Workflow
Here's Why Whirlpool Surged 13% Today (and Why There Could Be More to Come)
Whirlpool Whirlpool (US:WHR) The Motley Foolยท2024-10-24 16:37

Core Viewpoint - The company reassured investors about meeting its full-year guidance, leading to a significant stock price increase of 13% following the third-quarter earnings report [1]. Group 1: Earnings Performance - Despite concerns regarding the housing market and trading environment, the company's third-quarter results were satisfactory, maintaining expectations for an EBIT margin of 6%, ongoing earnings per share of $12, and free cash flow of $500 million [2]. - Achieving these targets would result in a valuation of 9.3 times earnings and 12.3 times free cash flow, which are considered favorable for the company [2]. Group 2: Segment Performance - The major domestic appliance (MDA) North America segment is crucial for the company's earnings, with management indicating a target EBIT margin of approximately 9% by the end of 2024 [3]. - The MDA NA EBIT margin improved to 7.3% from 6.3% in the second quarter, indicating progress towards the margin target [3]. - To reach the 9% EBIT margin, the company needs an additional 170 basis points, which may be achievable through price increases, cost reductions, and improved sales of higher-margin discretionary MDA products [3].