Whirlpool CEO on Price Hikes, China, Semiconductor Shortage

The transcript discusses the impact of supply chain constraints and inflation on pricing strategies, highlighting the elasticity of demand and market competition. It covers growth in various regions, particularly North America and China, and the company's approach to managing costs and consumer pricing. The speaker shares personal experiences with international travel and mask-wearing, emphasizing the importance of business travel for factory visits and market engagement.

What was one of the challenges faced by the speaker during international travel?

• Finding suitable accommodation

• Navigating public transportation

• Dealing with different mask requirements

• Understanding local languages

What is the primary reason for the recent price increases mentioned in the discussion?

• Surge in raw material costs

• Government regulations

• Supply chain constraints

• Increased demand for luxury goods

How did the company perform in terms of market growth in North America?

• It maintained steady growth

• It experienced a decline in growth

• It saw significant growth

• It faced a temporary setback

What is the company's approach to handling price increases across different product ranges?

• Limiting increases to new products

• Focusing only on high-end models

• Targeting specific geographical areas

• Applying increases across all ranges

Which geographical area is the company particularly proud of in terms of growth?

• Europe

• Latin America

• North America

• Asia

What is the company's stance on business travel during the pandemic?

• It has completely halted all travel

• It prioritizes travel for senior executives

• It has resumed travel with constraints

• It encourages only virtual meetings

What is a significant challenge the company faces in its supply chain?

• Lack of skilled labor

• Semiconductor shortages

• High transportation costs

• Limited production capacity