UPDATE: Whirlpool Posts Downbeat Q4 Earnings

Whirlpool WHR reported a 48% rise in its fourth-quarter earnings. Whirlpool's quarterly profit surged to $181 million, or $2.26 per share, from a year-ago profit of $122 million, or $1.52 per share. Excluding special items, it earned $2.97 per share. Its sales climbed 6.2% to $5.09 billion. However, analysts were expecting earnings of $3.03 per share on sales of $5.02 billion. For FY14, Whirlpool projects adjusted earnings of $12.00 to $12.50 per share, versus analysts' estimates of $12.26 per share. Whirlpool shares closed at $141.63 yesterday.