Whirlpool 2005 Annual Report Download - page 8

4 Whirlpool Corporation
Looking Forward: 2006 Outlook
As we enter 2006, we expect an external environment com-
parable to the one we successfully managed in 2005. On a
global level, we expect unit demand to grow 2-to-3 percent,
and material cost increases of up to $100 million – in addi-
tion to the $800 million worth of increases we experienced
over about the last year and a half.
Within this global operating environment, our people
are focused on continuing to successfully execute our strategy
to drive growth, and to improve revenues, earnings and cash
flow. Our strategy has demonstrated its strength and ability
to perform during
2005 , and we are confident it will result in
business growth and solid performance during
2006 .
Helping Others in Need
In a year of unprecedented natural disasters – from the
tsunami in late 2004, to massive hurricanes in the Gulf
region of the U.S., and earthquakes in Pakistan, India and
Afghanistan – I’m proud to say that Whirlpool people
were often among the first to respond. Around the world,
our people provided financial support, rebuilt homes, and
donated products, food and clothing to the people impacted
by those disasters.
During the year, we strengthened our ongoing
support of Habitat for Humanity International. We were
the lead sponsor of the 2005 Jimmy Carter Work Project
(JCWP) in Michigan – where hundreds of Whirlpool people
from more than 19 nations built more than 230 homes. We
also announced plans to support every Habitat home built
globally through 2011, with product donations, employee
involvement, cash and home sponsorship.
In 2005, Whirlpool Corporation was named to the
Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, one of the world’s
most comprehensive reviews of sustainable business practices.
As a company, we have a long-term commitment to social
responsibility, and it’s our people who personify our values
and garner such recognition for our success in supporting the
communities in which we live and work globally.
In Closing
We believe Whirlpool Corporation continues to be well
positioned for future growth and success. We are pleased
with our record performance in 2005 and have set our sights
much higher in 2006 and beyond. Our differentiated brand-
value-creation strategy is continuing to demonstrate the great
opportunities for Whirlpool. We continue to build the core
competencies and operational capabilities that our employ-
ees are using around the world to support the execution of
our strategy. Going forward, as we saw in 2005, the com-
mitment and dedication of Whirlpool employees will help
enable our company to achieve success. Our focus remains
on creating value for our shareholders, trade customers,
consumers and employees. We look forward to delivering on
that commitment in 2006.
Jeff M. Fettig
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Within this global operating environment, we are focused on continuing
to successfully execute our strategy to drive growth, and to improve revenues,
earnings and cash flow. — Jeff M. Fettig