Super Micro Computer: Selling To Someone Other Than The Hyperscalers Finally Paid

Deep Value Investing 14.31K Followers Follow Summary Super Micro Computer, Inc. is going through a customer diversification phase, which is clearly visible in the significant jump in gross margins. Non-GAAP gross margin printed at 17.6%, more than double the original guide from FQ3. That said, next quarter's guide drops straight back to 10.4%-10.8%. SMCI booked over $60B in new orders, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio above 5x, but it faces inventory risk if orders are canceled. Liang told analysts SMCI believes its current cash flow can support the $65–72 billion revenue guide, while materially higher growth (he cited $80 billion or more) could require additional funding. Overall, I upgrade SMCI to a Buy, mainly on the gross margin improvement and the growth fueled by that $60B order book. Oselote/iStock via Getty Images Super Micro Computer, Inc. ( SMCI ), aka Supermicro, seems to be outgrowing its old identity as a company that ships boxes full of Nvidia Corporation ( NVDA ) chips to hyperscalers. This quarter's pitch appears to This article was written by Deep Value Investing 14.31K Followers Follow Thematic. Top down. I often find the theme before I find the stock. My philosophy is that themes are often born quiet and die loud. I try to catch them while they're still finding their voice. When the music plays, I mainly chase pockets that rhyme with growth, momentum, perception shifts, and sometimes even the most absurd narratives (mostly AI-related). When the music slows and the tape deteriorates, I don't wait around. I raise cash/rotate out, and watch for the next setup. A parabolic run may trigger a similar move. During a bull run, you won't find much common ground between the deep value crowd and me. I liked the core ideas of deep value investors, and I briefly followed that philosophy. However, it demands patience, and the AI supercycle broke whatever patience I had left. The market changed, and so did I. My style is not set in stone. I’m mostly long when the music is playing. When it stops/slows down, I may dabble with shorts via put options, although it’s not my forte. My style is highly speculative. I have a high risk tolerance that most rational investors would find alarming. I don’t have a favorite timeframe. That said, I trade mostly the mid-term and the short-term. I have a pathetic low six-digit portfolio, and I consider myself part of the mid to low end of the K-shaped economy. It sometimes drops to the five-digit range when life has other plans. I've been in the game since mid 2024, although my first dabbles with stocks (i.e., burning $100 trading accounts in a matter of days) go back to the early/mid 2010s. I have a B.Sc. in aeronautical engineering and experience as a consultant in the aerospace sector. The latter statement is not relevant to my investment style, but I thought to add it for self-indulgent purposes. I live on the wrong side of the Atlantic. The opening bell is my lunch bell. I like astrology, so I’m a follower of technical analysis (mainly trends and support/resistance/psychological levels). I also look at the fundamentals of individual names, although the theme and the macro often prevail in my decision-making. I dislike empty suits, high-level BS, deep-level BS (especially), unnecessary jargon, and self-indulgent, third-person written introductions with an air of superiority. Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of DELL either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. I am not a registered investment adviser, broker, dealer, or tax professional. This article, including any comments or replies I post, reflects my personal opinions only and is provided for informational and educational purposes. Nothing I write is investment, legal, tax, or financial advice, or a personalized recommendation to buy, sell, hold, or short any security. My views may change without notice. Nothing I write is tailored to any reader’s objectives, financial situation, risk tolerance, or portfolio. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Readers should conduct their own research and consult a qualified professional before making investment decisions. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.