Whirlpool Stock Plunges After Disappointing Q4 Results and Weak Guidance
Key Highlights:
Stock Reaction:
Shares of Whirlpool (NYSE: WHR) plunged nearly 17% on Thursday after the home appliance giant reported weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings, revenue, and guidance. The disappointing performance was compounded by a slump in North American sales and an announcement to reduce its stake in Whirlpool of India Ltd.
Q4 Financial Performance:
Guidance and Strategic Moves:
Whirlpool provided a weaker outlook for 2025:
Stock Performance:
Earlier in the week, Whirlpool shares had reached their highest level since late 2023. However, Thursday's nearly 17% decline wiped out gains, leaving the stock in negative territory over the past 12 months.
Key Highlights:
- North American Sales Decline: Whirlpool’s North American sales dropped as trade inventory reductions negatively impacted performance.
- Q4 Loss: The company posted a significant loss due to a Maytag brand impairment charge.
- Stake Reduction: Whirlpool announced plans to cut its ownership in its Indian subsidiary by 2025.
Stock Reaction:
Shares of Whirlpool (NYSE: WHR) plunged nearly 17% on Thursday after the home appliance giant reported weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings, revenue, and guidance. The disappointing performance was compounded by a slump in North American sales and an announcement to reduce its stake in Whirlpool of India Ltd.
Q4 Financial Performance:
- Net Loss: Whirlpool reported a fourth-quarter loss of $7.10 per share, driven by a Maytag brand impairment charge. This was significantly worse than analysts’ expectations of a $0.88 per share loss (Visible Alpha).
- Revenue: Total revenue dropped 19% year-over-year to $4.14 billion, missing forecasts. The decline was primarily attributed to the divestiture of most of its European operations.
- Regional Sales Breakdown:
- North America: Major domestic appliance (MDA) sales fell 1.2%, impacted by a sharp trade inventory reduction despite strong sell-through in the quarter.
- Asia: MDA sales increased by 8.8%.
- Latin America: MDA sales rose by 7.3%.
- Global: Sales of small domestic appliances grew 6.4%.
Guidance and Strategic Moves:
Whirlpool provided a weaker outlook for 2025:
- Full-Year Adjusted EPS: Expected to be approximately $10.00, below the $11.05 forecast by Visible Alpha.
- Revenue: Projected to be around $15.8 billion, also short of the $15.92 billion estimate.
Stock Performance:
Earlier in the week, Whirlpool shares had reached their highest level since late 2023. However, Thursday's nearly 17% decline wiped out gains, leaving the stock in negative territory over the past 12 months.