10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2007

WESTERN DIGITAL CORP Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Sep 29, 2006

Filed November 24, 2006For Securities:WDC

Summary

Western Digital Corporation (WDC) reported strong financial results for the first fiscal quarter of 2007, ending September 29, 2006. Net revenue increased by 25% year-over-year to $1.26 billion, driven by a 35% increase in unit shipments. This growth reflects the company's successful diversification into non-desktop markets, which now account for 35% of revenue, up from 25% in the prior year. The company also saw improved operating margins, reaching 7.9% compared to 6.7% in the same quarter last year, resulting in a net income of $103 million, a significant increase from $69 million in the prior year. Financially, WDC demonstrated robust operational cash flow generation of $128 million, leading to an increase in cash and cash equivalents to $603 million. The company continues to invest in product development and manufacturing efficiencies, with capital expenditures totaling $72 million for the quarter. Despite ongoing industry price declines, WDC managed to maintain stable gross margins through operational improvements and a favorable shift in product mix towards higher-margin, non-desktop applications. Investors should note the company's strategic shift towards consumer electronics, enterprise, and mobile markets as key drivers for future growth.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net revenue grew 25% to $1.26 billion, driven by a 35% increase in unit shipments.
  • 2Non-desktop PC revenue increased to 35% of total revenue, up from 25% in the prior year, indicating successful market diversification.
  • 3Net income rose to $103 million ($0.47/share basic, $0.46/share diluted) from $69 million ($0.32/share basic, $0.31/share diluted) in the prior year's quarter.
  • 4Operating income increased to $99 million from $68 million in the prior year, with operating margins improving to 7.9% from 6.7%.
  • 5Cash flow from operating activities was strong at $128 million, contributing to an increase in cash and cash equivalents to $603 million.
  • 6The company continues strategic investments in new product platforms and advanced technologies, with capital expenditures of $72 million.
  • 7Gross margin percentage remained relatively stable at 17.3% despite industry-wide price declines, supported by manufacturing efficiencies and product mix improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Western Digital reported net revenue of $1.264 billion for the quarter ended September 29, 2006, a 25% increase compared to $1.010 billion in the same period last year. Net income also saw a significant increase, rising to $103 million from $69 million in the prior year's quarter. This translated to basic earnings per share of $0.47 and diluted earnings per share of $0.46 for the current quarter, up from $0.32 and $0.31 respectively.

The company is successfully shifting its revenue mix away from desktop PCs. Revenue from non-desktop sources, including consumer electronics, enterprise applications, notebook computers, and branded product sales, accounted for 35% of total revenue in this quarter. This is a notable increase from 25% in the prior year's quarter, demonstrating progress in their strategy to capture growth in these emerging markets.

Western Digital generated strong cash flow from operating activities, totaling $128 million for the quarter, which is a substantial increase from $40 million in the prior year. This robust operating cash flow contributed to an increase in cash and cash equivalents, which stood at $603 million at the end of the quarter. The company plans to use its liquidity for improving manufacturing operations and product capabilities.

The report mentions that the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, was delayed due to an independent investigation into stock option accounting. While the investigation's impact on June 30, 2006 estimates was deemed not material, the company incurred approximately $5 million in expenses related to this investigation during the current quarter, primarily within Selling, General, and Administrative expenses. Additionally, a favorable adjustment of $5.5 million to the warranty accrual, resulting from updated assumptions, positively impacted gross margin.