Whirlpool Corporation Reports Third-Quarter 2009 Results

Productivity and cost reductions drive operating profit improvement and strong cash flow generation


Benton Harbor, Mich., Oct. 23  /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) announced today third-quarter 2009 earnings of $1.15 per diluted share compared to $2.15 per diluted share reported in the prior year.  The company reported net sales of $4.5 billion, a decrease of 8 percent from the year-ago period.  Excluding the impact of foreign exchange translation, the company's third-quarter sales declined approximately 3 percent.

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Third-quarter operating profit increased 8 percent compared to the prior year and was favorably impacted by cost reduction and productivity initiatives.  These favorable items were partially offset by lower global sales and production volumes, unfavorable foreign currency impact and lower monetization of certain tax credits.  Third-quarter results included a previously announced expense of $43 million, or $0.50 per share net of tax, related to an affiliate settlement agreement with the Brazilian competition commission.

"Our strong operating performance improvement in the quarter highlights our successful cost reduction efforts, the strength of our global operating platform, our commitment to product innovation and strong consumer brands," said Jeff M. Fettig, chairman and chief executive officer of Whirlpool Corporation.  "These factors, combined with our continued emphasis on marketplace execution, will remain key focal points as we manage through this challenging macroeconomic environment."

  THIRD-Quarter RegionAL Review

  Whirlpool North America


Third-quarter sales of $2.5 billion declined 9 percent from the prior year.  Excluding the effects of currency, sales declined approximately 7 percent from the prior year.  U.S. industry unit shipments of major appliances (T7)* declined 6 percent during the third quarter.

The North America region reported operating profit of $140 million compared to $74 million in the previous year.  The improvement was primarily the result of cost reduction and productivity initiatives.  These factors were partially offset by lower unit production volume, unfavorable foreign currency fluctuations and lower product price/mix.

Based on the current economic outlook, the company expects full-year 2009 U.S. industry unit shipments to decline approximately 10 percent compared with its prior expectation of a decline between 10 percent and 12 percent.

Whirlpool Europe

Whirlpool Europe reported third-quarter sales of $899 million, a 17 percent decrease from the prior year.  Excluding the effects of currency, sales declined approximately 11 percent.  Overall industry unit demand during the quarter declined approximately 10 percent from the prior year.

The region reported an operating profit of $14 million during the third quarter compared with $52 million reported in the previous year.  Results were negatively impacted by substantially lower volumes and the non-recurrence of an asset sale and insurance settlement recorded in the previous year.  These factors were partially offset by cost reduction and productivity initiatives.

The company continues to expect full-year 2009 industry unit shipments to decline approximately 13 percent from 2008 levels.

Whirlpool Latin America

Third-quarter net sales totaled $992 million compared to $989 million in the prior year.  Excluding currency translation, sales increased approximately 12 percent.  The sales increase was driven by a strong increase in Brazilian appliance demand.  During the quarter, the company's Brazilian appliance sales increased 40 percent in local currency and the company continued to strengthen its leadership position in the marketplace.

Operating profit totaled $93 million in the third quarter compared with $116 million in the prior year.  The lower profitability is primarily related to significantly lower monetization levels of certain tax credits and unfavorable foreign currency fluctuations.  These items were partially offset by cost reduction and productivity initiatives and an overall increase in unit shipments.

The company currently anticipates full-year 2009 Brazilian appliance shipments will increase more than 15 percent compared to the previous expectation of more than 10 percent.

Whirlpool Asia

Whirlpool Asia reported third-quarter sales of $162 million, increasing 18 percent from the prior year.  Excluding the impact of currency, sales increased 26 percent.  Operating profit during the quarter totaled $8 million, an increase of $8 million from the prior year.  The year-over-year increase in operating profit resulted from higher unit volume, higher productivity and cost reductions, and a $3 million asset sale gain.  These favorable items were partially offset by unfavorable product price/mix.

The company anticipates full-year 2009 industry unit shipments in Asia to be up 10 percent compared to the previous expectation of unit shipments of flat-to-up 5 percent from 2008 levels.

Outlook

For the full-year 2009, Whirlpool Corporation expects earnings per diluted share to be approximately $4.25 compared with the prior expectation of $3.50 to $4.00 per diluted share.  For the full year, the company expects to generate free cash flow** of approximately $500 million to $600 million compared with the prior expectation of $300 million to $400 million.  The company's earnings and free cash flow projections are based upon current economic forecasts and business plans.

"Our improved outlook reflects our success in restructuring our business to aggressively align our capacity and resources to lower demand levels,"  said Fettig.  "While we continue to see uncertain and volatile demand levels in many markets, we are well-positioned to deliver higher 2009 earnings and free cash flow compared with our previous expectations."

* T7 refers to the following household appliance categories: washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ranges and compactors.

** A reconciliation of free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, to cash provided by operations appears below under the heading "Cash Flow Reconciliation."

  --  Whirlpool North America Region launched:
      --  The Whirlpool Gold free-standing, double oven range.  The upper
          oven uses 50 percent less energy and pre-heats in half the time,
          compared to a conventional full-sized oven.
      --  The Maytag brand Performance Series front-load washing machine
          with Fresh Hold option and Dynamic Venting Technology.  The
          high-efficiency, ENERGY STAR® qualified washing machine
          incorporates Dynamic Venting Technology, an industry-first
          available on certain models, and a fan to circulate air to help
          prevent odor.
      --  The Maytag brand Bravos high-efficiency top-load laundry pair
          featuring the largest capacity in the industry, faster spin speeds
          and Maytag commercial technology. The high-efficiency top-load
          laundry pair now has an even larger capacity of 5.0 cubic feet
          that can wash up to 18 pounds of laundry per load.
      --  The Maytag brand ICE2O refrigerator with patented door seal to
          keep cold air in and warm air out to maintain a steady temperature
          while saving energy. The ICE2O also features a Beverage Chiller to
          keep liquids four degrees cooler than the rest of the
          refrigerator, a measured fill option with rotating faucet,
          Store-N-Door Ice Dispensing System and a color LCD touch screen
          with a power outage indicator.
      --  A Maytag brand gas range with the industry's largest oven capacity
          available and powerful 17,000 BTU burners, which boil water faster
          than a standard burner.
      --  The Amana brand top-freezer refrigerator in a new midnight blue
          color.
      --  Gladiator GarageWorks tool storage solutions for its classic and
          premier product lines.  Components are sold separately, but are
          designed to work together:
          --  The premier three-piece stacked tool chest consisting of a
              seven-drawer roll-away, three-drawer intermediate chest and
              six-drawer tool chest.
          --  A classic three-piece stacked tool chest consisting of a
              five-drawer roll-away, three-drawer intermediate chest and
              nine-drawer tool chest.
          --  The premier 41" wide tool chest consisting of a 10-drawer tool
              chest and 12-drawer roll-away.

          --  A premier 52" wide tool chest consisting of a 10-drawer tool
              chest and 10-drawer roll-away.

  --  Whirlpool Europe Region launched:
      --  The Whirlpool brand iXelium stainless steel cooktop, the first
          cooktop that never loses its shine.  With the exclusive
          application of nanotechnology to steel, the iXelium steel cooktop
          is quick and easy to clean: its surface prevents food residue from
          becoming attached. The cooktop is unaffected by chemical agents or
          mechanical actions, and it never becomes stained or scratched.
      --  The Whirlpool brand Green Generation washing machine.  The washing
          machine features Whirlpool exclusive 6TH SENSE technology, a
          SuperEco cycle that reduces energy consumption by up to 40 percent
          on a full load, and a Detergent Optimization System (DOS) capable
          of reducing detergent use by up to 20 percent for every wash.  In
          addition, the hot fill connection, that uses water heated by solar
          panels or other alternative sources, can reduce energy consumption
          by up to 60 percent.
      --  The Whirlpool brand no-frost Fresh Control refrigerator designed
          to naturally keep food fresh for up to twice as long.  Its active
          sensors detect changes in temperature and humidity, and the
          refrigerator adapts to these changes to maintain the optimal
          environment for preserving food.
      --  The Bauknecht brand EcoStyle dishwasher featuring sensors that
          detect the soil level of the dishes to reduce water consumption by
          up to 50 percent and cycle times by up to 60 percent.

      --  The KitchenAid brand induction cooktop featuring a griddle
          function and griddle accessory.  When the griddle is placed on the
          cooktop and the griddle function is selected, the cooktop
          automatically adjusts the power level to maintain the correct
          temperature.

  --  Whirlpool Latin America Region launched:
      --  The Brastemp brand Ative! dishwasher featuring an LCD display and
          seven wash cycles.  The dishwasher uses eight times less water
          than hand washing.
      --  The Brastemp brand Gourmand line of kitchen appliances, offering
          consumers the ability to create an aesthetically unified kitchen,
          with state-of-the-art innovation and modern, robust design.  Some
          items in the new Gourmand line include two-door refrigerators,
          dishwashers, microwaves, cooktops, a wine cellar, and five-burner
          ranges - including one with a steamer in the stove. The line also
          offers kitchen accessories, such as pots and utensils.
      --  The Consul brand window air conditioner with humidifier to the
          Brazilian market.  The Consul Bem-Estar unit can be used to
          provide both cool air and increased humidity for drier climates.

      --  The Consul brand's first five-burner range.  The Consul Facilite
          range features a pre-heating sensor, a Super Flame function to aid
          in the preparation of long-standing foods, tall feet for easier
          cleaning under the unit, an iron handle and double grills.

  --  Whirlpool Asia Region launched:

      --  The SuperWash washing machine series featuring India's only
          semi-automatic washing machine with built-in heater.  Other
          washing machine features in the series include large load
          capacities and a patented wash system agitator.


  THIRD-QUARTER 2009 AWARDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  --  Whirlpool Corporation was named to the 2009/2010 Dow Jones
      Sustainability Index (DJSI), an international stock portfolio that
      evaluates corporate performance using economic, environmental and
      social criteria. This is the fifth year in a row that Whirlpool has
      been named to a Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
  --  Whirlpool Corporation was named to the Newsweek Green Rankings, a list
      of the 500 greenest big companies in America. Whirlpool ranked 78th on
      the list.
  --  Whirlpool Corporation became a member of The Demand Response and Smart
      Grid Coalition (DRSG) and announced its commitment to make 1 million
      smart-grid ready dryers by the end of 2011.
  --  Whirlpool Corporation teamed up with Habitat for Humanity® to help
      build eight homes in five days in Atlanta as part of the fourth annual
      Whirlpool Building Blocks program.
  --  Whirlpool Corporation was named to the Human Rights Campaign's
      Corporate Equality Index 2010, receiving a top rating of 100 percent.
      The index recognizes businesses that work with and provide for
      lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers and consumers.  This
      marks the sixth consecutive year on the index.
  --  Whirlpool Latin America was named the Best Company to work for in
      Brazil for the 13th consecutive year by Guia Voce S.A/Exame.
  --  Whirlpool Latin America was named one of the 25 most innovative
      companies in Brazil, according to a survey led by Epoca Negocios
      magazine.
  --  The Jenn-Air brand ductless downdraft cooktop was named one of the 100
      Best New Products by Professional Builder for 2009, for innovation and
      new technology.
  --  The July issue of Building Products named the Whirlpool brand
      SteamClean range a 2009 Most Valuable Product.
  --  The Maytag Bravos high-efficiency top-load washing machine was named
      the No. 1 top-load washer by a leading consumer magazine.
  --  Three Amana brand refrigerators received Best Buy recognition by a
      leading consumer magazine.
  --  The Whirlpool brand was recognized with a 2009 Good Green Design Award
      from the Chicago Athenaeum for its Duet fabric care system.
  --  In China, the Whirlpool brand three-door refrigerator won an iF design
      award.  This marks Whirlpool Corporation's third iF Design Award this
      year.
  --  The Institut Francais du Design in Paris awarded the Whirlpool brand
      PURE water filtration product with the prestigious Janus de
      l'Industrie Award. This water filtration product, designed in Europe,
      meets growing consumer demand for products that help achieve a more
      eco-friendly lifestyle.
  --  In Europe, the Whirlpool brand Max 28 grill microwave oven picked up a
      Best Buy award in the August 2009 issue of U.K. consumer magazine,
      Which?.
  --  In Europe, the Whirlpool brand combi microwave oven was named Best Buy
      and Best in Test in the September 2009 issue of French consumer
      magazine, Que Choisir.

  --  Whirlpool India received the Frost & Sullivan 2009 Business
      Development Strategy Leadership Award in the Indian Residential
      Point-of-Use Water Treatment Systems Market. The award is presented
      annually to a company that is able to anticipate consumer needs and
      develop products and/or services that meet consumer demands,
      successfully introduce products or services to the industry and
      identify new market segments to expand the existing consumer base.


  Cash Flow Reconciliation


The table below reconciles actual 2009 and 2008 and projected 2009 cash provided by operations determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States to free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure.  Management believes that free cash flow provides shareholders with a relevant measure of liquidity and a useful basis for assessing the company's ability to fund its activities and obligations.  There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures, including the difficulty associated with comparing companies that use similarly named non-GAAP measures whose calculations may differ from the company's calculations.  As defined by the company, free cash flow is cash provided by operations after capital expenditures and proceeds from the sale of assets/businesses.

                               Nine Months Ended
                                 September 30
                                 ------------

  (millions of dollars)         2009       2008         2009 Outlook
                                ----       ----         ------------
  Cash provided
   by (used in) operations      $652        $(6)       $900  - $1,025

  Capital expenditures          (348)      (378)       (475) -   (525)

  Proceeds from sale of assets    69         35          75  -    100
                                 ---        ---         ---       ---
  Free cash flow                $373      $(349)       $500      $600
                                 ===        ===         ===       ===

  About Whirlpool Corporation


Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion in 2008, 70,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world.  The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world.  Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/.

Whirlpool Additional Information:

This document contains forward-looking statements about Whirlpool Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries ("Whirlpool") that speak only as of this date. Whirlpool disclaims any obligation to update these statements. Forward-looking statements in this document may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expected earnings per share, cash flow, productivity and material and oil-related prices. Many risks, contingencies and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from Whirlpool's forward-looking statements. Among these factors are: (1) changes in economic conditions which affect demand for our products, including the strength of the building industry and the level of interest rates; (2) the effects of the global economic crisis on our customers, suppliers and the availability of credit; (3) Whirlpool's ability to continue its relationship with significant trade customers, including Sears Holding Corporation in North America (accounting for approximately 11% of Whirlpool's 2008 consolidated net sales of $18.9 billion) and the ability of these trade customers to maintain or increase market share; (4) intense competition in the home appliance industry reflecting the impact of both new and established global competitors, including Asian and European manufacturers; (5) the ability of Whirlpool to manage foreign currency fluctuations; (6) litigation including product liability and product defect claims; (7) the ability of Whirlpool to achieve its business plans, productivity improvements, cost control, leveraging of its global operating platform, and acceleration of the rate of innovation; (8) fluctuations in the cost of key materials (including steel, oil, plastic, resins, copper and aluminum) and components and the ability of Whirlpool to offset cost increases; (9) the ability of suppliers of critical parts, components and manufacturing equipment to deliver sufficient quantities to Whirlpool in a timely and cost-effective manner; (10) health care cost trends and regulatory changes that could increase future funding obligations for pension and other postretirement benefit plans; (11) Whirlpool's ability to obtain and protect intellectual property rights; (12) global, political and/or economic uncertainty and disruptions, especially in Whirlpool's significant geographic regions, including uncertainty and disruptions arising from natural disasters or terrorist attacks; (13) the effects of governmental investigations or related actions by third parties; (14) the impact of labor relations; (15) our ability to attract, develop and retain executives and other qualified employees; (16) the cost of compliance with environmental and health and safety regulations. Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in Whirlpool Corporation's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K.

                          WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
         CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
                    FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
              (Millions of dollars, except per share data)

                                        Three Months     Nine Months
                                            Ended           Ended
                                        ------------     -----------
                                        2009    2008     2009     2008
                                        ----    ----     ----     ----
  Net sales                           $4,497  $4,902  $12,235  $14,592
  Expenses
  Cost of products sold                3,877   4,217   10,537   12,541
  Selling, general and
   administrative (exclusive of
   intangible amortization)              400     477    1,117    1,419
  Intangible amortization                  7       7       21       21
  Restructuring costs                     24      24       71       72
                                         ---     ---      ---      ---

  Operating profit                       189     177      489      539

  Other income (expense)
  Interest and
   sundry income
   (expense)                             (51)     (3)    (110)     (34)
  Interest expense                       (58)    (52)    (178)    (150)
                                         ---     ---     ----     ----

            Earnings before
             income taxes and
             other items                  80     122      201      355
  Income tax benefit                     (13)    (46)     (51)     (41)
                                         ---     ---      ---      ---

  Net earnings                            93     168      252      396
            Less: Net earnings
             available to
             noncontrolling interests     (6)     (5)     (19)     (22)
                                         ---     ---      ---      ---

  Net earnings available to
   Whirlpool common
   stockholders                          $87    $163     $233     $374
                                         ===    ====     ====     ====

  Per share of common stock
  Basic net earnings
   available to Whirlpool
   common stockholders                 $1.17   $2.18    $3.13    $4.96
                                       =====   =====    =====    =====

  Diluted net earnings
   available to Whirlpool
   common stockholders                 $1.15   $2.15    $3.10    $4.89
                                       =====   =====    =====    =====

  Dividends                            $0.43   $0.43    $1.29    $1.29
                                       =====   =====    =====    =====

  Weighted-average
   shares outstanding
   (in millions)
  Basic                                 74.7    74.6     74.4     75.4
  Diluted                               75.7    75.5     75.2     76.4



                           WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
                   CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                 (Millions of dollars, except share data)

                                                  (Unaudited)
                                                 September 30, December 31,
                                                      2009        2008
                                                 ------------  ------------
  Assets

  Current assets
        Cash and equivalents                             $725       $146
        Accounts receivable, net of
         allowance for uncollectible
         accounts of $74 and $66 at
         September 30, 2009 and
         December 31, 2008, respectively                2,742      2,103
        Inventories                                     2,418      2,591
        Deferred income taxes                             388        580
        Other current assets                              649        624
                                                          ---        ---
              Total current assets                      6,922      6,044
                                                        -----      -----

  Other assets
        Goodwill, net                                   1,728      1,728
        Other intangibles, net of accumulated
         amortization of $123 and $96 at
         September 30, 2009 and December 31,
         2008, respectively                             1,802      1,821
        Other assets                                    1,339        954
                                                        -----        ---
              Total other assets                        4,869      4,503
                                                        -----      -----

  Property, plant and equipment
        Land                                               74         74
        Buildings                                       1,221      1,186
        Machinery and equipment                         8,107      7,549
        Accumulated depreciation                       (6,336)    (5,824)
                                                       ------     ------
              Total property, plant and
               equipment                                3,066      2,985
                                                        -----      -----
  Total assets                                        $14,857    $13,532
                                                      =======    =======

  Liabilities and stockholders' equity

  Current liabilities
        Accounts payable                               $3,067     $2,805
        Accrued expenses                                  686        530
        Accrued advertising and promotions                476        440
        Employee compensation                             463        306
        Notes payable                                      45        393
        Current maturities of long-term debt              371        202
        Other current liabilities                         649        887
                                                          ---        ---
              Total current liabilities                 5,757      5,563
                                                        -----      -----

  Noncurrent liabilities
        Long-term debt                                  2,503      2,002
        Pension benefits                                1,495      1,505
        Postretirement benefits                           774        822
        Other liabilities                                 636        567
                                                          ---        ---
              Total noncurrent liabilities              5,408      4,896
                                                        -----      -----

  Commitments and contingencies

  Stockholders' equity
        Common stock, $1 par value, 250 million
         shares authorized, 104 million shares
         issued at September 30, 2009 and
         December 31, 2008, respectively,
         74 million and 73 million shares
         outstanding at September 30, 2009
         and December 31, 2008, respectively              104        104
        Additional paid-in capital                      2,040      2,033
        Retained earnings                               4,130      3,993
        Accumulated other comprehensive income
         (loss)                                          (845)    (1,259)
        Treasury stock, 30 million shares and
         31 million shares at September 30, 2009
         and December 31, 2008, respectively           (1,839)    (1,865)
                                                       ------     ------
              Total Whirlpool stockholders'
               equity                                   3,590      3,006
                                                        -----      -----
        Noncontrolling interests                          102         67
                                                          ---         --
              Total equity                              3,692      3,073
                                                        -----      -----
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity          $14,857    $13,532
                                                      =======    =======



                            WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
         CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
                        NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
                            (Millions of dollars)

                                                              2009    2008
                                                              ----    ----
  Operating activities
  Net earnings                                                $252    $396
  Adjustments to reconcile earnings to cash
   provided by (used in) operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization                                388     467
  Curtailment gain                                             (92)      -
  Decrease in LIFO inventory reserve                           (23)      -
  Gain on disposition of assets                                (10)    (16)
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
    Accounts receivable                                       (524)    (67)
    Inventories                                                332    (459)
    Accounts payable                                            94      68
    Restructuring charges, net of cash paid                    (40)      -
    Taxes deferred and payable, net                            (92)   (116)
    Accrued pension                                            (16)    (96)
    Employee compensation                                      165       1
    Other                                                      218    (184)
                                                               ---    ----
          Cash provided by (used in) operating activities      652      (6)
                                                               ---     ---

  Investing activities
  Capital expenditures                                        (348)   (378)
  Proceeds from sale of assets                                  69      35
  Other                                                        (15)      -
                                                               ---     ---
          Cash used in investing activities                   (294)   (343)
                                                              ----    ----

  Financing activities
  Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt                   863     502
  Net (repayments)/proceeds from short-term borrowings        (340)    561
  Repayments of long-term debt                                (206)   (131)
  Dividends paid                                               (96)    (98)
  Purchase of treasury stock                                     -    (247)
  Common stock issued                                            -      21
  Other                                                        (37)     (1)
                                                               ---     ---
          Cash provided by financing activities                184     607
                                                               ---     ---

  Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents       37     (34)
                                                                --     ---
  Increase in cash and equivalents                             579     224
  Cash and equivalents at beginning of period                  146     201
                                                               ---     ---
  Cash and equivalents at end of period                       $725    $425
                                                              ====    ====


http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040202/DETU004LOGODATASOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation



CONTACT:  Whirlpool Corporation, Media: Whirlpool Corporation Press

Office, [phone], ; or Financial: Greg Fritz,

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Web Site:  http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/ 

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