Watsco Announces 10% Dividend Increase Amid Strong Financial Stability
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 17 2026
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Should l Buy WSO?
Source: Newsfilter
Watsco's stock rose 4.35% as it reached a 20-day high, reflecting positive investor sentiment following the announcement of a 10% increase in its annual dividend to $13.20 per share.
The increase in dividend, marking the company's 52nd consecutive year of payments, demonstrates Watsco's strong financial stability and commitment to shareholders. The company reported revenues of $7.24 billion in 2025, despite a 5% decline from the previous year, while successfully expanding its gross margin to a record 28% through pricing optimization technologies. This strategic focus on technology and customer engagement positions Watsco favorably in the HVAC/R market.
The dividend increase not only reflects confidence in future business prospects but also highlights Watsco's ability to maintain a stable dividend policy, which is attractive to investors seeking reliable income. With ongoing investments in technology and digital transformation, Watsco is well-positioned to enhance its market share and operational efficiencies.
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Analyst Views on WSO
Wall Street analysts forecast WSO stock price to fall
9 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
7 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 430.260
Low
349.00
Averages
394.14
High
460.00
Current: 430.260
Low
349.00
Averages
394.14
High
460.00
About WSO
Watsco, Inc. is a distributor of air conditioning, heating and refrigeration equipment and related parts and supplies. It sells air conditioning and heating equipment to the replacement and new construction markets for both residential and commercial applications. It also sells a variety of non-equipment products including parts, supplies, ductwork, air movement products, insulation, tools, installation supplies, thermostats, and air quality products. It provides condensing units, compressors, evaporators, valves, refrigerants, walk-in coolers, and ice machines for industrial and commercial applications. Its business units include Carrier Enterprise, Baker Distributing Company, Gemaire Distributors, East Coast Metal Distributors, Heating and Cooling Supply, Homans Associates, Pierce Phelps, N&S Supply, Acme Refrigeration, Alert Labs Inc., Tradewinds, Boreal International, Watsco Ventures, and Gateway Supply Co.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Watsco Schedules Q1 2026 Earnings Call for April 28
- Earnings Call Announcement: Watsco has scheduled a conference call for April 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) to discuss its Q1 2026 financial results, followed by a Q&A session with senior management, aimed at enhancing investor engagement.
- Financial Results Release: The company will release its financial results before the market opens, ensuring investors have access to the latest financial data prior to the call, thereby increasing transparency and bolstering market confidence.
- Digital Engagement: Approximately 73,000 contractors, installers, and technicians engage digitally with Watsco, which not only improves customer experience but also reduces attrition rates, showcasing the company's competitive edge in the industry.
- AI-Driven Innovations: Watsco is advancing AI-driven initiatives to leverage its extensive data assets to enhance customer experience and operational efficiencies, which is expected to further solidify its leadership position in the North American HVAC/R market.
See More
WATSCO PLANS FIRST QUARTER CONFERENCE CALL FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026
- Conference Announcement: Watsco has scheduled its first quarter conference call for April 28, 2026.
- Investor Communication: The call will provide insights and updates relevant to investors and stakeholders.
See More
Watsco Announces 10% Increase in Quarterly Cash Dividend
- Watsco Dividend Increase: Watsco's Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $3.30 per share, reflecting a 10% increase, marking 52 consecutive years of dividend payments, which underscores the company's strong financial performance and commitment to shareholders.
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- Lamb Weston Dividend Declaration: Lamb Weston announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.38 per share, payable on June 5, 2026, indicating the company's commitment to profitability and shareholder returns.
- RPM International Dividend Growth: RPM International declared a cash dividend of $0.54 per share, marking its 52nd consecutive year of increased dividends, showcasing the company's exceptional performance in shareholder returns, with less than 0.5% of publicly traded U.S. companies achieving this milestone.
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Watsco Declares 10% Increase in Quarterly Dividend to $3.30
- Dividend Increase: Watsco has declared a quarterly dividend increase from $3.00 to $3.30 per share, representing a 10% rise that not only reflects the company's stable cash flow but also boosts investor confidence, likely attracting more long-term investors.
- Yield Appeal: The forward yield of 3.63% enhances Watsco's attractiveness in the current market, particularly against a backdrop of rising interest rates, providing a relatively robust return for income-focused investors.
- Shareholder Benefits: The dividend is payable on April 30, with a record date of April 16 and an ex-dividend date also on April 16, ensuring that existing shareholders can promptly benefit from the increased payout, thereby strengthening shareholder loyalty.
- Financial Performance: Although Watsco's Q4 2025 GAAP EPS of $1.68 missed expectations by $0.21 and revenue of $1.58 billion fell short by $40 million, the dividend increase demonstrates the company's confidence in its future financial health.
See More
Watsco Declares 10% Increase in Quarterly Cash Dividend
- Dividend Increase: Watsco has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $3.30 per share, marking a 10% increase from the previous year, reflecting the company's confidence in its strong financial position and likely enhancing shareholder returns while attracting more investor interest.
- Consistent Dividend Record: With 52 consecutive years of dividend payments, Watsco demonstrates stable cash flow and conservative financial management, further solidifying its leadership position in the HVAC/R market and appealing to income-focused investors.
- Market Leadership: As the largest distributor in the North American HVAC/R market, Watsco has achieved a 17% compounded annual total shareholder return since 1989 through organic growth and the acquisition of over 70 market-leading businesses, enhancing its competitive edge in the industry.
- Digital Transformation: Watsco is advancing AI-driven initiatives to leverage its extensive data assets, improving customer experience and operational efficiencies, which is expected to further expand market share as contractors increasingly adopt digital tools and data-driven solutions.
See More
Steer Clear of Deere and Other Costly Industrial Stocks: Here Are 3 Alternatives to Consider.
- Physical Goods Surge: Companies producing physical goods are experiencing significant growth this year.
- AI-Disruptible Services Lag: In contrast, shares of service and software providers that are vulnerable to AI disruption are not performing as well.
See More
Watsco Schedules Q1 2026 Earnings Call for April 28
- Earnings Call Announcement: Watsco has scheduled a conference call for April 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) to discuss its Q1 2026 financial results, followed by a Q&A session with senior management, aimed at enhancing investor engagement.
- Financial Results Release: The company will release its financial results before the market opens, ensuring investors have access to the latest financial data prior to the call, thereby increasing transparency and bolstering market confidence.
- Digital Engagement: Approximately 73,000 contractors, installers, and technicians engage digitally with Watsco, which not only improves customer experience but also reduces attrition rates, showcasing the company's competitive edge in the industry.
- AI-Driven Innovations: Watsco is advancing AI-driven initiatives to leverage its extensive data assets to enhance customer experience and operational efficiencies, which is expected to further solidify its leadership position in the North American HVAC/R market.
See More
WATSCO PLANS FIRST QUARTER CONFERENCE CALL FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026
- Conference Announcement: Watsco has scheduled its first quarter conference call for April 28, 2026.
- Investor Communication: The call will provide insights and updates relevant to investors and stakeholders.
See More
Watsco Announces 10% Increase in Quarterly Cash Dividend
- Watsco Dividend Increase: Watsco's Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $3.30 per share, reflecting a 10% increase, marking 52 consecutive years of dividend payments, which underscores the company's strong financial performance and commitment to shareholders.
- Murphy Oil Dividend Announcement: Murphy Oil declared a cash dividend of $0.35 per share, or $1.40 annualized, payable on June 1, 2026, demonstrating the company's ongoing efforts in maintaining stable cash flow and shareholder returns.
- Lamb Weston Dividend Declaration: Lamb Weston announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.38 per share, payable on June 5, 2026, indicating the company's commitment to profitability and shareholder returns.
- RPM International Dividend Growth: RPM International declared a cash dividend of $0.54 per share, marking its 52nd consecutive year of increased dividends, showcasing the company's exceptional performance in shareholder returns, with less than 0.5% of publicly traded U.S. companies achieving this milestone.
See More
Watsco Declares 10% Increase in Quarterly Dividend to $3.30
- Dividend Increase: Watsco has declared a quarterly dividend increase from $3.00 to $3.30 per share, representing a 10% rise that not only reflects the company's stable cash flow but also boosts investor confidence, likely attracting more long-term investors.
- Yield Appeal: The forward yield of 3.63% enhances Watsco's attractiveness in the current market, particularly against a backdrop of rising interest rates, providing a relatively robust return for income-focused investors.
- Shareholder Benefits: The dividend is payable on April 30, with a record date of April 16 and an ex-dividend date also on April 16, ensuring that existing shareholders can promptly benefit from the increased payout, thereby strengthening shareholder loyalty.
- Financial Performance: Although Watsco's Q4 2025 GAAP EPS of $1.68 missed expectations by $0.21 and revenue of $1.58 billion fell short by $40 million, the dividend increase demonstrates the company's confidence in its future financial health.
See More
Watsco Declares 10% Increase in Quarterly Cash Dividend
- Dividend Increase: Watsco has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $3.30 per share, marking a 10% increase from the previous year, reflecting the company's confidence in its strong financial position and likely enhancing shareholder returns while attracting more investor interest.
- Consistent Dividend Record: With 52 consecutive years of dividend payments, Watsco demonstrates stable cash flow and conservative financial management, further solidifying its leadership position in the HVAC/R market and appealing to income-focused investors.
- Market Leadership: As the largest distributor in the North American HVAC/R market, Watsco has achieved a 17% compounded annual total shareholder return since 1989 through organic growth and the acquisition of over 70 market-leading businesses, enhancing its competitive edge in the industry.
- Digital Transformation: Watsco is advancing AI-driven initiatives to leverage its extensive data assets, improving customer experience and operational efficiencies, which is expected to further expand market share as contractors increasingly adopt digital tools and data-driven solutions.
See More
Steer Clear of Deere and Other Costly Industrial Stocks: Here Are 3 Alternatives to Consider.
- Physical Goods Surge: Companies producing physical goods are experiencing significant growth this year.
- AI-Disruptible Services Lag: In contrast, shares of service and software providers that are vulnerable to AI disruption are not performing as well.
See More
