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While bemused by all this press, Maytag’s senior executives were more concerned with
how they should position the company over the next several years. Demand conditions were
expected to remain generally positive through the remainder of the 1980s, with continued
strength in replacement sales and with high-priced segments gradually increasing their share of
consumer purchases. However, Maytag also expected significantly increased competition from
larger rivals.
Management’s debates about future direction centered on whether Maytag should remain
a limited line producer focused on the high end of the U.S. market or whether it should expand
via acquisitions into other appliance categories and other price segments. Some executives
favored aggressive growth. Others argued that this could significantly reduce profit margins as
well as tarnish the Maytag brand image. Those favoring more rapid growth countered that
margins were likely to come under pressure in any event and that upgrading acquired brands
Professor Stephen Allen of Babson College prepared this case as a basis for class discussion rather than to illustrate
either effective or ineffective handling of an administrative situation.
Copyright © by Stephen Allen 1995 and licensed for publication at Babson College to the Babson College Case
Development Center. To order copies or request permission to reproduce materials, call (781) 239-6181 or write Case
Development Center, Olin Hall, Babson College, Wellesley, MA 02457. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, used in a spreadsheet, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise – without the permission of copyright holders.
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
CEO Daniel Krumm stated, “It makes no sense to become a billion dollar company just
to become one. However, I would not be opposed to leveraging our balance sheet for the right
acquisitions.”1
Company History
Maytag had been producing washers for nearly 75 years. Its strategy and fortunes can be
described in terms of several overlapping stages of development, or eras.
Foundations
F. L. Maytag grew up in an Iowa homestead, the eldest of 10 children. In 1880, at age
22, he moved to Newton, where he became a salesman at a farm equipment dealership,
McKinley & Bergman. Within 18 months he had saved $800, bought out McKinley’s share, and
married Bergman’s sister. In 1890 F. L. sold his share in the dealership. Over the next twenty
years he invested in a number of ventures most of which failed. These included a lumberyard,
organizing a railroad, and producing automobiles.2
In 1893 Maytag and three others had founded Parsons Band Cutter and Self-Feeder
Company, which grew into a profitable producer of farm implements. In 1907 the company
introduced a ruggedly constructed, hand-cranked clothes washer, the Pastime, intended to
compensate for seasonal shortfalls in farm implement demand. In 1909 F. L. bought out his
partners and began to place increased emphasis on washers.
With the aid of Howard Snyder, an inventor and mechanic, Maytag was able to generate
a number of product improvements during the next decade -- first reversible wringer, divided
wringers, electric and gasoline powered models, first successful casting of an aluminum washer
tub. Marketing strategy was directed at setting up independent dealers in rural areas and small
towns. The company was marginally profitable.
In 1922 it introduced the Gyrofoam model, which combined an aluminum tub and a
washer action that pushed water through clothes rather than dragging the clothes through the
water. At age 64, F. L. Maytag went on the road to sell the Gyrofoam. Sales reached 258,000
units in 1926 with profits of $6.8 million. The company went public in 1925 with a NYSE
listing.
1
Quoted in “Maytag: Wizard Of White Goods,” Dun’s Business Month, December 1985.
2
The Maytag-Mason, designed with help of the Duesenberg brothers during 1909-11.
2
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
During the late 1920s and 1930s Maytag held 40-45% of the U.S. washer market. The
company was solidly profitable, even during the Depression. When F. L died in 1937, he left
between $1,000 and $50,000 apiece to 200 of Newton’s residents and $1,000 to each Maytag
employee who had been with the company for three or more years. Sons and grandsons of the
founder headed the company up through 1962.
In 1947 Bendix Corporation, a newcomer to the appliance industry, introduced the first
automatic washer; and sales of wringer models began to decline. Maytag was focused on
meeting a backlog of demand for wringer models, and its management was unwilling to bring
out an automatic model until it was certain it could meet stringent quality standards. Maytag’s
first automatic was introduced in late 1949, followed by a dryer in 1954. In 1954 its share of the
U.S. washer market had fallen to 8%.3
During this period the company had experimented unsuccessfully with both product and
geographic diversification. Ranges and refrigerators manufactured by other companies were
marketed under the Maytag name beginning in 1946. This program was discontinued in 1960
due to quality concerns. In the 1950s Maytag had set up subsidiaries in the UK, Germany, and
Belgium to market exports from the U.S. These units were closed during the late 1960s.
During 1966-69 Maytag launched a line of dishwashers and disposers. Its strategy was to
price slightly below the premium brand, KitchenAid, and to emphasize a quality image through
heavy advertising. By 1980 Maytag held 6% of the dishwasher market. However, KitchenAid
remained the leading premium priced brand, with a 15% share. Terming the dishwasher program
3
Maytag produced wringer washing machines until 1984. At that point, it announced commitment to providing
repair parts for a further 25 years.
3
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
“moderately successful,” Mr. Krumm noted, “We were surprised how hard it was to transfer an
image from one product to another.”4
The market for disposers had proven even harder to penetrate. These devices were
difficult to differentiate with advertising, and many were purchased through contractor channels
(where Maytag had limited representation). By 1985 the disposer segment was dominated by
two companies -- Emerson Electric (In-Sink-Erator) with 60% share and Tappan/Anaheim
(owned by Electrolux) with 30%. Maytag’s share had never risen above 2%.
• Due to slow growth of demand for appliances, acquisitions were the only
practical means for Maytag to expand into other appliance categories.
• Cooking appliances -- gas and electric ranges and ovens -- were the most
attractive growth opportunity for Maytag. Unit demand was expected to grow
4-5% over the next several years. Competition was somewhat less
concentrated. The three largest producers had combined shares of 58% for
electric ranges and 62% for gas ranges. Because ranges and ovens came in a
wide range of sizes and features, they offered greater opportunities for
segmentation than most other appliance categories.
• Microwave ovens were a question mark. Demand was likely to grow 20% per
annum during the 1980s. While the market was fragmented, it was subject to
intense price competition from large Japanese producers, which were eroding
positions of U.S. companies that had pioneered this product (Raytheon, Litton,
GE). Maytag had no experience with the underlying technologies.
4
Quoted in “The Appliance Boom Begins,” Fortune, July 25, 1983.
5
In 1978 Mr. Hadley, a marketing manager, and a manufacturing executive had been appointed to a task force which
developed five-year financial scenarios for Maytag. This had been the company’s first exercise in long-range
planning.
4
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
Hardwick Stove
On January 6, 1981, Maytag acquired Hardwick Stove Company for $28.1 million ($4.5
million in cash plus Maytag shares with a market value of $23.6 million). Based in Cleveland,
Tennessee, Hardwick was privately held and had no debt. It produced gas and electric ranges,
microwave ovens, and gas outdoor grills. Its products were sold on a branded basis through
independent dealers and on an OEM basis to other appliance producers. Its largest OEM
customer was Whirlpool, for which it produced gas ranges.
1979 1980
Sales 54.5 48.4
Net income 2.6 1.9
Return on sales (%) 4.8 3.9
During 1982-83 Maytag and Hardwick engineers developed a line of 20 gas and electric
ranges, built-in ovens, and microwaves targeted at high and upper mid-price segments. These
new models were sold under the Maytag label through Maytag dealers and a newly developed
network of distributors serving builders and remodelers. Hardwick continued to market mid-
priced ranges and microwaves under its own brand name.
Jenn-Air
On June 25, 1982, Maytag acquired the Jenn-Air Corporation from United Technologies
Corporation in a transaction valued at $50.8 million ($20.8 million in cash plus a $30 million,
15-year promissory note). Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Jenn-Air produced a premium-priced
line of indoor electric grills and ovens. Its built-in and free-standing grills/cook tops employed a
unique down-draft ventilation system, which eliminated the need for overhead vents. The
majority of sales were through contractor channels for new homes and kitchen remodeling.
Jenn-Air also manufactured power ventilating systems for commercial, industrial, and
institutional buildings.
Carrier, in turn, had been acquired by United Technologies in 1980. Results prior to
acquisition by Maytag were ($ million):
Jenn-Air had returned to profitability by early 1984. In 1985 Maytag announced plans to
double capacity at the Indianapolis plant.
5
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
Operations in 1985
In 1985 Maytag held a unit share of 4.1% of the total U.S. market for major home
appliances, up from 2.9% in 1980. Its 1985 revenues of $684 million represented 3.9% of
manufacturers’ sales of major home appliances in North American markets. Exhibit 2 shows
trends in unit shares by appliance category. Exhibit 3 details trends in units produced.
Marketing
From the outset, Maytag had employed a straightforward business approach: build the
most reliable and durable laundry appliances and dishwashers available and charge a premium
price for them. Its message to consumers was that the higher price was an investment that
provided a good return over the life of the appliance: substantially lower repair costs, longer
appliance life, avoiding the inconvenience of scheduling repairmen.
Over the years, Maytag’s appliances had consistently won top ratings from Consumer
Reports. Owners of Maytag washers replaced them on a 14-year cycle (v. an average of 10 years
for competitors). Maytag typically priced at premiums of 10-20% over direct competitors,
depending on the appliance. For example, in 1985 its premium over the GE brand was 13% for
washers, 10% for dryers, and 20% for dishwashers.
Jenn-Air did occupy a premium-priced niche, based on unique features. These included
its downdraft ventilation system, built-in or freestanding configuration, and a wide selection of
plug-in cook top modules (indoor grill, electric wok, several choices of burner elements). Its
new generation of products added self-cleaning and convection ovens.
Hardwick produced cooking appliances offered less scope for differentiation. Its Maytag
branded designs were positioned on the basis of high quality construction and offering
consumers a wide range of choices in designs and features. Nevertheless, higher quality metal
work and interior/exterior finishes did not translate into longer cooker life or higher reliability.
A Whirlpool executive opined, “We don’t think they can command the same margin on those
ranges that they do on laundry. Just because they slap the Maytag name on them doesn’t mean
that the customer believes.”6 Maytag Vice President of Marketing, Ralph Nunn, countered, “We
6
Quoted in Fortune, op. cit., July 25, 1983.
6
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
are selling more Maytag electric ranges than originally anticipated. We felt it might be easier to
compete in gas ranges than electric. Surprisingly, we not only met our goals in gas ranges but
have done better than expected in electric.”7
Distribution Channels
Maytag branded appliances were sold through 10,000 authorized, independent retail
dealers in the U.S. and Canada. The company distributed directly to most of these dealers, which
did not carry competing laundry equipment. In 1985 roughly half carried Maytag cooking
appliances. The company had recently initiated a floor plan financing program aimed at helping
dealers carry larger inventories and wider model mixes.
Montgomery Ward had begun selling Maytag branded laundry equipment in 1982 and
dishwashers in 1985, giving the company access to 300 retail outlets and 2,000 catalog stores.
Sales through this channel were roughly $10 million in 1985. Mr. Krumm noted,
We see this as a way to broaden our selling base and reach consumers through a
national chain offering revolving credit. A recent survey showed that availability
of Ward’s consumer credit card was the single most important reason given for
purchasing a Maytag washer there. This led us to believe that most people buying
Maytag appliances from Ward were previous customers of large national chains
offering credit. They were not customers of Maytag’s traditional retail dealers.8
In late 1985 the company announced a “Builders Choice” program under which Jenn-
Air’s marketing department would coordinate distribution of Maytag, Jenn-Air, and Hardwick
appliances direct to builders and remodelers. Mr. Krumm stated,
Traditionally, Maytag has paid only modest attention to the builder market
because our laundry products were not a big factor there. Today, however, we
have three brands of kitchen appliances, and the builder market represents good
potential for increasing sales without detracting from our existing retail channels.
Also, the builder market is becoming somewhat less price sensitive, as
homebuyers place growing emphasis on quality and features of installed
appliances.9
7
Quoted in “The New Maytag,” Appliance, March, 1984.
8
1985 Annual Report, pp. 2-3.
9
Op. cit.
7
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
Maytag also sold coin -- and ticket-operated models of its laundry equipment through 50
independent distributors selling to self-service laundries, apartment complexes, colleges, and
military installations.
The company employed 640 people in the marketing, distribution, and service area. Of
these, 200 were field sales personnel operating out of 20 branch locations to serve retail dealers.
Field warehouses were maintained in Newton and 70 other locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Nevertheless, the company was generally not first to market with new product features.
Its approach was to continuously refine product designs, components, and manufacturing
processes. New models were introduced only when it was certain that they incorporated superior
reliability and durability. According to Mr. Krumm, “It has never been our objective to be first,
just to be best. Unless we can present a high quality, reliable product to the market, we will not
present it at all.”10 Management pundits Tom Peters and Robert Waterman observed, “Maytag’s
form of quality does not come from exotic technology. It built its reputation on solid
dependability, not jazziness. It makes things good and simple.”11
Manufacturing
The company’s appliances were produced in a factory complex in Newton, Iowa, plus
plants in Indianapolis (Jenn-Air) and Cleveland, Tennessee (Hardwick). See Exhibit 4 for
production charters. These factories were operating at 80% of rated capacity in 1985.
Although Maytag’s products generally required more expensive raw materials and
components, the company actively sought fabrication and assembly efficiencies through a
combination of product and work simplification and investments in advanced automation.
Management estimated that productivity increases had averaged 5% per annum during 1976-85.
The company’s first work simplification program had been initiated in 1947, and it had
received 14 national awards during 1970-85. Maytag was also an early practitioner of statistical
quality control methods and supplier quality certification.
The work simplification program featured cash awards for workers. An average of 95%
of workers submitted suggestions for improvements each year. Maximum award was $7,500 for
an implemented improvement, depending on savings achieved. Management estimated that cost
reduction programs resulted in savings of $4-6 million annually. Vice President of
Manufacturing Sterling Swanger noted, “We have never sacrificed a quality principle or feature
10
Appliance, op. cit., March, 1984.
11
In Search of Excellence (Harper & Row, 1982), p. 174.
8
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
for a cost savings, but we have found that we often get improved quality when we install a cost
savings project.”12
The Newton complex had the highest level of vertical integration among laundry
appliance producers. While it sourced motors from external suppliers, it fabricated its own
washer transmissions, rubber parts, die castings, and powdered metal bearings. It milled large
steel and porcelain-enameled parts, assembled wiring harnesses, and even zinc plated its own
screws. According to Mr. Swanger, “We make our own whenever we can do it less expensively
than suppliers or when we cannot obtain the quality we require.”13 Jenn-Air and Hardwick had
lower levels of vertical integration.
Newton, workers were represented by the United Auto Workers union, those in
Indianapolis by the Sheet Metal Workers. While labor relations had generally been peaceful, the
UAW had conducted a five-month strike in 1971.
During 1974-79 Maytag had spent more than $60 million on upgrading manufacturing
facilities and increasing capacity by 75%. Mr. Krumm noted,
Our goal was to make the Newton facilities the most efficient and modern in the
industry. By 1980, when some of the giant appliance makers were beginning to
deal with outmoded factories, we had substantially completed our updating.14
Management Organization
Maytag was organized along functional lines, with Jenn-Air and Hardwick operating as
separate business units. Strong emphasis was placed on cross-functional teams and task forces to
manage new product, quality, and design for manufacturability projects.
The company prided itself on its ability to develop managers from within, imbued with
the “Maytag way.” All senior managers had spent their entire careers with the company. See
Exhibits 5 and 6 for profiles of senior executives and directors.
Financial Policies
Maytag generated cash substantially in excess of that required to finance ongoing
operations (Exhibit 7). Much of this free cash flow was returned to shareholders in the form of
dividends. During 1980-85 dividends had averaged 72% of net income. Also, in 1981 and 1984
the company had spent some $29 million to repurchase 800,000 shares in the market (equal to
2.8% of shares outstanding).
Despite dividend payouts, acquisitions, and active capital spending, the company’s
balance sheet remained conservative and liquid (Exhibit 8). Debt, at $24 million, represented
12
Appliance, op. cit., March, 1984.
13
1985 Annual Report, p. 2.
14
1985 Annual Report, p. 2.
9
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
8.5% of total capital. Cash and marketable securities stood at $89 million, equal to 24.4% of
assets.
Operating Results
Exhibits 9 and 10 show income statements and operating ratios for 1980-85. Exhibit 11
compares Maytag’s 1985 results with five U.S. competitors.
In late 1985 institutional investors held 43% of outstanding shares, individuals 57%.
Insiders held 1%. Average shareholding was 978 shares.
Financial analysts were generally positive on the stock in 1985 and recommended it for
conservative investors. For example, Value Line stated,
Maytag’s recent earnings momentum leads us to believe that the stock will
outperform market averages during the next four quarters. Income oriented
investors should be attracted by the 5% dividend yield.
The stock offers worthwhile total returns through 1988-90 because of the high
dividend yield. Capital appreciation is not expected to be overly xciting,
however, because of the maturity and cyclicality of the appliance industry.1
Washers Negligible
Dryers Whirlpool, GE
Dishwashers KitchenAid, GE
Electric ranges Tappan (Electrolux), Caloric (Raytheon), GE
Gas ranges Tappan, Caloric
During 1983-85 these competitors had made several moves that were causing some
consternation among Maytag executives.
1
Value Line Investment Survey, December 27, 1985.
10
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
General Electric
GE’s Major Appliance Group competed in most product categories with two North
American brands: GE (mid and upper-mid price points) and Hotpoint (mid to lower-mid price
points). During 1977-82 this group had been something of a sleeping giant. Despite an
extensive, company-owned service network and a leading share in contractor channels, the
Group had been only marginally profitable. It had become a “cash cow” within the GE corporate
portfolio, with limited funding of R&D and capital projects. Quality ratings of some appliances
had declined. GE’s recently appointed CEO, Jack Welch, was debating whether to make major
investments to turn the unit around or to divest.
In the event, Welch opted to invest and in 1982 announced plans to spend $1 billion over
the coming ten years for redesign of dishwashers, refrigerators, and ranges and automation of
their production.
Whirlpool
Roughly half of Whirlpool’s revenues came from the Whirlpool brand, which competed
at mid-price points in most appliance product categories. Most of the remainder came from
contract manufacturing of Kenmore appliances (low-price points) for Sears. In early 1985
management announced a strategic plan with the following elements:
11
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
Electrolux
In February 1986, Swedish based AB Electrolux, announced a $711 million unsolicited
bid for White Consolidated Industries. Electrolux already participated in the U.S. market
through earlier acquisitions -- Tappan (1979), Eureka vacuum cleaners (1974).
Electrolux had 1985 sales equivalent to $4.6 billion, 57% of which came from major
appliances. It was the leading global producer of vacuum cleaners and was Europe’s largest
producer of white goods (15% market share). Industry analysts opined that Electrolux had both
the financial and technical wherewithal to transform White Consolidated into a more potent and
profitable competitor in the U.S. market.
Raytheon
While Raytheon’s appliance brands (Amana, Caloric, Speed Queen) enjoyed a strong
quality image among consumers, they had been only marginally profitable in recent years.
Industry observers speculated that Raytheon would either have to acquire other producers to
establish a critical mass in the marketplace or exit the business.
15
Concurrent with the acquisition, Whirlpool planned to sell KitchenAid’s dishwasher and disposer plants to
Emerson Electric. Emerson agreed to continue manufacturing these products for KitchenAid.
12
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
Exhibit 1
Historic Overview of Sales, Profitability, Employment
_____________________________________________________________________
a
Results reflect effects of five month strike.
b
Acquired Hardwick Stove Co. on January 6, 1981 (1980 sales of $48.4 million).
c
Acquired Jenn-Air Corp. on June 25, 1982 (1981 sales of $111.2 million).
13
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
Exhibit 2
U.S. Market Shares By Appliance Categorya
(%)
_____________________________________________________________________
a
From Appliance magazine annual surveys. Share data are based on percentage of total units produced by all
manufacturers for sale in the U.S. market, including imports. Reflects acquisition of Hardwick in 1981 and Jenn-Air
in 1982.
14
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
Exhibit 3
Company Production By Appliance Categorya
(000 units)
_____________________________________________________________________
a
Based on Appliance magazine annual survey data. Data reflect units produced for sale in the U.S. market and may
differ from annual sales, due to changes in inventory.
15
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
Exhibit 4
Plant Network
16
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
Exhibit 5
Senior Executives
R. L. Nunn VP-Marketing 62 35 X
S. O. Swanger VP-Mfg. 63 36 X
J. C. Mellinger VP-R&D 56
J. R. Storey VP-Personnel 57
17
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
Exhibit 6
Non-Executive Members of Board of Directors
18
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
Exhibit 7
Cash Flow Data
Years Ending December 31
($ mill.)
___________________________________________________________________
a
Net of cash of acquired units.
19
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
Exhibit 8
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31
($ mill.)
Other assetsb 1 25 24
Property, plant, and equip. (net) 88 112 126
Total Assets 235 330 365
Accounts payable 7 16 20
Other current liabilities 23 36 38
30 52 58
Long-term debt -- 24 24
Other liabilities 10 25 26
Shareholders’ equity 195 229 257
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity 235 330 365
________________________________________________________________
a
LIFO valuation.
b
Includes marketable securities of $15 and $17 million in 1984 and 1985, respectively.
20
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
Exhibit 9
Consolidated Income Statements
Years Ended December 31
($ mill.)
Net income 36 37 37 61 63 72
Supplementary data:
Depreciationa 7 9 11 13 14 15
Capital expenditures 12 9 9 18 20 30
Advertisingb 12 15 16 21 23 25
___________________________________________________________________________
a
Included in cost of sales and selling, general, administrative expenses. Maytag employs straight-line depreciation
for financial reporting.
b
Included in selling, general administrative expenses.
21
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
Exhibit 10
Operating Ratios
Profitability:
Other:
________________________________________________________________
a
Included in ratios for cost of sales and selling, general, administrative expenses.
22
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
Exhibit 11
Comparative 1985 Financial Footprints for Six Major Appliance Producers
Sales/av. operating assets (X)e 2.59 2.56 2.28 1.98 2.49 1.72
Operating profit/av. op. assetse 49.0 20.2 14.8 19.4 33.6 9.3
Capital expenditures/sales(%) 4.4 5.4 2.9 2.7 4.2 2.7
Gross plant, equipment/ 52.6 31.9 33.1 20.9
employee ($000)
_______________________________________________________________________
a
Based on 1984 home appliance business segment data. White Consolidated Industries was acquired in early 1986
by Electrolux.
b
White goods accounted for $732 million of sales. The remainder came from small appliances (Toastmaster), soft
drink vending machines, and heating/air conditioning equipment.
c
Casewriter’s estimate.
d
GE employs accelerated depreciation (sum-of-the-years-digit method) for financial reporting.
e
Operating assets are treated as total home appliance segment assets minus cash. Operating income is before
interest, taxes, other income.
23
Maytag Corporation (A) 160-C01A
Exhibit 12
Per Share and Stock Price Dataa
($, except where noted)
Book value per share 6.78 6.86 7.16 8.00 8.44 9.44
Stock price (range) 11-15 12-15 11-20 18-28 18-28 22-40
Price-earnings multiple (average) 9.50 10.10 11.00 11.10 9.40 10.40
Relative P-Ec 1.26 1.23 1.21 .94 .88 .84
________________________________________________________________
a
Adjusted for 2-for-1 stock split in December, 1985.
b
Dividends per share divided by average share price.
c
Company P-E divided by P-E of Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index.
24