Super Micro Computer (SMCI), or Supermicro, is in the spotlight after announcing a massive $20 billion partnership with Saudi Arabian data center giant DataVolt. The news sent SMCI soaring, with the stock rising over 15% in morning trade on Wednesday, May 14. This significant deal not only boosts Supermicro’s growth prospects but also arrives at a crucial time, offering investors a reason to reconsider the stock despite recent struggles.

The multi-year agreement will see Supermicro supply ultra-dense GPU platforms and rack systems for DataVolt’s hyperscale AI campuses in Saudi Arabia and the United States. More importantly, the partnership allows Supermicro to expand its manufacturing capabilities while deepening its strategic ties in the global AI infrastructure market.

This announcement couldn’t have been more timely for a company that has faced intense scrutiny lately. Supermicro’s stock had been under considerable pressure due to a combination of negative headlines and disappointing financial results. Allegations of accounting manipulation, operational challenges, and a delayed annual filing had all weighed heavily on investor sentiment. The company avoided Nasdaq delisting by finally submitting its financials, but subsequent earnings results further pressured the stock.

Supermicro’s fiscal third-quarter results were a letdown, with revenues of $4.6 billion falling short of expectations. Management pointed to a pause in customer purchasing decisions as buyers hesitated between Nvidia’s (NVDA) Hopper GPUs and the next-generation Blackwell platform. This delay in AI infrastructure spending forced Supermicro to trim its full-year revenue guidance to a range of $21.8 billion to $22.6 billion, down from an earlier projection of $23.5 billion to $25 billion.

Despite these setbacks, the DataVolt partnership injects a fresh wave of optimism into Supermicro’s growth story. The deal reflects the robust demand for AI-driven GPU solutions and positions Supermicro as a key player in the global data center buildout. For investors, the long-term opportunity in AI infrastructure remains compelling, even if short-term uncertainties persist.

Supermicro’s business is aligned with the secular growth trends in AI computing. Today, AI GPU platforms contribute over 70% of the company’s total revenue, driven by strong demand from enterprise clients and cloud service providers. To meet this demand, Supermicro continues ramping production of its Data Center Building Block Solutions (DCBBS), offering superior efficiency, lower power and water usage, and faster deployment for next-generation GPU systems.

A significant part of Supermicro’s edge comes from its leadership in green computing. The company’s advanced direct liquid cooling (DLC) technology has been a game-changer for data center efficiency. Last year, Supermicro shipped a significant number of high-power AI racks equipped with DLC technology. Its second-generation DLC-2 promises even better performance, further cementing Supermicro’s competitive advantage in the sustainable AI infrastructure market.

The company is also expanding its AI product portfolio and will offer the latest AI platforms from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Nvidia. This broadening portfolio ensures Supermicro remains at the forefront of AI infrastructure innovation, positioning it to capture future growth opportunities.

On the global front, Supermicro is aggressively scaling its footprint. A new campus in Malaysia has begun shipping products, while facilities in Taiwan and Europe are ramping up operations. The company is also expanding its U.S. manufacturing capabilities to support key partners and government initiatives, fortifying its logistics network amid a challenging macroeconomic backdrop.

Is SMCI Stock a Buy or a Sell?

Supermicro has found itself at the heart of the AI infrastructure boom. Yet, recent market volatility and cautious spending from enterprise customers are casting a shadow over its near-term growth. Investors have seen the stock take a significant hit from its highs, raising concerns about its immediate prospects. However, stepping back from the noise, Supermicro’s long-term prospects remain solid. 

While analysts maintain a “Hold,” the company’s leadership in DLC technology gives it a crucial edge as demand for energy-efficient AI data centers continues to rise. With a robust product pipeline and an aggressive global expansion strategy, Supermicro is well-positioned to capture a sizable share of the AI infrastructure market. These strengths suggest that SMCI stock is a solid long-term investment. 

In the end, Supermicro’s $20 billion partnership with DataVolt could be the catalyst that reignites its growth trajectory and restores investor confidence.