Micron Shares Pull Back for Two Days as USITC Launches DRAM Patent Probe; Citi Defies Trend to Raise Target Price to $1,300

TradingKey - On September 24 Eastern Time, Micron (MU) saw its stock price pull back for two consecutive days after setting a recent high of $1,100.

It is reported that the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to launch an investigation into dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) products involving Micron Technology, as well as multiple server manufacturers using such chips in their products.

Micron Technology stock chart, Source: TradingView

The USITC stated that the investigation is based on a complaint filed on behalf of Netlist, a memory vendor headquartered in Irvine, California. The complaint alleges that certain DRAM devices and products containing such devices were imported and sold in the U.S., infringing Netlist's patents and violating U.S. federal tariff laws. In addition to Micron Technology, the USITC will also investigate server manufacturers Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Super Micro Computer (SMCI), and Lenovo Group.

The USITC said the case will be referred to an administrative law judge, who will schedule and hold a hearing and make an initial determination on whether there is a violation of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930.

However, Citi also expects Micron's stock price to have further upside before the SEMICON West conference and raised its price target from $1,150 to $1,300. The bank believes that DRAM price performance has exceeded previous expectations, and coupled with continued strong AI demand, there remains upside potential for Micron's performance and guidance in the coming quarters.

Citi also raised its financial forecasts for Micron's August and November quarters, mainly due to higher blended DRAM selling prices than previously expected. Citi currently expects Micron's fourth fiscal quarter revenue to reach $51 billion and earnings per share to reach $31.45, both above market consensus expectations, and believes that actual results and subsequent guidance could further exceed expectations when the company officially reports earnings.