Kioxia is reportedly more interested in an initial public offering (IPO) than its merger with Western Digital
Western Digital Corp (NASDAQ:WDC) is in the spotlight this morning, after an update in regards to its potential merger with computer memory chip maker Kioxia. Though Japan's trade ministry is ready to back Western Digital's bid to merge, Japanese newspaper Nikkan Kogyo reported that Kioxia favors its initial public offering (IPO) over the merger. The $20 billion deal, which was in advanced talks, would create a NAND memory giant.
At last glance, WDC was up just 0.6% to trade at $62.03. The security has been chopping lower since its June 4, nearly three-year high of $78.19, though the $60 level appears to be providing a floor for recent pullbacks. Year-to-date, the equity is up 11.3%.
Meanwhile, the majority of analysts are bullish on Western Digital stock. Of the 19 in coverage, 15 carry a "buy" or better rating, with the remaining four a "hold." Plus, the 12-month consensus price target of $93.57 is a 51.8% premium to current levels.
The options pits, however, have been much more bearish than usual. Though calls still outnumber puts on an absolute basis, WDC's 50-day put/call volume ratio at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX) stands higher than 98% of readings from the past year.