On the Call: Whirlpool NA President Mike Todman

During the recession, amid job uncertainty and falling home prices, concerned consumers have put off buying many big-ticket items.

Whirlpool Corp., the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, reported Wednesday that its second-quarter revenue dropped 18 percent from the same period last year, including a 17 percent dip in North America.

In a conference call with industry analysts, Mike Todman, president of Whirlpool North America, talked about future consumer demand for appliances.

QUESTION: I wonder if you could just quantify the extent to which you believe we've got some pent-up demand here and what (you expect) to realize on that over the next, say, six quarters?

RESPONSE: I think there is a fair amount of pent-up demand but to quantify that would be very difficult. We're not expecting, and I'm certainly not expecting, to see a significant drive-up in terms of demand. But it will improve.

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