Is Seagate Technology a Better Buy Than Western Digital?
Western Digital surged 5.6% during the past Day. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer Seagate Technology gives you more. Seagate Technology (STX) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Western Digital (WDC) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in STX
- STX’s quarterly revenue growth was 44.1%, vs. WDC’s 25.2%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 28.9%, ahead of WDC’s 28.1%.
- STX leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 29.5% and 3-year average of 16.9%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how WDC’s fundamentals stack up against those of STX on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| WDC | STX | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 46.9 | 43.8 | STX |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 25.2% | 44.1% | STX |
| Last 12 Months | 28.1% | 28.9% | STX |
| Last 3 Year Average | 7.5% | 13.2% | STX |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 27.9% | 29.5% | STX |
| Last 3 Year Average | 7.6% | 16.9% | STX |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 1509.8% | 1085.6% | WDC |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell STX Stock and Buy or Sell WDC Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| WDC Return | 18% | -52% | 66% | 14% | 288% | 127% | 848% | ||
| STX Return | 88% | -51% | 69% | 4% | 225% | 111% | 999% | <=== | |
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 4% | 90% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| WDC Win Rate | 50% | 42% | 58% | 67% | 92% | 75% | 64% | ||
| STX Win Rate | 67% | 33% | 75% | 58% | 83% | 75% | 65% | <=== | |
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 50% | 62% | ||
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| WDC Max Drawdown | -11% | -54% | -0% | -6% | -32% | 0% | -17% | ||
| STX Max Drawdown | -6% | -56% | -1% | -6% | -22% | 0% | -15% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -7% | -9% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 4/29/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read STX Dip Buyer Analyses and WDC Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about WDC or STX? Consider portfolio approach.
Smart Investing Begins With Portfolios
Stocks can jump or crash, but long-term success comes from staying invested. The right portfolio helps you ride gains and cushion single stock drops.
Why settle for average market returns? The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio invests in a diverse group of 30 stocks that have collectively delivered stronger upside with reduced volatility compared to the broader indices. Discover the methodology behind these smoother, higher returns by checking the HQ Portfolio performance data.