How did Samsung and TSMC's results compare?

Samsung Electronics earned a nearly ninefold rise in quarterly operating profit, while TSMC's sales jumped 51%.

Why did Samsung's stock fall despite the profit jump?

Investor reaction was muted, weighed down by worries about the staying power of an AI investment boom propped up by rising debt levels. Samsung's stock price shed 2.4% Thursday in Seoul.

Which other companies were affected?

In Tokyo, shares of both companies' suppliers including Tokyo Electron, Advantest and Ibiden declined.

AI Stocks & MarketsAI Business & IndustryJapan Times TechOct 8, 2026Oct 8, 2026, 22:01 JST

Samsung profit up ninefold; stock falls 2.4% on AI debt fears

Send on LINE

3 Key Points

What happened
Samsung Electronics posted a nearly ninefold rise in quarterly operating profit and TSMC's sales jumped 51%, but Samsung's stock fell 2.4% Thursday in Seoul.
Why it matters
Investors are questioning how long AI spending can last, as big capex plans face pressure from rising borrowing costs worldwide, per the report.

WHO IT HITSInvestors holding AI-linked chip and supplier stocks are being asked to weigh record results against debt-funded capex risk. Suppliers in Tokyo — Tokyo Electron, Advantest, Ibiden — saw declines alongside Samsung.

Not sure about something? Ask the AI

Questions and answers are published on this page.

Summaries like this, in your inbox every morning.

Get news like this every morning, free

Context & Analysis

Samsung Electronics and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. both reported results that reflect the spoils of relentless spending on AI infrastructure. Samsung's quarterly operating profit rose nearly ninefold, and TSMC's sales climbed 51%.

Despite those record-setting figures, investor reaction was muted. Samsung's stock shed 2.4% Thursday in Seoul, and suppliers in Tokyo — Tokyo Electron, Advantest and Ibiden — also declined.

The article attributes the caution to worries about the staying power of an investment boom propped up by rising debt levels, with companies' big capex plans under pressure because of rising borrowing costs around the world. The tension between record results and a selloff suggests investors may be looking past the current quarter toward the durability of that spending.

FAQ

How did Samsung and TSMC's results compare?: Samsung Electronics earned a nearly ninefold rise in quarterly operating profit, while TSMC's sales jumped 51%.
Why did Samsung's stock fall despite the profit jump?: Investor reaction was muted, weighed down by worries about the staying power of an AI investment boom propped up by rising debt levels. Samsung's stock price shed 2.4% Thursday in Seoul.
Which other companies were affected?: In Tokyo, shares of both companies' suppliers including Tokyo Electron, Advantest and Ibiden declined.

Japan Times TechRead Original Article

Send on LINE

AI news that matters for your work, delivered every morning.

Pick your industry and the AI tools you use, and get news related to your work every day.

Get it free

Free · 30 seconds with Google · unsubscribe anytimeWhat is AIToday? →

Ask AI

Ask AI anything about this article. The AI reads this article, earlier AIToday articles, and Wikipedia, and cites its sources. Q&As are published on this page for other readers too.