WHIRLPOOL CORP /DE/ - Quarter Report: 2016 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE

COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

________________________________________________________

FORM 10-Q

________________________________________________________



x		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016



o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 1-3932

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		38-1490038
(State of Incorporation)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2000 North M-63, Benton Harbor, Michigan		49022-2692
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (269) 923-5000

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large accelerated filer x		Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

Number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:



Class of common stock		Shares outstanding at October 21, 2016
Common stock, par value $1 per share		75,108,173

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS




		Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income	3
	Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets	4
	Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows	5
	Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements	6
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	21
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	32
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	32

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	33
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	33
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	33
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	33
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	33
Item 5.	Other Information	33
Item 6.	Exhibits	34

SIGNATURES		35

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. Certain statements contained in this quarterly report, including those within the forward-looking perspective section within the Management's Discussion and Analysis, and other written and oral statements made from time to time by us or on our behalf do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and may contain forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. As such, they are considered “forward-looking statements,” which provide current expectations or forecasts of future events. Such statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “possible,” “plan,” “predict,” “forecast,” “potential,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “believe,” “may impact,” “on track,” and similar words or expressions. Our forward-looking statements generally relate to our growth strategies, financial results, product development, and sales efforts. These forward-looking statements should be considered with the understanding that such statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, and may be affected by inaccurate assumptions. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may vary materially.

This document contains forward-looking statements about Whirlpool Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries (“Whirlpool”) that speak only as of this date. Whirlpool disclaims any obligation to update these statements. Forward-looking statements in this document may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expected earnings per share, cash flow, industry unit shipments, productivity and raw material prices. Many risks, contingencies and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from Whirlpool's forward-looking statements. Among these factors are: (1) intense competition in the home appliance industry reflecting the impact of both new and established global competitors, including Asian and European manufacturers; (2) acquisition and investment-related risk, including risk associated with our acquisitions of Hefei Sanyo and Indesit, and risk associated with our increased presence in emerging markets; (3) Whirlpool's ability to continue its relationship with significant trade customers and the ability of these trade customers to maintain or increase market share; (4) risks related to our international operations, including changes in foreign regulations, regulatory compliance and disruptions arising from natural disasters or terrorist attacks; (5) fluctuations in the cost of key materials (including steel, plastic, resins, copper and aluminum) and components and the ability of Whirlpool to offset cost increases; (6) the ability of Whirlpool to manage foreign currency fluctuations; (7) litigation, tax, and legal compliance risk and costs, especially costs which may be materially different from the amount we expect to incur or have accrued for; (8) the effects and costs of governmental investigations or related actions by third parties; (9) changes in the legal and regulatory environment including environmental and health and safety regulations; (10) Whirlpool's ability to maintain its reputation and brand image; (11) the ability of Whirlpool to achieve its business plans, productivity improvements, cost control, price increases, leveraging of its global operating platform, and acceleration of the rate of innovation; (12) information technology system failures and data security breaches; (13) product liability and product recall costs; (14) inventory and other asset risk; (15) the uncertain global economy and changes in economic conditions which affect demand for our products; (16) the ability of suppliers of critical parts, components and manufacturing equipment to deliver sufficient quantities to Whirlpool in a timely and cost-effective manner; (17) our ability to attract, develop and retain executives and other qualified employees; (18) the impact of labor relations; (19) Whirlpool's ability to obtain and protect intellectual property rights; and (20) health care cost trends, regulatory changes and variations between results and estimates that could increase future funding obligations for pension and postretirement benefit plans.

We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, and investors are advised to review disclosures in our filings with the SEC. It is not possible to foresee or identify all factors that could cause actual results to differ from expected or historic results. Therefore, investors should not consider the foregoing factors to be an exhaustive statement of all risks, uncertainties, or factors that could potentially cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements.

Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A of this report.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “Whirlpool,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Whirlpool Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.


PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30

(Millions of dollars, except per share data)



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	2016		2015		2016		2015
Net sales	$	5,248	$	5,277	$	15,062	$	15,331
Expenses
Cost of products sold	4,310		4,347		12,335		12,643
Gross margin	938		930		2,727		2,688
Selling, general and administrative	521		529		1,538		1,583
Intangible amortization	18		18		54		55
Restructuring costs	29		54		116		145
Operating profit	370		329		1,019		905
Other (income) expense
Interest and sundry (income) expense	26		21		95		32
Interest expense	39		41		118		124
Earnings before income taxes	305		267		806		749
Income tax expense	61		17		64		116
Net earnings	244		250		742		633
Less: Net earnings available to noncontrolling interests	6		15		34		30
Net earnings available to Whirlpool	$	238	$	235	$	708	$	603
Per share of common stock
Basic net earnings available to Whirlpool	$	3.14	$	2.98	$	9.26	$	7.64
Diluted net earnings available to Whirlpool	$	3.10	$	2.95	$	9.16	$	7.54
Dividends declared	$	1.00	$	0.90	$	2.90	$	2.55
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions)
Basic	75.7		78.8		76.4		78.9
Diluted	76.6		79.7		77.3		79.9

Comprehensive income	$	289	$	45	$	900	$	254

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(Millions of dollars, except share data)



	(Unaudited)
	September 30, 2016			December 31, 2015
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,025		$	772
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $192 and $160, respectively	2,982			2,530
Inventories	3,208			2,619
Deferred income taxes	398			451
Prepaid and other current assets	974			953
Total current assets	8,587			7,325
Property, net of accumulated depreciation of $6,267 and $5,953, respectively	3,768			3,774
Goodwill	3,027			3,006
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $376 and $327, respectively	2,622			2,678
Deferred income taxes	1,853			1,850
Other noncurrent assets	333			377
Total assets	$	20,190		$	19,010
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	4,312		$	4,403
Accrued expenses	709			675
Accrued advertising and promotions	677			706
Employee compensation	415			452
Notes payable	1,408			20
Current maturities of long-term debt	263			508
Other current liabilities	917			980
Total current liabilities	8,701			7,744
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	3,718			3,470
Pension benefits	960			1,025
Postretirement benefits	338			390
Other noncurrent liabilities	506			707
Total noncurrent liabilities	5,522			5,592
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, $1 par value, 250 million shares authorized, 111 million shares issued, and 75 million and 77 million shares outstanding, respectively	111			111
Additional paid-in capital	2,684			2,641
Retained earnings	7,209			6,722
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,176		)	(2,332		)
Treasury stock, 36 million and 33 million shares, respectively	(2,824		)	(2,399		)
Total Whirlpool stockholders’ equity	5,004			4,743
Noncontrolling interests	963			931
Total stockholders’ equity	5,967			5,674
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	20,190		$	19,010

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30

(Millions of dollars)



	Nine Months Ended
	2016			2015
Operating activities
Net earnings	$	742		$	633
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	496			496
Curtailment gain	—			(63		)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(438		)	(405		)
Inventories	(518		)	(397		)
Accounts payable	(187		)	(288		)
Accrued advertising and promotions	(38		)	(34		)
Accrued expenses and current liabilities	72			(26		)
Taxes deferred and payable, net	(149		)	(44		)
Accrued pension and postretirement benefits	(53		)	(109		)
Employee compensation	(30		)	(31		)
Other	(72		)	111
Cash used in operating activities	(175		)	(157		)
Investing activities
Capital expenditures	(360		)	(391		)
Proceeds from sale of assets and business	55			35
Change in restricted cash	14			21
Investment in related businesses	(10		)	(72		)
Other	(2		)	—
Cash used in investing activities	(303		)	(407		)
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt	491			531
Repayments of long-term debt	(507		)	(278		)
Net proceeds from short-term borrowings	1,369			307
Dividends paid	(221		)	(200		)
Repurchase of common stock	(425		)	(95		)
Common stock issued	24			36
Other	(2		)	(5		)
Cash provided by financing activities	729			296
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	2			(60		)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	253			(328		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	772			1,026
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1,025		$	698

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

General Information

The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information or footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. As a result, this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Management believes that the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements reflect all adjustments, including normal recurring items, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods.

We have eliminated all material intercompany transactions in our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. We do not consolidate the financial statements of any company in which we have an ownership interest of 50% or less, unless that company is deemed to be a variable interest entity ("VIE") of which we are the primary beneficiary. Certain VIEs are consolidated when the company is the primary beneficiary of these entities and has the ability to directly impact the activities of these entities.

We are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements and accompanying Notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)", which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. This ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period and is to be applied using one of two retrospective application methods, with early application permitted for fiscal reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory", which amends ASC 330, Inventory. This ASU simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventory by using only the lower of cost and net realizable value. The ASU does not apply to inventory measured using last-in, first-out method. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016, and must be applied on a retrospective basis with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes", which supersedes the guidance in Topic 740, Income Taxes, that requires an entity to separate deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and noncurrent amount in a classified statement of financial position. The amendment requires entities that present a classified balance sheet to classify all deferred tax liabilities and assets as a noncurrent amount. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016, and may be early adopted on a prospective basis or on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. We plan to prospectively adopt the new accounting pronouncement in the fourth quarter of 2016. The material impact of the change will result in the classification of all deferred tax assets (approximately $451 million as of December 31, 2015) and deferred tax liabilities (approximately $19 million December 31, 2015) as noncurrent. We expect the impact of this reclassification as of December 31, 2016 to have no impact on net income or cash flow, and to be comparable to December 31, 2015.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities". ASU 2016-01 provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The new pronouncement revises an entity’s accounting related to equity investments and the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. Among other things, it amends the presentation and disclosure requirements of equity securities that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method. Changes in the fair value of these equity securities will be recognized directly in net income. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. We currently do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)". The guidance in ASU 2016-02 supersedes the lease recognition requirements in ASC Topic 840, Leases (FAS 13). The new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. Early adoption of the amendments in the update is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting", which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. This standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

All other issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncements are not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is measured based on an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on a market valuation approach using prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. As a basis for considering such assumptions, a three-tiered fair value hierarchy is established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: (Level 1) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; (Level 2) inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets that are observable, either directly or indirectly; and (Level 3) unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. We had no (Level 3) assets or liabilities at September 30, 2016.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are in the following table:



					Fair Value
	Total Cost Basis				Level 1				Level 2					Total
Millions of dollars	2016		2015		2016		2015		2016		2015			2016		2015
Money market funds⁽¹⁾	$	9	$	13	$	9	$	13	$	—	$	—		$	9	$	13
Net derivative contracts	—		—		—		—		19		(42		)	19		(42		)
Available for sale investments	12		11		21		25		—		—			21		25

⁽¹⁾Money market funds are comprised primarily of government obligations and other first tier obligations.

Other Fair Value Measurements

The fair value of long-term debt (including current maturities) was $4.2 billion and $4.0 billion at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and was estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements (Level 2 input).

(3) INVENTORIES

The following table summarizes our inventory for the periods presented:



Millions of dollars	September 30, 2016			December 31, 2015
Finished products	$	2,629		$	2,093
Raw materials and work in process	685			655
	3,314			2,748
Less: excess of FIFO cost over LIFO cost	(106		)	(129		)
Total inventories	$	3,208		$	2,619

LIFO inventories represented 38% and 37% of total inventories at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

(4) PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

The following table summarizes our property, plant and equipment as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015:



Millions of dollars	September 30, 2016			December 31, 2015
Land	$	134		$	131
Buildings	1,676			1,614
Machinery and equipment	8,225			7,982
Accumulated depreciation	(6,267		)	(5,953		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	3,768		$	3,774

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we disposed of buildings, machinery and equipment with historical cost of $314 million and related accumulated depreciation $293 million.

(5) FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

Debt

On July 15, 2016, $244 million of 7.75% notes matured and were repaid. On June 15, 2016, $250 million of 6.50% notes matured and were repaid. On May 23, 2016, we completed a debt offering of $500 million principal amount of 4.50% notes due in 2046. The notes contain covenants that limit our ability to incur certain liens or enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions. In addition, if we experience a specific kind of change of control, we are required to make an offer to purchase all of the notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The notes are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-203704) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2015.

On May 17, 2016, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a Third Amended and Restated Long-Term Credit Agreement (the “Amended Long-Term Facility”). The Amended Long-Term Facility provides aggregate borrowing capacity of $2.5 billion, which combines amounts previously available under our prior Original Long-Term Facility and Terminated 364-Day Facility. The Amended Long-Term Facility has a maturity date of May 17, 2021 and amends and restates in its entirety our previously existing Second Amended and Restated Long-Term Credit Agreement, dated September 26, 2014 (the "Original Long-Term Facility"), and replaces aggregate borrowing capacity of $500 million available under our previously existing Amended and Restated Short-Term Credit Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2015, which agreement was terminated on May 17, 2016 (the "Terminated 364-Day Facility").

The interest and fee rates payable with respect to the Amended Long-Term Facility based on our current debt rating are as follows: (1) the spread over LIBOR is 1.125%; (2) the spread over prime is 0.125%; and (3) the unused commitment fee is 0.125%. The Amended Long-Term Facility contains customary covenants and warranties including, among other things, a debt to capitalization ratio of less than or equal to 0.60 to 1.00 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, and a rolling twelve month interest coverage ratio required to be greater than or equal to 3.0 to 1.0 for each fiscal quarter. In addition, the covenants limit our ability to (or to permit any subsidiaries to), subject to various exceptions and limitations: (i) merge with other companies; (ii) create liens on its property; (iii) incur debt or off-balance sheet obligations at the subsidiary level; (iv) enter into transactions with affiliates, except on an arms-length basis; (v) enter into agreements restricting the payment of subsidiary dividends or restricting the making

of loans or repayment of debt by subsidiaries to the Company or other subsidiaries; and (vi) enter into agreements restricting the creation of liens on our assets.

In addition to the committed $2.5 billion Amended Long-Term Facility, we have a committed European facility and committed credit facilities in Brazil. The European facility provides borrowings up to €250 million (approximately $281 million at September 30, 2016 ). The committed credit facilities in Brazil provide borrowings up to 1.0 billion Brazilian reais (approximately $308 million at September 30, 2016), expiring in 2017.

We had no borrowings outstanding under the committed credit facilities at September 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015.

Notes Payable

Notes payable, which consist of short-term borrowings payable to banks or commercial paper, are generally used to fund working capital requirements. The fair value of our notes payable approximates the carrying amount due to the short maturity of these obligations. The following table summarizes the carrying value of notes payable at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015:



Millions of dollars	September 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
Commercial paper	$	1,196	$	—
Short-term borrowings to banks	212		20
Total notes payable	$	1,408	$	20

(6) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Embraco Antitrust Matters

Beginning in February 2009, our compressor business headquartered in Brazil ("Embraco") was notified of antitrust investigations of the global compressor industry by government authorities in various jurisdictions. Embraco has resolved government investigations in various jurisdictions as well as all related civil lawsuits in the United States and has made its final installment payments negotiated in connection with such resolutions. Embraco also has resolved certain other claims and certain claims remain pending. Additional lawsuits could be filed.

At September 30, 2016, a nominal amount remains accrued. We continue to defend these actions and take other steps to minimize our potential exposure. The final outcome and impact of these matters, and any related claims and investigations that may be brought in the future are subject to many variables, and cannot be predicted. We establish accruals only for those matters where we determine that a loss is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. While it is currently not possible to reasonably estimate the aggregate amount of costs which we may incur in connection with these matters, such costs could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations in any particular reporting period.

BEFIEX Credits and Other Brazil Tax Matters

In previous years, our Brazilian operations earned tax credits under the Brazilian government’s export incentive program (BEFIEX). These credits reduced Brazilian federal excise taxes on domestic sales, resulting in an increase in the operations' recorded net sales, as the credits were monetized. We did not monetize any BEFIEX credits during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 or 2015. We began recognizing BEFIEX credits in accordance with prior favorable court decisions allowing for the credits to be recognized. We recognized export credits as they were monetized.

In December 2013, the Brazilian government reinstituted the monetary adjustment index applicable to BEFIEX credits that existed prior to July 2009, when the Brazilian government required companies to apply a different monetary adjustment index to BEFIEX credits. As of September 30, 2016, no BEFIEX credits deemed to be available prior to this action remained to be monetized. Whether use of the reinstituted index should be given retroactive effect for the July 2009 to December 2013 period has been subject to review by the Brazilian courts. If the reinstituted index is given retroactive effect, we would be entitled to recognize additional credits. We are awaiting the resolution of additional proceedings on the retroactive effect of the reinstituted index.

Our Brazilian operations have received governmental assessments related to claims for income and social contribution taxes associated with BEFIEX credits monetized from 2000 through 2002 and 2007 through 2011. We do not believe BEFIEX export credits are subject to income or social contribution taxes. We are disputing these tax matters in various courts and intend to vigorously defend our positions. We have not provided for income or social contribution taxes on these export credits, and based on the opinions of tax and legal advisors, we have not accrued any amount related to these assessments as of September 30, 2016. The total amount of outstanding tax assessments received for income and social contribution taxes relating to the BEFIEX credits, including interest and penalties, is approximately 1.6 billion Brazilian reais (approximately $508 million as of September 30, 2016).

Relying on existing Brazilian legal precedent, in 2003 and 2004, we recognized tax credits in an aggregate amount of $26 million, adjusted for currency, on the purchase of raw materials used in production (“IPI tax credits”). The Brazilian tax authority subsequently challenged the recording of IPI tax credits. No credits have been recognized since 2004. In 2009, we entered into a Brazilian government program which provided extended payment terms and reduced penalties and interest to encourage tax payers to resolve this and certain other disputed tax credit amounts. As permitted by the program, we elected to settle certain debts through the use of other existing tax credits and recorded charges of approximately $34 million in 2009 associated with these matters. In July 2012, the Brazilian revenue authority notified us that a portion of our proposed settlement was rejected and we received tax assessments of 229 million Brazilian reais (approximately $71 million as of September 30, 2016), reflecting interest and penalties to date. We are disputing these assessments and we intend to vigorously defend our position. Based on the opinion of our tax and legal advisors, we have not recorded an additional reserve related to these matters.

In 2001, Brazil adopted a law making the profits of controlled foreign corporations of Brazilian entities subject to income and social contribution tax regardless of whether the profits were repatriated ("CFC Tax"). Our Brazilian subsidiary, along with other corporations, challenged tax assessments on foreign profits on constitutionality and other grounds. In April 2013, the Brazilian Supreme Court ruled on one of our cases, finding that the law is constitutional, but remanding the case to a lower court for consideration of other arguments raised in our appeal, including the existence of tax treaties with jurisdictions in which controlled foreign corporations are domiciled. As of September 30, 2016, our potential exposure for income and social contribution taxes relating to profits of controlled foreign corporations, including interest and penalties and net of expected foreign tax credits, is approximately 159 million Brazilian reais (approximately $49 million as of September 30, 2016). We believe these assessments are without merit and we intend to continue to vigorously dispute them. Based on the opinion of our tax and legal advisors, we have not accrued any amount related to these assessments as of September 30, 2016.

In addition to the IPI tax credit and CFC Tax matters noted above, we are currently disputing other assessments issued by the Brazilian tax authorities related to non-income and income tax matters, including for the monetization of BEFIEX credits and other matters, which are at various stages of review in numerous administrative and judicial proceedings. The amounts related to these assessments will continue to be increased by monetary adjustments at the Selic rate, which is the benchmark rate set by the Brazilian Central Bank. In accordance with our accounting policies, we routinely assess these matters and, when necessary, record our best estimate of a loss. We believe these tax assessments are without merit and are vigorously defending our positions.

Litigation is inherently unpredictable and the conclusion of these matters may take many years to ultimately resolve. Accordingly, it is possible that an unfavorable outcome in these proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations in any particular reporting period.

Other Litigation

We have vigorously defended against numerous lawsuits pending in the United States relating to certain of our front load washing machines. We have reached final agreement on a settlement that will resolve all such class action lawsuits (except for attorneys fees in an immaterial case) and have received court approval. We are proceeding through the administrative consumer claims process to finalize the matter, which will be complete in 2017.

In addition, we are currently vigorously defending a number of other lawsuits in federal and state courts in the United States related to the manufacturing and sale of our products which include class action allegations, and have and may become involved in similar actions in other jurisdictions. These lawsuits allege claims which include negligence, breach of contract, breach of warranty, product liability and safety claims, false advertising, fraud, and violation of federal and state regulations, including consumer protection acts. In general, we do not have insurance coverage for class action lawsuits. We are also involved in various other legal actions in the United States and other jurisdictions around the world arising in the normal course of business, for which insurance coverage may or may not be available depending on the nature of the action. We dispute the merits of these suits and actions, and intend to vigorously defend them. Management believes, based upon its current knowledge, after taking into consideration legal counsel's evaluation of such suits and actions, and after taking into account current litigation accruals, that the outcome of these matters currently pending against Whirlpool should not have a material adverse effect, if any, on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.

Competition Investigation

In 2013, the French Competition Authority commenced an investigation of appliance manufacturers and retailers in France. The investigation includes 11 manufacturers, including the Whirlpool and Indesit operations in France. Although it is currently not possible to assess the impact, if any, this matter may have on our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements, the resolution of this matter could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations in any particular reporting period.

Product Warranty and Legacy Product Corrective Action Reserves

Product warranty reserves are included in other current and other noncurrent liabilities in our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes the changes in total product warranty and legacy product warranty liability reserves for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:



	Product Warranty						Legacy Product Warranty					Total
Millions of dollars	2016			2015			2016			2015		2016			2015
Balance at January 1	$	239		$	235		$	254		$	—	$	493		$	235
Issuances/accruals during the period	228			200			—			274		228			474
Settlements made during the period/other	(218		)	(203		)	(145		)	—		(363		)	(203		)
Balance at September 30	$	249		$	232		$	109		$	274	$	358		$	506

Current portion	$	188		$	180		$	109		$	146	$	297		$	326
Non-current portion	61			52			—			128		61			180
Total	$	249		$	232		$	109		$	274	$	358		$	506

In the normal course of business, we engage in investigations of potential quality and safety issues. As part of our ongoing effort to deliver quality products to consumers, we are currently investigating a limited number of potential quality and safety issues globally. As necessary, we undertake to effect repair or replacement of appliances in the event that an investigation leads to the conclusion that such action is warranted.

As part of that process, in 2015, Whirlpool engaged in thorough investigations of incident reports associated with two of its dryer production platforms developed by Indesit, prior to Whirlpool's acquisition of Indesit in October 2014. This led to Indesit reporting the issue to regulatory authorities for consideration. These discussions determined that corrective action of the affected dryers was required. Whirlpool has implemented modifications at the point of manufacture to ensure that dryers produced after October 2015 are not affected by this issue. An outreach and service campaign is underway to modify dryers that have already been sold. Such dryers were manufactured between April 2004 and October 2015 and sold in the UK and other countries in the EMEA region under the Hotpoint (Whirlpool ownership of the Hotpoint brand in EMEA and Asia Pacific regions is not affiliated with the Hotpoint brand sold in the Americas) and Indesit brand names, as well as various other brands owned by other manufacturers, distributors and retailers whose products Indesit produced. As a result, in September 2015, we recorded a liability related to this corrective action cost of €245 million (approximately $274 million as of September 30, 2015). Approximately 90% of the affected units were manufactured by Indesit prior to its acquisition by the Company in October 2014. Accordingly, in September 2015, we increased the warranty liability as a final purchase accounting adjustment in the opening balance sheet with a corresponding increase to goodwill related to this legacy product warranty and liability corrective action on heritage Indesit product in Europe. In the nine months ended September 30, 2016, Whirlpool had $124 million of cash expenditures related to the corrective action.

Guarantees

We have guarantee arrangements in a Brazilian subsidiary. As a standard business practice in Brazil, the subsidiary guarantees customer lines of credit at commercial banks to support purchases following its normal credit policies. If a customer were to default on its line of credit with the bank, our subsidiary would be required to satisfy the obligation with the bank and the receivable would revert back to the subsidiary. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the guaranteed amounts totaled $236 million and $260 million, respectively. Our subsidiary insures against credit risk for these guarantees, under normal operating conditions, through policies purchased from high-quality underwriters.

We provide guarantees of indebtedness and lines of credit for various consolidated subsidiaries. The maximum amount of credit facilities available under these lines for consolidated subsidiaries totaled $2.0 billion at September 30, 2016 and at December 31, 2015. Our total outstanding bank indebtedness under guarantees was approximately $111 million at September 30, 2016 and approximately $20 million at December 31, 2015.

We have guaranteed a $43 million five-year revolving credit facility between certain financial institutions and a not-for-profit entity in connection with a community and economic development project (“Harbor Shores”). The credit facility, which originated in 2008, was refinanced in December 2012 and we renewed our guarantee through 2017. It was also amended in 2015 by Harbor Shores and reduced to $43 million. The fair value of the guarantee was nominal. The purpose of Harbor Shores is to stimulate employment and growth in the areas of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, Michigan. In the event of default, we must satisfy the guarantee of the credit facility up to the amount borrowed at the date of default.

(7) HEDGES AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Derivative instruments are accounted for at fair value based on market rates. Derivatives where we elect hedge accounting are designated as either cash flow or fair value hedges. Derivatives that are not accounted for based on hedge accounting are marked to market through earnings. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use and designation of the derivative instrument. Hedging ineffectiveness and a net earnings impact occur when the change in the fair value of the hedge does not offset the change in the fair value of the hedged item. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is recognized in earnings.

Using derivative instruments means assuming counterparty credit risk. Counterparty credit risk relates to the loss we could incur if a counterparty were to default on a derivative contract. We generally deal with investment grade counterparties and monitor the overall credit risk and exposure to individual counterparties. We do not anticipate nonperformance by any counterparties. The amount of counterparty credit exposure is limited to the unrealized gains, if any, on such derivative contracts. We do not require nor do we post collateral or security on such contracts.

Hedging Strategy

In the normal course of business, we manage risks relating to our ongoing business operations including those arising from changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. Fluctuations in these rates and prices can affect our operating results and financial condition. We use a variety of strategies, including the use of derivative instruments, to manage these risks. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We incur expenses associated with the procurement and production of products in a limited number of countries, while we sell in the local currencies of a large number of countries. Our primary foreign currency exchange exposures result from cross-currency sales of products. As a result, we enter into foreign exchange contracts to hedge certain firm commitments and forecasted transactions to acquire products and services that are denominated in foreign currencies.

We enter into certain undesignated non-functional currency asset and liability hedges that relate primarily to short-term payables, receivables and intercompany loans. These forecasted cross-currency cash flows relate primarily to foreign currency denominated expenditures and intercompany financing agreements, royalty agreements and dividends. When we hedge a foreign currency denominated payable or receivable with a derivative, the effect of changes in the foreign exchange rates is reflected currently in interest and sundry income (expense) for both the payable/receivable and the derivative. We do not elect hedge accounting treatment on such short-term hedges.

Commodity Price Risk

We enter into commodity derivative contracts on various commodities to manage the price risk associated with forecasted purchases of materials used in our manufacturing process. The objective of these hedges is to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with the forecasted purchase of commodities.

Interest Rate Risk

We may enter into interest rate swap agreements to manage interest rate risk exposure. Our interest rate swap agreements, if any, effectively modify our exposure to interest rate risk, primarily through converting certain floating rate debt to a fixed rate basis, and certain fixed rate debt to a floating rate basis. These agreements involve either the receipt or payment of floating rate amounts in exchange for fixed rate interest payments or receipts, respectively, over the life of the agreements without an exchange of the underlying principal amounts. We also may utilize a cross-currency interest rate swap agreement to manage our exposure relating to certain intercompany debt denominated in one foreign currency that will be repaid in another foreign currency. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were no outstanding swap agreements.

We may enter into treasury rate lock agreements to effectively modify our exposure to interest rate risk by locking in interest rates on probable long-term debt issuances.

The following table summarizes our outstanding derivative contracts and their effects on our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015:



					Fair Value of								Type of Hedge⁽¹⁾
	Notional Amount				Hedge Assets				Hedge Liabilities				Type of Hedge⁽¹⁾	Maximum Term (Months)
Millions of dollars	2016		2015		2016		2015		2016		2015			2016	2015
Derivatives accounted for as hedges
Foreign exchange forwards/options	$	860	$	886	$	24	$	31	$	12	$	8	(CF)	15	12
Commodity swaps/options	283		322		18		1		17		66		(CF)	31	33
Total derivatives accounted for as hedges					$	42	$	32	$	29	$	74
Derivatives not accounted for as hedges
Foreign exchange forwards/options	$	2,140	$	2,886	$	20	$	22	$	14	$	21	N/A	10	11
Commodity swaps/options	1		7		—		—		—		1		N/A	5	6
Total derivatives not accounted for as hedges					20		22		14		22
Total derivatives					$	62	$	54	$	43	$	96

Current					$	55	$	54	$	40	$	79
Noncurrent					7		—		3		17
Total derivatives					$	62	$	54	$	43	$	96

⁽¹⁾Derivatives accounted for as hedges are considered cash flow (CF) hedges.

The following tables summarize the effects of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)						Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Earnings (Effective Portion) ⁽¹⁾
Cash Flow Hedges - Millions of dollars	2016			2015			2016			2015
Foreign exchange	$	9		$	41		$	(1	)	$	18		(a)
Commodity swaps/options	(2		)	(49		)	(6		)	(16		)	(a)
	$	7		$	(8	)	$	(7	)	$	2

							Three Months Ended September 30,
							Gain Recognized on Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedges ⁽²⁾
Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedges - Millions of dollars							2016			2015
Foreign exchange forwards/options							$	(9	)	$	(13	)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)					Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Earnings (Effective Portion) ⁽¹⁾
Cash Flow Hedges - Millions of dollars	2016		2015			2016			2015
Foreign exchange	$	3	$	51		$	11		$	42		(a)
Commodity swaps/options	19		(81		)	(30		)	(37		)	(a)
Interest rate derivatives	—		—			—			(1		)	(b)
	$	22	$	(30	)	$	(19	)	$	4

						Nine Months Ended September 30,
						Gain Recognized on Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedges ⁽²⁾
Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedges - Millions of dollars						2016			2015
Foreign exchange forwards/options						$	(43	)	$	19

⁽¹⁾Gains and losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (OCI) and recognized in income are recorded in (a) cost of products sold or (b) interest expense.

⁽²⁾Mark to market gains and losses recognized in income are recorded in interest and sundry income (expense).

For cash flow hedges, the amount of ineffectiveness recognized in interest and sundry income (expense) was nominal for the periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. There were no hedges designated as fair value for the periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. The net amount of unrealized gain or loss on derivative instruments included in accumulated OCI related to contracts maturing and expected to be realized during the next twelve months is nominal at September 30, 2016.

(8) STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes our other comprehensive income (loss) and related tax effects for the periods presented:



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2016									2015
Millions of dollars	Pre-tax			Tax Effect			Net			Pre-tax			Tax Effect			Net
Currency translation adjustments	$	25		$	—		$	25		$	(197	)	$	—		$	(197	)
Cash flow hedges	23			(9		)	14			(10		)	2			(8		)
Pension and other postretirement benefits plans	10			(3		)	7			9			(4		)	5
Available for sale securities	(1		)	—			(1		)	(5		)	—			(5		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	57			(12		)	45			(203		)	(2		)	(205		)
Less: Other comprehensive loss available to noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(6		)	—			(6		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) available to Whirlpool	$	57		$	(12	)	$	45		$	(197	)	$	(2	)	$	(199	)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016									2015
Millions of dollars	Pre-tax			Tax Effect			Net			Pre-tax			Tax Effect		Net
Currency translation adjustments	$	81		$	—		$	81		$	(343	)	$	—	$	(343	)
Cash flow hedges	61			(20		)	41			(34		)	8		(26		)
Pension and other postretirement benefits plans	62			(22		)	40			(17		)	8		(9		)
Available for sale securities	(4		)	—			(4		)	(1		)	—		(1		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	200			(42		)	158			(395		)	16		(379		)
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss available to noncontrolling interests	2			—			2			(8		)	—		(8		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) available to Whirlpool	$	198		$	(42	)	$	156		$	(387	)	$	16	$	(371	)

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table provides the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), by component, which was included in net earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016:



	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
Millions of dollars	(Gain) Loss Reclassified		(Gain) Loss Reclassified		Classification in Earnings
Cash flow hedges, pre-tax	$	7	$	19	Cost of products sold
Pension and postretirement benefits, pre-tax	11		26		Cost of products sold / Selling, general and administrative

The following table summarizes the changes in stockholders’ equity for the period presented:



Millions of dollars	Total			Whirlpool Common Stockholders			Noncontrolling Interests
Stockholders' equity, December 31, 2015	$	5,674		$	4,743		$	931
Net earnings	742			708			34
Other comprehensive income	158			156			2
Comprehensive income	900			864			36
Treasury stock	(425		)	(425		)	—
Additional paid-in capital	43			43			—
Dividends declared on common stock	(225		)	(221		)	(4		)
Stockholders' equity, September 30, 2016	$	5,967		$	5,004		$	963

Net Earnings per Share

Diluted net earnings per share of common stock include the dilutive effect of stock options and other share-based compensation plans. Basic and diluted net earnings per share of common stock for the periods presented were calculated as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
Millions of dollars and shares	2016		2015		2016		2015
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share - Net earnings available to Whirlpool	$	238	$	235	$	708	$	603
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares	75.7		78.8		76.4		78.9
Effect of dilutive securities – share-based compensation	0.9		0.9		0.9		1.0
Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted-average shares	76.6		79.7		77.3		79.9
Anti-dilutive stock options/awards excluded from earnings per share	0.3		0.3		0.3		0.2

Repurchase Program

On April 18, 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $1 billion. As of September 30, 2016 we repurchased 1,088,400 shares under this share repurchase program at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $200 million. As of September 30, 2016, there were approximately $800 million in remaining funds authorized under this program.

Share repurchases are made from time to time on the open market as conditions warrant. The program does not obligate us to repurchase any of our shares.

(9) RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

During 2014 and 2015, we announced the following restructuring plans: (a) the closure of a microwave oven manufacturing facility and other organizational efficiency actions in EMEA and Latin America, (b) organizational integration activities in China and Europe to support the integration of Whirlpool China and Indesit, and (c) the closure of a research and development facility in Germany in 2016. All of these actions will be substantially complete in 2016.

In the second quarter of 2015, we committed to a restructuring plan to integrate our Italian legacy operations with those of Indesit. The industrial restructuring plan, which was approved by the relevant labor unions in July 2015 and signed by the Italian government in August 2015, provides for the closure or repurposing of certain manufacturing facilities and headcount reductions at other facilities. In addition, the restructuring plan provides for headcount reductions in the salaried employee workforce.

We estimate that we will incur up to €179 million (approximately $201 million as of September 30, 2016) in employee-related costs, €25 million (approximately $28 million as of September 30, 2016) in asset impairment costs, and €37 million (approximately $42 million as of September 30, 2016) in other associated costs in connection with these actions. These actions will be substantially complete in 2018. We estimate €209 million (approximately $235 million as of September 30, 2016) of the estimated €241 million total cost will result in cash expenditures.

The following table summarizes the change in our combined restructuring liability for the period ended September 30, 2016:



Millions of dollars	December 31, 2015		Charge to Earnings		Cash Paid			Non-cash and Other			September 30, 2016
Employee termination costs	$	30	$	86	$	(68	)	$	3		$	51
Asset impairment costs	—		15		—			(15		)	—
Facility exit costs	3		8		(10		)	—			1
Other exit costs	18		7		(10		)	—			15
Total	$	51	$	116	$	(88	)	$	(12	)	$	67

The following table summarizes the restructuring charges by operating segment as of September 30, 2016:



Millions of dollars	September 30, 2016
North America	$	14
EMEA	97
Latin America	3
Asia	2
Corporate / Other	—
Total	$	116

(10) INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense was $61 million and $64 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to income tax expense of $17 million and $116 million in the same periods of 2015. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, changes in the effective tax rate from the prior period include tax planning and related valuation allowance releases, and favorable audits and settlements in the second quarter of 2016. The following table summarizes the difference between income tax expense at the United States statutory rate of 35% and the income tax expense at effective worldwide tax rates for the respective periods:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
Millions of dollars	2016			2015			2016			2015
Earnings before income taxes	$	305		$	267		$	806		$	749

Income tax expense computed at United States statutory tax rate	107			93			282			262
Valuation allowance releases	(59		)	(68		)	(164		)	(126		)
Audits and settlements	(3		)	6			(35		)	8
U.S. foreign income items, net of credits	4			(18		)	(6		)	(32		)
Foreign government tax incentive	(2		)	—			(5		)	(8		)
Other	14			4			(8		)	12
Income tax expense computed at effective worldwide tax rates	$	61		$	17		$	64		$	116

At the end of each interim period, we make our best estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year and the impact of discrete items, if any, and adjust the quarterly rate as necessary.

(11) PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic pension cost and the cost of other postretirement benefits for the periods presented:



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	United States Pension Benefits						Foreign Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
Millions of dollars	2016			2015			2016			2015			2016			2015
Service cost	$	1		$	1		$	1		$	1		$	1		$	1
Interest cost	37			37			7			8			5			4
Expected return on plan assets	(47		)	(48		)	(7		)	(8		)	—			—
Amortization:
Actuarial loss	12			13			1			1			—			—
Prior service credit	—			—			—			—			(3		)	(5		)
Settlement and curtailment (gain) loss	—			—			1			1			—			(16		)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	3		$	3		$	3		$	3		$	3		$	(16	)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	United States Pension Benefits						Foreign Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
Millions of dollars	2016			2015			2016			2015			2016			2015
Service cost	$	2		$	2		$	4		$	4		$	5		$	2
Interest cost	111			112			21			23			13			14
Expected return on plan assets	(140		)	(143		)	(23		)	(25		)	—			—
Amortization:
Actuarial loss	35			40			3			4			—			—
Prior service credit	(2		)	(2		)	—			—			(11		)	(19		)
Settlement and curtailment (gain) loss	—			—			1			13			—			(63		)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	6		$	9		$	6		$	19		$	7		$	(66	)

During the first quarter of 2015, we recognized approximately $47 million from a curtailment gain due to the elimination of amounts credited to notional retiree health accounts for certain employees under age 50. The curtailment gain was recognized in our Consolidated Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income with $43 million recorded in cost of products sold and the remaining balance in selling, general and administrative, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax.

During the third quarter of 2015, we recognized approximately $16 million from a curtailment gain due to the elimination of retiree medical eligibility for certain employees under age 50. The curtailment gain was recognized in our Consolidated Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income with $15 million recorded in cost of products sold and the remaining balance in selling, general and administrative, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax.

(12) OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance.

We identify such segments based upon geographical regions of operations because each operating segment manufactures home appliances and related components, but serves strategically different markets. The chief operating decision maker evaluates performance based upon each segment’s operating income, which is defined as income before interest and sundry income (expense), interest expense, income taxes, noncontrolling interests, intangible asset impairment and restructuring costs. Total assets by segment are those assets directly associated with the respective operating activities. The “Other/Eliminations” column primarily includes corporate expenses, assets and eliminations, as well as restructuring costs and intangible asset impairments, if any. Intersegment sales are eliminated within each region except compressor sales out of Latin America, which are included in Other/Eliminations.

The tables below summarize performance by operating segment for the periods presented:



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	OPERATING SEGMENTS
Millions of dollars	North America		EMEA		Latin America		Asia			Other/ Eliminations			Total Whirlpool
Net sales
2016	$	2,850	$	1,319	$	800	$	338		$	(59	)	$	5,248
2015	2,791		1,452		751		346			(63		)	5,277
Intersegment sales
2016	41		16		50		82			(189		)	—
2015	51		9		55		77			(192		)	—
Depreciation and amortization
2016	65		66		19		15			(1		)	164
2015	64		47		13		15			26			165
Operating profit (loss)
2016	346		40		45		15			(76		)	370
2015	349		32		31		24			(107		)	329
Total assets
September 30, 2016	8,172		8,666		2,563		2,896			(2,107		)	20,190
December 31, 2015	7,683		7,351		2,260		2,738			(1,022		)	19,010
Capital expenditures
2016	43		37		28		26			21			155
2015	52		36		26		(9		)	18			123



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	OPERATING SEGMENTS
Millions of dollars	North America		EMEA		Latin America		Asia		Other/ Eliminations			Total Whirlpool
Net sales
2016	$	8,020	$	3,788	$	2,331	$	1,072	$	(149	)	$	15,062
2015	7,819		4,059		2,504		1,105		(156		)	15,331
Intersegment sales
2016	128		47		153		217		(545		)	—
2015	170		34		157		205		(566		)	—
Depreciation and amortization
2016	199		155		53		48		41			496
2015	195		154		50		46		51			496
Operating profit (loss)
2016	936		141		137		56		(251		)	1,019
2015	912		100		126		75		(308		)	905
Total assets
September 30, 2016	8,172		8,666		2,563		2,896		(2,107		)	20,190
December 31, 2015	7,683		7,351		2,260		2,738		(1,022		)	19,010
Capital expenditures
2016	114		82		71		41		53			361
2015	169		108		69		9		36			391


ITEM 2.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ABOUT WHIRLPOOL

Whirlpool Corporation ("Whirlpool") is the number one major appliance manufacturer in the world with annual net sales of approximately $21 billion and net earnings available to Whirlpool of $783 million in 2015. We are a leading producer of major home appliances in North America, Europe and Latin America, and have a significant presence throughout China and India. We have received worldwide recognition for accomplishments in a variety of business and social efforts, including leadership, diversity, innovative product design, business ethics, social responsibility and community involvement. We conduct our business through four reportable segments, which we define based on geography. Our reportable segments consist of North America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), Latin America, and Asia. Our customer base includes large, sophisticated trade customers who have many choices and demand competitive products, services and prices. The major home appliance industry operates in an intensely competitive environment, reflecting the impact of both new and established global competitors, including Asian and European manufacturers.

We monitor country-specific economic factors such as gross domestic product, unemployment, consumer confidence, retail trends, housing starts and completions, sales of existing homes and mortgage interest rates as key indicators of industry demand. In addition to profitability, we also focus on country, brand, product and channel sales when assessing and forecasting financial results.

Our leading portfolio of brands includes Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Embraco, Brastemp, Consul and Indesit, each of which generates annual revenues in excess of $1 billion. Our global branded consumer products strategy is to introduce innovative new products, increase brand customer loyalty, expand our presence outside the United States, enhance our trade management platform, improve total cost and quality by expanding and leveraging our global operating platform and, where appropriate, make strategic acquisitions and investments.

As we grow revenues in our core products, our strategy is to extend our business by offering products and services that are dependent on and related to our core business and expand into adjacent products, such as Affresh cleaners and Gladiator GarageWorks, through businesses that leverage our core competencies and business infrastructure.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table summarizes the consolidated results of operations for the periods presented:



	Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
Consolidated - Millions of dollars, except per share data	2016	2015	Better/(Worse)	2016	2015	Better/(Worse)
Net sales	$5,248	$5,277	(0.5)%	$15,062	$15,331	(1.8)%
Gross margin	938	930	1.0%	2,727	2,688	1.5%
Selling, general and administrative	521	529	1.0%	1,538	1,583	2.7%
Restructuring costs	29	54	48.1%	116	145	20.5%
Interest and sundry (income) expense	26	21	(23.9)%	95	32	nm
Interest expense	39	41	5.0%	118	124	5.0%
Income tax expense	61	17	nm	64	116	44.4%
Net earnings available to Whirlpool	238	235	1.2%	708	603	17.4%
Diluted net earnings available to Whirlpool per share	$3.10	$2.95	5.2%	$9.16	$7.54	21.5%

Consolidated Net Sales

The following tables summarize units sold and consolidated net sales by region for the periods ended September 30:



	Units Sold (in thousands)
	Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
Region	2016	2015	Better/(Worse)	2016	2015	Better/(Worse)
North America	7,370	6,897	6.9%	20,268	19,176	5.7%
EMEA	6,367	6,491	(1.9)%	17,863	18,117	(1.4)%
Latin America	2,072	2,114	(2.0)%	6,481	7,009	(7.5)%
Asia	2,141	1,938	10.5%	6,432	6,045	6.4%
Consolidated	17,950	17,440	2.9%	51,044	50,347	1.4%



	Net Sales (in millions)
	Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
Region	2016	2015	Better/(Worse)	2016	2015	Better(Worse)
North America	$2,850	$2,791	2.1%	$8,020	$7,819	2.6%
EMEA	1,319	1,452	(9.1)%	3,788	4,059	(6.7)%
Latin America	800	751	6.5%	2,331	2,504	(6.9)%
Asia	338	346	(2.1)%	1,072	1,105	(3.0)%
Other/eliminations	(59)	(63)	nm	(149)	(156)	nm
Consolidated	$5,248	$5,277	(0.5)%	$15,062	$15,331	(1.8)%

nm: not meaningful

Consolidated net sales decreased 0.5% and 1.8% for the three and nine months ended, September 30, 2016 respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. The decrease for the three and nine months ended was primarily driven by unfavorable impacts from foreign currency and product price/mix, partially offset by higher unit volumes. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, consolidated net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased 0.2% and 1.3% respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015.

Management believes that sales excluding foreign currency provides stockholders with a clearer basis to assess our results over time, excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures, including the difficulty associated with comparing companies that use similarly named non-GAAP measures whose calculations may differ from our calculations. Sales excluding foreign currency is calculated by translating the current period net sales, in functional currency, to U.S. dollars using the prior-year period’s exchange rate compared to the prior-year period net sales.

Significant regional trends were as follows:

•

North America net sales increased 2.1% and 2.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. The increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily driven by increased unit volumes, partially offset by unfavorable impacts from product price/mix and foreign currency. Excluding the impact from foreign currency, net sales increased 2.7% and 3.8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015.

•

EMEA net sales decreased 9.1% and 6.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. The decrease for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily driven by unfavorable impacts from product price/mix, foreign currency and lower unit volumes. Excluding the impact from foreign currency, net sales decreased 6.0% and 3.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same periods in 2015.

•

Latin America net sales increased 6.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 primarily driven by favorable product price/mix partially offset by unit volume declines. Latin America net sales decreased 6.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, primarily driven by an unfavorable impact from foreign currency and unit volume declines. Excluding the impact from foreign currency, net sales increased 1.6% and 0.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same periods in 2015.

•

Asia net sales decreased 2.1% and 3.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same periods in 2015. The decrease for the three and nine months ended, September 30, 2016 was primarily driven by unfavorable impacts from foreign currency and product price/mix, partially offset by higher unit volumes. Excluding the impact from foreign currency, net sales increased 2.2% and 1.8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same periods in 2015.

Gross Margin

The table below summarizes gross margin percentages by region:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
Percentage of net sales	2016	2015	Better/(Worse)		2016	2015	Better/(Worse)
North America	19.4%	19.7%	(0.3)	pts	19.1%	19.0%	0.1	pts
EMEA	14.2%	12.9%	1.3	pts	15.6%	14.1%	1.5	pts
Latin America	15.3%	14.7%	0.6	pts	15.5%	14.7%	0.8	pts
Asia	21.8%	24.1%	(2.3)	pts	22.1%	23.6%	(1.5)	pts
Consolidated	17.9%	17.6%	0.3	pts	18.1%	17.5%	0.6	pts

The consolidated gross margin percentage increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same periods in 2015. The increase for the three and nine months ended was primarily due to ongoing cost productivity and acquisition synergies, unit volume growth, and benefits from cost and capacity-reduction initiatives, partially offset by the unfavorable impacts from product price/mix and foreign currency.

Significant regional trends were as follows:

•

North America gross margin decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, primarily due to unit volume growth and ongoing cost productivity that were more than offset by product price/mix, foreign currency and prior-year recognition of a post-retirement benefit curtailment gain. North America gross margin increased slightly for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, primarily due to unit volume growth and ongoing cost productivity, partially offset by product price/mix and foreign currency.


•	EMEA gross margin increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same periods in 2015, primarily due to favorable impacts from acquisition synergies, partially offset by unfavorable impacts from foreign currency, product price/mix and production adjustment to right-size inventory levels.


•	Latin America gross margin increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same periods in 2015, primarily due to favorable price/mix and the benefits from cost and capacity-reduction initiatives, partially offset by unit volume decline.


•	Asia gross margin decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same periods in 2015, primarily due to unfavorable product price/mix and increased investments in marketing, technology and products, partially offset by benefits from ongoing cost productivity.

Selling, General and Administrative

The following table summarizes selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales by region:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
Millions of dollars	2016	As a % of Net Sales	2015	As a % of Net Sales	2016	As a % of Net Sales	2015	As a % of Net Sales
North America	$203	7.1%	$195	7.0%	$583	7.3%	$558	7.1%
EMEA	141	10.7%	149	10.2%	429	11.3%	451	11.1%
Latin America	76	9.6%	78	10.4%	222	9.5%	240	9.6%
Asia	53	15.7%	54	15.6%	162	15.1%	167	15.1%
Corporate/other	48	—	53	—	142	—	167	—
Consolidated	$521	10.0%	$529	10.0%	$1,538	10.2%	$1,583	10.3%

Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses is comparable as a percent of net sales to the same periods in 2015.

Restructuring

We incurred restructuring charges of $29 million and $116 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $54 million and $145 million for the same periods in 2015.

We anticipate restructuring charges of approximately $200 million for fiscal year 2016. The actions outlined above are expected to fall within these anticipated charges.

Additional information about restructuring activities can be found in Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

Interest and Sundry (Income) Expense

Interest and sundry expense for the three months ended September 30, 2016 is comparable to the same period in 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, expense increased compared to the same periods in 2015. The increase in expense for the nine months ended was primarily due to a gain related to a business investment in Brazil, in the second quarter of 2015.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased compared to the same periods in 2015 due to lower average interest rates on long-term debt offset by higher outstanding debt.

Income Taxes



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
Millions of dollars	2016			2015			2016			2015
Earnings before income taxes	$	305		$	267		$	806		$	749

Income tax expense computed at United States statutory tax rate	107			93			282			262
Valuation allowance releases	(59		)	(68		)	(164		)	(126		)
Audits and settlements	(3		)	6			(35		)	8
U.S. foreign income items, net of credits	4			(18		)	(6		)	(32		)
Foreign government tax incentive	(2		)	—			(5		)	(8		)
Other	14			4			(8		)	12
Income tax expense computed at effective worldwide tax rates	$	61		$	17		$	64		$	116

FORWARD-LOOKING PERSPECTIVE

Earnings per diluted share are presented net of tax, while each adjustment is presented on a pre-tax basis. The aggregate income tax impact of the taxable components of each adjustment is presented in the income tax impact line item at our anticipated full-year tax rate. We currently estimate earnings per diluted share and industry demand for 2016 to be within the following ranges:



	2016
	Current Outlook
Estimated earnings per diluted share, for the year ending December 31, 2016	$11.50	—	$11.75
Including:
Restructuring Expense	$(2.60)
Acquisition Related Transition Costs	$(0.42)
Legacy Product Warranty and Liability Expense	$(0.09)
Income Tax Impact	$0.59

Industry demand
North America⁽¹⁾	3%	—	4%
EMEA	0%	—	2%
Latin America⁽²⁾	(12%)	—	(10%)
Asia	(2%)	—	0%

⁽¹⁾ Reflects industry demand in the United States.

⁽²⁾ Reflects industry demand in Brazil.

For the full-year 2016, we expect to generate cash from operating activities of $1,350 to $1,400 million and free cash flow of approximately $700 million, including primarily acquisition related restructuring cash outlays of up to $150 million, legacy product warranty and liability costs of $155 million and, with respect to free cash flow, capital expenditures of approximately $650 million to $700 million.

The table below reconciles projected 2016 cash provided by operating activities determined in accordance with United States GAAP to free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure. Management believes that free cash flow provides stockholders with a relevant measure of liquidity and a useful basis for assessing Whirlpool’s ability to fund its activities and obligations. There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures, including the difficulty associated with comparing companies that use similarly named non-GAAP measures whose calculations may differ from our calculations. We define free cash flow as cash provided by operating activities (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure) less capital expenditures, proceeds from the sale of assets/businesses, and changes in restricted cash. The change in restricted cash relates to the private placement funds paid by Whirlpool to acquire majority control of Hefei Sanyo in 2014 and which are used to fund capital and technical resources to enhance Whirlpool China’s research and development and working capital.



	2016
Millions of dollars	Current Outlook
Cash provided by operating activities⁽¹⁾	$1,350	-	$1,400
Capital expenditures, proceeds from sale of assets/businesses and changes in restricted cash	(650)	-	(700)
Free cash flow	~	$700

⁽¹⁾ Financial guidance on a GAAP basis for cash provided by (used in) financing activities and cash provided by (used in) investing activities has not been provided because in order to prepare any such estimate or projection, the company would need to rely on market factors and certain other conditions and assumptions that are outside of its control.

The projections above are based on many estimates and are inherently subject to change based on future decisions made by management and the Board of Directors of Whirlpool, and significant economic, competitive and other uncertainties and contingencies.

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

Our objective is to finance our business through operating cash flow and the appropriate mix of long-term and short-term debt. By diversifying the maturity structure, we avoid concentrations of debt, reducing liquidity risk. We have varying needs for short-term working capital financing as a result of the nature of our business. We regularly review our capital structure and liquidity priorities, which include funding the business through capital and engineering spending to support innovation and productivity initiatives, funding our pension plan and term debt liabilities, providing return to shareholders and potential acquisitions.

Our short term potential uses of liquidity include funding our ongoing capital spending, restructuring activities, funding pension plans and returns to shareholders. We have $263 million of long term debt maturing in the next twelve months, and are currently evaluating our options in connection with this maturing debt, which may include repayment through refinancing.

We monitor the credit ratings and market indicators of credit risk of our lending, depository, and derivative counterparty banks regularly. In addition, we diversify our deposits and investments in short term cash equivalents to limit the concentration of exposure by counterparty.

We continue to monitor general financial instability and uncertainty globally. At September 30, 2016, the only country where we had cash or cash equivalents greater than 1% of our consolidated assets was China, which represented 2.5%. In addition, we did not have any third-party accounts receivable greater than 1% of our consolidated assets in any single country outside of North America, with the exceptions of Italy, China, and Brazil which represented 1.3%, 1.0%, and 1.0% respectively.

We continue to monitor customer financial conditions globally. At September 30, 2016, we had €85 million (approximately $95 million) in outstanding trade receivables and short-term and long-term notes due to us associated with Alno AG, a long-standing European customer. Approximately €52 million (approximately $58 million at September 30, 2016) of the outstanding receivables were overdue as of September 30, 2016. Our exposure includes not only the outstanding receivables but also the potential risks of an Alno AG bankruptcy and impacts to our distribution process.

Sources and Uses of Cash

The following table summarizes the net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents for the periods presented:



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
Millions of dollars	2016			2015
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	(175	)	$	(157	)
Investing activities	(303		)	(407		)
Financing activities	729			296
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	2			(60		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	$	253		$	(328	)

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased compared to the same period in 2015, which primarily reflects higher net earnings, more than offset by cash expenditures related to the legacy product corrective action.

The timing of cash flows from operations varies significantly throughout the year primarily due to changes in production levels, sales patterns, promotional programs, funding requirements as well as receivable and payment terms. Depending on timing of cash flows, the location of cash balances, as well as the liquidity requirements of each country, external sources of funding are used to support working capital requirements.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased compared to the same period in 2015, which primarily reflects a reduction in capital expenditures and investment in related businesses, partially offset by increased proceeds from the sale of business assets.

In June 2016, Whirlpool China Co., Ltd. (“Whirlpool China”), our majority-owned indirect subsidiary, entered into an agreement to return land use rights for land now occupied by two Whirlpool China plants in Hefei, China to a division of the Hefei municipal government. The aggregate price for the return of land use rights was approximately RMB 687 million (approximately $103 million as of June 27, 2016). Whirlpool China received RMB 280 million (approximately $42 million as of June 27, 2016) of the aggregate return price on June 27, 2016 with the remainder to be paid in installments in 2017 and 2018. The remaining balance is RMB 407 million (approximately $61 million as of September 30, 2016).

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased compared to the same period in 2015, which includes an increase in notes payable which was used to fund seasonal working capital needs, partially offset by share repurchases and dividends paid.

Financing Arrangements

In addition to the committed $2.5 billion Amended Long-Term Facility, we have a committed European facility and committed credit facilities in Brazil. The European facility provides borrowings up to €250 million (approximately $281 million at September 30, 2016). The committed credit facilities in Brazil provide borrowings up to 1.0 billion Brazilian reais (approximately $308 million at September 30, 2016), expiring in 2017.

Collectively, the facilities provide the Company with total committed credit facilities of approximately $3.1 billion as of September 30, 2016, which is fundamentally unchanged from the committed credit facilitates as of December 31, 2015. The facilities are more geographically diverse and reflect the Company’s growing global operations. The Company believes these facilities are sufficient to support its global operations.

We had no borrowings outstanding under the committed credit facilities at September 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015.

Additionally, at September 30, 2016, we had $1,196 million of commercial paper outstanding to fund seasonal working capital requirements.

Dividends

In April 2016, our Board of Directors approved an 11% increase in our quarterly dividend on our common stock to $1 per share from 90 cents per share.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the ordinary course of business, we enter into agreements with financial institutions to issue bank guarantees, letters of credit, and surety bonds. These agreements are primarily associated with unresolved tax matters in Brazil, as is customary under local regulations, and other governmental obligations and debt agreements. At September 30, 2016, we had approximately $315 million outstanding under these agreements.

Repurchase Program

Share repurchases are made from time to time on the open market as conditions warrant. The program does not obligate us to repurchase any of our shares.

OTHER MATTERS

Legacy Product Corrective Action

As a result, in September 2015, we recorded a liability related to this corrective action with pre-tax and after tax cost of the corrective action expected to be €245 million and €196 million, respectively (approximately $274 million and $219 million respectively, as of September 30, 2015), based on certain tax deductibility assumptions. In addition, we sought recovery under the terms of the Indesit acquisition agreements and have reached an agreement with the seller subsequent to September 30, 2016 to recover a portion of our acquisition related costs.

Embraco Antitrust Matters

BEFIEX Credits and Other Brazil Tax Matters

Other Litigation

Competition Investigation

Antidumping Petition

On December 16, 2015, we submitted a petition requesting that the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) initiate antidumping investigations regarding large residential washers from China sold by Samsung and LG into the United States. The purpose of this petition, similar to the petitions we filed in December 2011 regarding large residential washers from South Korea and Mexico, is to establish conditions of fair competition in the United States that will support significant investment and innovation in the production of large residential washers in the United States and the U.S. jobs created by that production. This petition is the result of our continual monitoring of the large residential washer landscape, which highlighted that Samsung and LG have continued to dump washers into the United States following the conclusion of our earlier case in 2013. The Whirlpool washers affected by the imports subject in this case are made in Clyde, Ohio.

There are several steps in the process of the antidumping investigation. On July 20, 2016, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued an affirmative preliminary determination in the investigation. The preliminary determination will be followed by several other steps leading to a final decision from the DOC and the ITC, which we expect in January 2017.

Post-Retirement Benefit Litigation

During the second quarter 2011, we modified retiree medical benefits for certain retirees to be consistent with those benefits provided by the Whirlpool Corporation Group Benefit Plan. We accounted for these changes as a plan amendment in 2011, resulting in a reduction in the postretirement benefit obligation of $138 million of which approximately $104 million of benefit has been recognized in net earnings since 2011, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax. In response, a group of retirees initiated legal proceedings against Whirlpool asserting the above benefits are vested and changes to the plan are not permitted. We disagree with plaintiffs' assertion and intend to continue vigorously defending our position, including through any necessary appeal process. However, an unfavorable ruling in any particular reporting period could require us to immediately reverse the benefit we have recognized to that point, and remeasure the associated postretirement benefit obligation, the impact of which will depend on timing and the actuarial assumptions then in effect.

Whirlpool Subsidiary Share Repurchase

On July 12, 2016, Whirlpool S.A. (“WHR SA”) and Brasmotor S.A. (“BMT”), both majority-owned indirect subsidiaries of Whirlpool Corporation, issued public announcements in Brazil reporting that Whirlpool do Brasil Ltda., the controlling shareholder of both WHR SA and BMT, intends to acquire the outstanding common and preferred shares of WHR SA and BMT by means of tender offers for the publicly-held shares. Whirlpool do Brasil Ltda. and other Whirlpool entities currently hold 99.20% of the common and 95.68% of the preferred shares of WHR SA and 99.40% of the common and 93.55% of the preferred shares of BMT. The launch of the tender offers (the “Transactions”) is subject to approval by the Brazilian securities regulatory agency and the Brazilian stock exchange, which the Company expects will occur in the fourth quarter of 2016. The Company expects the Transactions to be completed by year end. If successful, the Transactions will result in a withdrawal of WHR SA and BMT from the Brazilian stock exchange.

The Company expects the total purchase price of the Transactions to be approximately 205.8 million Brazilian reais (approximately $62.4 million as of July 10, 2016). The Transactions are expected to result in a simplified corporate structure in Brazil along with an overall reduction in costs.


ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes to our exposures to market risk since December 31, 2015.


ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

Prior to filing this report, we completed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of September 30, 2016. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of September 30, 2016.

(b)Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information with respect to legal proceedings can be found under the heading “Commitments and Contingencies” in Note 6 to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this report.


ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.


ITEM 2.	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table summarizes repurchases of Whirlpool's common stock in the three months ended September 30, 2016:



Period (Millions of dollars, except number and price per share)	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan
July 1, 2016 through July 31, 2016	391,200	$	191.65	391,200	$	825
August 1, 2016 through August 31, 2016	129,500	192.91		129,500	800
September 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016	—	—		—	—
Total	520,700	$	191.96	520,700

Share repurchases are made from time to time on the open market as conditions warrant. The program does not obligate us to repurchase any of our shares.


ITEM 3.	DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.


ITEM 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.


ITEM 5.	OTHER INFORMATION

None.


ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS



Exhibit 31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 32.1		Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



			WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
			(Registrant)
	By		/s/ JAMES PETERS
	Name:		James Peters
	Title:		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	Date:		October 25, 2016