wdc-20231030
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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): October 30, 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 October 30, 2023, Western Digital Corporation (the “Company”) announced financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended September 29, 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 October 30, 2023 announcing financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended September 29, 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: October 30, 2023







Document

Exhibit 99.1
https://cdn.kscope.io/3ef3d7a6dab2a1ef6d84deb4eb55098d-wdcolorlogogif1a.gif




Western Digital Reports Fiscal First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

News Summary
First quarter revenue was $2.75 billion, up 3% sequentially (QoQ). Cloud revenue decreased 12% (QoQ), Client revenue increased 11% (QoQ) and Consumer revenue increased 14% (QoQ).
First quarter GAAP earnings per share (EPS) was $(2.17) and Non-GAAP EPS was $(1.76), which includes $225 million of underutilization-related charges in Flash and HDD.
Expect fiscal second quarter 2024 revenue to be in the range of $2.85 billion to $3.05 billion.
Expect Non-GAAP EPS in the range of $(1.35) to $(1.05), which includes $110 to $130 million of underutilization-related charges in Flash and HDD.

SAN JOSE, Calif., — October 30, 2023 — Western Digital Corp. (Nasdaq: WDC) today reported fiscal first quarter 2024 financial results.

“Western Digital’s fiscal first quarter results exceeded our expectations as the team’s efforts to bolster business agility and develop differentiated and innovative products across a broad range of end-markets have resulted in sequential margin improvement across flash and HDD businesses,” said David Goeckeler, Western Digital CEO. “Our Consumer and Client end markets continue to perform well and we now expect our Cloud end market to grow going forward. Our improved cost structure positions Western Digital to capitalize on enhanced earnings power as market conditions continue to improve.”





Western Digital Reports Fiscal First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Page 2

Q1 2024 Financial Highlights
GAAPNon-GAAP
Q1 2024Q4 2023Q/QQ1 2024Q4 2023Q/Q
Revenue ($M)$2,750$2,672up 3%$2,750$2,672up 3%
Gross Margin3.6%3.4%up 0.2 ppt4.1%3.9%up 0.2 ppt
Operating Expenses ($M)$695$742down 6%$555$582down 5%
Operating Loss ($M)$(596)$(650)*$(443)$(478)*
Net Loss ($M)$(685)$(715)*$(554)$(621)*
Loss Per Share
$(2.17)$(2.27)*$(1.76)$(1.98)*
* not a meaningful figure
GAAPNon-GAAP
Q1 2024Q1 2023Y/YQ1 2024Q1 2023Y/Y
Revenue ($M)$2,750$3,736down 26%$2,750$3,736down 26%
Gross Margin3.6%26.3%down 22.7 ppt4.1%26.7%down 22.6 ppt
Operating Expenses ($M)$695$823down 16%$555$689down 19%
Operating Income (Loss) ($M)$(596)$158*$(443)$307*
Net Income (Loss) ($M)$(685)$27*$(554)$64*
Earnings (Loss) Per Share$(2.17)$0.08*$(1.76)$0.20*
* not a meaningful figure

The company had an operating cash outflow of $626 million and ended the quarter with $2.03 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 First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Page 3

End Market Summary
Revenue ($M)Q1 2024Q4 2023Q/QQ1 2023Y/Y
Cloud$872$994down 12%$1,829down 52%
Client1,1471,035up 11%1,229down 7%
Consumer731643up 14%678up 8%
Total Revenue$2,750$2,672up 3%$3,736down 26%

In the fiscal first quarter:

Cloud represented 32% of total revenue. Sequentially, the decline was primarily due to lower nearline hard drive shipments to data center customers. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to declines in shipments for both hard drive and flash products.

Client represented 42% of total revenue. Sequentially, the increase was due to growth in flash bit shipments. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to declines in flash pricing.

Consumer represented 26% of total revenue. On both a sequential and year-over-year basis, the increase was driven by both higher content per unit and unit shipments in flash.



Western Digital Reports Fiscal First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Page 4

Business Outlook for Fiscal Second Quarter of 2024
Three Months Ending
December 29, 2023
GAAP(1)
Non-GAAP(1)
Revenue ($B)$2.85 - $3.05$2.85 - $3.05
Gross margin9.5% - 11.5%10.0% - 12.0%
Operating expenses ($M)$650 - $670$560 - $580
Interest and other expense, net ($M)~$105~$105
Income tax expense ($M)(2)
N/A$20 - $30
Preferred dividend ($M)
$15$15
Diluted earnings per shareN/A$(1.35) - $(1.05)
Diluted shares outstanding (in millions)~325~325
(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 $85 million to $95 million. In the aggregate, Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share guidance excludes these items totaling approximately $95 million to $110 million. 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. 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. 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 First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Page 5

Investor Communications
The investment community conference call to discuss these results and the company’s business outlook for the fiscal second quarter of 2024 will be broadcast live online today at 5:30 a.m. Pacific/8:30 a.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 second quarter of 2024 and beyond; end-market performance; product developments; the impact of the company's cost structure on earnings power; 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 first quarter ended September 29, 2023 included in this press release represent the most current information available to management. Actual results when disclosed in the company's 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 filing of the company's Form 10-Q. Other key 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 global health crises; the impact of business and market conditions; the outcome and impact of the company's 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; the impact of competitive products and pricing; the company's 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 the company's strategic relationships;



Western Digital Reports Fiscal First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Page 6

difficulties or delays in manufacturing or other supply chain disruptions; hiring and retention of key employees; the company's level of debt and other financial obligations; changes to the company's relationships with key customers; compromise, damage or interruption from cybersecurity incidents or other data system security risks; actions by competitors; the company's ability to achieve its GHG emissions reduction and other ESG goals: 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on August 22, 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)
September 29,
2023
June 30,
2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$2,032 $2,023 
Accounts receivable, net1,451 1,598 
Inventories3,497 3,698 
Other current assets597 567 
Total current assets7,577 7,886 
Property, plant and equipment, net3,371 3,620 
Notes receivable and investments in Flash Ventures1,245 1,297 
Goodwill10,035 10,037 
Other intangible assets, net80 80 
Other non-current assets1,693 1,509 
Total assets$24,001 $24,429 
LIABILITIES, CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$1,294 $1,293 
Accounts payable to related parties277 292 
Accrued expenses1,347 1,288 
Income taxes payable675 999 
Accrued compensation349 349 
Current portion of long-term debt1,850 1,213 
Total current liabilities5,792 5,434 
Long-term debt5,822 5,857 
Other liabilities1,398 1,415 
Total liabilities13,012 12,706 
Convertible preferred stock876 876 
Total shareholders’ equity10,113 10,847 
Total liabilities, convertible preferred stock and shareholders’ equity$24,001 $24,429 



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

Three Months Ended
September 29,
2023
September 30,
2022
Revenue, net$2,750 $3,736 
Cost of revenue2,651 2,755 
Gross profit99 981 
Operating expenses:
Research and development431 552 
Selling, general and administrative207 247 
Employee termination, asset impairment, and other
57 24 
Total operating expenses695 823 
Operating income (loss)(596)158 
Interest and other income, net(86)(74)
Income (loss) before taxes(682)84 
Income tax expense
57 
Net income (loss)(685)27 
Less: cumulative dividends allocated to preferred shareholders15 — 
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders$(700)$27 
Income (loss) per common share:
Basic$(2.17)$0.09 
Diluted$(2.17)$0.08 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic323 316 
Diluted323 319 




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





Three Months Ended
September 29,
2023
September 30,
2022
Operating Activities
Net income (loss)$(685)$27 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization147 216 
Stock-based compensation77 86 
Deferred income taxes(46)(42)
Loss (Gain) on disposal of assets
(87)
Non-cash portion of asset impairment95 — 
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts
Other non-cash operating activities, net44 
Changes in:
Accounts receivable, net147 382 
Inventories201 (224)
Accounts payable25 (125)
Accounts payable to related parties(15)(25)
Accrued expenses63 (44)
Income taxes payable(325)117 
Accrued compensation(104)
Other assets and liabilities, net(229)(306)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
(626)
Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net69 (320)
Activity related to Flash Ventures, net13 99 
Strategic investments and other, net(3)
Net cash provided by (used in) in investing activities
84 (224)
Financing Activities
Employee stock plans, net(43)(50)
Net proceeds from convertible preferred stock(3)— 
Proceeds from debt600 — 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities554 (50)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(3)(10)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(278)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period2,023 2,327 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$2,032 $2,049 



WESTERN DIGITAL CORPORATION
SUPPLEMENTAL OPERATING SEGMENT RESULTS
(in millions; except percentages; unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 29,
2023
September 30,
2022
Net revenue:
Flash$1,556 $1,722 
HDD1,194 2,014 
Total net revenue$2,750 $3,736 
Gross profit:
Flash$(161)$422 
HDD273 574 
Total gross profit for segments112 996 
Unallocated corporate items:
Stock-based compensation expense(13)(14)
Amortization of acquired intangible assets— (1)
Total unallocated corporate items(13)(15)
Consolidated gross profit$99 $981 
Gross margin:
Flash(10.3)%24.5 %
HDD22.9 %28.5 %
Total gross margin for segments4.1 %26.7 %
Consolidated gross margin3.6 %26.3 %

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 Ended
 September 29,
2023
June 30,
2023
September 30,
2022
GAAP gross profit$99 $92 $981 
Stock-based compensation expense13 11 14 
Amortization of acquired intangible assets— (1)
Other— — 
Non-GAAP gross profit$112 $104 $996 
GAAP operating expenses$695 $742 $823 
Stock-based compensation expense(64)(61)(72)
Amortization of acquired intangible assets— (17)(38)
Employee termination, asset impairment, and other
(57)(53)(24)
Strategic review(17)(27)— 
Other(2)(2)— 
Non-GAAP operating expenses$555 $582 $689 
GAAP operating income (loss)$(596)$(650)$158 
Gross profit adjustments13 12 15 
Operating expense adjustments140 160 134 
Non-GAAP operating income (loss)$(443)$(478)$307 
GAAP interest and other income, net$(86)$(80)$(74)
Other
— (6)(1)
Non-GAAP interest and other income, net$(86)$(86)$(75)
GAAP income tax expense (benefit)$$(15)$57 
Income tax adjustments22 72 111 
Non-GAAP income tax expense$25 $57 $168 



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

Three Months Ended
 September 29,
2023
June 30,
2023
September 30,
2022
GAAP net income (loss)$(685)$(715)$27 
Stock-based compensation expense77 72 86 
Amortization of acquired intangible assets— 16 39 
Employee termination, asset impairment and other
57 53 24 
Strategic review17 27 — 
Other
(2)(1)
Income tax adjustments(22)(72)(111)
Non-GAAP net income (loss)(554)(621)64 
Less: cumulative dividends allocated to preferred shareholders15 15 — 
Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders$(569)$(636)$64 
Diluted income (loss) per common share
GAAP$(2.17)$(2.27)$0.08 
Non-GAAP$(1.76)$(1.98)$0.20 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
GAAP323 321 319 
Non-GAAP323 321 319 
Cash flows
Cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities$(626)$(68)$
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net69 (119)(320)
Activity related to Flash Ventures, net13 (32)99 
Free cash flow$(544)$(219)$(215)














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, employee termination, asset impairment, and other, expenses related to our strategic review, 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.




Employee termination, asset impairment, and other. 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. In addition, the Company has taken actions to reduce the amount of capital invested in facilities, including the sale-leaseback of facilities. 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.

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 for 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.



___________________
Contacts:
Western Digital Corp.

Investor Contact:Media Contact:
T. Peter Andrew
Media Relations
949.672.9655
408.801.0021
peter.andrew@wdc.com
WD.Mediainquiries@wdc.com
investor@wdc.com