Whirlpool quickly turns positive, up 0.5%

Whirlpool quickly turns positive, up 0.5%

Whirlpool Stock Gains Momentum Amid Earnings Optimism and Institutional Confidence

Shares of Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) rose 0.5% on February 25, 2026, marking a modest rebound following a volatile year that saw the stock decline 37% year-to-date. The recent uptick follows the company's fourth-quarter 2025 earnings report, which exceeded profit expectations and included a cautiously optimistic outlook for 2026.

Whirlpool reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.91 for the quarter, surpassing estimates of $1.53, despite revenue falling slightly short at $4.1 billion. The company projected 5% revenue growth for 2026 and a full-year EPS of $7.00, citing cost discipline and margin recovery efforts. Analysts noted that while near-term challenges persist—driven by a slowing housing market and promotional pressures—the long-term outlook hinges on housing recovery and execution of cost-cutting initiatives.

Institutional confidence in Whirlpool appears undimmed. RWWM, Inc. increased its stake in the appliance maker during the fourth quarter, adding 275,389 shares to hold 830,769 shares, or 4.1% of its reportable U.S. equity assets. This follows a broader trend of institutional buying in 2025, with investors emphasizing Whirlpool's strong brand portfolio, domestic manufacturing focus (80% of inventory produced in the U.S.), and a 5.35% dividend yield. According to filings, institutional investors continue to view Whirlpool as a resilient name in the appliance sector.

However, the stock remains under pressure relative to broader markets. As of February 12, 2026, Whirlpool shares traded at $90.41, underperforming the S&P 500 by 15.2 percentage points over the prior year. Analysts caution that a sustained recovery will require clearer signs of stabilization in home sales and construction, which account for a significant portion of the company's North American business.

For now, investors are weighing near-term risks against long-term resilience. With a forward P/E ratio of 10x and a history of navigating cyclical housing trends, Whirlpool's stock remains a focal point for those betting on eventual market normalization.