Generac Holdings Inc. (GNRC) vs Watsco, Inc. (WSO)
A side-by-side comparison of Generac Holdings Inc. and Watsco, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 27, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
GNRC
Generac Holdings Inc.
$197.29IndustrialsDelayed quote: Aug 27, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
WSO
Watsco, Inc.
$313.05IndustrialsDelayed quote: Aug 27, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — GNRC vs WSO
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yGNRC +453.9% (+18.7%/yr)WSO +178.8% (+10.8%/yr)GNRC compounded faster over this window
GNRC WSO
GNRC vs WSO: by the numbers
- •WSO is the larger company ($12.89B vs $11.61B market cap).
- •WSO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (27.03 vs 47.61 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •WSO converts more revenue to profit (6.53% vs 5.82% net margin).
- •GNRC grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.83% vs 5.11% CAGR).
- •WSO pays a dividend (4.02% yield), while GNRC is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | GNRC | WSO |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 47.61 | 27.03 |
| Forward P/E | 21.25 | 25.92 |
| P/S ratio | 2.77 | 1.64 |
| P/B ratio | 4.27 | 3.98 |
| EV / EBITDA | 23.53 | 16.72 |
| FCF yield | 3.09% | 5.85% |
Profitability
| Metric | GNRC | WSO |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 39.54% | 27.87% |
| Operating margin | 9.50% | 9.32% |
| Net margin | 5.82% | 6.53% |
| ROE | 8.97% | 15.89% |
| ROIC | 6.95% | 13.49% |
Dividends
| Metric | GNRC | WSO |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 4.02% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 102.86% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | GNRC | WSO |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.83% | 5.11% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -13.42% | 11.75% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -7.45% | 15.78% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -13.53% | 5.33% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, GNRC or WSO?
- WSO has the lower trailing P/E: GNRC trades at 47.61 and WSO at 27.03. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, GNRC or WSO?
- Over the past five years, GNRC grew revenue faster — GNRC at a 6.83% CAGR versus WSO at 5.11%.
- Does GNRC or WSO pay a bigger dividend?
- WSO pays a dividend (4.02% yield), while GNRC is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
- Is GNRC or WSO more profitable?
- WSO runs the higher net margin — GNRC at 5.82% versus WSO at 6.53%.
- How have GNRC and WSO total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, GNRC delivered 18.72% and WSO delivered 11.27% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Generac P/E ratioWatsco P/E ratioWatsco dividend yieldGenerac ROEWatsco ROEGenerac operating marginWatsco operating marginGenerac revenue growthWatsco revenue growthGenerac free cash flowWatsco free cash flow
Generac & Watsco appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified August 27, 2026.