* Foxconn Q2 profit T$59.97 billion vs estimated T$58.8

billion

* Tech giant forecasts strong revenue growth for full year

* Foxconn's shares have underperformed broader index this

year

(Adds details)

TAIPEI, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Taiwan's Foxconn, the

world's largest contract electronics maker, reported on

Wednesday a 35% rise in second-quarter profit, beating analyst

forecasts, on continued strong demand for AI, which it predicted

would drive growth this year.

Net profit for the April to June period for Nvidia's ( NVDA )

biggest server maker and Apple's ( AAPL ) top iPhone

assembler was T$59.97 billion ($1.86 billion), versus an LSEG

consensus estimate of T$58.8 billion and compared with T$44.4

billion a year earlier.

In an earnings release, it stuck to its previous forecast of

"strong" growth for revenue this year and said it also saw

strong AI demand driving growth throughout the year. The company

does not give numeric forecasts.

Foxconn, formally called Hon Hai Precision Industry ( HNHPF ), in July

reported a 40% year-on-year jump in second-quarter revenue.

Most of the iPhones Foxconn makes for Apple ( AAPL ) are assembled in

China, but it now produces the bulk of those sold in the United

States in India. The company is also building factories in

Mexico and Texas to make AI servers for Nvidia ( NVDA ).

Foxconn has also been looking to expand its footprint in

electric vehicles.

Foxconn will hold its earnings call later on Wednesday in

Taipei.

The company's shares have risen 17% so far this year,

underperforming the broader Taiwan index's 57% gain.

Foxconn shares closed 2.7% higher on Wednesday ahead of the

earnings release.

($1 = 32.1990 Taiwan dollars)