Super Micro surges 13% after raising revenue outlook on AI demand

Super Micro Computer's (NASDAQ: SMCI) stock soared by 13% in early trading following the announcement that the server manufacturer has raised its first-quarter revenue forecast. This boost is attributed to the surging demand for artificial intelligence data centers. The company now anticipates preliminary revenue to range between $18.5 billion and $19.5 billion for the quarter ending on September 30, compared to the previously forecasted range of $14.5 billion to $15.5 billion.

This revised number exceeds analysts' consensus estimate of $14.99 billion. Mizuho analysts attribute this growth to a surge in server demand and the benefits of "agentic AI tailwinds." In addition to raising its fiscal first-quarter revenue outlook, Super Micro also revised its gross margin outlook from a previously expected 10.4% to 10.8% to a range of 12.0% to 12.5%.

This improvement is primarily attributed to a more favorable customer and product mix. The company's positive outlook provides reassurance to investors, especially after Super Micro previously warned that its fiscal fourth-quarter revenue would be near the low end of its forecast. The rapid expansion of AI data centers has raised concerns in recent days, fueled by worries over heavy debt-fueled spending and higher borrowing costs.

Shares of AI data center-related companies, such as neocloud CoreWeave and cloud computing giant Oracle, have seen a decline over the past week. Super Micro recently appointed its former Western Digital executive, Mark Long, as its new Chief Financial Officer. The company will disclose its full results on November 3.