Appliance maker Whirlpool (NYSE: WHR) is navigating a complicated environment. A strengthening U.S. dollar is knocking down international sales because of currency translation effects, inflation from raw materials and tariffs is pushing up costs, and weak industry demand in North America is creating challenges in the company's core market. A combination of stronger margins in North America and the impact of share buybacks pushed up Whirlpool's per-share earnings in the first quarter.