What Happened?

A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after geopolitical tensions in the Middle East sent crude oil prices soaring, stoking fears of resurgent inflation. 

The price for Brent crude, the international benchmark, leaped over 6% to $82.57 a barrel amid an escalating war with Iran, which has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz. This critical waterway handles about 20% of global oil flow. A sustained increase in energy prices could translate to higher inflation, potentially impacting consumer spending and corporate earnings. This scenario also complicates the Federal Reserve's path forward, as persistent inflation could delay anticipated interest rate cuts that investors have been counting on to support the economy.

The stock market overreacts to news, and big price drops can present good opportunities to buy high-quality stocks.

Among others, the following stocks were impacted:

• Electronic Components company Allient (NASDAQ: ALNT) fell 5.9%. Is now the time to buy Allient? Access our full analysis report here, it’s free.
• Engineered Components and Systems company Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM) fell 5.5%. Is now the time to buy Graham Corporation? Access our full analysis report here, it’s free.
• Automobile Manufacturing company THOR Industries (NYSE: THO) fell 6%. Is now the time to buy THOR Industries? Access our full analysis report here, it’s free.
• Heavy Transportation Equipment company Commercial Vehicle Group (NASDAQ: CVGI) fell 5.3%. Is now the time to buy Commercial Vehicle Group? Access our full analysis report here, it’s free.
• Electrical Systems company Whirlpool (NYSE: WHR) fell 6.1%. Is now the time to buy Whirlpool? Access our full analysis report here, it’s free.

Zooming In On Whirlpool (WHR)

Whirlpool’s shares are quite volatile and have had 18 moves greater than 5% over the last year. In that context, today’s move indicates the market considers this news meaningful but not something that would fundamentally change its perception of the business.

The previous big move we wrote about was 28 days ago when the stock gained 7.1% on the news that the company reported fourth-quarter 2025 earnings that beat profit expectations and provided an optimistic forecast for 2026. 

While revenue for the quarter came in slightly below forecasts at $4.1 billion, Whirlpool's earnings per share of $1.91 significantly surpassed the expected $1.53. The stock initially dropped in after-hours trading following the announcement. However, investor sentiment appeared to shift based on the company's positive outlook for the upcoming year. For 2026, Whirlpool projected revenue growth of about 5% and forecast a full-year ongoing earnings per share of $7.00. The company also expected to generate between $400 million and $500 million in free cash flow, which seemed to outweigh the quarterly revenue shortfall.

Whirlpool is down 18.4% since the beginning of the year, and at $60.81 per share, it is trading 45% below its 52-week high of $110.59 from July 2025. Investors who bought $1,000 worth of Whirlpool’s shares 5 years ago would now be looking at an investment worth $318.39.

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