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Foxconn to Report Higher Q4 Profit Driven by AI Server Demand

Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer, is expected to announce on Friday a 2.35% rise in its fourth-quarter profit, driven by robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI) servers. Net profit for the period from October to December is anticipated to reach T$54.4 billion ($1.65 billion), according to a consensus estimate of 15 analysts, up from T$53.15 billion in the same period last year.

In January, Foxconn reported a 15.2% increase in fourth-quarter revenue, reaching a record level for that quarter, with much of the growth attributed to AI server sales. The company, officially known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, has forecast stronger-than-average performance for the first quarter, predicting substantial year-over-year growth, though it has refrained from offering specific financial guidance.

However, the company’s outlook remains clouded by the ongoing global trade war, which poses challenges for Foxconn as it operates major manufacturing facilities in China and Mexico—two countries that have faced increased import tariffs from the U.S. under President Donald Trump.

In addition, Apple announced last month that it would collaborate with Foxconn to build a 250,000-square-foot facility in Houston, which will assemble servers designed for data centers that power Apple Intelligence.

Despite these gains, Foxconn’s shares have dropped 8.7% this year, largely due to concerns over trade policies and the effects of U.S. tariffs.

The company’s earnings call will take place at 3 p.m. in Taipei (0700 GMT) on Friday, during which it will provide an update on its outlook for the remainder of the year.

Super Micro to File Delayed Annual Report by February Deadline, Shares Rise

Super Micro Computer (SMCI.O) announced on Tuesday that it expects to file its delayed annual and quarterly reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by the February 25 deadline, leading to an 8% surge in its shares after hours. The server maker had previously missed the deadline for its 10-K report after receiving subpoenas from the U.S. Department of Justice and the SEC, following short-seller Hindenburg Research’s allegations of “accounting manipulation” in August. Super Micro confirmed that it is cooperating with the authorities’ requests for documents.

The company, based in San Jose, California, also reduced its revenue forecast for fiscal 2025 due to delays in the availability of Nvidia’s (NVDA.O) Blackwell processors, a key component for its AI server systems. While the delay in filing the report was a “distraction,” Super Micro’s financial chief, David Weigand, explained that the primary issue was the delay in technology availability. Despite the challenges, Super Micro announced the full production availability of its AI server systems powered by Nvidia’s Blackwell chips last week.

Super Micro, a beneficiary of the growing demand for advanced data center infrastructure to support generative AI, now faces increasing competition from rivals like Dell (DELL.N) and HP Enterprise (HPE.N). The company has revised its fiscal 2025 net sales forecast to a range of $23.5 billion to $25 billion, down from its previous projection of $26 billion to $30 billion. The midpoint of this forecast, $24.25 billion, falls below analysts’ expectation of $24.92 billion.

For the third quarter, Super Micro is projecting net sales of $5 billion to $6 billion, lower than analysts’ estimate of $6.09 billion. In December, the company was removed from the Nasdaq-100 Index after missing its initial deadline for filing the 10-K report, though it received an extension until February 25.

Infineon Stock Surges 11% on Strong Guidance and Auto Sector Demand

Infineon shares soared 11% after the German semiconductor company raised its full-year revenue outlook and posted quarterly results that exceeded expectations. The positive guidance sets Infineon apart from other chipmakers in the automotive and industrial sectors, many of which have fallen short of forecasts.

At 08:15 GMT, Infineon stock was leading the German blue-chip index (.GDAXI) and was on pace for its best performance since May. Analysts welcomed the news, with Juergen Wagner from Stifel noting that Infineon’s outlook contrasts with the more disappointing results seen across the sector.

Charter Equity Research analyst Jack Egan highlighted that the company’s forecast for flat-to-slightly higher automotive revenue in fiscal year 2025 alleviates concerns about weakening demand in the sector. Additionally, Infineon’s Power & Sensor segment is expected to show significant growth, likely driven by demand for its artificial intelligence (AI) server products.

CEO Jochen Hanebeck acknowledged that demand recovery would be gradual, following an expected reduction in inventory. However, the company remains optimistic about its performance over the fiscal year, which runs through September.

For the second quarter, Infineon projected revenue of €3.6 billion ($3.7 billion), surpassing the company-provided analyst consensus of €3.42 billion.