Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR) Cut to "Strong Sell" at Wall Street Zen

Key Points

• Whirlpool was downgraded to “strong sell” by Wall Street Zen, adding to a generally bearish analyst backdrop. The stock now carries an average rating of “Reduce,” with several firms also cutting targets or maintaining negative views.
• The company delivered a weak quarterly report, posting a loss of $0.56 per share versus expectations for a profit and revenue of $3.27 billion, below estimates. Revenue also fell 9.6% from a year earlier, and shares dropped 6.6%.
• Management signaled tougher conditions ahead by cutting FY2026 EPS guidance to $3.00-$3.50 and citing softer demand and weaker consumer confidence. The article also notes a dividend suspension and a securities-law investigation, adding further pressure on the stock.

Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR - Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at Wall Street Zen from a "hold" rating to a "strong sell" rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Saturday.

A number of other research analysts also recently issued reports on WHR. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price objective on Whirlpool from $37.00 to $32.00 and set an "underperform" rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. Weiss Ratings raised Whirlpool from a "sell (d)" rating to a "hold (c-)" rating in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Citigroup initiated coverage on Whirlpool in a research note on Wednesday, April 22nd. They issued a "neutral" rating and a $60.00 price objective on the stock. Mizuho initiated coverage on Whirlpool in a research note on Monday, April 20th. They issued a "neutral" rating and a $55.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded Whirlpool from a "hold" rating to a "strong sell" rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 10th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of "Reduce" and an average target price of $70.78.

Whirlpool Stock Down 6.6%

Shares of NYSE:WHR opened at $45.03 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $2.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.31, a P/E/G ratio of 14.83 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.48, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.40. The business's 50-day moving average is $56.65 and its 200-day moving average is $70.43. Whirlpool has a 1 year low of $44.72 and a 1 year high of $111.96.

Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 6th. The company reported ($0.56) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $0.43 by ($0.99). The business had revenue of $3.27 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.44 billion. Whirlpool had a net margin of 1.08% and a return on equity of 7.68%. The firm's revenue for the quarter was down 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.70 earnings per share. Whirlpool has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.000-3.500 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Whirlpool will post 3.25 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in Whirlpool by 3.4% during the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,429,230 shares of the company's stock worth $175,245,000 after buying an additional 80,122 shares during the period. RWWM Inc. raised its stake in Whirlpool by 191.6% during the 1st quarter. RWWM Inc. now owns 2,422,618 shares of the company's stock worth $130,628,000 after buying an additional 1,591,849 shares during the period. Newport Trust Company LLC raised its stake in Whirlpool by 10.2% during the 4th quarter. Newport Trust Company LLC now owns 2,391,252 shares of the company's stock worth $172,505,000 after buying an additional 221,564 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Whirlpool by 2.3% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,279,044 shares of the company's stock worth $92,472,000 after buying an additional 29,162 shares during the period. Finally, Causeway Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Whirlpool by 42.3% during the 3rd quarter. Causeway Capital Management LLC now owns 617,039 shares of the company's stock worth $48,499,000 after buying an additional 183,496 shares during the period. 90.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Key Headlines Impacting Whirlpool

Here are the key news stories impacting Whirlpool this week:

• Negative Sentiment: Whirlpool missed Q1 expectations, posting a loss of $0.56 per share versus estimates for a profit, while revenue of $3.27 billion also came in below forecasts. Article: Whirlpool (WHR) Reports Q1 Loss, Misses Revenue Estimates
• Negative Sentiment: The company slashed FY2026 EPS guidance to $3.00-$3.50, far below Wall Street expectations, signaling weaker profitability ahead. Article: Whirlpool Stock Down 6.6%
• Negative Sentiment: Whirlpool suspended its dividend, a major concern for income-focused investors and a sign that management is conserving cash amid deteriorating demand. Article: For 70 Years, Whirlpool Paid a Dividend. Suddenly It Can't Afford One.
• Negative Sentiment: Management said the Iran war and weaker consumer confidence are driving a “recession-level industry decline,” suggesting big-ticket appliance demand could stay soft. Article: Whirlpool says Iran war causing 'recession-level industry decline.' The shares are down 20%
• Negative Sentiment: A law firm has opened a securities-law investigation into Whirlpool, adding legal overhang after the earnings disappointment. Article: Whirlpool Corporation Shareholders Are Encouraged to Reach Out to Johnson Fistel for More Information About Potentially Recovering Their Losses

About Whirlpool

Whirlpool Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of home appliances, with a product portfolio that spans major categories such as laundry, refrigeration, cooking, dishwashing and small electrics. Headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the company designs, produces and distributes its appliances through a network of wholly owned manufacturing facilities, joint ventures and third-party partners. Whirlpool serves both retail and professional markets, offering products under its flagship Whirlpool brand as well as several well-known names including Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana, Brastemp and Consul.

In its laundry segment, Whirlpool provides top- and front-load washing machines, dryers and combination units designed to balance energy efficiency, capacity and convenience.

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