NEW YORK, April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Watsco, Inc. (“Watsco” or the “Company”) (NYSE: WSO). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Watsco and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.  [Click here for information about joining the class action] On April 23, 2025, Watsc ...

Core Insights - Watsco, Inc. reported first-quarter 2025 results with earnings and revenues missing estimates and declining year over year [1][3] - The stock declined 11.3% following the results, influenced by challenges in end markets and seasonal factors [1][2] Financial Performance - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $1.93, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.29 by 15.7% and down from $2.17 in the previous year [3] - Revenues totaled $1.53 billion, missing the consensus mark of $1.66 billion by 7.6% and declining 2.2% year over year [3] - Gross margin expanded by 60 basis points to 28.1%, while operating margin contracted by 80 basis points to 7.3% [7] Sales Breakdown - Sales of HVAC equipment, which comprises 67% of net sales, fell 1% year over year, while sales of other HVAC products (29% of sales) declined 3% [4] - In the U.S. residential replacement segment, sales rose 10% year over year, driven by new customer acquisitions and effective price realization [5] - International sales, accounting for 9% of total revenues, declined 9% year over year due to softer volumes in new housing markets [6] Operational Highlights - Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2025, totaled $431.8 million, down from $526.3 million at the end of 2024 [8] - Net cash used in operating activities was $177.6 million, compared to net cash provided of $103.7 million in the same period last year [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Watsco reported a strong first quarter with a 10% increase in sales for the core HVAC replacement business driven by higher volumes and a richer mix of high-efficiency systems [6][9] - Gross margins improved following the launch of new systems, with the company aiming for a long-term gross profit margin goal of 30% [34][9] - The company has $430 million in cash, no debt, and over $3 billion in equity, indicating a strong balance sheet [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core HVAC replacement business saw a 10% increase, while the commercial products segment experienced a decline of around 10% due to the transition from 410A to 454B refrigerants [6][71] - The residential new construction market was noted to be softer year-over-year, but the company believes it has not lost market share in this segment [30][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic sales accounted for 91% of first-quarter sales, with mid-single-digit growth observed in the domestic market [58] - International sales, which represent 9% of total sales, were noted to be weaker, with greater uncertainty in Canada and Latin America [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Watsco is transitioning to the new A2L refrigerant systems, which are expected to impact around 55% of total sales and are seen as beneficial for business in the long term [4][5] - The company emphasizes its scale, technology, and relationships with OEM partners to adapt quickly to changing market conditions [12][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the upcoming selling season, expecting benefits from the new A2L products to materialize in the stronger second and third quarters [9][4] - The company is closely monitoring the potential impact of proposed tariffs and is collaborating with OEM partners on pricing actions [11][9] Other Important Information - Watsco raised its annual dividend by 11% to $12 per share, marking the 51st consecutive year of dividend payments [10] - The company is actively training customers and updating technology platforms to support the transition to new refrigerant systems [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on residential sales growth - Management indicated that most of the first-quarter growth was from 410A, with a transition to A2L products expected in the second quarter [18][19] Question: Impact of price increases on gross margin - Management noted that the first quarter saw clean pricing without significant price increases, with gross margin improvements primarily due to a favorable segment mix [22][21] Question: International sales performance - Management acknowledged that international sales were weak but not significant enough to impact overall performance, attributing some of the softness to fewer selling days in the quarter [27][28] Question: Transition to A2L refrigerants - Management confirmed that there were no significant delays in the transition to A2L products and that the market is adapting well [80][81] Question: Price increase mechanisms - Management clarified that most pricing actions are price increases rather than surcharges, indicating a stable pricing environment [138][135] Question: Supply chain issues with refrigerants - Management acknowledged shortages of 454B refrigerant due to container issues but emphasized that there is no shortage of the refrigerant itself [96][97] Question: Consumer behavior regarding repairs versus replacements - Management indicated that both repair and replacement markets are expected to grow, with a positive outlook on energy-efficient product sales [105][110]

Core Insights - Watsco reported quarterly earnings of $1.93 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.29 per share, and down from $2.17 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of -15.72% [1] - The company posted revenues of $1.53 billion for the quarter, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.62%, and down from $1.57 billion year-over-year [2] - Watsco has surpassed consensus EPS estimates only once in the last four quarters and has topped revenue estimates just once in the same period [2] Earnings Outlook - The sustainability of Watsco's stock price movement will depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and future earnings expectations [3][4] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $4.93 on revenues of $2.27 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $14.60 on revenues of $8.01 billion [7] Industry Context - The Building Products - Air Conditioner and Heating industry is currently ranked in the bottom 34% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges for Watsco's stock performance [8] - Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can impact Watsco's stock performance [5][6]

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Financial Performance - Revenues decreased 2% to $1.53 billion compared to $1.56 billion in the prior year[15] - Net income for Q1 2025 decreased to $94,540 from $104,262 in Q1 2024, representing a decline of approximately 10.5%[30] - Net cash used in operating activities was $(177,644) in Q1 2025, compared to $103,706 in Q1 2024, indicating a significant negative shift[30] Profitability and Margins - Gross profit margin improved by 60 basis points to 28.1% from 27.5% in the previous year[15] Cash Flow and Investments - Operating cash flow was a use of cash totaling $178 million, reflecting inventory investments in new A2L products[12] - Cash flows from investing activities showed a net inflow of $244,556 in Q1 2025, contrasting with a net outflow of $(210,965) in Q1 2024[30] - The company had capital expenditures of $(7,443) in Q1 2025, up from $(5,787) in Q1 2024, indicating increased investment in assets[30] Dividends and Shareholder Returns - Watsco raised its annual dividend by 11% to $12.00 per share effective April 2025[3] - Dividends on Common and Class B Common stock increased to $(109,037) in Q1 2025 from $(96,765) in Q1 2024, reflecting a rise of approximately 12.5%[30] Assets and Equity - Total assets as of March 31, 2025, were $4.45 billion, with shareholders' equity at $3.09 billion[28] - Watsco's strong balance sheet includes $432 million in cash and no outstanding debt[3] Inventory and Working Capital - Accounts receivable increased significantly to $83,864 in Q1 2025 from $(33,502) in Q1 2024, indicating a substantial change in working capital[30] - Inventories net increased to $(389,990) in Q1 2025 from $(307,219) in Q1 2024, showing a rise in inventory levels[30] Market and Sales Growth - Core U.S. market for residential replacement sales increased by 10% (12% on a same-day basis) due to new customer acquisition and improved product mix[6] - Watsco's digital user-community consists of approximately 67,000 contractors and technicians, leading to higher sales growth rates among digital users[4] - The company has acquired 11 companies since 2019, contributing to $1.6 billion in annualized sales[16] Foreign Exchange Impact - The effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents resulted in a positive impact of $319 in Q1 2025, compared to a negative impact of $(2,390) in Q1 2024[30] Provisions and Doubtful Accounts - The company reported a provision for doubtful accounts of $840 in Q1 2025, slightly down from $862 in Q1 2024[30] Transition to New Products - The transition to new A2L products affects approximately 55% of Watsco's sales and will convert nearly $1 billion of inventory over the year[5]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of thorough research and deep knowledge in identifying great businesses for investment opportunities [1][2] - The author has a long-term investment focus and has been investing in the stock market for three years, indicating a commitment to understanding market dynamics [1] - The author holds a beneficial long position in specific stocks, namely WSO, CARR, and HDSN, suggesting confidence in these companies' future performance [2] Group 2 - The article clarifies that past performance does not guarantee future results, highlighting the inherent uncertainties in investment [3] - It states that no specific investment recommendations are provided, reinforcing the need for individual investors to conduct their own research [3] - The author does not have any business relationships with the companies mentioned, which may help mitigate potential conflicts of interest [2]