Whirlpool ties $0.90 quarterly dividend to investment, capacity and R&D priorities

Whirlpool ties quarterly dividend to investment and capacity goals

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Feb 16 — Whirlpool Corporation declares a quarterly dividend of $0.90 per share, payable March 26, 2026, to holders of record at the close of business on Feb. 27, 2026, reinforcing a capital-allocation stance that balances shareholder returns with operational investment. The board frames the payout as complementary to priorities that include product innovation, expanding manufacturing capacity, and funding technology research, signalling a steady approach to liquidity use amid ongoing business investment needs.

Management stresses that the dividend sits alongside ongoing commitments to strengthen Whirlpool’s appliance portfolio — spanning Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag and other brands — and to support its workforce of about 41,000 employees. Executives say the move supports predictable cash returns while preserving flexibility to fund factory and R&D projects that underpin longer-term competitiveness in kitchen and laundry appliances. The company positions the decision as part of an integrated capital plan rather than a standalone financial manoeuvre.

Whirlpool also highlights the strategic focus of its operations, noting roughly 90% of 2025 sales occur in the Americas, which the company treats as a core market for efficient growth and sourcing decisions. That geographic concentration shapes where Whirlpool directs capital for capacity, logistics and product tailoring, reinforcing investments in the 35 manufacturing and technology research centres it operates. Management indicates future shareholder return activity will be guided by cash flow generation and the progress of these operational initiatives.

Scale and brand portfolio underpin strategy

Whirlpool reiterates its standing as the only major U.S.-based maker of kitchen and laundry appliances, reporting about $16 billion in 2025 sales and operating a broad brand portfolio that also includes Amana, Brastemp, Consul and InSinkErator. The company presents the dividend within the context of this scale and the need to sustain product development and manufacturing efficiencies across its U.S. and Americas-focused footprint.

Investor communications and regulatory disclosure

Whirlpool notifies investors that it routinely posts material information on the Investors section of whirlpoolcorp.com and intends to update its Hot Topics Q&A to disclose material non-public information in line with Regulation FD. The company advises stakeholders to monitor that site in addition to press releases, SEC filings and webcasts for future updates.