ITEM 1. Business.
General
Whirlpool Corporation, the leading worldwide manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, was incorporated in 1955 under the laws of Delaware as the successor to a business that traces its origin to 1898. As used herein, and except where the context otherwise requires, the terms "Company" and "Whirlpool" include Whirlpool Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. All currency figures are in U.S. dollars.
Financial Information Relating to Operating Segments, Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales
The Company operates predominantly in the business segment classified as Major Home Appliances.
During 1999 the Company's U.S. operations sold product into Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. However, export sales by the Company's U.S. operations were less than 10% of gross revenues.
For certain other financial information concerning the Company's business segments and foreign and domestic operations, see Notes 1 and 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
Products and Services
The Company manufactures and markets a full line of major home appliances and related products, primarily for home use. The Company's principal products are: home laundry appliances, home refrigeration and room air conditioning equipment, home cooking appliances, home dishwashers, and mixers and other small household appliances. Less than 10% of the Company's unit sales volume is purchased from other manufacturers for resale by the Company. The Company also produces hermetic compressors and plastic components, primarily for the home appliance and electronics industries.
The following table sets forth information regarding the total revenue contributed by each class of similar products which accounted for 10% or more of the Company's consolidated revenue in 1999, 1998, and 1997:
The Company has been the principal supplier of home laundry appliances to Sears, Roebuck and Co. ("Sears") for over 80 years. The Company is also the principal supplier to Sears of residential trash compactors and microwave hood combinations and a major supplier to Sears of dishwashers, free-standing ranges, and home refrigeration equipment. The Company also supplies Sears with certain other products for which the Company is not currently a major supplier. Sales of such other products to Sears are not significant to the Company's business. The Company supplies products to Sears for sale under Sears' Kenmore and Sears brand names. Sears
has also been a major outlet for the Company's Whirlpool and KitchenAid brand products since 1989. In 1999 approximately 18% of the Company's net sales were attributable to sales to Sears.
Major home appliances are marketed and distributed in the United States under the Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Roper, and Estate brand names primarily to retailers, buying groups, and builders. KitchenAid portable appliances are sold to retailers either directly or through an independent representative organization. The Company sells product to the builder trade both directly and through contract distributors. Major home appliances are manufactured and/or distributed in Canada under the Inglis, Admiral, Speed Queen, Whirlpool, Estate, Roper, and KitchenAid brand names. In Mexico the Company's affiliate, Vitromatic S.A., manufactures and markets major home appliances for sale under the Whirlpool, Acros, and Supermatic brand names. Refrigerator-freezers, laundry products, room air conditioners, residential trash compactors, residential and component ice makers, cooking products, dishwashers, and other products are sold in limited quantities by the Company to other manufacturers and retailers for resale in North America under their respective brand names.
In Europe Whirlpool markets and distributes, through wholly owned sales entities, its major home appliances under the Whirlpool, Bauknecht, Ignis, Algor, and Laden brand names and its portable appliances under the KitchenAid brand name. In addition to its extensive operations in Western Europe, the Company has sales subsidiaries in Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Morocco and a representative office in Russia. In certain Eastern European countries and ex-Soviet states, products bearing the Whirlpool and Ignis brand names are sold through independent distributors. The Company owns a subsidiary in South Africa which manufactures refrigerators and freezers and through which it markets a full line of products under the Whirlpool and KIC brand names. Whirlpool's European operations also sell products carrying the Whirlpool, Bauknecht, Ignis, Algor, and Fides brand names to the Company's wholly-owned sales companies in Asia and majority-owned sales companies in Latin America and to independent distributors and dealers in Africa and the Middle East.
In Asia the Company markets and distributes its major home appliances through three operating regions: the South Asia Sales region based in New Delhi, which includes India and surrounding markets; the Asia Pacific Sales region, which includes the ASEAN countries, Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan; and the China Sales region through Whirlpool Narcissus and Whirlpool Shunde. With the exception of the Narcissus and Taiwan joint ventures, all of these entities are wholly-owned by Whirlpool. The Company markets and sells its products in Asia under the Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Bauknecht, and Ignis brand names.
In Latin America the Company markets and distributes its major home appliances through regional networks under the Whirlpool, Brastemp, Consul, and Eslabon de Lujo brand names. Appliance sales and distribution in Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile are managed through subsidiaries owned by Multibras S.A. Eletrodomesticos ("Multibras"), the Company's Brazilian subsidiary, and in Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, and Uruguay through independent distributors. Appliance sales and distribution in Central American countries, the Caribbean, Venezuela, and Ecuador are managed through Whirlpool sales subsidiaries which are part of Whirlpool's North America Region and through independent distributors. In Colombia the Company operates a sales branch which sells and distributes products for the Colombian market.
Competition
The major home appliance business is highly competitive. The Company believes that, in terms of units sold annually, it is the largest United States manufacturer of home laundry appliances and one of the largest United States manufacturers of home refrigeration and room air conditioning equipment, dishwashers, and cooking products. The Company estimates that during 1999 with respect to U.S. manufacturers, there were approximately five manufacturers of home laundry appliances, ten manufacturers of room air conditioning equipment, five manufacturers of home refrigeration equipment, five manufacturers of dishwashers, and five manufacturers of cooking products. Competition in the North American major home appliance business is based
on a wide variety of factors, including principally product features, price, product quality and performance, service, warranty, advertising, and promotion.
The Company believes that in Europe it is, in terms of units sold annually, one of the three largest manufacturers and marketers of major home appliance products. The Company estimates that during 1999 there were approximately 35 European manufacturers of major home appliances, the majority of which manufacture a limited range of products for a specific geographic region. In recent years there has been significant merger and acquisition activity as manufacturers seek to broaden product lines and expand geographic markets, and the Company believes this trend will continue. The Company believes it is in a favorable position in Europe relative to its competitors because it has an experienced European sales network, balanced sales throughout the European market under well-recognized brand names, manufacturing facilities located in different countries, and the ability to customize its products to meet the specific needs of diverse consumer groups. Competition in the European major home appliance business is based on a wide variety of factors, including principally product features, price, product quality and performance, service, warranty, advertising, and promotion. With respect to microwave ovens, Western European manufacturers face competition from manufacturers in Asia, primarily China, South Korea, and Japan.
In Asia the major domestic appliance market is characterized by rapid growth and is dominated primarily by Asian diversified industrial manufacturers whose significant size and scope of operations enable them to achieve economies of scale. The Company estimates that during 1999 there were approximately 50 manufacturers of major home appliances competing in the Asian market. Competition in the Asian home appliance business is based on a wide variety of factors including principally local production capabilities, product features, price, product quality and performance.
The Company believes that it is well-positioned in the Latin American appliance market due to its ability to offer a broad range of products under well-recognized brand names such as Whirlpool, Brastemp, Consul, and Eslabon de Lujo to meet the specific requirements of consumers in the region. The Company estimates that during 1999 there were approximately 20 manufacturers of home appliances in the region. Competition in the Latin American home appliance business is based on a wide variety of factors, including principally product features, price, product quality and performance, service, warranty, advertising, and promotion. In Latin America there are trends toward privatization of government-owned businesses and a liberalization of investment and trade restrictions.
As a result of its global expansion, the Company believes it has a competitive advantage by reason of its ability to leverage engineering capabilities across regions, transfer best practices, and economically purchase raw materials and component parts in large volumes.
Employees
The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries had approximately 61,000 employees as of December 31, 1999.
Other Information
The Company has a controlling equity interest in Brasmotor S.A., the Company's long-time partner in Latin America and the parent company of certain Latin American manufacturers of major home appliances and components (Empressa Brasileira de Compressores S.A. (Embraco) and Multibras). The Company has a minority equity interest in Vitromatic, S.A., a Mexican manufacturer of home appliances and components. In China the Company has a majority interest in Whirlpool Narcissus (Shanghai) Company Limited, a joint venture company that manufactures automatic washing machines for sale and distribution in China and for export, and a
minority interest in Shenzhen Electra Air-Conditioner Co. Limited, a joint venture company that manufactures air conditioners. In India the Company has a majority interest in a company that produces refrigeration products and washing machines for the Indian market and for export to the rest of Asia. The Company also has a minority equity interest in a Taiwanese marketer and distributor of home appliances. The Company has a significant minority equity interest in a major manufacturer of kitchen furniture in Germany that is also a major trade customer of the Company. In addition, the Company furnishes engineering, manufacturing, and marketing assistance to certain foreign manufacturers of home laundry and refrigeration equipment and other major home appliances for negotiated fees.
The Company's interests outside the United States and Western Europe are subject to risks which may be greater than or in addition to those risks which are currently present in the United States and Western Europe. Such risks may include: currency exchange rate fluctuations; high inflation; the need for governmental approval of and restrictions on certain financial and other corporate transactions and new or continued business operations; the convertibility of local currencies; government price controls; restrictions on the remittance of dividends, interest, royalties, and other payments; restrictions on imports and exports; duties; political and economic developments and instability; the possibility of expropriation; uncertainty as to the enforceability of commercial rights and trademarks; and various types of local participation in ownership.
Since the real devaluation in January 1999, the Brazilian economy has been gradually improving throughout the year. The white goods industry in Brazil declined in 1999 as a consequence of high interest rates, limited credit availability, and a high unemployment level. However, the Company's performance has been superior to market performance, resulting in the Company's gain in market share. In the foreseeable future, it is expected that Brazil will experience moderate but steady GDP growth, a trend that began in the fourth quarter of 1999. The gradual easing of interest rates by the Brazilian Central Bank is likely to improve demand. Despite an inflation spike toward the end of 1999, inflation is likely to remain under control given current economic conditions. The reduction of country risk due to improved payment balance, reduction in fiscal deficit, and a calm political environment should result in greater exchange rate stability in the future.
The Company is generally not dependent upon any one source for raw materials or purchased components essential to its business. In those areas where a single supplier is used, alternative sources are generally available and can be developed within the normal manufacturing environment, although some unanticipated costs may be incurred in transitioning to a new supplier where a prior single supplier is abruptly terminated. While there are pricing pressures on some materials and significant demand for certain components, the Company believes such raw materials and components will be available in adequate quantities to meet anticipated production schedules.
Patents presently owned by the Company are considered, in the aggregate, to be important to the conduct of the Company's business. The Company is licensed under a number of patents, none of which individually is considered material to its business. The Company is the owner of a number of trademarks and the U.S. and foreign registrations thereof. The most important for its North American operations are the trademarks Whirlpool, KitchenAid, the KitchenAid Mixer Shape, Roper, and Inglis. In Europe Whirlpool, through its subsidiaries, is also the owner of a number of trademarks and the foreign registrations thereof. The most important trademarks owned by the Company in Europe are Bauknecht, Ignis, and Laden. In Latin America the most important trademarks owned by the Company are Brastemp, Consul and Eslabon de Lujo. The most important trademark for the Company's European, Asian, and Latin American operations is Whirlpool.
The Company believes that its business, in the aggregate, is not seasonal. Certain of its products, however, sell more heavily in some seasons than in others. For example, air conditioners typically sell more heavily during summer months. Where appropriate, the Company manages its regional manufacturing operations and product inventories to address seasonal variations in demand.
Backlogs of the Company's products are filled and renewed relatively frequently in each year and are not significant in relation to the Company's annual sales. However, with respect to Asia, marked seasonality of certain product sales, combined with less efficient modes of distribution in that region, can result in significant inventory backlogs.
Expenditures for Company-sponsored research and engineering activities relating to the development of new products and the improvement of existing products are included in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
The Company's manufacturing facilities are subject to numerous laws and regulations designed to protect or enhance the environment, many of which require federal, state, or other governmental licenses and permits with regard to wastewater discharges, air emissions, and hazardous waste management. These laws are continually changing and, as a general matter, are becoming more restrictive. The Company's policy is to seek to comply with all such laws and regulations. When laws and regulations are inadequate, the Company has established and is following its own standards consistent with its commitment to environmental responsibility.
The Company believes that it is in compliance in all material respects with all presently applicable federal, state, local, and other governmental provisions relating to environmental protection in the countries in which it has manufacturing operations. Capital expenditures and expenses for manufacturing operations directly attributable to compliance with such provisions worldwide amounted to approximately $30 million in 1997, $30 million in 1998, and $19 million in 1999. The decrease from 1998 to 1999 is attributable to the completion of air and water pollution control capital improvement projects in 1998, as well as benefits from previous pollution prevention projects. It is estimated that in 2000 environmental capital expenditures and expenses for manufacturing operations will be approximately $22 million. Capital expenditures and expenses for product related environmental activities were not material in any of the past three years and are not expected to be material in 2000.
The entire United States home appliance industry, including the Company, must contend with the adoption of stricter governmental energy and environmental standards to be phased in over the next several years. These include the general phase-out of HCFCs used in refrigeration and energy standards rulemakings for other selected major appliances produced by the Company. Compliance with these various standards as they become effective will require some product redesign.
As in the United States, Whirlpool's European and Latin American operations are also dealing with anticipated regulations and rules regarding improved efficiency and energy usage for its products. The Company believes it is well positioned to field products that comply with these anticipated regulations. In most Asian countries the Company has until 2010 to eliminate CFCs from its products. Whirlpool's Asian operations are also well positioned to meet anticipated efficiency and energy usage regulations.
The Company has been notified by state and federal environmental protection agencies of its possible involvement in a number of so-called "Superfund" sites in the United States. However, the Company does not presently anticipate any material adverse effect upon the Company's earnings or financial condition arising out of the resolution of these matters or the resolution of any other known governmental proceeding regarding environmental protection matters. In 1999 the Company evaluated its facilities in Brazil and does not anticipate any material adverse effect upon the Company's earnings or financial condition from the environmental condition of these facilities.
In an effort to enhance productivity and business systems performance, the Company is implementing an integrated business software package to replace and consolidate many of its existing stand-alone systems. The new system was implemented in Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland in 1998, and in the United States and the Netherlands in 1999. The project is expected to be completed within the next two years.
The following table sets forth the names of the Company's executive officers at December 31, 1999, the positions and offices with the Company held by them at such date, the year they first became officers, and their ages at December 31, 1999:
Each of the executive officers named above was elected to serve in the office indicated until the first meeting of the Board of Directors following the annual meeting of stockholders in 2000 and until his successor is chosen and qualified or until his earlier resignation or removal.
Each of the executive officers of the Company has held the position set forth in the table above or has served the Company in various executive or administrative capacities for at least the past five years, except for:
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. Properties.
The principal executive offices of Whirlpool Corporation are located in Benton Harbor, Michigan. At December 31, 1999, the principal manufacturing and service operations of the Company were carried on at 44 locations worldwide, 34 of which are located in 12 countries outside the United States. The Company occupied a total of approximately 41.7 million square feet devoted to manufacturing, service, administrative offices, warehouse, distribution, and sales space. Over 12.4 million square feet of such space is occupied under lease. In general, all facilities are well maintained, suitably equipped, and in good operating condition.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings.
As of, and during the quarter ended, December 31, 1999, there were no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries was a party or to which any of their property was subject.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders in the fourth quarter of 1999.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.
The Company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Chicago Stock Exchange.
As of March 1, 2000, the number of holders of record of the Company's common stock was approximately 12,364.
High and low sales prices (as reported on the New York Stock Exchange composite tape) and cash dividends declared and paid for the Company's common stock for each quarter during the years 1998 and 1999 are set forth in Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report and incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data.
The selected financial data for the five years ended December 31, 1999 with respect to the following line items are shown under the "Eleven Year Consolidated Statistical Review" in the Annual Report and incorporated herein by reference: Total revenues, earnings from continuing operations before accounting change, earnings from continuing operations before accounting change per share of common stock, dividends paid per share of common stock, total assets, and long-term debt. See the material incorporated herein by reference in response to Item 7
ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
See the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of the Annual Report which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Information with respect to market risk can be found under the caption "Market Risk" in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of the Annual Report which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The consolidated financial statements of the Company are contained in the Annual Report and incorporated herein by reference. Supplementary financial information regarding quarterly results of operations (unaudited) for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 is set forth in Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. For a list of financial statements and schedules filed as part of this report, see the "Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule(s)" beginning on page.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.
Information with respect to directors of the Company can be found under the caption "Directors and Nominees for Election as Directors" in the Company's Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. Information with respect to executive officers of the Company is set forth in Part I of this report.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation.
Information with respect to compensation of executive officers and directors of the Company can be found under the captions "Executive Compensation" and "Compensation of Directors" in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
Information with respect to security ownership by the only person(s) known to the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the Company's stock and by each director of the Company and all directors and elected officers of the Company as a group can be found under the caption "Security Ownership" in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
Information with respect to certain transactions with executive officers and directors of the Company and others can be found under the caption "Certain Transactions" in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
1. The financial statements listed in the "Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules."
2. The financial statement schedule listed in the "Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules."
3. The exhibits listed in the "Exhibit Index."
(b) Reports on Form 8-K filed during the fourth quarter of 1999.
A current report on Form 8-K for November 4, 1999 pursuant to item 5 - - "Other Events" announced that the Company was making a tender offer for the outstanding publicly traded shares in Brazil of its subsidiaries Multibras and Brasmotor S.A.
(c) Exhibits.
See attached "Exhibit Index."
(d) Financial Statement Schedules.
The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted as a separate section of this report.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Whirlpool Corporation (Registrant)
Mark E. Brown By___________________________________ Mark E. Brown (Principal Financial Officer) Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
/s/ Daniel F. Hopp *By____________________________ Daniel F. Hopp Attorney-in-Fact
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
ITEMS 14(a) (1) AND (2) AND 14(d)
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
The following consolidated financial statements of the registrant and its consolidated subsidiaries, set forth in the Annual Report, are incorporated herein by reference in Item 8:
Consolidated balance sheets--December 31, 1999 and 1998
Consolidated statements of earnings--Three years ended December 31,
Consolidated statements of changes in stockholders' equity--Three years ended December 31, 1999
Consolidated statements of cash flows--Three years ended December 31,
Notes to consolidated financial statements
The following reports of independent auditors and consolidated financial statement schedules of the registrant and its consolidated subsidiaries are submitted herewith in response to Items 14(a) (2) and 14(d):
Individual financial statements of the registrant's affiliated foreign companies, accounted for by the equity method, have been omitted since no such company individually constitutes a significant subsidiary. Summarized financial information relating to the affiliated companies is set forth in Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements incorporated by reference herein.
Certain schedules for which provisions are made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
THE STOCKHOLDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION--BENTON HARBOR, MICHIGAN
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Whirlpool Corporation as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits. We did not audit the 1998 and 1997 financial statements of Brasmotor S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries, which statements reflect total assets of $2,500 million as of December 31, 1998 and net earnings of $58 million and $41 million for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to data included for Brasmotor S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries, is based on the reports of the other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the reports of the other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits and, for 1998 and 1997, the reports of the other auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Whirlpool Corporation at December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
[SIGNATURE]
Chicago, Illinois January 20, 2000
[PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD]
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders Brasmotor S.A.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Brasmotor S.A. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the related consolidated statements of earnings, of movement in stockholders' equity and of cash flows for the years then ended, expressed in U.S. dollars (not presented herein). Such audits were made in conjunction with our audits of the financial statements expressed in local currency on which we issued an unqualified opinion dated January 18, 1999. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of Whirlpool Argentina S.A. and Sociedade Financeira de Grandes Aparatos Domesticos S.A., which statements reflect total assets of US$149,457 thousand and US$119,549 thousand as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and net earnings of US$6,037 thousand and US$9,487 thousand for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to data included for Whirlpool Argentina S.A. and Sociedade Financeira de Grandes Aparatos Domesticos S.A., is based solely on the reports of the other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the reports of the other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As stated in Note 1, Whirlpool Corporation has prescribed that accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America be applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of Brasmotor S.A. and its subsidiaries to be included in Whirlpool's consolidated financial statements. Up to December 31, 1997, Brazil had a highly inflationary economy. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that financial statements of a company denominated in the currency of a country with a highly inflationary economy be remeasured into a more stable currency unit for purposes of consolidation. Accordingly, the accounts of Brasmotor S.A. and its Brazilian subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997, which are maintained in reais, were remeasured and adjusted into U.S. dollars for the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, on the bases stated in Note 1. As from January 1, 1998, the functional currency, for the purpose of the translation of the financial statements into U.S. dollars, has been changed from the U.S. dollar to the local currency (reais).
[PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD]
Brasmotor S.A. In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of the other auditors, the consolidated financial statements expressed in U.S. dollars audited by us are presented fairly, in all material respects, on the bases stated in Note 1 and discussed in the preceding paragraph.
[PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS SIGNATURE]
PricewaterhouseCoopers Auditores Independentes
Sao Paulo, Brazil January 18, 1999
[PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD]
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders Empresa Brasileira de Compressores S.A.--EMBRACO
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Empresa Brasileira de Compressores S.A.--EMBRACO and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the related consolidated statements of earnings, of movement in stockholders' equity and of cash flows for the years then ended, expressed in U.S. dollars (not presented herein). Such audits were made in conjunction with our audits of the financial statements expressed in local currency on which we issued an unqualified opinion dated January 18, 1999. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As stated in Note 1, Whirlpool Corporation has prescribed that accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America be applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of Empresa Brasileira de Compressores S.A.--EMBRACO and its subsidiaries to be included in Whirlpool's consolidated financial statements. Up to December 31, 1997, Brazil had a highly inflationary economy. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that financial statements of a company denominated in the currency of a country with a highly inflationary economy be remeasured into a more stable currency unit for purposes of consolidation. Accordingly, the accounts of Empresa Brasileira de Compressores S.A.--EMBRACO and its Brazilian subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997, which are maintained in reais, were remeasured and adjusted into U.S. dollars for the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, on the bases stated in Note 1. As from January 1, 1998, the functional currency, for the purpose of the translation of the financial statements into U.S. dollars, has been changed from U.S. dollar to the local currency (reais).
[PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD]
Empresa Brasileira de Compressores S.A.--EMBRACO In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements expressed in U.S. dollars audited by us are presented fairly, in all material respects, on the bases stated in Note 1 and discussed in the preceding paragraph.
[PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS SIGNATURE]
PricewaterhouseCoopers Auditores Independentes
Sao Paulo, Brazil January 18, 1999
[PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD]
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders Multibras S.A. Eletrodomesticos
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Multibras S.A. Eletrodomesticos and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the related consolidated statements of earnings, of movement in stockholders' equity and of cash flows for the years then ended, expressed in U.S. dollars (not presented herein). Such audits were made in conjunction with our audits of the financial statements expressed in local currency on which we issued an unqualified opinion dated January 18, 1999. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of Whirlpool Argentina S.A. and Sociedade Financeira de Grandes Aparatos Domesticos S.A., which statements reflect total assets of US$ 149,457 thousand and US$ 119,549 thousand as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and net earnings of US$ 6,037 thousand and US$ 9,487 thousand for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose reports hves been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to data included for Whirlpool Argentina S.A. and Sociedade Financeira de Grandes Aparatos Domesticos S.A., is based solely on the report of the other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the reports of the other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As stated in Note 1, Whirlpool Corporation has prescribed that accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America be applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of Multibras S.A. Eletrodomesticos and its subsidiaries to be included in Whirlpool's consolidated financial statements. Up to December 31, 1997, Brazil had a highly inflationary economy. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that financial statements of a company denominated in the currency of a country with a highly inflationary economy be remeasured into a more stable currency unit for purposes of consolidation. Accordingly, the accounts of Multibras S.A. Eletrodomesticos and its Brazilian subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997, which are maintained in reais, were remeasured and adjusted into U.S. dollars for the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, on the bases stated in Note 1. As from January 1, 1998, the functional currency, for the purpose of the translation of the financial statements into U.S. dollars, has been changed from the U.S. dollar to the local currency (reais).
[PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD]
Multibras S.A. Eletrodomesticos In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of the other auditors, the consolidated financial statements expressed in U.S. dollars audited by us are presented fairly, in all material respects, on the bases stated in Note 1 and discussed in the preceding paragraph.
[PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS SIGNATURE]
PricewaterhouseCoopers Auditores Independentes
Sao Paulo, Brazil January 18, 1999
SCHEDULE II--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997
(millions of dollars)
- ---- Note A--The amount represents the allowance for doubtful accounts balance on the balance sheet of Brasmotor S.A. at the time of consolidation in 1997. Note B--The amounts represent accounts charged off, less recoveries of $2 in 1999, $5 in 1998 and $15 in 1997, translation adjustments and transfers. Note C--The amount for 1998 represents a transfer to the trade receivable allowance while the amount for 1997 and 1996 represent accounts charged off, less recoveries of $4 and $3, respectively. Note D--The amount represents the restructructuring provision on the balance sheet of Brasmotor S.A. at the time of consolidation in 1997. Note E--Includes cash payments for employee severance and related costs, lease terminations, facility dispositions and other cash costs; write-down of facilities, equipment and other assets; and translation adjustments.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K ITEMS 14(a)(3) and 14(c) EXHIBIT INDEX YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
The following exhibits are submitted herewith or incorporated herein by reference in response to Items 14(a)(3) and 14(c):
E-1
E-2
- -------- *This information appears only in the manually signed originals of the Form 10-K and conformed copies with exhibits.
E-3