SMCI

Super Micro Computer shares are trading sharply lower on Friday for an odd reason: The artificial-intelligence hardware company appears to have decided not to preannounce its financial results for the March quarter.

In seven of the past eight quarters, Super Micro issued a press release announcing preliminary results ahead of its routine earnings release, generally ratcheting up financial guidance. For instance, in January, 11 days ahead of earnings, the company sharply increased its outlook for sales and earnings.

But not this time. And that has made investors nervous that the company's results might simply be in line with expectations, or worse.

On Friday morning, 11 days ahead of the earnings, the company issued a press release that simply set the date for the earnings announcement: April 30.