wdc-20230731
0000106040false00001060402023-07-312023-07-31

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 31, 2023
wdcolor logo.gif (1).gif
WESTERN DIGITAL CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware001-0870333-0956711
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
5601 Great Oaks Parkway
95119
San Jose
California
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)
(408717-6000
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report) 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))



Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value Per ShareWDC
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(Nasdaq Global Select Market)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐



Item 2.02    Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On July 31, 2023, Western Digital Corporation (the “Company”) announced financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and year ended June 30, 2023. A copy of the press release making this announcement is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the information in this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 5.02    Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On July 31, 2023, the Company announced that Srinivasan Sivaram, the Company’s President, Technology and Strategy, is leaving the Company to pursue another opportunity.


Item 9.01    Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)    Exhibits

99. 1    Press Release issued by Western Digital Corporation on July 31, 2023 announcing financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and year ended June 30, 2023.

104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).




SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Western Digital Corporation
(Registrant)
By:/s/ Michael C. Ray
Michael C. Ray
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer
and Secretary
Date: July 31, 2023







Document

Exhibit 99.1
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Western Digital Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results

News Summary
Fourth quarter revenue was $2.7 billion, down 5% sequentially (QoQ). Cloud revenue decreased 18% (QoQ), Client revenue increased 6% and Consumer revenue increased 3% (QoQ). Fiscal year 2023 revenue was $12.3 billion.
Fourth quarter GAAP earnings per share (EPS) was $(2.27) and Non-GAAP EPS was $(1.98), which includes $211 million of underutilization related charges in Flash and HDD. Fiscal year 2023 GAAP EPS was $(5.44) and Non-GAAP EPS was $(3.59).
Expect fiscal first quarter 2024 revenue to be in the range of $2.55 billion to $2.75 billion.
Expect Non-GAAP EPS in the range of $(2.10) to $(1.80) which includes $200 to $220 million of underutilization charges in Flash and HDD.

SAN JOSE, Calif., — July 31, 2023 — Western Digital Corp. (Nasdaq: WDC) today reported fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023 financial results.

“Throughout the fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year, Western Digital continued to optimize our operations and successfully execute our innovative product roadmap, priming ourselves for greater profitability when demand rebounds across hard drives and flash. As a result of these efforts, we delivered revenue above our expectation and delivered a range of industry-leading products to our customers,” said David Goeckeler, Western Digital CEO.

“We are encouraged by several indicators signaling improving Flash market dynamics. Our two largest end markets, Client and Consumer, are returning to growth, inventories are normalizing, content per unit is increasing and price declines have been moderating. Western Digital is well-positioned to capitalize on improving market conditions and capture long-term growth opportunities in data storage, spanning from client to edge to cloud,” continued David Goeckeler.




Western Digital Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results
Page 2

Q4 2023 Financial Highlights
GAAPNon-GAAP
Q4 2023Q3 2023Q/QQ4 2023Q3 2023Q/Q
Revenue ($M)$2,672$2,803down 5%$2,672$2,803down 5%
Gross Margin3.4%10.2%down 6.8 ppt3.9%10.6%down 6.7 ppt
Operating Expenses ($M)$742$758down 2%$582$602down 3%
Operating Loss ($M)$(650)$(472)*$(478)$(304)*
Net Loss ($M)$(715)$(572)*$(621)$(427)*
Earnings (Loss) Per Share$(2.27)$(1.82)*$(1.98)$(1.37)*
* not a meaningful figure
GAAPNon-GAAP
Q4 2023Q4 2022Y/YQ4 2023Q4 2022Y/Y
Revenue ($M)$2,672$4,528down 41%$2,672$4,528down 41%
Gross Margin3.4%31.9%down 28.5 ppt3.9%32.3%down 28.4 ppt
Operating Expenses ($M)$742$883down 16%$582$760down 23%
Operating Income (Loss) ($M)$(650)$562*$(478)$702*
Net Income (Loss) ($M)$(715)$301*$(621)$567*
Earnings (Loss) Per Share$(2.27)$0.95*$(1.98)$1.78*
* not a meaningful figure

The company had an operating cash outflow of $68 million and ended the quarter with $2.02 billion of total cash and cash equivalents.

Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Highlights
GAAPNon-GAAP
20232022Y/Y20232022Y/Y
Revenue ($M)$12,318$18,793down 34%$12,318$18,793down 34%
Gross Margin15.3%31.3%down 16.0 ppt15.7%32.9%down 17.2 ppt
Operating Expenses ($M)$3,172$3,483down 9%$2,532$3,002down 16%
Operating Income (Loss) ($M)$(1,285)$2,391*$(594)$3,186*
Net Income (Loss) ($M)$(1,706)$1,500*$(1,119)$2,599*
Earnings (Loss) Per Share$(5.44)$4.75*$(3.59)$8.22*
* not a meaningful figure

Additional details can be found within the company’s earnings presentation, which is accessible online at investor.wdc.com.



Western Digital Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results
Page 3

End Market Summary
Revenue ($M)Q4 2023Q3 2023Q/QQ4 2022Y/Y20232022Y/Y
Cloud$994$1,205down 18%$2,098down 53%$5,252$8,017down 34%
Client1,035975up 6%1,637down 37%4,3287,076down 39%
Consumer643623up 3%793down 19%2,7383,700down 26%
Total Revenue$2,672$2,803down 5%$4,528down 41%$12,318$18,793down 34%

In the fiscal fourth quarter:

Cloud represented 37% of total revenue. Sequentially, the decline was primarily due to a decrease in capacity enterprise drive shipments. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to declines in both hard drive and flash product shipments.

Client represented 39% of total revenue. Sequentially, the increase was driven by growth in bit shipments for gaming consoles. The year-over-year decrease was due to declines in flash pricing, and lower client SSD and hard drive unit shipments for PC applications.

Consumer represented 24% of total revenue. Sequentially, the increase was primarily due to higher retail SSD shipments. The year-over-year decrease was driven by price declines in Flash and lower retail hard drive shipments.

In fiscal year 2023:

Cloud represented 43% of total revenue. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to reduced shipments of capacity enterprise hard drives and enterprise SSDs.

Client represented 35% of total revenue. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to declines in flash pricing, as well as lower client SSD and hard drive unit shipments for PC applications.

Consumer represented 22% of total revenue. Revenue decreased year-over-year, as growth in retail SSD bit shipments was more than offset by broad-based flash price decline and lower consumer hard drive shipments.



Western Digital Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results
Page 4

Business Outlook for Fiscal First Quarter of 2024
Three Months Ending
September 29, 2023
GAAP(1)
Non-GAAP(1)
Revenue ($B)$2.55 - $2.75$2.55 - $2.75
Gross margin1.9% - 4.0%2.5% - 4.5%
Operating expenses ($M)$665 - $685$570 - $590
Interest and other expense, net ($M)~$90~$90
Income tax expense ($M)(2)
N/A$30 - $40
Diluted earnings per shareN/A$(2.10) - $(1.80)
Diluted shares outstanding (in millions)~323~323
(1) Non-GAAP gross margin guidance excludes stock-based compensation expense of approximately $10 million to $15 million. The company’s Non-GAAP operating expenses guidance excludes stock-based compensation expense, and expenses related to strategic review, totaling approximately $90 million to $100 million. In the aggregate, Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share guidance excludes these items totaling approximately $100 million to $115 million. The timing and amount of these charges excluded from Non-GAAP gross margin, Non-GAAP operating expenses, and Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share cannot be further allocated or quantified with certainty. Additionally, the timing and amount of additional charges the company excludes from its Non-GAAP income tax expense and Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share are dependent on the timing and determination of certain actions and cannot be reasonably predicted. Accordingly, full reconciliations of Non-GAAP gross margin, Non-GAAP operating expenses, Non-GAAP income tax expense and Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures (GAAP gross profit, GAAP operating expenses, income tax expense and diluted earnings per share, respectively) are not available without unreasonable effort.

(2) The Non-GAAP income tax expense is determined based on a percentage of Non-GAAP pre-tax income or loss. Our estimated Non-GAAP tax dollars may differ from our GAAP tax dollars (i) due to differences in the tax treatment of items excluded from our Non-GAAP net income or loss; (ii) the fact that our GAAP income tax expense or benefit recorded in any interim period is based on an estimated forecasted GAAP tax rate for the full year, excluding loss jurisdictions; and (iii) because our GAAP taxes recorded in any interim period are dependent on the timing and determination of certain GAAP operating expenses.




Western Digital Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results
Page 5

Investor Communications
The investment community conference call to discuss these results and the company’s business outlook for the fiscal first quarter of 2024 will be broadcast live online today at 1:30 p.m. Pacific/4:30 p.m. Eastern. The live and archived conference call/webcast and the earnings presentation can be accessed online at investor.wdc.com.

About Western Digital
Western Digital is on a mission to unlock the potential of data by harnessing the possibility to use it. With Flash and HDD franchises, underpinned by advancements in storage technologies, we create breakthrough innovations and powerful data storage solutions that enable the world to actualize its aspirations. Core to our values, we recognize the urgency to combat climate change and have committed to ambitious carbon reduction goals approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. Learn more about Western Digital and the Western Digital®, SanDisk® and WD® brands at www.westerndigital.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements regarding expectations for the company’s business outlook and financial performance for the fiscal first quarter of 2024; future market dynamics and demand trends; product developments and mix; the position of the company and its products in the industry; and overall market conditions. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. The preliminary financial results for the company’s fiscal fourth quarter and year ended June 30, 2023 included in this press release represent the most current information available to management. The company’s actual results when disclosed in its Form 10-K may differ from these preliminary results as a result of the completion of the company’s financial closing procedures, including completion of the annual assessment of impairment of goodwill; completion of the audit by the company’s independent registered accounting firm; and other developments that may arise between now and the filing of its Form 10-K. Other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include: volatility in global economic conditions; future responses to and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic or other similar global health crises; impact of business and market conditions; the outcome and impact of our ongoing strategic review, including with respect to customer and supplier relationships, regulatory and contractual restrictions, stock price volatility and the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; impact of competitive products and pricing; our development and introduction of products based on new technologies and expansion into new data storage markets; risks associated with cost saving initiatives, restructurings, acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, joint



Western Digital Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results
Page 6

ventures and our strategic relationships; difficulties or delays in manufacturing or other supply chain disruptions; hiring and retention of key employees; our level of debt and other financial obligations; changes to our relationships with key customers; compromise, damage or interruption from cybersecurity incidents or other data system security risks; actions by competitors; risks associated with compliance with changing legal and regulatory requirements and the outcome of legal proceedings; and other risks and uncertainties listed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on August 25, 2022 and Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 10, 2023, to which your attention is directed. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events, except as required by law.

###
Western Digital, the Western Digital logo, SanDisk and WD are registered trademarks or trademarks of Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates in the US and/or other countries.
















WESTERN DIGITAL CORPORATION
PRELIMINARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions; unaudited; on a US GAAP basis)
June 30,
2023
July 1,
2022
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$2,023 $2,327 
Accounts receivable, net1,598 2,804 
Inventories3,698 3,638 
Other current assets567 684 
Total current assets7,886 9,453 
Property, plant and equipment, net3,620 3,670 
Notes receivable and investments in Flash Ventures1,297 1,396 
Goodwill10,037 10,041 
Other intangible assets, net80 213 
Other non-current assets1,509 1,486 
Total assets$24,429 $26,259 
LIABILITIES, CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$1,293 $1,902 
Accounts payable to related parties292 320 
Accrued expenses1,288 1,636 
Income taxes payable999 869 
Accrued compensation349 510 
Current portion of long-term debt1,213 — 
Total current liabilities5,434 5,237 
Long-term debt5,857 7,022 
Other liabilities1,415 1,779 
Total liabilities12,706 14,038 
Convertible preferred stock876 — 
Total shareholders’ equity10,847 12,221 
Total liabilities, convertible preferred stock and shareholders’ equity$24,429 $26,259 



WESTERN DIGITAL CORPORATION
PRELIMINARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per share amounts; unaudited; on a US GAAP basis)

Three Months EndedYears Ended
June 30,
2023
July 1,
2022
June 30,
2023
July 1,
2022
Revenue, net$2,672 $4,528 $12,318 $18,793 
Cost of revenue2,580 3,083 10,431 12,919 
Gross profit92 1,445 1,887 5,874 
Operating expenses:
Research and development458 598 2,009 2,323 
Selling, general and administrative231 266 970 1,117 
Employee termination, asset impairment, and other charges53 19 193 43 
Total operating expenses742 883 3,172 3,483 
Operating income (loss)(650)562 (1,285)2,391 
Interest and other income, net(80)(51)(275)(268)
Income (loss) before taxes(730)511 (1,560)2,123 
Income tax expense (benefit)(15)210 146 623 
Net income (loss)(715)301 (1,706)1,500 
Less: cumulative dividends allocated to preferred shareholders15 — 24 — 
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders$(730)$301 $(1,730)$1,500 
Income (loss) per common share:
Basic$(2.27)$0.96 $(5.44)$4.81 
Diluted$(2.27)$0.95 $(5.44)$4.75 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic321 314 318 312 
Diluted321 318 318 316 




WESTERN DIGITAL CORPORATION
PRELIMINARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions; unaudited; on a US GAAP basis)





Three Months EndedYears Ended
June 30,
2023
July 1,
2022
June 30,
2023
July 1,
2022
Operating Activities
Net income (loss)$(715)$301 $(1,706)$1,500 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization185 221 828 929 
Stock-based compensation72 77 318 326 
Deferred income taxes(68)73 (34)114 
Gain on disposal of assets— (2)(7)(16)
Non-cash portion of asset impairment— 19 — 
Gain on business divestiture— (9)— (9)
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts10 13 44 
Other non-cash operating activities, net65 25 71 67 
Changes in:
Accounts receivable, net(7)(450)1,206 (546)
Inventories281 23 (60)(22)
Accounts payable(17)(29)(459)(129)
Accounts payable to related parties26 (76)(28)(78)
Accrued expenses132 243 (352)245 
Income taxes payable(14)(24)130 (74)
Accrued compensation26 (162)(123)
Other assets and liabilities, net(20)(114)(185)(348)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities(68)295 (408)1,880 
Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net(119)(278)(807)(1,107)
Activity related to Flash Ventures, net(32)(114)14 (91)
Strategic investments and other, net22 31 
Net cash used in investing activities(142)(370)(762)(1,192)
Financing Activities
Employee stock plans, net33 55 13 32 
Net proceeds from convertible preferred stock(1)— 881 — 
Repayments of debt— (150)(1,180)(3,621)
Proceeds from debt— — 1,180 1,894 
Debt issuance costs(13)— (19)(23)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities19 (95)875 (1,718)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(6)(8)(9)(13)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(197)(178)(304)(1,043)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period2,220 2,505 2,327 3,370 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$2,023 $2,327 $2,023 $2,327 



WESTERN DIGITAL CORPORATION
SUPPLEMENTAL OPERATING SEGMENT RESULTS
(in millions; except percentages; unaudited)
Three Months EndedYears Ended
June 30,
2023
July 1,
2022
June 30,
2023
July 1,
2022
Net revenue:
Flash$1,377 $2,400 $6,063 $9,753 
HDD1,295 2,128 6,255 9,040 
Total net revenue$2,672 $4,528 $12,318 $18,793 
Gross profit:
Flash$(164)$862 $433 $3,527 
HDD268 600 1,505 2,661 
Total gross profit for segments104 1,462 1,938 6,188 
Unallocated corporate items:
Stock-based compensation expense(11)(12)(49)(48)
Amortization of acquired intangible assets(1)— (66)
Contamination related charges— (4)— (207)
Recoveries from a power outage incident— — — 
Non-cash economic interest and Other(2)— (2)— 
Total unallocated corporate items(12)(17)(51)(314)
Consolidated gross profit$92 $1,445 $1,887 $5,874 
Gross margin:
Flash(11.9)%35.9 %7.1 %36.2 %
HDD20.7 %28.2 %24.1 %29.4 %
Total gross margin for segments3.9 %32.3 %15.7 %32.9 %
Consolidated gross margin3.4 %31.9 %15.3 %31.3 %

The Company manages and reports under two reportable segments: flash-based products (“Flash”) and hard disk drives (“HDD”). In the table above, total gross profit for segments and total gross margin for segments are Non-GAAP financial measures, which are also referred to herein as Non-GAAP gross profit and Non-GAAP gross margin, respectively.






WESTERN DIGITAL CORPORATION
PRELIMINARY RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(in millions; unaudited)
Three Months EndedYears Ended
 June 30,
2023
March 31,
2023
July 1,
2022
June 30,
2023
July 1,
2022
GAAP gross profit$92 $286 $1,445 $1,887 $5,874 
Stock-based compensation expense11 12 12 49 48 
Amortization of acquired intangible assets(1)— — 66 
Contamination related charges— — — 207 
Recoveries from a power outage incident— — — — (7)
Other— — — 
Non-GAAP gross profit$104 $298 $1,462 $1,938 $6,188 
GAAP operating expenses$742 $758 $883 $3,172 $3,483 
Stock-based compensation expense(61)(62)(65)(269)(278)
Amortization of acquired intangible assets(17)(39)(39)(133)(155)
Employee termination, asset impairment and other charges(53)(40)(19)(193)(43)
Strategic review(27)(15)— (42)— 
Other(2)— — (3)(5)
Non-GAAP operating expenses$582 $602 $760 $2,532 $3,002 
GAAP operating income (loss)$(650)$(472)$562 $(1,285)$2,391 
Gross profit adjustments12 12 17 51 314 
Operating expense adjustments160 156 123 640 481 
Non-GAAP operating income (loss)$(478)$(304)$702 $(594)$3,186 
GAAP interest and other income, net$(80)$(57)$(51)$(275)$(268)
Non-cash economic interest and other(6)(6)(14)(13)
Non-GAAP interest and other income, net$(86)$(63)$(65)$(288)$(265)
GAAP income tax expense (benefit)$(15)$43 $210 $146 $623 
Income tax adjustments72 17 (140)91 (301)
Non-GAAP income tax expense$57 $60 $70 $237 $322 



WESTERN DIGITAL CORPORATION
PRELIMINARY RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(in millions, except per share amounts; unaudited)

Three Months EndedYears Ended
 June 30,
2023
March 31,
2023
July 1,
2022
June 30,
2023
July 1,
2022
GAAP net income (loss)$(715)$(572)$301 $(1,706)$1,500 
Stock-based compensation expense72 74 77 318 326 
Amortization of acquired intangible assets16 39 40 133 221 
Contamination related charges— — — 207 
Recoveries from a power outage incident— — — — (7)
Employee termination, asset impairment and other charges53 40 19 193 43 
Strategic review27 15 — 42 — 
Non-cash economic interest and other(2)(6)(14)(8)
Income tax adjustments(72)(17)140 (91)301 
Non-GAAP net income (loss)(621)(427)567 (1,119)2,599 
Less: cumulative dividends allocated to preferred shareholders15 — 24 — 
Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders$(636)$(436)$567 $(1,143)$2,599 
Diluted income (loss) per common share
GAAP$(2.27)$(1.82)$0.95 $(5.44)$4.75 
Non-GAAP$(1.98)$(1.37)$1.78 $(3.59)$8.22 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
GAAP321 319 318 318 316 
Non-GAAP321 319 318 318 316 
Cash flows
Cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities$(68)$(381)$295 $(408)$1,880 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net(119)(110)(278)(807)(1,107)
Activity related to Flash Ventures, net(32)(36)(114)14 (91)
Free cash flow$(219)$(527)$(97)$(1,201)$682 














To supplement the condensed consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), the table above sets forth Non-GAAP gross profit; Non-GAAP gross margin; Non-GAAP operating expenses; Non-GAAP operating income and loss; Non-GAAP interest and other income, net; Non-GAAP income tax expense; Non-GAAP net income and loss; Non-GAAP diluted income and loss per common share and free cash flow (“Non-GAAP measures”). These Non-GAAP measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP and may be different from Non-GAAP measures used by other companies. The company believes the presentation of these Non-GAAP measures, when shown in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP measures, provides useful information to investors for measuring the company’s earnings performance and comparing it against prior periods. Specifically, the company believes these Non-GAAP measures provide useful information to both management and investors as they exclude certain expenses, gains and losses that the company believes are not indicative of its core operating results or because they are consistent with the financial models and estimates published by many analysts who follow the company and its peers. As discussed further below, these Non-GAAP measures exclude, as applicable, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangible assets, contamination related charges, recoveries from a power outage incident, employee termination, asset impairment and other charges, expenses related to our strategic review, non-cash economic interest, other adjustments, and income tax adjustments, and the company believes these measures along with the related reconciliations to the GAAP measures provide additional detail and comparability for assessing the companys results. These Non-GAAP measures are some of the primary indicators management uses for assessing the companys performance and planning and forecasting future periods. These measures should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results.

As described above, the company excludes the following items from its Non-GAAP measures:

Stock-based compensation expense. Because of the variety of equity awards used by companies, the varying methodologies for determining stock-based compensation expense, the subjective assumptions involved in those determinations, and the volatility in valuations that can be driven by market conditions outside the company’s control, the company believes excluding stock-based compensation expense enhances the ability of management and investors to understand and assess the underlying performance of its business over time and compare it against the company’s peers, a majority of whom also exclude stock-based compensation expense from their Non-GAAP results.

Amortization of acquired intangible assets. The company incurs expenses from the amortization of acquired intangible assets over their economic lives. Such charges are significantly impacted by the timing and magnitude of the company’s acquisitions and any related impairment charges.




Contamination related charges. In February 2022, a contamination of certain materials used in the company’s manufacturing process occurred and affected production operation at the flash-based memory manufacturing facilities in Yokkaichi and Kitakami, Japan, which are operated through the company’s joint business ventures with Kioxia Corporation (collectively, "Flash Ventures"). The contamination resulted in scrapped inventory and rework costs, decontamination and other costs needed to restore the facilities to normal capacity, and under absorption of overhead costs, which are expensed as incurred. These charges are inconsistent in amount and frequency, and the company believes these charges are not part of the ongoing production operation of its business.

Recoveries from a power outage incident. In June 2019, an unexpected power outage incident occurred at the flash-based memory manufacturing facilities operated through the company’s joint venture with Kioxia Corporation in Yokkaichi, Japan. The power outage incident resulted in costs associated with the repair of damaged tools and the write-off of damaged inventory and unabsorbed manufacturing overhead costs which are expensed as incurred. During fiscal years 2021 and 2022, the company received recoveries for these losses from other parties. The recoveries are inconsistent in amount and frequency, and the company believes they are not part of the ongoing production operation of its business.

Employee termination, asset impairment and other charges. From time-to-time, in order to realign the company’s operations with anticipated market demand or to achieve cost synergies from the integration of acquisitions, the company may terminate employees and/or restructure its operations. From time-to-time, the company may also incur charges from the impairment of intangible assets and other long-lived assets. In addition, the company may record credits related to gains upon sale of property due to restructuring or reversals of charges recorded in prior periods. These charges or credits are inconsistent in amount and frequency, and the company believes they are not indicative of the underlying performance of its business.

Strategic review. The company incurred expenses associated with its ongoing review of potential strategic alternatives aimed at further optimizing the long-term value for stockholders. The company believes these charges do not reflect the company’s operating results and that they are not indicative of the underlying performance of its business.

Non-cash economic interest. The company has excluded non-cash economic interest expense associated with its convertible notes recognized in periods prior to the company’s adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update No. 2020-06, “Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity”, which the company adopted at the beginning of its fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. The exclusion of such amounts from prior periods facilitates a comparison of the company's prior period results to the current period presentation.




Other adjustments. From time-to-time, the company incurs charges or gains that the company believes are not a part of the ongoing operation of its business. The resulting expense or benefit is inconsistent in amount and frequency.

Income tax adjustments. Income tax adjustments include the difference between income taxes based on a forecasted annual Non-GAAP tax rate and a forecasted annual GAAP tax rate as a result of the timing of certain Non-GAAP pre-tax adjustments. The income tax adjustments also include adjustments to estimates related to the current status of the rules and regulations governing the transition to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the re-measurement of certain unrecognized tax benefits primarily related to tax positions taken in prior quarters, including interest. These adjustments are excluded because the company believes that they are not indicative of the underlying performance of its ongoing business.

Additionally, free cash flow is defined as cash flows provided (used in) by operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment, net, and the activity related to Flash Ventures, net. The company considers free cash flow generated in any period to be a useful indicator of cash that is available for strategic opportunities including, among others, investing in the company’s business, making strategic acquisitions, repaying debt and strengthening the balance sheet.



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Contacts:
Western Digital Corp.

Investor Contact:Media Contact:
T. Peter Andrew
Robin Schultz
949.672.9655
408.573.5043
peter.andrew@wdc.comrobin.schultz@wdc.com
investor@wdc.com