We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Data Storage Stocks To Buy According to Hedge Funds. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) stands against the other data storage stocks.

Data storage involves systematically archiving digital information to ensure its availability and security for future use. This encompasses various methods, including direct attached storage, network attached storage, and cloud-based solutions. The rise of GenAI has significantly impacted the data storage landscape, necessitating new architectures to handle the growing volume and complexity of data generated. Innovations such as cloud storage, SSD technology, and emerging solutions like DNA data storage are shaping the future of data management.

The next-generation data storage market is projected to grow from $65.1 billion in 2024 to $90 billion by 2029, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%, according to MarketsandMarkets. This is attributed to the increasing demand for energy-efficient and compact storage solutions, the rising adoption of NVMe technology in enterprise systems, and the expanding use of 5G technology. North America held the largest share of the market in 2023, accounting for 43.4%, largely due to heightened demand from sectors such as banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), and healthcare.

High-speed storage solutions enable organizations to process large datasets quickly, which accelerates model training and enhances analytical effectiveness. Real-time data processing is another critical application of next-generation storage. By integrating AI with advanced storage systems, organizations can perform immediate analysis essential for sectors like finance, where fraud detection and predictive maintenance are paramount. Storage Area Networks (SANs) optimize throughput and minimize latency, making them ideal for mission-critical applications.

AI-driven technologies can detect anomalies and potential threats in real-time, providing essential protection against cyber threats as data breaches become more common. Next-generation storage systems also support the growing Internet of Things (IoT) by efficiently managing the vast amounts of data generated by connected devices. Many of these systems also integrate seamlessly with cloud services, allowing businesses to leverage scalable storage options while utilizing AI for improved performance.

As the market adapts to these opportunities, we are here to help you find the 10 best data storage stocks to buy according to hedge funds.

Methodology

We sifted through ETFs, online rankings, and internet lists to compile a list of the top data storage stocks. We then selected the 10 stocks that were the most popular among elite hedge funds and that analysts were bullish on. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them, as of Q3 2024. The hedge fund data was sourced from Insider Monkey’s database which tracks the moves of over 900 elite money managers.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MU)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 107

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of memory and storage solutions. It offers a portfolio of products, including DRAM, NAND flash, and other memory and storage technologies, and serves a broad range of markets including data centers, mobile, automotive, and industrial.

It maintains a competitive edge in the storage solutions market through the development of high-density memory chips, utilizing this advantage to cater to the expanding needs of the AI and Data Center sectors. The company recently unveiled a groundbreaking 60TB SSD. This high-performance drive is designed to withstand the demanding workloads of Data Centers and AI applications.

In FQ4 2024, Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) generated $7.75 billion in revenue, a 93% year-over-year increase, primarily driven by demand for its DRAM chips in the AI market. The company now anticipates sustained growth driven by the continued expansion of data centers and the increasing adoption of AI.

Alger Mid Cap Focus Fund stated the following regarding Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) in its Q3 2024 investor letter:

“Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) is a leading provider of innovative memory and storage solutions supporting key trends like AI, 5G, machine learning, and autonomous vehicles. Micron’s portfolio includes high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which is critical for efficient AI workloads, along with storage solutions like DRAM, NAND, and NOR. These are sold in various forms such as wafers, components, modules, SSDs (solid-state drives), and MCPs (multi-chip packages). We believe the company is well-positioned to potentially benefit from secular trends in AI, data centers, cloud computing, and 5G markets. In July, shares detracted from performance after management lowered expectations due to the slower-than-expected pace of clearing excess inventory. Weak demand in markets like PCs and smartphones led to lower shipment forecasts for the next fiscal quarter. However, towards the end of the quarter, Micron reported better-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results, driven by strong data center demand and continued growth in AI-leveraged HBM sales. Although the share price rose after the announcement, shares were still down overall for the quarter.”

Overall MU ranks 1st on our list of the best data storage stocks to buy according to hedge funds. While we acknowledge the potential of MU as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold great promise for delivering high returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than MU but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: 8 Best Wide Moat Stocks to Buy Now and 30 Most Important AI Stocks According to BlackRock.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.