CONFORMED COPY SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ____________________________________ FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 And Regulation FD Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) February 5, 2003 WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION ------------------------------------------------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 1-3932 38-1490038 ------------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File (I.R.S. Employer of incorporation) Number) Identification No.) 2000 M63 North, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022-2692 ---------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive officers) (Zip Code) (269)-923-5000 ------------------------------------------------------- Registrant's telephone number, including area code Item 5. - Other Events On February 5, 2003, the Company issued a press release announcing 2002 fourth quarter and full-year core earnings. Charges for the restructuring initiative and the company's previously announced write-off of aircraft-lease assets were reflected in a fourth-quarter net loss of $29 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, compared to net earnings of $21 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, in the prior year period. For the year, the company reported a net loss of $394 million, or $5.68 per diluted share compared to net earnings of $21 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, in 2001. Full-year net earnings were significantly affected by a non-cash, after-tax goodwill impairment charge of $613 million related to a change in accounting principle; a $121 million after-tax charge for restructuring and related activities; and a $43 million after-tax write-off of aircraft lease assets in discontinued operations. Item 7. - Financial Statements and Exhibits Copy of press release dated February 5, 2003. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION Date: February 5, 2003 By: /s/ Robert T. Kenagy ---------------------------- Name: Robert T. Kenagy Title: Corporate Secretary