October 21, 2004-Jobwerx News-Whirlpool to overcome significant cost increases in raw material cost increases and record high oil prices. The full effect of these benefits will not be realized until 2005. As a result, it is expected that full-year earnings per share to be in the range of $5.85-to-$5.95, versus our previous guidance of $6.20-to-$6.35. Year-to-date sales of $9.59 billion increased 8.7 percent compared to the prior-year period.

Whirlpool confirms increased higher levels of productivity in all business operations, implementing price increases of approximately 5-to-10 percent in most key markets around the world, including the U.S., and accelerating the rate of innovation of new products to the market.

Net sales and unit shipments were record third-quarter performances for the company.

Third-Quarter Highlights

· Net sales and unit shipments were record third-quarter performances for the company.

· Free cash flow(1) improved $50 million on a year-over-year basis.

· Global Finance magazine recently selected Whirlpool as the "Best Company in the World" in the consumer durable sector. The recognition is part of the annual Global Finance survey of top regional and global companies in 28 industries.

· Whirlpool received the prestigious 2004 American Society for Training and Development "Best Award." The Best Award recognizes organizations that continually support organization-wide learning to improve business results.

· Whirlpool received the "User-Centered Design Award" by the Human Factors & Ergonomics Society. The award recognized the Whirlpool® Duet® fabric care system for its consumer appeal, ease of use, as well as the company’s innovative product development process.

· Habitat for Humanity International recognized Whirlpool for surpassing the 50,000 milestone in appliance donations to families in need. Whirlpool donates a refrigerator and range to every Habitat home built in North America and Europe.

· Whirlpool continued to introduce innovative products to consumers in markets around the world, including:

- The new Whirlpool® Gold super capacity dishwasher with AccuSense® adaptive wash cycle technology that automatically selects the right cleaning level and time depending on how dirty the dishes are and the size of the load.
- KitchenAid brand extended the Pro Line® series of professional-style countertop appliances with the introduction of a new food processor engineered for commercial-quality performance and capacity.
- The Kenmore Elite TurboZone(TM) dishwasher power-cleans tough, stuck-on food for timesaving convenience while using up to 50 percent less water and energy.
- The Whirlpool® JetChef three-in-one oven provides European consumers with the unique cooking flexibility of conventional, steam and microwave technology.
- The Whirlpool® Mercury clothes washer provides automatic water heating and temperature adjustments to consumers in China who do not have the convenience of hot water in the home.

Conclusion

Whirlpool has adjusted to the raw material cost increases and material and component supply shortages by aggressively driving higher levels of productivity, by implementing appropriate price increases and by accelerating the rate of new product innovation to the market. Tjeir global operating platform, strong consumer brands and innovation capabilities provide them with the necessary tools to overcome the many challenges and will enable them to deliver a solid year of operating results in 2004 and position us well going into 2005.

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