BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Whirlpool
Corporation (NYSE: WHR) announced earnings from continuing operations
decreased 7 percent to $163 million, or $2.15 per diluted share, compared to
$175 million, or $2.20 per diluted share reported during the previous year's
quarter. Revenue of $4.9 billion for the quarter increased 1 percent from the
$4.8 billion reported in the third quarter of 2007.
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Third-quarter earnings reflect lower global unit volumes, higher material
and oil-related costs and lower asset sale gains compared to the third quarter
of 2007. These items were partially offset by an income tax benefit,
favorable price/mix and productivity initiatives during the quarter. The
company's results included $10 million in asset sale gains compared with $41
million of asset sale gains and the sale of an investment in the previous
year's quarter.
"We are in the midst of a rapidly changing and very challenging economic
environment. We have seen a sharp drop in demand in North America and Europe
during the third quarter, and we do not expect demand conditions to improve in
the near term," said Jeff M. Fettig, Whirlpool Corporation chairman and chief
executive officer. "Our third-quarter results were negatively impacted by
declining demand and record levels of cost inflation. These unfavorable
factors were partially offset by improved price/mix and productivity.
"The global credit crisis has had a profound negative impact on what was
already a weakening and very fragile global economy. Declining home values,
rising unemployment and very low consumer confidence levels will likely
prolong a negative demand environment at least through the middle of 2009.
"In anticipation of this environment, we have announced substantial cost
and production capacity reductions to adjust our business cost structure to
expected demand levels. We will reduce our global workforce by approximately
5,000 positions by the end of 2009. In addition to the four facility closures
we have announced earlier this year, we are also closing our Jackson,
Tennessee facility and transferring production into our Findlay, Ohio
location."
The company outlined the following actions:
-- A reduction in force of approximately 5,000 jobs, which is being
implemented across the global organization. The reduction includes
both jobs that have already been announced through plant closures along
with new reductions taking place now and through the end of 2009:
-- The company will close its facility in Jackson, Tenn. Production
from Jackson will be consolidated into the Findlay, Ohio plant. The
closure will result in a reduction of approximately 500 positions.
Since January 2008, the company announced the closure of plants in
LaVergne, Tenn.; Oxford, Miss.; Puebla, Mexico and Reynosa, Mexico,
which resulted in a reduction of approximately 2,000 jobs.
-- The company will reduce approximately 500 salaried positions
throughout North America. These include both full time and
contractor positions.
-- Whirlpool is implementing reductions across its international regions
totaling approximately 1,900 jobs with the majority occurring in
Europe. These are comprised of new reductions as well as those
announced earlier this year.
-- These actions do not include current or potential future layoffs,
which are intended to be temporary in nature.
According to Fettig, the actions are expected to produce savings of
approximately $275 million on an annualized basis. "While decisions to
eliminate jobs and close facilities are very difficult, they are necessary to
create a cost-effective business structure. These changes will ensure that our
company is proactively taking the necessary steps to adjust its cost structure
and production capacity to lower expected demand levels."
Third-Quarter Regional Review
Whirlpool North America third-quarter sales of $2.7 billion declined 7
percent from the prior year. U.S. industry unit shipments of major appliances
(T7)* declined approximately 11 percent.
Operating profit of $74 million declined from $132 million reported in the
previous year. Significantly higher material and oil-related costs and lower
industry demand were the primary factors affecting the company's third-quarter
operating profit. These factors were partially offset by favorable price/mix
and ongoing productivity initiatives.
Based on current economic conditions, the company expects full-year 2008
U.S. industry unit shipments to decline approximately 10 percent from 2007
levels compared with its previous expectation of a 6 percent to 7 percent
decline.
Whirlpool Europe reported third-quarter sales of $1.1 billion, a 9 percent
increase from the prior year. Excluding the effects of currency, sales were
approximately equal to the previous year. Overall industry demand during the
quarter declined approximately 4 percent from the prior year.
Operating profit decreased to $52 million from $84 million reported in the
previous year. The region recorded an asset sale gain of $9 million in the
third quarter compared with a $32 million gain in the previous year. In
addition to the reduction in asset sale gains, European results were
unfavorably impacted by higher material and oil-related costs, lower unit
volumes and lower fixed cost absorption. These increased costs were
substantially offset by favorable product price/mix during the quarter.
Based on current economic conditions in the European region, the company
expects full-year 2008 industry unit shipments to decline 3 percent to 4
percent from 2007 levels compared with its previous expectation of a 2 percent
to 3 percent decline.
Whirlpool Latin America net sales increased 22 percent to $1.0 billion.
Sales results reflect continued strong demand for the company's innovative
products in the region and favorable foreign currency translation. Excluding
currency translation, sales for appliances and compressors increased
approximately 11 percent.
Operating profit totaled $116 million in the third quarter compared with
$103 million in the prior year. Increased appliance unit shipments, regional
tax incentives, favorable price/mix and productivity were positive factors
during the third quarter. These factors were mitigated by increased material
and oil-related costs and the non-recurrence of a non-income based tax credit
of $12 million.
Based on current economic conditions in Latin America, the company expects
full-year 2008 shipments to rise 5 percent to 8 percent.
Whirlpool Asia reported third-quarter sales of $137 million, increasing 11
percent from the prior year. Excluding the impact of currency, sales
increased approximately 16 percent predominantly due to higher unit volume.
Operating profit during the quarter was breakeven. The year-over-year
increase in operating profit resulted from higher volume and favorable trends
in productivity and product price/mix. These favorable 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 additional actions the company is undertaking to reduce costs across
its global operations will result in additional restructuring expenses. For
the full-year 2008, the company now anticipates recording restructuring
expenses of approximately $170 million compared with its previous estimate of
$100 million.
"Though we are in a challenging and uncertain economic environment,
Whirlpool remains very well positioned to overcome these challenges and
further strengthen our global operations," said Fettig. "The actions we are
taking reflect the strong operating disciplines that are required to succeed
in any environment. We will rapidly make the necessary changes to adapt to
this economic environment and will continue to invest in the right areas that
are key to our future success."
For the full-year 2008, Whirlpool now expects earnings per diluted share
from continuing operations to be in the $5.75 to $6.00 range compared with its
previous estimate of $7.00 to $7.50 per share. Based upon its revised
earnings expectations and industry outlook, the company expects to generate
free cash flow of $0 to $50 million for the full year compared to its previous
estimate of $500 to $550 million.**
Given the challenging economic conditions and its revised free cash flow
outlook, the company has suspended its share repurchase program.
* 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."
NEW INNOVATIONS
-- The Whirlpool brand in North America launched:
-- The Whirlpool brand Resource Saver dishwasher system designed to
increase tough soil cleaning performance.
-- The eco-friendly SteamClean innovation on Whirlpool brand electric
ranges.
-- The Maytag brand in North America launched:
-- The new Maytag Bravos, the first top-load washer to offer a CEE Tier
III energy rating, the highest efficiency level in the industry. The
first top-loading laundry pair to offer a steam cycle.
-- A new Centennial washer and dryer pair featuring a heavy-gauge steel
lid, Dependable Clean wash system and Smooth Balance suspension to
reduce vibration and noise.
-- The Amana brand in North America launched:
-- A new traditional top-load laundry pair. The top-load washing
machine features antimicrobial protection and an updated console for
a stylish look. The super capacity dryers feature wide-opening,
side-swing, reversible doors.
-- Whirlpool Europe launched:
-- A Whirlpool brand induction cooktop that offers reduced cook times
and energy savings of up to 40 percent compared with traditional
cooktops. The induction cooktop also features touch operation,
sensor-assisted temperature control and residual heat indicators.
-- KitchenAid brand Pro-Clean dishwashers featuring a wash cycle that
utilizes 32 additional high-pressure jet spray devices, eliminating
the need to soak and scrub baked-on pots and pans by hand. The
dishwashers also offer a noise reducing overnight cycle,
antibacterial rinse, and multizone wash system that allows consumers
to wash loads in either the upper or lower rack as half loads.
-- Whirlpool Latin America launched:
-- Brastemp brand New You dishwashers and refrigerators that consumers
can customize via the Internet. The appliances can be configured
according to the consumers' style and lifestyle preferences. The
refrigerator is available in nine colors and more than 1,700 option
combinations, while the dishwasher is available in eight color
choices with more than 800 combination options.
-- Brastemp brand Split Ative air conditioners with electrostatic
stickers that are easily attached to and removed from the units for
creative versatility. This air conditioning launch marks the
Brastemp return to the category after a five-year absence.
-- A line of Consul brand stainless steel appliances designed to provide
consumers with stylish appliances at affordable prices. The new
stainless steel offering includes a range, two frost-free
refrigerators, two ranges and a microwave oven.
-- KitchenAid brand continued its Latin America introduction.
KitchenAid brand major and countertop appliances are now offered
throughout Brazil.
-- Whirlpool Asia launched:
-- Whirlpool brand Vari washing machine in China. The large-capacity
washing machine features 6th Sense technology and a unique "blooming
flower" wash action to improve cleaning performance.
-- Whirlpool brand Onyx frost-free, top-mount refrigerator in Australia.
The large-capacity, energy-efficient refrigerator features a rapid
chill freezer compartment, and a humidity-controlled crisper drawer
to keep foods fresher longer and a satina finish.
AWARDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
-- Whirlpool Corporation was named one of the "Best Places to Launch a
Career" by BusinessWeek magazine.
-- For the fourth consecutive year Whirlpool Corporation was named to the
2008/2009 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), an international stock
portfolio that evaluates corporate performance using economic,
environmental, and social criteria.
-- Whirlpool Corporation received a score of 100 percent on the Human
Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index for the sixth consecutive
year.
-- In Brazil, both Whirlpool and Embraco, Whirlpool Corporation's
compressor and cooling solutions business, were named the Best Company
to work for in Brazil for the 12th consecutive year by Guia Voce
S.A/Exame 2008.
-- Embraco was named a 2008 "Stars of Energy Efficiency" by the Alliance
to Save Energy (ASE). The award recognizes individuals, companies, and
government entities working to advance energy efficiency in noteworthy
and creative ways.
-- Whirlpool Corporation's GREENKITCHEN design concept received a Gold
Design Award from the Spark International Design Competition.
-- Whirlpool Corporation was named the Expo Design Center Appliance Vendor
Partner of the Year for 2008 by The Home Depot.
-- Whirlpool India was awarded the NDTV Profit Business and Leadership
Award 2008 for the "Best Consumer Durables Company."
-- The Whirlpool brand Duet steam laundry pair was named one of the "21
Grand Slam Products that Will Have You Cheering" by Building Products.
-- Whirlpool Gold Series ranges were named as "smart green choices" by
Green Builder magazine.
-- The Bauknecht brand won top prize in the Kitchen Innovation of the Year
award from the German Federal Ministry for Economy and Technology in
their "Better Living" initiative. The Bauknecht double-drawer
refrigerator took the gold medal in all categories. The new Bauknecht
microwave-hood combination also won an innovation award.
Cash Flow Reconciliation
The table below reconciles actual 2007 and 2008 and projected 2008 cash
provided by continuing 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 continuing operations after
capital expenditures and proceeds from the sale of assets/businesses. The
projections shown here are based upon many estimates and are inherently
subject to change based on future decisions made by management and the board
of directors of the company, and significant economic, competitive and other
uncertainties and contingencies.
Nine Months Ended 2008
(millions of dollars) September 30 Outlook
2008 2007
Cash provided/(used) by
continuing operations $(6) $128 $500 - $525
Capital expenditures (378) (310) (535) - (550)
Proceeds from sale of
assets/non-Maytag
businesses 35 99 35 - 75
------- ------- ------- -------
Free Cash Flow $ (349) $(83) $0 - $50
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of
major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion, 73,000
employees, and 69 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 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
Corporation's forward-looking statements. Among these factors are: (1) intense
competition in the home appliance industry reflecting the impact of both new
and established global competitors, including Asian and European
manufacturers; (2) Whirlpool's ability to continue its relationship with
significant trade customers, including Sears Holding Corporation in North
America (accounting for approximately 12% of Whirlpool's 2007 consolidated net
sales of $19.4 billion) and the ability of these trade customers to maintain
or increase market share; (3) changes in economic conditions, including the
strength of the U.S. building industry and the level of interest rates; (4)
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; (5) 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; (6) the
ability of suppliers of critical parts, components and manufacturing equipment
to deliver sufficient quantities to Whirlpool in a timely and cost-effective
manner; (7) our ability to attract, develop and retain executives and other
qualified employees; (8) health care cost trends and regulatory changes that
could increase future funding obligations for pension and post retirement
benefit plans; (9) the cost of compliance with environmental and health and
safety regulations; (10) litigation including product liability and product
defect claims; (11) the impact of labor relations; (12) Whirlpool's ability to
obtain and protect intellectual property rights; (13) the ability of Whirlpool
to manage foreign currency fluctuations; and (14) 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. 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 Ended Nine Months Ended
------------------ -----------------
2008 2007 2008 2007
------ ------ ------ ------
Net sales $4,902 $4,840 $14,592 $14,083
Expenses
Cost of products sold 4,217 4,148 12,541 12,030
Selling, general and administrative
(exclusive of intangible
amortization) 477 414 1,419 1,252
Intangible amortization 7 7 21 24
Restructuring costs 24 13 72 46
------ ------ ------ ------
Operating profit 177 258 539 731
Other income (expense)
Interest and sundry income (expense) (3) (17) (34) (20)
Interest expense (52) (52) (150) (151)
Gain on sale of investment - 7 - 7
------ ------ ------ ------
Earnings from continuing
operations before income
taxes and other items 122 196 355 567
Income tax (benefit) expense (46) 8 (41) 78
------ ------ ------ ------
Earnings from continuing
operations before equity
earnings and minority
interests 168 188 396 489
Equity in income (loss) of
affiliated companies - (6) - (10)
Minority interests (5) (7) (22) (19)
------ ------ ------ ------
Earnings from continuing operations 163 175 374 460
Loss from discontinued operations,
net of tax of $0 and $3 for the
period ended September 30, 2008
and 2007, respectively - - - (7)
------ ------ ------ ------
Net earnings available to common
stockholders $163 $175 $374 $453
====== ====== ====== ======
Per share of common stock
Basic earnings from continuing
operations $2.18 $2.24 $4.96 $5.83
Discontinued operations, net of tax - - - (0.09)
------ ------ ------ ------
Basic net earnings $2.18 $2.24 $4.96 $5.74
====== ====== ====== ======
Diluted earnings from continuing
operations $2.15 $2.20 $4.89 $5.72
Discontinued operations, net of tax - - - (0.09)
------ ------ ------ ------
Diluted net earnings $2.15 $2.20 $4.89 $5.63
====== ====== ====== ======
Dividends $0.43 $0.43 $1.29 $1.29
====== ====== ====== ======
Weighted-average shares outstanding
(in millions)
Basic 74.6 78.3 75.4 78.9
Diluted 75.5 79.8 76.4 80.4
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Millions of dollars, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
September 30, December 31,
2008 2007
------------- -------------
Assets
Current assets
Cash and equivalents $425 $201
Accounts receivable, net of allowance
for uncollectible accounts of $79
and $83 at September 30, 2008 and
December 31, 2007, respectively 2,603 2,604
Inventories 3,053 2,665
Deferred income taxes 340 324
Other current assets 746 761
------------- -------------
Total current assets 7,167 6,555
------------- -------------
Other assets
Goodwill, net 1,743 1,760
Other intangibles, net of accumulated
amortization of $90 and $64 at
September 30, 2008 and December 31,
2007, respectively 1,838 1,854
Other assets 633 628
------------- -------------
Total other assets 4,214 4,242
------------- -------------
Property, plant and equipment
Land 76 84
Buildings 1,224 1,226
Machinery and equipment 7,884 7,861
Accumulated depreciation (6,095) (5,959)
------------- -------------
Total property, plant and equipment 3,089 3,212
------------- -------------
Total assets $14,470 $14,009
============= =============
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable $3,282 $3,260
Accrued expenses 588 633
Accrued advertising and promotions 427 497
Employee compensation 419 444
Notes payable 853 298
Current maturities of long-term debt 203 127
Other current liabilities 629 634
------------- -------------
Total current liabilities 6,401 5,893
------------- -------------
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt 1,964 1,668
Postretirement benefits 832 1,061
Pension benefits 607 725
Other liabilities 605 682
------------- -------------
Total noncurrent liabilities 4,008 4,136
------------- -------------
Commitments and contingencies
Minority interests 89 69
------------- -------------
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, $1 par value, 250
million shares authorized, 104
million and 103 million shares
issued at September 30, 2008 and December
31, 2007, respectively, 73 million
and 76 million shares outstanding at
September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007,
respectively 104 103
Additional paid-in capital 2,029 1,993
Retained earnings 3,979 3,703
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (275) (270)
Treasury stock, 31 million shares and
27 million shares at September 30,
2008 and December 31, 2007,
respectively (1,865) (1,618)
------------- -------------
Total stockholders' equity 3,972 3,911
------------- -------------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
equity $14,470 $14,009
============= =============
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
(Millions of dollars)
2008 2007
-------- --------
Operating activities of continuing operations
Net earnings $374 $453
Loss from discontinued operations - 7
-------- --------
Earnings from continuing operations 374 460
Adjustments to reconcile earnings
from continuing operations to cash
(used in) provided by operating activities
from continuing operations:
Depreciation and amortization 467 435
Gain on disposition of assets (16) (46)
Gain on sale of investment - (7)
Equity in losses of affiliated companies, less
dividends received - 10
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of business
acquisitions:
Accounts receivable (67) (14)
Inventories (459) (491)
Accounts payable 68 114
Restructuring charges, net of cash paid - (68)
Taxes deferred and payable, net (116) 19
Accrued pension (96) (45)
Employee compensation 1 (22)
Other (162) (217)
-------- --------
Cash (used in) provided by continuing
operating activities (6) 128
-------- --------
Investing activities of continuing operations
Capital expenditures (378) (310)
Proceeds from sale of assets 35 99
Proceeds from sale of Maytag adjacent
businesses - 100
-------- --------
Cash used in investing activities of
continuing operations (343) (111)
-------- --------
Financing activities of continuing operations
Net proceeds from short-term borrowings 561 242
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt 502 4
Purchase of treasury stock (247) (251)
Repayments of long-term debt (131) (9)
Dividends paid (98) (101)
Common stock issued 21 63
Other (1) 1
-------- --------
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
of continuing operations 607 (51)
-------- --------
Cash provided by discontinued operations
- operating activities - 6
-------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
equivalents (34) 24
-------- --------
Increase in cash and equivalents 224 (4)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period 201 262
-------- --------
Cash and equivalents at end of period $425 $258
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