close
close

Could this move by Nvidia protect the company from Super Micro Computer's problems?

Could this move by Nvidia protect the company from Super Micro Computer's problems?

Super microcomputer (NASDAQ:SMCI) And Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) were both winners of this artificial intelligence (AI) boom. Nvidia makes graphics processing units (GPUs) and other related products and services, while Super Micro Computer, also known as Supermicro, integrates GPUs – those made by Nvidia and other chip designers – into its data center server systems. This led to triple-digit sales growth for both companies in recent quarters; The continued high demand is a positive sign for the future.

But lately, Supermicro has stumbled. A brief report in August alleged problems at the company, and at the same time, but unrelatedly, Supermicro delayed its 10-K annual report. A few weeks later, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Justice Department is investigating the company. Supermicro's problems deepened last month when the company's auditor, Ernst & Young, quit, citing concerns about the company's financial reporting.

Start your morning smarter! Wake up with Breakfast News in your inbox every market day. Register for free »

Now, given the relationship between the companies, it's natural for investors to be concerned about the impact of these issues on Nvidia. But could a specific move by Nvidia protect the company from Supermicro's problems? Let's find out.

An investor looks thoughtfully at a newspaper in an office.
Image source: Getty Images.

First, I'll talk about Supermicro's current situation in a little more detail, and then I'll talk about how the company is working with Nvidia. A brief report in late August sparked Supermicro's series of troubles, with Hindenburg Research denouncing several problems, including “glaring red flags in accounting.” Supermicro responded, calling the statements “false or inaccurate.”

Meanwhile, Supermicro delayed filing its 10-K annual report but informed customers and investors that it does not expect any material changes to its fourth-quarter numbers or full-year earnings. However, pressure remains on Supermicro to hit the 10-K mark: Nasdaq has sent the company a non-compliance letter due to the delay, and the company has until the end of this month to file a plan to regain compliance with listing rules or to submit. At this point, the company is at risk of delisting.

What The Wall Street Journal Reporting a possible Justice Department investigation, Supermicro declined to comment.

Finally, Ernst & Young resigned as Supermicro's auditor late last month. Ernst & Young stated that it could no longer rely on the representations of management and the audit committee and was unwilling to be associated with the financial statements prepared by management.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *