Western Digital CEO Says AI Data Offers a More Lasting Opportunity Than Compute
Western Digital CEO Irving Tan says data generated by AI may be a more lasting opportunity than computing; shares fell 4.8% after hours, per Market Talk.
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what happened
Investors focused on AI computing power may be overlooking the data those systems generate, Western Digital CEO Irving Tan said on an earnings call, according to Market Talk.
"While much of the conversation around AI focuses on compute, we believe the more enduring opportunity is in data," Tan said. He added that AI systems of all kinds produce large volumes of information that must be deliberately stored and managed, and that storage needs grow as adoption spreads across industries worldwide.
Western Digital shares fell 4.8% to $337.20 in after-hours trading.
why it matters
For markets, the comments point to storage demand that could grow alongside AI, not only for processors and accelerators. The after-hours drop shows investors reacting cautiously to the report and management's remarks; the wider effect will depend on the company's next quarterly results and sector demand.
market impact
Western Digital shares: AI data storage theme in focus, but the stock slipped after hours
tags
instruments
sources
- Western Digital CEO: AI Data is 'More Enduring Opportunity' Than Compute — Market Talk, 22 October 2026 at 22:45 UTC
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