| • | | Distributor managed inventory (DMI) was launched to digitally-enable seamless stocking and replenishment of product at a customer’s place of business. |
| • | | Commercial launch of Sentree, Watsco’s proprietary IoT device for remotely monitoring the health and operational condition of installed HVAC systems to connect HVAC users and our customers in an unprecedented way. |
| • | | Numerous sales and productivity initiatives were implemented, made possible by Watsco’s data analytics platform and teams, to leverage technology and reduce operating costs. |
| • | | Order Fulfillment (OF) software was launched at 76 additional locations (branch penetration is now at 77%) to improve speed, accuracy and efficiency in our locations. |
| • | | Broader deployment and enhanced capabilities for demand planning and inventory optimization. |
| • | | Broader use of enhanced processes for freight optimization designed to reduce freight costs. |
A.J. Nahmad, Watsco’s President said: “As entrepreneurs with a long-term point of view, we are proud to deliver another record quarter with increasing dividends while continuing to strategically invest in transforming our customer-experience. The equation is simple – when our customers win, we win and that core belief has fueled our technology investments and continues to guide our progress.”
Cash Flow & Dividends
Operating cash flow in 2019 was a record $53 million versus a cash use of $42 million in 2018. At March 31, 2019 the Company’s debt-to-total capitalization ratio was 8%. The Company has targeted cash flow from operations to exceed net income in 2019. Since 2000, Watsco’s operating cash flow was approximately $2.4 billion compared to net income of approximately $2.2 billion, surpassing the Company’s stated goal of generating cash flow in excess of net income.
Watsco has paid cash dividends for 45 consecutive years. Dividends paid during the first quarter increased 29% to $60 million compared to last year. The Company’s philosophy is to share increasing amounts of cash flow with shareholders through higher dividends while maintaining a conservative financial position. In January 2019, we raised our annual dividend 10% to $6.40 per share.
Acquisition of DASCO Supply
Watsco recently announced that it completed the acquisition of DASCO Supply, a distributor of air conditioning and heating products based in Whippany, New Jersey. Founded in 1974, DASCO operates seven locations in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, serving over 2,500 air conditioning and heating contractors and offering approximately 15,000 SKUs of products for both residential and commercial use. DASCO had revenues of approximately $56 million in 2018.
Mr. Nahmad commented: “DASCO has a wonderful legacy and a close-knit team, and we are honored to become part of their family. Their success over the last 45 years is due to strong relationships along with great service, a broad range of products and convenient locations. To provide on-going continuity, DASCO will operate as a subsidiary of Watsco under its present name and leadership team, and we will provide the resources and technology where needed to assist in achieving their growth plans.”
Adoption of Lease Accounting Standard
Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases, which requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous guidance. We have recorded lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and presented these amounts separately on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Results of Operations or Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019.
First Quarter Earnings Conference Call Information
Date: April 23, 2019
Time: 10:00 a.m. (EDT)
Webcast:http://investors.watsco.com
Dial-in number: United States (844) 883-3908 / International (412) 317-9254
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