SCHEDULE 13G/A: FMR LLC and Abigail P. Johnson Maintain 8.1% Stake in Western Digital Corp.

FMR LLC and Abigail P. Johnson have filed an amended Schedule 13G, reaffirming their beneficial ownership of 8.1% of Western Digital Corp.'s common stock as of March 31, 2025.

Summary

• FMR LLC and Abigail P. Johnson collectively beneficially own 28,141,054.49 shares of Western Digital Corp. common stock.
• This aggregate amount represents 8.1% of the total outstanding common stock of Western Digital Corp.
• FMR LLC holds sole voting power over 26,448,565.55 shares and sole dispositive power over 28,141,054.49 shares.
• Abigail P. Johnson, as a control person of FMR LLC, is deemed to have sole dispositive power over 28,141,054.49 shares, but no sole or shared voting power.
• The securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and not for the purpose of changing or influencing the control of Western Digital Corp.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The filing is a routine disclosure of a significant passive stake by a major institutional investor, indicating continued confidence in the issuer without suggesting any intent to influence control. This is generally a neutral to slightly positive signal for the market.

Positives

• The filing indicates a continued significant institutional holding by FMR LLC, a major asset manager, which can be viewed as a sign of confidence in Western Digital Corp.
• The statement that the shares were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business, without intent to influence control, suggests a passive, long-term investment perspective.

Risks

• The document does not explicitly mention specific risks related to Western Digital Corp. or the investment, beyond the inherent market risks associated with holding common stock.

Future Outlook

The document, a Schedule 13G filing, is a disclosure of beneficial ownership and does not contain any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding Western Digital Corp.'s future performance or strategic outlook.

Management Comments

• FMR LLC and Abigail P. Johnson certify that, to the best of their knowledge and belief, the securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and not for the purpose or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of Western Digital Corp.

Industry Context

Western Digital Corp. is a prominent company in the data storage industry. The filing indicates that a major institutional investor, FMR LLC (Fidelity), continues to hold a significant passive stake, which is a common practice for large asset managers investing across various sectors.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The continued significant stake by a major institutional investor like FMR LLC may be viewed positively, signaling institutional confidence in the company's long-term prospects.

Next Steps

• FMR LLC and Abigail P. Johnson will be required to file further amendments to this Schedule 13G if there are material changes to their beneficial ownership percentage or investment intent regarding Western Digital Corp.

Key Dates

Recommendation

Keywords

Western Digital Corp, WDC, FMR LLC, Abigail P. Johnson, Schedule 13G, beneficial ownership, common stock, institutional investor, asset management, data storage