Morgan Stanley says U.S. memory stock selloff is a 'healthy reset'

Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan said steep declines in memory-chip shares look overdone as shortages persist and DRAM prices are seen rising about 25% quarter on quarter in the third quarter.

Summary

Morgan Stanley said the recent selloff in U.S. memory stocks is a "healthy reset" rather than a turning point for the memory cycle, while JPMorgan also argued the decline has created a buying opportunity. Morgan Stanley cited checks with data-center procurement managers showing "absolutely no sign of easing" in the memory shortage and said DRAM or memory prices could rise roughly 25% to 30% quarter on quarter in the third quarter. The bank said that view applies to certain channels and product categories and should not be read as the official contract pricing outlook for server DRAM across the whole industry. JPMorgan said foreign selling in South Korean shares, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, reflected MSCI Emerging Markets inclusion limits rather than weakening fundamentals.

Terms & Concepts
  • DRAM: A type of computer memory used for short-term data storage.
  • memory cycle: The recurring up-and-down pattern in memory chip supply, demand, and pricing.
  • contract pricing: Agreed prices in longer-term supply deals between buyers and sellers.