By Sam Boughedda
Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ:SMCI) shares tumbled more than 9% Tuesday after Spruce Point Capital released a report on the stock, issuing a "Strong Sell" opinion, saying it sees a 40% to 50% downside risk.
Short-selling investment research firm Spruce Point said it has "grave concerns" about the accuracy of SMCI's financial reporting and the sustainability of its recent stock price performance.
"SMCI and its CEO have a troubling history that recently resulted in delinquent filings, financial restatements, and a delisting of its shares," claims Spruce Point. "In 2020, the SEC levied a massive $17.5 million fine and ordered the return of $2.1 million by the CEO for unjust stock sales in what the SEC described as 'widespread accounting violations' tied to revenue and expense recognition."
They also argue that investors are chasing SMCI's "outlandish long-term revenue goals" even when they include related-party revenues and "come from a company with a troubling history known to aggressively push employees to record revenues without proper accounting controls."
The short-selling firm's biggest concern, however, is that SMCI has become reliant on Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), which they state is now a 22% customer. The firm adds that Meta itself is struggling and is "already reportedly suspending datacenter capital spending."