Whirlpool (WHR) risk factors, FY2024 10-K

STRATEGIC RISKS

1. 01We face intense competition in the home appliance industry and failure to successfully compete could adversely affect our business and financial performance
2. 02A loss of or substantial decline in volume of sales to any of our key trade customers, major buying groups, and/or builders could adversely affect our financial performance
3. 03Failure to maintain our reputation and brand image could adversely impact our business
4. 04An inability to effectively execute and manage our business objectives, strategic portfolio transformation and transition to an outsourced third-party business unit services model could adversely affect our financial performance
5. 05An inability to understand consumers’ preferences and to timely identify, develop, manufacture, market, and sell products that meet customer demand could adversely affect our business
6. 06Our intellectual property rights are valuable, and any inability to protect them could reduce the value of our products, services and brands

OPERATIONAL RISKS

1. 07We face risks associated with our divestitures, acquisitions, other investments and joint ventures
2. 08The ability of our suppliers to deliver parts, components and manufacturing equipment to our manufacturing facilities according to schedule and quality required may impact our ability to manufacture without disruption and could affect product availability and sales
3. 09Risks associated with our international operations may decrease our revenues and increase our costs
4. 10Risks associated with unanticipated social, political, economic and/or public health events, including epidemics and pandemics, may materially and adversely impact our business
5. 11We have been and may be subject to information technology system failures, cloud failures, network disruptions, cybersecurity attacks and breaches in data security, which may materially adversely affect our operations, financial condition and operating results
6. 12infringement of intellectual property owned by third parties, and could lead to new potential cyberattack methods for third parties
7. 13Product-related liability or product recall costs could adversely affect our business and financial performance
8. 14Our ability to attract, develop and retain executives and other qualified employees is crucial to our results of operations and future growth
9. 15A deterioration in labor relations could adversely impact our global business

FINANCIAL RISKS

1. 16Fluctuations and volatility in the cost and availability of raw materials and purchased components could adversely affect our results of operation
2. 17Foreign currency fluctuations may affect our financial performance
3. 18Impairment charges have in the past and may in the future adversely affect our operating results
4. 19Failure to maintain our credit ratings could increase our cost of borrowing and could adversely affect our cost of funds, liquidity, competitive position and access to capital markets

LEGAL & COMPLIANCE RISKS

1. 20Unfavorable results of legal and regulatory proceedings could materially adversely affect our business and financial condition and performance
2. 21We are subject to, and could be further subject to, governmental investigations or actions by other third parties
3. 22Changes in foreign trade policies and other factors beyond our control may adversely impact our business and financial performance
4. 23The impact of climate change and climate change or other environmental regulation may adversely impact our business

GENERAL RISKS

1. 24We are exposed to risks associated with the uncertain global economy
2. 25Uncertainty about future economic and industry conditions also makes it more challenging for us to