Supermicro Shares Plunge Again. Time to Buy the Dip or Stay Away?

Supermicro Computer (SMCI) shares have taken a nosedive once again, with the stock plummeting 17.7% intraday on Thursday, November 5, 2024. This latest decline follows a series of setbacks, including the resignation of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company's auditor and an ongoing Department of Justice (DoJ) investigation. Investors are left wondering: is now the time to buy the dip, or should they steer clear of Supermicro?


Supermicro's recent woes began with the resignation of EY, which cited "information that has recently come to our attention" and reputational risks as reasons for stepping back from the role. This news, coupled with the DoJ investigation into the company's accounting practices, has spooked investors and led to coverage suspensions and ratings downgrades from analysts like Needham and Argus.


The DoJ investigation, initiated following a critical report by Hindenburg Research, has raised concerns about Supermicro's accounting practices and related party transactions. This probe, combined with EY's resignation, has made it challenging for investors to assess and value the company along traditional lines. Supermicro's upcoming quarterly results could also be unaudited, further eroding investor confidence.

While Supermicro's products, such as high-performance servers and storage solutions, are in high demand, particularly in the artificial intelligence (AI) market, the company's accounting issues and potential reputational risks may outweigh its growth prospects. Investors should consider these factors before deciding to buy the dip.


Instead of speculating on volatile tech stocks like Supermicro, investors may want to consider more stable, income-focused investments. For example, the Cohen & Steers Quality Income Realty Fund (RQI) offers stable yields and potential for capital gains, while the XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust (XFLT) provides diversification and adaptability. Additionally, reliable income-generating investments like Scotiabank offer high dividends and institutional stability.

In conclusion, Supermicro's recent stock price decline is a result of serious accounting concerns and an ongoing DoJ investigation. While the company's products are in demand, investors should be cautious about buying the dip. Instead, they may want to explore more stable, income-focused investments that offer consistent, inflation-protected income, particularly for retirement portfolios. By focusing on sectors that generate stable profits and cash flows, investors can build a more resilient and sustainable portfolio.