Howland Capital Management LLC Has $56.34 Million Holdings in Watsco, Inc. (NYSE:WSO)

Howland Capital Management LLC lessened its position in Watsco, Inc. (NYSE:WSO - Free Report) by 1.1% in the fourth quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 118,893 shares of the construction company's stock after selling 1,362 shares during the period. Watsco makes up about 2.5% of Howland Capital Management LLC's holdings, making the stock its 9th largest position. Howland Capital Management LLC owned 0.29% of Watsco worth $56,342,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of WSO. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC bought a new stake in Watsco during the third quarter worth $43,000. Quarry LP lifted its holdings in Watsco by 57.9% during the third quarter. Quarry LP now owns 90 shares of the construction company's stock worth $44,000 after acquiring an additional 33 shares during the period. Brooklyn Investment Group bought a new stake in Watsco during the third quarter worth $48,000. Golden State Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in Watsco during the fourth quarter worth $50,000. Finally, MCF Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Watsco by 27.8% during the third quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 115 shares of the construction company's stock worth $57,000 after acquiring an additional 25 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 89.71% of the company's stock.

Watsco Stock Performance

NYSE:WSO traded down $1.16 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $470.84. The stock had a trading volume of 217,333 shares, compared to its average volume of 212,308. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $487.24 and a 200 day simple moving average of $491.22. Watsco, Inc. has a 12-month low of $373.33 and a 12-month high of $571.41. The stock has a market cap of $19.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.39 and a beta of 0.95.

Watsco Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 17th were given a $2.70 dividend. This represents a $10.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.29%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 17th. Watsco's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 83.46%.

Insider Activity

In related news, EVP Barry S. Logan sold 10,998 shares of the business's stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $508.21, for a total transaction of $5,589,293.58. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 12.86% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts recently commented on WSO shares. Northcoast Research started coverage on Watsco in a report on Friday, November 22nd. They set a "neutral" rating on the stock. Raymond James started coverage on Watsco in a research report on Friday, January 17th. They issued a "market perform" rating for the company. Finally, Robert W. Baird decreased their target price on Watsco from $550.00 to $540.00 and set an "outperform" rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 24th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $488.33.

About Watsco

Watsco, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the distribution of air conditioning, heating, refrigeration equipment, and related parts and supplies in the United States and internationally. The company distributes equipment, including residential ducted and ductless air conditioners, such as gas, electric, and oil furnaces; commercial air conditioning and heating equipment systems; and other specialized equipment.