Thank God we haven’t seen any election commercials in a few months. I was one more “I’m [candidate name] and I approve this message” away from throwing my TV out the window.

But just because the ads stopped doesn’t mean the politics did. The financial consequences are just getting warmed up. And while everyone’s busy arguing about inflation, gas prices, and whether TikTok is spying on us through our refrigerators, one company’s quietly getting ready to cook: Whirlpool.

Now before you yawn and scroll away thinking, “Really? The dishwasher company?”… hold up. This is a 9.2% dividend-yielding dishwasher company that could end up being a low-key winner from Trump’s tariff war. And in a market where most yields barely beat inflation, that’s enough to make any income investor sit up straighter (even if you aren’t eligible for an AARP card).

Here's the cool part: Whirlpool produces 80% of what it sells right here in the U.S. That’s a serious home-field advantage in a global economy where most competitors are still shipping from overseas and praying the ports stay open.

On the other hand, Whirlpool’s Asian rivals… who currently account for about 75% of non-domestic production… have been dumping inventory into the U.S. like they’re afraid the ports will close tomorrow. Imports from Asian producers were up 30% in both January and February.

CEO Marc Bitzer (who sounds like the name of a Gotham mayor but is apparently just a very serious appliance guy) says Whirlpool is positioned to be a “net winner” from Trump’s tariff push. A big reason? If the administration closes the “Section 232 steel loophole,” Whirlpool’s overseas rivals could lose their $70-per-unit manufacturing advantage, which translates into a $150 difference at the checkout counter. That’s a lot more price-competitive for Whirlpool… and a lot less fun for competitors.

But let’s pump the brakes before we all go buying stock and building shrines to American-made dryers. Their stock is down nearly 30% over the last six months and things aren’t exactly chill at Whirlpool HQ. The housing market is super weak. Mortgages are still high enough to make us cry. And if no one’s buying homes, guess what they’re not buying? $1,300 refrigerators with WiFi.

On top of that, Whirlpool’s U.S. appliance sales were down slightly in Q1 (-0.1% year over year), and they’ve got a warehouse full of product just sitting there like it’s waiting to get picked for dodgeball. Oh, and that attractive 9.2% dividend? Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Whirlpool’s carrying $4.8 billion in long-term debt, with $1.85 billion due this year. Management expects $500 million to $600 million in free cash flow… enough to cover debt payments, if all goes as planned. But if those estimates miss? That $380 million dividend could be the first thing on the chopping block.

Ironically, a dividend cut might actually make this stock more attractive. Why? Because slicing that payout would free up a ton of cash, clean up the balance sheet, and let Whirlpool go full Rocky Balboa on its international rivals.

Yes, Whirlpool’s CEO thinks they’re built to weather the coming tariff storm. And yes, they’ve got some legitimate advantages on the manufacturing front. But let’s be honest: this stock isn’t exactly screaming “safe bet.” Between falling sales, high debt, and a weak housing market, the risk here is real.

If you’re here for the dividend, you might want to keep your hands in your pockets and wait. But if you’re the type who sees opportunity in chaos… and likes catching turnarounds before the crowd does… Whirlpool might just be your sleeper pick for 2025.

Stocks.News has positions in Whirlpool.