This article was generated by AI. Please verify important information independently.

TSMC Dividend: Yield, Payment Schedule & Tax Guide

Crypto Wiki|Aug 7, 2026|4.5 (500 ratings)
AI Summary

TSMC pays ~$0.50/quarter (~1.6% yield). Learn ex-dividend dates, Taiwan withholding tax, DRIP options, and dividend growth history for TSM ADR investo...

Yes. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as an American Depositary Receipt (ADR, a US-listed certificate representing ownership of foreign shares) under ticker TSM, pays a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders. As of mid-2025, TSM ADR pays approximately $0.50 per ADR share each quarter (annualized: approximately $2.00 per ADR share), representing a trailing twelve-month dividend yield of approximately 1.6% based on a TSM share price near $125. TSMC pays a cash dividend, not a stock dividend. TSMC was founded in 1987 by Morris Chang, widely regarded as the father of the pure-play semiconductor foundry model, and its shares also trade on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) under ticker 2330.TW.


TSMC Dividend Data Snapshot | Last Updated: [Verify and update before publishing]

MetricValue
Current Dividend Yield (TTM)~1.6% (as of [Date]; verify)
Annual Dividend per ADR Share~$2.00 (verify from TSMC IR)
Most Recent Quarterly Dividend per ADR Share~$0.50 (verify from TSMC IR)
Next Ex-Dividend Date (NYSE ADR)[Verify from TSMC IR calendar]
Payout Ratio (FCF-based)~35%–45% (verify from SEC Form 20-F)
SourceTSMC Investor Relations dividend calendar

TSMC Dividend Yield: Current Rate and What It Means

TSMC's dividend yield is approximately 1.6% as of mid-2025, based on an annualized dividend of approximately $2.00 per ADR share and a TSM share price near $125. Dividend yield (calculated as Annual Dividend Per Share divided by Current Share Price, multiplied by 100) fluctuates daily as the share price moves. The figures cited here apply to TSM ADR holders and reflect the NT$-to-USD conversion performed by the depositary bank.

Current TSMC dividend yield (as of [Date])

TSMC's trailing twelve-month (TTM) dividend yield stands at approximately 1.6% as of mid-2025 (verify and update before publishing). The annualized dividend totals approximately $2.00 per ADR share, based on four quarterly payments of approximately $0.50 per ADR share each. The 2024 full-year dividend per ADR share totaled approximately $1.90 (verify from the dividend history table). The 2025 forward yield may differ as TSMC declares each quarter individually. Source: TSMC Investor Relations dividend calendar and SEC Form 6-K.

Trailing vs. forward yield: what the numbers mean

The trailing yield uses the last four declared quarterly payments to calculate the annualized figure, reflecting what investors actually received over the prior year. The forward yield annualizes the most recent single quarterly payment. Because TSMC's quarterly dividend amounts vary slightly each quarter due to NT$/USD exchange rate fluctuations and periodic dividend increases, trailing and forward yields often differ by a small margin. Neither figure is guaranteed to reflect future payments.


TSMC Dividend Payment Schedule: Ex-Dividend Dates, Record Dates, and Payment Dates

TSMC pays dividends four times per year (quarterly). The next ex-dividend date for TSM ADR holders on NYSE is [verify from TSMC IR calendar before publishing].

TSM ADR dividend dates table: upcoming and recent quarters

Source: TSMC Investor Relations dividend calendar. Last Updated: [Date]. Verify all dates before publishing.

QuarterEx-Dividend Date (NYSE ADR)Record DatePayment DateDividend per ADR Share (USD)
Q2 2025[Verify][Verify][Verify]~$0.50 (verify)
Q1 2025[Verify][Verify][Verify]~$0.50 (verify)
Q4 2024[Verify][Verify][Verify]~$0.48 (verify)
Q3 2024[Verify][Verify][Verify]~$0.48 (verify)
Q2 2024[Verify][Verify][Verify]~$0.47 (verify)
Q1 2024[Verify][Verify][Verify]~$0.47 (verify)

Note: NYSE ADR ex-dividend dates may differ slightly from TSMC's Taiwan-side (2330.TW) ex-dividend dates. TSMC's dividend calendar originates from the Taiwan corporate board declaration schedule, and the ADR payment to US investors typically lags the Taiwan-side declaration by several weeks. Always verify the ADR-specific dates from TSMC's official IR calendar or your brokerage account confirmation rather than Taiwan-side dates.

Understanding the three key dividend dates

Three dates govern every TSMC dividend payment, and each serves a distinct purpose:

  • Ex-dividend date: The cutoff date by which you must own TSM ADR shares to qualify for the declared dividend. Purchasing shares on or after the ex-dividend date means you will not receive that quarter's payment. You must own shares before market open on the ex-dividend date.
  • Record date: The date TSMC officially registers which shareholders qualify for the declared dividend. The record date typically falls one business day after the ex-dividend date. Investors do not need to take any action on the record date; your brokerage records ownership automatically.
  • Payment date: The date the net USD dividend is credited to your US brokerage account. For TSM ADR holders, payment typically arrives 2–4 weeks after the record date. ADR holders may experience a short additional processing delay through the depositary bank before the cash appears in their account.

TSMC transitioned from annual dividend payments to a quarterly cadence as a shareholder-friendly measure aligned with the income preferences of US ADR investors. Payments are typically distributed in March, June, September, and December (verify the exact schedule from the TSMC IR calendar at time of writing, as the cadence can shift slightly).


How TSMC Dividends Work for US Investors: ADR Mechanics Explained

TSMC declares its quarterly dividend in New Taiwan Dollars (NT$), a depositary bank converts that amount to US dollars and deducts Taiwan's 21% withholding tax, and the net USD dividend is credited to your US brokerage account on the payment date. The full process involves several steps that are often undocumented in financial databases.

What is an ADR and why does it matter for dividends?

An American Depositary Receipt (ADR) is a US-listed certificate that represents ownership of shares in a foreign company. When you buy TSM on the NYSE through a US brokerage such as Fidelity, Schwab, TD Ameritrade, or Robinhood, you are purchasing an ADR, not direct Taiwan shares (2330.TW). Each TSM ADR represents five underlying TSMC Taiwan common shares (verify the current ADR ratio from TSMC IR or the depositary bank prospectus at time of writing, as ratios can change). This ratio directly affects how the dividend per ADR share is calculated from the Taiwan-declared NT$ dividend per common share. A depositary bank, such as Citibank or Deutsche Bank (verify the current depositary at time of writing), administers the ADR program on behalf of US investors.

The TSMC dividend payment flow: step by step

  1. TSMC's board in Taiwan declares a quarterly dividend in NT$ per common share. The declaration is made in New Taiwan Dollars and applies to all TSMC shareholders, including those holding the ADR.
  2. The ADR depositary bank collects the NT$ dividend on behalf of all ADR holders. The bank receives the gross NT$ amount from TSMC.
  3. The depositary bank converts NT$ to USD at the prevailing exchange rate and deducts Taiwan's 21% withholding tax. This conversion happens at the rate in effect on the conversion date, which introduces minor variability in the USD amount from quarter to quarter. The withholding tax is automatically deducted before distribution.
  4. The net USD dividend is credited to your US brokerage account on the payment date. No action is required from the investor; the cash appears automatically.

Worked example (verify all figures before publishing): If TSMC declares NT$3.00 per Taiwan common share and the ADR ratio is 1:5 (one ADR equals five Taiwan shares), the gross dividend per ADR is NT$15.00. At an exchange rate of approximately NT$32 per USD, the gross USD dividend is approximately $0.47 per ADR. The depositary bank then deducts 21% withholding ($0.47 × 0.21 = approximately $0.10), leaving a net dividend of approximately $0.37 per ADR share credited to your brokerage account. Replace these placeholder figures with verified current amounts before publishing.

Currency risk: how exchange rates affect your USD dividend

Even when TSMC holds its NT$ dividend constant between quarters, the USD amount you receive can fluctuate based on changes in the NT$/USD exchange rate. If the New Taiwan Dollar weakens against the US dollar, the converted USD dividend falls. If NT$ strengthens, the USD dividend rises. This currency variability is a minor but real feature of holding any foreign ADR. US investors comparing TSM's yield to domestic dividend stocks should note that the USD yield figures cited in this article reflect post-conversion amounts, not a fixed USD payment guaranteed by TSMC.

Can you reinvest TSMC dividends automatically? (DRIP)

A Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) allows investors to automatically reinvest dividend cash into additional shares rather than receiving it as cash. Verify at time of writing whether TSMC or its ADR depositary bank offers a company-sponsored DRIP program for TSM ADR holders. Company-sponsored DRIPs, when available, may offer shares at a discount to market price.

Even without a company-sponsored DRIP, most major US brokerages (including Fidelity, Schwab, TD Ameritrade, Interactive Brokers, and Robinhood) offer a brokerage-level automatic dividend reinvestment feature for TSM ADR shares. Under a brokerage DRIP, the net USD dividend is automatically used to purchase additional fractional TSM ADR shares at the prevailing market price on the payment date. Investors who want automatic reinvestment should check their brokerage account settings to enable this feature. The key distinction: a company-sponsored DRIP is administered by TSMC or its depositary bank; a brokerage DRIP is administered independently by your broker at market price.


TSMC Dividend Tax for US Investors: Withholding Tax and the Foreign Tax Credit

Taiwan imposes a 21% withholding tax on dividends paid to foreign shareholders, including US investors holding TSM ADR shares on NYSE. This tax is deducted automatically before the net dividend reaches your US brokerage account. This section explains the deduction and the potential to recover it through the US Foreign Tax Credit.

Taiwan's 21% dividend withholding tax: what US investors actually receive

The 21% Taiwan withholding tax applies to all TSMC dividends paid to non-resident foreign shareholders, including US ADR holders. The depositary bank deducts this amount before distributing the net dividend to US investors. The result: for every dollar of gross dividend TSMC declares on a per-ADR-share basis, you receive approximately $0.79.

The after-tax arithmetic is direct:

  • Gross dividend declared per ADR share: $0.50 (example; verify current figure)
  • Taiwan withholding tax deducted (21%): $0.50 × 0.21 = $0.105
  • Net dividend credited to your US brokerage account: $0.50 - $0.105 = approximately $0.395 per ADR share

This deduction happens before the cash appears in your account. You do not need to remit the withholding tax yourself; the depositary bank handles it on the Taiwan side before the net payment is distributed.

The Foreign Tax Credit: how to potentially recover the Taiwan withholding

US taxpayers holding TSM ADR shares in a taxable brokerage account may be eligible to claim the Taiwan withholding tax as a Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) on their US federal income tax return. The FTC is a direct tax credit, meaning it reduces your US federal income tax liability dollar-for-dollar (subject to applicable limitations), not merely your taxable income.

To claim the FTC, US taxpayers file IRS Form 1116 (Foreign Tax Credit) with their federal return. The amount of Taiwan withholding paid is typically reported on your annual 1099-DIV or equivalent brokerage tax statement.

Two important caveats apply:

  • Tax-advantaged accounts (IRA, 401k, HSA): The FTC is not available for shares held in tax-advantaged accounts. If you hold TSM ADR in a traditional IRA or Roth IRA, the 21% Taiwan withholding is permanently lost and cannot be recovered.
  • Subject to limitations: The FTC is subject to income limitations and ordering rules under the US tax code. The recoverable amount may not equal the full 21% withheld in all circumstances.

Tax treatment of TSMC (TSM ADR) dividends, including withholding tax rates, FTC eligibility, and qualified dividend status, depends on individual circumstances, account type, and applicable law. Consult a qualified tax professional or CPA for advice specific to your situation.

Are TSMC dividends qualified or ordinary income?

TSM ADR dividends may qualify as "qualified dividends" under IRS rules, which would subject them to the lower long-term capital gains tax rate rather than ordinary income rates. Qualification depends on meeting the IRS holding period requirement (generally, the investor must hold the ADR shares for more than 60 days during the 121-day period around the ex-dividend date) and on TSMC meeting applicable corporate eligibility tests. Verify the current IRS classification for TSM ADR dividends from IRS.gov or your brokerage tax documentation at time of writing, as qualification status can change. Consult a tax professional to confirm how this applies to your individual return.


TSMC Dividend History and Growth Rate

TSMC's dividend per ADR share has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 10%–15% over the past five years (2020–2024) in USD terms, reaching an annualized total of approximately $2.00 per ADR share in 2025. Over the past ten years (2015–2024), the CAGR is approximately 10%–12% (verify both figures from TSMC SEC Form 20-F filings and TSMC IR before publishing). For long-term income investors, a consistent 10%+ annual dividend increase compounds meaningfully: $1.00 of annual dividend income growing at 10% per year doubles in approximately seven years.

TSMC Dividend Growth Rate Callout (verify before publishing): 5-Year Dividend CAGR (2020–2024): approximately 10%–15% (USD per ADR share basis) 10-Year Dividend CAGR (2015–2024): approximately 10%–12% (USD per ADR share basis) Note: USD CAGR reflects both the NT$ dividend increase and NT$/USD exchange rate changes. The NT$ CAGR may differ. Calculate precise figures from the verified history table below.

TSMC's dividend growth has been supported by consistent free cash flow (FCF) generation. For FCF analysis supporting these payments, see the sustainability section below. TSMC previously paid dividends on an annual or semi-annual basis and transitioned to quarterly payments to better align with the income preferences of US ADR investors (verify the year of transition from TSMC IR history).

TSMC dividend growth rate: 5-year and 10-year CAGR

The ~10%+ annual dividend growth trajectory places TSMC among the more consistent dividend growers in the semiconductor sector. The NT$/USD exchange rate introduces variability in the USD CAGR calculation: if the NT$ weakens against USD over a multi-year period, the USD CAGR will understate the NT$ dividend growth rate. Investors should evaluate both figures when assessing TSMC's dividend growth story.

TSMC dividend history table (2015–2025)

Source: TSMC Investor Relations dividend calendar and TSMC SEC Form 20-F filings. Last Updated: [Date; verify and update before publishing]. All figures in USD per ADR share.

QuarterEx-Dividend Date (NYSE ADR)Record DatePayment DateDividend per ADR Share (USD)Annual Yield (%)YoY Change (%)
Q1 2025[Verify][Verify][Verify]~$0.50~1.6%[Calculate]
Q4 2024[Verify][Verify][Verify]~$0.48~1.5%[Calculate]
Q3 2024[Verify][Verify][Verify]~$0.48~1.5%[Calculate]
Q2 2024[Verify][Verify][Verify]~$0.47~1.5%[Calculate]
Q1 2024[Verify][Verify][Verify]~$0.47~1.5%[Calculate]
Q4 2023[Verify][Verify][Verify]~$0.45[Verify][Calculate]
Q3 2023[Verify][Verify][Verify]~$0.45[Verify][Calculate]
Q2 2023[Verify][Verify][Verify]~$0.43[Verify][Calculate]
Q1 2023[Verify][Verify][Verify]~$0.43[Verify][Calculate]
Full Year 2022[Verify quarterly rows]~$1.60 total (verify)[Verify][Calculate]
Full Year 2021[Verify quarterly rows]~$1.30 total (verify)[Verify][Calculate]
Full Year 2020[Verify quarterly rows]~$1.10 total (verify)[Verify][Calculate]
Full Year 2019[Annual payment; verify]~$0.90 total (verify)[Verify][Calculate]
Full Year 2018[Annual payment; verify]~$0.75 total (verify)[Verify][Calculate]
Full Year 2015–2017[Verify from TSMC IR][Verify][Verify][Calculate]

Note: TSMC transitioned from annual/semi-annual payments to quarterly payments (verify year from TSMC IR). Rows marked "Full Year" represent pre-quarterly-cadence periods. Break these into individual quarterly payment rows using verified data from TSMC IR before publishing.


Is TSMC's Dividend Safe? Payout Ratio, Free Cash Flow, and Sustainability

Based on TSMC's most recently reported annual free cash flow and its total annual dividend cost, the FCF dividend coverage ratio has historically remained above 2.0x, suggesting the dividend has been well-covered by cash generation. TSMC's annual FCF for 2024 was approximately $20 billion–$25 billion (verify the precise figure from TSMC SEC Form 20-F filings before publishing). With a total annual dividend cost of approximately $10 billion–$12 billion (verify), the FCF coverage ratio stands at approximately 2.0x–2.5x. This ratio indicates the dividend has been financially covered by cash generation, though it does not guarantee future payments.

TSMC's dividend payout ratio: EPS-based and FCF-based

The dividend payout ratio measures the percentage of earnings or cash flow paid out as dividends.

TSMC's payout ratio can be calculated two ways:

  • EPS-based payout ratio: Dividends per ADR share divided by earnings per share (EPS). TSMC's most recent annual EPS was approximately $7.00–$8.00 per ADR share in USD terms (verify from SEC Form 20-F). At an annualized dividend of approximately $2.00 per ADR share, the EPS-based payout ratio is approximately 25%–29% (verify).
  • FCF-based payout ratio: Total annual dividends paid divided by annual free cash flow (operating cash flow minus capital expenditures). For capital-intensive manufacturers like TSMC, which carries large depreciation charges, FCF-based payout ratio is the more informative sustainability metric. TSMC's FCF-based payout ratio is approximately 35%–50% depending on the year's capex level (verify from Form 20-F).

TSMC's stated dividend policy, per its investor relations materials, targets the distribution of a stable or increasing dividend from free cash flow, prioritizing shareholder returns alongside strategic capital investment (source: TSMC Investor Relations; verify the current policy statement language from ir.tsmc.com). This policy has guided TSMC's dividend program without a reduction since the program's inception.

Free cash flow vs. CapEx: can TSMC afford to grow its dividend?

TSMC is simultaneously one of the world's largest dividend payers and one of the world's most capital-intensive businesses. The company's publicly announced annual capital expenditure (CapEx) guidance has ranged from approximately $35 billion to $44 billion in recent years (verify the current guidance range from TSMC's most recent earnings release before publishing). This capex funds the construction and expansion of semiconductor fabrication facilities in Arizona, Japan, and Germany, alongside TSMC's ongoing investment in advanced nodes in Taiwan.

The FCF dividend coverage ratio (annual FCF divided by total annual dividend payment) contextualizes whether this level of capex is compatible with growing the dividend. Historically, TSMC's FCF generation has covered both its capex program and its dividends from operating cash flow. TSMC is the world's only manufacturer of advanced logic chips at 3nm and below. That dominant market position has supported revenue growth sufficient to fund both priorities.

Unlike Intel, which cut its dividend in 2023 in response to market share losses and the financial strain of its foundry pivot, TSMC has maintained an unbroken record of stable or increasing dividend payments. The situations differ materially: TSMC holds a near-monopoly position in advanced process nodes, while Intel faced intensifying competitive pressure from both TSMC and AMD. The Intel comparison is a relevant reference point for semiconductor dividend risk, but it does not map directly onto TSMC's financial position.

Whether TSMC will continue to grow its dividend alongside its capex program will depend on future FCF generation, capex execution, and management capital allocation decisions. Past dividend growth is not a guarantee of future increases.

TSMC's dividend policy: what management has committed to

TSMC's official dividend policy, as described in its investor relations materials and annual reports, commits the company to distributing a stable or increasing cash dividend from free cash flow generated each year. The policy prioritizes dividend stability as a signal of financial health and management discipline. Management has communicated that dividends take precedence over share buybacks in TSMC's capital return framework, though both mechanisms may be used. Cite the current policy statement language directly from TSMC Investor Relations or the most recent SEC Form 20-F when publishing, as policy language can be updated.

Whether TSMC is a suitable investment for dividend income depends on individual investment objectives, risk tolerance, tax situation, and overall portfolio strategy. This analysis is informational only. Past dividend growth is not a guarantee of future payments. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.


TSMC Dividend vs. Semiconductor Peers: How Does It Compare?

The table below compares TSMC's current dividend yield, 5-year dividend CAGR, and FCF-based payout ratio against five semiconductor peers as of mid-2025 (verify all figures from respective company IR pages and SEC filings before publishing).

Semiconductor dividend comparison table

Semiconductor Dividend Comparison, as of [Date; verify and update]. Sources: Company IR pages, SEC filings. All yields are gross pre-withholding-tax figures. US investors receiving TSM dividends should apply the 21% Taiwan withholding reduction to calculate their net yield.

CompanyTickerCurrent Dividend Yield (%)5-Year Dividend CAGR (%)Payout Ratio (FCF-based, %)Notes
Taiwan SemiconductorTSM~1.6% (verify)~10%–15% (verify)~35%–50% (verify)Quarterly; Taiwan 21% withholding applies
NVIDIA CorporationNVDA~0.03% (verify)N/A (token dividend)N/AToken dividend; reinvests in AI/GPU R&D
Intel CorporationINTC~1.5% (verify)Negative (cut 2023)N/A post-cut (verify)Cut dividend in 2023; reinstated at lower level
Broadcom Inc.AVGO~2.0%–2.5% (verify)~15%–20% (verify)~30%–40% (verify)Highest yield among major semiconductor names
QualcommQCOM~2.0% (verify)~5%–10% (verify)~30%–40% (verify)TSMC customer; consistent dividend grower
Texas InstrumentsTXN~2.5%–3.0% (verify)~10%–15% (verify)~60%–80% (verify)Model dividend grower in the DGI community

Key takeaways from the comparison

  • TSMC pays substantially more than NVIDIA. NVDA's dividend yield of approximately 0.03% is a token payment; the company prioritizes reinvesting capital in AI chip development. TSMC's yield of approximately 1.6% is more than 50 times higher. For NVIDIA dividend yield and payment details, see our dedicated NVDA dividend guide.
  • Broadcom offers the highest absolute yield in the sector. Broadcom's (AVGO) yield of approximately 2.0%–2.5% places it above TSMC in raw income terms. For investors focused purely on current income yield, Broadcom (AVGO) dividend history and yield data provides a direct comparison point. TSMC's advantage over Broadcom lies in its more consistent multi-year dividend growth trajectory and its position as the foundry infrastructure underlying most of the sector's products.
  • Intel's 2023 dividend cut underscores that semiconductor dividends are not guaranteed. Intel was historically a high-yield semiconductor dividend payer before cutting in 2023. TSMC's unbroken payment record, backed by its foundry monopoly position, is a differentiated data point.
  • TSMC's yield comes with added complexity for US investors. Taiwan's 21% withholding tax reduces the effective yield to approximately 1.3% before any Foreign Tax Credit recovery. Investors comparing TSM's yield to domestic dividend stocks should use the net post-withholding figure for an apples-to-apples comparison.

TSMC's nearest foundry competitor, Samsung Electronics, also pays dividends to shareholders, though Samsung is accessible to US investors only as an OTC-listed ADR (OTC: SSNLF) with Korean withholding tax mechanics and a different ADR structure.


Is TSMC a Good Dividend Stock? A Balanced Assessment

TSMC's dividend history, FCF coverage, and AI chip demand tailwind make it notable among semiconductor dividend payers, though US investors should also account for Taiwan's 21% withholding tax, exchange rate variability, and the company's ongoing capital-intensive fab expansion program. At a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 25x–30x (verify current P/E before publishing), TSMC's yield may appear modest relative to pure income stocks, but investors are also paying for a growth profile supported by structural AI chip demand.

The case for TSMC as a dividend holding

  • Consistent dividend growth track record. TSMC has grown its dividend per ADR share at approximately 10%–15% per year over the past five years with no dividend cuts since the program began. This growth rate compresses the yield-on-cost meaningfully for long-term holders.
  • AI chip demand tailwind supporting FCF growth. TSMC's dominant position as the world's only manufacturer of advanced-node chips (3nm, 2nm) for Apple, NVIDIA, AMD, and Qualcomm places it at the center of AI infrastructure investment. AI-driven revenue growth supports the FCF that funds dividend increases.
  • Quarterly payment cadence. Four payments per year aligns with the income preferences of US investors and allows investors to deploy dividend cash more frequently than an annual payer.

Key considerations and risks

  • Taiwan withholding tax reduces net yield. The 21% Taiwan withholding tax reduces the gross yield of approximately 1.6% to an effective net yield of approximately 1.3% for investors in taxable accounts. The Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) may partially or fully offset this drag for eligible US taxpayers in taxable accounts, but not for investors holding TSM ADR in IRA or 401k accounts.
  • Currency risk. TSMC declares dividends in NT$, and the USD amount you receive fluctuates with the NT$/USD exchange rate. A strengthening US dollar reduces the USD equivalent of the NT$ dividend.
  • Capex tension. TSMC's fab expansion program of approximately $35 billion to $44 billion annually in Arizona, Japan, and Germany creates ongoing uncertainty about future FCF growth pace and dividend increase trajectory. Historically, FCF has covered both capex and dividends, but the program is large and multi-year. Intel's 2023 dividend cut, driven by capex strain from a foundry pivot, is an instructive reference point even though TSMC's competitive position differs materially.

Whether TSMC (NYSE: TSM) is a suitable dividend holding depends on your individual investment objectives, risk tolerance, tax situation, time horizon, and overall portfolio strategy. This article does not constitute a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold TSM shares or any other security. Past dividend growth is not a guarantee of future dividend payments or increases. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.


Frequently Asked Questions About TSMC Dividends

Does TSMC pay a dividend?

Yes. TSMC pays a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders of its NYSE-listed ADR (ticker: TSM). The most recent quarterly dividend is approximately $0.50 per ADR share (verify from TSMC IR), representing an annualized total of approximately $2.00 per ADR share and a trailing yield of approximately 1.6% as of mid-2025.

What is TSMC's current dividend yield?

TSMC's dividend yield is approximately 1.6% as of mid-2025 (verify before publishing), based on an annualized dividend of approximately $2.00 per ADR share and a TSM share price near $125. Yield fluctuates daily with the share price. US investors receive the yield net of Taiwan's 21% withholding tax, reducing the effective yield to approximately 1.3%.

How often does TSMC pay dividends?

TSMC pays dividends four times per year (quarterly), with payments typically distributed in March, June, September, and December (verify exact months from the TSMC IR calendar). TSMC transitioned from annual and semi-annual payments to quarterly payments as a shareholder-friendly measure, aligning with the quarterly income preference of US ADR investors.

When is the next TSMC dividend payment?

Verify the next TSM ADR payment date on NYSE from TSMC Investor Relations before publishing. Payment dates change quarterly as TSMC declares each dividend. Always confirm from your brokerage account or the TSMC IR calendar for the most current date. Last Updated: [Date].

What is the ex-dividend date for TSMC?

The ex-dividend date is the cutoff date by which you must own TSM ADR shares to receive the declared dividend. Buying on or after the ex-dividend date means you will not receive that quarter's payment. TSMC's next NYSE ADR ex-dividend date is [verify from TSMC IR calendar before publishing]. Check the dividend dates table in the payment schedule section for upcoming quarters.

How much is TSMC's dividend per share?

TSMC pays approximately $0.50 per ADR share per quarter (annualized: approximately $2.00 per ADR share) as of mid-2025 (verify from TSMC IR). Net receipt after Taiwan's 21% withholding tax deduction is approximately $0.395 per ADR per quarter.

Is TSMC a good dividend stock?

TSMC offers approximately 10%–15% annual dividend CAGR over the past five years, quarterly payments, and an AI chip demand tailwind supporting FCF growth. Considerations include Taiwan's 21% withholding tax, NT$/USD currency risk, and a large ongoing capex program. Whether TSM suits a dividend portfolio depends on individual investment objectives and tax situation. This is informational only; consult a financial advisor.

How has TSMC's dividend grown over time?

TSMC's dividend per ADR share has grown at a CAGR of approximately 10%–15% over the past five years (2020–2024) in USD terms, and approximately 10%–12% over ten years (2015–2024). Verify both figures from TSMC SEC Form 20-F filings. TSMC has not cut its dividend since the program began. See the dividend history table for quarter-by-quarter data.

What is TSMC's dividend payout ratio?

TSMC's FCF-based payout ratio is approximately 35%–50% (verify from the most recent SEC Form 20-F), which is the more relevant metric for this capital-intensive manufacturer. The EPS-based payout ratio is approximately 25%–29% (verify). TSMC's stated policy targets a stable or increasing dividend from free cash flow, supporting a payout ratio that management considers sustainable alongside its capex program.

How does Taiwan's withholding tax affect TSMC dividends for US investors?

Taiwan withholds 21% of TSMC's declared dividend before it reaches a US investor's brokerage account. For every $1.00 declared, US investors receive approximately $0.79 net. The depositary bank handles this deduction automatically. US taxpayers holding TSM ADR in a taxable account may claim the withheld amount as a Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) on IRS Form 1116, potentially recovering the tax drag.

Can I claim a foreign tax credit on TSMC dividends?

US taxpayers holding TSM ADR in a taxable brokerage account may claim Taiwan's 21% withholding as a Foreign Tax Credit on IRS Form 1116 (Foreign Tax Credit), potentially offsetting US federal income tax liability dollar-for-dollar. The FTC is not available for shares held in IRA, 401k, or other tax-advantaged accounts. Consult a qualified tax professional to determine eligibility.

Does TSMC offer a DRIP (Dividend Reinvestment Plan)?

Verify at time of writing whether TSMC or its ADR depositary bank offers a company-sponsored DRIP program. Regardless of company-sponsored availability, most major US brokerages (Fidelity, Schwab, TD Ameritrade, IBKR, Robinhood) offer brokerage-level automatic dividend reinvestment for TSM ADR, reinvesting dividends into additional fractional shares at market price. Enable this feature in your brokerage account settings.

How does the TSMC ADR dividend work?

The TSMC ADR dividend follows three steps: (1) TSMC's board in Taiwan declares a quarterly dividend in New Taiwan Dollars (NT$); (2) the ADR depositary bank converts the NT$ amount to USD at the prevailing exchange rate and deducts Taiwan's 21% withholding tax; (3) the net USD dividend is credited to your US brokerage account on the payment date. No investor action is required.

How does TSMC's dividend compare to NVIDIA's?

TSMC's dividend yield of approximately 1.6% is substantially higher than NVIDIA's yield of approximately 0.03%. TSMC prioritizes growing its cash dividend as a component of shareholder return; NVIDIA's nominal dividend reflects its focus on reinvesting capital in AI chip GPU development. For a full comparison of NVIDIA's dividend, see NVIDIA dividend yield and payment details.

Why did TSMC switch to quarterly dividends?

TSMC transitioned from annual and semi-annual dividend payments to quarterly payments as a shareholder-friendly measure, aligning with the quarterly income preference of US ADR investors who expect regular cash distributions. The quarterly cadence also reduces dividend income variability compared to the single large annual payment that existed under the prior structure. Verify the year of this transition from TSMC IR history.


Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or tax advice. The information reflects data available as of [Last Updated Date] and is subject to change. Dividend yields, per-share amounts, ex-dividend dates, payout ratios, and tax rules cited in this article may change at any time. Verify all figures against TSMC Investor Relations, TSMC SEC filings, and other authoritative sources before making financial decisions.

Tax treatment of TSMC (TSM ADR) dividends, including withholding tax rates, Foreign Tax Credit eligibility, and qualified dividend status, depends on individual circumstances, account type, and applicable law. The information regarding Taiwan's withholding tax and IRS Form 1116 is general in nature. Consult a qualified tax professional or CPA for advice specific to your situation.

Whether TSMC (NYSE: TSM) is a suitable investment depends on your individual investment objectives, risk tolerance, tax situation, time horizon, and overall portfolio strategy. This article does not constitute a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold TSM shares or any other security. Past dividend growth is not a guarantee of future dividend payments or increases.