Watsco, Inc. (NYSE:WSO) Stock Position Trimmed by Caledonia Investments PLC

Caledonia Investments PLC lessened its holdings in shares of Watsco, Inc. (NYSE:WSO - Free Report) by 2.5% during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 194,427 shares of the construction company's stock after selling 5,000 shares during the period. Watsco makes up approximately 11.0% of Caledonia Investments PLC's portfolio, making the stock its 3rd biggest holding. Caledonia Investments PLC owned 0.48% of Watsco worth $92,166,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of WSO. National Bank of Canada FI grew its holdings in Watsco by 273.5% during the second quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 549 shares of the construction company's stock worth $254,000 after acquiring an additional 402 shares during the period. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Watsco in the second quarter valued at $372,000. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Watsco in the second quarter valued at $61,000. Choreo LLC acquired a new stake in Watsco in the second quarter valued at $310,000. Finally, Daiwa Securities Group Inc. grew its holdings in Watsco by 9.1% in the second quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 2,400 shares of the construction company's stock valued at $1,112,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.71% of the company's stock.

Insider Activity

In related news, EVP Barry S. Logan sold 10,998 shares of the 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 filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 12.86% of the company's stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have weighed in on the company. Northcoast Research assumed coverage on Watsco in a report on Friday, November 22nd. They issued a "neutral" rating on the stock. Robert W. Baird lowered their target price on Watsco from $550.00 to $540.00 and set an "outperform" rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 24th.

Watsco Trading Down 0.3 %

Shares of NYSE:WSO traded down $1.34 on Friday, hitting $465.23. The company had a trading volume of 207,935 shares, compared to its average volume of 273,622. Watsco, Inc. has a 52-week low of $373.33 and a 52-week high of $571.41. The business has a 50 day moving average of $510.87 and a 200 day moving average of $491.76. The company has a market cap of $18.79 billion, a PE ratio of 35.95 and a beta of 0.95.

Watsco (NYSE:WSO - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 23rd. The construction company reported $4.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.73 by ($0.51). Watsco had a net margin of 6.99% and a return on equity of 17.77%. The company had revenue of $2.16 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $2.24 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $4.35 earnings per share. The firm's revenue was up 1.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Watsco, Inc. will post 13.06 EPS for the current year.

Watsco Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 17th will be given a $2.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 17th. This represents a $10.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.32%. Watsco's dividend payout ratio is currently 83.46%.

Watsco Company Profile

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.