Biggest changeStandardized processes may lead to a lack of flexibility, making it harder to respond to specific business unit needs. Additionally, inconsistent oversight of third-party operations could compromise the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, while diminished internal control over key functions could result in errors, fraud, or regulatory penalties.
Biggest changeAdditionally, inconsistent oversight of third-party operations could compromise the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, while diminished internal control over key functions could result in errors, fraud, or regulatory penalties. 15 An inability to understand consumers’ preferences and to timely identify, develop, manufacture, market, and sell products that meet customer demand could adversely affect our business.
If we are unable to fully realize the anticipated benefits from our portfolio transformation, including increased profitability driven by higher-growth, higher-margin businesses, our ability to fund other initiatives may be adversely affected. The failure to implement successfully this or our other important strategic initiatives may materially adversely affect our operating results, financial condition and liquidity.
If we are unable to fully realize the anticipated benefits from our portfolio transformation, including increased profitability driven by higher-growth, higher-margin businesses, our ability to fund other initiatives may be adversely affected. The failure to successfully implement this or our other important strategic initiatives may materially adversely affect our operating results, financial condition and liquidity.
We have also experienced and may in the future experience entity governance and management difficulties where we hold only a minority, as is the case with Beko Europe and Whirlpool China, or simple majority equity ownership position. Integrating acquisitions and carving out divestitures is often costly, may be dilutive to earnings and may require significant attention from management.
We have also experienced and may in the future experience entity governance and management difficulties where we hold only a minority, as is the case with Whirlpool India, Beko Europe and Whirlpool China, or simple majority equity ownership position. Integrating acquisitions and carving out divestitures is often costly, may be dilutive to earnings and may require significant attention from management.
Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Uncertainty about future economic and industry conditions also makes it more challenging for us to 28 forecast our operating results, make business decisions, and identify and prioritize the risks that may adversely affect our businesses, sources and uses of cash, financial condition and results of operations.
Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Uncertainty about future economic and industry conditions also makes it more challenging for us to forecast our operating results, make business decisions, and identify and prioritize the risks that may adversely affect our businesses, sources and uses of cash, financial condition and results of operations.
Actual results may significantly vary from our reserves. 25 We are subject to, and could be further subject to, governmental investigations or actions by other third parties. We are subject to various federal, foreign and state laws, including antitrust and product-related laws and regulations, violations of which can involve civil or criminal sanctions.
Actual results may significantly vary from our reserves. We are subject to, and could be further subject to, governmental investigations or actions by other third parties. We are subject to various federal, foreign and state laws, including antitrust and product-related laws and regulations, violations of which can involve civil or criminal sanctions.
In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. Those statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results could differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements.
In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, or 13 other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. Those statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results could differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements.
If we are unable to successfully compete in this highly competitive environment, our business and financial performance could be adversely affected. 15 A loss of or substantial decline in volume of sales to any of our key trade customers, major buying groups, and/or builders could adversely affect our financial performance.
If we are unable to successfully compete in this highly competitive environment, our business and financial performance could be adversely affected. A loss of or substantial decline in volume of sales to any of our key trade customers, major buying groups, and/or builders could adversely affect our financial performance.
Additionally, the loss of share with these trade customers, or financial difficulties, including bankruptcy and financial restructuring, by these trade customers could have a material adverse effect on our financial statements. Failure to maintain our reputation and brand image could adversely impact our business.
Additionally, the loss of share with these trade customers, or financial 14 difficulties, including bankruptcy and financial restructuring, by these trade customers could have a material adverse effect on our financial statements. Failure to maintain our reputation and brand image could adversely impact our business.
Events and circumstances, such as financial or strategic difficulties, organizational and people transitions, delays 16 and unexpected costs may occur that could result in the Company not realizing all of the anticipated benefits or the Company not realizing such benefits on our expected timetable.
Events and circumstances, such as financial or strategic difficulties, organizational and people transitions, delays and unexpected costs may occur that could result in the Company not realizing all of the anticipated benefits or the Company not realizing such benefits on our expected timetable.
A shortage of key employees can jeopardize our ability to implement our business objectives and execute our portfolio transformation, and changes in key executives can result in loss of continuity, loss of accumulated knowledge, departures of other key employees, disruptions to our operations and inefficiencies during transition periods.
A shortage of key employees can jeopardize our ability to implement our business objectives and execute our portfolio transformation, and changes in key executives can result in loss of continuity, loss of accumulated knowledge, departures of other key employees, 21 disruptions to our operations and inefficiencies during transition periods.
For example, we are currently disputing certain income and indirect tax related assessments issued by the Brazilian authorities; and we are disputing certain income and indirect tax assessments in various legal proceedings globally. For additional information about certain income and indirect tax related assessments issued by the Brazilian authorities, see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
For example, we are currently disputing certain income and indirect tax related assessments issued by the Brazilian authorities; and we are disputing certain income and indirect tax assessments in various legal proceedings globally. For additional information about certain income and indirect tax related assessments issued by the Brazilian authorities, see Note 7 to the 24 Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our operations and those of our suppliers are subject to disruption for a variety of unexpected reasons, including, but not limited to, sudden changes in business conditions, plant shutdowns or slowdowns, transportation delays due to port delays or any disruption on the supply chain, work stoppages, epidemics and pandemics, labor shortages, labor relations, global geopolitical instability, foreign conflict or country invasion, price inflation, governmental regulatory and enforcement actions, intellectual property claims against suppliers, disputes with suppliers, distributors or transportation providers, financial issues such as supplier bankruptcy, information technology failures, hazards such as fire, earthquakes, flooding, or other natural disasters, including due to climate change, and increased homeland security requirements in the U.S. and other countries.
Our operations and those of our suppliers are subject to disruption for a variety of unexpected reasons, including, but not limited to, sudden changes in business conditions, plant shutdowns or slowdowns, transportation delays due to port delays or any disruption on the supply chain, work stoppages, epidemics and pandemics, labor shortages, labor relations, global geopolitical instability, foreign conflict or country invasion, price inflation, governmental regulatory and enforcement actions, including with respect to trade and tariffs, intellectual property claims against suppliers, disputes with suppliers, distributors or transportation providers, financial issues such as supplier bankruptcy, information technology failures, hazards such as fire, earthquakes, flooding, or other natural disasters, including due to climate change, and increased homeland security requirements in the U.S. and other countries.
Insurance for certain disruptions may not be available, affordable or adequate. The effects of climate change, including extreme weather events, long-term changes in temperature levels and water availability may exacerbate these risks. Such disruption has in the past and could in the future interrupt our ability to manufacture certain products.
Insurance for certain disruptions may not be available, affordable or adequate. The effects of climate change, including extreme weather events, long-term changes in temperature levels and water scarcity may exacerbate these risks. Such disruption has in the past and could in the future interrupt our ability to manufacture certain products.
These risks include the following: • Political, legal, and economic instability and uncertainty, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, China and Taiwan tensions, the Red Sea conflict and its impact on shipping and logistics and other global conflicts, including tensions between China and the United States, economic instability in Argentina, as well as pandemic-related uncertainties in the countries in which we operate; • Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; • Changes in foreign tax rules, regulations and other requirements, including changes in tax rates and changes in statutory and judicial interpretations of tax laws which could result in significant tax disputes; • Changes in diplomatic and trade relationships, including sanctions and related regulations resulting from the current political situation in countries in which we do business, and potential changes to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA); • Inflation and/or deflation, and changes in interest rates; • Changes in foreign country regulatory requirements, including data privacy laws; • Various import/export restrictions and disruptions and the availability of required import/export licenses; • Imposition of tariffs and other trade barriers; • Managing widespread operations and enforcing internal policies and procedures such as compliance with U.S. and foreign anti-bribery, anti-corruption regulations, and anti-money laundering regulations, such as the U.S.
These risks include the following: • Political, legal, and economic instability and uncertainty, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, China and Taiwan tensions, the Red Sea conflict and its impact on shipping and logistics and other global conflicts, including tensions between China and the United States, economic instability in Argentina, as well as pandemic-related uncertainties in the countries in which we operate; • Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; • Changes in foreign tax rules, regulations and other requirements, including changes in tax rates and changes in statutory and judicial interpretations of tax laws which could result in significant tax disputes; • Changes in diplomatic and trade relationships, including sanctions, export controls, and related regulations resulting from the current political situation in countries in which we do business, and potential changes to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and other trade agreements; • Inflation and/or deflation, and changes in interest rates; • Changes in foreign country regulatory requirements, including data privacy laws; • Various import/export restrictions and disruptions and the availability of required import/export licenses; • Imposition of tariffs and other trade barriers, as further set forth above; • Managing widespread operations and enforcing internal policies and procedures such as compliance with U.S. and foreign anti-bribery, anti-corruption regulations, and anti-money laundering regulations, such as the U.S.
In 2024, as part of our organizational model, we introduced Accelerator Centers of Excellence, a more refined Strategic Center and Business Unit Services. During 2025, we will further evolve our business services model, transitioning certain functional processes to a third-party provider. The reliance on external providers may increase the risk of service disruptions, data breaches, or non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
In 2024, as part of our organizational model, we introduced Accelerator Centers of Excellence, a more refined Strategic Center and Business Unit Services. During 2025, we further evolved our business services model, transitioning certain functional processes to a third-party provider. The reliance on external providers may increase the risk of service disruptions, data breaches, or non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
In addition, because our consolidated financial results are reported in U.S. dollars, as we generate sales or earnings in other currencies, the translation of those results into U.S. dollars 23 can result in a significant increase or decrease in the amount of those sales or earnings.
In addition, because our consolidated financial results are reported in U.S. dollars, as 22 we generate sales or earnings in other currencies, the translation of those results into U.S. dollars can result in a significant increase or decrease in the amount of those sales or earnings.
In addition, the adoption of generative artificial intelligence ("AI") technologies may bring challenges in terms of disruption to both our business model and our existing technology and products. We may further be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption and application of new technologies by established participants or new entrants, and others.
In addition, the adoption of AI technologies may bring challenges in terms of disruption to both our business model and our existing technology and products. We may further be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption and application of new technologies by established participants or new entrants, and others.
Bribery Act, and antitrust laws; • Significant limitations in our ability to apply our internal controls over financial reporting to our minority interest investments; • Labor disputes, labor shortages and work stoppages at our operations and suppliers; • Government price controls; • Trade customer insolvency and the inability to collect accounts receivable; • Limitations on the repatriation or movement of earnings and cash; and • Various U.S. and non-U.S. laws and regulations specific to and/or focused on requirements to ensure the non-use of forced labor and child labor within our supply chain, as well as compliance with various applicable human rights laws and regulations. 20 We are subject to the FCPA, U.K.
Bribery Act, and antitrust and fair competition laws; • Significant limitations in our ability to apply our internal controls over financial reporting to our minority interest investments; • Labor disputes, labor shortages and work stoppages at our operations and suppliers; • Government price controls; • Trade customer insolvency and the inability to collect accounts receivable; • Limitations on the repatriation or movement of earnings and cash; and • Various U.S. and non-U.S. laws and regulations specific to and/or focused on requirements to prohibit the use of forced labor and child labor within our supply chain, as well as compliance with various applicable human rights laws and regulations. 19 We are subject to the FCPA, U.K.
Any significant supply chain disruption for the reasons stated above or otherwise could have a material adverse impact on our financial statements. 19 Risks associated with our international operations may decrease our revenues and increase our costs. For the year ended December 31, 2024, sales outside the North America region represented a significant amount of our net sales.
Any significant supply chain disruption for the reasons stated above or otherwise could have a material adverse impact on our financial statements. 18 Risks associated with our international operations may decrease our revenues and increase our costs. For the year ended December 31, 2025, sales outside the North America region represented a significant amount of our net sales.
Our growth in the areas of direct-to-consumer sales and connected appliances (the "Internet of Things"), and increasingly advanced data processing capabilities, accompanied by increasing handling of consumer information has increased these risks.
Our growth in the areas of direct-to-consumer sales and connected appliances (the "Internet of Things"); increasingly advanced data processing capabilities, accompanied by increasing handling of consumer information; and evolving AI technologies, has increased these risks.
A deterioration in labor relations could adversely impact our global business. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately 44,000 employees globally. We are subject to separate collective bargaining agreements with certain labor unions, as well as various other commitments regarding our workforce.
A deterioration in labor relations could adversely impact our global business. As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately 41,000 employees globally. We are subject to separate collective bargaining agreements with certain labor unions, as well as various other commitments regarding our workforce.
Words that identify forward-looking statements include words such as "may," "could," "will," "should," "possible," "plan," "predict," "forecast," "potential," "anticipate," "determine," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "may impact," "on track," "may affect," “guarantee”, “seek” and the negative of these words and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance, an acquisition or merger, or our businesses.
Words that identify forward-looking statements include words such as "may," "could," "will," "should," "possible," "plan," "predict," "forecast," "potential," "anticipate," "determine," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "may impact," "on track," "may affect," “guarantee,” “seek,” "would," "committed," "undertake," "target," and the negative of these words and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance, an acquisition or merger, or our businesses.
If we do not timely and appropriately adapt to changes resulting from the uncertain macroeconomic environment and industry conditions, or to difficulties in the financial markets, or if we are unable to continue to access the capital markets, our financial statements may be materially and adversely affected. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None.
If we do not timely and appropriately adapt to changes resulting from the uncertain macroeconomic environment and industry conditions, or to difficulties in the financial markets, or if we are unable to continue to access the capital markets, our financial statements may be materially and adversely affected.
As has occurred in the past, if we are unable to meet their demand requirements, our volume growth and financial results could be adversely affected. We also continue to pursue direct-to-consumer sales globally, including the launch of direct-to-consumer sales on most of our brand websites in recent years, which may impact our relationships with existing trade customers.
As has occurred in the past, if we are unable to meet their demand requirements, our volume growth and financial results could be adversely affected. We also continue to pursue direct-to-consumer sales globally, which may impact our relationships with existing trade customers.
We also face competition that may be able to quickly adapt to changing consumer preferences, particularly in the connected appliance space, or may be able to adapt more quickly to changes brought about by supply chain constraints, inflationary pressures, currency fluctuations, geopolitical uncertainty, epidemics or pandemics, increased interest rates or other factors.
We also face competition that may be able to quickly adapt to changing consumer preferences, particularly in the connected appliance and direct-to-consumer spaces, or may be able to adapt more quickly to changes brought about by supply chain constraints, inflationary pressures, currency fluctuations, trade laws and tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty, increased interest rates or other factors.
Additionally, as a global company headquartered in the U.S., we are exposed to the impact of U.S. and global tax changes, especially those that affect our effective corporate income tax rate and various non-income taxes that impact our business operations.
Additionally, as a global company headquartered in the U.S., we are exposed to the impact of U.S. and global tax changes, especially those that affect our effective corporate income tax rate and various non-income taxes that impact our business operations, such as the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Since 2007, U.S. employees have been eligible for an enhanced employer contribution under our defined contribution (401(k)) plan. 24 As of December 31, 2024, our projected benefit obligations under our pension plans and postretirement health and welfare benefit programs exceeded the fair value of plan assets by an aggregate of approximately $241 million, including $131 million of which was attributable to pension plans and $110 million of which was attributable to postretirement health care benefits.
Since 2007, U.S. employees have been eligible for an enhanced employer contribution under our defined contribution (401(k)) plan. 23 As of December 31, 2025, our projected benefit obligations under our pension plans and postretirement health and welfare benefit programs exceeded the fair value of plan assets by an aggregate of approximately $0.2 billion, including $0.1 billion of which was attributable to pension plans and $0.1 billion of which was attributable to postretirement health care benefits.
For example, we agreed to retain certain liabilities relating to legacy EMEA legal matters (see Note 7) in connection with the MENA sale and Europe contribution transactions which closed in April 2024.
For example, we agreed to retain certain liabilities relating to legacy EMEA legal matters (see Note 7) in connection with the European contribution transaction which closed in April 2024.
From time to time, we make strategic divestitures, acquisitions, investments and participate in joint ventures. For example, in 2021, we divested our majority interest in Whirlpool China (formerly Hefei Sanyo), and in 2022, we divested our operations in Russia and acquired our InSinkErator business from Emerson Electric Co.
From time to time, we make strategic divestitures, acquisitions, investments and participate in joint ventures. For example, in 2022, we divested our operations in Russia and acquired our InSinkErator business from Emerson Electric Co.
These ratings are based, in significant part, on our financial performance as measured by metrics such as profitability, interest coverage and leverage ratios, as well as economic conditions in the geographies in which we operate. During 2024, we received credit ratings downgrades by three major credit rating agencies.
These ratings are based, in significant part, on our financial performance as measured by metrics such as profitability, interest coverage and leverage ratios, as well as economic conditions in the geographies in which we operate.
Since that time, we have divested our operations in Russia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), contributed our Europe major appliance business to a newly formed entity with Arcelik (“Beko Europe”), acquired InSinkErator, and increased Whirlpool India’s ownership in Elica PB India.
Since that time, we have divested our operations in Russia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), contributed our Europe major appliance business to a newly formed entity with Arcelik (“Beko Europe”), acquired InSinkErator, and reduced our equity stake in Whirlpool India to less than a majority.
Changes in foreign trade policies and other factors beyond our control may adversely impact our business and financial performance. The current domestic and international political environment, including changes in administrations, government shutdowns and changes to trade laws, regulations and policies, including tariffs, sanctions, and import/export controls, has resulted in uncertainty surrounding the future state of the global economy.
The current domestic and international political environment, including changes in administrations, government shutdowns, and changes to trade laws, regulations and policies, including tariffs, sanctions, and export controls, has resulted in uncertainty surrounding the future state of the global economy.
We are currently investigating certain potential quality and safety issues globally, and as appropriate, we undertake to effect repair or replacement of appliances in the event that an investigation leads to the conclusion that such action is warranted. The actual costs incurred as a result of any future issues could have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.
We are currently investigating certain potential quality and safety issues globally, and as appropriate, we undertake to effect repair or replacement of appliances in the event that an investigation leads to the conclusion that such action is warranted.
In addition, changes to the U.S. and 18 foreign regulatory approval process and requirements in connection with an acquisition have caused and may cause approvals to take longer than anticipated to obtain, not be forthcoming or contain burdensome conditions, which may jeopardize, delay or reduce the anticipated benefits of the transaction to us and could impede the execution of our business strategy.
In addition, changes to the U.S. and foreign regulatory approval process and requirements in connection with an acquisition have caused and may cause approvals to take longer than anticipated to obtain, not be forthcoming or contain burdensome conditions, which may jeopardize, delay or reduce the anticipated benefits of the transaction to us and could impede the execution of our business strategy. 17 The ability of our suppliers to deliver parts, components and manufacturing equipment to our manufacturing facilities according to schedule and quality required may impact our ability to manufacture without disruption and could affect product availability and sales.
These factors could weaken our competitive advantage with respect to our products, services, and brands in foreign jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our financial performance.Moreover, while we do not believe that any of our products infringe on enforceable intellectual property rights of third parties, others have in the past and may in the future assert intellectual property rights that cover some of our technology, brands, products, or services.
Moreover, while we do not believe that any of our products infringe on enforceable intellectual property rights of third parties, others have in the past and may in the future assert intellectual property rights that cover some of our technology, brands, products, or services.
It is possible that the U.S. or another jurisdiction could enact tax legislation in the future that could have a material impact on our tax rate, our operations or both. For additional information about our consolidated tax provision, see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
It is possible that the U.S. or another jurisdiction could enact tax legislation in the future that could have a material impact on our tax rate, our operations or both.
In April 2024, we closed the sale of our MENA major domestic appliance business and also contributed our European major domestic appliance business to Beko Europe, while retaining a 25% interest in Beko Europe.
In April 2024, we closed the sale of our MENA major domestic appliance business and also contributed our European major domestic appliance business to Beko Europe, while retaining a 25% interest in Beko Europe. In 2025 we completed a share sale to lower our equity stake in Whirlpool India below a majority of Whirlpool India’s outstanding shares.
Responding to governmental investigations or other actions may be both time-consuming and disruptive to our operations and could divert the attention of our management and key personnel from our business operations.
Responding to governmental investigations or other actions may be both time-consuming and disruptive to our operations and could divert the attention of our management and key personnel from our business operations. The impact of these and other investigations and lawsuits could have a material adverse effect on our financial statements and harm our reputation.
These laws and regulations may change, sometimes dramatically, as a result of political, economic or social events. Changes in laws, regulations or governmental policy and the related interpretations may alter the environment in which we do business and may impact our results or increase our costs or liabilities.
Changes in laws, regulations or governmental policy and the related interpretations may alter the environment in which we do business and may impact our results or increase our costs or liabilities.
In addition, our long-lived asset groups are subject to an impairment assessment when certain triggering events or circumstances indicate that their carrying value may be impaired.
In 2025, we recorded a $106 million impairment for the JennAir trade name, and in 2024, we recorded a $381 million impairment for the Maytag trade name. In addition, our long-lived asset groups are subject to an impairment assessment when certain triggering events or circumstances indicate that their carrying value may be impaired.
The successful implementation of the initiative has and may in the future present challenges and we may not be able to fully realize all of the anticipated benefits from the initiative.
We also undertook a reorganization of our salaried workforce focused on efficiency and empowering our business units. The successful implementation of the initiative has and may in the future present challenges and we may not be able to fully realize all of the anticipated benefits from the initiative.
Increasingly, different stakeholder groups have divergent views on sustainability and ESG matters, which increases the risk that any action or lack thereof with respect to sustainability or ESG matters will be perceived negatively by at least some stakeholders and adversely impact our reputation and business.
Additionally, different stakeholder groups have divergent views on sustainability and ESG matters, which increases the risk that our sustainability measures will be perceived negatively by at least some stakeholders.
Additionally, we could be subjected to future liabilities, fines or penalties or the suspension of production for failing to comply, or being alleged as failing to comply, with various laws and regulations, including environmental regulations. In addition, the EU has enacted, and other jurisdictions are considering, regulatory frameworks for generative AI that implicate data protection laws.
Additionally, we could be subjected to future liabilities, fines or penalties or the suspension of production for failing to comply, or being alleged as failing to comply, with various laws and regulations, including environmental regulations.
We cannot be assured that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or any similar authority in other jurisdictions will approve any of our patent applications.
We cannot be assured that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or any similar authority in other jurisdictions will approve any of our patent applications. Our intellectual property has been subject to infringement by certain parties in the past and we may experience such infringement in the future.
Further, the laws of certain foreign countries in which we do business do not recognize intellectual 17 property rights or protect them to the same extent as U.S. law.
Further, the laws of certain foreign countries in which we do business do not recognize intellectual property rights or protect them to the same extent as U.S. law. These factors could weaken our competitive advantage with respect to our products, services, and brands in foreign jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our financial performance.
We also may be subject to significant damages, injunctions against the development and sale of certain products or services, or limited in the use of our brands.In addition, advances in and growing adoption of AI technology may exacerbate intellectual property risks, including the risk that existing intellectual property laws and rights may not provide adequate protection given advances in AI technology.
In addition, advances in and growing adoption of AI technology may exacerbate intellectual property risks, including the risk that existing intellectual property laws and rights may not provide adequate protection given advances in AI technology.
The use of generative AI technologies could lead to the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive, proprietary, or confidential information, inadvertent 21 infringement of intellectual property owned by third parties, and could lead to new potential cyberattack methods for third parties.
The use of AI technologies could lead to the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive, proprietary, or confidential information, inadvertent infringement of intellectual property owned by third parties, and could lead to new potential cyberattack methods for third parties. 20 Unauthorized access has in the past and could in the future disrupt our business, result in the loss of assets, expose the company to potential litigation and/or regulatory liability, and adversely affect our reputation.
An inability to access the capital markets could have an adverse effect on our cash flow, results of operations and financial condition. LEGAL & COMPLIANCE RISKS Unfavorable results of legal and regulatory proceedings could materially adversely affect our business and financial condition and performance.
LEGAL & COMPLIANCE RISKS Unfavorable results of legal and regulatory proceedings could materially adversely affect our business and financial condition and performance.
GENERAL RISKS We are exposed to risks associated with the uncertain global economy. The current domestic and international political and economic environment are posing challenges to the industry in which we operate.
If we do not successfully manage ESG-related expectations across stakeholders, it could erode stakeholder trust, impact our reputation and adversely affect our business. 26 GENERAL RISKS We are exposed to risks associated with the uncertain global economy. The current domestic and international political and economic environment are posing challenges to the industry in which we operate.
Such increases and any future increases may, among other things, reduce the availability and increase the costs of obtaining new variable rate debt and refinancing existing indebtedness, and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
In 2025, each of the three credit rating agencies downgraded our senior unsecured debt to non-investment grade, which has and may in the future, along with any potential interest rate increases, reduce the availability and increase the costs of obtaining new variable rate debt and refinancing existing indebtedness, and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
For additional information about our human capital strategy, see "Human Capital Management" in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
For additional information about our human capital strategy, see "Human Capital Management" in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We must also attract, develop, and retain individuals with the requisite engineering and technical expertise to develop new technologies and introduce new products and services.
We must also attract, develop, and retain individuals with the requisite engineering and technical expertise to develop new technologies and introduce new products and services. 22 Like many other companies, we are subject to fluctuations in the availability of qualified labor in certain key positions.
Like many other companies, we are subject to fluctuations in the availability of qualified labor in certain key positions.
A further downgrade of our credit rating by any of the major credit rating agencies could result in increased borrowing costs and could adversely affect our liquidity, competitive position and access to the capital markets, including restricting, in whole or in part, access to the commercial paper market.
Further developments or downgrades to our credit ratings, including any announcement that our ratings are under further review for an additional downgrade by any of the major credit rating agencies, could result in additional increased borrowing costs, and could adversely affect our liquidity, competitive position and access to the capital markets, which could have an adverse effect on our cash flow, results of operations and financial condition.
Many of our most significant competitors are global companies, and in an escalating global trade conflict or the imposition of tariffs, sanctions or other trade restrictions their 26 respective governments may impose regulations or policies that are favorable to our competitors.
Many of our most significant competitors are foreign companies with varying global production footprints, and in an escalating global trade conflict, tariffs, sanctions or other trade policy actions by various governments could be favorable to our competitors.
Our ability to access liquidity or borrow to invest in our businesses, fund strategic acquisitions and refinance maturing debt obligations depends in part on access to the capital markets. For example, the U.S. Federal Reserve began raising its benchmark rate in March 2022, increasing the rate by a total of 5.25% to 5.5% at its peak as of July 2023.
Our ability to access liquidity or borrow to invest in our businesses, fund strategic acquisitions and refinance maturing debt obligations depends in part on access to the capital markets.
These targets could prove more costly or difficult to achieve than we expect, and we may be unable to achieve these targets or any other sustainability goal or commitment at acceptable cost or at all.
We have set various sustainability goals, including emission reduction targets with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) . These targets could prove more costly or difficult to achieve than we expect, and we may be unable to achieve them at all. Failure to achieve our sustainability goals could result in negative publicity and adversely affect our reputation.
The entire major home appliance industry, including Whirlpool Corporation, must contend with the adoption of stricter government energy and related standards for selected major appliances, including recently issued U.S. Department of Energy appliance efficiency standards. We also must contend with various state-level regulatory standards, the volume and complexity of which may increase in the future.
The entire major home appliance industry, including Whirlpool Corporation, must contend with the adoption of stricter government energy and related standards for selected major appliances. Violations of applicable environmental, health and safety laws are subject to civil, and in some cases, criminal sanctions. Compliance with these various standards is expected to increase costs or require some product redesign.
Many of such events have impacted and could directly impact our physical facilities or those of our suppliers or customers. Also, a resurgence or development of new strains of COVID-19, or other public health emergencies, epidemics or pandemics, could negatively impact our global operations, trade customers, suppliers, consumers, and each of their financial conditions.
Many of such events have impacted and could directly impact our physical facilities or those of our suppliers or customers, and could materially and adversely impact our business.