Watsco Inc (WSO)

Trevor Rose’s Insights - Trevor’s most-liked answers from 5i Research

While a bit expensive at 28X earnings, we think there is potential here. The balance sheet is good, decent growth is still expected, and cash flow is solid. Investors are still absorbing the 'miss' in the third quarter, but we think the sector outlook is good and it has bounce potential this year.
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Largest distributor of HVAC in NA, providing contractors with new and replacement parts. No debt. Over $500M of cashflow. Grows through acquisition. Recession-proof. 2025 is exciting, as new emissions regulations for A/C will kick in; new units at higher prices will kickstart the stock. Yield is 2.3%. 

(Analysts’ price target is $471.27)

(A Top Pick Jan 04/22, Down 14%) Fabulous fundamental 2022, and he expects record results again in 2023. 48-year track record of raising dividend, raised by 11% in 2022. Yield is 4%.

(A Top Pick May 03/21, Down 18%) Has sold shares in company. Believes better opportunities elsewhere. Economic environment makes housing market tough.

New and replacement parts for about 90K HVAC contractors across NA. Best pricing, scale, online ordering tools. In the US, 90M units are over 10 years old and in need of replacing. Dividend has grown by 400% since 2014. Yield is 2.55%. (Analysts’ price target is $305.50)

Very well managed and are the largest distribution of heating, cooling and refrigeration products in the US. They have taken their large position and scale and combined it with technology to create a dominate position and win market share. The one caveat is that they may trade flat for a bit, but with the housing market being strong, it should still do well. Yield 2.57% (Analysts’ price target is $303.63)

Air conditioning. Many A/C units are very, very old. They have a tremendous opportunity for growth. (Analysts’ price target is $278.17)