Merrill Lynch Securities’ latest semiconductor industry report states that the recent pullback in semiconductor stocks is a normal market correction, not a signal of weakening AI demand. Historical experience shows that semiconductor stocks often undergo consolidation during the summer months; after the market completes profit-taking and valuation adjustments, a new wave of rebound typically emerges in the fall.
The report forecasts that global cloud computing and AI infrastructure capital expenditures will approach $1.5 trillion by 2027, representing a 40% to 50% increase from current levels. Regarding memory chips, the bank believes that with continued expansion in HBM, DDR5, and enterprise storage demand—coupled with ongoing AI server-driven demand for DRAM and NAND Flash—the memory industry remains a key beneficiary of the AI investment wave, and clear room for valuation recovery still exists. The bank reiterates its “Buy” rating on Micron and maintains its price target of $155.00, viewing the company as the most attractive investment within the current memory industry.[Odaily]