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. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040202/DETU004LOGO)
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, +1-269-923-7405, ; or
Financial: Greg Fritz, +1-269-923-2641, Web Site:
http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/
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