Leading semiconductor company Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (NYSE:TSM) is set to report first-quarter financial results before the market opens Thursday, April 18. Here are the key earnings estimates, what analysts are saying and key items for investors to watch. Earnings Estimates: Analysts expect Taiwan Semiconductor to report first-quarter revenue of $18.395 billion, according to data from Benzinga Pro. The company reported revenue of $16.719 billion in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten revenue estimates from analysts in seven of the past 10 quarters, according to data from Benzinga Pro. Guidance from the company previously called for first-quarter revenue to come in a range of $18 billion to $18.8 billion. Analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of $1.32 for the first quarter, beating last year's $1.31 reported in the first quarter. The company has beaten analysts' estimates for earnings per share in 10 straight quarters. What Analysts Are Saying: A leading analyst recently called Taiwan Semiconductor one of the "best pick-and-shovel stories." Needham ...