On Nov. 24, 2003, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services revised its outlook on home appliance manufacturer Whirlpool Corp. to stable from negative. At the same time, Whirlpool's 'BBB+' corporate credit rating was affirmed. The outlook revision reflects Whirlpool's ability to maintain a moderate financial profile and credit protection measures despite global pricing pressures, fluctuating demand, and rising operating costs. The ratings reflect Whirlpool Corp.'s global leadership position in the mature and concentrated appliance industry, offset by exposure to economic fluctuations in key international markets and the U.S. Benton Harbor, Mich.-based Whirlpool continues to maintain the leading market share in several appliance categories across a number of different geographic regions. The company's international sales and manufacturing capabilities provide geographic diversity. Still,
