Super Micro Computer(SMCI) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 fiscal year 2026 revenue was $5 billion, down 15% year-over-year and down 13% quarter-over-quarter, compared to guidance of $6 billion-$7 billion [15] - Non-GAAP gross margin for Q1 was 9.5% versus 9.6% in Q4 [17] - GAAP diluted EPS was $0.26 compared to guidance of $0.30-$0.42, and non-GAAP diluted EPS was $0.35 versus guidance of $0.40-$0.52 [18] - Cash flow used in operations for Q1 was $918 million compared to cash flow generated from operations of $864 million in the prior quarter [18] - Q1 closing inventory was $5.7 billion, up from $4.7 billion in Q4 [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - AI GPU platforms represented over 75% of Q1 revenues, continuing to be the key growth driver [15] - Enterprise channel revenues totaled $1.5 billion, representing 31% of revenues, down from 36% in the prior quarter [15] - OEM appliance and large data center segment revenues were $3.4 billion, representing 68% of Q1 revenues, up from 63% in the last quarter [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - By geography, the U.S. represented 37% of Q1 revenues, Asia 46%, Europe 14%, and the rest of the world 3% [16] - Year-over-year, U.S. revenues decreased 57%, while Asia grew 143% [16] - Asia's growth was attributed to a U.S.-based customer opening a large data center in Asia [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leading the AI growth trend with innovative solutions, including the DCBBS [7] - The DCBBS is critical for future success, enabling rapid planning, design, and deployment of AI-ready data centers [9] - The company is executing an aggressive global expansion, with new production facilities in Taiwan, the Netherlands, Malaysia, and soon the Middle East [11] - The long-term goal is to expand revenues in higher margin segments such as data center building block solutions and software service offerings [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects to ship at least $10.5 billion in the December quarter, with a full-year revenue outlook raised to at least $36 billion [14][22] - The company anticipates a sequential growth through fiscal 2026, driven by strong demand for AI infrastructure [14] - Management acknowledged the challenges of ramping production and the complexities of new GPU racks impacting revenue timing [8][15] Other Important Information - The company executed a $1.8 billion AR facility to strengthen working capital [19] - The Q1 cash conversion cycle was 123 days, up from 96 days in Q4 [19] - Capital expenditures for Q1 totaled $32 million, resulting in negative free cash flow of $950 million for the quarter [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the increased revenue guidance? - Management indicated that the availability of NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra chipsets is a key driver for increased revenue guidance, alongside market share expansion [26] Question: When will DCBBS impact gross margins? - DCBBS has received positive feedback, and management expects it to ramp up quickly, contributing to higher profit margins in the future [28] Question: What components contribute to the strong order outlook? - The strong order outlook is driven by GPU products like Blackwell Ultra and AMD MI350, along with a focus on providing end-to-end data center solutions [32] Question: Is there conservatism in the revenue guidance? - Management confirmed that the revenue guidance is conservative, with expectations for continued growth as capacity and technology mature [42] Question: How is the company managing working capital? - The company has implemented an accounts receivable sale program to enhance working capital flexibility, especially as revenues double [56] Question: What is the status of the Malaysia plant? - The Malaysia plant is starting to ramp up production and is expected to contribute significantly going forward [51] Question: How does the company plan to improve margins? - Management is focused on leveraging additional business, expanding manufacturing in various geographies, and enhancing DCBBS strategies to improve margins [75]