Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) is featured in Mad Money’s latest recap as Jim Cramer shared his buy, sell, or hold verdict. When a caller mentioned that they bought the stock last year as it was down, Cramer said: I gotta tell you, you know… this one just mystifies me. Down 25%. The president’s done everything he can to try to make it so that they’re not, they lose by imports. I don’t know what to say other than the fact that I wish I could recommend it, but I just feel like, at every single point, it g ...

What happened According to a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing dated Feb. 17, 2026, Appaloosa sold 1,590,000 shares of Whirlpool during the fourth quarter. The estimated transaction value was $117.38 million, calculated using the quarter’s average share price. The fund’s position value declined by $150.23 million over the quarter, reflecting both the share sale and market price changes. What else to know Appaloosa’s post-trade stake in Whirlpool represents 4.07% of its reportable AUM, dow ...

Company Overview - Hisense Home Appliances Group Company Limited is a major manufacturer of white goods such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, operating globally with a market cap of US$4,893 million [1]. Business Strategy - The company employs a multi-brand strategy, utilizing brands like Hisense, Gorenje, and Ronshen to offer consumers a range of appliances and smart home solutions worldwide [1]. Performance Metrics - The company holds a Profitable Growth rank of 5, which is consistent with the prior period's rank, indicating average performance compared to 920 large consumer discretionary companies globally [4]. - The Profitability rank is also 5, matching its Growth rank, and remains unchanged from the previous period, reflecting average performance relative to peers [4]. - The Growth rank has decreased to 5 from the previous period's 3, indicating a decline in growth performance compared to peers [4].

Core Viewpoint - Best Buy reported mixed results for the holiday quarter, with sales declining below expectations but earnings exceeding estimates due to improved profitability [1][3]. Financial Performance - For the fiscal fourth quarter, Best Buy's net income increased to $541 million, or $2.56 per share, compared to $117 million, or 54 cents per share, in the same quarter last year [3]. - Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter were reported at $2.61, surpassing the expected $2.47 [8]. - Revenue for the quarter was $13.81 billion, slightly below the expected $13.88 billion [8]. - Annual revenue rose to $41.69 billion from $41.53 billion in the previous fiscal year, marking a recovery after three consecutive years of decline [4]. Sales Outlook - For the current fiscal year, Best Buy anticipates revenue between $41.2 billion and $42.1 billion, with adjusted earnings per share projected to range from $6.30 to $6.60 [2]. - Comparable sales are expected to fluctuate between a decline of 1% and an increase of 1% [3]. Market Conditions - The company noted that demand for consumer electronics remained weak during the holiday season, with CEO Corie Barry indicating that market share was at least flat [3]. - CFO Matt Bilunas acknowledged the mixed macroeconomic environment affecting sales [3]. - Comparable sales fell by 0.8% in the fourth quarter, driven by weaker sales in appliances and home theaters, although growth was seen in computing and mobile phones [6]. Strategic Initiatives - Best Buy is focusing on more profitable ventures, such as advertising and expanding its third-party marketplace, which has seen a near doubling of advertising partners compared to the previous year [7].

Core Viewpoint - Whirlpool, the largest appliance manufacturer in the US, is facing criticism for job cuts at its Iowa plant while increasing production in Mexico, raising questions about the effectiveness of Trump's tariff policies on US manufacturing [1][2][4]. Group 1: Job Cuts and Production Shifts - Effective March 9, 341 jobs are being cut at the Whirlpool plant in Amana, Iowa, following a previous cut of 250 jobs in July 2025, with more cuts anticipated later this year [3][10]. - The workforce at the Amana plant has decreased from nearly 3,000 to around 1,300 in recent years, indicating a significant reduction in local employment [5][10]. - Union officials claim that Whirlpool has been moving production lines to Mexico, which has contributed to the job losses in Iowa [4][13]. Group 2: Impact of Tariff Policies - Whirlpool has publicly supported Trump's tariff policies, claiming they would bolster US manufacturing, yet the company has lost 83,000 factory jobs since Trump took office in January 2025 [2][7]. - The tariffs have reportedly increased appliance prices by $1.5 billion annually, leading to decreased demand [7]. - Despite the claimed benefits of tariffs, workers at the Amana plant argue that these policies have not prevented job cuts and offshoring to Mexico [14][17]. Group 3: Union and Worker Reactions - Union representatives have criticized Whirlpool for the layoffs, especially after the company received substantial subsidies and tax credits in Iowa [9][10]. - Workers express feelings of betrayal, stating that the job cuts contradict the promises made under the USMCA agreement, which was intended to protect American jobs [12][15]. - Employees have reported a lack of communication from Whirlpool regarding the reasons for the cuts and the future of the plant [13][15]. Group 4: Company Statements and Future Outlook - Whirlpool describes the job cuts as part of a multi-year modernization plan aimed at transforming the Amana plant into a more dynamic operation [17]. - The company remains committed to supporting Trump's tariff policies and expresses confidence in future trade actions that will benefit US manufacturing [18].

Core Viewpoint - RWWM increased its stake in Whirlpool during the fourth quarter despite the company's challenges related to softer housing activity and restrained consumer spending [1] Group 1: Transaction Details - RWWM, Inc. purchased 275,389 additional shares of Whirlpool Corporation, raising its total position to 830,769 shares, with an estimated transaction value of $20.33 million [2] - The value of RWWM's stake in Whirlpool increased by $16.28 million at quarter-end, influenced by new purchases and changes in Whirlpool's share price [2] Group 2: Company Performance - As of February 12, 2026, Whirlpool shares were priced at $90.41, reflecting a 2.3% decline over the prior year and underperforming the S&P 500 by 15.2 percentage points [3] - Whirlpool's revenue for the trailing twelve months (TTM) is $15.53 billion, with a net income of $318 million and a dividend yield of 5.35% [4] Group 3: Company Overview - Whirlpool offers a wide range of home appliances, including refrigerators, laundry machines, and cooking appliances, under brands such as Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid [5][6] - The company serves diverse markets globally, generating revenue primarily through the manufacture and sale of major household appliances [5] Group 4: Market Dynamics - Whirlpool's performance is closely linked to housing activity, particularly in North America, where home sales and builder orders significantly impact its business [8] - The company faces challenges due to higher mortgage rates slowing home sales and new construction, which reduces demand for major appliances [7][9] Group 5: Future Outlook - The outlook for Whirlpool will depend on the stabilization of housing turnover and the easing of promotional pressure and discounts [10] - While replacement demand provides some support, a significant recovery in earnings will likely require clear improvements in sales trends [10]

Core Viewpoint - Yantai City has introduced measures to boost consumer spending and stabilize production during the Spring Festival period, focusing on trade-in incentives for vehicles and appliances [1] Group 1: Vehicle Trade-in Incentives - Consumers who trade in old vehicles for new ones can receive subsidies of up to 20,000 yuan for scrapping and 15,000 yuan for replacement [1] - For vehicle replacement, the maximum subsidy is 15,000 yuan or 13,000 yuan depending on the specific policy [1] Group 2: Appliance and Electronics Subsidies - Consumers purchasing energy-efficient appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, air conditioners, water heaters, and computers can receive subsidies up to 1,500 yuan [1] - For digital and smart products like smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and smart glasses priced under 6,000 yuan, consumers can receive a maximum subsidy of 500 yuan [1] Group 3: Implementation Timeline - The measures are effective from the date of issuance until February 28, 2026 [1]

Group 1 - Guangzhou is promoting consumption during the Spring Festival with initiatives such as a trade-in program for consumer goods and a Guangdong quality product purchase campaign, covering 18 product categories with a maximum subsidy rate of 15% and distributing 50 million yuan in dining vouchers [1][5][6] - The city aims to ensure a stable supply of essential goods and maintain price stability, with over 1,000 supermarkets and 500 wholesale markets prepared to meet demand during the holiday [3][6] - The traditional flower street event will be held in Beijing from March 3 to 10, showcasing Guangzhou's floral industry and cultural heritage [6][8] Group 2 - The "Flower Street" event in Beijing will feature a recreation of Guangzhou's flower market, integrating traditional customs with modern interactive experiences, including local cuisine and technology demonstrations [8][9] - The initiative is seen as a cultural output and a way to expand the market for Guangzhou's products, allowing residents in Beijing to experience authentic Cantonese traditions [9]

Group 1 - The Chongqing government will launch a comprehensive subsidy policy for vehicle scrapping and replacement, as well as for home appliances and digital products starting January 1, 2026 [2] - The first batch of subsidies for 2026 includes 210 million yuan for vehicle scrapping, 555 million yuan for vehicle replacement, 450 million yuan for home appliances, and 301 million yuan for digital and smart products [2] Group 2 - Consumers can receive a one-time subsidy of up to 20,000 yuan for scrapping eligible gasoline and diesel vehicles registered before specific dates and purchasing qualifying new energy or low-displacement fuel vehicles [3] - The subsidy for scrapping eligible fuel vehicles and purchasing new energy vehicles is set at 12% of the new vehicle sales price, while the subsidy for low-displacement fuel vehicles is 10%, with maximum amounts of 20,000 yuan and 15,000 yuan respectively [3][4] Group 3 - For vehicle replacement, consumers can receive a one-time subsidy of up to 15,000 yuan for purchasing qualifying new energy vehicles and up to 13,000 yuan for low-displacement fuel vehicles [5] - The subsidy for new energy vehicles is 8% of the new vehicle sales price, while for low-displacement fuel vehicles, it is 6% [5] Group 4 - Consumers can receive a 15% subsidy on the sales price of energy-efficient home appliances, with a maximum of 1,500 yuan per item, and can claim one subsidy per category [6] - For digital products like smartphones and tablets, a 15% subsidy is also available, capped at 500 yuan per item, with a limit of one subsidy per category [6] Group 5 - The subsidy policy will be effective from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, and will operate on a "total amount control, balanced use, and first-come, first-served" basis [6]

Core Viewpoint - The new round of "National Subsidy" has officially begun, with a total of 625 billion yuan allocated for 2026, focusing on consumer goods replacement and increased support for equipment updates [1]. Group 1: Digital and Smart Products - Digital and smart products will continue to receive a 15% subsidy, with a maximum of 500 yuan per item, maintaining the same standards as in 2025. The product categories have been expanded to include smart glasses alongside existing items like smartphones and smart home products [1][2]. Group 2: Home Appliances - Subsidies for home appliances will focus solely on products that meet 1st-level energy efficiency or water efficiency standards. Categories eligible for subsidies include refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, air conditioners, computers, and water heaters, with a maximum subsidy of 1500 yuan per item [3][5]. Group 3: Automotive Subsidies - The automotive subsidy program has been adjusted to provide a fixed percentage of the new car sales price as a subsidy, with a maximum of 20,000 yuan for eligible vehicles. The criteria for old vehicle registration dates have been clarified to expand the support range [5][6][7]. Group 4: Equipment Updates - The support for equipment updates will generally continue the scope established in 2025, with additional focus on areas such as old community elevator installations, equipment updates for elderly care institutions, and safety equipment [8][12]. Group 5: Application Process - Consumers can apply for subsidies through designated platforms for different product categories, including automotive and home appliances, ensuring a streamlined process for accessing the benefits [10][13]. Group 6: Fraud Prevention - The implementation of the 2026 "National Subsidy" policy will include measures to combat fraud and ensure that the subsidy benefits reach a broad consumer base, enhancing the effectiveness of the program [15].