| • | | Launch of Sentree, Watsco’s proprietary IoT device for remotely monitoring the health and operational condition of installed HVAC systems to connect our customers with homeowners. |
| • | | Continued focus on productivity initiatives leveraging Watsco’s data analytics platform and teams to improve efficiency. |
| • | | Completed implementation of Order Fulfillment (OF) software for all Watsco’s subsidiaries. |
| • | | Broader use of demand planning and inventory optimization software. |
| • | | Broader use of freight optimization tools and designed to reduce freight costs. |
Cash Flow & Dividends
Operating cash flow for the first half of 2019 was a record $68 million versus a cash use of $19 million in 2018. 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 half of 2019 increased 19% to $120 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. Future increases in dividends will be considered in light of investment opportunities, cash flow, general economic conditions and the Company’s overall financial condition.
Adoption of Lease Accounting Standard
Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update2016-02, 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 leaseright-of-use assets and lease liabilities and presented these amounts separately on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 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 six months ended June 30, 2019.
Second Quarter Earnings Conference Call Information
Date: July 18, 2019
Time: 10:00 a.m. (EDT)
Webcast:http://investors.watsco.com
Dial-in number: United States (844)883-3908 / International (412)317-9254
A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company’s website.
Use ofNon-GAAP Financial Information
In this release, the Company disclosesnon-GAAP measures on a “same-store basis” and the presentation of SG&A expenses to exclude the impact of locations opened or acquired over the last 12 months. Information referring to “same-store basis” exclude the effects of locations closed, acquired, or locations opened, unless they are within close geographical proximity to existing locations, during the immediately preceding 12 months. In the analysis of SG&A performance, the costs pertaining to new locations (opened or acquired) during the preceding 12 months are excluded to derive an informative comparison to the prior year periods. The Company believes that this information provides greater comparability regarding its ongoing operating performance. These measures should not be considered an alternative to measurements required by U.S. GAAP.
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