Fourth quarter earnings flat for Whirlpool

BENTON HARBOR — Whirlpool Corp. ended the fourth quarter of 2016 with earnings on par with the previous year.

In the fourth quarter, Whirlpool (NYSE: WHR) generated sales of $5.7 billion, up 1.7 percent compared to nearly $5.6 billion a year ago. The Benton Harbor-based appliance manufacturer reported quarterly net earnings of $180 million, or $2.36 per diluted shares to end 2016, which compares to $180 million, or $2.28 per diluted share, in the prior year.

Sales for all of 2016 reached $20.7 billion, decreasing slightly from $20.9 billion in the prior year. The company reported full-year net earnings of $888 million, or $11.50 per diluted share, a 13-percent increase from $783 million, or $9.83 per diluted share, in 2015.

Whirlpool expects to generate diluted earnings per share to range from $13.25 and $14.25 this year, according to guidance issued by the company.

The Southwest Michigan-based Whirlpool did not issue guidance related to expected sales or revenues.