Whirlpool Corporation is reassessing its strategy in India, with CEO Marc Bitzer confirming the company will, for now, retain its current stake in its Indian business. This decision follows a previous sale of a portion of its stake in November and a halt to plans to sell more shares.
The US-based parent company is comfortable with its current ownership level in India. Whirlpool aims to reduce its debt by $400 million and will explore different avenues to achieve this goal. In November 2025, Whirlpool reduced its majority stake in India from 51% to a minority stake of 40%, utilizing the proceeds to pay down debt. The company expressed satisfaction with the outcome of this transaction and its retained position.
Amid these financial maneuvers, Whirlpool of India is scheduled to hold a Board of Directors meeting on February 6, 2026, to review the unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ending December 31, 2025.
Previously, there were talks of Advent International acquiring a 31% stake in Whirlpool of India, but the deal collapsed due to valuation differences. Advent International reportedly sought a lower price, citing regulatory headwinds, while Whirlpool aimed to raise funds to repay debt.
Despite the financial restructuring, Whirlpool is strengthening its ties with its Indian counterpart through strategic agreements and corporate restructuring. These agreements include a Brand License Agreement granting exclusive rights to the Whirlpool brand in India and neighboring markets for 30 years, a Technology License Agreement providing access to Whirlpool's technical intellectual property, and a Services Agreement engaging Whirlpool Asia LLP to provide engineering and technical support.
Looking ahead, Whirlpool anticipates a 5% revenue increase in 2026, with new product launches expected to drive growth in North America and continued strength in its global and international businesses. The company is also focused on product innovation, retail expansion, and enhanced customer engagement in India, positioning itself to capitalize on opportunities in smart appliances and energy-efficient solutions.
In 2025, Whirlpool faced challenges, including absorbing $300 million in tariffs amid a sluggish housing market. Despite these headwinds, the company delivered $200 million in cost takeout actions, though it wasn't enough to fully offset the impact of tariffs due to promotional pressures. Whirlpool's management noted a positive shift in industry pricing and promotions after mid-December 2025.
Whirlpool has provided a reset baseline for its long-term targets in 2025 results, reflecting business performance expectations during a mid-cycle, after housing recovery has started but before it reaches its peak. The company is targeting approximately 5% revenue growth and $7 earnings per share in 2026.
