8-KSecurities & Listing

WESTERN DIGITAL CORP 8-K Report, Unregistered Securities Sale (Feb 20, 2018)

Filed February 20, 2018For Securities:WDC

Summary

Western Digital Corporation (WDC) filed an 8-K report on February 20, 2018, disclosing the issuance of $1.1 billion in aggregate principal amount of 1.50% convertible senior notes due 2024. These notes were issued in two tranches: an initial $1.0 billion on February 13, 2018, and an additional $100 million on February 16, 2018, pursuant to the exercise of the initial purchasers' option. The primary purpose of this filing is to detail the terms and conditions of these convertible notes, which are convertible into cash, Western Digital's common stock, or a combination thereof. The conversion price is set at approximately $121.91 per share, implying a potential future dilution for existing shareholders. The company raised substantial capital through this offering, with net proceeds estimated at $1.08 billion after expenses. This move suggests a strategic financial maneuver by Western Digital to secure funding, potentially for operations, acquisitions, or debt management.

Key Highlights

  • 1Western Digital issued $1.1 billion in 1.50% convertible senior notes due 2024.
  • 2The notes are convertible into cash, common stock, or a combination thereof.
  • 3The initial conversion price is approximately $121.91 per share.
  • 4Conversion is generally permitted from November 1, 2023, with specific early conversion triggers based on stock price, trading price, corporate events, or redemption calls.
  • 5Western Digital can redeem the notes under certain conditions starting February 5, 2021.
  • 6The offering was conducted in reliance on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act, specifically Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 144A, targeting qualified institutional investors.
  • 7Net proceeds from the offering are approximately $1.08 billion.

Frequently Asked Questions

This 8-K filing primarily announces and details the terms of Western Digital's issuance of $1.1 billion in convertible senior notes due 2024. It provides key information regarding the principal amount, interest rate, maturity date, conversion features, and the legal framework under which the notes were offered.

Western Digital raised a total of $1.1 billion in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes. After deducting initial purchasers' discounts and estimated offering expenses, the net proceeds to the company were approximately $1.08 billion.

The initial conversion price of approximately $121.91 per share means that if the notes are converted into common stock, new shares will be issued at this price. This could lead to dilution for existing shareholders if the stock price rises above this level and noteholders choose to convert, particularly if the conversion is into shares rather than cash.

Noteholders can freely convert their notes starting November 1, 2023. However, early conversion is permitted under specific circumstances prior to this date, including if the stock price exceeds 130% of the conversion price for a specified period, if the trading price of the notes falls below a certain threshold, if Western Digital calls the notes for redemption, or upon the occurrence of specified corporate events.