Whirlpool Corporation Reports First-Quarter Results

Whirlpool Corporation has announced that first-quarter earnings from continuing operations of $94 million decreased 24 percent to $1.22 per diluted share compared to $124 million, or $1.55 per diluted share reported during the previous year's quarter.

Revenue of $4.6 billion for the quarter increased 5 percent from the $4.4 billion reported in the first quarter of 2007.

‘Our first-quarter results reflect a very challenging global economic environment,’ said Jeff M. Fettig, chairman and chief executive officer of Whirlpool Corporation. ‘We had strong performance in our international operations, which was offset by declines in our North American business. The combination of unprecedented material cost increases and seven consecutive quarters of lower U.S. demand have resulted in one of the most challenging operating environments we have seen in three decades. While near-term economic conditions remain turbulent, Whirlpool Corporation's innovative products and consumer preferred brands are well positioned to capitalise on global growth opportunities. In addition, we have taken strong actions to address significant material and oil cost inflation that has negatively impacted our margins.’

Net earnings for the quarter reflected challenging macroeconomic conditions in the company's U.S. business, as industry unit demand declined approximately 9 percent compared to the prior year. Operating profit totalled $159 million compared with $226 million in the prior year. First-quarter operating results were unfavourably impacted by significantly higher material and oil-related costs and lower U.S. industry unit volume. Results were partially offset by productivity initiatives and improved results within the company's international operations. Whirlpool Corporation's operating profit improved in all three major regions outside of North America.

The company also announced that the Board of Directors approved a new $500 million share repurchase authorisation. During the first quarter, Whirlpool repurchased $97 million of common stock, completing its previously authorised repurchase programme.

First-Quarter Regional Review
Whirlpool North America first-quarter sales of $2.6 billion declined 3 percent from the prior year. U.S. industry unit shipments of major appliances (T7)* declined approximately 9 percent.

Operating profit of $44 million decreased from $159 million reported in the previous year. Significantly higher material and oil-related costs, lower industry demand and increased selling, general and administrative expense due to new product launches and consumer advertising spending were the primary factors affecting the company's first-quarter operating profit.

Based on current economic conditions, the company now expects full-year 2008 U.S. industry unit shipments to decline approximately 5 percent to 6 percent from 2007 levels, versus the 3 percent to 5 percent decline previously expected.

Whirlpool Europe reported first-quarter sales of $940 million, a 13 percent increase from the prior year. Excluding the effects of currency, sales decreased 2 percent in the quarter. Overall industry demand during the quarter declined approximately 2 to 3 percent from the prior year. The region's favourable performance relative to the industry was driven by sales of the market-leading Whirlpool brand and continued strength of the region's innovative product offerings.

Operating profit increased 17 percent to $45 million, as the region benefited from increased productivity compared with the prior year. Partially offsetting these gains were higher material costs.

Based on current economic conditions in Europe, the company expects full- year 2008 industry unit shipments to decline 2 percent to 3 percent from 2007 levels, versus flat unit volume growth previously expected.

Whirlpool Latin America net sales increased 24 percent to $932 million. Increased demand for the company's leading brands and strong industry demand drove Latin America sales. Excluding currency translation, sales for appliances and compressors increased approximately 9 percent.

Operating profit totalled $119 million in the first quarter, increasing 41 percent from the prior year. Increased unit shipments and strong productivity were the main factors behind the year-over-year increase.

Based on current economic conditions in Latin America, the company's full- year 2008 shipment forecast of an increase of 5 percent to 8 percent remains unchanged.

Whirlpool Asia reported quarterly sales of $138 million, increasing 19 percent from the prior year. Excluding the impact of currency, sales increased approximately 9 percent predominantly due to higher volume in the company's India operations. The region reported an operating profit of $2 million during the quarter. The year-over-year increase in operating profit resulted from higher volume and favourable trends in productivity and product mix. These favourable items were partially offset by higher material costs.

The company continues to expect full-year 2008 industry unit shipments to increase 5 percent to 10 percent from 2007 levels.

Outlook
‘The macroeconomic challenges, primarily material and oil-related costs, have intensified,’ said Fettig. ‘In light of these trends, we are reducing our full-year outlook. We will continue to aggressively pursue actions to address these challenges.

Specifically, we will implement previously announced cost-based price increases and will accelerate our productivity initiatives to mitigate these challenges. We will continue to invest in our brands to bring new innovative products to consumers around the world.’

For the full-year 2008, Whirlpool now expects earnings per diluted share from continuing operations to be in the $7.00 to $7.50 range and to generate $500 million to $550 million in free cash flow.**

* 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 continuing operations appears below under the heading ‘Cash Flow Reconciliation.’

Web: http://www.whirlpool.co.uk