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WATSCO INC

For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 28, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2024 · Filed Feb 28, 2025

WSO-B$313.24+3.3%Stored close · as of Nov 5, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-K

Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-23.

0001193125-24-044609

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-K

Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-28.

0001193125-25-041730

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 45 previous paragraphs and 45 current paragraphs.

33 unchanged; 12 reworded; 0 added; 0 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 13 previous and 13 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Reworded paragraphs (12)

Previous wording

The Company’s top ten suppliers accounted for 86% of our purchases during 2023, including 65% from Carrier and 8% from Rheem. Carrier provides a diverse variety of brands of HVAC systems including, Carrier, Bryant, Payne, Tempstar, Heil, Comfortmaker and Grandaire, along with complimentary replacement parts. Rheem provides Rheem-brand HVAC systems along with complimentary replacement parts. Given the significant concentration of our supply chain, particularly with Carrier and Rheem, any significant interruption by any of the key manufacturers or a termination of a relationship could temporarily disrupt the operations of certain of our subsidiaries. Additionally, our operations are materially dependent upon the continued market acceptance and quality of these manufacturers’ products and their ability to continue to manufacture products that are competitive, that comply with laws relating to environmental and efficiency standards, and that keep up with shifting consumer preferences. Our inability to obtain products from one or more of these manufacturers or a decline in market acceptance of these manufacturers’ products could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows, and liquidity.

Current wording

The Company’s top ten suppliers accounted for 85% of our purchases during 2024, including 62% from Carrier and 9% from Rheem. Carrier provides a diverse variety of brands of HVAC systems including Carrier, Bryant, Payne, Tempstar, Heil, Comfortmaker, and Grandaire (a private label product created by the Company), along with complimentary replacement parts. Rheem provides Rheem-brand HVAC systems along with complimentary replacement parts. Given the significant concentration of our supply chain, particularly with Carrier and Rheem, any significant interruption by any of the key manufacturers or a termination of a relationship could temporarily disrupt the operations of certain of our subsidiaries. Additionally, our operations are materially dependent upon the continued market acceptance and quality of these manufacturers’ products and their ability to continue to manufacture products that are competitive, that comply with laws relating to environmental and efficiency standards, and that keep up with shifting consumer preferences. Our inability to obtain products from one or more of these manufacturers or a decline in market acceptance of these manufacturers’ products, including new HVAC systems that use refrigerants with a lower GWP, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows, and liquidity.

Previous wording

Many HVAC equipment and component manufacturers, including Carrier and Rheem, source component parts from China and/or assemble a significant number of products for residential and light-commercial applications from Mexico. If any restrictions, including overall trade relations, a potential increase in tariffs, are imposed related to such products sourced or assembled from Mexico and China, including as a result of amendments to existing trade agreements, and our product costs consequently increase, we would be required to raise our prices, which may result in cost inflation, the loss of customers, and harm to our business.

Current wording

Many HVAC equipment and component manufacturers, including Carrier and Rheem, source component parts from China and Mexico and/or assemble a significant number of products for residential and light-commercial applications in Mexico. If any restrictions, including as a result of overall trade relations or a potential increase in tariffs (which the Trump administration has proposed), are imposed related to such products sourced from, or assembled in, Mexico and China, including as a result of amendments to existing trade agreements, and our product costs consequently increase, we would be required to raise our prices, which may result in cost inflation, the loss of customers, and harm to our business.

Previous wording

We maintain trade name and distribution agreements with Carrier and Rheem that provide us distribution rights on an exclusive basis in specified territories. Such agreements are not subject to a stated term or expiration date.

Current wording

We maintain trade name and distribution agreements with Carrier and Rheem that provide us with distribution rights on an exclusive basis in specified territories. Such agreements are not subject to a stated term or expiration date.

Previous wording

We also maintain other distribution agreements with various other suppliers, either on an exclusive ornon-exclusive basis, for various terms ranging from one to ten years. Certain of the distribution agreements contain provisions that restrict or limit the sale of competitive products in the locations that sell such branded products. Other than where such location-level restrictions apply, we may distribute other manufacturers’ lines of air conditioning or heating equipment in other locations in the same territories.

Current wording

We also maintain other distribution agreements with various other suppliers, either on an exclusive ornon-exclusive basis, for various terms ranging from one to ten years. Certain distribution agreements contain provisions that restrict or limit the sale of competitive products in the locations that sell such branded products. Other than where such location-level restrictions apply, we may distribute other manufacturers’ lines of air conditioning or heating equipment in other locations in the same territories.

Previous wording

In addition to the disruptions that may occur from interruptions in our information technology systems, cybersecurity threats and sophisticated and targeted cyberattacks pose a risk to our information technology systems. We have established security policies, processes and defenses designed to help identify and protect against intentional and unintentional misappropriation or corruption of our information technology systems and information and disruption of our operations. Despite these efforts, our information technology systems may be damaged, disrupted or shut down due to attacks by hackers and other persons obtaining unauthorized access, malicious software, ransomware, computer viruses, undetected intrusion, hardware failures or other events, and in these circumstances our disaster recovery plans may be ineffective or inadequate. These breaches or intrusions could lead to business interruption, exposure of proprietary or confidential information, data corruption, damage to our reputation, exposure to legal and regulatory proceedings and other costs. Such events could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, we could be adversely affected if any of our significant customers or suppliers experiences any similar events that disrupt their business operations or damage their reputation.

Current wording

In addition to the disruptions that may occur from interruptions in our information technology systems, cybersecurity threats and sophisticated and targeted cyberattacks pose a risk to our information technology systems. Cyberattacks may be further enhanced in frequency or effectiveness through threat actors’ use of artificial intelligence. We have established security policies, processes and defenses designed to help identify and protect against intentional and unintentional misappropriation or corruption of our information technology systems and information and disruption of our operations. Despite these efforts, our information technology systems may be damaged, disrupted or shut down due to attacks by hackers and other persons obtaining unauthorized access, malicious software, ransomware, computer viruses, undetected intrusion, hardware failures or other events, and in these circumstances our disaster recovery plans may be ineffective or inadequate. These breaches or intrusions could lead to business interruption, exposure of proprietary or confidential information, data corruption, damage to our reputation, exposure to legal and regulatory proceedings and other costs. Such events could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, we could be adversely affected if any of our significant customers or suppliers experiences any similar events that disrupt their business operations or damage their reputation.

Previous wording

We maintain change management processes, monitoring practices, and protections of our information technology to reduce these risks and test our systems on an ongoing basis for potential threats. The Audit Committee is briefed on information security matters at least once a year. We carry cybersecurity insurance to help mitigate the financial exposure and related notification procedures in the event of intentional intrusion. There can be no assurance, however, that our efforts will prevent the risk of a security breach of our databases or systems that could adversely affect our business.

Current wording

We maintain change management processes, monitoring practices, and protections of our information technology to reduce these risks and test our systems on an ongoing basis for potential threats. The Audit Committee is briefed on information security matters at least once a year. We carry cybersecurity insurance to help mitigate financial exposure and related notification procedures in the event of intentional intrusion. There can be no assurance, however, that our efforts will prevent the risk of a security breach of our databases or systems that could adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2023, goodwill, intangibles, and long-lived assets represented approximately 36% of our total assets. The recoverability of goodwill, indefinite lived intangibles, and long-lived assets is evaluated at least annually and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The identification and measurement of goodwill impairment involves the estimation of the fair value of our reporting unit and contains uncertainty because management must use judgment in determining appropriate assumptions to be used in the measurement of fair value. The estimates of fair value of our reporting unit, indefinite lived intangibles, and long-lived assets are based on the best information available as of the date of the assessment and incorporates management’s assumptions about expected future cash flows and contemplates other valuation techniques. Future cash flows can be affected by changes in the industry, a declining economic environment, or market conditions. We cannot assure you that we will not suffer material impairments to goodwill, intangibles, or long-lived assets in the future.

Current wording

At December 31, 2024, goodwill, intangibles, and long-lived assets represented approximately 31% of our total assets. The recoverability of goodwill, indefinite lived intangibles, and long-lived assets is evaluated at least annually and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The identification and measurement of goodwill impairment involves the estimation of the fair value of our reporting unit and contains uncertainty because management must use judgment in determining appropriate assumptions to be used in the measurement of fair value. The estimates of fair value of our reporting unit, indefinite lived intangibles, and long-lived assets are based on the best information available as of the date of the assessment and incorporate management’s assumptions about expected future cash flows and contemplates other valuation techniques. Future cash flows can be affected by changes in the industry, a declining economic environment, or market conditions. We cannot assure you that we will not suffer material impairments to goodwill, intangibles, or long-lived assets in the future.

Previous wording

The occurrence of one or more natural disasters, including those linked to climate change, power outages, or other unexpected events, including hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods and other forms of severe weather, health epidemics, pandemics or other contagious outbreaks, conflicts, wars or terrorist acts, in the U.S. or in other countries in which we or our suppliers or customers operate could adversely affect our operations and financial performance. Natural disasters, power outages or other unexpected events could damage or close one or more of our locations or disrupt our operations temporarily or long-term, such as by causing business interruptions or by affecting the availability products we sell. Existing insurance arrangements may not cover all of the costs or lost cash flows that may arise from such events. The occurrence of any of these events could also increase our insurance and other operating costs or impact our sales. Moreover, litigation related to sustainability practices could result in potential operating expenses arising from fines, settlements, and legal costs, as well as reputational impacts.

Current wording

The occurrence of one or more natural disasters, including those linked to climate change, power outages, or other unexpected events, including hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods and other forms of severe weather, health epidemics, pandemics or other contagious outbreaks, conflicts, wars or terrorist acts, in the U.S. or in other countries in which we or our suppliers or customers operate could adversely affect our operations and financial performance. Natural disasters, power outages or other unexpected events could damage or close one or more of our locations or disrupt our operations temporarily or long-term, such as by causing business interruptions or by affecting the availability of products we sell. Existing insurance arrangements may not cover all of the costs or lost cash flows that may arise from such events. The occurrence of any of these events could also increase our insurance and other operating costs or impact our sales. Moreover, litigation related to sustainability practices could result in potential operating expenses arising from fines, settlements, and legal costs, as well as reputational impacts.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, our directors and executive officers and entities affiliated with them owned: (i) Common stock representing 1% of the outstanding shares of Common stock and (ii) Class B common stock representing 89% of the outstanding shares of Class B common stock. These interests represent 55% of the aggregate combined voting power (including 53% beneficially owned by Albert H. Nahmad, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Aaron J. Nahmad, President (the son of our Chairman and CEO), and Valerie Schimel, Director (the daughter of our Chairman and CEO), through shares owned by them and shares held by affiliated limited partnerships, various family trusts, and a charitable foundation. Accordingly, our directors and executive officers collectively have the voting power to elect six members of our nine-person Board of Directors.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, our directors and executive officers and entities affiliated with them owned: (i) Common stock representing less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Common stock and (ii) Class B common stock representing 90% of the outstanding shares of Class B common stock. These interests represent 55% of the aggregate combined voting power (including 53% beneficially owned by Albert H. Nahmad, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Aaron J. Nahmad, President (the son of our Chairman and CEO), and Valerie Schimel, Director (the daughter of our Chairman and CEO), through shares owned by them and shares held by affiliated limited partnerships, various family trusts, and a charitable foundation. Accordingly, our directors and executive officers collectively have the voting power to elect six members of our nine-person Board of Directors.

Previous wording

We are not restricted from issuing additional shares of our Common stock or Class B common stock (which we refer to together as common stock), including securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, our common stock or any substantially similar securities in the future. We may issue shares of our common stock or other securities in one or more registered or unregistered offerings, and we may also issue our securities in connection with investments or acquisitions. The number of shares of our common stock issued in connection with any of the foregoing may result in dilution to holders of our common stock.

Current wording

We are not restricted from issuing additional shares of our Common stock or Class B common stock (which we refer to together as common stock), including securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, our common stock or any substantially similar securities in the future. We may issue shares of our common stock or other securities in one or more registered or unregistered offerings, and we may also issue our securities in connection with investments or acquisitions. On March 29, 2024, we implemented the Watsco, Inc. Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”) under which existing shareholders may, in accordance with the DRIP, acquire shares of common stock, as applicable, by reinvesting all or a portion of the cash dividends paid on such shareholders’ shares of common stock. The number of shares of our common stock issued in connection with any of the foregoing may result in dilution to holders of our common stock.

Previous wording

The market price of our common stock may be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations. Securities markets worldwide experience significant price and volume fluctuations. This market volatility, as well as general economic, market or political conditions, could reduce the market price of shares of our common stock despite our operating performance. The trading price of our common stock may be adversely affected due to many factors, most of which we cannot predict or control, such as the following:

Current wording

The market price of our common stock has been and may continue to be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations. Securities markets worldwide experience significant price and volume fluctuations. This market volatility, as well as general economic, market or political conditions, could reduce the market price of shares of our common stock despite our operating performance. The trading price of our common stock may be adversely affected due to many factors, most of which we cannot predict or control, such as the following:

Previous wording

The amount of any future dividends that we will pay, if any, will depend upon a number of factors. Future dividends will be declared and paid at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon such factors as cash flow generated by operations, profitability, financial condition, cash requirements, prospects, and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. The right of our Board of Directors to declare dividends, however, is subject to the availability of sufficient funds under Florida law to pay dividends. In addition, our ability to pay dividends depends on certain restrictions in our credit agreement.

Current wording

The amount of any future dividends that we will pay, if any, will depend upon a number of factors. Future dividends will be declared and paid at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon such factors as cash flow generated by operations, profitability, financial condition, cash requirements, potential dilution related to our dividend reinvestment plan, prospects, and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. The right of our Board of Directors to declare dividends, however, is subject to the availability of sufficient funds under Florida law to pay dividends. In addition, our ability to pay dividends depends on certain restrictions in our credit agreement.