WHR.9.30.2011 - 10-Q



UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
 ________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
  ________________________________________________________
x
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011
OR
o
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 1-3932
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
38-1490038
(State of Incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
2000 North M-63,
Benton Harbor, Michigan
 
49022-2692
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (269) 923-5000
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.                        Yes  x    No   o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     Yes  x    No   o    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12-b-2 of the Exchange Act.             
Large accelerated filer  x
 
Accelerated filer  o
Non-accelerated filer  o (Do not check if a smaller reporting  company)
 
Smaller reporting company  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  o    No   x
Number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
Class of common stock
 
Shares outstanding at October 31, 2011
Common stock, par value $1 per share
 
76,439,148


QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
INDEX OF INFORMATION INCLUDED IN REPORT
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. Certain statements contained in this report, including those within the forward-looking perspective section within the Management’s Discussion and Analysis, and other written and oral statements made from time to time by us or on our behalf do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and may contain forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. As such, they are considered “forward-looking statements” which provide current expectations or forecasts of future events. Such statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “possible,” “plan,” “predict,” “forecast,” “potential,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “believe,” “may impact,” “on track,” and similar words or expressions. Our forward-looking statements generally relate to our growth strategies, financial results, product development, sales efforts and legal contingencies. These forward-looking statements should be considered with the understanding that such statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, and may be affected by inaccurate assumptions. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may vary materially.
This document contains forward-looking statements about Whirlpool Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries (“Whirlpool”) that speak only as of this date. Whirlpool disclaims any obligation to update these statements. Forward-looking statements in this document may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expected earnings per share, cash flow, productivity and material and oil-related prices. Many risks, contingencies and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from Whirlpool's forward-looking statements. Among these factors are: (1) intense competition in the home appliance industry reflecting the impact of both new and established global competitors, including Asian and European manufacturers; (2) Whirlpool's ability to continue its relationship with significant trade customers and the ability of these trade customers to maintain or increase market share; (3) changes in economic conditions which affect demand for our products, including the strength of the building industry and the level of interest rates; (4) litigation and legal compliance risk and costs, especially costs which may be materially different from the amount we expect to incur or have accrued for; (5) the effects and costs of governmental investigations or related actions by third parties; (6) the ability of Whirlpool to achieve its business plans, price increases, productivity improvements, cost control, leveraging of its global operating platform, and acceleration of the rate of innovation; (7) fluctuations in the cost of key materials (including steel, oil, plastic, resins, copper and aluminum) and components and the ability of Whirlpool to offset cost increases; (8) product liability and product recall costs; (9) the ability of Whirlpool to manage foreign currency fluctuations; (10) global, political and/or economic uncertainty and disruptions, especially in Whirlpool's significant geographic regions, including uncertainty and disruptions arising from natural disasters or terrorist attacks; (11) inventory and other asset risk; (12) the ability of suppliers of critical parts, components and manufacturing equipment to deliver sufficient quantities to Whirlpool in a timely and cost-effective manner; (13) health care cost trends, regulatory changes and variations between results and estimates that could increase future funding obligations for pension and post retirement benefit plans; (14) Whirlpool's ability to obtain and protect intellectual property rights; (15) information technology system failures and data security breaches; (16) the impact of labor relations; (17) our ability to attract, develop and retain executives and other qualified employees; and (18) changes in the legal and regulatory environment including environmental and health and safety regulations.
We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, and investors are advised to review disclosures in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is not possible to foresee or identify all factors that could cause actual results to differ from expected or historic results. Therefore, investors should not consider the foregoing factors to be an exhaustive statement of all risks, uncertainties, or factors that could potentially cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this report.
Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “Whirlpool,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Whirlpool Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.


2

PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
(Millions of dollars, except per share data)
 

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Net sales
$
4,625

 
$
4,519

 
$
13,755

 
$
13,325

Expenses
 
 
 
 

 

Cost of products sold
4,052

 
3,871

 
11,891

 
11,277

Gross margin
573

 
648

 
1,864

 
2,048

Selling, general and administrative
394

 
391

 
1,199

 
1,163

Intangible amortization
7

 
7

 
21

 
21

Restructuring costs
36

 
16

 
58

 
58

Operating profit
136

 
234

 
586

 
806

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

Interest and sundry income (expense)
(27
)
 
(104
)
 
(583
)
 
(185
)
Interest expense
(51
)
 
(54
)
 
(160
)
 
(167
)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and other items
58

 
76

 
(157
)
 
454

Income tax benefit
(123
)
 
(7
)
 
(353
)
 
(18
)
Earnings before equity earnings
181

 
83

 
196

 
472

Equity in loss of affiliated companies

 

 
(1
)
 

Net earnings
181

 
83

 
195

 
472

Less: Net earnings available to noncontrolling interests
4

 
4

 
10

 
24

Net earnings available to Whirlpool
$
177

 
$
79

 
$
185

 
$
448

Per share of common stock

 

 

 

Basic net earnings available to Whirlpool
$
2.31

 
$
1.04

 
$
2.41

 
$
5.90

Diluted net earnings available to Whirlpool
$
2.27

 
$
1.02

 
$
2.37

 
$
5.79

Dividends
$
0.50

 
$
0.43

 
$
1.43

 
$
1.29

Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
76.9


76.5


76.8


76.1

Diluted
78.1


77.7


78.1


77.4


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements


3

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Millions of dollars, except share data)
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
September 30,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
Assets

 

Current assets

 

Cash and equivalents
$
511

 
$
1,368

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $64 and $66, respectively
2,261

 
2,278

Inventories
2,864

 
2,792

Deferred income taxes
225

 
204

Prepaid and other current assets
599

 
673

Total current assets
6,460

 
7,315

Property, net of accumulated depreciation of $6,314 and $6,660, respectively
3,081

 
3,134

Goodwill
1,724

 
1,731

Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $170 and $146, respectively
1,767

 
1,789

Deferred income taxes
1,703

 
1,305

Other noncurrent assets
268

 
310

Total assets
$
15,003

 
$
15,584

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

Current liabilities

 

Accounts payable
$
3,536

 
$
3,660

Accrued expenses
971

 
671

Accrued advertising and promotions
339

 
426

Employee compensation
355

 
467

Notes payable
17

 
2

Current maturities of long-term debt
361

 
312

Other current liabilities
664

 
611

Total current liabilities
6,243

 
6,149

Noncurrent liabilities

 

Long-term debt
2,133

 
2,195

Pension benefits
1,238

 
1,519

Postretirement benefits
452

 
610

Other noncurrent liabilities
600

 
791

Total noncurrent liabilities
4,423

 
5,115

Stockholders’ equity

 

Common stock, $1 par value, 250 million shares authorized, 106 million shares issued and 76 million shares outstanding
106

 
106

Additional paid-in capital
2,189

 
2,156

Retained earnings
4,755

 
4,680

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(990
)
 
(893
)
Treasury stock, 30 million shares
(1,821
)
 
(1,823
)
Total Whirlpool stockholders’ equity
4,239

 
4,226

Noncontrolling interests
98

 
94

Total stockholders’ equity
4,337

 
4,320

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
15,003

 
$
15,584


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements


4

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
(Millions of dollars)
 
 
2011
 
2010
Operating activities

 

Net earnings
$
195

 
$
472

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

 

Depreciation and amortization
422

 
414

Curtailment gain

 
(62
)
Settlement of Brazilian collection dispute
144

 
57

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

Accounts receivable
(64
)
 
(76
)
Inventories
(171
)
 
(878
)
Accounts payable
4

 
386

Accrued advertising and promotions
(80
)
 
(74
)
Product recall
(14
)
 
30

Taxes deferred and payable, net
(476
)
 
19

Accrued pension
(248
)
 
(24
)
Employee compensation
(83
)
 
7

Other
29

 
106

Cash (used in) provided by operating activities
(342
)
 
377

Investing activities

 

Capital expenditures
(417
)
 
(387
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
20

 
9

Investment in related businesses
(7
)
 
(18
)
Acquisition of brand

 
(27
)
Other
(4
)
 

Cash used in investing activities
(408
)
 
(423
)
Financing activities

 

Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt
300

 

Repayments of long-term debt
(310
)
 
(373
)
Dividends paid
(110
)
 
(99
)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest shares

 
(12
)
Net proceeds (repayments) from short-term borrowings
14

 
(7
)
Common stock issued
14

 
72

Other
(12
)
 
(12
)
Cash used in financing activities
(104
)
 
(431
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents
(3
)
 
(2
)
Decrease in cash and equivalents
(857
)
 
(479
)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
1,368

 
1,380

Cash and equivalents at end of period
$
511

 
$
901


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements


5

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(1)BASIS OF PRESENTATION
General Information
The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information or footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. As a result, this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes in the Financial Supplement of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
We have eliminated all material intercompany transactions in our Consolidated Financial Statements. We do not consolidate the financial statements of any company in which we have an ownership interest of 50% or less unless we control that company. We did not control any company in which we had an ownership interest of 50% or less for any period presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Management believes that the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments, including normal recurring items, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods.
Certain prior year amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.
Issued but Not Yet Effective Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") amended Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350, "Intangibles--Goodwill and Other". Under the amendment, an entity may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. If determined to be necessary, the two-step impairment test shall be used to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of a goodwill impairment loss to be recognized, if any. The amendment is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this amendment will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") amended Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 220, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income.” This amendment will require companies to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income either as one continuous statement or as two consecutive statements. It eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. The amended guidance, which must be applied retroactively, is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with earlier adoption permitted. This Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") impacts presentation only, it will have no effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In May 2011, the FASB amended ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement." This amendment is intended to result in convergence between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) requirements for measurement of and disclosures about fair value. This guidance clarifies the application of existing fair value measurements and disclosures, and changes certain principles or requirements for fair value measurements and disclosures. The amendment is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this amendment will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.


6

Table of Contents



(2)GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
The following table summarizes the net carrying amount of goodwill and other intangibles:
Millions of dollars
Estimated Useful Life
 
September 30,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
North America reporting unit
Indefinite life
 
$
1,720

 
$
1,727

Embraco reporting unit
Indefinite life
 
4

 
4

Total goodwill
 
 
$
1,724

 
$
1,731

Trademarks
Indefinite life
 
$
1,528

 
$
1,535

Customer relationships
18 years
 
198

 
210

Patents and non-compete agreements
3 to 10 years
 
41

 
44

Total other intangible assets, net
 
 
$
1,767

 
$
1,789

Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are required to be evaluated for impairment annually, which occurs as of November 30th of each year or whenever events occur which may indicate possible impairment. Goodwill is evaluated using a two-step impairment test at the reporting unit level. The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares the book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with its fair value. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we perform the second step of the impairment test. In the second step, we estimate an implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities other than goodwill (including any unrecognized intangible assets). The difference between the total fair value of the reporting unit and the fair value of all the assets and liabilities other than goodwill is the implied fair value of that goodwill. The amount of impairment loss is equal to the excess of the book value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill.
In assessing the fair value of trademarks, we utilize a relief from royalty method. If the carrying amount of a trademark exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.
Considerable judgment is necessary to estimate key assumptions involved in valuing our intangible assets, including projected revenues, royalty rates and applicable discount rates. Based on an analysis completed during the third quarter of 2011, we determined an impairment of our goodwill or other intangible assets did not exist at September 30, 2011.
(3)FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is measured based on an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, a three-tiered fair value hierarchy is established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: (Level 1) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; (Level 2) inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets that are observable, either directly or indirectly; and (Level 3) unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. We had no Level 3 assets or liabilities at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on one or more of three valuation techniques. The three valuation techniques are identified in the table below and are as follows:
(a)
Market approach—prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities
(b)
Cost approach—amount that would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost)
(c)
Income approach—techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount based on market expectations (including present value techniques, option-pricing and excess earnings models)


7


Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows:
 
 
Total Cost Basis
 
Quoted Prices In
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Total Fair Value
 
Valuation
Technique
 Millions of dollars
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
Money market funds (1)
 
$

 
$
414

 
$

 
$
414

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
414

 
(a)
Net derivative contracts
 

 

 

 

 
(26
)
 
125

 
(26
)
 
125

 
(a)
Available for sale investments
 
34

 
27

 
22

 
25

 

 

 
22

 
25

 
(a)
(1)
Money market funds are primarily comprised of United States government obligations.
Other Fair Value Measurements
The fair value of long-term debt (including current maturities) was $2,676 million and $2,716 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, and was estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
(4)INVENTORIES 
Millions of dollars
 
September 30,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
Finished products
 
$
2,459

 
$
2,314

Raw materials and work in process
 
578

 
627

 
 
3,037

 
2,941

Less: excess of FIFO cost over LIFO cost
 
(173
)
 
(149
)
Total inventories
 
$
2,864


$
2,792

LIFO inventories represented 45% and 43% of total inventories at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
(5)PROPERTY 
The following table summarizes our property, plant and equipment as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
Millions of dollars
 
September 30,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
Land
 
$
77

 
$
74

Buildings
 
1,170

 
1,218

Machinery and equipment
 
8,148

 
8,502

Accumulated depreciation
 
(6,314
)
 
(6,660
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
3,081

 
$
3,134

During the September 2011 quarter we retired $324 million of fully depreciated machinery and equipment no longer in use. The retirement had no impact to net earnings available to Whirlpool.
(6)FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
On June 7, 2011, we completed a debt offering of $300 million principal amount of 4.85% notes due June 15, 2021 (the “2021 Notes”). The proceeds from the 2021 Notes were used to repay $300 million of 6.125% notes that matured on June 15, 2011. The 2021 Notes contain covenants that limit our ability to incur certain liens or enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions. In addition, if we experience a specific kind of change of control, we are required to make an offer to purchase all of the 2021 Notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The 2021 Notes are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-157392) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 19, 2009.
On June 28, 2011, we entered into an Amended and Restated Long-Term Credit Agreement (the “Facility”). The Facility


8

amends, restates, and extends our existing credit facility, scheduled to mature on August 13, 2012. The total commitment increased from $1.35 billion to $1.725 billion and the maturity date was extended to June 28, 2016. The Facility includes a letter of credit sublimit of $200 million. Borrowings under the Facility are available to us and our designated subsidiaries for general corporate purposes, including commercial paper support. Subsidiary borrowings under the Facility, if any, are guaranteed by Whirlpool Corporation. Interest under the Facility accrues at a variable annual rate based on LIBOR plus a margin or the prime rate plus a margin. The margin is dependent on our credit rating at that time. At September 30, 2011, the margin was as follows: (1) 1.625% over LIBOR; (2) 0.625% over the prime rate; and (3) the unused commitment fee was 0.25%. At September 30, 2011 we had
$5 million in borrowings outstanding under the Facility. We had no borrowings outstanding under our previous credit facility at
December 31, 2010. We were in compliance with financial covenant requirements at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
The Facility requires us to meet certain financial tests. Whirlpool's maximum rolling twelve month Leverage Ratio (defined in the Facility) is limited to 3.25 to 1.0 for each fiscal quarter. The rolling twelve month Interest Coverage Ratio (defined in the Facility) is required to be greater than or equal to 3.0 to 1.0 for each fiscal quarter.
We paid lenders under the Facility an up-front fee of approximately $5 million, which combined with the unamortized deferred fees from the previous credit facility are being amortized over the remaining term of the Facility.
(7)COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Embraco Antitrust Matters
Government authorities in various jurisdictions are conducting antitrust investigations of the global compressor industry, including our compressor business headquartered in Brazil (“Embraco”). In 2010, Embraco sales represented approximately 8% of our global net sales.
In February 2009, competition authorities in Brazil, the United States and Europe began to seek documents from us in connection with their investigations. A grand jury subpoena from the United States Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) requested documents for the time period from 2003 to 2009. Competition authorities in other jurisdictions have sought similar information.
In September 2009, the Brazilian competition commission (CADE) agreed to terminate the administrative investigation of our compressor business. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Whirlpool affiliates and certain executives located in Brazil acknowledged a violation of Brazilian antitrust law in the Brazilian compressor market by some Embraco employees. The settlement agreement provides for the affiliates to make contributions totaling 100 million Brazilian reais to a Brazilian government fund. The contributions translated to approximately $56 million, all of which was recorded within interest and sundry income (expense) in 2009. The payments are to be made in twelve semiannual installments of approximately 8 million Brazilian reais through 2015. As of September 30, 2011, approximately $21 million had been paid.
In September 2010, the DOJ and Embraco entered into a plea agreement related to the DOJ’s investigation which was approved by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in December 2010. Under the plea agreement, the DOJ recognized Embraco’s substantial assistance in the investigation and agreed not to bring further charges against Embraco or any related entities for any conspiracy involving compressor pricing during the investigation period. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Embraco (1) acknowledged that it violated United States antitrust law with respect to the sale of certain compressors from October 2004 through December 2007 and (2) agreed to pay a fine totaling $91.8 million to the United States government. The full amount of the fine was recorded within interest and sundry income (expense) in the third quarter of 2010. Embraco made the first payment of $16.8 million in January 2011. The five remaining annual payments of $15.0 million plus interest will be made during each fourth quarter through 2015.
Since the government investigations became public in February 2009, we have been named as a defendant in related antitrust lawsuits in various jurisdictions seeking damages in connection with the pricing of compressors from 1996 to 2009. Several other compressor manufacturers who are the subject of the government investigations have also been named as defendants in the litigation. United States federal lawsuits instituted on behalf of purported purchasers and containing class action allegations have been combined in one proceeding in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. We continue to cooperate with ongoing government investigations in other jurisdictions, to defend the related antitrust lawsuits and to take other actions to minimize our potential exposure.
The final outcome and impact of these matters, and related claims and investigations that may be brought in the future are subject to many variables, and cannot be predicted. We establish accruals only for those matters where we determine that a loss is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, which include the investigation by the European Union and certain other matters. As of September 30, 2011, we have incurred, in the aggregate, charges of approximately $314 million due to the Embraco antitrust matters, including defense costs and other expenses. These charges have been recorded within interest and


9

sundry income (expense) when incurred. At September 30, 2011, $209 million remains accrued. While it is currently not possible to reasonably estimate the aggregate amount of costs which we may incur in connection with these matters, such costs could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.
Brazilian Collection Dispute
We reached an agreement on June 22, 2011 to settle all claims arising from our long-standing dispute in Brazil with Banco Safra S.A. Such settlement was subsequently approved by a Brazilian court on July 8, 2011. Pursuant to the settlement, our subsidiary agreed to pay Banco Safra S.A. 959 million Brazilian reais, in two installments, the first of 469 million reais (equivalent to $301 million) was made on July 14, 2011, and the second of 490 million reais (equivalent to approximately $264 million as of September 30, 2011) is planned for the first quarter of 2012 and remains accrued. The settlement amount is being funded from available cash.
Operating Tax Matter
The Brazilian Constitution provides a general basis for recognizing tax credits on the purchase of raw materials used in production (“IPI tax credit”). Certain raw materials that are exempt or have a zero tax basis in the production process qualify for these IPI tax credits. Based on legal precedent, in 2003 and 2004, we recognized tax credits in an aggregate amount of $26 million adjusted for currency. The Brazilian tax authority subsequently challenged the recording of IPI tax credits. No credits were recognized in 2005 through 2009. In 2009, we entered into an agreement under a special Brazilian government program providing for extended payment terms and reductions in penalties and interest to encourage taxpayers to resolve disputed IPI tax credit amounts. Charges recorded related to this program for the year ended December 31, 2009 include $27 million in tax that was recorded in cost of products sold, $16 million in interest expense and $4 million in penalties recorded in interest and sundry income (expense) in our Consolidated Statements of Income. During the December 2009 quarter, based on newly issued regulations, we settled with the Brazilian tax authority to resolve these and other disputed tax amounts. As a result of this settlement agreement, we recorded an increase in value added taxes owed of approximately $4 million in cost of goods sold, a reduction in interest expense totaling $18 million related to interest abatement, a reduction in interest and sundry income (expense) of $4 million related to penalty abatement and related income tax expense of $5 million under this special program. The settlement is in the process of being ratified by the Brazilian tax authority.
Other Litigation
We are currently defending a number of class action suits in federal and state courts related to the manufacturing and sale of our products and alleging claims which include breach of warranty, fraud, violation of state consumer protection acts and negligence. We dispute the merits of these suits. We intend to vigorously defend these actions.
We are also involved in various other legal actions arising in the normal course of business. Management, after taking into consideration legal counsel’s evaluation of such actions and the class action suits discussed in the previous paragraph, is of the opinion that the outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect, if any, on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Product Warranty and Recall Reserves
Product warranty reserves are generally established in the same period that revenue from the sale of the related products is recognized. The amounts of those reserves are based on established terms and our best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet date.
Product warranty and recall reserves are included in other current liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities. The following table summarizes the changes in product warranty and recall reserves for the periods presented:
 
 
Product Warranty
 
Product Recall
 
Total
Millions of dollars
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Balance at January 1
 
$
202

 
$
187

 
$
15

 
$
2

 
$
217

 
$
189

Issuances/accruals during the period
 
248

 
253

 

 
78

 
248

 
331

Settlements made during the period
 
(251
)
 
(250
)
 
(5
)
 
(49
)
 
(256
)
 
(299
)
Other changes
 
(12
)
 
10

 
(9
)
 

 
(21
)
 
10

Balance at September 30
 
$
187

 
$
200

 
$
1

 
$
31

 
$
188

 
$
231

Current portion
 
$
147

 
$
161

 
$
1

 
$
31

 
$
148

 
$
192

Non-current portion
 
40

 
39

 

 

 
40

 
39

Total
 
$
187

 
$
200

 
$
1

 
$
31

 
$
188

 
$
231




10

During the March 2010 quarter we accrued $75 million related to a recall of 1.8 million dishwashers sold in the United States and Canada between 2006 and 2010. The recall is due to an electrical failure in the dishwasher’s heating element. During 2011, we revised the total cost of this recall from $75 million to $66 million, as a result of lower than expected costs. These amounts were recorded in cost of products sold. Our actual costs related to this recall will depend on several factors, including the number of consumers who respond to the recall, the costs of repair and administration and whether costs will be recovered from the supplier.

In 2009, we announced a voluntary recall of refrigerators due to quality issues in a purchased component. We accrued $70 million, in the aggregate, as the estimated cost of the recall, all of which was charged to cost of products sold. There are no remaining amounts accrued. Effective as of October 24, 2011 we reached a settlement agreement in which the supplier agreed to reimburse $61 million of Whirlpool's recall costs in the December 2011 quarter, which will be recognized in cost of products sold.
We regularly engage in investigations of potential quality and safety issues as part of our ongoing effort to deliver quality products to customers. We are currently investigating a limited number of potential quality and safety issues. As necessary, we undertake to effect repair or replacement of appliances in the event that an investigation leads to the conclusion that such action is warranted.
Guarantees
We have guarantee arrangements in a Brazilian subsidiary. As a standard business practice in Brazil, the subsidiary guarantees customer lines of credit at commercial banks to support purchases following its normal credit policies. If a customer were to default on its line of credit with the bank, our subsidiary would be required to satisfy the obligation with the bank and the receivable would revert back to the subsidiary. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the guaranteed amounts totaled $360 million and $386 million, respectively. Our subsidiary insures against credit risk for these guarantees, under normal operating conditions, through policies purchased from high-quality underwriters.
We provide guarantees of indebtedness and lines of credit for various consolidated subsidiaries. The maximum amount of credit facilities available under these lines for consolidated subsidiaries totaled $1.2 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Our total outstanding bank indebtedness under guarantees totaled $12 million at September 30, 2011 and $2 million at December 31, 2010.
On May 16, 2008, we guaranteed a $50 million five year revolving credit facility between certain financial institutions and a not-for-profit entity in connection with a community and economic development project (“Harbor Shores”). The fair value of the guarantee was nominal. The purpose of Harbor Shores is to stimulate employment and growth in the areas of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, Michigan. In the event of default, we must satisfy the guarantee of the credit facility up to the amount borrowed at the date of default.
(8)HEDGES AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivative instruments are accounted for at fair value based on market rates. Derivatives where we elect hedge accounting are designated as either cash flow or fair value hedges. Derivatives that are not accounted for based on hedge accounting are marked to market through earnings. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use and designation of the derivative instrument. For a derivative instrument designated as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized in earnings in the period of change in fair value together with the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item. For a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the derivative’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) and is subsequently recognized in earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. Hedging ineffectiveness and a net earnings impact occur when the change in the fair value of the hedge does not offset the change in the fair value of the hedged item. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is recognized in earnings.
Using derivative instruments means assuming counterparty credit risk. Counterparty credit risk relates to the loss we could incur if a counterparty were to default on a derivative contract. We generally deal with investment grade counterparties and monitor the overall credit risk and exposure to individual counterparties. We do not anticipate nonperformance by any counterparties. The amount of counterparty credit exposure is limited to the unrealized gains, if any, on such derivative contracts. We do not require, nor do we post collateral or security on such contracts.
Hedging strategy
In the normal course of business, we manage risks relating to our ongoing business operations including those arising from changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. Fluctuations in these rates and prices can affect our operating results and financial condition. We use a variety of strategies, including the use of derivative instruments. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.



11

Foreign currency exchange rate risk
We incur expenses associated with the procurement and production of products in a limited number of countries, while we sell in the local currencies of a large number of countries. Our primary foreign currency exchange exposures result from cross-currency sales of products. As a result, we enter into foreign exchange contracts to hedge certain firm commitments and forecasted transactions to acquire products and services that are denominated in foreign currencies.
We enter into certain undesignated non-functional currency asset and liability hedges that relate primarily to short-term payables, receivables, inventory and intercompany loans. These forecasted cross-currency cash flows relate primarily to foreign currency denominated expenditures and intercompany financing agreements, royalty agreements and dividends. When we hedge a foreign currency denominated payable or receivable with a derivative, the effect of changes in the foreign exchange rates are reflected currently in earnings for both the payable/receivable and the derivative. Therefore, as a result of the economic hedge, we do not elect hedge accounting.
Commodity price risk
We enter into forward contracts on various commodities to manage the price risk associated with forecasted purchases of materials used in our manufacturing process. The objective of these hedges is to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with the forecasted purchase of commodities.
Interest rate risk
We may enter into interest rate swap agreements to manage interest rate risk exposure. Our interest rate swap agreements, if any, effectively modify our exposure to interest rate risk, primarily through converting certain of our floating rate debt to a fixed rate basis, and certain fixed rate debt to a floating rate basis. These agreements involve either the receipt or payment of floating rate amounts in exchange for fixed rate interest payments or receipts, respectively, over the life of the agreements without an exchange of the underlying principal amounts. We also may utilize a cross-currency interest rate swap agreement to manage our exposure relating to certain intercompany debt denominated in one foreign currency that will be repaid in another foreign currency. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 there were no outstanding swap agreements.
We enter into treasury rate lock agreements to effectively modify our exposure to interest rate risk by locking-in interest rates on anticipated long-term debt. The unrealized gain/loss recorded at September 30, 2011 was not material.
The following tables summarize our outstanding derivative contracts and their effects on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of
 
Type of
Hedge  (1)
 
 
Millions of dollars
 
Notional Amount
 
Hedge Assets
 
Hedge Liabilities
 
Maximum Term (Months)
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
Derivatives accounted for as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forwards/options
 
$
1,056

 
$
909

 
$
38

 
$
13

 
$
20

 
$
31

 
(CF/FV)
 
21
 
15
Commodity swaps/options
 
349

 
539

 
15

 
129

 
22

 
2

 
(CF/FV)
 
27
 
24
Treasury rate locks
 
250

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
9
 
Total derivatives accounted for as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
$
53

 
$
142

 
$
42

 
$
33

 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not accounted for as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forwards/options
 
$
1,437

 
$
990

 
$
20

 
$
11

 
$
57

 
$
3

 
 
 
4
 
10
Commodity swaps/options
 
5

 
13

 
1

 
11

 
1

 
3

 
 
 
14
 
12
Total derivatives not accounted for as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
21

 
22

 
58

 
6

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
$
74

 
$
164

 
$
100

 
$
39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current
 
 
 
 
 
$
67

 
$
135

 
$
94

 
$
39

 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent
 
 
 
 
 
7

 
29

 
6

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
$
74

 
$
164

 
$
100

 
$
39

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Derivatives accounted for as hedges are either considered cash flow (CF) or fair value (FV) hedges.


12

The effects of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
Cash Flow Hedges - Millions of dollars
 
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in OCI
(Effective Portion)
 
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
OCI into  Income
(Effective Portion) (1)
 
 
 
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
(Ineffective Portion) (2)
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
Foreign exchange forwards/options
 
$
26

 
$
1

 
$
(5
)
 
$
(8
)
 
(a)(b)
 
$

 
$

Commodity swaps/options
 
(60
)
 
92

 
22

 
14

 
(b)
 
1

 

 
 
$
(34
)
 
$
93

 
$
17

 
$
6

 
 
 
$
1

 
$

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
Fair Value Hedges - Millions of dollars
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized
on Derivatives (3)
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized
on Related
Hedged Items (3)
 
Hedged Item
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
Foreign exchange forwards/options
 
$
6

 
$
(2
)
 
$
(6
)
 
$
2

 
Non-functional
currency assets and liabilities
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedges - Millions of dollars
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives not
Accounted for  as Hedges (4)
 
 
2011
 
2010
Foreign exchange forwards/options
 
$
(45
)
 
$
45

Commodity swaps
 
(1
)
 

 
 
$
(46
)
 
$
45



13


 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Cash Flow Hedges - Millions of dollars
 
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in OCI
(Effective Portion)
 
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
OCI into  Income
(Effective Portion) (1)
 
 
 
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
(Ineffective Portion) (2)
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
Foreign exchange forwards/options
 
$
15

 
$
(20
)
 
$
(16
)
 
$
(24
)
 
(a)(b)
 
$

 
$
2

Commodity swaps/options
 
(56
)
 
44

 
85

 
48

 
(b)
 
1

 
2

 
 
$
(41
)
 
$
24

 
$
69

 
$
24

 
 
 
$
1

 
$
4

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
Fair Value Hedges - Millions of dollars
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized
on Derivatives (3)
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized
on Related
Hedged Items (3)
 
Hedged Item
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
Foreign exchange forwards/options
 
$
7

 
$
(9
)
 
$
(7
)
 
$
9

 
Non-functional
currency assets and
liabilities
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedges - Millions of dollars
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives not
Accounted for  as Hedges (4)
 
 
2011
 
2010
Foreign exchange forwards/options
 
$
(1
)
 
$
40

Commodity swaps
 
(1
)
 
1

 
 
$
(2
)
 
$
41

  
(1)
Gains and losses reclassified from accumulated OCI and recognized in income are recorded in (a) interest and sundry income (expense) or (b) cost of products sold.
(2)
Gains and losses recognized in income related to the ineffective portion of hedges are recorded in interest and sundry income (expense).
(3)
Gains and losses recognized in income are recorded in interest and sundry income (expense).
(4)
Mark to market gains and losses recognized in income are recorded in interest and sundry income (expense).
The net amount of unrealized gain or loss on derivative instruments included in accumulated OCI related to contracts maturing and expected to be realized during the next twelve months is a loss of $2 million at September 30, 2011.
(9)STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Stockholders’ Equity
The following table summarizes our comprehensive income (loss) for the periods presented:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Millions of dollars
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Net earnings as reported
 
$
181

 
$
83

 
$
195

 
$
472

Currency translation adjustments – net
 
(269
)
 
227

 
(95
)
 
(2
)
Cash flow hedges – net
 
(35
)
 
60

 
(77
)
 
(4
)
Pension and other postretirement benefits plans – net
 
(3
)
 
(1
)
 
82

 
(63
)
Available for sale securities
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
 
(10
)
 
(6
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
(129
)
 
367

 
95

 
397

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) available to noncontrolling interests
 
(3
)
 
8

 
7

 
25

Comprehensive income (loss) available to Whirlpool
 
$
(126
)
 
$
359

 
$
88

 
$
372



14


The following table summarizes the changes in stockholders’ equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2011:
Millions of dollars
 
Total
 
Whirlpool
Common
Stockholders
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
Stockholders’ equity, December 31, 2010
 
$
4,320

 
$
4,226

 
$
94

Net earnings
 
195

 
185

 
10

Other comprehensive loss
 
(100
)
 
(97
)
 
(3
)
Comprehensive income
 
95

 
88

 
7

Treasury stock
 
2

 
2

 

Additional paid-in capital
 
33

 
33

 

Dividends declared on common stock
 
(113
)
 
(110
)
 
(3
)
Stockholders’ equity, September 30, 2011
 
$
4,337

 
$
4,239

 
$
98

Net Earnings per Share
Diluted net earnings per share of common stock include the dilutive effect of stock options and other share-based compensation plans. Basic and diluted net earnings per share of common stock were calculated as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Millions of dollars and shares
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share – net earnings available to Whirlpool
 
$
177

 
$
79

 
$
185

 
$
448

Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted-average shares
 
76.9

 
76.5

 
76.8

 
76.1

Effect of dilutive securities – stock-based compensation
 
1.2

 
1.2

 
1.3

 
1.3

Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted-average shares
 
78.1

 
77.7

 
78.1

 
77.4

Anti-dilutive stock options/awards excluded from earnings per share
 
2.5

 
1.8

 
2.1

 
1.8

(10)RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
Under our ongoing global operating platform initiatives, we plan to continue a comprehensive worldwide effort to optimize our regional manufacturing facilities, supply base, product platforms and technology resources to support our global brands and customers.
On October 27, 2011, the Company committed to restructuring plans that will result in substantial cost and capacity reductions. Including previously announced restructuring initiatives, we expect to incur approximately $320 million of employee related termination costs, $80 million of facility exit costs, $70 million of asset related costs and $30 million of contract termination and other associated costs for a total of approximately $500 million. These costs are expected to be incurred between the fourth quarter 2011 through 2013. We expect that approximately $430 million of these costs will result in future cash expenditures.
The Company's cost and capacity reduction plans include a workforce reduction of more than 5,000 positions primarily within our the North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa operating segments. These plans include:
Reduction of approximately 1,200 salaried positions.
Closure of the refrigeration manufacturing facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas by mid-2012. Production from Fort Smith will be consolidated into current North American sites to leverage existing resources and capacity.
Relocation of dishwasher production from Neunkirchen, Germany to Poland in January 2012.
Additional organizational efficiency actions in North America and Europe.



15

We incurred total restructuring charges of $36 million and $16 million during the September 2011 and 2010 quarters, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, we incurred total restructuring charges of $58 million and $58 million, respectively. These charges are included in restructuring costs and consist primarily of charges to shift refrigeration, laundry and cooking capacity within North America and our combined European reorganizations. Significant restructuring initiatives are discussed below.
During the second quarter of 2011, we announced two changes to our European manufacturing operations. First, we announced a workforce reduction of 190 employees through the end of 2011 in our German laundry facility. Second, we reached a decision to relocate production of dishwashers from Germany to Poland by January 1, 2012. We estimate that we will incur approximately $74 million in total costs during 2011 and 2012 in connection with these plans, comprised of $47 million in employee termination costs, $12 million in asset related costs and $15 million in other associated costs. Approximately $28 million of the estimated $74 million in total cost resulted in cash expenditures.We recognized $30 million during the three months ended and $41 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 associated to these changes in our European manufacturing operations.
On August 28, 2009, we announced changes to our North America manufacturing operations which resulted in the closure of our manufacturing facility in Evansville, Indiana in June 2010. We eliminated approximately 1,100 full-time positions as a result of the closure. We estimate that we will incur approximately $60 million in total costs in connection with the exit of this facility comprised of $17 million in employee termination costs, $13 million in equipment relocation costs, $14 million in asset related costs and $16 million in other associated costs. Approximately $38 million of the estimated $60 million in total cost resulted in cash expenditures. We incurred no costs during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and $10 million associated with this closure during the three months ended 2010. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, we incurred $4 million and $32 million associated with this closure. We expect to recognize the remaining $1 million of these costs during the remainder of 2011, all of which will result in future cash expenditures.
On October 27, 2008, management committed to a workforce reduction plan. We incurred approximately $96 million in employee termination costs, $14 million in asset related costs and $3 million in other associated costs for a total of $113 million as a result of this workforce reduction. We incurred no charges during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and $6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. We anticipate no future cash impacts. For additional information about restructuring charges by operating segment, see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The following table summarizes the changes to our restructuring liability balance for the nine months ended September 30, 2011:
Millions of dollars
 
Balance at January 1
 
Charge to
Earnings
 
Cash
Paid
 
Non-Cash
 
Revision  of
Estimate
 
Translation
 
Balance at September 30
Termination costs
 
$
36

 
$
37

 
$
(51
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
22

Non-employee exit costs
 
14

 
21

 
(9
)
 
(9
)
 

 

 
17

Total
 
$
50

 
$
58

 
$
(60
)
 
$
(9
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
39

(11)INCOME TAXES
The tax benefit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 amounted to $123 million and $353 million, respectively, compared to a benefit of $7 million and $18 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.
The following table summarizes the difference between income tax expense at the United States statutory rate of 35% and the income tax benefit at effective worldwide tax rates for the respective periods:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Millions of dollars
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and other items
 
$
58

 
 
 
$
76

 
 
 
$
(157
)
 
 
 
$
454

 
 
Income tax computed at United States statutory tax rate
 
$
20

 
35
 %
 
$
27

 
35
 %
 
$
(55
)
 
(35
)%
 
$
159

 
35
 %
U.S. government tax incentive - Energy Tax Credits
 
(122
)
 
(210
)%
 
(45
)
 
(59
)%
 
(255
)
 
(163
)%
 
(161
)
 
(35
)%
Foreign government tax incentive - BEFIEX
 
(28
)
 
(48
)%
 
(18
)
 
(24
)%
 
(66
)
 
(42
)%
 
(18
)
 
(4
)%
Other
 
7

 
12
 %
 
29

 
38
 %
 
23

 
15
 %
 
2

 
 %
Income tax computed at effective worldwide tax rates
 
$
(123
)
 
(211
)%
 
$
(7
)
 
(10
)%
 
$
(353
)
 
(225
)%
 
$
(18
)
 
(4
)%


16

Over the next twelve months it is reasonably possible that we will settle unrecognized tax benefits totaling approximately $37 million associated with certain tax examinations and other events.
At the end of each interim period, we make our best estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year and the impact of discrete items, if any, and adjust the quarterly rate as necessary.
(12)PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
The components of net periodic pension cost and the cost of other postretirement benefits for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:  
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
United States
Pension Benefits
 
Foreign Pension
Benefits
 
Other Postretirement
Benefits
Millions of dollars
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Service cost
 
$

 
$
1

 
$
2

 
$
1

 
$
2

 
$
2

Interest cost
 
48

 
50

 
5

 
5

 
7

 
9

Expected return on plan assets
 
(48
)
 
(47
)
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
 

 

Amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial loss
 
8

 
7

 
1

 
1

 

 
1

Prior service credit
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

 

 
(12
)
 
(8
)
Settlement and curtailment (gain) loss
 

 

 

 
1

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
 
$
7

 
$
10

 
$
5

 
$
6

 
$
(3
)
 
$
4

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
United States
Pension Benefits
 
Foreign Pension
Benefits
 
Other Postretirement
Benefits
Millions of dollars
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Service cost
 
$

 
$
2

 
$
6

 
$
5

 
$
6

 
$
7

Interest cost
 
144

 
150

 
15

 
14

 
24

 
29

Expected return on plan assets
 
(144
)
 
(142
)
 
(9
)
 
(7
)
 

 

Amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial loss
 
24

 
22

 
3

 
2

 

 
1

Prior service credit
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
 

 

 
(30
)
 
(25
)
Settlement and curtailment (gain) loss
 

 

 

 
2

 

 
(62
)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
 
$
21

 
$
30

 
$
15

 
$
16

 
$

 
$
(50
)
During the June 2011 quarter, we modified retiree medical benefits for certain retirees, effective January 1, 2013, to be consistent with those benefits provided by the Whirlpool Corporation Group Benefit Plan. We accounted for these changes as a plan amendment, resulting in a reduction in the postretirement benefit obligation of $138 million with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax.


17


On August 28, 2009, we announced the closure of our manufacturing facility in Evansville, Indiana, which triggered a curtailment gain in our United States retiree healthcare plan to be recognized as the employees terminate. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 we recognized a curtailment gain of $62 million. The curtailment gain was recognized in our Consolidated Statement of Income as a component of cost of products sold with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax.
(13)
OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance.
We identify such segments based upon geographical regions of operations because each operating segment manufactures home appliances and related components, but serves strategically different markets. The chief operating decision maker evaluates performance based upon each segment’s operating profit (loss). Intersegment sales are eliminated within each region except compressor sales out of Latin America, which are included in Other/Eliminations. The Other/Eliminations column for operating profit primarily includes corporate expenses, eliminations and restructuring expenses. Total assets by segment are those assets directly associated with the respective operating activities.
The tables below summarize performance by operating segment:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
OPERATING SEGMENTS

Millions of dollars
 
North
America
 
Latin
America
 
Europe, 
Middle East
and Africa
 
Asia
 
Other/
Eliminations
 
Total
Whirlpool
Net sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
$
2,374

 
$
1,207

 
$
874

 
$
215

 
$
(45
)
 
$
4,625

2010
 
2,429

 
1,122

 
827

 
195

 
(54
)
 
4,519

Intersegment sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
$
31

 
$
36

 
$
19

 
$
38

 
$
(124
)
 
$

2010
 
52

 
67

 
52

 
55

 
(226
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
$
67

 
$
25

 
$
28

 
$
5

 
$
11

 
$
136

2010
 
78

 
22

 
26

 
6

 
9

 
141

Restructuring costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
$
27

 
$
1

 
$
8

 
$

 
$

 
$
36

2010
 
13

 

 
2

 

 
1

 
16

Operating profit (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
$
62

 
$
147

 
$
(12
)
 
$
4

 
$
(65
)
 
$
136

2010
 
114

 
143

 
26

 
5

 
(54
)
 
234

Total assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
$
7,967

 
$
3,569

 
$
2,988

 
$
837

 
$
(358
)
 
$
15,003

December 31, 2010
 
8,163

 
3,618

 
3,144

 
775

 
(116
)
 
15,584

Capital expenditures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
$
77

 
$
39

 
$
23

 
$
5

 
$
14

 
$
158

2010
 
59

 
33

 
16

 
5

 
7

 
120





18

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
OPERATING SEGMENTS

Millions of dollars
 
North
America
 
Latin
America
 
Europe, 
Middle East
and Africa
 
Asia
 
Other/
Eliminations
 
Total
Whirlpool
Net sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
$
7,002

 
$
3,741

 
$
2,458

 
$
680

 
$
(126
)
 
$
13,755

2010
 
7,219

 
3,306

 
2,305

 
650

 
(155
)
 
13,325

Intersegment sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
$
139

 
$
128

 
$
115

 
$
134

 
$
(516
)
 
$

2010
 
148

 
189

 
198

 
149

 
(684
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
$
212

 
$
77

 
$
82

 
$
16

 
$
35

 
$
422

2010
 
223

 
67

 
78

 
15

 
31

 
414

Restructuring costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
$
39

 
$
1

 
$
18

 
$

 
$

 
$
58

2010
 
35

 
1

 
20

 

 
2

 
58

Operating profit (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
$
196

 
$
487

 
$
32

 
$
29

 
$
(158
)
 
$
586

2010
 
408

 
475

 
73

 
30

 
(180
)
 
806

Total assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
$
7,967

 
$
3,569

 
$
2,988

 
$
837

 
$
(358
)
 
$
15,003

December 31, 2010
 
8,163

 
3,618

 
3,144

 
775

 
(116
)
 
15,584

Capital expenditures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
$
222

 
$
81

 
$
55

 
$
14

 
$
45

 
$
417

2010
 
240

 
64

 
49

 
12

 
22

 
387




19

ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ABOUT WHIRLPOOL
Whirlpool Corporation (“Whirlpool”) is the world’s leading manufacturer of major home appliances with revenues over $18 billion and net earnings available to Whirlpool of $619 million in 2010. We are a leading producer of major home appliances in North America and Latin America and have a significant presence in markets throughout Europe and India. We have received worldwide recognition for accomplishments in a variety of business and social efforts, including leadership, diversity, innovative product design, business ethics, social responsibility and community involvement. We conduct our business through four reportable segments, which we define based on geography. Our reportable segments consist of North America, Latin America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and Asia. Our customer base includes large, sophisticated trade customers who have many choices and demand competitive products, services and prices.
We monitor country-specific economic factors such as gross domestic product, unemployment, consumer confidence, retail trends, housing starts and completions, sales of existing homes and mortgage interest rates as key indicators of industry demand. In addition to profitability, we also focus on country, brand, product and channel sales when assessing and forecasting financial results.
Our leading portfolio of brands includes: Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Brastemp and Consul, each of which have annual revenues in excess of $1 billion. Our global branded consumer products strategy is to introduce innovative new products, increase brand customer loyalty, expand our presence in foreign markets, enhance our trade management platform, improve total cost and quality by expanding and leveraging our global operating platform and, where appropriate, make strategic acquisitions and investments.
As we grow revenues in our core products, our strategy is to extend our business by offering products and services that are dependent on and related to our core business and expand into adjacent products through stand-alone businesses that leverage our core competencies and business infrastructure.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table summarizes the consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
Consolidated