Logos of Super Micro Computer are pictured at COMPUTEX Taipei, one of the world's largest computer and technology trade shows, in Taipei, Taiwan May 30, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Wang/ File Photo
(Reuters) - Super Micro Computer shares tumbled 12.3% in premarket trading on Wednesday as concerns over the high cost of producing AI server chips weighing on its profit forecast, eclipsing upbeat sales forecasts.
The company's fourth-quarter adjusted gross margin was 11.3%, compared with analysts' average estimate of 14.1%, according to LSEG data, as Super Micro grappled with higher supply chain costs and a tight inventory of key components.
CEO Charles Liang, however, reassured investors that margins would return to a normal range before the end of fiscal 2025 and reiterated its gross margin target in the range of 14% to 17%.
The company forecast current-quarter profit below Wall Street targets but expects first-quarter and annual sales above estimates.
Rival Dell Technologies, which makes AI PCs and AI servers, dropped 2.4%.
Other chipmakers, however, were broadly higher after taking a hammering recently on concerns over their lofty valuation in a slowing economy. Nvidia and Broadcom rose 1.2% and 1.4%, respectively.
Among the biggest beneficiaries of the AI boom, Super Micro's shares have more than doubled in value in 2024, making it the best performing S&P 500 stock up to Tuesday's close.
It trades 17.24 times its 12-months forward earnings estimates, compared to Dell's 11.07 multiple.
(Reporting by Medha Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)
