Micron (MU:NSD) is set to announce its fiscal fourth-quarter financial results after the closing bell on September 27. As anticipation builds, a spectrum of analysts have voiced their opinions on the memory and storage solutions provider. While many remain bullish on MU, concerns linger over potential impacts from the Chinese government’s ban on its products and the broader memory chip market’s slowdown. This article will highlight the influence of analyst’s optimistic stance on MU stock forecast.
Anticipating Q4 Results:
The Chinese government’s ban on Micron’s memory and storage chips has cast a shadow over the company’s earnings. With a significant presence in China, this development could weigh heavily on Micron’s top-line performance. Furthermore, the general slowdown in the memory chip market may exert additional pressure on the company’s results.
Wall Street’s consensus for Q4 reflects these challenges, with an expected loss of $1.15 per share compared to earnings of $1.45 per share in the prior year period. Revenue projections are equally sobering, with expectations of a 40.5% decline from the year-ago quarter, settling at $3.95 billion.
Analyst Insights for Q4 Earnings:
In the lead-up to the earnings release, several prominent Wall Street analysts have expressed their views on MU stock.
Buy Recommendations:
Four top analysts have maintained their Buy ratings on MU, underscoring their optimism. Aaron Rakers of Wells Fargo emphasizes the appealing risk/reward scenario and anticipates that management’s statements will boost confidence in the expected 2024 recovery.
Goldman Sachs Perspective:
Toshiya Hari, an analyst at Goldman Sachs, has reaffirmed a Buy rating and increased Micron’s price target to $85 from $80. Hari’s optimism stems from improving demand patterns and precise supply management, factors he believes will drive price increases, bolster margins, and lead to higher earnings per share (EPS). This, in turn, is anticipated to sustain the stock’s strong performance in the upcoming quarters. Hari also forecasts sequential growth of 15% in Dynamic RAM (DRAM) and 18% in NAND, accompanied by sequential declines of 5% and 15% in average selling prices, respectively.
Morgan Stanley’s Bearish View:
In contrast, Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore maintains a bearish stance with a Sell rating on MU stock. However, he has adjusted his price target to $58.50 from $46 due to pricing improvements. Moore raises concerns about oversupply issues in the market and believes that the stock’s $80 billion market cap already accounts for the highest expected cash flows.
MU Stock Forecast:
Based on MU forecasts from 25 analysts, the average analyst target price is $77.79 over the next 12 months. These analysts are generally bullish, with a consensus rating of ‘Strong Buy.’ Stock Target Advisor’s analysts are ‘Neutral,’ supported by 4 positive signals and 4 negative signals.
Recent Performance:
As of the last closing, the stock price stood at $67.94. Recent trends show a 3.92% decrease over the past week, a 6.62% rise over the past month, and a significant 38.99% increase over the past year.
Conclusion:
Micron’s impending Q4 earnings release has prompted a flurry of opinions from analysts. While some remain optimistic about the company’s future, concerns surrounding the Chinese ban and market dynamics loom large. As we await the official earnings report, investor sentiment remains a critical factor in MU’s journey, with a diverse range of viewpoints shaping the stock’s trajectory in the coming months.
