Western Digital Expects Little More in Revenue, $4.75 Billion, in 2FQ17

Western Digital Corp. updated its expectations for the second fiscal quarter of 2017 ending Dec. 30, 2016.

Enabled by continued acceptance from customers and favorable mix of its broad product portfolio, solid execution in a favorable market environment, and including the contribution of incremental intellectual property revenue from the new cross license agreement with Samsung Ltd. that was separately announced, the company expects its second quarter revenue to be approximately $4.75 billion compared to its earlier forecast of approximately flat with first quarter revenue of $4.7 billion.

Non-GAAP gross margin is expected to be approximately 36%, versus the earlier forecast of approximately 35%. Non-GAAP operating expenses and net interest expense are expected to be approximately $805 million and $205 million respectively, unchanged from the original forecasts. Non-GAAP tax rate is estimated to be approximately 13%, versus the 14% to 16% range forecasted previously. As a result, the company has increased its forecasted second quarter non-GAAP EPS range to $2.10 to $2.15 from its earlier forecast range of $1.85 to $1.95.