U.S. AHAM sales data looks better than Whirlpool assumption, says Raymond James

Raymond James analyst Sam Darkatsh notes that the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers reported Q4 U.S. industry wholesale unit shipments of “core 6” major appliances were up 4% year-over-year on an absolute basis, which “slightly exceeded” the firm’s current model for Whirlpool’s (WHR) Q4 volumes and looks “slightly better” than Whirlpool’s assumption as the firm believes Whirlpool’s 2024 guidance assumes flat industry shipments in both Q4 and for the full year. The firm maintains a Market Perform rating on Whirlpool shares.