wdc-20210429
0000106040false00001060402021-04-292021-04-29

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): April 29, 2021
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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, $.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 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).
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 April 29, 2021, Western Digital Corporation announced financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended April 2, 2021. 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 April 29, 2021 announcing financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended April 2, 2021.

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: April 29, 2021

Document

Exhibit 99.1
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Western Digital Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results

News Summary
Third quarter revenue was $4.1 billion, down 1% year-over-year (YoY). Client Devices revenue increased 10%, Data Center Devices and Solutions revenue declined 19%, and Client Solutions revenue increased 8% YoY.
Third quarter GAAP earnings per share (EPS) was $0.63 and non-GAAP EPS was $1.02.
Generated operating cash flow of $116 million and free cash flow was negative $11 million in the third quarter.
Expecting fiscal fourth quarter 2021 revenue to be in the range of $4.40 billion to $4.60 billion with non-GAAP EPS in the range of $1.30 to $1.60.

SAN JOSE, Calif., — April 29, 2021 — Western Digital Corp. (Nasdaq: WDC) today reported fiscal third quarter 2021 financial results.

“We reported solid results above the guidance range, driven by increasing momentum of our energy-assisted drives and our second-generation NVMe enterprise SSDs, improving NAND flash pricing trends, along with the continued accelerated digital transformation across end markets,” said David Goeckeler, Western Digital CEO. “Western Digital’s strengths in technology and cost leadership, expansive product portfolio and broad routes to market are providing a foundation upon which we are solidifying our position as an essential building block of the digital economy. These strengths, combined with our increased operational and strategic focus enabled by our new business unit structure, are driving results. As we continue to face a dynamic environment, we are seeing the benefits of the synergistic value in the breadth of Western Digital’s portfolio, and our unique ability to deliver both hard drive and flash solutions to our diverse end-markets and customer base.”




Western Digital Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results
Page 2

Q3 2021 Financial Highlights
GAAPNon-GAAP
Q3 2021Q3 2020vs. Q3 2020Q3 2021Q3 2020vs. Q3 2020
Revenue ($M)$4,137$4,175down 1%$4,137$4,175down 1%
Gross Margin26.4%24.1%up 2.3 ppt27.7%27.9%down 0.2 ppt
Operating Expenses ($M)$774$852down 9%$732$738down 1%
Operating Income ($M)$317$153up 107%$412$427down 4%
Net Income ($M)$197$17up 1059%$318$257up 24%
Earnings Per Share$0.63$0.06up 950%$1.02$0.85up 20%

The company generated $116 million in cash flow from operations, made a total debt repayment of $212 million, and ended the quarter with $2.7 billion of total cash and cash equivalents. There were 313 million ordinary shares outstanding at the end of the quarter.

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 2021 Financial Results
Page 3

Key End Market Summary
Revenue ($M)Q3 2021Q3 2020vs. Q3 2020
Client Devices$2,012$1,831up 10%
Data Center Devices & Solutions$1,237$1,523down 19%
Client Solutions$888$821up 8%
Total Revenue$4,137$4,175down 1%

In the fiscal third quarter of 2021, Western Digital’s revenue decreased 1% year-over-year to $4.1 billion, driven by a decline in Data Center Devices & Solutions offset by strong performance in gaming and consumer markets.

In Client Devices, continued strength in notebook and desktop PC demand, along with new game console ramps, drove solid revenue growth.

In Data Center Devices and Solutions, while revenue was down 19% from the prior year, Western Digital experienced significant sequential growth with its second generation, NVMe enterprise SSD at a cloud titan. In addition, many cloud customers also utilize NAND flash for their consumer product lines, creating additional end market opportunities for Western Digital as the company continues to diversify and balance the end markets served. Qualifications of Western Digital’s energy-assisted hard drives have also been completed with nearly all cloud and enterprise customers, including all cloud titans.

In Client Solutions, revenue increased due to strength in retail, which remains a high performing end market, as Western Digital’s brand recognition, broad product portfolio, and extensive distribution channels continue to distinguish Western Digital from its competitors.









Western Digital Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results
Page 4

Business Outlook for Fiscal Fourth Quarter of 2021
Three Months Ending
July 2, 2021
GAAP(1)
Non-GAAP(1)
Revenue ($B)$4.40 - $4.60$4.40 - $4.60
Gross margin29.0% - 31.0%30.0% - 32.0%
Operating expenses ($M)$860 - $890$760 - $790
Interest and other expense, net ($M)$75 - $80$68 - $73
Tax rateN/A
      ~ 17% (2)
Diluted earnings per shareN/A$1.30 - $1.60
Diluted shares outstanding (in millions)~ 317~ 317

(1) Non-GAAP gross margin guidance excludes amortization of acquired intangible assets and stock-based compensation expense, totaling approximately $40 million to $60 million. The company’s non-GAAP operating expenses guidance excludes amortization of acquired intangible assets; stock-based compensation expense; and employee termination, asset impairment and other charges, totaling approximately $90 million to $110 million. The company's non-GAAP interest and other expense guidance excludes approximately $10 million of convertible debt activity. In the aggregate, non-GAAP diluted earnings per share guidance excludes these items totaling $140 million to $180 million. The timing and amount of these charges excluded from non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP interest and other expense, net 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 tax rate 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 interest and other expense, non-GAAP tax rate and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures (gross margin, operating expenses, interest and other expense, tax rate and diluted earnings per share, respectively) are not available without unreasonable effort.
(2) The non-GAAP tax rate provided is based on a percentage of non-GAAP pre-tax income. Due to differences in the tax treatment of items excluded from our non-GAAP net income and because our tax rate is based on an estimated forecasted annual GAAP tax rate, our estimated non-GAAP tax rate may differ from our GAAP tax rate and from our actual tax rates.



Western Digital Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2021 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 2021 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, a leader in data infrastructure, creates environments for data to thrive. The company is driving the innovation needed to help customers capture, preserve, access, analyze, and transform an ever-increasing diversity of data. Everywhere data lives, from advanced data centers to mobile sensors to personal devices, the company's industry-leading solutions deliver the possibilities of data. Western Digital data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, SanDisk® and WD® brands. Financial and investor information is available on the company's Investor Relations website at investor.wdc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements concerning the company’s preliminary financial results for its fiscal third quarter ended April 2, 2021; the company’s business outlook for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2021; our market position and portfolio synergies; consumer trends and market conditions; and expectations regarding pricing trends, product momentum, diversification strategies and market opportunities. 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 April 2, 2021 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: future responses to and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; volatility in global economic conditions; impact of business and market conditions; 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; hiring and retention of key employees; our high level of debt and other financial obligations; changes to our relationships with key customers; disruptions in



Western Digital Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results
Page 6

operations from cyberattacks or other 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 28, 2020, 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 these forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events.

###
Western Digital, the Western Digital logo, G-Technology, 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)

April 2,
2021
July 3,
2020
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$2,734 $3,048 
Accounts receivable, net1,905 2,379 
Inventories3,683 3,070 
Other current assets710 551 
Total current assets9,032 9,048 
Property, plant and equipment, net3,061 2,854 
Notes receivable and investments in Flash Ventures1,694 1,875 
Goodwill10,066 10,067 
Other intangible assets, net519 941 
Other non-current assets1,037 877 
Total assets$25,409 $25,662 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$1,807 $1,945 
Accounts payable to related parties397 407 
Accrued expenses1,552 1,296 
Accrued compensation494 472 
Current portion of long-term debt251 286 
Total current liabilities4,501 4,406 
Long-term debt8,678 9,289 
Other liabilities2,281 2,416 
Total liabilities15,460 16,111 
Total shareholders’ equity9,949 9,551 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$25,409 $25,662 



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
April 2,
2021
April 3,
2020
April 2,
2021
April 3,
2020
Revenue, net$4,137 $4,175 $12,002 $12,449 
Cost of revenue3,046 3,170 9,047 9,751 
Gross profit1,091 1,005 2,955 2,698 
Operating expenses:
Research and development555 563 1,645 1,715 
Selling, general and administrative287 281 808 884 
Employee termination, asset impairment and other charges(68)(43)25 
Total operating expenses774 852 2,410 2,624 
Operating income317 153 545 74 
Interest and other expense, net(68)(107)(214)(305)
Income (loss) before taxes249 46 331 (231)
Income tax expense 52 29 132 167 
Net income (loss)$197 $17 $199 $(398)
Income (loss) per common share
Basic$0.64 $0.06 $0.65 $(1.34)
Diluted$0.63 $0.06 $0.65 $(1.34)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic306 299 305 298 
Diluted313 303 308 298 




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


Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
April 2,
2021
April 3,
2020
April 2,
2021
April 3,
2020
Operating Activities
Net income (loss)$197 $17 $199 $(398)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization251 384 961 1,189 
Stock-based compensation83 78 239 232 
Deferred income taxes(36)(11)(41)(53)
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets(66)(65)(9)
Write-off of issuance costs and amortization of debt discounts10 10 30 30 
Other non-cash operating activities, net(8)12 (26)(8)
Changes in:
Accounts receivable, net(72)(187)474 (774)
Inventories(108)24 (613)179 
Accounts payable(209)(39)(139)131 
Accounts payable to related parties33 (10)66 
Accrued expenses173 251 331 
Accrued compensation(29)(104)22 87 
Other assets and liabilities, net(73)(82)(378)(351)
Net cash provided by operating activities116 142 904 652 
Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net(162)(127)(699)(432)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired— — — (22)
Activity related to Flash Ventures, net35 161 129 627 
Strategic Investments and Other, net(2)19 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(126)32 (562)192 
Financing Activities
Employee stock plans, net— (8)20 10 
Dividends paid to shareholders— (149)— (445)
Repayment of debt(212)(212)(673)(919)
Other— — (9)— 
Net cash used in financing activities(212)(369)(662)(1,354)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash— (2)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(222)(194)(314)(512)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period2,956 3,137 3,048 3,455 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$2,734 $2,943 $2,734 $2,943 




WESTERN DIGITAL CORPORATION
PRELIMINARY RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(in millions; unaudited)

Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 April 2,
2021
April 3,
2020
April 2,
2021
April 3,
2020
GAAP cost of revenue$3,046 $3,170 $9,047 $9,751 
Amortization of acquired intangible assets(39)(145)(293)(466)
Stock-based compensation expense(14)(13)(41)(38)
Charges related to cost saving initiatives— (2)— (3)
Charges related to a power outage incident and related recovery— — 75 (68)
Other— — — 
Non-GAAP cost of revenue$2,993 $3,010 $8,788 $9,184 
GAAP gross profit$1,091 $1,005 $2,955 $2,698 
Amortization of acquired intangible assets39 145 293 466 
Stock-based compensation expense14 13 41 38 
Charges related to cost saving initiatives— — 
Charges related to a power outage incident and related recovery— — (75)68 
Other— — — (8)
Non-GAAP gross profit$1,144 $1,165 $3,214 $3,265 
GAAP operating expenses$774 $852 $2,410 $2,624 
Amortization of acquired intangible assets(39)(40)(117)(120)
Stock-based compensation expense(69)(65)(198)(194)
Employee termination, asset impairment and other charges68 (8)43 (25)
Charges related to acquisitions and dispositions— (2)— (9)
Charges related to cost saving initiatives(1)(1)(6)
Other(1)— (1)— 
Non-GAAP operating expenses$732 $738 $2,136 $2,270 
GAAP operating income (loss)$317 $153 $545 $74 
Cost of revenue adjustments53 160 259 567 
Operating expense adjustments42 114 274 354 
Non-GAAP operating income$412 $427 $1,078 $995 
GAAP interest and other expense, net$(68)$(107)$(214)$(305)
Convertible debt activity21 21 
Other(6)(10)13 
Non-GAAP interest and other expense, net$(67)$(91)$(203)$(271)
GAAP income tax expense$52 $29 $132 $167 
Income tax adjustments(25)50 17 12 
Non-GAAP income tax expense$27 $79 $149 $179 




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

Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 April 2,
2021
April 3,
2020
April 2,
2021
April 3,
2020
GAAP net income (loss)$197 $17 $199 $(398)
Amortization of acquired intangible assets78 185 410 586 
Stock-based compensation expense83 78 239 232 
Employee termination, asset impairment and other charges(68)(43)25 
Charges related to acquisitions and dispositions— — 
Charges related to cost saving initiatives
Charges related to a power outage incident and related recovery— — (75)68 
Convertible debt activity21 21 
Other(5)(9)
Income tax adjustments25 (50)(17)(12)
Non-GAAP net income$318 $257 $726 $545 
Diluted income (loss) per common share
GAAP$0.63 $0.06 $0.65 $(1.34)
Non-GAAP$1.02 $0.85 $2.36 $1.81 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
GAAP313 299 308 298 
Non-GAAP313 303 308 301 
Cash flows
Cash flow provided by operating activities$116 $142 $904 $652 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, net(162)(127)(699)(432)
Activity related to flash ventures, net35 161 129 627 
Free cash flow$(11)$176 $334 $847 




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 operating expenses; non-GAAP operating income; non-GAAP interest and other expense, net; non-GAAP income tax expense; non-GAAP net income; non-GAAP diluted income 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, the amortization of acquired intangible assets, stock-based compensation expense, employee termination, asset impairment and other charges, charges related to acquisitions and dispositions, charges related to cost saving initiatives, charges related to a power outage incident and related recovery, convertible debt activity, 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 company's results. These Non-GAAP measures are some of the primary indicators management uses for assessing the company's 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:

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.

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.





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.

Charges related to acquisitions and dispositions. In connection with the company's business combinations or dispositions, the company incurs expenses which it would not have otherwise incurred as part of its business operations. These expenses include third-party professional service and legal fees, third-party integration services, severance costs, non-cash adjustments to the fair value of acquired inventory, contract termination costs, and retention bonuses. The company may also experience other accounting impacts in connection with these transactions. These charges and impacts are related to acquisitions and dispositions, are inconsistent in amount and frequency, and the company believes they are not indicative of the underlying performance of its business.

Charges related to cost saving initiatives. In connection with the transformation of the company's business, the company incurred charges related to cost saving initiatives which do not qualify for special accounting treatment as exit or disposal activities. These charges, which the company believes are not indicative of the underlying performance of its business, primarily relate to costs associated with rationalizing the company's channel partners or vendors, transforming the company's information systems infrastructure, integrating the company's product roadmap, and accelerated depreciation of assets.

Charges related to a power outage incident and related recovery. 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. In the fiscal first and second quarters of 2021, the company received recoveries of these losses from insurance carriers. These charges and recoveries are inconsistent in amount and frequency, and the company believes these charges or recoveries are not part of the ongoing production operation of its business.

Convertible debt activity. The company excludes non-cash economic interest expense associated with its convertible notes. These charges do not reflect the company's operating results, and the company believes 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 to estimates related to the current status of the rules and regulations governing the transition to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. 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 of proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment, 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
Lisa Neitzel
949.672.9655
408.717.7607
peter.andrew@wdc.comlisa.neitzel@wdc.com
investor@wdc.com