Micron Technology Set to Report Q4 Results Amid AI Boom
Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) is set to report its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings after the market closes on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. The report comes at a crucial time for the memory chip maker, as it navigates a complex landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) opportunities and persistent challenges in traditional markets.
Micron Earnings Expectations and Financial Outlook
Analysts are anticipating a significant turnaround for Micron in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. Revenue is expected to nearly double year-over-year, reaching $7.65 billion, representing a more than 90% increase from the prior-year quarter.
The company is projected to swing from a loss to a profit, with analysts forecasting earnings per share (EPS) of $1.11, compared to a loss per share of $1.07 in the same quarter last year. This translates to an expected net income of $1 billion, a stark contrast to the $1.43 billion loss reported a year earlier.
Looking ahead, the consensus for Micron’s fiscal first quarter of 2025 is even more optimistic, with analysts projecting revenue of $8.4 billion and EPS of $1.45. These expectations underscore the growing confidence in Micron’s ability to capitalize on emerging trends, particularly in the AI sector.
What to Look Out for in Micron’s Q4 Results?
As investors and analysts prepare for Micron’s earnings report, several key areas are drawing attention. Inventory levels remain a concern, with the company grappling with growing stockpiles. However, Citi analysts suggest that this inventory buildup could ease by year-end.
Demand signals across different end markets will be closely watched, with Morgan Stanley analysts noting “persistently weak demand across all end markets except AI.”
The AI sector emerges as a bright spot for Micron, with the company’s high-bandwidth memory (HBM) offerings expected to drive growth. However, challenges persist in the non-AI PC and smartphone markets, potentially leading to near-term pricing pressures.
Despite these headwinds, Micron has a track record of outperforming expectations, having exceeded analysts’ earnings forecasts in seven of the past nine quarters.
In the stock market, Micron shares have gained about 10% year-to-date, reflecting cautious optimism among investors. Options traders are pricing in a potential 9.82% move following the earnings report, indicating heightened market interest in the company’s performance and outlook.
Disclaimer: The author does not hold or have a position in any securities discussed in the article.