Moody's lifts Whirlpool view to positive

Moody's Investors Service said it changed Whirlpool Corp.'s outlook to positive from stable due to an expectation that its credit profile and earnings will continue to improve over the near- to mid-term despite concerns about high raw material prices and the impact rising gas prices may have on consumer demand.

The agency also said it affirmed all of its ratings, including the Baa3 senior unsecured rating and the prime-3 commercial paper rating.

Whirlpool's enhanced cost structure and improving demand trends in all of its regions should enable it to continue improving its profitability despite higher raw material costs, said Kevin Cassidy, a Moody's analyst.

The agency said it remains cautious about the consumer's willingness to pay higher prices, especially when gas prices are rising almost every day and oil is over $100 a barrel.

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