Whirlpool stock has more than doubled since last June and on Friday the S&P raised its credit rating on the appliance-maker to "BBB" citing improvements in the housing market and overall economy.
Whirlpool tends to be a big beneficiary of a robust consumer-thanks to many customers looking for an upgrade to items like refrigerators or dishwashers-but also a big winner in housing booms as well. That is because when someone is buying or selling a house, home appliances are usually pretty high on their shopping list, a welcomed trend for investors in Whirlpool.
The Back in January, Whirlpool reported a 40 percent drop in profits, but that was because of a one-time charge. Whirlpool shares dropped to less than $20 at the start of the housing crisis. They're now trading at about six times that, according to a statement.
This has helped to boost shares in Whirlpool up double digits so far in 2013 and nearly 43 percent in the last six months alone. Both figures crush the S&P 500 in the same time frames, suggesting that shares of Whirlpool are definitely in bull market territory.
Whirlpool shares dropped to less than $20 at the start of the housing crisis. They're now trading at about six times that.
