TAIPEI, Jan 10 (Reuters) - TSMC, the world's largest

contract chipmaker, on Friday reported fourth-quarter revenue of

T$868.42 billion ($26.36 billion), according to Reuters

calculations, easily beating a market forecast, as the company

reaps the benefit from artificial intelligence demand.

An LSEG SmartEstimate, drawn from 23 analysts, had predicted

fourth-quarter revenue of T$853.57 billion.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co ( TSM ) is a

major supplier to companies including Apple ( AAPL ) and Nvidia ( NVDA )

.

($1 = 32.9530 Taiwan dollars)