Report caused confusion about Micron, Intel 3D NAND pact, says Needham - InvestingChannel

Report caused confusion about Micron, Intel 3D NAND pact, says Needham

Following a media report about Micron (MU) and Intel (INTC) parting ways in the co-development of 3D NAND, Needham analyst Rajvindra Gill spoke with Micron CFO Ernie Maddok at CES. Gill believes the report caused some confusion and he said the only change to their NAND agreement is that the two companies will go their separate ways in the development of fourth generation 3D NAND IP. Micron management’s view is this is a “no-brainer,” as being able to develop unique IP should allow the company to broaden its addressable market by 2021, said Gill, who added that the current pact is very strict on the usage of the co-developed IP and he sees no risk of Intel licensing to Chinese manufacturers. The analyst, who also believes current NAND pricing decline concerns are overblown, keeps a Buy rating and $76 price target on Micron shares.