The maker of Maytag and KitchenAid appliances as well as its namesake brand said it profit fell to US$68 million, or 91 cents per share, from $94 million, or $1.22 per share, a year earlier.

Its sales dropped 23 per cent to $3.57 billion from $4.6 billion a year earlier in part because its products were more expensive to overseas customers as a result of the stronger dollar.

Whirlpool's domestic sales are driven mainly by the new home industry, which remains stagnant in the U.S.

Thomson Reuters said its survey of five analysts showed an average expectation for a loss of 18 cents per share on sales of $3.95 billion. The earnings estimates ranged from a profit of 19 cents to a loss of 68 cents. The analysts typically exclude one-time items from their estimates.

Whirlpool maintained its outlook for a 2009 profit of $3 to $4 per share, above analysts' expectations for full-year earnings of $2.78 per share.

"Our focus is firmly on taking all the actions needed to ensure that we address this difficult economic environment," Jeff M. Fettig, chairman and chief executive, said during a teleconference with industry analysts.

Whirlpool said it expects 2009 shipments to decline between 10 and 12 per cent from 2008 levels, compared with its previous estimate of a 10 percent decline.

"Looking at the components of demand, we now expect to see a 41 percent decline in new home completions," said Mike Todman, president of Whirlpool North America. "This is down approximately six points from our previous estimate.

"Our forecast for existing home sales remains unchanged at a 9 per cent decline," he continued, adding, "Some consumers continue to delay replacement purchases, even for appliances that are beyond repair, due to the economic uncertainty. However, many of our products are considered basic necessities by consumers, and any purchases that can be delayed ultimately will be replaced."