Micron Technology, Inc. MU has delivered an extraordinary 685% gain over the past 12 months, easily outpacing the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector, which advanced 28.6% during the same period.
Micron is benefiting from one of the biggest changes in the semiconductor industry — the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI). AI servers need far more memory and bandwidth than traditional systems, driving demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM), advanced DRAM and data center solid-state drives (SSDs).
The AI boom has also lifted other semiconductor stocks, including Intel Corporation INTC, Marvell Technology, Inc. MRVL and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD. Over the past 12 months, shares of Intel, Marvell Technology and Advanced Micro Devices have soared 271.1%, 234.3% and 183.9%, respectively.
Micron One-Year Price Return Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Though the entire semiconductor industry has benefited from the AI boom, MU’s run has been exceptional. Such a massive rally naturally raises an important question: Can Micron stock continue to move higher after such a strong run?
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 despite a robust rally over the past year.
Micron Rides on Strong AI Memory Demand
AI is changing the memory industry, and Micron is one of the companies best positioned to benefit. Training and running advanced AI models requires significantly more memory capacity and bandwidth than conventional computing. As a result, demand is rising for HBM, DDR5 DRAM and high-performance data center SSDs — all important products in Micron’s portfolio.
The spending plans of major cloud companies add to this opportunity. Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet and Meta Platforms are expected to invest nearly $745 billion in capital expenditures in 2026, with a large portion directed toward AI infrastructure. This spending matters for Micron because AI servers require substantially more memory than traditional servers. As AI workloads grow larger and more complex, memory required per server should continue to increase.
Micron is also strengthening its position through new products. Its latest HBM solutions offer higher capacity, stronger performance and better power efficiency, making them well suited for AI accelerators. Demand has been particularly strong for HBM products. Micron has already sold out its HBM production for calendar year 2026, while a significant portion of its 2027 capacity has been reserved through long-term customer agreements.
As companies expand their use of AI, cloud computing and HPC, memory content per server should rise. This could provide Micron with a long runway for growth.
MU’s Strong Quarterly Results Strengthen the Bull Case
Micron’s financial results show just how powerful the current memory upcycle has become. In the third quarter of fiscal 2026, revenues surged 346% year over year to $41.46 billion. The company also signed 16 strategic customer agreements spanning the data center, consumer and automotive markets.
These agreements cover nearly 20% of expected DRAM volumes and about one-third of NAND volumes over the contract period. This provides Micron with additional revenue visibility while reducing some of the uncertainty typically associated with the memory business.
Micron is selling a higher mix of premium memory products, helping profits grow much faster than shipments. Non-GAAP earnings per share jumped to $25.11 in the third quarter from $1.91 a year earlier. Both revenues and earnings also came in well ahead of analysts’ expectations.
Micron Technology, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Micron Technology, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Micron Technology, Inc. Quote
The improvement in profitability is even more praiseworthy. Better DRAM and NAND pricing, stronger shipments and rising demand for AI-focused memory pushed Micron’s non-GAAP gross margin to 84.9% from 39% a year earlier. Non-GAAP operating income soared to $33.68 billion from $2.49 billion, while operating margin expanded to 81.2% from 26.8%.
These numbers highlight Micron’s strong pricing power and ability to convert booming AI demand into significantly higher earnings.
The company is also continuing to invest heavily in advanced manufacturing capacity and next-generation memory technologies. While these investments require significant capital, they should help Micron keep pace with demand and maintain its competitive position.
Micron Stock Still Looks Relatively Cheap
One of the biggest reasons investors should remain bullish on MU stock is its inexpensive valuation relative to its earnings growth potential. The company currently trades at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of just 12.94. This is far below the sector average of 20.65.
Micron Forward 12-Month P/E Ratio
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Micron Technology also trades at a discount to AI-focused semiconductor companies such as Advanced Micro Devices, Marvell Technology and NVIDIA despite operating in one of the fastest-growing segments of the chip industry. At present, Intel, Marvell Technology and Advanced Micro Devices trade at P/E multiples of 49.69, 39.69 and 37.53, respectively.
A lower valuation does not automatically make a stock a bargain. However, when it is supported by improving profitability and strong industry demand, it often creates an attractive buying opportunity. Micron fits that profile as it continues to benefit from the AI infrastructure spending cycle.
Conclusion: Micron Stock Is Still Worth Buying
Micron’s 685% one-year rally is enough to make many investors hesitant. After such a dramatic move, concerns about chasing the stock are understandable.
But looking beyond the share-price performance reveals a stronger fundamental story. Micron is benefiting from rising AI infrastructure spending, increasing memory content per server and strong demand for HBM. Its recent financial results show that this demand is already translating into substantial revenue and profit growth.
The valuation also remains relatively modest compared with many other AI-related semiconductor stocks. This gives Micron an unusual combination of strong growth, expanding margins and a relatively low earnings multiple. Considering all these factors, MU stock is still worth buying.
Currently, Micron carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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