** Mizuho initiates home appliance firm Whirlpool WHR.N with "neutral" rating; sets price target at $55
** PT represents a 3.2% downside to stock's last close
** "Near-term margin pressure from tariffs, lower shipments, persisting consumer softness and potential for another dividend cut on the back of elevated earnings risk keeps us sidelined," brokerage says
** However, adds that co's targeted restructuring plan and $300 mln multi-year facelift in laundry creates an opportunity to improve operational performance over time
** As of last close, shares down 21.2% YTD
(Reporting by Parth Chandna)
((Parth.Chandna@thomsonreuters.com;))