Whirlpool Expects Adjusted Loss of $1.30 per Share in 2026 After Third-Quarter Loss
Key Facts
Whirlpool reported an adjusted continuing loss of $0.21 per share in the third quarter of 2026, versus analysts’ expectations for a profit of $1.04, missing estimates by $1.25 per share. The company also reported net sales of $3.677 billion, down 8.8% from the same period last year. It swung to a net loss of $249 million available to common shareholders, after posting net income of $73 million in the third quarter of 2025. The results came as the company faced weak demand in the North American major home appliances market, according to its statement. Whirlpool lowered its full-year revenue and earnings per share outlook, while its cash flow and net debt forecasts improved from a previous net debt estimate.
Whirlpool forecast 2026 revenue of about $14.5 billion, compared with analysts’ consensus of $15 billion. The company also distinguished between two different measures of its annual loss: a GAAP diluted loss of about $4.95 per share and an adjusted continuing loss of about $1.30 per share. The distinction reflects the widening gap between the full accounting view of performance and the adjusted continuing result the company uses to present its ongoing operations. The adjusted loss per share in the third quarter was $0.21, versus analysts’ expectation of a $1.04 profit, underscoring the size of the quarterly shortfall from market estimates. The company did not provide an annual revenue figure matching analysts’ estimate in its guidance; its forecast of $14.5 billion was below their consensus of $15 billion.
By segment, sales of major home appliances in North America fell 8.3% to $2.495 billion, compared with $2.722 billion a year earlier. In contrast, segment sales in Latin America rose 6.9% to $858 million, from $802 million in the third quarter of 2025. The company attributed weak North American sales to subdued sector demand. It announced a 7% price increase in North America during the fourth quarter, as well as increases of up to 10% in Latin America. The increases are the pricing actions the company plans to implement in the two regions, alongside continued efforts to raise margins and cut costs.
The continuing operating margin, or EBIT margin, fell to 2.6% in the third quarter from 4.5% in the same period a year earlier. Chief Executive Mark Bitzer said structural cost-cutting measures and the impact of pricing drove sequential margin improvement in the third quarter. He added that the recovery was slower than expected, but said the measures “chart a clear path to further improvement in 2027.” The company also provided its 2026 cash forecasts, projecting operating cash flow of about $700 million and free cash flow of about $300 million. It lowered its year-end net debt estimate to less than $4.5 billion, from below $5 billion.
Whirlpool shares fell 5.91% in the Oct. 26 session, then dropped 8.6% in after-hours trading following the results announcement, according to Investing.com. The stock had closed at $28.11 on Oct. 23, according to EL7 data. In May 2026, the company said the war in Iran had weakened consumer confidence and led to a downturn in the sector that it described as recession-level, and it announced a cut to its annual profit outlook at the time. Whirlpool is scheduled to hold a call to discuss its performance with investors on Oct. 27, 2026, at 8 a.m. Eastern Time. The call follows the results and new outlook, while fourth-quarter plans include the price increases the company announced for the two regions.