Whirlpool 2009 Annual Report Download - page 9

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Our market productivity goals were to achieve a positive balance between
our product price, mix and share. During the year, we maintained or grew
market share for our brands in all of our major markets, a strong sign that
our exciting new branded products were well received by consumers.
Strategic positioning of our global brand portfolio enabled us to deliver
diverse products that provide the value consumers seek.
Our sharp focus on these three priorities helped improve our operating
margin 1.1 points, to 4 percent, during the year despite the substantial
decline in revenues and production levels.
Another major factor that drove our performance for the year was our
strong employee alignment around our 2009 operating priorities. The
focus, passion and commitment by our employees around the world
drove our operating results and success during the year.
2010 PR IO R I TI ES
While we expect the macroeconomic environment to improve slightly,
cost reduction, cash flow generation and market execution remain key
operating priorities. These efforts, combined with our commitment to
create value by building strong brands fueled by innovative product
offerings, will provide us with growth opportunities throughout the year.
Our strong focus on cost reduction across the company will continue with
additional cost takeout actions designed to improve productivity and
manufacturing capacity utilization. These actions will help offset expected
raw material cost increases and lead to improved operating margins.
• Named to the Newsweek Green Rankings, a list of the 500 greenest big companies in
America. Whirlpool Corporation ranked 78th on the list.
• Named one of the Top 50 U.S. companies for Social Responsibility by the Boston College
Center for Corporate Citizenship and the Reputation Institute, ranking 23rd.
• Recognized with the 2009 ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence award by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This
is the company’s 10th ENERGY STAR award and fourth consecutive Sustained
Excellence win.
• Achieved a record year for design awards under our global portfolio of brands, with
more than 30 honors. The awards recognize the company’s commitment to sustainabil-
ity, design and style, and social responsibility.
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