Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) vs Watsco (WSO)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) has outperformed Watsco (WSO) over the past year, gaining 22.6% versus a loss of 28.8%. Over five years, WSO leads with a -1.1% price change compared with -50.9% for SWK. Stanley Black & Decker is the larger company by market cap ($13.47 billion vs $11.64 billion), about 1.2 times the size.
On valuation, Stanley Black & Decker trades at a lower forward P/E (14.0x vs 21.2x for Watsco). Watsco offers the higher dividend yield (4.36% vs 3.72%). Watsco converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 6.9% versus 2.7%.
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 | SWK | WSO |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $89.17 | $282.23 |
| Market cap | $13.47B | $11.64B |
| 1-day change | +0.97% | -0.15% |
| YTD return | +20.05% | -16.24% |
| 1-year return | +22.59% | -28.81% |
| 5-year return | -50.92% | -1.07% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 21.80 | 24.18 |
| Forward P/E | 14.05 | 21.15 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.09 | $11.67 |
| Dividend yield | 3.72% | 4.36% |
| Annual dividend | $3.32 | $12.30 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $15.13B | $7.24B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -1.53% | -4.98% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $401.90M | $496.99M |
| Gross margin | 30.33% | 28.05% |
| Operating margin | — | 9.95% |
| Net margin | 2.66% | 6.87% |
| 52-week high | $104.68 | $459.00 |
| 52-week low | $61.90 | $279.04 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.82% | -38.51% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +13.37% | +33.19% |
| Average volume | 1.78M | 503.70K |
| Shares outstanding | 151.02M | 35.59M |
| Employees | 41,000 | 6,950 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | 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
- SWK has outperformed WSO by 51.4 percentage points over the past year.
About Stanley Black & Decker
SWK stock →Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. provides hand tools, power tools, outdoor products, and related accessories in the United States, Canada, Other Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Consumer Discretionary · Industrial Machinery/Components · 41,000 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
SWK vs WSO FAQ
Which is bigger, Stanley Black & Decker or Watsco?
Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) is larger, with a market capitalization of $13.47B compared with $11.64B for Watsco (WSO).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, SWK or WSO?
SWK returned +22.59% over the past 12 months, compared with -28.81% for WSO (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, SWK or WSO?
SWK has the lower trailing P/E at 21.8, versus 24.2 for WSO. 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, Stanley Black & Decker or Watsco?
Watsco has the higher yield at 4.36%, compared with 3.72% for Stanley Black & Decker.
Are Stanley Black & Decker and Watsco in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.