Stifel reiterated a Hold rating and a $75.00 price target on Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) in response to the company's announcement that it will pursue two simultaneous public offerings. At the time Stifel issued its view, Whirlpool's shares were trading at $76.02, slightly higher than the price target.
Offerings and structure
Whirlpool disclosed after the market close that it intends to launch an equity offering alongside depositary shares. The depositary shares correspond to 1/20th of a share of newly issued Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock that matures on February 29. The company is targeting roughly $800 million in gross proceeds from the transactions, prior to any over-allotments.
Stifel's preliminary assessment
Stifel said it will withhold a definitive view until it obtains additional detail on key terms. The firm explicitly listed several outstanding items it needs to evaluate: the allocation between the two offerings, the price for the equity portion, the preferred dividend rate and the conversion mechanics of the preferred shares. For now, Stifel described its stance as neutral, weighing the anticipated dilution and added capital-structure complexity and the uncertain near-term outlook against the benefits of increased financial flexibility.
In Stifel's view, proceeds from the offerings add a degree of certainty to Whirlpool's ability to sustain its dividend. The firm incorporated the expected proceeds into its fiscal 2026 free cash flow estimate of $434 million and compared that to $200 million in dividend obligations and $400 million planned for debt retirement. The analyst note emphasized the significance of Whirlpool's ongoing dividend commitment, noting the company's long history of consecutive dividends and the current yield of 4.33%.
Earnings and cash uses
Whirlpool reported fourth-quarter 2025 earnings of $1.91 per share, beating consensus analyst estimates of $1.53 by 24.84%. The company posted revenue of $4.1 billion for the quarter, which did not meet the expected $4.28 billion. In tandem with the earnings release, the company outlined the dual public offering program—common stock and depositary shares tied to new Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock—intended in part to facilitate repayment of existing debt.
The board also declared a quarterly common dividend of $0.90 per share, payable on March 26, 2026.
Near-term considerations and engagement
Stifel flagged that the added financial flexibility from proceeds could strengthen Whirlpool's position as it considers potential asset monetization opportunities. The firm will host Whirlpool Chairman and Chief Executive Marc Bitzer at the upcoming Stifel Consumer Ski Event next week, providing an additional forum for investor engagement.
Market reaction has been mixed since the earnings disclosure, with stock performance fluctuating as investors digest the results and the capital-raising plan.