Can Anything Save Super Micro Computer?
What is going on at Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ: SMCI)?
Shares of the once high-flying artificial intelligence (AI) server company have collapsed after a growing scandal has enveloped the business.
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This timeline shows how the story has unfolded:
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Aug. 27: In a short-seller report, Hindenburg Research accuses the company of accounting manipulation, self-dealing, sanctions evasion, and channel stuffing. The stock plunges.
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Aug. 28: Supermicro files notice that it’s unable to submit its 10-K in a timely manner. At the time, it said it needed more time to “complete its assessment of the effectiveness of its internal controls over financial reporting.” It also said it didn’t anticipate any changes to the fiscal 2024 results it had reported on Aug. 6.
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Sept. 3: Supermicro sends a letter to customers and partners, reasserting it didn’t anticipate material changes to its fiscal 2024 results. It also called the short-seller report false and inaccurate while reminding customers that recent events don’t impact its products.
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Sept. 20: Supermicro says it received a letter from Nasdaq saying it was out of compliance because of its late 10-K filing. The company has 60 days to regain compliance or submit a plan for doing so.
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Sept. 26: The Wall Street Journal reports the Justice Department is investigating Super Micro Computer, apparently in response to accusations from a former employee about accounting violations.
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Oct. 30: Supermicro says its auditing firm, Ernst & Young (EY), has resigned. In July, EY had communicated concerns about Supermicro’s financial reporting, warning that a timely filing of the 10-K was at risk. EY ultimately told the company it couldn’t rely on management’s representations and is unwilling to be associated with the financial statements prepared by the company.
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Nov. 5: Supermicro reports preliminary fiscal 2025 first-quarter earnings, missing estimates. The stock tumbles further.
Supermicro reported preliminary first-quarter results, and the numbers were both incomplete and below expectations. It said revenue would fall in the range of $5.9 billion to $6.0 billion, below its previous guidance of $6.0 billion to $7.0 billion. On the bottom line, it expects adjusted earnings per share of $0.75 to $0.76, at the middle of its previous range of $0.67 to $0.83.
For the fiscal second quarter, management sees revenue falling sequentially to $5.5 billion to $6.1 billion with adjusted earnings per share of $0.56 to $0.65.
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