Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales declined by 4% despite double-digit pricing gains for new equipment, offset by lower volumes [6][7] - Gross profit margins reached record levels, leading to an increase in EBIT and expanded EBIT margins [7][8] - SG&A expenses increased by 6% due to transition costs and the addition of 10 new locations from recent acquisitions [8][9] - The company maintains a strong cash position with no debt [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Residential new construction and international markets remain subdued, with residential new construction down by 15% to 20% [19] - E-commerce sales grew to $2.5 billion, representing 34% of total sales, with mobile app users increasing by 17% year-over-year [9][10] - The annual volume of products sold through OnCallAir increased by 19% to $1.6 billion [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International sales, particularly in Mexico, were volatile and negatively impacted earnings by approximately $0.10 per share in the quarter [22] - The company expects improvements in July and August, indicating a better market outlook [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transitioning to next-generation equipment with A2L refrigerants, affecting about 55% of historical product sales [5][6] - A new technology-driven sales platform is being developed to capture larger national customers, expected to launch in 2026 [10][11] - The company aims to grow the parts and supply segment, which currently represents about 30% of sales [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges a soft market but remains optimistic about future growth and market share development [25][26] - The company is focused on improving gross margins and inventory turns, with a goal of reaching 30% gross profit margin [11][84] - Management emphasizes the importance of innovation and technology in maintaining competitive advantage [12][93] Other Important Information - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities, leveraging its strong balance sheet [55][56] - Management is committed to improving inventory management and reducing excess inventory levels [50][53] Q&A Session Summary Question: What happened to volumes in the quarter? - Management noted that volumes were weaker than expected due to weather patterns and a decline in residential new construction, but saw improvements in July [19][20] Question: How sustainable are the gross margins? - Management indicated that while the current gross margin of 29% is strong, it may not be sustainable in the second half of the year due to the absence of pricing benefits seen in the first half [27][28] Question: What is the impact of the canister shortage? - Management stated that the canister shortage was less of a concern now and that they expect to be off allocation by August [40][41] Question: How is the inventory investment trending? - The company reported a significant inventory investment due to the transition, but is focused on improving inventory turns moving forward [50][52] Question: What are the thoughts on consumer preferences during the product transition? - Management observed that the market remains focused on minimum efficiency products, with no significant shift towards high-efficiency systems [61][62] Question: Are there any incentives being requested by contractors? - Management indicated that contractors are not pushing for lower prices, as there is no elasticity in the market [146]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales declined by 4%, with double-digit pricing gains for new equipment offset by lower volumes [5][6] - Record gross profit margins were achieved, leading to an increase in EBIT and expanded EBIT margins despite lower sales [6][7] - SG&A expenses increased by 6% due to additional costs during the product transition and the addition of 10 new locations from recent acquisitions [7][8] - The company maintains a strong cash position with no debt [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Residential new construction and international markets remain subdued, with residential new construction down by 15% to 20% [18] - The annual volume of products sold through OnCallAir, the digital selling platform, increased by 19% to $1.6 billion [9] - Parts and supply segment, currently about 30% of sales, is expected to grow significantly over time [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International sales, particularly in Mexico, were volatile and negatively impacted earnings by approximately $0.10 per share for the quarter [21] - The company experienced a late start to the summer season, affecting overall market performance [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning to next-generation equipment using A2L refrigerants, affecting about 55% of historical product sales [4] - A new technology-driven sales platform is being developed to capture larger national customers, expected to launch in 2026 [10] - The company aims for a gross profit margin of 30% and is focusing on growing the parts and supply segment [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, noting that the transition to new products will simplify operations by 2026 [4] - The company is focused on controlling margins and pricing, despite external market challenges [23] - Management acknowledged the current market noise due to various macroeconomic factors but remains confident in the company's ability to grow and take market share [125] Other Important Information - E-commerce sales have grown to $2.5 billion, representing 34% of total sales [8] - The company has launched two AI platforms to enhance data utilization and improve customer experience [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: What happened to volumes in the quarter? - Management noted that April was strong, May was weak due to weather, and June rebounded. Residential new construction was down 15% to 20%, but replacement sales remained strong [18] Question: How sustainable are the gross margins? - Management indicated that while the current gross margin of 29% is strong, it may not be sustainable in the second half due to the absence of pricing benefits seen in the first half [26][28] Question: What is the impact of the cylinder shortage? - Management stated that the refrigerant allocation issue is becoming less of a concern, with expectations to be off allocation by August [40] Question: How is inventory being managed during the transition? - The company has invested more in inventory than anticipated due to lower industry demand, but is focused on improving inventory turnover [48][52] Question: What is the outlook for M&A activity? - Management expressed eagerness for potential M&A opportunities in the current soft market, highlighting a strong balance sheet to support acquisitions [53][55] Question: How are consumer preferences changing during the product transition? - Management noted that the market remains focused on minimum efficiency products, with no significant shift towards high-efficiency systems [60] Question: What are the expectations for pricing in the second half? - Management does not anticipate significant price increases on equipment but expects some inflationary pressures on non-equipment products due to tariffs [118]

Group 1: Watsco - Watsco's stock has increased by 991% over the last 20 years, with a 272% rise in the previous decade and a 154% increase over the last five years, although it has seen a 4% decline in the past year [5] - The current dividend yield for Watsco is 2.7%, but reinvesting dividends over the last 20 years would yield a total return of 2,020% [6] - Watsco is a leading player in the HVAC industry, consistently acquiring small distributors and integrating them to enhance sales and geographic reach [6][7] - The company utilizes technology to support HVAC contractors, improving operational performance and ensuring long-term growth prospects as demand for HVAC servicing remains strong [7][8] Group 2: Occidental Petroleum - Occidental Petroleum's stock has dropped about 29% over the past year, correlating with a 21.5% decline in oil prices [9][11] - Despite the stock decline, Occidental has shown strong performance with an 18.6% year-over-year increase in oil and gas production and generated $1.2 billion in free cash flow [12] - The company has maintained a conservative 20% payout ratio from 2020 to 2024, indicating a secure dividend despite lower energy prices [15] Group 3: Campbell's Company - Campbell's stock is currently at a 16-year low, primarily due to challenges in integrating acquisitions and generating high-margin sales growth [16][19] - The company has made significant acquisitions totaling $9.5 billion, which exceeds its current market cap of $9.3 billion, leading to concerns about overpayment [18] - Despite struggles, Campbell's generates substantial free cash flow that covers its 5.1% dividend yield, and its forward price-to-earnings ratio is significantly lower than its 10-year median [19][20]

Core Viewpoint - Pomerantz LLP is investigating potential securities fraud or unlawful business practices involving Watsco, Inc. and its officers or directors following disappointing financial results and a significant stock price drop [1][3]. Financial Performance - Watsco reported first-quarter 2025 revenue of $1.53 billion, which is a 2% decline year-over-year and below consensus estimates [3]. - The company indicated that the results are influenced by a large-scale product transition due to regulatory changes effective January 1, 2025, impacting approximately 55% of its sales and expected to convert nearly $1 billion of inventory throughout the year [3]. - Following the announcement, Watsco's stock price decreased by $56.76 per share, or 11.28%, closing at $446.40 on April 23, 2025 [3]. Legal Investigation - Pomerantz LLP is actively seeking claims from investors regarding potential securities fraud related to Watsco's recent financial disclosures [1]. - The firm has a long history in corporate and securities class litigation, having recovered significant damages for victims of securities fraud and corporate misconduct [4].

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]