Leading global major appliance manufacturer; Growing geographic diversity; and New product development efforts. Subject to discretionary consumer and housing demand; Key markets demonstrate mature industry conditions; and Vulnerable to regional economic downturns and currency risk. The ratings on Benton Harbor, Mich.-based Whirlpool Corp. reflect its strong brand recognition, global leadership position in the mature and concentrated major appliance industry, and growing geographic diversity. Whirlpool continues to maintain a leading market share in several major appliance categories across several different geographic regions. Standard&Poor's Ratings Services believes the negative effect of deteriorating economic conditions in key markets has begun to abate, especially in North America, and above-average growth rates in certain emerging economies in Latin America and Asia will continue.
