wdc-20230508
0000106040false00001060402023-05-082023-05-08

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): May 8, 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 May 8, 2023, Western Digital Corporation announced financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 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 9.01    Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)    Exhibits

99. 1    Press Release issued by Western Digital Corporation on May 8, 2023 announcing financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 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: May 8, 2023







Document

Exhibit 99.1
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Western Digital Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results

News Summary
Third quarter revenue was $2.8 billion, at the high end of the guidance range.
Third quarter GAAP earnings per share (EPS) was $(1.82) and Non-GAAP EPS was $(1.37), which includes $200 million of underutilization related charges in Flash and HDD.
Third quarter GAAP operating loss was $472 million and Non-GAAP operating loss was $304 million.
Expect fiscal fourth quarter 2023 revenue to be in the range of $2.40 billion to $2.60 billion.
Expect Non-GAAP EPS in the range of $(2.20) to $(1.90) which includes $220 to $240 million of underutilization charges in Flash and HDD.

SAN JOSE, Calif., — May 8, 2023 — Western Digital Corp. (Nasdaq: WDC) today reported fiscal third quarter 2023 financial results.

“Over the last several years, our team has focused on enhancing business agility and delivering a range of innovative, industry-leading products that address the increasing data storage demands of our customers,” said David Goeckeler, Western Digital CEO. “The groundwork we laid, combined with the actions we have taken since the beginning of this fiscal year to right-size and refocus our businesses, have enabled us to navigate a dynamic environment. I am pleased that we delivered non-GAAP gross margin at the higher end of our guidance range due to strong execution across both our HDD and Flash businesses.”



Western Digital Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results
Page 2

Q3 2023 Financial Highlights
GAAPNon-GAAP
Q3 2023Q2 2023Q/QQ3 2023Q2 2023Q/Q
Revenue ($M)$2,803$3,107down 10%$2,803$3,107down 10%
Gross Margin10.2%17.0%down 6.8 ppt10.6%17.4%down 6.8 ppt
Operating Expenses ($M)$758$849down 11%$602$659down 9%
Operating Loss ($M)$(472)$(321)up 47%$(304)$(119)*
Net Loss ($M)$(572)$(446)up 28%$(427)$(135)*
Earnings Per Share$(1.82)$(1.40)up 30%$(1.37)$(0.42)*

GAAPNon-GAAP
Q3 2023Q3 2022Y/YQ3 2023Q3 2022Y/Y
Revenue ($M)$2,803$4,381down 36%$2,803$4,381down 36%
Gross Margin10.2%27.0%down 16.8 ppt10.6%31.7%down 21.1 ppt
Operating Expenses ($M)$758$857down 12%$602$740down 19%
Operating Income (Loss) ($M)$(472)$324*$(304)$650*
Net Income (Loss) ($M)$(572)$25*$(427)$521*
Earnings Per Share$(1.82)$0.08*$(1.37)$1.65*
* not a meaningful figure

The company had an operating cash outflow of $381 million and ended the quarter with $2.22 billion of total cash and cash equivalents.

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



Western Digital Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results
Page 3

End Market Summary
Revenue ($M)Q3 2023Q2 2023Q/QQ3 2022Y/Y
Cloud$1,205$1,224down 2%$1,774down 32%
Client9751,089down 10%1,732down 44%
Consumer623794down 22%875down 29%
Total Revenue$2,803$3,107down 10%$4,381down 36%

In the fiscal third quarter:

Cloud represented 43% of total revenue. Sequentially, an increase in capacity enterprise drive shipments was offset by a decrease in flash shipments. The year-over-year decline was primarily due to a decline in shipments of both hard drive and flash products, as well as price decreases in Flash.

Client represented 35% of total revenue. On both a sequential and year-over-year basis, the decrease was driven by price declines across our flash products and a lower client SSD and hard drive shipments for PC applications.

Consumer represented 22% of total revenue. Sequentially, the decrease was due to a seasonal decline in shipments of both retail hard drive and flash products, as well as price declines in retail Flash. The year-over-year decrease was driven by lower retail hard drive shipments and price declines in Flash.







Western Digital Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results
Page 4

Business Outlook for Fiscal Fourth Quarter of 2023
Three Months Ending
June 30, 2023
GAAP(1)
Non-GAAP(1)
Revenue ($B)$2.40 - $2.60$2.40 - $2.60
Gross margin2.4% - 4.4%3.0% - 5.0%
Operating expenses ($M)$730 - $750$580 - $600
Interest and other expense, net ($M)~$90~$90
Income tax expense ($M)(2)
N/A$60 - $70
Diluted earnings per shareN/A$(2.20) - $(1.90)
Diluted shares outstanding (in millions)~321~321
(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 amortization of acquired intangible assets, stock-based compensation expense, employee termination, asset impairment and other charges, and expenses related to strategic review, totaling approximately $140 million to $160 million. In the aggregate, Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share guidance excludes these items totaling $150 million to $175 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; (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 Third Quarter 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 fourth quarter of 2023 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 fourth quarter of 2023; the company's market position; overall market conditions; demand trends; product innovations and cost reductions. 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 third quarter ended March 31, 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-Q may differ from these preliminary results as a result of the completion of the company’s financial closing procedures; final adjustments; completion of the review by the company’s independent registered accounting firm; and other developments that may arise between now and the disclosure of the final results. 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 ventures and our strategic relationships; difficulties or delays in manufacturing or other supply chain disruptions;



Western Digital Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results
Page 6

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, 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)
March 31,
2023
July 1,
2022
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$2,220 $2,327 
Accounts receivable, net1,591 2,804 
Inventories3,979 3,638 
Other current assets693 684 
Total current assets8,483 9,453 
Property, plant and equipment, net3,668 3,670 
Notes receivable and investments in Flash Ventures1,379 1,396 
Goodwill10,041 10,041 
Other intangible assets, net97 213 
Other non-current assets1,483 1,486 
Total assets$25,151 $26,259 
LIABILITIES, CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$1,307 $1,902 
Accounts payable to related parties265 320 
Accrued expenses1,158 1,636 
Income taxes payable1,013 869 
Accrued compensation343 510 
Current portion of long-term debt1,175 — 
Total current liabilities5,261 5,237 
Long-term debt5,898 7,022 
Other liabilities1,505 1,779 
Total liabilities12,664 14,038 
Convertible preferred stock876 — 
Total shareholders’ equity11,611 12,221 
Total liabilities, convertible preferred stock and shareholders’ equity$25,151 $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 EndedNine Months Ended
March 31,
2023
April 1,
2022
March 31,
2023
April 1,
2022
Revenue, net$2,803 $4,381 $9,646 $14,265 
Cost of revenue2,517 3,200 7,851 9,836 
Gross profit286 1,181 1,795 4,429 
Operating expenses:
Research and development476 572 1,551 1,725 
Selling, general and administrative242 281 739 851 
Employee termination, asset impairment, and other charges40 140 24 
Total operating expenses758 857 2,430 2,600 
Operating income (loss)(472)324 (635)1,829 
Interest and other expense, net(57)(62)(195)(217)
Income (loss) before taxes(529)262 (830)1,612 
Income tax expense43 237 161 413 
Net income (loss)$(572)$25 $(991)$1,199 
Less: cumulative dividends allocated to preferred shareholders— — 
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders$(581)$25 $(1,000)$1,199 
Income (loss) per common share:
Basic$(1.82)$0.08 $(3.14)$3.84 
Diluted$(1.82)$0.08 $(3.14)$3.79 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic319 313 318 312 
Diluted319 316 318 316 




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





Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
March 31,
2023
April 1,
2022
March 31,
2023
April 1,
2022
Operating Activities
Net income (loss)$(572)$25 $(991)$1,199 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization213 216 643 708 
Stock-based compensation74 86 246 249 
Deferred income taxes34 41 
Gain on disposal of assets(8)(15)(7)(14)
Non-cash portion of asset impairment— 18 — 
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts13 34 
Other non-cash operating activities, net(63)29 42 
Changes in:
Accounts receivable, net314 390 1,213 (96)
Inventories(206)(15)(341)(45)
Accounts payable79 (196)(442)(100)
Accounts payable to related parties(103)(54)(2)
Accrued expenses(258)(79)(484)
Income taxes payable(12)(16)144 (50)
Accrued compensation(7)(83)(169)(149)
Other assets and liabilities, net152 33 (165)(234)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities(381)398 (340)1,585 
Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net(110)(290)(688)(829)
Activity related to Flash Ventures, net(36)40 46 23 
Strategic investments and other, net(3)22 (16)
Net cash used in investing activities(138)(253)(620)(822)
Financing Activities
Employee stock plans, net(13)(3)(20)(23)
Net proceeds from convertible preferred stock882 — 882 — 
Repayments of debt— (1,046)(1,180)(3,471)
Proceeds from debt— 896 1,180 1,894 
Debt issuance costs(1)(14)(6)(23)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities868 (167)856 (1,623)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash— (4)(3)(5)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents349 (26)(107)(865)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period1,871 2,531 2,327 3,370 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$2,220 $2,505 $2,220 $2,505 



WESTERN DIGITAL CORPORATION
Supplemental Operating Segment Results
(in millions; except percentages; unaudited)
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
March 31,
2023
April 1,
2022
March 31,
2023
April 1,
2022
Net revenue:
Flash$1,307 $2,243 $4,686 $7,353 
HDD1,496 2,138 4,960 6,912 
Total net revenue$2,803 $4,381 $9,646 $14,265 
Gross profit:
Flash$(65)$798 $597 $2,665 
HDD363 592 1,237 2,061 
Total gross profit for segments298 1,390 1,834 4,726 
Unallocated corporate items:
Stock-based compensation expense(12)(13)(38)(36)
Amortization of acquired intangible assets— — (1)(65)
Contamination related charges— (203)— (203)
Recoveries from a power outage incident— — 
Total unallocated corporate items(12)(209)(39)(297)
Consolidated gross profit$286 $1,181 $1,795 $4,429 
Gross margin:
Flash(5.0)%35.6 %12.7 %36.2 %
HDD24.3 %27.7 %24.9 %29.8 %
Total gross margin for segments10.6 %31.7 %19.0 %33.1 %
Consolidated gross margin10.2 %27.0 %18.6 %31.0 %

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 EndedNine Months Ended
 March 31,
2023
December 30,
2022
April 1,
2022
March 31,
2023
April 1,
2022
GAAP cost of revenue$2,517 $2,579 $3,200 $7,851 $9,836 
Stock-based compensation expense(12)(12)(13)(38)(36)
Amortization of acquired intangible assets— — — (1)(65)
Contamination related charges— — (203)— (203)
Recoveries from a power outage incident — — — 
Non-GAAP cost of revenue$2,505 $2,567 $2,991 $7,812 $9,539 
GAAP gross profit$286 $528 $1,181 $1,795 $4,429 
Stock-based compensation expense12 12 13 38 36 
Amortization of acquired intangible assets— — — 65 
Contamination related charges— — 203 — 203 
Recoveries from a power outage incident— — (7)— (7)
Non-GAAP gross profit$298 $540 $1,390 $1,834 $4,726 
GAAP operating expenses$758 $849 $857 $2,430 $2,600 
Stock-based compensation expense(62)(74)(73)(208)(213)
Amortization of acquired intangible assets(39)(39)(39)(116)(116)
Employee termination, asset impairment and other charges(40)(76)(4)(140)(24)
Strategic review(15)— — (15)— 
Other— (1)(1)(1)(5)
Non-GAAP operating expenses$602 $659 $740 $1,950 $2,242 
GAAP operating income (loss)$(472)$(321)$324 $(635)$1,829 
Cost of revenue adjustments12 12 209 39 297 
Operating expense adjustments156 190 117 480 358 
Non-GAAP operating income (loss)$(304)$(119)$650 $(116)$2,484 
GAAP interest and other expense, net$(57)$(64)$(62)$(195)$(217)
Non-cash economic interest and Other(6)— (2)(7)17 
Non-GAAP interest and other expense, net$(63)$(64)$(64)$(202)$(200)
GAAP income tax expense$43 $61 $237 $161 $413 
Income tax adjustments17 (109)(172)19 (161)
Non-GAAP income tax expense$60 $(48)$65 $180 $252 



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

Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 March 31,
2023
December 30,
2022
April 1,
2022
March 31,
2023
April 1,
2022
GAAP net income (loss)$(572)$(446)$25 $(991)$1,199 
Stock-based compensation expense74 86 86 246 249 
Amortization of acquired intangible assets39 39 39 117 181 
Contamination related charges— — 203 — 203 
Recoveries from a power outage incident— — (7)— (7)
Employee termination, asset impairment and other charges40 76 140 24 
Strategic review15 — — 15 — 
Non-cash economic interest and Other(6)(1)(6)22 
Income tax adjustments(17)109 172 (19)161 
Non-GAAP net income (loss)(427)(135)521 (498)2,032 
Less: cumulative dividends allocated to preferred shareholders— — — 
Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders$(436)$(135)$521 $(507)$2,032 
Diluted income (loss) per common share
GAAP$(1.82)$(1.40)$0.08 $(3.14)$3.79 
Non-GAAP$(1.37)$(0.42)$1.65 $(1.59)$6.43 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
GAAP319 318 316 318 316 
Non-GAAP319 318 316 318 316 
Cash flows
Cash flow provided by operating activities$(381)$35 $398 $(340)$1,585 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net(110)(258)(290)(688)(829)
Activity related to Flash Ventures, net(36)(17)40 46 23 
Free cash flow$(527)$(240)$148 $(982)$779 














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 cost of revenue; Non-GAAP gross profit; Non-GAAP gross margin; Non-GAAP operating expenses; Non-GAAP operating income and loss; Non-GAAP interest and other expense, 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 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