Whirlpool (WHR):
 Have big plans to load up your kitchen with the latest in stainless-steel appliances?

I’m guessing not, based on the big-name company’s fourth-quarter release disseminated earlier this morning.

The quick skinny on the numbers:

In the period ended December 31st, the Michigan-based company earned $0.60 a share. That was down pretty sharply from the $2.38 a share it put up in the comparable period last year.

But I think the real story will revolve around the company’s guidance for ’09.

With that in mind, in the release was the following line: “For the full-year 2009, Whirlpool Corporation expects earnings per diluted share from continuing operations to be between $3.00 and $4.00.”

That could be a pretty big issue during today’s session because the estimate I’m seeing is $4.12 a share.

My take: The stock gets pummeled today, and could remain in the doldrums in the near-term. That's a disappointment, however, even if the company were to earn $3 a share in ‘09, that’s not that bad - particularly for a company that trades at about $32 to $33.

This is one of those stocks that has the potential to snap back in a big way once this storm clears. And long haul (and I'm probably going against the grain on this one), I think this could prove to be a good entry point.

Starbucks (SBUX)
According to a release earlier this morning, the coffee company will introduce a new lineup of $3.95 breakfast options starting March 3. Two new "artisan" sandwiches will also be included in the launch.

I think that this is a smart idea and long overdue. I mean I think it’s crucial that management be creative and find ways to bring paying customers in the establishment and to lure them away from other big names that are known for doing a brisk breakfast biz including Dunkin' Donuts and McDonald's (MCD).

But will this cure the company’s woes?

I’m not too sure about that. Seriously, I think that a lot of folks won’t even walk through their door these days because they don’t think their getting a good enough deal. Plus to be perfectly honest, Dunkin' Donuts and Mickey D’s both put out a pretty darn good cup of java and have a host of other delectable goodies; they're giving the company a pretty good run for its money. And how will this impact margins?

Long story short, this news doesn’t inspire me to go long.