The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers reported March appliance shipments were down 6% while total appliances were down 4%, Buckingham analyst Megan McGrath tells investors in a research note titled "AHAM Data for March Continues To Reflect Tariff." The overall unit decline was generally in line with the analyst's expectations, but she notes that weakness in the month extended beyond the Laundry category, which she calls "somewhat surprising." McGrath maintained her 4% North America revenue growth estimate for Whirlpool's Q1, as she continues to expect the company to outperform industry data and benefit from higher pricing. The analyst keeps a Neutral rating on Whirlpool with a $135 price target.

Pre-earnings options volume in Whirlpool is 1.9x normal with calls leading puts 4:3. Implied volatility suggests the market is anticipating a move near 6.0%, or $6.38, after results are released. Median move over the past eight quarters is 3.8%.