BWX Technologies (BWXT) vs Watsco (WSO)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
BWX Technologies (BWXT) has outperformed Watsco (WSO) over the past year, losing 26.0% versus a loss of 28.7%. Over five years, BWXT leads with a +150.8% price change compared with -0.9% for WSO. BWX Technologies is the larger company by market cap ($13.03 billion vs $11.63 billion), about 1.1 times the size.
On valuation, Watsco trades at a lower forward P/E (21.1x vs 27.2x for BWX Technologies). Watsco offers the higher dividend yield (4.36% vs 0.73%). BWX Technologies converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 10.3% versus 6.9%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | BWXT | WSO |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $142.25 | $282.00 |
| Market cap | $13.03B | $11.63B |
| 1-day change | +0.50% | -0.23% |
| YTD return | -18.11% | -16.12% |
| 1-year return | -26.05% | -28.68% |
| 5-year return | +150.82% | -0.93% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 36.85 | 24.16 |
| Forward P/E | 27.20 | 21.14 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.86 | $11.67 |
| Dividend yield | 0.73% | 4.36% |
| Annual dividend | $1.04 | $12.30 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $3.20B | $7.24B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +18.30% | -4.98% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $328.94M | $496.99M |
| Gross margin | 22.91% | 28.05% |
| Operating margin | 12.65% | 9.95% |
| Net margin | 10.28% | 6.87% |
| 52-week high | $241.82 | $459.00 |
| 52-week low | $131.86 | $279.04 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -41.18% | -38.56% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +51.51% | +33.30% |
| Average volume | 1.09M | 499.69K |
| Shares outstanding | 91.62M | 35.59M |
| Employees | 11,000 | 6,950 |
| Sector | Industrials | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Industrial Machinery/Components | Industrial Machinery/Components |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- BWX Technologies trades at a higher earnings multiple (36.9x vs 24.2x trailing P/E).
- Watsco offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (4.36% vs 0.73%).
- BWX Technologies grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+18.30% vs -4.98%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: BWX Technologies in Industrials and Watsco in Consumer Discretionary.
About BWX Technologies
BWXT stock →BWX Technologies, Inc. manufactures and sells nuclear components in the United States, Canada, and internationally.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 11,000 employees
About Watsco
WSO stock →Watsco, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the distribution of air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment, and related parts and supplies in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It distributes equipment, including residential ducted and ductless air conditioners, such as gas, electric, and oil furnaces; commercial air conditioning and heating equipment systems; and other specialized equipment.
Consumer Discretionary · Industrial Machinery/Components · 6,950 employees
BWXT vs WSO FAQ
Which is bigger, BWX Technologies or Watsco?
BWX Technologies (BWXT) is larger, with a market capitalization of $13.03B compared with $11.63B for Watsco (WSO).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, BWXT or WSO?
BWXT returned -26.05% over the past 12 months, compared with -28.68% for WSO (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, BWXT or WSO?
WSO has the lower trailing P/E at 24.2, versus 36.9 for BWXT. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, BWX Technologies or Watsco?
Watsco has the higher yield at 4.36%, compared with 0.73% for BWX Technologies.
Are BWX Technologies and Watsco in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.