Stocks

Super Micro Computer's Remarkable Growth: Can It Continue?

Published June 11, 2024

Super Micro Computer (SMCI) has made headlines by reporting a groundbreaking $3 billion quarter, showcasing the company's impressive growth. This company, which has been in business for three decades, has experienced a surge in its financial performance in the last few years, largely thanks to the booming artificial intelligence (AI) industry. Super Micro provides crucial components such as servers, workstations, and full rack systems for AI applications, positioning itself at the forefront of this technological field.

Impressive Stock Performance

Super Micro's success is reflected in its stock performance, with shares rising by 170% within a single year. Over the past five years, the stock has witnessed a staggering increase exceeding 4,000%, rewarding long-term investors handsomely. Investors may question whether Super Micro's stock still holds value after such a dramatic increase. The company's foray into AI has undoubtedly paid off, but the key question remains: Is Super Micro still a worthwhile investment?

The Key to Super Micro's Success

The secret behind Super Micro’s success lies in its ability to rapidly provide precise, customized solutions for its customers. The company employs a 'building blocks' system in its product design, which incorporates common parts across its range. This modularity enables rapid updates and adaptation to specific client needs. Collaborating closely with leading chip designers like Nvidia and Intel allows Super Micro to integrate the newest innovations into its offerings soon after they are released. As a result, new launches by significant chip designers tend to lead to a spike in orders for Super Micro's products.

Outpacing the Industry

Due to its effective business strategy, Super Micro has grown five times faster than the industry average in the last year. To sustain this impressive growth, the company has expanded its production both locally in Silicon Valley and internationally, with new facilities such as the one in Malaysia focusing on high volume and lower production costs. The company's most recent earnings report reveals ongoing strong demand for its AI rack scale direct liquid cooling (DLC) systems, which employ the latest chips from Nvidia, Intel, and Advanced Micro Devices. With the increasing need for efficient cooling in large data centers, Super Micro expects significant growth from its innovative DLC technology.

Assessing the Investment Potential

Looking into the future, Super Micro appears to be solidly positioned for continued growth, trading at 32 times forward earnings estimates—a reasonable valuation for a profitable growth stock in a leading market position. The AI market is projected to reach massive sizes in the coming years, suggesting that demand for Super Micro's products could stay strong. With optimism from the company’s CEO Charles Liang about ongoing expansion, Super Micro's growth trajectory may continue, supporting its investment appeal for years to come.

SuperMicro, AI, Investment