Fitch affirms Whirlpool

Fitch Ratings said it affirmed Whirlpool Corp.'s issuer default rating at BBB, long-term issuer default rating at BBB, short-term issuer default rating at F2, commercial-paper rating at F2, senior unsecured notes at BBB and bank revolving credit facility at BBB.

The agency also affirmed Maytag Corp.'s long-term issuer default rating at BBB and senior unsecured notes at BBB, along with Whirlpool Finance BV's short-term issuer default rating at F2 and commercial-paper rating at F2.

The outlook is stable.

The ratings reflect its position as the world's largest appliance manufacturer with leading market positions in many regions, Fitch said.

The company's global operating platform, increased manufacturing efficiency and innovation capabilities have enabled it to improve its cost structure, compete more effectively around the world and adjust to escalating material costs, the agency said.

Risks include intense global competition, volatility of raw material costs, sensitivity to business cycles and ongoing regulatory and legal issues, Fitch said.

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