Generac Holdlings (GNRC) vs Watts Water Technologies (WTS)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Generac Holdlings (GNRC) has outperformed Watts Water Technologies (WTS) over the past year, gaining 32.6% versus a gain of 25.3%. Over five years, WTS leads with a +96.7% price change compared with -51.0% for GNRC. Generac Holdlings is the larger company by market cap ($13.26 billion vs $11.60 billion), about 1.1 times the size, while Watts Water Technologies is growing revenue faster (+8.3% vs -2.0%).
On valuation, Generac Holdlings trades at a lower forward P/E (17.3x vs 24.8x for Watts Water Technologies). Watts Water Technologies pays a dividend yielding 0.63%, while Generac Holdlings does not currently pay one. Watts Water Technologies converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 14.0% versus 3.8%.
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 | GNRC | WTS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $224.47 | $347.43 |
| Market cap | $13.26B | $11.60B |
| 1-day change | +1.41% | -0.24% |
| YTD return | +62.31% | +26.17% |
| 1-year return | +32.58% | +25.26% |
| 5-year return | -51.02% | +96.70% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 51.60 | 30.34 |
| Forward P/E | 17.31 | 24.75 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.35 | $11.45 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.63% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $2.19 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $4.21B | $2.44B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -2.02% | +8.27% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $159.55M | $340.80M |
| Gross margin | 38.29% | 49.46% |
| Operating margin | 6.87% | 18.38% |
| Net margin | 3.79% | 13.98% |
| 52-week high | $296.44 | $394.54 |
| 52-week low | $134.80 | $260.00 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -24.28% | -11.94% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +27.99% | +16.28% |
| Average volume | 1.20M | 195.80K |
| Shares outstanding | 59.06M | 27.47M |
| Employees | 9,400 | 5,700 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Industrials |
| Industry | Metal Fabrications | Metal Fabrications |
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
- Generac Holdlings trades at a higher earnings multiple (51.6x vs 30.3x trailing P/E).
- Watts Water Technologies is more profitable, keeping 14.0 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 3.8 cents for Generac Holdlings.
- Watts Water Technologies grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+8.27% vs -2.02%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Generac Holdlings in Consumer Discretionary and Watts Water Technologies in Industrials.
About Generac Holdlings
GNRC stock →Generac Holdings Inc. designs, manufactures, and distributes energy technology products and solutions worldwide.
Consumer Discretionary · Metal Fabrications · 9,400 employees
About Watts Water Technologies
WTS stock →Watts Water Technologies, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, supplies products and solutions that manage and conserve the flow of fluids and energy into, through, and out of buildings in the commercial, industrial, and residential markets. The company offers residential and commercial flow control and protection products, including backflow preventers, water pressure regulators, temperature and pressure relief valves, thermostatic mixing valves, leak detection and protection products, commercial washroom solutions, hydration solutions, and emergency safety products and equipment for plumbing and hot water applications.
Industrials · Metal Fabrications · 5,700 employees
GNRC vs WTS FAQ
Which is bigger, Generac Holdlings or Watts Water Technologies?
Generac Holdlings (GNRC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $13.26B compared with $11.60B for Watts Water Technologies (WTS).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, GNRC or WTS?
GNRC returned +32.58% over the past 12 months, compared with +25.26% for WTS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, GNRC or WTS?
WTS has the lower trailing P/E at 30.3, versus 51.6 for GNRC. 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, Generac Holdlings or Watts Water Technologies?
Watts Water Technologies pays a dividend yielding 0.63%, while Generac Holdlings does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Generac Holdlings and Watts Water Technologies in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Metal Fabrications industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.