Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) saw a large increase in short interest during the month of February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 11,205,034 shares, an increase of 14.6% from the February 12th total of 9,777,825 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 4,355,884 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.6 days. Currently, 20.2% of the company’s shares are short sold. Currently, 20.2% of the company’s shares are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 4,355,884 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.6 days.

Whirlpool Stock Up 1.3%

NYSE:WHR traded up $0.76 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $57.08. The company had a trading volume of 1,016,073 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,564,091. Whirlpool has a 1 year low of $55.79 and a 1 year high of $111.96. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $78.20 and a 200-day simple moving average of $77.61. The company has a current ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 0.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.06. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.12, a PEG ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 1.27.

Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The company reported $1.10 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.54 by ($0.44). The company had revenue of $4.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $4.27 billion. Whirlpool had a net margin of 2.04% and a return on equity of 12.98%. The business’s quarterly revenue was down 1.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $4.57 earnings per share. Whirlpool has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.000-7.000 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Whirlpool will post 9.52 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Whirlpool Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a dividend of $0.90 per share. This represents a $3.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. Whirlpool’s payout ratio is presently 63.72%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms recently issued reports on WHR. BNP Paribas Exane upgraded shares of Whirlpool to a “neutral” rating in a report on Monday. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Whirlpool from a “sell (d)” rating to a “hold (c-)” rating in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Zacks Research downgraded Whirlpool from a “hold” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a report on Tuesday, March 10th. Raymond James Financial reaffirmed a “market perform” rating on shares of Whirlpool in a research report on Monday. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price target on Whirlpool from $75.00 to $68.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a research report on Monday, March 2nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Whirlpool currently has an average rating of “Reduce” and a consensus target price of $82.00.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Whirlpool

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in WHR. Forty three Eighteen Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Whirlpool during the 4th quarter worth $216,000. World Investment Advisors acquired a new stake in shares of Whirlpool during the fourth quarter worth approximately $283,000. Corient Private Wealth LLC raised its holdings in Whirlpool by 36.0% in the fourth quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 5,778 shares of the company’s stock valued at $417,000 after acquiring an additional 1,531 shares in the last quarter. Virtu Financial LLC boosted its stake in Whirlpool by 10.7% during the 4th quarter. Virtu Financial LLC now owns 21,512 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,552,000 after acquiring an additional 2,084 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. increased its position in shares of Whirlpool by 19.2% in the 4th quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 301,181 shares of the company’s stock worth $21,727,000 after purchasing an additional 48,539 shares during the last quarter. 90.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Whirlpool

Whirlpool Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of home appliances, with a product portfolio that spans major categories such as laundry, refrigeration, cooking, dishwashing and small electrics. Headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the company designs, produces and distributes its appliances through a network of wholly owned manufacturing facilities, joint ventures and third-party partners. Whirlpool serves both retail and professional markets, offering products under its flagship Whirlpool brand as well as several well-known names including Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana, Brastemp and Consul.

In its laundry segment, Whirlpool provides top- and front-load washing machines, dryers and combination units designed to balance energy efficiency, capacity and convenience.