Maytag’s first-quarter profits were down 55-percent from one year ago but earnings were up significantly from a fourth-quarter fall. Leonard Hadley, C-E-O of the Newton-based appliance maker, is trying to put a positive spin on the latest financial report. Hadley says the company is focused on showing steady financial improvement by dedicating itself to regaining its strength in the field of major appliances. He says one to three points were gained in market share for every major appliance in the first quarter, as compared with the fourth. Hadley says new Maytag, Hoover and Jenn-Air brand products will be introduced this year and there will be a substantial increase in spending for advertising and merchandising. Maytag’s sales were down two-percent for the quarter.
