Sandisk shares surge 9.44% after-hours as S&P 500 inclusion and analyst upgrades drive demand.

Sandisk Corporation (SNDK) surged 9.44% in after-hours trading, driven by multiple catalysts. The stock joined the S&P 500 index, triggering mandatory index fund buying and validating its post-spin-off success in NAND flash memory, a sector benefiting from AI-driven demand. Analysts highlighted structural growth, with NAND prices rising 15-25% since late Q3 and TrendForce projecting over 30% demand growth in 2025. A bullish thesis emphasized Sandisk’s lean post-spin structure, favorable pricing dynamics, and long-term hyperscaler contracts. Additionally, Morgan Stanley upgraded its price target, and Sandisk’s first standalone earnings report (Q1 FY26) looms, adding to optimism. These factors—index inclusion, sector tailwinds, and strategic positioning—collectively fueled the sharp after-hours rally.