TAIPEI, Oct 9 Reuters TSMC, the world39;s largest contract chipmaker, reported on Wednesday thirdquarter revenue that easily beat both the market and company39;s own forecasts as it reaped the benefit from artificial intelligence AI demand.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, whose customers include Apple and Nvidia, has been at the forefront of the march towards AI that has helped it weather the tapering off of pandemicled demand.

Revenue in the JulySeptember period of this year came in at T759.69 billion 23.62 billion, according to Reuters calculations, compared with an LSEG SmartEstimate of T750.36 billion 23.33 billion drawn from 23 analysts.

That represents growth of 36.5 onyear, compared with 17.3 billion in the yearago period.

It is not a direct comparison as TSMC provides monthly revenue data only in Taiwan dollars, but gives quarterly revenue figures and its outlook on its quarterly earnings calls both in U.S. dollars.

On its most recent earnings call in July, TSMC forecast third quarter revenue in a range of between 22.4 billion to 23.2 billion.

For September alone, TSMC reported revenue jumped 39.6 yearonyear to T251.87 billion.

The company did not provide details in its brief revenue statement.

TSMC will report full third quarter earnings on Oct. 17, when it will also update its outlook.

The company39;s Taipei listed stock has risen 72 so far this year, compared with a 26 gain for the broader market.

It closed up 1 on Wednesday ahead of the…