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.

Compare

Total returnGNRC vs WSO

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
GNRC +453.9% (+18.7%/yr)WSO +178.8% (+10.8%/yr)GNRC compounded faster over this window
05001kStart $10020182020202220242026$554$279
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

MetricGNRCWSO
P/E ratio47.6127.03
Forward P/E21.2525.92
P/S ratio2.771.64
P/B ratio4.273.98
EV / EBITDA23.5316.72
FCF yield3.09%5.85%

Profitability

MetricGNRCWSO
Gross margin39.54%27.87%
Operating margin9.50%9.32%
Net margin5.82%6.53%
ROE8.97%15.89%
ROIC6.95%13.49%

Dividends

MetricGNRCWSO
Dividend yieldN/A4.02%
Payout ratioN/A102.86%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGNRCWSO
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.

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.