Nvidia, a leading manufacturer of graphics processors (GPUs) used in AI applications, continues to experience tremendous growth and profitability. The company reported a 171% increase in sales to $13.51 billion in its second fiscal quarter, with its gross margin expanding to an impressive 71.2%. Demand for Nvidia’s highest-end AI chip, the H100, remains strong among tech companies, and the company expects this high demand to continue into the next year. As a result, Nvidia’s stock rose over 6% after hours and has gained over 200% this year.
Nvidia’s success in the AI boom is unparalleled, as evidenced by its remarkable net income of $6.7 billion in the quarter, a 422% increase from the same period last year. Analysts are revising their price targets for Nvidia, with one raising it to $1,600, emphasizing that their previous estimates were too conservative. The company’s exceptional cash flow sets it apart from its top customers, who are heavily investing in AI infrastructure but have yet to see returns. Nvidia’s data center business, particularly in compute or AI chips, experienced impressive growth of 195% during the quarter.
Nvidia’s profitability is driven by various factors, including the sale of complex products that incorporate software, such as its AI software called Cuda. The company’s strategy also involves compiling its technology into sophisticated systems like the HGX box, which combines multiple H100 GPUs into a single computer. As cloud service providers opt for these comprehensive solutions, Nvidia’s H100 GPUs are often shipped as part of the larger HGX system. Overall, Nvidia’s dominance in the AI market and its ability to offer advanced and intricate products contribute to its continued success and growth.