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Watsco Inc (WSO)
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Watsco (WSO) AI Stock Analysis

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WSO

Watsco

(NYSE:WSO)

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Outperform 73 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:73Outperform
Price Target:
$411.00
▲(11.68% Upside)
Watsco's strong financial management and strategic focus on technology adoption are key strengths. However, recent sales declines and bearish technical indicators temper the overall outlook.
Positive Factors
Strong Balance Sheet
A strong balance sheet with low leverage provides Watsco with financial stability and flexibility to invest in growth opportunities.
E-commerce Growth
Significant growth in e-commerce sales enhances customer accessibility and positions Watsco to capture more market share in the digital space.
Technology Adoption
Strong technology adoption improves customer engagement and operational efficiency, supporting long-term growth and competitive advantage.
Negative Factors
Sales Decline
Declining sales indicate challenges in market demand, which could impact revenue growth and profitability if not addressed.
Operating Expenses Increase
Rising operating expenses due to inefficiencies can pressure margins and reduce overall profitability if not managed effectively.
Free Cash Flow Decline
A significant decline in free cash flow growth may limit Watsco's ability to fund new initiatives and return value to shareholders.

Watsco (WSO) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Watsco Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWatsco, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, distributes air conditioning, heating, refrigeration equipment, and related parts and supplies. The company distributes equipment comprising residential ducted and ductless air conditioners, such as gas, electric, and oil furnaces; commercial air conditioning and heating equipment systems; and other specialized equipment. It also offers parts, including replacement compressors, evaporator coils, motors, and other component parts; and supplies, such as thermostats, insulation materials, refrigerants, ductworks, grills, registers, sheet metals, tools, copper tubing, concrete pads, tapes, adhesives, and other ancillary supplies, as well as plumbing and bathroom remodeling supplies. The company serves contractors and dealers that service the replacement and new construction markets for residential and light commercial central air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems. As of December 31, 2021, it operated from 671 locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, as well as exports its products to Latin America and the Caribbean Basin. Watsco, Inc. was founded in 1945 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida.
How the Company Makes MoneyWatsco generates revenue primarily through the sale of HVAC/R equipment, parts, and supplies to contractors and service providers. The company operates on a wholesale distribution model, where it purchases products from manufacturers and sells them to its customers at a markup. Key revenue streams include the sale of heating and cooling systems, refrigeration equipment, and related accessories. Additionally, Watsco benefits from its partnerships with leading manufacturers in the HVAC/R industry, which not only provides a diverse product range but also helps maintain competitive pricing. The company also focuses on expanding its e-commerce capabilities, which has become a significant revenue channel by enhancing customer accessibility and convenience. Seasonal demand fluctuations, particularly during peak heating and cooling seasons, also play a critical role in Watsco's revenue generation.

Watsco Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 29, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 18, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call highlighted Watsco's strong financial management and technology adoption despite facing sales declines and increased expenses due to market challenges and product transitions.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Cash Flow
Watsco generated record third quarter cash flow of $355 million, showcasing strong financial management.
Increased E-commerce Penetration
E-commerce penetration accounted for 34% of sales, reaching up to 60% to 70% in certain U.S. markets, reflecting significant digital growth.
Gross Margin Improvement
Gross margins improved by 130 basis-points to 27.5%, with a long-term goal of exceeding 30%.
Strong Technology Adoption
72,000 contractors and technicians are engaged with the mobile app, growing 18%, indicating strong technology adoption.
OnCallAir Platform Growth
The OnCallAir platform saw a 19% increase in gross merchandise value, reaching $1.7 billion over the last 12 months.
Negative Updates
Sales Decline
Sales declined 4% in total and 3% in the U.S., with unit volumes remaining subdued.
Operating Expenses Increase
Operating expenses increased by 5%, reflecting ongoing inefficiency tied to the product transition and new locations.
Fourth Quarter Sales Outlook
Fourth quarter sales are anticipated to be soft, with a mid-single-digit decline expected.
Challenges in Equipment Sales
There is significant pressure in the equipment sales segment, with variability across different regions.
Company Guidance
During the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, Watsco, Inc. reported a 4% decline in total sales and a 3% decline in U.S. sales, despite achieving double-digit pricing gains on new products. Gross margins improved by 130 basis points to 27.5%, driven by several ongoing initiatives aimed at surpassing a 30% long-term gross margin target. Operating expenses rose by 5%, attributed to inefficiencies related to a significant product transition affecting 55% of products sold. The company generated a record third-quarter cash flow of $355 million and maintained a strong balance sheet with no debt, positioning itself to invest in growth opportunities. E-commerce sales penetration increased to 34%, reaching up to 70% in certain U.S. markets, while their digital selling platform, OnCallAir, saw a 19% increase in gross merchandise value, achieving $1.7 billion over the last 12 months. Watsco is focused on leveraging technology and innovation to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency, aiming for long-term growth and improved inventory turns.

Watsco Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Watsco exhibits strong profitability with consistent margins and a solid balance sheet. However, recent revenue growth challenges and slight cash flow fluctuations are concerns.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Watsco's income statement shows strong profitability with a consistent gross profit margin around 28% and a net profit margin of approximately 7.4% in the TTM period. Despite a slight decline in revenue growth rate recently, the company maintains healthy EBIT and EBITDA margins, indicating operational efficiency. However, the negative revenue growth in the TTM period is a concern that slightly tempers the overall positive outlook.
Balance Sheet
82
Very Positive
The balance sheet reflects a solid financial position with a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, indicating conservative leverage. The return on equity remains robust at 19.3%, showcasing effective use of shareholder funds. The equity ratio stands at a healthy level, suggesting strong asset backing. Overall, Watsco's balance sheet demonstrates financial stability and prudent management of resources.
Cash Flow
75
Positive
Watsco's cash flow statement highlights a significant improvement in free cash flow growth at 33.5% in the TTM period, indicating enhanced cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is slightly below 1, suggesting efficient conversion of income into cash. The free cash flow to net income ratio is close to 1, reflecting strong cash profitability. However, the decline in operating cash flow compared to the previous year is a point to monitor.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue7.41B7.62B7.28B7.27B6.28B5.05B
Gross Profit2.10B2.04B1.99B2.03B1.67B1.22B
EBITDA776.94M792.10M803.72M840.59M656.65M426.94M
Net Income549.75M536.29M536.34M601.17M418.94M269.58M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets4.55B4.48B3.73B3.49B3.09B2.48B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments324.35M781.94M210.11M147.50M118.27M146.07M
Total Debt444.89M447.46M505.06M390.53M454.21M216.14M
Total Liabilities1.25B1.42B1.11B1.24B1.09B704.59M
Stockholders Equity3.30B2.66B2.23B1.89B1.66B1.49B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow526.33M743.01M526.48M536.31M324.10M517.94M
Operating Cash Flow548.74M773.10M561.95M571.96M349.57M534.38M
Investing Cash Flow5.53M-290.67M-41.34M-33.84M-148.58M-16.34M
Financing Cash Flow-521.27M-158.53M-460.08M-503.96M-228.60M-448.49M

Watsco Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price368.01
Price Trends
50DMA
385.50
Negative
100DMA
412.67
Negative
200DMA
444.25
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-7.74
Negative
RSI
46.51
Neutral
STOCH
42.57
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WSO, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 368.01 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 370.23, below the 50-day MA of 385.50, and below the 200-day MA of 444.25, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -7.74 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 46.51 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 42.57 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for WSO.

Watsco Risk Analysis

Watsco disclosed 2 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Watsco reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Watsco Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
$14.92B28.7117.61%3.18%-0.71%
$46.83B24.7048.98%0.90%4.83%-3.60%
£48.88B26.7432.29%1.34%3.80%9.26%
$10.26B23.2324.42%11.02%7.08%
$47.24B38.5832.74%2.13%6.92%5.98%
$9.95B24.3729.16%1.84%-0.60%-5.99%
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WSO
Watsco
368.01
-97.69
-20.98%
FAST
Fastenal Company
41.04
2.94
7.72%
POOL
Pool
267.06
-87.77
-24.74%
GWW
WW Grainger
979.00
-107.66
-9.91%
FERG
Ferguson PLC
248.50
53.78
27.62%
CNM
Core & Main
52.07
8.49
19.48%

Watsco Corporate Events

Watsco Inc. Reports Resilient Q3 Earnings Amid Challenges
Oct 30, 2025

Watsco Inc., a leading distributor in the North American HVAC market, has reported its third-quarter earnings amidst challenging market conditions. The company, known for its innovative technology platforms, continues to leverage its strong financial position to drive growth and improve customer experience.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Watsco Files Current Report on Form 8-K
Neutral
Oct 29, 2025

Watsco has filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, which includes Exhibit 99.1, to furnish information under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The report clarifies that the information is furnished and not filed, thus not subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Act.

The most recent analyst rating on (WSO) stock is a Buy with a $419.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Watsco stock, see the WSO Stock Forecast page.

Watsco Inc. Reports Strong Margins Amid A2L Transition
Jul 31, 2025

Watsco Inc. is the largest distributor of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) products in the North American market, known for its extensive network and innovative technology platforms that enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency. The company recently reported its second-quarter 2025 earnings, highlighting record gross profit margins and expanded operating margins despite a slight decline in revenues. Watsco’s financial performance in the second quarter of 2025 showed a 4% decrease in revenues to $2.06 billion, while gross profit increased by 4% to a record $603 million, resulting in a gross profit margin of 29.3%. The company also experienced a 1% increase in operating income to $272 million, with an operating margin expansion to 13.2%. These results were achieved amidst a transition to next-generation HVAC equipment with A2L refrigerants, which have a lower global warming potential. Watsco’s strategic initiatives include significant investments in technology, such as AI-driven platforms and digital sales tools, which have enhanced customer experience and operational efficiencies. The company’s e-commerce sales reached approximately $2.5 billion, comprising 34% of overall sales, and its digital platforms continue to gain traction among contractors and technicians. Looking ahead, Watsco remains focused on leveraging its strong balance sheet and innovative strategies to capture market share and drive growth. The company’s management is optimistic about the potential of its technology initiatives and the ongoing transition to environmentally friendly HVAC products, positioning Watsco for continued success in the evolving market.

Watsco Inc’s Mixed Earnings Call: Challenges and Growth
Jul 31, 2025

Watsco Inc’s recent earnings call presented a mixed performance for the company. While Watsco achieved record gross profit margins and maintained a strong financial position, it faced challenges such as declining sales, increased SG&A costs, and inventory management issues. Despite these hurdles, the company’s investments in technology and expansion through acquisitions paint a positive outlook for the future.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Watsco Reports Q2 Revenue Drop, Record Profit Margin
Neutral
Jul 30, 2025

In its second quarter 2025 results, Watsco reported a 4% decrease in revenues to $2.06 billion, but achieved a record gross profit margin of 29.3% amidst the transition to A2L refrigerants. Despite softer market conditions, the company expanded its operating margin and continued to invest in technology and customer training to support the regulatory transition, positioning itself to capture market share as the industry adopts new digital tools.

The most recent analyst rating on (WSO) stock is a Hold with a $425.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Watsco stock, see the WSO Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Oct 30, 2025