Analyst Downgrades Whirlpool After '09 Guidance

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Shares of Whirlpool Corp. fell Tuesday, a day after the world's largest manufacturer of stoves, refrigerators and other major home appliances said first-quarter profit fell 28 percent.

Analyst Sam Darkatsh of Raymond James & Associates Inc. downgraded the Benton Harbor, Mich., company Tuesday to "market Perform" from "outperform."

He cited Whirlpool's stock's "recent and rapid approach" to his $45 price target and 2009 earnings guidance "that suggests operating results well below prior expectations." ...