Whirlpool Corporation (WHR) Announced Q1 2026 Earnings on May 7, 2026, Reporting "net sales decreased 8% year-over-year to $2.2 billion"

Whirlpool Corporation reported first quarter 2026 results, noting "we delivered an ongoing EBIT margin of 1.3% and an ongoing earnings per share of negative $0.56" for the quarter.

First quarter free cash flow was negative $896 million. In the MDA North America segment, "net sales decreased 8% year-over-year to $2.2 billion" in the first quarter.

Conversely, the SDA global business performed well, "delivering approximately 10% net sales growth year-over-year" and an EBIT margin of 21%.

Management highlighted that "consumer sentiment has dropped to its lowest level in 50 years", driving U.S. appliance industry demand down 7.4% in the first quarter, with March down 10%. In response, executives announced "a promotional price increase, which is already in effect of more than 10% relative to the first quarter prices", alongside a lease price increase of "approximately 4%" effective July 9. The company reaffirmed a "commitment to deliver our $150 million in cost take out in 2026". Operational moves include a $60 million investment in a new production facility in Perrysburg, Ohio, modernization of the Amana, Iowa plant to generate an expected annualized EBIT benefit of approximately $70 million, and shifting front load washer production from Pilar, Argentina to Rio Claro, Brazil.

For the full year 2026, Whirlpool revised its expectations, forecasting "revenue growth of approximately 1.5%" on a like-for-like basis.

Full year guidance includes a "full year EBIT margin of approximately 4%" and "full year ongoing earnings per share of $3 to $3.50". The company expects to generate full year free cash flow of "more than $300 million". To ensure financial flexibility, management made the decision to "pause our quarterly dividend starting in the second quarter" to create capacity on the balance sheet to "pay down more than $900 million of debt in 2026".Product innovation remains a key priority with the introduction of the Artisan Plus stand mixer and a compact fully automatic espresso machine.

The company noted the successful national rollout of the Whirlpool branded UV laundry tower, which captures "approximately 5 points" of share within weeks.

Executives also showcased the new KitchenAid intelligent wall oven, which earned the Best of Show Award at KBIS, and the InSinkErator LEDefense Odor Fighting Sink Flange.