Whirlpool reports 69% rise in quarterly profit

(Reuters) - Whirlpool Corp reported a 69% jump in quarterly profit on Monday, as the appliance maker raised prices for its washing machines and kitchen appliances and cut costs. Net earnings available to the company was $288 million (219 million pounds), or $4.52 per share, in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, from a profit of $170 million, or $2.64 per share, a year earlier. Net sales fell to $5.38 billion from $5.66 billion.