremental. Other than this, we really are not able to comment on the investment amount and other details until after our Board's review and approval.

好的，尼克。正如我們上次在上個季度發布的報告中所說，該項目的資本支出並未包含在您提到的 1000 億美元預算中。所以它將是增量的。除此之外，在董事會審核批准之前，我們無法對投資金額和其他細節發表評論。

Right. Okay. Fair enough. Understood. And going back to N3 and N3E. I mean you talked about an improved process window for N3E. Is that the only main difference? Or is there a difference in performance as well between the 2?

正確的。好的。很公平。明白了。回到N3和N3E。我的意思是您談到了 N3E 的改進工藝視窗。這是唯一的主要區別嗎？或者兩者之間的性能也有差異嗎？

Okay. So Nick's second question is on N3E. He notes that we have talked about the improved manufacturing process window. He wonders if there's any other improvements in things like performance and et cetera.

好的。所以尼克的第二個問題是關於N3E的。他指出，我們已經討論了改進的製造流程窗口。他想知道性能等方面是否還有其他改進。

There's a difference. As we said, N3E is an improvement, improvement in the manufacturing window. However, the majority and the general assumption is similar. We're using the N3E to enhance the manufacturing window with a better performance.

有差別。正如我們所說，N3E是一種改進，製造窗口的改進。然而，大多數和一般假設是相似的。我們正在使用 N3E 來增強製造視窗並提供更好的效能。

Thank you, Nick.

謝謝你，尼克。

Next one, we have Laura Chen, KGI.

下一位是凱基證券 (KGI) 的勞拉·陳 (Laura Chen)。

I think we are talking about seeing the solid demand across the board, thanks to TSMC's strong position and technology. But on the other hand, on the demand side, we are also seeing that smartphone growth is slowing down, particularly in China. So I think back in the early -- earlier this year, we mentioned about a 5G smartphone shipment. We estimate that will be 500 million to 550 million units. Just wondering, do you still keep that target?

我認為，由於台積電的強大地位和技術，我們正在談論看到全面的強勁需求。但另一方面，在需求方面，我們也看到智慧型手機成長正在放緩，尤其是在中國。所以我想早在今年早些時候，我們就提到過 5G 智慧型手機的出貨量。我們預計將達到 5 億至 5.5 億台。只是想知道，你還在堅持這個目標嗎？

And also, do you have any idea or preliminary projection for the 5G smartphone into next year? And also, where is like the smartphone if 5G move into a more like a lower-end or mainstream kind of segment? What's the implication to TSMC? That's my first question.

另外，您對明年的 5G 智慧型手機有什麼想法或初步預測嗎？此外，如果 5G 進入低階或主流細分市場，那麼哪裡會像智慧型手機一樣呢？對台積電有何影響？這是我的第一個問題。

Okay, Laura. So Laura's question is focusing on the smartphone. She notes that recently, it seems the smartphone momentum in markets like China are slower. So she is wondering about what is our forecast for the smartphone market this year as well as how do we see the 5G penetration this year and then also the trend for the next few years. Is that correct, Laura?

好吧，勞拉。所以勞拉的問題集中在智慧型手機。她指出，最近，中國等市場的智慧型手機發展勢頭似乎放緩。所以她想知道我們對今年智慧型手機市場的預測是什麼，以及我們如何看待今年的5G普及率以及未來幾年的趨勢。這是正確的嗎，勞拉？

Yes. Thank you.

是的。謝謝。

Okay. Laura, let me answer this question. We see the prolification of the 5G smartphone is still higher than the 4G at the same period of time before. And also, we're looking at about probably slightly over 500 million units of 5G smartphone for this year.

好的。蘿拉，讓我來回答這個問題。我們看到5G智慧型手機的普及率仍高於先前同期的4G。此外，我們預計今年 5G 智慧型手機的出貨量可能略高於 5 億部。

Right. So do you have any preliminary thoughts about the next year growth? And was that mainly driven by the lower-end segment? In that case, what's the implication to our outlook? Yes.

正確的。那麼您對明年的成長有什麼初步的想法嗎？這主要是由低端市場推動的嗎？那麼，這對我們的前景有何影響？是的。

We'll update you about the information in January.

我們將在一月向您通報最新資訊。

And also, my second question is also regarding our CapEx intensity. We already talked about like the 3-year horizontal, but just wondering that do we still expect the CapEx intensity to maintain high beyond 2023 since we are launching gate-all-around or 2-nanometer in 2025?

另外，我的第二個問題也跟我們的資本支出強度有關。我們已經討論過 3 年水平線，但只是想知道，自從我們在 2025 年推出環柵或 2 奈米製程以來，我們是否仍然期望 2023 年之後的資本支出強度保持在較高水平？

So can we expect TSMC will start to bear fruit like our previous intensity -- CapEx intensity hike back in 2011, and thus, we will maintain the high CAGR growth going forward?

那麼，我們是否可以期望台積電將開始像我們之前的強度——2011 年資本支出強度的提高一樣開始取得成果，從而，我們將維持未來的高複合年增長率？

Okay. So Laura's second question is on capital -- CapEx intensity. She is asking, what is the outlook for our capital intensity beyond 2023? Will we still have a very high level of capital intensity? Or she notes back in the 2010, 2011 period, of course, our capital intensity was higher, but then we were able to harvest the growth and grow -- capture the growth. So how do we see the next few years playing out?

好的。因此，勞拉的第二個問題是關於資本——資本支出強度。她問，2023 年後我們的資本密集度前景如何？我們的資本密集度還會很高嗎？或者她指出，在 2010 年、2011 年期間，我們的資本密集度當然更高，但隨後我們能夠收穫成長並實現成長——捕捉成長。那我們該如何看待未來幾年的發展呢？

Okay. Laura, in 2020, the capital intensity was 38%. 2021, this year, is going to be over 50%. As we said earlier, and C.C. mentioned this earlier, our CapEx spent every year is in anticipation of the growth in the future years. So if we think the future growth outlook is good, then there's a possibility of higher CapEx.

好的。Laura，2020 年，資本密集度為 38%。2021年，今年，將超過50%。正如我們之前所說，C.C.前面提到過，我們每年花費的資本支出都是對未來幾年成長的預期。因此，如果我們認為未來成長前景良好，那麼資本支出就有可能更高。

And we're entering into a higher-growth period because of the industry megatrends of 5G and HPC applications plus the silicon content increase. So the capital -- higher capital investment in the next few years is appropriate. As a result, we expect the capital intensity to be relatively higher than previous year, like in 2020, for the next 2 to 3 years before gradually coming down maybe to mid- to high 30s level from what I can see at this moment. And your observation on the previous investment cycle in 2011 to 2014 will be a good one.

由於5G和HPC應用的行業大趨勢以及矽含量的增加，我們正在進入更高的成長時期。因此，未來幾年的資本投資－更高的資本投資是合適的。因此，我們預計未來 2 到 3 年的資本密集度將比去年（例如 2020 年）相對較高，然後從我目前看到的情況來看，可能會逐漸下降到 30 多歲的中高水平。您對2011年至2014年上一個投資週期的觀察將是一個很好的觀察。

Okay. Thank you, Laura.

好的。謝謝你，勞拉。

Next one to ask questions, Sebastian Hou, Neuberger Berman.

下一位提問者，Sebastian Hou，Neuberger Berman。

I only have one. It's on pricing. So I think last quarter, the company talked about firming up pricing to reflect the cost. And based on the higher long-term gross margin guidance that the CFO gives this time, a 50% plus, I'm curious if this round of pricing adjustment is enough to absorb the higher CapEx intensity only for this year or next multiple years. I have a follow-up to this question, so I will stop here.

我只有一個。這是在定價上。所以我認為上個季度，該公司談到了提高定價以反映成本。根據 CFO 這次給出的更高的長期毛利率指引（50% 以上），我很好奇這一輪定價調整是否足以吸收今年或未來幾年更高的資本支出強度。我對這個問題有後續，所以我就到此為止。

Okay, Sebastian. His first question is on pricing, and we have talked about firming our pricing, actually also talking about selling our value in the past. So he is wondering, now that we say 50% and higher gross margin, does that mean we -- it is enough to cover the cost?

好吧，塞巴斯蒂安。他的第一個問題是關於定價的，我們已經談到了固定我們的定價，實際上也談到了過去出售我們的價值。所以他想知道，既然我們說 50% 或更高的毛利率，這是否意味著我們——這足以支付成本？

Okay. Sebastian, let me answer it this way. Well, first of all, we're not able to comment on detailed pricing discussion with the customers. But we work closely with the customer to provide our value. And after providing our value, we're now expecting that long-term gross margin of 50% or higher -- and higher, I'm sorry. 50% and higher is achievable as compared to the 50 -- about 50% gross margin previously.

好的。賽巴斯蒂安，讓我這樣回答。嗯，首先，我們無法對與客戶的詳細定價討論發表評論。但我們與客戶密切合作以提供我們的價值。在提供了我們的價值之後，我們現在預計長期毛利率將達到 50% 或更高——我很抱歉，甚至更高。與之前 50%（約 50%）的毛利率相比，可以實現 50% 或更高。

Got it. Got it. So my follow-up is that given that the next couple of years' CapEx plan, it is still fluid, and I think CFO also mentioned there could be upside to our CapEx plan because of the Japan or any other reasons. So does that imply this will be a continuous adjustment? Meaning that it won't be just 1 shot, but we will evaluate the future pricing and what kind of value we can offer to customers based on the CapEx and based on our -- and also to balance the structural profitability. So that means that we may continue to see potential upside in the price in coming years?

知道了。知道了。因此，我的後續行動是，鑑於未來幾年的資本支出計劃仍然不穩定，而且我認為財務長也提到，由於日本或任何其他原因，我們的資本支出計劃可能有上行空間。那麼這是否意味著這將是一個持續的調整？這意味著這不僅僅是一次嘗試，我們將評估未來的定價以及我們可以根據資本支出和我們的能力為客戶提供什麼樣的價值，並平衡結構性獲利能力。那麼這意味著我們可能會在未來幾年繼續看到價格的潛在上漲空間？

Okay. Sebastian, so your follow-up is, again -- let me summarize it. I think Sebastian is asking our pricing, is it sort of a onetime? Or will it be sort of an ongoing thing?

好的。賽巴斯蒂安，你的後續行動是──讓我總結一下。我認為塞巴斯蒂安正在詢問我們的定價，這是一次性的嗎？或者這會是持續的事情？

Sebastian, this is C.C. Wei. Certainly, I will not be able to comment on the pricing discussion with our customers. But we work with them and we continue to plan our capacity and share our value. The capacity is one of the very important values of TSMC to support customers' growth. And so our pricing is accordingly with our value, and so we prepared for that.

賽巴斯蒂安，這是 C.C.偉.當然，我無法對與客戶的定價討論發表評論。但我們與他們合作，繼續規劃我們的能力並分享我們的價值。產能是台積電支持客戶成長的非常重要的價值之一。因此，我們的定價與我們的價值一致，因此我們為此做好了準備。

This is a onetime or this is not? It's not a question. We do it strategically and not opportunistic and continue to work with our customer.

這是一次性的還是不是一次性的？這不是一個問題。我們採取策略性做法，而不是投機取巧，並繼續與客戶合作。

Got it. But at least I think we can make a fair conclusion that the higher-margin guidance outlook at this time is a strong reflection or evidence of that the customer is willing to pay higher to -- because of -- we offer value-added service. Is that right -- fair to interpret as it?

知道了。但至少我認為我們可以得出一個公平的結論，即目前較高的利潤指導前景有力地反映或證明了客戶願意為我們提供的增值服務支付更高的費用。這樣解釋對嗎？

Yes.

是的。

Okay. Thank you, Sebastian.

好的。謝謝你，賽巴斯蒂安。

The next one to ask questions, Mehdi Hosseini, Susquehanna International.

下一位提問者是來自薩斯奎哈納國際機場的邁赫迪·侯賽尼 (Mehdi Hosseini)。

I want to go back to your comments on N3 and N3 plus. Can you tell me how I should think about EUV double-patterning and how it will impact the cost structure? And I have a follow-on.

我想回到您對 N3 和 N3 plus 的評論。您能告訴我應該如何考慮 EUV 雙圖案以及它將如何影響成本結構嗎？我還有一個後續。

Okay. Mehdi's first question is about -- on N3. And actually, Mehdi, it's N3E, not N3 plus. So his question on N3 and N3E. He's wondering about the impact of things, like EUV and double-patterning. What impact does this have on the cost structure, for N3 and N3E?

好的。Mehdi 的第一個問題是關於 N3 的。事實上，Mehdi，它是 N3E，而不是 N3 plus。所以他的問題是關於N3和N3E。他想知道 EUV 和雙圖案等技術的影響。這對 N3 和 N3E 的成本結構有何影響？

Well, let me answer that question. From N3 to N3E, we provide better value on the transistor performance and have a better manufacturing window. As for the cost, they are similar, but we think our customer will enjoy a better yield, better defect density and better transistor performance.

好吧，讓我來回答這個問題。從 N3 到 N3E，我們提供了更好的電晶體性能價值並擁有更好的製造窗口。至於成本，它們是相似的，但我們認為我們的客戶將享受到更好的良率、更好的缺陷密度和更好的電晶體性能。

Okay. And my final question would be to you. Your earlier commentary on customer prepayment. In the past, you've had 1 or 2 largest customers that have promoted prepayment. Should I assume that there is a diversification and larger number of customers that are providing these prepayments?

好的。我的最後一個問題是問你的。您先前對客戶預付款的評論。過去，您有 1 或 2 個最大的客戶提倡預付款。我是否應該假設提供這些預付款的客戶多樣化且數量較多？

Okay. So Mehdi's second question is on customer prepayments. He observes that in the past, we may have had 1 or 2 customers who do prepayments. He wants to know, are we seeing a diversification? Are we seeing a larger number of customers doing prepayments today?

好的。邁赫迪的第二個問題是關於客戶預付款的問題。他觀察到，過去我們可能有一兩位客戶進行預付款。他想知道，我們是否看到了多元化？今天我們是否看到越來越多的客戶進行預付款？

Okay, Mehdi, let me answer these questions. Yes, in the past, there was only 1 or 2 customers providing the prepayments. But as we've been talking now, we expect to invest higher capacity, higher capital expenditures in the next few years to satisfy the strong demand. And in order to secure our customers' commitment, we are able to secure the prepayments for some of those customers. And the number of the customer, I cannot disclose, but it's more than before.

好吧，邁赫迪，讓我回答這些問題。是的，過去只有一兩個客戶提供預付款。但正如我們現在所說，我們預計未來幾年將投資更高的產能、更高的資本支出，以滿足強勁的需求。為了確保客戶的承諾，我們能夠為其中一些客戶提供預付款。至於客戶的數量，我不能透露，但比以前多了。

Okay, thank you, Mehdi.

好的，謝謝你，邁赫迪。

The next one will be Rick Hsu from Daiwa Capital Market.

下一位是來自大和資本市場的 Rick Hsu。

This is Rick. So the first question is about -- I think a follow-up to Bruce's question earlier about the disconnect between sell-in and sell-through demands. And I think C.C. mentioned that he doesn't rule out the possibility of the inventory correction. May I know if that happens, do you -- when do you expect that to happen? And also, if that happens, which area would feel the more impact in terms of technology nodes and in terms of the end applications?

這是瑞克。所以第一個問題是——我認為是布魯斯之前關於賣出和賣出需求之間脫節問題的後續問題。我認為 C.C.提到不排除庫存修正的可能性。我想知道這種情況是否會發生，您預計什麼時候會發生？而且，如果發生這種情況，哪個領域在技術節點和最終應用方面會受到更大的影響？

Okay. So Rick's question is, again, going back to the disconnect of sell-in versus sell-through and also that we have said we do not rule out the possibility of the inventory correction. Rick wants to know if one were to occur, when would it occur? What particular end segments or applications could be more impacted?

好的。因此，里克的問題再次回到了售入與售出之間的脫節，而且我們已經說過，我們不排除庫存調整的可能性。瑞克想知道是否會發生這種情況，什麼時候會發生？哪些特定的終端細分市場或應用可能會受到更大的影響？

Rick, I said we do not rule out the possibility. It's just a possibility. And all I say is TSMC's capacity will remain very tight in 2021 and throughout 2022. Which market sector? So far we observed a little bit soft in smartphone and the PC market. But if you ask me to predict, I cannot give you a very accurate prediction. We are the only one -- I can give you a hint as we continue to say.

瑞克，我說過我們不排除這種可能性。這只是一種可能性。我想說的是，台積電的產能在 2021 年和整個 2022 年仍將非常緊張。哪個市場領域？到目前為止，我們觀察到智慧型手機和個人電腦市場有點疲軟。但如果你讓我預測，我無法給你一個非常準確的預測。我們是唯一的——正如我們繼續說的，我可以給你一個提示。

It's not for the semiconductor industry. The demand does not only come from the unit growth, but also it's increasing silicon content in end devices. So even you saw some smartphone units become soft or even decrease, that doesn't mean that semiconductor or the business or the demand will drop. Does that answer your question?

它不適用於半導體產業。需求不僅來自單位成長，也來自終端設備中矽含量的增加。因此，即使你看到一些智慧型手機單位變得疲軟甚至減少，但這並不意味著半導體或業務或需求會下降。這能回答你的問題嗎？

Yes. Perfect. Yes. That's very good. And the second question is on the technology migration. I remember that the 7-nanometer, you defined a 7-plus as a node for you guys to have a very good transition with EUV. So I'm just wondering if -- are you going to do the same thing to define a particular technology node for the GAA transition?

是的。完美的。是的。那很好。第二個問題是關於技術遷移。我記得7奈米，你們定義了7+作為一個節點，讓你們能夠很好地過渡到EUV。所以我只是想知道您是否會做同樣的事情來為 GAA 過渡定義特定的技術節點？

Okay. So Rick's second question is about technology migration and transition. He notes that in N7, we had introduced also N7+ to transition and start to adopt EUV. So he's asking if we will incorporate a similar transition as we move to a new transistor structure.

好的。所以Rick的第二個問題是關於技術遷移和轉型。他指出，在 N7 中，我們還引入了 N7+ 來過渡並開始採用 EUV。因此，他詢問我們在轉向新的電晶體結構時是否會採用類似的過渡。

Well, I don't think that we can have any more information to share with you as we move from N3 to go to the next more advanced node. Today, I only announced the N3 to N3E, that we have a better transistor performance and better manufacturing window. For N2 GAA, we will share with you when we are getting more ready.

好吧，我認為當我們從 N3 轉向下一個更高級的節點時，我們無法與您分享更多資訊。今天，我只宣布了N3到N3E，我們有更好的電晶體性能和更好的製造窗口。對於 N2 GAA，我們將在準備就緒後與您分享。

Okay. Thank you, Rick.

好的。謝謝你，瑞克。

Now the one who's going to ask question is Krish Sankar, Cowen and Company.

現在要問問題的是考恩公司的克里什桑卡 (Krish Sankar)。

I just wanted to follow up. One is on C.C.'s prepared comments. You said the industry is going to maintain a higher level of inventory. Can you tell us the specific end markets and which specific technology nodes you're seeing with higher level of inventories? And your comment that you're seeing softness in smartphone and PCs. Is there a function of end demand? Or is it a function of not being able to get the components to make those products? And then I have a quick follow-up.

我只是想跟進。其中之一是關於 C.C. 準備好的評論。您說產業將維持較高的庫存水準。您能告訴我們具體的終端市場以及您看到的庫存水準較高的特定技術節點嗎？您的評論是您看到智慧型手機和個人電腦的疲軟。是否存在最終需求函數？還是因為無法取得製造這些產品的組件？然後我會進行快速跟進。

Okay, Krish. Krish's first question is on the higher level of inventory that we see preparing in the supply chain. He wants to know which end markets or applications specifically or which technology nodes do we see this higher level of inventory. And then also, the slower momentum in the sell-through of smartphone or PCs, is this related to component tightness or shortages?

好吧，克里什。克里什的第一個問題是關於我們在供應鏈中準備的較高庫存水準。他想知道具體是哪些終端市場或應用，或者我們看到了哪些技術節點的庫存水準較高。此外，智慧型手機或個人電腦的銷售勢頭放緩，這是否與零件緊張或短缺有關？

Well, let me answer the question. The high level of inventory is actually caused by some of the necessity, not to be disrupted in the supply chain. So it's across the board. Actually, it's not any node or any product. It's across the board.

好吧，讓我來回答這個問題。高庫存實際上是由於供應鏈中的一些必需品而不是被擾亂造成的。所以這是全面的。實際上，它不是任何節點或任何產品。這是全面的。

And we say it will be continued for a period of time. That is because of today, all those elements to drive the people to prepare more inventory still continue to exist. Did that answer your question?

我們說它將持續一段時間。那是因為今天，所有那些促使人們準備更多庫存的因素仍然繼續存在。這回答了你的問題嗎？

Got it. Yes, it did. And then just like the second part of this question, which is the softness in smartphone and PCs, is that end demand-related or component tightness-related? And then I'll ask one final question along with it. The gross margin upside you saw in Q3 from back end, was it a onetime thing? Or is there more upside to that in the future?

知道了。是的，確實如此。然後就像這個問題的第二部分，即智慧型手機和個人電腦的疲軟，是與終端需求相關還是與組件緊缺相關？然後我會問最後一個問題。您在第三季從後端看到的毛利率上升是一次性的嗎？或者說未來還有更多的好處嗎？

Okay? So Krish's question, also sort of this weakness that we see in areas like smartphone, is it -- and PCs, is this related to end demand? Or is it related to component shortages?

好的？所以克里什的問題，也是我們在智慧型手機等領域看到的這種弱點，以及個人電腦，這與最終需求有關嗎？還是跟零件短缺有關？

Both, actually. Let me answer the question quickly. Actually, end market is a little bit soft, it's slow, but we think it's partly due to the component shortage.

事實上，兩者都是。讓我快速回答這個問題。事實上，終端市場有點疲軟，發展緩慢，但我們認為部分原因是零件短缺。

And then the second part -- or Krish's second question, I should say, is on the gross margin side and also the improved back-end profitability.

然後第二部分——或者我應該說克里什的第二個問題是毛利率方面以及後端獲利能力的提高。

Right. The back-end business is sort of seasonal. It has high season, low season during the years. So normally, second half is high season, especially third quarter. As a result, the profitability of back-end will be better in that quarter.

正確的。後端業務具有季節性。每年都有旺季、淡季。所以通常下半年是旺季，尤其是第三季。因此，該季度後端的獲利能力將會更好。

Okay. Thank you.

好的。謝謝。

Yes. The last one to ask questions is Andrew Lu from Sinolink Securities.

是的。最後一位提問的是國金證券的陸彥傑。

C.C., I want to ask. This year, you just guided 24% year-over-year growth. I think this number is probably in line with the industry. It is clear we have a strong growth in advanced technology but losing some share in the legacy. Earlier, Wendell mentioned we will build more mature technology based on the customers' demand. So if our CapEx is unchanged, will we adjust down our advanced CapEx but increase more CapEx on mature technology?

C.C.，我想問一下。今年，您剛剛指導了 24% 的年成長。我覺得這個數字大概是符合業界的。很明顯，我們在先進技術方面取得了強勁成長，但在傳統技術方面失去了一些份額。先前，Wendell提到我們將根據客戶的需求打造更成熟的技術。那麼，如果我們的資本支出不變，我們是否會降低先進的資本支出，但增加更多成熟技術的資本支出？

Okay. So Andrew's first question, he's looking at our growth in 2021 to be around 24%. He sees the strong leadership in the advanced nodes, but his note is that we're losing share in the mature nodes. So going forward, will there be any adjustment in our CapEx strategy, leading versus mature? Is that correct, Andrew?

好的。安德魯的第一個問題是，他預計 2021 年我們的成長率約為 24%。他看到了先進節點的強大領導力，但他指出我們正在失去成熟節點的份額。那麼展望未來，我們的資本支出策略是否會有任何調整，領先還是成熟？這是正確的嗎，安德魯？

Yes, correct.

是的，正確。

Andrew, let me answer that. We did not change our strategy or philosophy in our CapEx plan. But certainly, the most important thing is that we are working with our customers to support their demand. This is very important. That including the specialty technologies. We shared them -- actually, we shared them to increase the mature nodes capacity. But as we announced the Japan fab, actually it is a mature technology. It's a 22, 28 node.

安德魯，讓我回答。我們沒有改變資本支出計畫中的策略或理念。但當然，最重要的是我們正在與客戶合作來支持他們的需求。這非常重要。其中包括專業技術。我們共享它們——實際上，我們共享它們是為了增加成熟節點的容量。但正如我們宣布的日本晶圓廠，實際上它是一項成熟的技術。這是一個 22、28 節點。

So can we say that in the future, we should have a higher percentage of CapEx in terms of total CapEx compared to the past?

那麼我們是否可以說，未來我們的資本支出佔總資本支出的比例應該比過去更高呢？

So Andrew really wants to know, well -- Andrew wants to know will the CapEx spending portion -- proportion of the mature nodes versus leading edge, will we have a higher proportion for the mature nodes in the future years?

所以安德魯真的想知道，安德魯想知道資本支出支出部分——成熟節點與前沿節點的比例，未來幾年我們成熟節點的比例是否會更高？

Andrew, not yet because we increased our CapEx, right? So even the same proportion, the mature nodes, actually, we spend a lot of money also. Did that answer your question?

安德魯，還不是因為我們增加了資本支出，對吧？所以即使是同樣的比例，成熟的節點，其實我們也花了很多錢。這回答了你的問題嗎？

Yes, yes. My last question is, since we are adjusting our price based on the cost increase or whatever, how do we factor into our model for next year? What kind of blended ASP increase should we factor into our model? Because I have been -- observed average price on a blended basis for the last 3 years including this year.

是的，是的。我的最後一個問題是，由於我們正在根據成本增加或其他原因調整價格，我們如何將其納入明年的模型中？我們應該將什麼樣的混合 ASP 成長納入我們的模型中？因為我一直在觀察過去三年（包括今年）的混合平均價格。

Our price for last 3 years, including this year, about 7% to 9%. So if next year, we have additional adjustment on the apple-to-apple pricing level, should we say easy to have a 10% blended basis increase on ASPs?

我們過去3年的價格，包括今年，大約是7%到9%。因此，如果明年我們對同業定價水準進行額外調整，我們是否可以說平均售價 10% 的混合基礎成長很容易？

Okay. So Andrew, second question is on the blended ASP outlook. He wants to know, in essence, can he model a 10% or greater blended ASP increase for 2022?

好的。Andrew，第二個問題是關於混合 ASP 前景。他想知道，從本質上講，他能否模擬 2022 年混合平均售價成長 10% 或更高？

Andrew, it's too early to comment on 2022. We will provide you more color in January. Plus we don't really comment on ASP anyway.

安德魯，現在對 2022 年發表評論還為時過早。我們將在一月份為您提供更多色彩。另外，無論如何我們並不真正評論 ASP。

Okay. Thank you. This concludes our Q&A session. Before we conclude today's conference, please be advised that the replay of the conference will be accessible within 4 hours from now, and the transcript will become available 24 hours from now, and both of which are available through TSMC's website at www.tsmc.com.

好的。謝謝。我們的問答環節到此結束。在我們結束今天的會議之前，請注意，會議重播將在 4 小時內提供，會議記錄將在 24 小時後提供，兩者均可透過台積電網站 www.tsmc.com 取得。

So thank you for joining us today. We hope everyone continues to stay healthy and safe, and we hope you will join us again next quarter in January. Goodbye and have a good day.

感謝您今天加入我們。我們希望每個人都能繼續保持健康和安全，並希望您能在下個季度一月份再次加入我們。再見，祝你有美好的一天。