Super Micro Computer is getting a lot of attention
Super Micro Computer reported record growth and revised its outlook upwards (again). The provider of complete computing solutions for AI, cloud, storage and 5G/Edge, yesterday unveiled its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2024, which ended on December 31, 2023. Charles Liang, President and CEO, highlighted significant annual growth and an upward revision of revenue forecasts for the fiscal year.
Sales of $3.66 billion, compared with $2.12 billion in the previous quarter and $1.80 billion last year.
Gross margin of 15.4%, versus 16.7% in the first quarter and 18.7% last year.
Net earnings of $296 million, up from $157 million in the first quarter and $176 million last year.
Diluted earnings per share of $5.10, compared with $2.75 in the previous quarter and $3.14 last year.
Negative cash flow from operations of $595 million and capital expenditures of $15 million.
Management revised sales for 2024 upwards to a range of $14.3 to $14.7 billion, against analysts' initial forecast of around $11.5 billion, i.e. 26% above initial estimates. This would give YoY sales growth of 103%. For the third quarter, SMCI forecasts sales of between $3.7 and $4.1 billion.
These good results confirm our investment thesis on the stock, which entered MarketScreener Investor USA portfolio on February 17, 2023, with a latent performance of +426.13% before the opening on 01/30/2024.
However, gross margin has fallen compared with previous quarters and years. SMCI has used a significant amount of cash flow in its operations, showing that its business is still capital-intensive.
Supermicro continues to strengthen its market leadership with AI-optimized computing platforms and complete IT solutions. SMCI continues to win new partners and meet growing demand from existing customers. The company relies on innovation to gain market share. However, it is doubtful whether it will gain significant market share. This explosive growth and dazzling profitability is creating an air-raid for competitors who are already starting to step into the breach. This still nascent market is a mine of opportunities for the entire sector: Supermicro and its competitors alike.
Super Micro Computer, Inc. is an application-optimized Total IT solution provider. The Company is a provider of accelerated compute platforms that are comprised of application-optimized server and storage systems for a variety of markets, including enterprise data centers, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), fifth generation (5G) and edge computing. Its Total IT Solutions includes complete servers, storage systems, modular blade servers, blades, workstations, full rack scale solutions, networking devices, server sub-systems, server management and security software. It also provides global support and services to help its customers install, upgrade and maintain their computing infrastructure. Its product categories include servers & storage, building blocks, edge, embedded & telecom, networking, and workstations & gaming products. Its servers & storage includes Rackmount Servers, GPU Servers, Twin Servers and Storage Servers. It operates in the United States, Asia and Europe.
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