Investors are eyeing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM) as a key stock for 2026, with its technical pattern indicating potential bullish momentum if it breaks above $311. While U.S. stocks had a quiet end to 2025, TSM's performance and upcoming chip price hikes, amid geopolitical risks, make it a significant indicator for the tech sector's future.
The article discusses concerns about AI's impact on chip demand and prices, highlighting how AI-driven demand is straining supply chains, increasing device costs, and raising broader economic and societal questions about technological progress, market dynamics, and the future of work and resource allocation.
Samsung Electronics estimates a more than 10-fold increase in first-quarter operating profit, surpassing market expectations, as chip prices rebound, but its shares drop as investors await updates on its memory chip business. The company's estimated operating profit of 6.6 trillion won beats expectations, while revenue misses estimates. The chip division is expected to report its first quarterly profit in five quarters, with memory chip prices rising and a positive response to the new Galaxy S24 smartphones likely contributing to solid profits in the mobile business.
Samsung Electronics expects its first-quarter operating profit to increase more than 10-fold, surpassing market expectations, due to a rebound in chip prices driven by the artificial intelligence boom. The estimated operating profit of 6.6 trillion won ($4.89 billion) exceeded forecasts, while revenue fell slightly short. The company's chip division is anticipated to report its first quarterly profit in five quarters, with memory chip prices rising significantly. Additionally, the launch of the new flagship Galaxy S24 smartphones contributed to a solid profit in the mobile business.
Samsung Electronics reported a record loss in its semiconductor business due to weak demand for tech devices, causing chip prices to plummet. The chip division reported a loss of 4.58 trillion won compared to an 8.45 trillion won profit a year earlier. However, Samsung's mobile business reported a profit of 3.94 trillion won in Q1. Samsung expects a gradual recovery for chips in the second half of the year and is focusing on high-capacity server and mobile products. The company spent 10.7 trillion won in capital expenditures during Q1, the highest for the first quarter of any year.