# TSMC CEO Open To Musk's Terafab Project But Demands Operational Control

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/tsmc-ceo-open-to-musk-s-terafab-project-but-demands-operational-control-a6fbea
- Published: 2026-10-15T09:05:18Z
- Category: company_news; sentiment: mixed; impact: high
- Symbols: [TWSE:2330](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/TWSE-2330)
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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSM) Chief Executive Officer C.C. Wei confirmed that the company is discussing a potential collaboration on Elon Musk's Terafab chip manufacturing project. However, Wei emphasized during an analyst call that TSMC must be the sole operator of the fabrication plant. The statement follows comments from Musk indicating his companies intended to build and run the facility independently, with Intel (INTC) reportedly aiding technology development.

The potential partnership comes as demand for artificial intelligence hardware drives record financial performance for the Taiwanese chipmaker. TSMC reported a 69% increase in third-quarter net profit to 763.1 billion New Taiwan dollars ($23.59 billion), topping market expectations. Quarterly revenue jumped 51% to 1.49 trillion New Taiwan dollars, while fourth-quarter revenue is projected to rise as much as 61% year-over-year.

Investors will monitor whether TSMC and Musk can resolve their conflicting stances on operational management for the large-scale semiconductor plant. Despite reporting strong financial results, shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TWSE:2330) fell 2.01% to 2,440 TWD amid broader declines across the technology sector.

## Key points

- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSM) CEO C.C. Wei confirmed discussions regarding Elon Musk's Terafab project but insisted TSMC must operate the facility.
- Elon Musk previously stated his companies would build and run the planned chip factory themselves, potentially offering sub-leases, with Intel (INTC) aiding technology development.
- TSMC reported a 69% rise in third-quarter net profit to T$763.1 billion ($23.59 billion), beating consensus forecasts on strong AI chip demand.
- The company expects fourth-quarter revenue to grow up to 61% compared to the prior year.
- TSMC shares dropped 2.01% to 2,440 TWD during a broader downturn in semiconductor equities.

## Questions and answers

### What did TSMC say about Elon Musk's Terafab project?

TSMC CEO C.C. Wei confirmed discussions are ongoing regarding Elon Musk's Terafab semiconductor project, but insisted that TSMC must operate the manufacturing facility.

### How were TSMC's third-quarter financial results?

TSMC posted a record net profit of T$763.1 billion ($23.59 billion), up 69% year-over-year and beating forecasts, driven by strong demand for artificial intelligence chips.

### What is TSMC's outlook for fourth-quarter revenue?

The company projects fourth-quarter revenue to grow by as much as 61% compared to the same period last year.