Shares in household appliances company Whirlpool (WHR 1.24%) declined by more than 5.5% by 3 p.m. ET today. Outside a rise in market interest rates (the 10-year Treasury rate is now up to almost 4.5%, putting pressure on interest rate-sensitive stocks like Whirlpool), there's no stock-specific reason for the decline.
Whirlpool's challenging 2025
Investors in Whirlpool can expect more volatility leading up to its second-quarter earnings report on July 29. While the stock has had an impressive run-up over the last three months (up 26%), it still faces significant near-term headwinds. Not only are interest rates stubbornly high and negatively impacting the housing market and therefore, demand for higher-margin discretionary purchases of household appliances, but the tariff conflict and the fear of further tariffs have likely caused Asian competitors to push products into the U.S. market.
NYSE: WHR
Key Data Points
It all creates an uncertain near-term trading environment in a company with a dividend that cost $384 million in cash last year, $4.8 billion in debt (with $1.85 billion maturing in 2025), and pressure on its full-year guidance for $500 million to $600 million in free cash flow in 2025.
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Long-term potential
As such, don't be surprised if Whirlpool cuts its dividend this year. That said, it might turn out to be a positive for the stock, as it would help alleviate some uncertainty surrounding debt repayment. Moreover, considering the longer term, Whirlpool is highly likely to be a winner from the trade conflict, as management views the Trump administration as leveling the playing field that has been tilted against Whirlpool over time.
It's a curious mix of near-term risk and long-term opportunity, but today, the market focuses on the former.
