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Micron Rallies 315% in a Year: Is the Stock Still Worth Buying?

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Key Takeaways

  • MU shares surged 315% over the past year, far outpacing the broader Computer and Technology sector.
  • Micron Technology benefits from AI and HPC demand, with DRAM, NAND and HBM3E memory gaining traction.
  • MU posted strong Q1 results and trades at a lower forward P/E than major semiconductor peers.

Micron Technology, Inc. (MU - Free Report) has delivered a robust 314.8% gain over the past 12 months. This performance easily beats the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector, which rose 20.6% in the same period.

Micron Technology has been a key beneficiary of the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, which has driven strong demand for its memory chips. The ongoing AI boom has also benefited other semiconductor players, including Intel Corporation (INTC - Free Report) , Amphenol Corporation (APH - Free Report) and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD - Free Report) . In the trailing 12 months, shares of Intel, Amphenol and Advanced Micro Devices have soared 148.7%, 81.7% and 74.1%, respectively.

Micron Technology One-Year Price Return Performance

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

As the demand for memory solutions supporting AI and high-performance computing (HPC) is likely to remain strong, MU is well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. This makes the stock a more attractive investment option at present.

Industry Trends Aid Micron’s Prospects

Micron Technology sits at the heart of several transformative tech trends. Its exposure to AI, high-performance data centers, autonomous vehicles and industrial IoT uniquely positions the company for sustainable long-term growth. As AI adoption accelerates, the demand for advanced memory solutions like DRAM and NAND is soaring. Micron Technology’s investments in next-generation DRAM and 3D NAND ensure it remains competitive in delivering the performance needed for modern computing.

The company’s diversification strategy is also yielding positive results. Micron Technology has created a more stable revenue base by shifting its focus away from the more volatile consumer electronics market and toward resilient verticals, such as automotive and enterprise IT. This balance enhances its ability to weather cyclical downturns, a critical trait in the semiconductor space.

Micron Technology is also riding on a strong wave in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) demand. Its HBM3E products are attracting significant interest for their superior energy efficiency and bandwidth, which are ideal for AI workloads.

In 2025, NVIDIA confirmed that Micron Technology is a core HBM supplier for its GeForce RTX 50 Blackwell GPUs, signaling deep integration in the AI supply chain. Its under-construction HBM advanced packaging facility in Singapore, set to launch this year with further expansion in 2027, underscores the company’s commitment to scaling production for AI-driven markets.

Micron’s Resilient Financial Performance

Despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges, geopolitical issues, and trade and tariff wars, Micron Technology’s financials remain rock solid. The memory chip maker kicked off fiscal 2026 on a strong note by reporting overwhelming first-quarter results.

In the first quarter, revenues jumped 57% year over year to $13.64 billion, while non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) rose 167% to $4.78. The top and bottom lines surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.26% and 22.25%, respectively.

Micron Technology reported a non-GAAP gross margin of 56.8%, a robust improvement from 39.5% in the year-ago quarter. Non-GAAP operating income increased to $6.42 billion from $2.39 billion in the year-ago quarter. Non-GAAP operating margin expanded to 47% from 27.5%, reflecting the company’s ability to convert strong revenue growth into bottom-line gains.

Micron Technology, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Micron Technology, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Micron Technology, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Micron Technology, Inc. Quote

Analysts’ expectations for fiscal 2026 depict continued growth momentum for Micron Technology. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 revenues and EPS calls for year-over-year growth of 96.1% and 296.9%, respectively. The consensus mark for fiscal 2026 EPS has been revised upward by 14 cents over the past 30 days.

Low Valuation Supports a Buy Strategy for MU

Despite its strong growth, MU stock still looks reasonably priced. It trades at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 10.24, which is significantly lower than the sector average of 25.06. This discount adds to the appeal for long-term investors.

Micron Technology Forward 12-Month P/E Ratio

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Compared with other major semiconductor players, Micron Technology has a lower P/E multiple than Intel, Advanced Micro Devices and Amphenol. At present, Intel, Advanced Micro Devices and Amphenol trade at P/E multiples of 88.55, 30.05 and 29.36, respectively.

Given its exposure to AI growth, Micron Technology’s relative valuation strengthens the case for buying the stock.

Final Thoughts: Buy MU Stock for Now

Micron Technology’s fundamentals remain strong, and its position in the AI-driven memory market is well-established. The company offers compelling long-term growth potential, maintains a disciplined approach to innovation and trades at a discount relative to major semiconductor players. Considering these factors, it is prudent to accumulate MU stock.

Currently, Micron Technology sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

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