Whirlpool airs its loss expectations

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Whirlpool Corporation forecasted a full-year loss of $13.00 per share due to weak demand in the housing market and rising costs, revising its earlier profit outlook downward and prompting an 8% drop in shares. The company is implementing price hikes, cost-cutting measures, and plant closures to protect profitability, with benefits expected to emerge in 2027, while prioritizing debt reduction after suspending its dividend.

Whirlpool Corporation on Monday projected a full-year loss of $13.00 per share, reflecting ongoing challenges in a weak housing market that has dampened demand for home appliances. This forecast marks a significant revision from the company’s initial guidance in January, which anticipated adjusted earnings of $7.00 per share. Following the announcement, Whirlpool’s shares declined by 8 percent in after-hours trading.

The company’s difficulties stem from persistently high interest rates, which have slowed home sales, as well as economic uncertainties fueled by inflation and geopolitical tensions linked to the conflict in Iran. These factors have contributed to subdued consumer spending on major household items.

Despite these headwinds, Whirlpool’s Chief Financial Officer, Roxanne Warner, emphasized that the company has maintained its market position and continued product innovation, introducing roughly 100 new products in 2026. “For 2026, we have not seen a fall-off in share,” Warner said.

In the third quarter, Whirlpool’s net sales totaled $3.7 billion, falling short of Wall Street’s expectations of $3.9 billion and down from $4 billion in the same period last year. The company reported an adjusted loss of 21 cents per share, a sharp miss compared to analysts’ estimates of earnings of 73 cents per share.

To protect profitability, Whirlpool has implemented price increases and cost-cutting measures. These include workforce reductions at its Iowa refrigerator plant in preparation for modernization, the gradual closure of a manufacturing facility in Mexico, and a reduction in distribution centers. However, these efforts have been offset by rising expenses for raw materials, fuel, and logistics. The company’s ongoing EBIT margin for the third quarter was 2.6 percent, down from 4.5 percent a year earlier.

Whirlpool indicated that the benefits of its cost-saving initiatives are expected to be more apparent next year. The company plans to raise prices by approximately 7 percent in the fourth quarter to help mitigate cost pressures.

Amid financial pressures, Whirlpool suspended its dividend earlier this year. Warner declined to address future dividend payments directly but stated the company’s priority is managing its debt. The company's total debt rose to $6.5 billion last year following the $3 billion acquisition of garbage-disposal maker InSinkErator in 2022. Whirlpool expects to reduce its debt to below $4.5 billion by the end of 2026.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.