Exhibit 99.1
Watsco Reports Record Sales, Enhanced Operating Efficiency,
Strong Cash Flow and Improving Business Trends
Entrepreneurial Culture, Debt-Free Balance Sheet, Leading Technologies and
Upcoming Regulatory Change Support Long-Term Investment and Growth
MIAMI, FLORIDA (GLOBENEWSWIRE), October 23, 2024 Watsco, Inc. (NYSE: WSO) announced its results for the third quarter and nine-month period
ended September 30, 2024 and provided commentary on business trends, growth opportunities, technology innovation and its financial strength.
Watsco is the largest distributor in the highly fragmented $64 billion North American HVAC/R market, with nearly 700 locations across
the U.S., Canada and Latin America. Watsco estimates that it provides services on a local basis to over 375,000 owner-operators, technicians and installers annually. Since entering distribution in 1989, Watscos
operating profits have grown at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18% and dividends have grown at a 21% CAGR. The Company believes these long-term growth rates are indicative of strong and consistent performance across most macroeconomic and
industry cycles.
A cornerstone of Watscos growth strategy is the acquisition of long-standing, family-owned businesses. Since 1989,
Watsco has acquired 69 companies, while preserving their unique culture and legacies. Since August 2019, Watsco has acquired eight businesses that today generate approximately $1 billion in annual sales. We believe our proven
entrepreneurial culture, technology advantage, strong financial position and other unique factors provide an attractive home for great businesses, as well as for the OEMs and other suppliers throughout our industry.
Watsco has also developed industry-leading technologies to enhance the customer experience, gain operating efficiencies and drive growth. Today,
approximately 61,000 contractor businesses and technicians engage with Watsco digitally, complemented by modern,
state-of-the-art technologies at each of our nearly 700 locations. Since the launch of its technology ecosystem, Watsco has
generated higher sales growth rates among digital customers, added new customers and reduced customer attrition. The Company believes this technology advantage will continue to provide unique opportunities for long-term growth.
Highlights Related to 2024 Performance
Watscos unit sales of residential HVAC equipment stabilized during the 2024 selling season (i.e. growth rates for 2024s second and third quarter on
a combined basis) complemented by solid growth in sales of commercial HVAC systems. Business trends in October 2024 have strengthened, reflecting meaningful unit growth and an overall mid-single digit growth
rate in sales.
2024 results also reflect ongoing efforts to regain sales and market share related to one of the Companys primary OEMs after product
and supply chain disruptions impacted customer relationships in 2023. Watsco and its OEM partner have made co-investments that are yielding positive results to both regain lost customers and attract new
customers. The Company estimates these investments have been dilutive to gross margins by approximately 30 basis-points for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024. Watsco is actively collaborating and investing alongside the OEM to
reestablish market share and drive long-term growth.
Watsco has further strengthened its financial position in 2024 and is well-positioned to invest in
growth. Operating cash flow increased 50% to a record $394 million for the nine-months ended September 30, 2024. At September 30, 2024, the Company had $550 million in cash and short-term investments, no borrowings under its
$600 million revolving credit facility and $400 million of equity capacity under its ATM program.
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