NVIDIA’s Earnings in Q2 2025 Show Strong Growth, But Gross Margin Concerns Loom

August 29, 2024

  • NVIDIA’s Q2 2025 revenue surged to $30 billion, exceeding expectations by $1.3 billion.
  • Gross margin dipped to 75.7%, raising concerns about profitability amidst rising costs.
  • Blackwell delays were less severe than anticipated, with strong revenue contributions expected in Q4 2025

NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) continues to impress with its robust revenue growth, yet the latest earnings report has left some investors cautiously optimistic due to a slightly weaker-than-expected gross margin outlook. While the company’s overall financial performance exceeded most expectations, the dip in gross margins might raise eyebrows for those closely watching the semiconductor giant’s profitability.

Breaking Down the Earnings Report

NVIDIA’s Q2 2025 revenue hit an impressive $30 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $28.7 billion. Non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) also beat expectations, coming in at $0.68 per share compared to the forecasted $0.65. This marks a 122% year-on-year (yoy) revenue increase, solidifying NVIDIA’s position as a powerhouse in the semiconductor industry.

However, the company’s gross margin dipped to 75.7%, down from 78.9% in the previous quarter. The decline is partly attributed to higher costs associated with new products and suboptimal yields from the Blackwell inventory. Management has revised its gross margin outlook for the fiscal year, now expecting it to stabilize in the mid-70s range, which suggests a further decline in the upcoming quarters.

On the brighter side, demand for NVIDIA’s Hopper architecture remains strong, and despite fears of delays, the Blackwell product line is expected to contribute significantly to the company’s revenue in the next quarter. The gaming and automotive segments also reported better-than-expected growth, with gaming revenue growing 9% quarter-on-quarter (qoq) and automotive revenue up by 5%.

Key Takeaways for Investors

  1. Revenue Growth Remains Strong: NVIDIA’s topline momentum is expected to continue well into 2025, driven by strong demand across various segments, including Data Center and Gaming. The company’s ability to outpace competitors, especially in the AI and cloud computing markets, is a significant advantage.
  2. Gross Margin Concerns: The decline in gross margins is a point of concern. Investors should monitor how management addresses the cost challenges associated with new product lines, particularly as the Blackwell inventory ramps up. The stabilization of gross margins will be critical in maintaining investor confidence.
  3. Blackwell Delays Better Than Expected: While there were concerns about potential delays in the Blackwell product line, management’s outlook is positive. The expected ramp-up in the fourth quarter could alleviate some worries, but supply chain issues and competition remain risks.
  4. Valuation Considerations: NVIDIA is currently trading at a 42x forward price-earnings ratio, which is within its 5-year range but on the higher side. The elevated valuation suggests that much of the growth is already priced in, and any hiccups in execution could lead to volatility in the stock price.

Is It a Good Time to Invest?

For long-term investors, NVIDIA’s growth story remains compelling, particularly given its dominance in AI and the potential for further gains in the Data Center and Automotive segments. However, the high valuation and gross margin concerns suggest that the stock may be vulnerable to short-term fluctuations.

If you’re considering investing, it might be wise to keep an eye on the next few quarters, particularly the company’s ability to manage costs and maintain its competitive edge. The strong revenue growth is promising, but profitability will be key in determining NVIDIA’s long-term success.

Risks to Watch Out For

  • Inventory Management: As NVIDIA ramps up production, managing inventory efficiently will be crucial. Any missteps could lead to excess inventory, which could weigh on margins.
  • Competition: The semiconductor space is highly competitive, with potential threats from in-house solutions developed by major cloud providers and other semiconductor firms.
  • Market Volatility: Given the current high valuation, NVIDIA’s stock could be susceptible to market corrections or investor sentiment shifts, particularly if future earnings reports show signs of margin compression or slower-than-expected growth.

In conclusion, while NVIDIA’s growth trajectory is impressive, investors should approach with a balanced perspective, weighing the potential for continued revenue growth against the risks posed by margin pressures and market competition.

Disclaimer: ProsperUs Head of Content & Investment Lead Billy Toh doesn’t own shares of any companies mentioned.

Billy Toh

Billy is deeply committed to making investment accessible and understandable to everyone, a principle that drives his engagement with the capital markets and his long-term investment strategies. He is currently the Head of Content & Investment Lead for Prosperus and a SGX Academy Trainer. His extensive experience spans roles as an economist at RHB Investment Bank, focusing on the Thailand and Philippines markets, and as a financial journalist at The Edge Malaysia. Additionally, his background includes valuable time spent in an asset management firm. Outside of finance, Billy enjoys meaningful conversations over coffee, keeps fit as a fitness enthusiast, and has a keen interest in technology.

Share this

Subscribe to our weekly
newsletter and stay updated!