BENTON HARBOR, Mich., April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) will release its first-quarter financial results and presentation materials at 4:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Whirlpool Corporation will hold a conference call to discuss its performance with the investment community at 8 a.m. ET on Thursday, April 24, 2025.To participate in the conference call, dial 1 (888) 440-4038 and Conference ID 2610251. International participants should dial 1 (646) 960-0861 and Confere ...

Core Viewpoint - Whirlpool Corporation's shares have declined by 24.3% over the past six months, underperforming the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector and the S&P 500, which fell by 4% and 6.6% respectively, while slightly outperforming the industry's 23.3% decline [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - The stock closed at $79.43, near its 52-week low of $75.04 reached on April 9, leading to investor debates on whether Whirlpool is set for a rebound or a prolonged slump [4] - The company's stock performance is closely linked to consumer discretionary spending and the housing market, both of which have been negatively affected by persistent inflation, high interest rates, and increased mortgage costs [3] Group 2: Sales and Financial Performance - In Q4 2024, Whirlpool experienced a 1.4% decline in North America sales, primarily due to a significant reduction in trade inventory levels, while Latin America sales fell by 4% year-over-year, contributing to an 18.7% year-over-year decline in net sales for the quarter [5][6] - Management provided a cautious forecast for 2025, expecting net sales of $15.8 billion, down from $16.6 billion in the previous year, and ongoing EPS of $10.00, down from $12.21 [7] Group 3: Margin and Cost Challenges - Despite forecasting an EBIT margin of 6.8% for 2025, up from 5.3% in 2024, Whirlpool anticipates that increased marketing and technology investments will negatively impact margins by 50 basis points, along with currency fluctuations affecting margins by another 50 basis points [8] - The company's premium valuation is becoming a concern, with a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 8.04X, significantly higher than the industry average of 6.89X, raising questions about the sustainability of this valuation amid slowing growth and rising costs [9] Group 4: Strategic Initiatives - Whirlpool is implementing cost-reduction efforts, including organizational simplification and supply chain alignment, to protect margins and boost productivity [11] - The company is positioned for organic growth of 3% in 2025, driven by a significant product refresh, with 30% of the product lineup in MDA North America being updated [12]

Core Viewpoint - Whirlpool (NYSE: WHR) is considered a buy due to its consistent dividend payments for over 70 years and its current trading at decade lows, with potential for a 15% return if the company manages its debt effectively [1]. Company Analysis - The company has a long history of dividend payments, which is a positive indicator for investors looking for stable income [1]. - Current trading levels are at decade lows, suggesting a potential undervaluation in the market [1]. - Effective debt management is crucial for the company to achieve the projected 15% return [1].

Core Insights - Whirlpool and Altria both offer high-yield dividends exceeding 7%, despite their differing industries [1][2] - Current stock performance for both companies is underwhelming, prompting a comparison to identify potential bargains [2] Company Analysis Whirlpool - Whirlpool is facing market concerns related to a potential trade war and disappointing fourth-quarter earnings, which have led to a significant decline in share price [3][4] - The price-to-sales ratio for Whirlpool is notably low at 0.31, indicating it may be undervalued compared to Altria [3][4] - The challenges faced by Whirlpool are considered more temporary, as it operates in a stable home appliance industry [5][6] Altria - Altria is struggling with a long-term decline in cigarette popularity, which poses a significant challenge for the company [5][6] - Despite attempts to offset declining sales through price increases and a push into alternative products like vaping, growth has been limited [6] - Altria's price-to-sales ratio is over 4.8, which is viewed as unjustified given the stagnation in sales growth [3][6]

Core Insights - Whirlpool Corporation achieved significant recognition at the 2025 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, winning seven awards across four of its brands: JennAir, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, and Maytag, highlighting its commitment to innovation in home appliances [1][2][4] Awards and Recognition - The company secured four spots in the Reviewed Awards, which honor standout products from KBIS, showcasing groundbreaking innovations within its brand portfolio [2] - Two new products received "Best in Show" seals from Apartment Therapy and The Kitchn, further emphasizing the brand's impact in home design and cooking [3] Product Innovations - The JennAir® Induction Downdraft Cooktop was awarded "Best of KBIS" from Reviewed, noted for its powerful extraction capabilities that maintain a pleasant kitchen environment [9] - KitchenAid's new Juniper appliance finishes, a vibrant dark green hue, received the "Best of KBIS" award from Apartment Therapy, set to enhance creative expression in kitchens [16] - The Maytag® Pet Pro Front Load Laundry System, designed to tackle pet hair, was recognized as "Best of KBIS" from Reviewed, showcasing the brand's focus on practical solutions for consumers [13] Collaborative Efforts - Whirlpool collaborated with interior designer Noz Nozawa to unveil a reimagined design language with new color and personalization options, reflecting consumer and designer preferences [5] - The JennAir space at KBIS featured a design by Kerrie Kelly, incorporating elements from leading kitchen brands to resonate with the interior design community [6] Event Highlights - The KBIS event is recognized as North America's largest trade show dedicated to kitchen and bath design, bringing together top manufacturers, designers, and industry professionals to celebrate innovations and trends [13]

Group 1: Impact of Tariffs on Companies - Tariffs can have varied impacts on companies, with some benefiting from rising commodity prices while others face increased costs for raw materials and imports [1] - Whirlpool is expected to be negatively impacted by steel tariffs, which will raise input costs, and it may also incur higher expenses from tariffs on imported parts and goods [2] - Concerns over rising costs led to a significant decline in Whirlpool's stock, which fell by approximately 9% [3] Group 2: Economic Context and Consumer Behavior - Tariffs are likely to increase the prices of affected goods, as evidenced by research from the 2018-2019 trade war showing that prices of U.S. imported goods rose nearly in line with the tariffs imposed [4] - Companies like Whirlpool may struggle to pass on increased costs to consumers, especially given current challenges in the housing market, including interest rates and consumer confidence [4] - There are fears that trade wars and tariff-induced price increases could lead to stagflation, creating a challenging environment for Whirlpool with lagging demand and rising costs [5] Group 3: Whirlpool's Production and Market Position - Whirlpool is somewhat insulated from tariff impacts as approximately 80% of its products sold in the U.S. are manufactured domestically, but it still relies on production in China and Mexico for the remaining products [6] - The reliance on international production places Whirlpool in a difficult position amid evolving tariff landscapes, prompting investors to act quickly rather than wait for clarity [6]

Company Performance - Whirlpool's stock closed at $91.58, showing a +0.96% change from the previous day's closing price, but underperformed compared to the S&P 500's gain of 1.12% [1] - Over the past month, Whirlpool's shares have decreased by 9.64%, which is significantly worse than the Consumer Discretionary sector's loss of 2.8% and the S&P 500's loss of 4.13% [1] Upcoming Earnings - Analysts predict Whirlpool will report an EPS of $1.73, reflecting a 2.81% decline from the same quarter last year [2] - Revenue is expected to be $3.66 billion, indicating an 18.46% decrease compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year [2] Annual Forecast - For the entire year, earnings are forecasted at $9.52 per share and revenue at $15.44 billion, representing declines of -22.03% and -7.04% respectively compared to the previous year [3] Analyst Revisions - Recent revisions to analyst forecasts for Whirlpool are important as they reflect short-term business trends, with positive revisions indicating analyst optimism about the company's performance [4] Valuation Metrics - Whirlpool's Forward P/E ratio is 9.53, which is in line with the industry average of 9.53, indicating no significant deviation from its peers [7] - The Household Appliances industry, which includes Whirlpool, is currently ranked 228 in the Zacks Industry Rank, placing it in the bottom 10% of over 250 industries [7]

Company Participation - Whirlpool Corporation will participate in the Raymond James 46th Annual Institutional Investors Conference on March 3rd at 8:40 a.m. ET [1] - Roxanne Warner, Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and Investor Relations, will present for the company [1] Webcast Availability - Investors and the general public can view the webcast of the presentation on the company's Investor Relations website [2] - An archived recording of the event will be available for at least 30 days [2] Company Overview - Whirlpool Corporation is a leading home appliance company with approximately $17 billion in annual sales in 2024, with nearly 90% of sales in the Americas [3] - The company employs 44,000 people and operates 40 manufacturing and technology research centers [3] - Whirlpool's brand portfolio includes Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator [3]

Core Insights - Whirlpool Corporation will showcase new products and interactive experiences at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) from February 25-27, 2025, in Las Vegas, emphasizing design and innovation across its iconic brands [1][2][3] Group 1: Brand Highlights - The booth will feature offerings from Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, and Maytag, focusing on improving life at home through innovative appliances [2][3] - JennAir will present a luxury experience with live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, showcasing advancements in design and technology [4][5] - KitchenAid will debut a new line of vibrant appliances that challenge conventional kitchen design, inviting creativity and exploration [6][7][9] - Whirlpool will highlight its "Gallery of Care," demonstrating how its appliances address everyday family challenges [11][12] - Maytag will focus on performance, showcasing appliances designed for demanding households [12][17] Group 2: Product Innovations - New products from JennAir include advanced induction cooktops and ranges that blend style and performance [7][8] - KitchenAid will introduce a 30-inch Commercial-Style Gas Range and a Smart Slide-in Gas Range with innovative cooking features [8][15] - Whirlpool will feature a Smart Front Load Washer and Dryer with advanced technology for enhanced laundry care [16][18] - Maytag will present a Pet Pro Front Load Laundry System and a Gas Range with Grill Mode, catering to specific consumer needs [17] Group 3: Event Engagement - The event will facilitate meaningful interactions between the company and its customers, with exclusive tours and design insights from industry experts [3][10] - Design professionals will have opportunities to engage in exclusive happy hours and discussions about the latest trends in kitchen and bath design [5][10] Group 4: Company Overview - Whirlpool Corporation is a leading home appliance manufacturer, reporting approximately $17 billion in annual sales in 2024, with a strong focus on innovation to meet consumer needs [14][18] - The company operates with a significant workforce of 44,000 employees and maintains 40 manufacturing and technology research centers across the Americas [18]

Group 1 - Whirlpool Corporation has appointed John Morikis, former chairman and CEO of The Sherwin-Williams Company, to its board of directors, effective immediately [1][2] - Morikis will serve on the corporate governance and nominating committee and the human resources committee [1] - Marc Bitzer, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool, expressed excitement about Morikis joining the board, highlighting his experience in establishing resilient supply chains and insights into the U.S. home builder market as valuable assets for the company [2] Group 2 - Morikis, aged 61, was president and CEO of Sherwin-Williams from 2016 and became chairman in 2017, having started his career there in 1984 [2] - He will remain on the board of directors for Sherwin-Williams until his term expires in April and is also a director at General Mills, Inc. and University Hospitals [3] Group 3 - Whirlpool Corporation is a leading home appliance company, focusing on improving life at home and is the last major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances [4] - In 2024, Whirlpool reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales, with nearly 90% of sales occurring in the Americas, and employs 44,000 people across 40 manufacturing and technology research centers [4]