Watsco Inc 8-K, filed Feb 17, 2026
Watsco Inc (WSO)
About this 8-K
Watsco Inc filed this 8-K on February 17, 2026.
Items reported
- Item 2.02: Financial results
- Item 7.01: Regulation FD disclosure
- Item 9.01: Financial statements and exhibits
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On February 17, 2026, Watsco, Inc., a Florida corporation (the “Company”), issued a press release reporting its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2025. A copy of the Company’s press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is hereby incorporated by reference in this Item 2.02.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
The information set forth in Item 2.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference in this Item 7.01.
On February 17, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing a 10% increase in its annual dividend rate to $13.20 per share on each outstanding share of its Common and Class B common stock. A copy of the Company’s press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 and is hereby incorporated by reference in this Item 7.01.
The information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1 and Exhibit 99.2 attached hereto, shall be deemed “furnished” and not deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit |
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99.1 |
Press release dated February 17, 2026 issued by Watsco, Inc. |
99.2 |
Press release dated February 17, 2026 issued by Watsco, Inc. |
104 |
Cover Page Interactive Date File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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WATSCO, INC. |
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Date: |
February 17, 2026 |
By: |
/s/ Ana M. Menendez |
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Ana M. Menendez, |
Exhibit 99.1
Watsco Reports Record Full-Year Gross Margin, Meets Inventory Reduction Target and Generates Record 4th Quarter Cash Flow in Challenging Market Conditions
______________________
Boosts Annual Dividend 10% to $13.20 Per Share
Entrepreneurial Culture, Transformational Technologies and
Debt-Free Balance Sheet Positions Company for Growth
MIAMI, FLORIDA – (GLOBENEWSWIRE), February 17, 2026 – Watsco, Inc. (NYSE: WSO) announced its operating results for the full-year and fourth quarter period ended December 31, 2025. The Company also provided updates related to innovation and technology, business trends and long-term growth opportunities.
Watsco also announced today a 10% increase in its annual dividend to $13.20 per share effective with its next regular dividend payment in April 2026. This year marks Watsco’s 52nd consecutive year of paying dividends.
Watsco is the largest distributor in the highly-fragmented North American HVAC market. Since entering distribution in 1989, Watsco has achieved a 17% compounded annual total-shareholder return through a combination of organic growth and the acquisition of more than 70 market-leading businesses.
The Company maintains a solid financial position with currently $780 million in cash and investments and no debt, enabling sustained investments in growth, including the Company’s industry-leading technologies. Approximately 73,000 contractors, installers and technicians engage digitally with the Company, which contributes to customer growth and reduced attrition. AI-driven initiatives have also been launched to further enhance the customer experience and improve efficiency. These investments are especially critical as contractors increase their adoption of digital, data-driven solutions in their businesses.
Recent Industry Dynamics
Since 2019, the HVAC/R industry has experienced volatility due to various macroeconomic and industry-specific factors that impacted OEMs, distributors and contractors alike. The COVID pandemic and subsequent supply chain disruptions, the 2023 regulatory transition to new higher-efficiency products, the reduction of available legacy refrigerants and the slow-down in housing activities have weighed on performance and contributed to volatility.
The industry was further impacted in 2025 by the transition to A2L refrigerant products, the second such regulatory-driven product change in three years. The transition impacted approximately 55% of products sold across 650 locations domestically and resulted in the conversion of over $1 billion of inventory to new products. In response, Watsco invested in people, technology, logistics, training and more to support its customers during the transition.
Despite these dynamics, the Company believes its overall performance in the context of these complexities and other macroeconomic headwinds speaks well of its business model and overall execution. Key performance metrics during this time period include:
Year ended Year ended
December 31, 2019 December 31,2025 Change CAGR %
Revenues $4.8 billion $7.2 billion +52% +7%
Operating income $367 million $720 million +96% +12%
Gross margin 24.3% 28.0% +370 bps
Earnings per share $6.50 $12.25 +88% +11%
Dividends paid $6.40 $11.70 +83% +11%
Net (debt) cash ($81 million) $733 million +$814 million
Albert H. Nahmad, Chairman and CEO remarked: “The recent business environment has been among the most complicated in memory. I am gratified at the results we achieved and the execution by our teams over the time horizon summarized above. We raised margins, nearly doubled our profitability, invested $300 million in technology, nearly doubled our dividend and fortified our balance sheet to allow investment in most any-sized growth opportunity. We expect a more
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conventional industry environment and better prospects for growth as 2026 unfolds, and we believe there is room to further optimize inventory and improve operating efficiency.”
Mr. Nahmad added: “We are in a wonderful industry and our technology advantage remains immense. We operate a resilient business in a resilient industry and our focus on the long-term has been, and will be, far more consequential as we build our network, scale our technologies to delight customers and partner with our OEMs to grow and gain share.”
2025 Full-Year Performance
Sales trends
Revenues in 2025 reflect lower unit volumes of HVAC equipment, which were partially offset by higher average selling prices following the A2L product transition, further impacted by slower homebuilding. Gross profit margin expanded 120 basis-points to a record 28.0%, driven by further scaling of Watsco’s pricing optimization technologies, as well as OEM pricing actions implemented in 2025. Operating expenses increased due to higher labor, facilities and transportation costs partially associated with the A2L product transition, as well as the acquisition of three businesses during 2025.
Fourth Quarter Performance
Sales trends
Fourth quarter 2025 performance should be considered in light of the strong 2024 comparable results, which included 22% sales growth in domestic residential HVAC equipment (20% unit growth) boosted by the sale of older, more economical 410A systems ahead of the A2L transition. Fourth quarter 2025 results also reflect an 11% increase in average selling price domestically, a 40 basis-point improvement in overall gross margins and improved operating efficiency as evidenced by a 2% reduction in SG&A.
It is important to note that the fourth and first quarters of each calendar year are highly seasonal due to the timing of the replacement of HVAC systems. Results are typically strongest in the second and third quarters, and the Company’s fourth quarter financial results are disproportionately affected by seasonality.
Innovation and Strategic Technology Initiatives
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Watsco pioneered the industry’s most comprehensive digital ecosystem, which continues to reshape the industry. The Company has invested more than $250 million in technology over the last five years (an annual current run rate of approximately $60 million) with close to 300 technologists. Highlights of Watsco’s customer-facing platforms include:
A.J. Nahmad, Watsco’s President, added: “As we work to further scale our core technology platforms among our customers, we constantly challenge ourselves to find new ways to delight our customers. Earlier this year, we set in motion incremental investments in new platforms that we think will enhance growth with existing customers, attract more new customers and boost profitability in the years ahead. We believe these initiatives hold great promise and we feel that they will enhance Watsco’s already-sizeable competitive advantage in the fragmented HVAC/R industry.”
Cash Flow, Financial Strength and Liquidity
Watsco invested substantially in working capital during 2025 to build inventory to support customers during the A2L transition. Inventory peaked at $2.1 billion during 2025 and declined by 30% to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2025. Operating cash flow was $570 million for the year and a record $400 million for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2025, reflecting the sharp reduction in inventory. The Company expects more conventional working capital trends going forward, providing the opportunity for better inventory turns and enhanced returns on invested capital.
The Company’s objective is to maintain a healthy balance sheet that allows access to low-cost capital to fund strategic investments in growth. The Company’s strong financial position has been key to its ability to deliver sustained long-term returns, enabling investments regardless of macroeconomic or industry conditions. The Company’s stated goal is to generate annual operating cash flow in excess of net income consistent with its long-term track record.
Buy & Build Acquisition Strategy
Watsco has partnered with more than 70 independent distributors who have joined the Watsco family, contributing to the Company’s scale and, more importantly, its community of seasoned leaders. During 2025, the Company acquired three distributors in key Sunbelt markets and, since 2019, has acquired 12 companies that today represent approximately $1.6 billion in annualized sales and 120 locations. Our “buy and build” strategy builds upon their long-standing legacies through investment in new locations, new products and by leveraging Watsco’s technology platforms. The HVAC/R distribution landscape in North America remains highly fragmented with more than 2,100 independent distributors.
Full-Year and Fourth Quarter Earnings Conference Call Information
Date and time: February 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (ET)
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Webcast: http://investors.watsco.com (a replay will be available on the Company’s website)
Dial-in number: United States (844) 883-3908 / International (412) 317-9254
About Watsco
Watsco is the largest distributor in the highly-fragmented North American HVAC/R market. Watsco’s solid financial position and culture of innovation has enabled investments in long-term growth, including the Company’s industry-leading technology platforms. Today, approximately 73,000 contractors, installers and technicians engage digitally with the Company, resulting in improved growth and lower attrition. The Company is now advancing AI-driven initiatives to leverage its extensive data assets to enhance the customer experience and improve efficiencies. These investments position Watsco to capture market share as contractors increasingly adopt digital tools and incorporate data-driven solutions in their businesses.
This document includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may address, among other things, our expected financial and operational results and the related assumptions underlying our expected results. These forward-looking statements are distinguished by use of words such as “will,” “would,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “believe,” “designed,” “plan,” or “intend,” the negative of these terms, and similar references to future periods. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in economic, business, competitive market, new housing starts and completions, capital spending in commercial construction, consumer spending and debt levels, regulatory and other factors, including, without limitation, the effects of supplier concentration, competitive conditions within Watsco’s industry, the seasonal nature of sales of Watsco’s products, the ability of the Company to expand its business, insurance coverage risks and final GAAP adjustments. Detailed information about these factors and additional important factors can be found in the documents that Watsco files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements were made. Watsco assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.
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WATSCO, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Results of Operations
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
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Quarter Ended December 31, |
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Year Ended December 31, |
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2025 |
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2024 |
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2025 |
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2024 |
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Revenues |
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$ |
1,578,757 |
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$ |
1,753,962 |
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$ |
7,239,290 |
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$ |
7,618,317 |
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Cost of sales |
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1,150,319 |
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1,285,878 |
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5,208,826 |
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5,573,604 |
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Gross profit |
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428,438 |
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468,084 |
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2,030,464 |
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2,044,713 |
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Gross profit margin |
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27.1 |
% |
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26.7 |
% |
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28.0 |
% |
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26.8 |
% |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
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332,645 |
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338,489 |
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1,337,882 |
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1,293,439 |
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Other income |
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5,735 |
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6,593 |
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27,765 |
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30,501 |
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Operating income |
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101,528 |
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136,188 |
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720,347 |
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781,775 |
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Operating margin |
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6.4 |
% |
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7.8 |
% |
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10.0 |
% |
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10.3 |
% |
Interest income, net |
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5,850 |
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6,713 |
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17,329 |
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20,869 |
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Income before income taxes |
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107,378 |
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142,901 |
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737,676 |
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802,644 |
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Income taxes |
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20,328 |
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27,721 |
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150,088 |
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166,904 |
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Net income |
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87,050 |
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115,180 |
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587,588 |
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635,740 |
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Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest |
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15,305 |
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18,339 |
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90,594 |
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99,454 |
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Net income attributable to Watsco, Inc. |
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$ |
71,745 |
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$ |
96,841 |
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$ |
496,994 |
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$ |
536,286 |
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Diluted earnings per share: |
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Net income attributable to Watsco, Inc. shareholders |
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$ |
71,745 |
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$ |
96,841 |
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$ |
496,994 |
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$ |
536,286 |
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Less: distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to restricted common stock |
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7,998 |
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(1) |
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7,578 |
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(1) |
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32,807 |
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37,369 |
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Earnings allocated to Watsco, Inc. shareholders |
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$ |
63,747 |
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$ |
89,263 |
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$ |
464,187 |
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$ |
498,917 |
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Weighted-average Common and Class B common shares and equivalent |
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37,927,340 |
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37,738,113 |
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37,899,859 |
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37,510,332 |
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Diluted earnings per share for Common and Class B common stock |
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$ |
1.68 |
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(1) |
$ |
2.37 |
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(1) |
$ |
12.25 |
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$ |
13.30 |
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WATSCO, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited, in thousands)
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December 31, |
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December 31, |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
433,283 |
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$ |
526,271 |
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Short-term cash investments |
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300,000 |
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255,669 |
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Accounts receivable, net |
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796,181 |
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877,935 |
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Inventories, net |
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1,386,317 |
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1,385,436 |
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Other current assets |
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38,725 |
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34,670 |
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Total current assets |
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2,954,506 |
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3,079,981 |
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Property and equipment, net |
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136,012 |
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140,535 |
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Operating lease right-of-use assets |
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452,547 |
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419,138 |
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Goodwill, intangibles, net and other |
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871,740 |
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839,869 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
4,414,805 |
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$ |
4,479,523 |
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Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
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$ |
600,589 |
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$ |
873,628 |
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Current portion of lease liabilities |
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117,153 |
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110,273 |
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Total current liabilities |
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717,742 |
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983,901 |
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Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion |
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350,616 |
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321,715 |
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Deferred income taxes and other liabilities |
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124,386 |
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109,669 |
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Total liabilities |
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1,192,744 |
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|
1,415,285 |
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Watsco, Inc. shareholders' equity |
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2,781,376 |
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|
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2,656,990 |
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Non-controlling interest |
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440,685 |
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|
407,248 |
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Total shareholders' equity |
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3,222,061 |
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3,064,238 |
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Total liabilities and shareholders' equity |
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$ |
4,414,805 |
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$ |
4,479,523 |
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WATSCO, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited, in thousands)
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Year Ended December 31, |
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2025 |
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2024 |
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Cash flows from operating activities: |
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Net income |
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$ |
587,588 |
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$ |
635,740 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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43,752 |
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40,822 |
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Share-based compensation |
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35,344 |
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35,022 |
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Non-cash contribution to 401(k) plan |
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8,743 |
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8,735 |
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Provision for doubtful accounts |
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5,201 |
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4,285 |
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Other, net |
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18,844 |
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|
765 |
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Other income from investment in unconsolidated entity |
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(27,765 |
) |
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(30,501 |
) |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions: |
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Accounts receivable, net |
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83,425 |
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(85,555 |
) |
Inventories, net |
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|
11,957 |
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(41,678 |
) |
Accounts payable and other liabilities |
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(203,051 |
) |
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|
197,765 |
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Other, net |
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|
5,575 |
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|
|
7,702 |
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Net cash provided by operating activities |
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|
569,613 |
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|
|
773,102 |
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Cash flows from investing activities: |
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Net purchases of short-term investments |
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|
(44,331 |
) |
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|
(255,669 |
) |
Capital expenditures, net |
|
|
(34,093 |
) |
|
|
(29,828 |
) |
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
|
|
(19,198 |
) |
|
|
(5,173 |
) |
Other investments |
|
|
(500 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(98,122 |
) |
|
|
(290,670 |
) |
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Dividends on common stock |
|
|
(473,765 |
) |
|
|
(423,521 |
) |
Distributions to non-controlling interest |
|
|
(132,196 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Net repayments under revolving credit agreement |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(15,400 |
) |
Net proceeds from the sale of Common stock |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
281,784 |
|
Proceeds from dividend reinvestment plan |
|
|
21,665 |
|
|
|
13,224 |
|
Other, net |
|
|
16,180 |
|
|
|
(14,617 |
) |
Net cash used in financing activities |
|
|
(568,116 |
) |
|
|
(158,530 |
) |
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
3,637 |
|
|
|
(7,743 |
) |
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(92,988 |
) |
|
|
316,159 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
|
|
526,271 |
|
|
|
210,112 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
|
$ |
433,283 |
|
|
$ |
526,271 |
|
7
Exhibit 99.2
Watsco Boosts Annual Dividend 10% to $13.20 Per Share
____________
MIAMI, FLORIDA — (GLOBENEWSWIRE), February 17, 2026 — Watsco, Inc. (NYSE:WSO) announced that its Board of Directors approved a 10% increase in its annual dividend to $13.20 per share on each outstanding share of its Common and Class B common stock. The increase will be reflected in the Company’s next quarterly dividend payment in April 2026.
Albert H. Nahmad, Watsco’s Chairman & CEO stated: “We are pleased to increase dividends to shareholders, which reflects our confidence in the prospects of our business and is supported by our strong cash flow and balance sheet.”
Watsco has paid dividends to shareholders for 52 consecutive years. The Company’s philosophy is to share cash flow through dividends while keeping a conservative balance sheet with continued capacity to build its distribution network. Future changes in dividends will be considered in light of investment opportunities, cash flow, general economic conditions and Watsco’s overall financial condition.
About Watsco
Watsco is the largest distributor in the highly-fragmented North American HVAC/R market. Watsco’s solid financial position and culture of innovation has enabled investments in long-term growth, including the Company’s industry-leading technology platforms. Today, approximately 73,000 contractors, installers and technicians engage digitally with the Company, resulting in improved growth and lower attrition. The Company is now advancing AI-driven initiatives to leverage its extensive data assets to enhance the customer experience and improve efficiencies. These investments position Watsco to capture market share as contractors increasingly adopt digital tools and incorporate data-driven solutions in their businesses.
This document includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may address, among other things, our expected financial and operational results and the related assumptions underlying our expected results. These forward-looking statements are distinguished by use of words such as “will,” “would,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “believe,” “designed,” “plan,” or “intend,” the negative of these terms, and similar references to future periods. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in economic, business, competitive market, new housing starts and completions, capital spending in commercial construction, consumer spending and debt levels, regulatory and other factors, including, without limitation, the effects of supplier concentration, competitive conditions within Watsco’s industry, the seasonal nature of sales of Watsco’s products, the ability of the Company to expand its business, insurance coverage risks and final GAAP adjustments. Detailed information about these factors and additional important factors can be found in the documents that Watsco files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements were made. Watsco assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.
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