10-Q 1 whr331201510-q.htm 10-Q

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
________________________________________________________

x |  | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015
OR

o |  | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 1-3932
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware |  | 38-1490038
(State of Incorporation) |  | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
2000 North M-63, Benton Harbor, Michigan |  | 49022-2692
(Address of principal executive offices) |  | (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (269) 923-5000
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x |  | Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |  | Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
Number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Class of common stock |  | Shares outstanding at April 24, 2015
Common stock, par value $1 per share |  | 78,644,432

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
INDEX OF INFORMATION INCLUDED IN REPORT

|  | Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
Item 1. | Financial Statements |
| Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income | 3
| Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets | 4
| Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flo ws | 5
| Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements | 6
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 19
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 28
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 28
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION |
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 29
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 29
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 29
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 29
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 29
Item 5. | Other Information | 29
Item 6. | Exhibits | 29
Signatures | 30

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. Certain statements contained in this quarterly report, including those within the forward-looking perspective section within the Management's Discussion and Analysis, and other written and oral statements made from time to time by us or on our behalf do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and may contain forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. As such, they are considered “forward-looking statements” which provide current expectations or forecasts of future events. Such statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “possible,” “plan,” “predict,” “forecast,” “potential,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “believe,” “may impact,” “on track,” and similar words or expressions. Our forward-looking statements generally relate to our growth strategies, financial results, product development, and sales efforts. These forward-looking statements should be considered with the understanding that such statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, and may be affected by inaccurate assumptions. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may vary materially.
This document contains forward-looking statements about Whirlpool Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries (“Whirlpool”) that speak only as of this date. Whirlpool disclaims any obligation to update these statements. Forward-looking statements in this document may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expected earnings per share, cash flow, productivity and raw material prices. Many risks, contingencies and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from Whirlpool's forward-looking statements. Among these factors are: (1) intense competition in the home appliance industry reflecting the impact of both new and established global competitors, including Asian and European manufacturers; (2) acquisition and investment-related risk, including risk associated with our acquisitions of Hefei Sanyo and Indesit, and risk associated with our increased presence in emerging markets; (3) Whirlpool's ability to continue its relationship with significant trade customers and the ability of these trade customers to maintain or increase market share; (4) risks related to our international operations, including changes in foreign regulations, regulatory compliance and disruptions arising from natural disasters or terrorist attacks; (5) fluctuations in the cost of key materials (including steel, plastic, resins, copper and aluminum) and components and the ability of Whirlpool to offset cost increases; (6) the ability of Whirlpool to manage foreign currency fluctuations; (7) litigation, tax, and legal compliance risk and costs, especially costs which may be materially different from the amount we expect to incur or have accrued for; (8) the effects and costs of governmental investigations or related actions by third parties; (9) changes in the legal and regulatory environment including environmental and health and safety regulations; (10) Whirlpool's ability to maintain its reputation and brand image; (11) the ability of Whirlpool to achieve its business plans, productivity improvements, cost control, price increases, leveraging of its global operating platform, and acceleration of the rate of innovation; (12) information technology system failures and data security breaches; (13) product liability and product recall costs; (14) inventory and other asset risk; (15) changes in economic conditions which affect demand for our products, including the strength of the building industry and the level of interest rates; (16) the ability of suppliers of critical parts, components and manufacturing equipment to deliver sufficient quantities to Whirlpool in a timely and cost-effective manner; (17) the uncertain global economy; (18) our ability to attract, develop and retain executives and other qualified employees; (19) the impact of labor relations; (20) Whirlpool's ability to obtain and protect intellectual property rights; and (21) health care cost trends, regulatory changes and variations between results and estimates that could increase future funding obligations for pension and postretirement benefit plans.
We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, and investors are advised to review disclosures in our filings with the SEC. It is not possible to foresee or identify all factors that could cause actual results to differ from expected or historic results. Therefore, investors should not consider the foregoing factors to be an exhaustive statement of all risks, uncertainties, or factors that could potentially cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A of this report.
Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “Whirlpool,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Whirlpool Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.
2

PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31
(Millions of dollars, except per share data)

| Three Months Ended
| 2015 |  | 2014
Net sales | $ | 4,846 |  |  | $ | 4,363 |
Expenses |  |  |
Cost of products sold | 3,993 |  |  | 3,608 |
Gross margin | 853 |  |  | 755 |
Selling, general and administrative | 498 |  |  | 439 |
Intangible amortization | 19 |  |  | 6 |
Restructuring costs | 33 |  |  | 29 |
Operating profit | 303 |  |  | 281 |
Other income (expense) |  |  |
Interest and sundry income (expense) | (53 | ) |  | (23 | )
Interest expense | (43 | ) |  | (44 | )
Earnings before income taxes | 207 |  |  | 214 |
Income tax expense | 9 |  |  | 50 |
Net earnings | 198 |  |  | 164 |
Less: Net earnings available to noncontrolling interests | 7 |  |  | 4 |
Net earnings available to Whirlpool | $ | 191 |  |  | $ | 160 |
Per share of common stock |  |  |
Basic net earnings available to Whirlpool | $ | 2.42 |  |  | $ | 2.06 |
Diluted net earnings available to Whirlpool | $ | 2.38 |  |  | $ | 2.02 |
Dividends declared | $ | 0.75 |  |  | $ | 0.625 |
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions) |  |  |
Basic | 78.8 |  |  | 78.1 |
Diluted | 80.0 |  |  | 79.4 |
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | (13 | ) |  | $ | 206 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
3

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Millions of dollars, except share data)

| (Unaudited) |  |
| March 31, 2015 |  | December 31, 2014
Assets |  |  |
Current assets |  |  |
Cash and equivalents | $ | 704 |  |  | $ | 1,026 |
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $156 and $154, respectively | 2,518 |  |  | 2,768 |
Inventories | 3,002 |  |  | 2,740 |
Deferred income taxes | 341 |  |  | 417 |
Prepaid and other current assets | 1,149 |  |  | 1,147 |
Total current assets | 7,714 |  |  | 8,098 |
Property, net of accumulated depreciation of $5,801 and $5,959, respectively | 3,779 |  |  | 3,981 |
Goodwill | 2,736 |  |  | 2,807 |
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $278 and $267, respectively | 2,698 |  |  | 2,803 |
Deferred income taxes | 1,891 |  |  | 1,900 |
Other noncurrent assets | 390 |  |  | 413 |
Total assets | $ | 19,208 |  |  | $ | 20,002 |
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity |  |  |
Current liabilities |  |  |
Accounts payable | $ | 4,173 |  |  | $ | 4,730 |
Accrued expenses | 829 |  |  | 852 |
Accrued advertising and promotions | 417 |  |  | 673 |
Employee compensation | 438 |  |  | 499 |
Notes payable | 441 |  |  | 569 |
Current maturities of long-term debt | 213 |  |  | 234 |
Other current liabilities | 879 |  |  | 846 |
Total current liabilities | 7,390 |  |  | 8,403 |
Noncurrent liabilities |  |  |
Long-term debt | 3,977 |  |  | 3,544 |
Pension benefits | 1,064 |  |  | 1,123 |
Postretirement benefits | 437 |  |  | 446 |
Other noncurrent liabilities | 596 |  |  | 690 |
Total noncurrent liabilities | 6,074 |  |  | 5,803 |
Stockholders’ equity |  |  |
Common stock, $1 par value, 250 million shares authorized, 110 million shares issued, and 78 million shares outstanding | 110 |  |  | 110 |
Additional paid-in capital | 2,576 |  |  | 2,555 |
Retained earnings | 6,340 |  |  | 6,209 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (2,048 | ) |  | (1,840 | )
Treasury stock, 32 million shares | (2,149 | ) |  | (2,149 | )
Total Whirlpool stockholders’ equity | 4,829 |  |  | 4,885 |
Noncontrolling interests | 915 |  |  | 911 |
Total stockholders’ equity | 5,744 |  |  | 5,796 |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 19,208 |  |  | $ | 20,002 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
4

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31
(Millions of dollars)

|  | Three Months Ended
|  | 2015 |  | 2014
Operating activities |  |  |  |
Net earnings |  | $ | 198 |  |  | $ | 164 |
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash used in operating activities: |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 161 |  |  | 127 |
Curtailment gain |  | (47 | ) |  | — |
Changes in assets and liabilities: |  |  |  |
Accounts receivable |  | 58 |  |  | (78 | )
Inventories |  | (394 | ) |  | (243 | )
Accounts payable |  | (285 | ) |  | (172 | )
Accrued advertising and promotions |  | (227 | ) |  | (152 | )
Accrued expenses and current liabilities |  | 37 |  |  | 23 |
Taxes deferred and payable, net |  | (48 | ) |  | 20 |
Accrued pension and postretirement benefits |  | (17 | ) |  | (31 | )
Employee compensation |  | (45 | ) |  | 38 |
Other |  | 40 |  |  | (35 | )
Cash used in operating activities |  | (569 | ) |  | (339 | )
Investing activities |  |  |  |
Capital expenditures |  | (126 | ) |  | (123 | )
Proceeds from sale of assets and business |  | 33 |  |  | 6 |
Change in restricted cash |  | 11 |  |  | — |
Investment in related businesses |  | (15 | ) |  | (21 | )
Cash used in investing activities |  | (97 | ) |  | (138 | )
Financing activities |  |  |  |
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt |  | 523 |  |  | 817 |
Repayments of long-term debt |  | (69 | ) |  | (2 | )
Dividends paid |  | (60 | ) |  | (48 | )
Net proceeds from short-term borrowings |  | (41 | ) |  | (8 | )
Common stock issued |  | 34 |  |  | 11 |
Cash provided by financing activities |  | 387 |  |  | 770 |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents |  | (43 | ) |  | (1 | )
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents |  | (322 | ) |  | 292 |
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period |  | 1,026 |  |  | 1,380 |
Cash and equivalents at end of period |  | $ | 704 |  |  | $ | 1,672 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION
General Information
The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information or footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. As a result, this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Management believes that the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements reflect all adjustments, including normal recurring items, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods.
We have eliminated all material intercompany transactions in our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. We do not consolidate the financial statements of any company in which we have an ownership interest of 50% or less unless that company is deemed to be a variable interest entity ("VIE") of which we are the primary beneficiary. Certain VIEs are consolidated when the company is the primary beneficiary of these entities and has the ability to directly impact the activities of these entities.
We are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements and accompanying Notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)", which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. This ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This pronouncement is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period and is to be applied using one of two retrospective application methods, with early application not permitted. We have not yet determined the potential effects from this pronouncement on the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. The FASB has recommended a one year deferral of this standard, but no decisions have been reached at this time.
All other issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncements are not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
(2) ACQUISITIONS
Hefei Rongshida Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
On October 24, 2014, Whirlpool's wholly-owned subsidiary, Whirlpool (China) Investment Co., Ltd., completed its acquisition of a 51% equity stake in Hefei Rongshida Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. ("Hefei Sanyo"), a joint stock company whose shares are listed and traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, which we have since renamed Whirlpool (China) Co., Ltd.
The aggregate purchase price for the transaction was RMB 3.4 billion (approximately $551 million at the dates of purchase for each step of the transaction) net of cash acquired. The Company funded the total consideration for the shares with cash on hand. The cash paid for the private placement step of the transaction is considered restricted cash, which will be used to fund capital and technical resources to enhance Hefei Sanyo’s research and development and working capital.
Hefei Sanyo results are included in our Asia operating segment.
Indesit Company S.p.A.
On December 3, 2014, Whirlpool completed the final step in its acquisition of Indesit Company S.p.A. (“Indesit”) and, on the same day, Indesit delisted from the Electronic Stock Market organized and managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A. Total consideration paid for Indesit was €1.1 billion (approximately $1.4 billion at the dates of purchase of each step in the transaction) in aggregate net of cash acquired. In March 2015, Whirlpool received antitrust clearance for the transaction from the Ukrainian antitrust authority.
6

The Company funded the aggregate purchase price for Indesit through borrowings under its credit facility and commercial paper programs, and repaid a portion of such borrowings through the issuance of an aggregate principal amount of $650 million in senior notes on November 4, 2014 and an aggregate principal amount of €500 million (approximately $525 million as of the date of issuance) in senior notes on March 12, 2015. Additional information about our 2015 financing arrangements can be found in Note 6.
Indesit results are included in our EMEA operating segment.
Purchase Price Allocations
The Company is in the process of finalizing independent appraisals for the purpose of allocating the purchase price to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Hefei Sanyo and Indesit acquisitions. This is expected to result in adjustments to the carrying values of recorded assets and liabilities, refinement of amounts recorded for certain intangible assets, revisions of the useful lives of intangible assets, some of which will have indefinite lives not subject to amortization, and the determination of any residual amount that will be allocated to goodwill. The preliminary allocation of the purchase prices included in the current period balance sheet is based on the best estimates of management and is subject to revision based on final determination of asset fair values and useful lives. The related depreciation and amortization expense from the acquired assets is also subject to such revisions on a prospective basis.
The following table presents the latest preliminary allocation of purchase price related to the Hefei Sanyo and Indesit acquisitions, as of their respective dates of acquisition. Adjustments made to the opening balance sheet in the three months ended March 31, 2015 include a $14 million decrease to Hefei Sanyo's goodwill resulting from a reassessment of uncertain tax positions, and a $22 million increase to Indesit's goodwill primarily to reflect a revaluation of current and deferred tax liabilities. In addition, we have performed a balance sheet reclassification between notes payable and other current liabilities in order to conform to Whirlpool's financial statement presentation.

Millions of dollars |  | Hefei Sanyo(1) |  | Indesit
Cash |  | $ | 98 |  |  | $ | 77 |
Accounts receivable |  | 81 |  |  | 888 |
Inventory |  | 137 |  |  | 471 |
Other current assets |  | 354 |  |  | 288 |
Property, plant and equipment |  | 169 |  |  | 854 |
Goodwill |  | 437 |  |  | 689 |
Identified intangible assets |  | 372 |  |  | 822 |
Other non-current assets |  | 317 |  |  | 162 |
Total assets acquired |  | 1,965 |  |  | 4,251 |
Accounts payable |  | (181 | ) |  | (631 | )
Short-term notes payable |  | — |  |  | (557 | )
Other current liabilities |  | (307 | ) |  | (630 | )
Non-current liabilities |  | (129 | ) |  | (996 | )
Total liabilities assumed |  | (617 | ) |  | (2,814 | )
Net assets acquired |  | $ | 1,348 |  |  | $ | 1,437 |

(1) We purchased a 51% controlling interest in Hefei Sanyo's net assets described in the table; the non-controlling interest was valued at $801 million, the market value of the stock price of the shares purchased on the date of acquisition.
Goodwill, which is not deductible for tax purposes, has been allocated to the Asia and EMEA operating segments on the basis that the cost efficiencies identified will primarily benefit these segments of the business based on the preliminary allocation of the purchase price of the respective acquisitions. Any changes to the preliminary estimates of the fair values of the assets and liabilities will be allocated to residual goodwill.
7

The Company's preliminary estimates regarding the fair value of Hefei Sanyo and Indesit's identifiable intangible assets have not changed in the three months ended March 31, 2015, as presented below:

|  | Hefei Sanyo |  | Indesit
Millions of dollars |  | Estimated Fair Value |  | Estimated Useful Life |  | Estimated Fair Value |  | Estimated Useful Life
Trademarks-indefinite lived |  | $ | 42 |  |  |  |  | $ | 535 |  |  |
Customer relationships |  | 230 |  |  | 13-16 years |  | 134 |  |  | 5-19 years
Patents and other intangibles |  | 100 |  |  | 3-10 years |  | 153 |  |  | 6-15 years
|  | $ | 372 |  |  |  |  | $ | 822 |  |  |

The customer relationship intangibles of Hefei Sanyo were mainly allocated to its traditional trade distributors, which have an estimated useful life of up to 16 years based on low historical and projected customer attrition rates among its retailers. The majority of the intangible asset valuation for Indesit relates to the Indesit and Hotpoint brands (Whirlpool ownership of the Hotpoint brand in EMEA and Asia Pacific regions is not affiliated with the Hotpoint brand sold in the Americas), which are indefinite lived intangibles. The Company’s preliminary assessment as to trademarks having an indefinite life was based on a number of factors, including competitive environment, market share, brand history and product life cycles. The patents and other intangibles have an estimated useful life that varies based on the estimate of the expected life of the technology and the products associated with the technology. The estimated useful lives of the finite-lived intangible assets will be amortized using a straight-line method of amortization.
Pro Forma Results of Operations
The results of Hefei Sanyo and Indesit’s operations have been included in the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements beginning October 24, 2014 and October 14, 2014, respectively. The following table provides pro forma results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as if Hefei Sanyo and Indesit had been acquired as of January 1, 2014. The pro forma results include certain purchase accounting adjustments such as the estimated changes in depreciation and amortization expense on acquired tangible and intangible assets as well as interest expense on borrowings used to finance the acquisitions. Additionally, the pro forma results include adjustments to convert Hefei Sanyo and Indesit’s historical results from local accounting standards to U.S. GAAP. Pro forma results do not include any anticipated cost savings or other effects of the planned integration of these acquisitions. Accordingly, such amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred if the acquisition had occurred on the dates indicated or that may result in the future.

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
Millions of dollars, except per share data |  | 2014
Net sales |  | $ | 5,355 |
Net earnings available to Whirlpool |  | 149 |
Diluted net earnings per share |  | $ | 1.88 |

Certain non-recurring acquisition-related costs and investment expenses of $7 million and $2 million were recorded by Whirlpool in the three months ended March 31, 2014 related to the acquisitions of Hefei Sanyo and Indesit, respectively. Of these costs, $7 million were recorded in selling, general and administrative, with the remaining costs recorded in interest and sundry income (expense). These costs have been eliminated from the pro forma information presented above.
(3) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is measured based on an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on a market valuation approach using prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. As a basis for considering such assumptions, a three-tiered fair value hierarchy is established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: (Level 1) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; (Level 2) inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets that are observable, either directly or indirectly; and (Level 3) unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. We had no Level 3 assets or liabilities at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
8

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are in the following table:

|  |  |  |  |  | Fair Value
|  | Total Cost Basis |  | Level 1 |  | Level 2 |  | Total
Millions of dollars |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Money market funds (1) |  | $ | 26 |  |  | $ | 21 |  |  | $ | 26 |  |  | $ | 21 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 26 |  |  | $ | 21 |
Net derivative contracts |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (15 | ) |  | (1 | ) |  | (15 | ) |  | (1 | )
Available for sale investments |  | 12 |  |  | 16 |  |  | 32 |  |  | 26 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 32 |  |  | 26 |

(1) Money market funds are comprised primarily of government obligations and other first tier obligations.
Other Fair Value Measurements
The fair value of long-term debt (including current maturities) was $4.3 billion and $3.8 billion at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and was estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements (Level 2 input).
(4) INVENTORIES
The following table summarizes our inventory for the periods presented:

Millions of dollars |  | March 31, 2015 |  | December 31, 2014
Finished products |  | $ | 2,275 |  |  | $ | 2,189 |
Raw materials and work in process |  | 888 |  |  | 724 |
|  | 3,163 |  |  | 2,913 |
Less: excess of FIFO cost over LIFO cost |  | (161 | ) |  | (173 | )
Total inventories |  | $ | 3,002 |  |  | $ | 2,740 |

LIFO inventories represented 39% and 35% of total inventories at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
(5) PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT
The following table summarizes our property, plant and equipment as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

Millions of dollars |  | March 31, 2015 |  | December 31, 2014
Land |  | $ | 131 |  |  | $ | 142 |
Buildings |  | 1,558 |  |  | 1,616 |
Machinery and equipment |  | 7,891 |  |  | 8,182 |
Accumulated depreciation |  | (5,801 | ) |  | (5,959 | )
Property, plant and equipment, net |  | $ | 3,779 |  |  | $ | 3,981 |

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we disposed of $14 million of buildings, machinery and equipment.
(6) FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
Debt
On March 12, 2015, we completed a debt offering of €500 million (approximately $525 million as of the date of issuance) principal amount of 0.625% notes due in 2020. The notes contain covenants that limit our ability to incur certain liens or enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions. In addition, if we experience a specific kind of change of control, we are required to make an offer to purchase all of the notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The notes are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-181339) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on May 11, 2012.
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In the fourth quarter of 2014, we assumed €300 million principal amount of 4.5% guaranteed notes due on April 26, 2018 from the Indesit acquisition. During the first quarter of 2015, holders of the notes passed a resolution which amended the terms and conditions of the notes so that they are better aligned to the terms and conditions of notes and bonds issued by Whirlpool Corporation. As a result of the passage of the resolution, Whirlpool has agreed to be a guarantor of the notes. These notes contain covenants that limit our ability to incur certain liens or enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions. In addition, if we experience a specific kind of change of control, we are required to make an offer to purchase all of the notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Notes Payable
Notes payable, which consist of short-term borrowings payable to banks, debt securitization or commercial paper, are generally used to fund working capital requirements. The fair value of our notes payable approximates the carrying amount due to the short maturity of these obligations.

Millions of dollars |  | March 31, 2015 |  | December 31, 2014
Commercial paper |  | $ | 368 |  |  | $ | 387 |
Debt securitization |  | — |  |  | 35 |
Short-term borrowings to banks |  | 73 |  |  | 147 |
Total notes payable |  | $ | 441 |  |  | $ | 569 |

Indesit, acquired by Whirlpool in the fourth quarter of 2014, had maintained a securitization program since 2010. The securitization involved the without-recourse sale of trade receivables by Indesit. The receivables were acquired by VIEs which were financed by the issuance of securities whose repayment was guaranteed by the cash flows generated by the receivables sold. Whirlpool stopped the sale of receivables related to the securitization beginning in December 2014, and this debt securitization was exited as planned through the first quarter of 2015. There are no outstanding balances as of March 31, 2015 related to the securitization program.
(7) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Embraco Antitrust Matters
Beginning in February 2009, our compressor business headquartered in Brazil ("Embraco") was notified of antitrust investigations of the global compressor industry by government authorities in various jurisdictions. Embraco has resolved government investigations in various jurisdictions as well as all related civil lawsuits in the United States. Embraco also has resolved certain other claims and certain claims remain pending. Additional lawsuits could be filed.
At March 31, 2015, $34 million remains accrued, with installment payments of $21 million, plus interest, remaining to be made to government authorities at various times through 2015. We continue to defend these actions and take other steps to minimize our potential exposure. The final outcome and impact of these matters, and any related claims and investigations that may be brought in the future are subject to many variables, and cannot be predicted. We establish accruals only for those matters where we determine that a loss is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. While it is currently not possible to reasonably estimate the aggregate amount of costs which we may incur in connection with these matters, such costs could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations in any particular reporting period.
BEFIEX Credits and Other Brazil Tax Matters
In previous years, our Brazilian operations earned tax credits under the Brazilian government’s export incentive program (BEFIEX). These credits reduced Brazilian federal excise taxes on domestic sales, resulting in an increase in the operations’ recorded net sales, as the credits are monetized. We did not monetize any BEFIEX credits during the three months ended March 31, 2015. We monetized $14 million of BEFIEX credits during the three months ended March 31, 2014. We began recognizing BEFIEX credits in accordance with prior favorable court decisions allowing for the credits to be recognized. We recognized export credits as they were monetized.
In December 2013, the Brazilian government reinstituted the monetary adjustment index applicable to BEFIEX credits that existed prior to July 2009, when the Brazilian government required companies to apply a different monetary adjustment index to BEFIEX credits. As of March 31, 2015, no BEFIEX credits deemed to be available prior to this action remained to be monetized. Whether use of the reinstituted index should be given retroactive effect for the July 2009 to December 2013 period has been subject to review by the Brazilian courts. If the reinstituted index is given retroactive effect, we would be entitled to recognize additional credits. We are awaiting the published decision of the Brazilian court on the retroactive effect of the reinstituted index.
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Our Brazilian operations have received governmental assessments related to claims for income and social contribution taxes associated with BEFIEX credits monetized from 2000 through 2002 and 2007 through 2011. We do not believe BEFIEX export credits are subject to income or social contribution taxes. We are disputing these tax matters in various courts and intend to vigorously defend our positions. We have not provided for income or social contribution taxes on these export credits, and based on the opinions of tax and legal advisors, we have not accrued any amount related to these assessments as of March 31, 2015. The total amount of outstanding tax assessments received for income and social contribution taxes relating to the BEFIEX credits, including interest and penalties, is approximately 1.4 billion Brazilian reais (approximately $445 million as of March 31, 2015).
Relying on existing Brazilian legal precedent, in 2003 and 2004, we recognized tax credits in an aggregate amount of $26 million, adjusted for currency, on the purchase of raw materials used in production (“IPI tax credits”). The Brazilian tax authority subsequently challenged the recording of IPI tax credits. No credits have been recognized since 2004. In 2009, we entered into a Brazilian government program which provided extended payment terms and reduced penalties and interest to encourage tax payers to resolve this and certain other disputed tax credit amounts. As permitted by the program, we elected to settle certain debts through the use of other existing tax credits and recorded charges of approximately $34 million in 2009 associated with these matters. In July 2012, the Brazilian revenue authority notified us that a portion of our proposed settlement was rejected and we received tax assessments of 209 million Brazilian reais (approximately $65 million as of March 31, 2015), reflecting interest and penalties to date. We are disputing these assessments and we intend to vigorously defend our position. Based on the opinion of our tax and legal advisors, we have not recorded an additional reserve related to these matters.
In 2001, Brazil adopted a law making the profits of controlled foreign corporations of Brazilian entities subject to income and social contribution tax regardless of whether the profits were repatriated ("CFC Tax"). Our Brazilian subsidiary, along with other corporations, challenged tax assessments on foreign profits on constitutionality and other grounds. In April 2013, the Brazilian Supreme Court ruled in our case, finding that the law is constitutional, but remanding the case to a lower court for consideration of other arguments raised in our appeal, including the existence of tax treaties with jurisdictions in which controlled foreign corporations are domiciled. As of March 31, 2015, our potential exposure for income and social contribution taxes relating to profits of controlled foreign corporations, including interest and penalties and net of expected foreign tax credits, is approximately 180 million Brazilian reais (approximately $56 million as of March 31, 2015). We believe these assessments are without merit and we intend to continue to vigorously dispute them. Based on the opinion of our tax and legal advisors, we have not accrued any amount related to these assessments as of March 31, 2015.
In December 2013, we entered into a Brazilian government program to settle long standing disputes. Participation in the program removed uncertainty related to 16 assessments that were previously under dispute and significantly reduces potential penalties and interest associated with these matters. Our participation will result in total payments including principal, interest, and penalties of 75 million Brazilian reais, to be paid in 30 monthly installments, which began in December 2013. The outstanding balance of principal, interest, and penalties at March 31, 2015 is 63 million Brazilian reais (approximately $20 million as of March 31, 2015).
In addition to the IPI tax credit and CFC Tax matters noted above, we are currently disputing other assessments issued by the Brazilian tax authorities related to non-income and income tax matters, including for the monetization of BEFIEX credits and other BEFIEX matters, which are at various stages of review in numerous administrative and judicial proceedings. In accordance with our accounting policies, we routinely assess these matters and, when necessary, record our best estimate of a loss. We believe these tax assessments are without merit and are vigorously defending our positions.
Litigation is inherently unpredictable and the conclusion of these matters may take many years to ultimately resolve. Proceedings of the Brazilian administrative council of tax appeals, or CARF, are currently suspended for all litigants while CARF is being evaluated by the Brazilian government, which may increase time and associated expense for our pending cases. The amounts related to these assessments will continue to be increased by monetary adjustments at the Selic rate, which is the benchmark rate set by the Brazilian Central Bank. Accordingly, it is possible that an unfavorable outcome in these proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations in any particular reporting period.
Other Litigation
We are currently defending against numerous lawsuits pending in federal and state courts in the United States relating to certain of our front load washing machines. Some of these lawsuits have been certified for treatment as class actions. The complaints in these lawsuits generally allege violations of state consumer fraud acts, unjust enrichment, product liability claims and breach of warranty. The complaints generally seek compensatory, consequential and punitive damages. We believe these suits are without merit and are vigorously defending them. Given the preliminary stage of many of these proceedings, the Company cannot reasonably estimate a possible range of loss, if any, at this time. The resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
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In addition, we are currently defending a number of other lawsuits in federal and state courts in the United States related to the manufacturing and sale of our products which include class action allegations. These lawsuits allege claims which include breach of contract, breach of warranty, product liability claims, fraud, violation of federal and state consumer protection acts and negligence. We do not have insurance coverage for class action lawsuits. We are also involved in various other legal actions in the United States and other jurisdictions around the world arising in the normal course of business, for which insurance coverage may or may not be available depending on the nature of the action. We dispute the merits of these suits and actions, and intend to vigorously defend them. Management believes, based upon its current knowledge, after taking into consideration legal counsel's evaluation of such suits and actions, and after taking into account current litigation accruals, that the outcome of these matters currently pending against Whirlpool should not have a material adverse effect, if any, on our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
Other Matters
In 2013, the French Competition Authority commenced an investigation of appliance manufacturers and retailers in France. The investigation includes 11 manufacturers, including the Whirlpool and Indesit operations in France. Although it is currently not possible to assess the impact, if any, this matter may have on our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements, the resolution of this matter could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations in any particular reporting period.
Product Warranty Reserves
Product warranty reserves are included in other current and other noncurrent liabilities in our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes the changes in total product warranty reserves for the periods presented:

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
Millions of dollars |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Balance at January 1 |  | $ | 235 |  |  | $ | 191 |
Issuances/accruals during the period |  | 62 |  |  | 63 |
Settlements made during the period |  | (75 | ) |  | (74 | )
Balance at March 31 |  | $ | 222 |  |  | $ | 180 |
Current portion |  | $ | 172 |  |  | $ | 143 |
Non-current portion |  | 50 |  |  | 37 |
Total |  | $ | 222 |  |  | $ | 180 |

We regularly engage in investigations of potential quality and safety issues as part of our ongoing effort to deliver quality products to customers. We are currently investigating a limited number of potential quality and safety issues. As necessary, we undertake to effect repair or replacement of appliances in the event that an investigation leads to the conclusion that such action is warranted.
Guarantees
We have guarantee arrangements in a Brazilian subsidiary. As a standard business practice in Brazil, the subsidiary guarantees customer lines of credit at commercial banks to support purchases following its normal credit policies. If a customer were to default on its line of credit with the bank, our subsidiary would be required to satisfy the obligation with the bank and the receivable would revert back to the subsidiary. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the guaranteed amounts totaled $324 million and $492 million, respectively. Our subsidiary insures against credit risk for these guarantees, under normal operating conditions, through policies purchased from high-quality underwriters.
We provide guarantees of indebtedness and lines of credit for various consolidated subsidiaries. The maximum amount of credit facilities available under these lines for consolidated subsidiaries totaled $2.4 billion and $2.6 billion at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Our total outstanding bank indebtedness under guarantees was nominal at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
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We have guaranteed a $45 million five-year revolving credit facility between certain financial institutions and a not-for-profit entity in connection with a community and economic development project (“Harbor Shores”). The credit facility, which originated in 2008, was amended in 2014 by Harbor Shores and reduced to $45 million, was refinanced in December 2012 and we renewed our guarantee through 2017. The fair value of the guarantee was nominal. The purpose of Harbor Shores is to stimulate employment and growth in the areas of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, Michigan. In the event of default, we must satisfy the guarantee of the credit facility up to the amount borrowed at the date of default.
(8) HEDGES AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivative instruments are accounted for at fair value based on market rates. Derivatives where we elect hedge accounting are designated as either cash flow or fair value hedges. Derivatives that are not accounted for based on hedge accounting are marked to market through earnings. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use and designation of the derivative instrument. Hedging ineffectiveness and a net earnings impact occur when the change in the fair value of the hedge does not offset the change in the fair value of the hedged item. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is recognized in earnings.
Using derivative instruments means assuming counterparty credit risk. Counterparty credit risk relates to the loss we could incur if a counterparty were to default on a derivative contract. We generally deal with investment grade counterparties and monitor the overall credit risk and exposure to individual counterparties. We do not anticipate nonperformance by any counterparties. The amount of counterparty credit exposure is limited to the unrealized gains, if any, on such derivative contracts. We do not require nor do we post collateral or security on such contracts.
Hedging Strategy
In the normal course of business, we manage risks relating to our ongoing business operations including those arising from changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. Fluctuations in these rates and prices can affect our operating results and financial condition. We use a variety of strategies, including the use of derivative instruments, to manage these risks. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We incur expenses associated with the procurement and production of products in a limited number of countries, while we sell in the local currencies of a large number of countries. Our primary foreign currency exchange exposures result from cross-currency sales of products. As a result, we enter into foreign exchange contracts to hedge certain firm commitments and forecasted transactions to acquire products and services that are denominated in foreign currencies.
We enter into certain undesignated non-functional currency asset and liability hedges that relate primarily to short-term payables, receivables and intercompany loans. These forecasted cross-currency cash flows relate primarily to foreign currency denominated expenditures and intercompany financing agreements, royalty agreements and dividends. When we hedge a foreign currency denominated payable or receivable with a derivative, the effect of changes in the foreign exchange rates are reflected currently in interest and sundry income (expense) for both the payable/receivable and the derivative. Therefore, as a result of the economic hedge, we do not elect hedge accounting.
Commodity Price Risk
We enter into commodity derivative contracts on various commodities to manage the price risk associated with forecasted purchases of materials used in our manufacturing process. The objective of these hedges is to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with the forecasted purchase of commodities.
Interest Rate Risk
We may enter into interest rate swap agreements to manage interest rate risk exposure. Our interest rate swap agreements, if any, effectively modify our exposure to interest rate risk, primarily through converting certain of our floating rate debt to a fixed rate basis, and certain fixed rate debt to a floating rate basis. These agreements involve either the receipt or payment of floating rate amounts in exchange for fixed rate interest payments or receipts, respectively, over the life of the agreements without an exchange of the underlying principal amounts. We also may utilize a cross-currency interest rate swap agreement to manage our exposure relating to certain intercompany debt denominated in one foreign currency that will be repaid in another foreign currency. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no outstanding swap agreements.
We may enter into treasury rate lock agreements to effectively modify our exposure to interest rate risk by locking-in interest rates on probable long-term debt issuances.
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The following table summarizes our outstanding derivative contracts and their effects on our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

|  |  |  | Fair Value of |  | Type of Hedge(1) |  |
|  | Notional Amount |  | Hedge Assets |  | Hedge Liabilities |  | Maximum Term (Months)
Millions of dollars |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  |  |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Derivatives accounted for as hedges |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign exchange forwards/options |  | $ | 1,162 |  |  | $ | 874 |  |  | $ | 58 |  |  | $ | 27 |  |  | $ | 25 |  |  | $ | 8 |  |  | (CF) |  | 21 |  | 17
Commodity swaps/options |  | 379 |  |  | 375 |  |  | 9 |  |  | 4 |  |  | 36 |  |  | 29 |  |  | (CF) |  | 33 |  | 36
Total derivatives accounted for as hedges |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 67 |  |  | $ | 31 |  |  | $ | 61 |  |  | $ | 37 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivatives not accounted for as hedges |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign exchange forwards/options |  | $ | 2,131 |  |  | $ | 2,358 |  |  | $ | 36 |  |  | $ | 34 |  |  | $ | 56 |  |  | $ | 29 |  |  | N/A |  | 8 |  | 10
Commodity swaps/options |  | 10 |  |  | 8 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  | 1 |  | 4
Total derivatives not accounted for as hedges |  |  |  |  |  | 36 |  |  | 34 |  |  | 56 |  |  | 29 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total derivatives |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 103 |  |  | $ | 65 |  |  | $ | 117 |  |  | $ | 66 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 97 |  |  | $ | 64 |  |  | $ | 106 |  |  | $ | 59 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncurrent |  |  |  |  |  | 6 |  |  | 1 |  |  | 11 |  |  | 7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total derivatives |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 103 |  |  | $ | 65 |  |  | $ | 117 |  |  | $ | 66 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

(1)Derivatives accounted for as hedges are considered cash flow (CF) hedges
The following tables summarize the effects of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended as follows:

|  | Three Months Ended March 31, |
|  | Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion) |  | Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Earnings (Effective Portion) (1) |
Cash Flow Hedges - Millions of dollars |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |
Foreign exchange |  | $ | 30 |  |  | $ | 15 |  |  | $ | 11 |  |  | $ | 3 |  | (a)
Commodity swaps/options |  | (15 | ) |  | (15 | ) |  | (11 | ) |  | (4 | ) | (a)
Interest rate derivatives |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (1 | ) |  | — |  | (b)
|  | $ | 15 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (1 | ) |  | $ | (1 | ) |

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  | Gain Recognized on Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedges (2)
Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedges - Millions of dollars |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Foreign exchange forwards/options |  | $ | 14 |  |  | $ | 22 |

(1) Gains and losses reclassified from accumulated OCI and recognized in income are recorded in (a) cost of products sold or (b) interest expense
(2) Mark to market gains and losses recognized in income are recorded in interest and sundry income (expense)
For cash flow hedges, the amount of ineffectiveness recognized in interest and sundry income (expense) was nominal for the periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. There were no fair value hedges in 2015 and 2014. The net amount of unrealized gain or loss on derivative instruments included in accumulated OCI related to contracts maturing and expected to be realized during the next twelve months is nominal at March 31, 2015.
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(9) STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table summarizes our other comprehensive income (loss) and related tax effects for the periods presented:

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  | 2015 |  | 2014
Millions of dollars |  | Pre-tax | Tax Effect | Net |  | Pre-tax | Tax Effect | Net
Currency translation adjustments |  | $ | (209 | ) | $ | — |  | $ | (209 | ) |  | $ | 28 |  | $ | — |  | $ | 28 |
Cash flow hedges |  | 14 |  | (4 | ) | 10 |  |  | 1 |  | — |  | 1 |
Pension and other postretirement benefits plans |  | (35 | ) | 13 |  | (22 | ) |  | 2 |  | (1 | ) | 1 |
Available for sale securities |  | 10 |  | — |  | 10 |  |  | 12 |  | — |  | 12 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |  | (220 | ) | 9 |  | (211 | ) |  | 43 |  | (1 | ) | 42 |
Less: Other comprehensive income (loss) available to noncontrolling interests |  | (3 | ) | — |  | (3 | ) |  | — |  | — |  | — |
Other comprehensive income (loss) available to Whirlpool |  | $ | (217 | ) | $ | 9 |  | $ | (208 | ) |  | $ | 43 |  | $ | (1 | ) | $ | 42 |

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table provides the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive loss, by component, that was included in net earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2015:

Millions of dollars |  | (Gain) Loss Reclassified |  | Classification in Earnings
Cash flow hedges, pre-tax |  | $ | 14 |  |  | Cost of products sold
Pension and postretirement benefits, pre-tax |  | (35 | ) |  | Cost of products sold / Selling, general and administrative

The following table summarizes the changes in stockholders’ equity for the period presented:

Millions of dollars |  | Total |  | Whirlpool Common Stockholders |  | Noncontrolling Interests
Stockholders’ equity, December 31, 2014 |  | $ | 5,796 |  |  | $ | 4,885 |  |  | $ | 911 |
Net earnings |  | 198 |  |  | 191 |  |  | 7 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |  | (211 | ) |  | (208 | ) |  | (3 | )
Comprehensive income |  | (13 | ) |  | (17 | ) |  | 4 |
Common stock |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Treasury stock |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Additional paid-in capital |  | 21 |  |  | 21 |  |  | — |
Dividends declared on common stock |  | (60 | ) |  | (60 | ) |  | — |
Stockholders’ equity, March 31, 2015 |  | $ | 5,744 |  |  | $ | 4,829 |  |  | $ | 915 |

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Net Earnings per Share
Diluted net earnings per share of common stock include the dilutive effect of stock options and other share-based compensation plans. Basic and diluted net earnings per share of common stock for the periods presented were calculated as follows:

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
Millions of dollars and shares |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share – net earnings available to Whirlpool |  | $ | 191 |  |  | $ | 160 |
Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted-average shares |  | 78.8 |  |  | 78.1 |
Effect of dilutive securities – share-based compensation |  | 1.2 |  |  | 1.3 |
Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted-average shares |  | 80.0 |  |  | 79.4 |
Anti-dilutive stock options/awards excluded from earnings per share |  | 0.1 |  |  | — |

Repurchase Program
On April 14, 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $500 million. Share repurchases are made from time to time on the open market as conditions warrant. The program does not obligate us to repurchase any of our shares. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, no shares were repurchased. At March 31, 2015, there were approximately $475 million in remaining funds authorized under this program.
(10) RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
During 2014 and the first quarter of 2015, we announced the following restructuring plans: (a) the closure of a microwave oven manufacturing facility and other organizational efficiency actions in EMEA and Latin America, (b) organizational integration activities in China and Europe to support the integration of the acquisitions of Hefei Sanyo and Indesit, and (c) the closure of an R&D facility in Germany in 2016. These plans resulted in charges of $33 million in the first quarter of 2015 related to employee termination costs, non-cash asset impairment costs, and facility exit costs. Completion of these plans is expected by the end of 2018.
On April 15, 2015, we committed to an industrial plan for Italy to integrate its legacy Italian operations with those of Indesit, of which we acquired a majority stake in October 2014 and fully-owned as of December 2014. These actions are expected to result in the closure of a manufacturing facility in Carinaro and research and development facility in None; the integration of a manufacturing facility in Albacina into a manufacturing facility in Melano; and result in certain other headcount reductions in manufacturing facilities in Fabriano, Comunanza and Naples. We currently expect that approximately 1,350 full-time positions, most of which were deemed redundant by Indesit prior to the acquisition, will be impacted by these actions. We expect these actions to be substantially complete in 2018.
We estimate to incur up to approximately €95 million (approximately $101 million as of the date of the announcement) in employee-related costs, approximately €25 million (approximately $27 million as of the date of the announcement) in asset impairment costs, and approximately €15 million (approximately $16 million as of the date of the announcement) in other associated costs in connection with these actions.
We estimate to incur a total of approximately €135 million (approximately $144 million as of the date of the announcement) in costs, as itemized above, through 2018 in connection with these actions.
We estimate that approximately €110 million (approximately $118 million as of the date of the announcement) of the estimated €135 million total cost will result in future cash expenditures.
The following table summarizes the change in our combined restructuring liability for the period ended March 31, 2015:

Millions of dollars | December 31, 2014 | Charge to Earnings | Cash Paid | Non-cash and Other | Revision of Estimate | March 31, 2015
Employee termination costs | $ | 58 |  | $ | 25 |  | $ | (16 | ) | $ | (15 | ) | $ | 3 |  | $ | 55 |
Asset impairment costs | — |  | 1 |  | — |  | (1 | ) | — |  | — |
Facility exit costs | 4 |  | 3 |  | (3 | ) | — |  | — |  | 4 |
Other exit costs | 16 |  | 4 |  | (6 | ) | — |  | — |  | 14 |
Total | $ | 78 |  | $ | 33 |  | $ | (25 | ) | $ | (16 | ) | $ | 3 |  | $ | 73 |

The following table summarizes 2015 restructuring charges by operating segment:

Millions of dollars |  | 2015 Charges
North America |  | $ | 2 |
Latin America |  | 6 |
EMEA |  | 25 |
Total |  | $ | 33 |

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(11) INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense was $9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to income tax expense of $50 million in the same period of 2014. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, changes in the effective tax rate from the prior period include tax planning strategies made available in the first quarter of 2015 resulting in releases of tax valuation allowances. The following table summarizes the difference between income tax expense at the United States statutory rate of 35% and the income tax expense at effective worldwide tax rates for the respective periods:

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
Millions of dollars |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Earnings before income taxes |  | $ | 207 |  |  | $ | 214 |
Income tax expense computed at United States statutory tax rate |  | 72 |  |  | 75 |
U.S. foreign income items, net of credits |  | (2 | ) |  | (12 | )
Valuation allowance release |  | (58 | ) |  | — |
Foreign government tax incentive (including BEFIEX in 2014) |  | (4 | ) |  | (5 | )
Other |  | 1 |  |  | (8 | )
Income tax expense computed at effective worldwide tax rates |  | $ | 9 |  |  | $ | 50 |

At the end of each interim period, we make our best estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year and the impact of discrete items, if any, and adjust the quarterly rate as necessary.
(12) PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
The following table summarizes the components of net periodic pension cost and the cost of other postretirement benefits for the periods presented:

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  | United States Pension Benefits |  | Foreign Pension Benefits |  | Other Postretirement Benefits
Millions of dollars |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Service cost |  | $ | 1 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1 |  |  | $ | 1 |  |  | $ | 1 |  |  | $ | 1 |
Interest cost |  | 38 |  |  | 42 |  |  | 8 |  |  | 4 |  |  | 5 |  |  | 6 |
Expected return on plan assets |  | (48 | ) |  | (48 | ) |  | (8 | ) |  | (3 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |
Amortization: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Actuarial loss |  | 13 |  |  | 11 |  |  | 1 |  |  | 2 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Prior service credit |  | (1 | ) |  | (1 | ) |  |  |  |  | — |  |  | (9 | ) |  | (10 | )
Settlement and curtailment (gain) loss |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 8 |  |  | — |  |  | (47 | ) |  | — |
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) |  | $ | 3 |  |  | $ | 4 |  |  | $ | 10 |  |  | $ | 4 |  |  | $ | (50 | ) |  | $ | (3 | )

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we recognized approximately $47 million from a curtailment gain due to the elimination of amounts credited to notional retiree health accounts for certain employees under age 50. The curtailment gain was recognized in our Consolidated Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income with $43 million recorded in cost of goods sold and the remaining balance in selling, general and administrative, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax.
(13) OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance.
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We identify such segments based upon geographical regions of operations because each operating segment manufactures home appliances and related components, but serves strategically different markets. The chief operating decision maker evaluates performance based upon each segment’s operating income, which is defined as income before interest and sundry income (expense), interest expense, income taxes, noncontrolling interests, intangible asset impairment and restructuring costs. Total assets by segment are those assets directly associated with the respective operating activities. The “Other/Eliminations” column primarily includes corporate expenses, assets and eliminations, as well as restructuring costs and intangible asset impairments, if any. Intersegment sales are eliminated within each region except compressor sales out of Latin America, which are included in Other/Eliminations.
The tables below summarize performance by operating segment for the periods presented:

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  | OPERATING SEGMENTS
Millions of dollars |  | North America |  | Latin America |  | EMEA |  | Asia |  | Other/ Eliminations |  | Total Whirlpool
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2015 |  | $ | 2,341 |  |  | $ | 899 |  |  | $ | 1,273 |  |  | $ | 378 |  |  | $ | (45 | ) |  | $ | 4,846 |
2014 |  | 2,331 |  |  | 1,187 |  |  | 720 |  |  | 166 |  |  | (41 | ) |  | 4,363 |
Intersegment sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2015 |  | 60 |  |  | 47 |  |  | 11 |  |  | 60 |  |  | (178 | ) |  | — |
2014 |  | 57 |  |  | 42 |  |  | 26 |  |  | 64 |  |  | (189 | ) |  | — |
Depreciation and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2015 |  | 65 |  |  | 18 |  |  | 47 |  |  | 16 |  |  | 15 |  |  | 161 |
2014 |  | 60 |  |  | 22 |  |  | 24 |  |  | 5 |  |  | 16 |  |  | 127 |
Operating profit (loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2015 |  | 276 |  |  | 59 |  |  | 17 |  |  | 24 |  |  | (73 | ) |  | 303 |
2014 |  | 228 |  |  | 123 |  |  | 7 |  |  | 5 |  |  | (82 | ) |  | 281 |
Total assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
March 31, 2015 |  | 7,867 |  |  | 2,589 |  |  | 6,647 |  |  | 2,791 |  |  | (686 | ) |  | 19,208 |
December 31, 2014 |  | 7,736 |  |  | 2,917 |  |  | 7,597 |  |  | 2,734 |  |  | (982 | ) |  | 20,002 |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2015 |  | 56 |  |  | 20 |  |  | 34 |  |  | 10 |  |  | 6 |  |  | 126 |
2014 |  | 48 |  |  | 34 |  |  | 23 |  |  | 2 |  |  | 16 |  |  | 123 |

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ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ABOUT WHIRLPOOL
Whirlpool is the number one major appliance manufacturer in the world with net sales of approximately $20 billion and net earnings available to Whirlpool of $650 million in 2014. We are a leading producer of major home appliances in North America, Latin America and Europe, and have a significant presence throughout China and India. We have received worldwide recognition for accomplishments in a variety of business and social efforts, including leadership, diversity, innovative product design, business ethics, social responsibility and community involvement. We conduct our business through four reportable segments, which we define based on geography. Our reportable segments consist of North America, Latin America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and Asia. Our customer base includes large, sophisticated trade customers who have many choices and demand competitive products, services and prices. The major home appliance industry operates in an intensely competitive environment, reflecting the impact of both new and established global competitors, including Asian and European manufacturers.
We monitor country-specific economic factors such as gross domestic product, unemployment, consumer confidence, retail trends, housing starts and completions, sales of existing homes and mortgage interest rates as key indicators of industry demand. In addition to profitability, we also focus on country, brand, product and channel sales when assessing and forecasting financial results.
Our leading portfolio of brands includes Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Embraco, Brastemp, Consul and Indesit, each of which generates annual revenues in excess of $1 billion. Our global branded consumer products strategy is to introduce innovative new products, increase brand customer loyalty, expand our presence outside the United States, enhance our trade management platform, improve total cost and quality by expanding and leveraging our global operating platform and, where appropriate, make strategic acquisitions and investments.
As we grow revenues in our core products, our strategy is to extend our business by offering products and services that are dependent on and related to our core business and expand into adjacent products, such as Affresh cleaners and Gladiator GarageWorks, through businesses that leverage our core competencies and business infrastructure.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table summarizes the consolidated results of operations for the periods presented:

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
Consolidated - Millions of dollars, except per share data |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | Change
Net sales |  | $ | 4,846 |  |  | $ | 4,363 |  |  | 11.1 | %
Gross margin |  | 853 |  |  | 755 |  |  | 12.9 | %
Selling, general and administrative |  | 498 |  |  | 439 |  |  | 13.4 | %
Restructuring costs |  | 33 |  |  | 29 |  |  | 14.1 | %
Interest and sundry income (expense) |  | (53 | ) |  | (23 | ) |  | 132.6 | %
Interest expense |  | (43 | ) |  | (44 | ) |  | (3.3 | )%
Income tax expense |  | 9 |  |  | 50 |  |  | (81.9 | )%
Net earnings available to Whirlpool |  | 191 |  |  | 160 |  |  | 18.8 | %
Diluted net earnings available to Whirlpool per share |  | $ | 2.38 |  |  | $ | 2.02 |  |  | 17.9 | %

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Consolidated Net Sales
The following tables summarize units sold and consolidated net sales by region for the periods ended March 31:

|  | Units Sold (in thousands)
|  | Three Months Ended
Region |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | Change
North America |  | 5,817 |  |  | 5,729 |  |  | 1.5 | %
Latin America |  | 2,652 |  |  | 3,320 |  |  | (20.1 | )%
EMEA |  | 5,716 |  |  | 2,750 |  |  | 107.9 | %
Asia |  | 2,065 |  |  | 823 |  |  | 150.9 | %
Consolidated |  | 16,250 |  |  | 12,622 |  |  | 28.7 | %

|  | Net Sales (in millions)
|  | Three Months Ended
Region |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | Change
North America |  | $ | 2,341 |  |  | $ | 2,331 |  |  | 0.4 | %
Latin America |  | 899 |  |  | 1,187 |  |  | (24.2 | )%
EMEA |  | 1,273 |  |  | 720 |  |  | 76.7 | %
Asia |  | 378 |  |  | 166 |  |  | 128.1 | %
Other/eliminations |  | (45 | ) |  | (41 | ) |  | nm
Consolidated |  | $ | 4,846 |  |  | $ | 4,363 |  |  | 11.1 | %

nm: not meaningful
Consolidated net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased 11.1% compared to the same period in 2014, primarily driven by higher units sold due to acquisitions and favorable product/price mix, partially offset by unfavorable impact from foreign currency and no monetization of BEFIEX credits. Excluding the impact of foreign currency and BEFIEX credits, consolidated net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased 23.2% compared to the same period in 2014.
We provide the percentage change in net sales, excluding the impact of foreign currency and BEFIEX credits, as a supplement to the change in net sales as determined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") to provide stockholders with a clearer basis to assess Whirlpool's results over time. This measure is considered a non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated by translating the current period net sales excluding BEFIEX credits, in functional currency, to U.S. dollars using the prior-year period's exchange rate compared to the prior-year period net sales excluding BEFIEX credits.
Significant regional trends were as follows:
•North America net sales increased 0.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily driven by higher units sold and a favorable impact of product/price mix, partially offset by an unfavorable impact from foreign currency. Excluding the impact from foreign currency, net sales increased 2.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.
•Latin America net sales decreased 24.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was primarily driven by lower units sold, an unfavorable impact from foreign currency and no monetization of BEFEIX credits, partially offset by a favorable impact of product/price mix. Excluding the impact from foreign currency and BEFIEX, net sales decreased 11.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.
We did not monetize any BEFIEX credits during the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $14 million for the same period in 2014. As of March 31, 2015, approximately $42 million of future cash monetization for court awarded fees subject to a separate agreement remained, which is not expected to be payable for several years. For additional information regarding BEFIEX credits, see Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
•EMEA net sales increased 76.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The increase for the three months ended was primarily due to higher units sold and impact from the acquisition of Indesit, partially offset by an unfavorable impact from foreign currency. Excluding the impact from foreign currency, net sales increased 122.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.
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•Asia net sales increased 128.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily driven by a favorable impact from the acquisition of Hefei Sanyo, partially offset by an unfavorable impact from product/price mix and foreign currency. Excluding the impact from foreign currency, net sales increased 131.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.
Gross Margin
The table below summarizes gross margin percentages by region:

|  | Three Months Ended March 31, |
Percentage of net sales |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | Change |
North America |  | 19.2 | % |  | 17.9 | % |  | 1.3 |  | pts
Latin America |  | 15.0 | % |  | 17.7 | % |  | (2.7 | ) | pts
EMEA |  | 13.9 | % |  | 13.3 | % |  | 0.6 |  | pts
Asia |  | 23.3 | % |  | 18.6 | % |  | 4.7 |  | pts
Consolidated |  | 17.6 | % |  | 17.3 | % |  | 0.3 |  | pts

The consolidated gross margin percentage increased for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily due to the recognition of a postretirement curtailment gain in North America (additional information about the curtailment can be found in Note 12 in the Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements) as well as benefits from lower material costs, partially offset by an unfavorable impact from foreign currency and no monetization of BEFIEX credits.
Significant regional trends were as follows:

• | North America gross margin increased for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to the recognition of a postretirement curtailment gain as well as lower material costs, partially offset by an unfavorable impact from foreign currency.

• | Latin America gross margin decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to unfavorable impacts from lower unit volume, foreign currency and no monetization of BEFIEX credits, partially offset by a favorable impact from product/price mix and lower material costs.

• | EMEA gross margin increased for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to lower material costs and a favorable impact from the integration of Indesit, partially offset by an unfavorable impact from foreign currency.

• | Asia gross margin increased for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to favorable impacts from the integration of Hefei Sanyo, lower material costs, and product/price mix.

Selling, General and Administrative
The following table summarizes selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales by region:

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
Millions of dollars |  | 2015 |  | As a % of Net Sales |  | 2014 |  | As a % of Net Sales
North America |  | $ | 169 |  |  | 7.2 | % |  | $ | 185 |  |  | 7.9 | %
Latin America |  | 76 |  |  | 8.4 | % |  | 87 |  |  | 7.3 | %
EMEA |  | 153 |  |  | 12.0 | % |  | 88 |  |  | 12.2 | %
Asia |  | 58 |  |  | 15.2 | % |  | 26 |  |  | 15.7 | %
Corporate/other |  | 42 |  |  | — |  |  | 53 |  |  | — |
Consolidated |  | $ | 498 |  |  | 10.3 | % |  | $ | 439 |  |  | 10.1 | %

Compared to 2014, consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses increased as a percent of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily due to acquisition-related investments.
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Restructuring
We incurred restructuring charges of $33 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $29 million for the comparable period in 2014.
On April 15, 2015, we committed to an industrial plan for Italy to integrate its legacy Italian operations with those of Indesit, of which we acquired a majority stake in October 2014 and fully-owned as of December 2014. These actions are expected to result in the closure of a manufacturing facility in Carinaro and research and development facility in None; the integration of a manufacturing facility in Albacina into a manufacturing facility in Melano; and result in certain other headcount reductions in manufacturing facilities in Fabriano, Comunanza and Naples. We currently expect that approximately 1,350 full-time positions, most of which were deemed redundant by Indesit prior to the acquisition, will be impacted by these actions. We expect these actions to be substantially complete in 2018.
We estimate to incur up to approximately €95 million (approximately $101 million as of the date of the announcement) in employee-related costs, approximately €25 million (approximately $27 million as of the date of the announcement) in asset impairment costs, and approximately €15 million (approximately $16 million as of the date of the announcement) in other associated costs in connection with these actions.
We estimate to incur a total of approximately €135 million (approximately $144 million as of the date of the announcement) in costs, as itemized above, through 2018 in connection with these actions.
We estimate that approximately €110 million (approximately $118 million as of the date of the announcement) of the estimated €135 million total cost will result in future cash expenditures.
We previously reported anticipated restructuring charges of up to $300 million for fiscal year 2015. The actions outlined above are expected to fall within these anticipated charges.
Additional information about restructuring activities can be found in Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
Interest and Sundry Income (Expense)
Interest and sundry income (expense) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily due to an unfavorable impact from foreign currency and charges related to antitrust resolutions in Brazil.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 decreased compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to lower average rates on outstanding debt, partially offset by higher outstanding debt related to funding the 2014 acquisitions.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $9 million compared to income tax expense of $50 million for the same period in 2014. The following table summarizes the difference between income tax expense (benefit) at the United States statutory rate of 35% and the income tax expense (benefit) at effective worldwide tax rates for the respective periods:

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
Millions of dollars |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Earnings before income taxes |  | $ | 207 |  |  | $ | 214 |
Income tax expense computed at United States statutory tax rate |  | 72 |  |  | 75 |
U.S. foreign income items, net of credits |  | (2 | ) |  | (12 | )
Valuation allowance release |  | (58 | ) |  | — |
Foreign government tax incentive (including BEFIEX in 2014) |  | (4 | ) |  | (5 | )
Other |  | 1 |  |  | (8 | )
Income tax expense computed at effective worldwide tax rates |  | $ | 9 |  |  | $ | 50 |

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FORWARD-LOOKING PERSPECTIVE
We have adjusted our 2015 earnings per share and free cash flow guidance to reflect the negative impact of foreign currency (namely Brazilian Real and European EURO) and lower demand in Brazil as a result of weaker macroeconomic factors in that market. We currently estimate earnings per diluted share, free cash flow and industry demand for 2015 to be within the following ranges:

| 2015
| Current Outlook
Estimated earnings per diluted share, for the year ending December 31, 2015 | $9.00 | — | $10.00
Including: |  |  |
Benefit Plan Curtailment Gain | $0.44
Restructuring Expense | $(2.84)
Combined Acquisition Related Transition Cost | $(0.38)
Pension Settlement Charge | $(0.12)
Antitrust Resolutions | $(0.09)
Industry demand |  |  |
North America | ~+4%
Latin America | (10%) | — | (12%)
EMEA | 0% | — | +2%
Asia | +1% | — | +3%

For the full-year 2015, we expect to generate free cash flow of approximately $700 million, including restructuring cash outlays of up to $250 million, capital spending of approximately $750 million to $800 million and U.S. pension contributions of approximately $72 million.
The table below reconciles projected 2015 cash provided by operating activities determined in accordance with United States GAAP to free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure. Management believes that free cash flow provides stockholders with a relevant measure of liquidity and a useful basis for assessing Whirlpool’s ability to fund its activities and obligations. There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures, including the difficulty associated with comparing companies that use similarly named non-GAAP measures whose calculations may differ from our calculations. We define free cash flow as cash provided by continuing operations less capital expenditures and including proceeds from the sale of assets/businesses, and changes in restricted cash. The change in restricted cash relates to the private placement funds paid by Whirlpool to acquire majority control of Hefei Sanyo and which are used to fund capital and technical resources to enhance Hefei Sanyo’s research and development and working capital.

| 2015
Millions of dollars | Current Outlook
Cash provided by operating activities | $1,450 | - | $1,500
Capital expenditures, proceeds from sale of assets/businesses and changes in restricted cash | (750) | - | (800)
Free cash flow | ~$700

The projections above are based on many estimates and are inherently subject to change based on future decisions made by management and the Board of Directors of Whirlpool, and significant economic, competitive and other uncertainties and contingencies.
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FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
Our objective is to finance our business through operating cash flow and the appropriate mix of long-term and short-term debt. By diversifying the maturity structure, we avoid concentrations of debt, reducing liquidity risk. We have varying needs for short-term working capital financing as a result of the nature of our business. We regularly review our capital structure and liquidity priorities, which include funding the business through capital and engineering spending to support innovation and productivity initiatives, funding our pension plan and term debt liabilities, providing return to shareholders and potential acquisitions.
On October 24, 2014, Whirlpool's wholly-owned subsidiary, Whirlpool China, completed its acquisition of a 51% equity stake in Hefei Sanyo. The aggregate purchase price for the transaction was RMB 3.4 billion (approximately $551 million at the dates of purchase for each step of the transaction) net of cash acquired. The Company funded the total consideration for the shares with cash on hand. The cash paid for the private placement step of the transaction is considered restricted cash, which will be used to fund capital and technical resources to enhance Hefei Sanyo’s research and development and working capital. Additional information about the transaction can be found in Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
On December 3, 2014, Whirlpool completed the final step in its acquisition of Indesit. Total consideration paid for Indesit was €1.1 billion (approximately $1.4 billion at the dates of purchase of each step in the transaction) in aggregate net of cash acquired. The Company funded the aggregate purchase price for Indesit through borrowings under its credit facility and commercial paper programs, and repaid a portion of such borrowings through the issuance of an aggregate principal amount of $650 million in senior notes on November 4, 2014 and an aggregate principal amount of €500 million (approximately $525 million as of the date of issuance) in senior notes on March 12, 2015. Additional information about the transaction can be found in Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
Our short term potential uses of liquidity include funding our ongoing capital spending, restructuring activities, funding pension plans, and returns to shareholders. We also have $213 million of term debt maturing in the next twelve months.
We monitor the credit ratings and market indicators of credit risk of our lending, depository, and derivative counterparty banks regularly. In addition, we diversify our deposits and investments in short term cash equivalents to limit the concentration of exposure by counterparty.
We continue to monitor the general financial instability and uncertainty throughout Europe. At March 31, 2015, we did not have cash or cash equivalents greater than 1.0% of our consolidated assets in any single European country. In addition, we did not have any third-party accounts receivable greater than 1.0% of our consolidated assets in any single European country, with the exception of Italy which represented 1.4%.
We continue to review customer financial conditions across the Eurozone. At March 31, 2015, we had €98 million (approximately $105 million at March 31, 2015) in outstanding trade receivables and short-term and long-term notes due to us associated with Alno AG, a long-standing European customer. Approximately €40 million (approximately $43 million at March 31, 2015) of the outstanding receivables were overdue as of March 31, 2015. In the fourth quarter of 2014, Whirlpool and Alno entered into an agreement to revise the previous standstill agreement to amend the payment terms of the overdue trade receivables. The new agreement cured the violation of the prior agreement and Alno's full overdue balance remains due in full by the end of the first quarter of 2016. Our exposure includes not only the outstanding receivables but also the potential risks of an Alno bankruptcy and impacts to our distribution process. Alno is proceeding to secure additional financing to improve its financial position.
Sources and Uses of Cash
The following table summarizes the net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents for the periods presented:

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
Millions of dollars |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Cash provided by (used in): |  |  |  |
Operating activities |  | $ | (569 | ) |  | $ | (339 | )
Investing activities |  | (97 | ) |  | (138 | )
Financing activities |  | 387 |  |  | 770 |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |  | (43 | ) |  | (1 | )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents |  | $ | (322 | ) |  | $ | 292 |

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Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased compared to the same period in 2014, which primarily reflects funding for seasonal working capital investment related to our acquisitions of Hefei Sanyo and Indesit and funding related to new product launches.
The timing of cash flows from operations varies significantly within a quarter primarily due to changes in production levels, sales patterns, promotional programs, funding requirements as well as receivable and payment terms. Dependent on timing of cash flows, the location of cash balances, as well as the liquidity requirements of each country, external sources of funding are used to support working capital requirements throughout the year. Due to the variables discussed above, cash flow from operations during the year may significantly exceed our quarter and year-end balances.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 decreased compared to the same period in 2014, which primarily reflects continued capital investments to support new product innovation, partially offset by a cash deposit related to a planned joint venture in Brazil.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Cash provided by financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 include the completion of a European debt offering of approximately $525 million in March 2015, partially offset by dividends paid. The proceeds of the debt offering were used to repay outstanding notes payable that was undertaken to finance recent acquisitions.
Financing Arrangements
On March 12, 2015, we completed a debt offering of €500 million (approximately $525 million as of the date of issuance) principal amount of 0.625% notes due in 2020. The notes contain covenants that limit our ability to incur certain liens or enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions. In addition, if we experience a specific kind of change of control, we are required to make an offer to purchase all of the notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
On April 22, 2015, we canceled a committed credit facility that was acquired in the fourth quarter of 2014 as part of the acquisition of Indesit. The facility provided borrowings up to €350 million with a maturity date of July 29, 2016.
Dividends
In April 2015, our Board of Directors approved a 20% increase in our quarterly dividend on our common stock to 90 cents per share from 75 cents per share.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the ordinary course of business, we enter into agreements with financial institutions to issue bank guarantees, letters of credit, and surety bonds. These agreements are primarily associated with unresolved tax matters in Brazil, as is customary under local regulations, and other governmental obligations and debt agreements. At March 31, 2015, we had approximately $442 million outstanding under these agreements.
Repurchase Program
On April 14, 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $500 million. Share repurchases are made from time to time on the open market as conditions warrant. The program does not obligate us to repurchase any of our shares. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, no shares were repurchased. At March 31, 2015, there were approximately $475 million in remaining funds authorized under this program.
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OTHER MATTERS
Embraco Antitrust Matters
Beginning in February 2009, our compressor business headquartered in Brazil ("Embraco") was notified of antitrust investigations of the global compressor industry by government authorities in various jurisdictions. Embraco has resolved government investigations in various jurisdictions as well as all related civil lawsuits in the United States. Embraco also has resolved certain other claims and certain claims remain pending. Additional lawsuits could be filed.
At March 31, 2015, $34 million remains accrued, with installment payments of $21 million, plus interest, remaining to be made to government authorities at various times through 2015. We continue to defend these actions and take other steps to minimize our potential exposure. The final outcome and impact of these matters, and any related claims and investigations that may be brought in the future are subject to many variables, and cannot be predicted. We establish accruals only for those matters where we determine that a loss is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. While it is currently not possible to reasonably estimate the aggregate amount of costs which we may incur in connection with these matters, such costs could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations in any particular reporting period.
BEFIEX Credits and Other Brazil Tax Matters
In previous years, our Brazilian operations earned tax credits under the Brazilian government’s export incentive program (BEFIEX). These credits reduced Brazilian federal excise taxes on domestic sales, resulting in an increase in the operations’ recorded net sales, as the credits are monetized. We did not monetize any BEFIEX credits during the three months ended March 31, 2015. We monetized $14 million of BEFIEX credits during the three months ended March 31, 2014. We began recognizing BEFIEX credits in accordance with prior favorable court decisions allowing for the credits to be recognized. We recognized export credits as they were monetized.
In December 2013, the Brazilian government reinstituted the monetary adjustment index applicable to BEFIEX credits that existed prior to July 2009, when the Brazilian government required companies to apply a different monetary adjustment index to BEFIEX credits. As of March 31, 2015, no BEFIEX credits deemed to be available prior to this action remained to be monetized. Whether use of the reinstituted index should be given retroactive effect for the July 2009 to December 2013 period has been subject to review by the Brazilian courts. If the reinstituted index is given retroactive effect, we would be entitled to recognize additional credits. We are awaiting the published decision of the Brazilian court on the retroactive effect of the reinstituted index.
Our Brazilian operations have received governmental assessments related to claims for income and social contribution taxes associated with BEFIEX credits monetized from 2000 through 2002 and 2007 through 2011. We do not believe BEFIEX export credits are subject to income or social contribution taxes. We are disputing these tax matters in various courts and intend to vigorously defend our positions. We have not provided for income or social contribution taxes on these export credits, and based on the opinions of tax and legal advisors, we have not accrued any amount related to these assessments as of March 31, 2015. The total amount of outstanding tax assessments received for income and social contribution taxes relating to the BEFIEX credits, including interest and penalties, is approximately 1.4 billion Brazilian reais (approximately $445 million as of March 31, 2015).
Relying on existing Brazilian legal precedent, in 2003 and 2004, we recognized tax credits in an aggregate amount of $26 million, adjusted for currency, on the purchase of raw materials used in production (“IPI tax credits”). The Brazilian tax authority subsequently challenged the recording of IPI tax credits. No credits have been recognized since 2004. In 2009, we entered into a Brazilian government program which provided extended payment terms and reduced penalties and interest to encourage tax payers to resolve this and certain other disputed tax credit amounts. As permitted by the program, we elected to settle certain debts through the use of other existing tax credits and recorded charges of approximately $34 million in 2009 associated with these matters. In July 2012, the Brazilian revenue authority notified us that a portion of our proposed settlement was rejected and we received tax assessments of 209 million Brazilian reais (approximately $65 million as of March 31, 2015), reflecting interest and penalties to date. We are disputing these assessments and we intend to vigorously defend our position. Based on the opinion of our tax and legal advisors, we have not recorded an additional reserve related to these matters.
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In 2001, Brazil adopted a law making the profits of controlled foreign corporations of Brazilian entities subject to income and social contribution tax regardless of whether the profits were repatriated ("CFC Tax"). Our Brazilian subsidiary, along with other corporations, challenged tax assessments on foreign profits on constitutionality and other grounds. In April 2013, the Brazilian Supreme Court ruled in our case, finding that the law is constitutional, but remanding the case to a lower court for consideration of other arguments raised in our appeal, including the existence of tax treaties with jurisdictions in which controlled foreign corporations are domiciled. As of March 31, 2015, our potential exposure for income and social contribution taxes relating to profits of controlled foreign corporations, including interest and penalties and net of expected foreign tax credits, is approximately 180 million Brazilian reais (approximately $56 million as of March 31, 2015). We believe these assessments are without merit and we intend to continue to vigorously dispute them. Based on the opinion of our tax and legal advisors, we have not accrued any amount related to these assessments as of March 31, 2015.
In December 2013, we entered into a Brazilian government program to settle long standing disputes. Participation in the program removed uncertainty related to 16 assessments that were previously under dispute and significantly reduces potential penalties and interest associated with these matters. Our participation will result in total payments including principal, interest, and penalties of 75 million Brazilian reais, to be paid in 30 monthly installments, which began in December 2013. The outstanding balance of principal, interest, and penalties at March 31, 2015 is 63 million Brazilian reais (approximately $20 million as of March 31, 2015).
In addition to the IPI tax credit and CFC Tax matters noted above, we are currently disputing other assessments issued by the Brazilian tax authorities related to non-income and income tax matters, including for the monetization of BEFIEX credits and other BEFIEX matters, which are at various stages of review in numerous administrative and judicial proceedings. In accordance with our accounting policies, we routinely assess these matters and, when necessary, record our best estimate of a loss. We believe these tax assessments are without merit and are vigorously defending our positions.
Litigation is inherently unpredictable and the conclusion of these matters may take many years to ultimately resolve. Proceedings of the Brazilian administrative council of tax appeals, or CARF, are currently suspended for all litigants while CARF is being evaluated by the Brazilian government, which may increase time and associated expense for our pending cases. The amounts related to these assessments will continue to be increased by monetary adjustments at the Selic rate, which is the benchmark rate set by the Brazilian Central Bank. Accordingly, it is possible that an unfavorable outcome in these proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations in any particular reporting period.
Other Litigation
We are currently defending against numerous lawsuits pending in federal and state courts in the United States relating to certain of our front load washing machines. Some of these lawsuits have been certified for treatment as class actions. The complaints in these lawsuits generally allege violations of state consumer fraud acts, unjust enrichment, product liability claims and breach of warranty. The complaints generally seek compensatory, consequential and punitive damages. We believe these suits are without merit and are vigorously defending them. Given the preliminary stage of many of these proceedings, the Company cannot reasonably estimate a possible range of loss, if any, at this time. The resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
In addition, we are currently defending a number of other lawsuits in federal and state courts in the United States related to the manufacturing and sale of our products which include class action allegations. These lawsuits allege claims which include breach of contract, breach of warranty, product liability claims, fraud, violation of federal and state consumer protection acts and negligence. We do not have insurance coverage for class action lawsuits. We are also involved in various other legal actions in the United States and other jurisdictions around the world arising in the normal course of business, for which insurance coverage may or may not be available depending on the nature of the action. We dispute the merits of these suits and actions, and intend to vigorously defend them. Management believes, based upon its current knowledge, after taking into consideration legal counsel's evaluation of such suits and actions, and after taking into account current litigation accruals, that the outcome of these matters currently pending against Whirlpool should not have a material adverse effect, if any, on our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
Other Matters
In 2013, the French Competition Authority commenced an investigation of appliance manufacturers and retailers in France. The investigation includes 11 manufacturers, including the Whirlpool and Indesit operations in France. Although it is currently not possible to assess the impact, if any, this matter may have on our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements, the resolution of this matter could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations in any particular reporting period.
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ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes to our exposures to market risk since December 31, 2014.

ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
Prior to filing this report, we completed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of March 31, 2015. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of March 31, 2015.
(b)Changes in internal control over financial reporting
In the fourth quarter of 2014, we completed our acquisitions of Hefei Sanyo and Indesit. We are in the process of integrating Hefei Sanyo and Indesit operations and consider Hefei Sanyo and Indesit material to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements and believe that the internal controls and procedures have a material effect on our internal control over financial reporting. Whirlpool has extended its Section 404 compliance program under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the applicable rules and regulations under such Act to include Hefei Sanyo and Indesit.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. | OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information with respect to legal proceedings can be found under the heading “Commitments and Contingencies” in Note 7 to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None

ITEM 3. | DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable

ITEM 5. | OTHER INFORMATION

On April 22, 2015, we canceled a committed credit facility that was acquired in the fourth quarter of 2014 as part of the acquisition of Indesit. The facility provided borrowings up to €350 million with a maturity date of July 29, 2016.

ITEM 6. | EXHIBITS

Exhibit 31.1 |  | Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31.2 |  | Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.1 |  | Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS |  | XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

|  |  | WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
|  |  | (Registrant)
| By |  | /s/ LARRY M. VENTURELLI
| Name: |  | Larry M. Venturelli
| Title: |  | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
| Date: |  | April 28, 2015

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