Whirlpool Corp. announced slightly lower first-quarter results today as a result of decreased demand in the United States for its products, Reuters reported. Net earnings were $117 million, or $1.46 per share, down from $118 million, or $170 per share, in 2006.

Aided by its acquisition of Maytag Corp. and strong international results, total sales increased 24 percent to $4.39 billion. Excluding Maytag, sales only rose 2 percent.

Revenues increased 27 percent in North America, but operating profit in the region fell by $37 million to $159 million as a result of lower industry appliance demand amid a slower U.S. housing market, Maytag integration costs and higher costs for steel and other parts. Shipments of washers, refrigerators and other major appliances fell 9.5 percent.

“Higher raw materials costs are hurting, but they are controlling (general) expenses very well,” said Morgan Keegan analyst Laura Champine. The company still expects to make a profit of $8 to $8.50 per share for 2007.