Despite the comment above, TSMC still issued much better guidance than expected for the first quarter. It forecasts revenue of $25 billion to $25.8 billion, which would be a sequential decline, but was well ahead of analysts' consensus estimate of $23.9 billion. It also expects operating margin to remain strong, in the 46.5% to 48.5% range.

Taiwan Semiconductor stock is higher Thursday after the chip manufacturer beat expectations for its fourth quarter and issued a strong outlook. Here's what you need to know.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM), and recent updates impacting the company. To learn more, check out the short video, consider subscribing, and click the special offer link below. *Stock prices used were the after-market prices of Jan.