Micron reported a loss of $236 million, or 30 cents a share, compared with a loss of $225 million, or 29 cents a share, in the year-ago period.

 

Revenue rose to $1.5 billion from $1.29 billion last year. Analysts surveyed by FactSet Research estimated a quarterly loss of 28 cents a share on revenue of $1.47 billion.

The Boise, Idaho, company said it continued to be affected by the decline in average selling prices of DRAM chips, used in personal computers, and NAND Flash memory products, found in such devices as cell phones and digital cameras.

 

In a call with analysts, Michael Sadler, Micron's vice president of worldwide sales, said that in 2007 and early 2008 the company "experienced a supply driven semiconductor pricing downturn in the face of a relatively strong demand environment."

Still, Micron said its net sales increased 10% from the previous quarter, boosted by higher sales of DRAM and NAND Flash memory products.

 

The company also highlighted its gains in cutting expenses. In a statement, Micron President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Duncan said, "Micron continues to execute strongly on its cost reductions through advanced technology deployment and 300 millimeter manufacturing efficiencies, resulting in a positive gross margin in the third quarter."