Watsco(US:WSO) Globenewswire·2026-02-17 12:30Core Insights - Watsco, Inc. announced a 10% increase in its annual dividend to $13.20 per share, marking the 52nd consecutive year of dividend payments [3] - The company reported strong financial results for 2025, with revenues reaching $7.2 billion, a 52% increase from 2019, and operating income nearly doubling to $720 million [7][12] - Watsco maintains a debt-free balance sheet with $780 million in cash and investments, positioning itself for sustained growth and innovation [4][16] Financial Performance - Revenues increased from $4.8 billion in 2019 to $7.2 billion in 2025, reflecting a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% [7] - Operating income rose from $367 million in 2019 to $720 million in 2025, achieving a CAGR of 12% [7] - Gross margin improved from 24.3% in 2019 to 28.0% in 2025, with earnings per share increasing from $6.50 to $12.25 during the same period [7] Industry Dynamics - The HVAC/R industry has faced volatility since 2019 due to macroeconomic factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions [5] - The transition to A2L refrigerant products in 2025 impacted 55% of products sold, leading to over $1 billion in inventory conversion [6] - Despite these challenges, Watsco's performance indicates resilience and effective execution of its business model [7] Innovation and Technology - Watsco has invested over $250 million in technology over the past five years, enhancing its digital ecosystem and customer engagement [14] - The HVAC Pro+ Mobile Apps and e-commerce platform have transformed customer experiences, with e-commerce sales reaching approximately $2.5 billion in 2025, accounting for 35% of overall sales [18] - The company is advancing AI-driven initiatives to leverage data assets for improved customer experience and operational efficiency [20] Cash Flow and Financial Strength - Operating cash flow for 2025 was $570 million, with a record $400 million in the fourth quarter, reflecting a reduction in inventory [15] - The company aims to maintain a healthy balance sheet to access low-cost capital for strategic growth investments [16] - Watsco's strong financial position has enabled sustained long-term returns, allowing for investments regardless of market conditions [16] Acquisition Strategy - Watsco has acquired three distributors in key markets during 2025, contributing to a total of 12 acquisitions since 2019, representing approximately $1.6 billion in annualized sales [17] - The "buy and build" strategy focuses on enhancing the legacy of acquired companies through investments in new locations and products [17]