Super Micro Computer Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI) has encountered a rollercoaster ride in the stock market, experiencing volatile trading throughout last week with shares initially surging before sharply declining. The firm witnessed a drastic decline of -19.99% in its stock following an interview with the company’s CEO, Charles Liang on Friday.
The downward spiral began after SMCI’s stock closed Friday 25% below its all-time high, a peak reached just 8 hours prior. At its zenith, the company briefly boasted a remarkable $60 billion market capitalization, only to see a staggering loss of $15 billion in market cap within the same day.
The stock’s volatility was further accentuated as it became only the second stock in history to achieve a daily Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 97 or higher, before plummeting by 30 points shortly after.
Adding to the company’s woes, revelations surfaced regarding SMCI’s shipping practices, with reports indicating products being dispatched to unprepared customers under end-of-year pressures, raising questions about operational integrity.
The company’s troubles extend beyond operational missteps, with regulatory scrutiny intensifying. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2020 levied fines against SMCI for accounting fraud, while multiple ongoing class-action lawsuits further complicate its legal landscape.
Concerns regarding conflicts of interest have also emerged, with significant suppliers maintaining familial ties to Liang. This includes instances where he reportedly borrowed $12.9 million from family members to repay margin loans.
The tumultuous trajectory of Super Micro Computer’s stock dates back to November 15, 2022, when Wolf Hill Capital first brought attention to the company.
This fluctuation came as Wells Fargo initiated coverage of SMCI, assigning it an equal-weight rating. The move suggests that the current stock price already incorporates the anticipated benefits from the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, dampening the outlook for further rapid gains.
However, despite some caution from Wells Fargo, Barclays remains optimistic about SMCI’s potential. Barclays raised its price target for the company, highlighting SMCI’s strategic position within the AI ecosystem and its partnerships with industry giants like NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel.
Bank of America has also weighed in on SMCI’s prospects, giving the stock a “buy” rating. Analysts foresee SMCI benefiting significantly from the growing demand for AI-driven technologies.
Despite Friday’s trading, SMCI remains one of the hottest stocks in the AI sector, with substantial gains recorded in both 2023 and 2024. Liang’s wealth has quadrupled during this period, reaching an impressive $7.8 billion, reflecting the market’s confidence in SMCI’s performance.
Or at least it did. The equity has fallen a further 10% in trading today, and has traded as low as $692.50 – a sharp fall from grace from Friday’s high of $1,077.87.
Information for this briefing was found via the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
