Whirlpool Corp. Upgraded To Strong Buy At Raymond James, Price Target Set At $185

Whirlpool Corp. was upgraded to strong buy from market perform at Raymond James, which set a price target of $185. Raymond James said in a note that Whirlpool's exposure in emerging markets, particularly Brazil, is declining. North American margins of about 11% are "at or near a peak," according to the note. Raymond James, which is also raising its 2015 adjusted earnings per share estimate to $12 from $11.50, calls Whirlpool an "inexpensive stock." Whirlpool shares are down 16.5% for the past three months. The S&P is down 0.3% for the same period.