Whirlpool''s profit has stability

Whirlpool, the largest global manufacturer of home appliances, said its profit for the fourth quarter remained unchanged, since acquisition costs offset sales in North America, its largest market. The net income to the Whirlpool, a maker of brands like Brastemp, was stable at $180 million in the quarter ended Dec. 31. The company reported that sales rose 1.7 percent to $5.66 billion. Whirlpool''s sales have fallen in the four previous quarters due to weak demand, tough competition in the US market and pound depreciated after the United Kingdom voted in June to leave the European Union. In Brazil, the market demand has been receding since mid-2015.