The Benchmark Company has recently raised Western Digital Corp (WDC) stock to Buy rating, as announced on April 10, 2025, according to Finviz. Earlier, on December 19, 2024, The Benchmark Company had reduced the stock from a Buy to Hold. TD Cowen also reiterated Buy rating with a price target of $80. Additionally, Summit Insights reduced Hold rating on August 1, 2024. Citigroup analysts, in their report published on May 14, 2024, also initiated Buy rating for Western Digital Corp’s stock. Analyst ratings are significant because they provide insights into stock performance expectations, influencing investor decisions and market sentiment.
Western Digital Corp (WDC) Stock Trading Recap
On Monday, Western Digital Corp (WDC) stock saw a modest uptick, ending the day at $35.82 which represents a slight increase of $1.42 or 4.13% from the prior close of $34.40. The stock opened at $36.46 and touched a low of $35.28 during the day, reaching a high of $36.62. The volume of shares traded was 9.95 million exceeding the average volume of 9.63 million.
Sponsored
WDC Stock Performance and Moving Averages
In recent trading, Western Digital Corp (WDC) stock price has shown some volatility, fluctuating 14.96% over the last five trades and -19.56% over the past 30 trades. This represents a notable shift from earlier in the year. Over the last six months, the stock has risen by -25.99%, and it has plunged by -23.57% in the previous three months. Currently, WDC is trading at -8.41%, -19.27%, and -26.61% relative to its 20-Day, 50-Day, and 200-Day Simple Moving Averages, respectively.
As of the latest trading close, WDC, a Technology sector stock, is trading -41.87% below its 52-week high but remains 24.25% above its 52-week low. The Average True Range (ATR) (14 days) of 2.74 highlights the stock’s average volatility, providing insight into how much the price typically fluctuates. This measure is crucial for understanding potential price swings and assessing overall market risk.
Western Digital Corp’s Profitability and Valuation Ratios
Western Digital Corp’s profitability metrics reveal financial health. The company currently boasts an operating margin of 18.72% and a profit margin of 9.50%, with a gross margin of -25.99%. The profit margin, also known as the revenue ratio or gross profit ratio, measures how efficiently a company converts sales into net income; higher margins indicate greater profitability.
In terms of valuation, Western Digital Corp’s market capitalization stands at $12.46 billion. Market cap represents the total value of all outstanding shares and is a key indicator of a company’s market value. The stock’s price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 8.55, assessing the company’s valuation relative to its earnings. The forward P/E ratio, which uses projected earnings for the next financial year, is 7.37. Additionally, the Price-to-Sales Ratio is 0.80, reflecting the market’s valuation of the company’s sales, while the Price-to-Book Ratio is 1.03, comparing the market value to the company’s book value.
Understanding Insider Trading
Investors often prefer to invest in shares held by company insiders, as management is typically more aligned with the company’s success and shareholder interests. Currently, insiders own just 0.92% of Western Digital Corp (WDC)’s shares, while financial institutions hold 97.73%.
Notable insider trades include SODERBERY ROBERT, EVP & GM, Flash Business at Western Digital Corp (WDC), who sold 30,767 shares on Oct 29 ’24, at $68.01 each, totaling $2.09 million. On Oct 28 ’24, Zamiska Gene M., SVP & Princ. Acctg Officer, sold 1,993 shares for $69.94 each, amounting to $0.14 million. Additionally, on Oct 25 ’24, Goeckeler David sold 75,000 shares at $72.58 each, generating $5.44 million.
