Whirlpool (WHR) risk factors, FY2025 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 business38% rewritten
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 results43% rewritten
6. 12Product-related liability or product recall costs could adversely affect our business and financial performance
7. 13Our ability to attract, develop and retain executives and other qualified employees is crucial to our results of operations and future growth
8. 14A deterioration in labor relations could adversely impact our global business

FINANCIAL RISKS

1. 15Fluctuations and volatility in the cost and availability of raw materials and purchased components could adversely affect our results of operation
2. 16Foreign currency fluctuations may affect our financial performance
3. 17Impairment charges have in the past and may in the future adversely affect our operating results
4. 18Our credit ratings were downgraded below investment grade in 2025 and our access to certain types of financing and borrowing costs have been and may continue to be negatively impactedNew

LEGAL & COMPLIANCE RISKS

1. 19Unfavorable results of legal and regulatory proceedings could materially adversely affect our business and financial condition and performance
2. 20We are subject to, and could be further subject to, governmental investigations or actions by other third parties21% rewritten
3. 21Changes in foreign trade policies and other factors beyond our control may adversely impact our business and financial performance86% rewritten
4. 22The impact of climate change and climate or other environmental-related regulation may adversely impact our business90% rewritten

GENERAL RISKS

1. 23We are exposed to risks associated with the uncertain global economy45% rewritten