'All Boats Are Rising' in Data and Memory, Says Western Digital Finance Chief - Barron'sSkip to Main ContentThis copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com.# 'All Boats Are Rising' in Data and Memory, Says Western Digital Finance Chief. Just Look at the Stocks.By [Nate Wo ...

Core Insights - The company is focusing on enhancing its internal laser capabilities and expanding UltraSMR adoption through new JBOD platforms, which provide higher storage density and improved performance for customers [1][2] - There is a strong demand for higher-density storage solutions driven by the growth of AI and cloud technologies, with the company working closely with hyperscale customers to meet their needs [3][4] - The company has secured long-term agreements with key customers, indicating strong trust and confidence in its ability to meet exabyte storage requirements [5][19] Financial Performance - In Q2 fiscal 2026, the company reported revenue of $3 billion, a 25% increase year-over-year, and earnings per share of $2.13, exceeding guidance [7][8] - Cloud revenue accounted for 89% of total revenue, reaching $2.7 billion, up 28% year-over-year, while client and consumer segments also showed growth [8] - Gross margin improved to 46.1%, reflecting a shift towards higher capacity drives and effective cost control [8][9] Product Development and Innovation - The company shipped over 3.5 million units of its latest ePMR products, with capacities up to 32 terabytes, demonstrating strong customer adoption [2][7] - The qualification of HAMR and next-generation ePMR products is underway, with expectations for these innovations to enhance capacity and reduce costs [6][30] - The company is also investing in quantum hardware design through a partnership with Qolab, aiming to advance nanofabrication processes [6] Customer Engagement and Market Trends - The company has established robust commercial agreements with top customers, indicating a strategic focus on long-term relationships and predictable pricing [5][19] - The demand for storage solutions is expected to grow significantly as AI capabilities expand, with the company positioned to benefit from this trend [3][36] - The mix of UltraSMR drives is increasing, which is beneficial for both customer needs and the company's profitability [25][26] Future Outlook - The company anticipates revenue of approximately $3.2 billion for Q3 fiscal 2026, reflecting a year-over-year growth of around 40% [11] - Gross margin is expected to be between 47% and 48%, with operating expenses projected to remain stable [11][12] - The company is committed to continuing its disciplined approach to free cash flow and capital returns, aiming for long-term value creation for shareholders [12]

Core Insights - Western Digital Corporation (WDC) reported strong financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, with non-GAAP earnings of $2.13 per share, exceeding estimates and showing significant year-over-year growth of 78% [1][9] - The company generated $3.02 billion in revenue, a 25% increase year-over-year, driven by robust demand in data centers and high-capacity hard disk drives (HDDs) [2][9] Financial Performance - Revenue from the Cloud end market, which constitutes 89% of total revenues, rose 28% year-over-year to $2.7 billion, reflecting strong demand for higher-capacity nearline products [6] - Non-GAAP gross margin improved to 46.1%, up 770 basis points year-over-year, supported by a transition to higher-capacity drives and effective cost management [10] - Non-GAAP operating income reached $1.02 billion, marking a 72% increase year-over-year, with margins expanding to 33.8% [11] Operational Highlights - WDC shipped over 3.5 million latest-generation ePMR drives, supporting capacities of up to 26TB CMR and 32TB UltraSMR, indicating strong customer adoption [4] - The company shipped a total of 215 exabytes to customers, a 22% increase year-over-year [4] Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns - WDC generated $745 million in cash from operations, with free cash flow amounting to $653 million, up 95% year-over-year [13] - The company repurchased approximately 3.8 million shares for $615 million and paid $48 million in dividends, returning over 100% of its free cash flow to shareholders [14] Future Outlook - For the fiscal third quarter, WDC anticipates continued growth, projecting non-GAAP revenues of $3.2 billion, a 40% increase year-over-year, and non-GAAP earnings of $2.30 per share [15] - The company expects non-GAAP gross margin to be in the range of 47-48% and operating expenses between $380 million and $390 million [16]

Core Insights - Jim Cramer has discussed Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:WDC) multiple times, highlighting its strong market performance and recent share price increases [1] - Despite the positive momentum, Cramer cautioned that Western Digital may not be the ideal stock to hold, linking its performance to a current shortage in the computer memory storage sector [2] - Analysts, including Rosenblatt, have raised Western Digital's share price target significantly from $165 to $270, maintaining a Buy rating due to factors like heat-assisted devices and strong order demand [1] Group 1 - Western Digital Corporation's shares are performing well in the market, but Cramer warns against investing in the stock [1] - The company is experiencing a shortage that is affecting its ability to meet demand, which is a key factor in its stock performance [2] - Cramer noted the relationship between Western Digital and NVIDIA, suggesting that both cannot experience upward momentum simultaneously [2] Group 2 - Analysts are optimistic about Western Digital's future, citing technological advancements and strong order flow as reasons for the increased price target [1] - The discussion around Western Digital also reflects broader trends in the computer memory storage industry, particularly related to supply shortages [2] - There is a belief that while Western Digital has potential, other AI stocks may offer better returns with lower risk [2]

Group 1 - The article provides a market analysis of SanDisk Corporation, focusing on its performance and investment potential [1] - Key financial metrics and trends are highlighted, indicating the company's growth trajectory and market position [1] - The analysis includes comparisons with industry peers, showcasing SanDisk's competitive advantages and challenges [1] Group 2 - The report discusses recent developments in the semiconductor industry, particularly in flash memory technology, which is crucial for SanDisk's operations [1] - Market demand for storage solutions is analyzed, with projections indicating a positive outlook for the sector [1] - The impact of global supply chain dynamics on SanDisk's production and pricing strategies is examined [1]

| 德国DAX30 | 24,547.01 | 24,556.51 | 24,317.51 | +253.77 | +1.04% | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 英国富时100 | 10,217.45 | 10,218.25 | 10,136.11 | +45.69 | +0.45% | | 法国CAC40 | 8,132.35 | 8,133.73 | 8.070.86 | +60.99 | +0.76% | | □ 欧洲斯托克50 | 5,952.96 | 5,954.40 | 5,897.95 | +61.01 | +1.04% | 3. 截至发稿，WTI原油跌0.61%，报65.02美元/桶。布伦特原油跌0.73%，报69.08美元/桶。 | ඝ 伦敦布伦特原油 | 2026年4月 | 69.08 | 71.09 | 67.79 | -0.51 | -0.73% | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | ■ WTI原油 | 2026年3月 | 65.02 | 65.87 | 63.65 | -0. ...

得益于涨价和成本下降的"剪刀差"，西部数据毛利率飙升至46.1%，增量毛利率预期达75%。CEO Irving Tan透露2026年产能已售罄，已与前五大客户中三家签署长约至2027- 2028年。Irving Tan强调AI推理应用将驱动HDD需求结构性增长，推理过程生成海量的新数据，这些数据需要被低成本地存储。 01 利润狂飙，CFO确认75%增量毛利 财报显示公司Q2毛利率同比暴增770个基点至46.1%，且Q3指引进一步看高至48%。 硬·AI 作者 | 鲍奕龙 编辑 | 硬 AI 1月29日， 西部数据发布了2026财年第二季度财报 ，当季营收达到30.2亿美元，调整后每股收益2.13美元，双双超市场预期。 财报显示，西部数据第二财季净利润达到18.4亿美元，约合每股4.73美元，较去年同期的5.94亿美元（每股1.27美元）实现了210%增长。 尽管财务数据亮眼 ，但盘后股价下跌近3%。分析认为 西部数据股价在1月份已大幅上涨超60%，利好出尽与获利回吐导致部分投资者选择在亮眼财报公布 后"卖出事实"以锁定利润。 在随后的财报电话会上，管理层表态关于"产能天花板"和"定价权"的极限。CEO Irv ...

每经记者｜岳楚鹏 每经编辑｜段炼 兰素英 ⑥ 【Q2业绩大超预期，闪迪涨超20%】当地时间1月29日， 闪迪2026财年Q2财报显示，得益于AI存储需求的激增，闪迪当季营收30.3亿美元，同比增长 61.2%，高于26.9亿美元的普遍预期；每股收益为5.15美元，而市场普遍预期为3.54美元。调整后毛利率为51.1%，远强于42%的预期。截至发稿，闪迪上 涨20.9%。 ⑦ 【特朗普宣布美联储主席提名人选】1月30日，据新华社报道，美国总统特朗普30日提名美联储前理事凯文·沃什为下任美联储主席，这一提名还需获得 参议院批准。 ⑧ 【游戏驿站正准备收购一家大型上市公司】当地时间1月29日，据媒体报道，游戏驿站首席执行官表示，正瞄准一家大型上市公司进行收购，目标是将 市值提升至1000亿美元。截至发稿，游戏驿站上涨0.13%。 ⑨ 北京时间1月30日21:30，美国12月PPI月率公布。 （免责声明：本文内容与数据仅供参考，不构成投资建议，使用前请核实。据此操作，风险自担。） ① 【三大期指齐跌】道指期货跌0.81%、标普500指数期货跌0.87%、纳指期货跌1.09%。 ② 【黄金股大跌，黄金一度跌破5000美 ...

④ 【苹果iPhone销售创历史新高，在华收入增近38%】当地时间1月29日，苹果2026财年Q1财报显示， 营收同比增长16%，iPhone销售收入同比增23%，iPhone销量创历史新高。苹果在大中华区录得营收 255.3亿美元，同比增长37.9%，扭转了上一财季同比下降3.6%的势头。截至发稿，苹果下跌0.2%。 ① 【三大期指齐跌】道指期货跌0.81%、标普500指数期货跌0.87%、纳指期货跌1.09%。 ② 【黄金股大跌，黄金一度跌破5000美元/盎司】黄金股盘前大跌，黄金日内一度跌破5000美元/盎司。 截至发稿，现货黄金下跌7.96%，现货白银下跌12.79%。科尔黛伦矿业跌约10%，哈莫尼黄金跌约7%， 泛美白银跌约9%。 ③ 【芯片股普跌】芯片股盘前普跌。截至发稿，英伟达下跌1.83%，英特尔下跌2.53%，AMD下跌 2.86%。 免责声明：本文内容与数据仅供参考，不构成投资建议，使用前核实。据此操作，风险自担。 ⑤ 【2026年产能已售罄，西部数据跌超5%】当地时间1月29日，西部数据2026财年Q2财报显示，当季 营收达到30.2亿美元，调整后每股收益2.13美元，双双超市场预期。净 ...

Valued at $95.6 billion by market cap, Western Digital Corporation (WDC) is a major data storage technology company that designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of digital storage devices and solutions globally. The San Jose, California-based company is one of the world’s largest producers of hard disk drives (HDDs) and plays a significant role in supporting data-intensive applications such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI). The HDD giant has been on a clear winning streak, comf ...