Bank of America Lifts Micron to Buy After Stellar Quarter and Bullish Guidance

Bank of America just threw some serious love Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU)'s way, boosting the stock from neutral to buy. The analyst behind the move, Vivek Arya, lifted the price target from $250 to a hefty $300, suggesting there's plenty of room to run from the current price.The chipmaker's recent fiscal Q1 results came in far above what most expected. Even better, the guidance Micron put out was stronger than anticipated, hinting that the momentum isn't just a one-off event. This upbeat vibe fueled an 11% jump in premarket trading.Arya highlighted two key reasons for this shift: the memory cycle's endurance into 2026 thanks to limited supply growth and soaring AI demand, and the solid health of Micron's finances. The firm is boasting a 30% free cash flow margin and is net cash positive, putting it in a sweet spot to potentially ramp up stock buybacks once regulatory requirements ease.It's been quite a year for Micron, with shares climbing nearly 168% in 2025 as AI continues to drive hunger for memory chips. But it's not all smooth sailing - high spot prices for DDR4/5 memory are expected to normalize closer to contract prices under $10. This could introduce some volatility for memory stocks like Micron.The broader analyst community is largely on board with the bullish narrative. Data shows 40 out of 46 analysts have given Micron a buy or strong buy rating, with average targets pointing to gains north of 10%. So while there are risks, confidence runs high.With AI fueling demand for high bandwidth memory expected to triple by 2028, Micron's positioning feels strategic. That said, the chip sector's history with pricing swings means any investor following the stock should keep an eye on market dynamics closely.Micron's balance sheet strength means it's not just riding the AI wave but is also preparing for a longer-term game. The possible pickup in share repurchases after chip industry regulations ease adds another layer of intrigue to the stock's prospects.Of course, when spot prices for memory eventually pull back, that might test the durability of the rally. But for now, the cloud seems to be silver-lined for this memory giant as it rounds out 2025 and looks toward 2026.