The end of the earnings season is always a good time to take a step back and see who shined (and who didn’t). Let’s take a look at how industrial distributors stocks fared in Q1, starting with Watsco (NYSE: WSO).

Supply chain and inventory management are themes that grew in focus after COVID wreaked havoc on the global movement of raw materials and components. Distributors that boast a reliable selection of products–everything from hardhats and fasteners for jet engines to ceiling systems–and quickly deliver goods to customers can benefit from this theme. While e-commerce hasn’t disrupted industrial distribution as much as consumer retail, it is still a real threat, forcing investment in omnichannel capabilities to better interact with customers. Additionally, distributors are at the whim of economic cycles that impact the capital spending and construction projects that can juice demand.

The 24 industrial distributors stocks we track reported a satisfactory Q1. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 2.1% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was in line.

In light of this news, share prices of the companies have held steady as they are up 3.8% on average since the latest earnings results.

Watsco (NYSE: WSO)

Originally a manufacturing company, Watsco (NYSE: WSO) today only distributes air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment, as well as related parts and supplies.

Watsco reported revenues of $1.53 billion, flat year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 3.4%. Overall, it was a stunning quarter for the company with a solid beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income and revenue estimates.

First quarter 2026 results reflect a 9% increase in average selling price for HVAC equipment from a higher sales mix of A2L products and higher-efficiency HVAC equipment, offset by lower unit volumes. SG&A expenses were flat, reflecting improved operating efficiency and a simpler operating environment compared to last year. Albert H. Nahmad, Chairman and CEO said: “We are extremely honored to welcome Jim Durrett and the entire Jackson Supply team to the Watsco family. Our relationship dates back more than 20 years, and we are grateful for the relationship and the commitment to entrust us with the next chapter of its 50-year legacy. This transaction adds meaningful scale and diversification to Watsco’s core Sunbelt markets. The Jackson Supply team possesses a strong track record of organic growth and an entrepreneurial spirit that closely aligns with our own. We look forward to learning from them and supporting their ambitious growth plans for years to come.”

Investor expectations, however, were likely higher than Wall Street’s published projections, leaving some wishing for even better results (analysts’ consensus estimates are those published by big banks and advisory firms, not the investors who make buy and sell decisions). The stock is down 16.4% since reporting and currently trades at $382.01.

Is now the time to buy Watsco? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Best Q1: Richardson Electronics (NASDAQ: RELL)

Founded in 1947, Richardson Electronics (NASDAQ: RELL) is a distributor of power grid and microwave tubes as well as consumables related to those products.

Richardson Electronics reported revenues of $55.47 million, up 3.1% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 4.4%. The business had an incredible quarter with a beat of analysts’ EPS and EBITDA estimates.

The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 49.2% since reporting. It currently trades at $17.55.

Is now the time to buy Richardson Electronics? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Weakest Q1: DXP (NASDAQ: DXPE)

Founded during the emergence of Big Oil in Texas, DXP (NASDAQ: DXPE) provides pumps, valves, and other industrial components.

DXP reported revenues of $521.7 million, up 9.5% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 1.9%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income and revenue estimates.

As expected, the stock is down 7.6% since the results and currently trades at $167.65.

Read our full analysis of DXP’s results here.

FTAI Aviation (NASDAQ: FTAI)

With a focus on the CFM56 engine that powers Boeing and Airbus’s planes, FTAI Aviation (NASDAQ: FTAI) sells, leases, maintains, and repairs aircraft engines.

FTAI Aviation reported revenues of $830.7 million, up 65.5% year on year. This result beat analysts’ expectations by 12.1%. Zooming out, it was a slower quarter as it produced a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income and EPS estimates.

The stock is up 14.1% since reporting and currently trades at $243.10.

Read our full, actionable report on FTAI Aviation here, it’s free.

Alta (NYSE: ALTG)

Founded in 1984, Alta Equipment Group (NYSE: ALTG) is a provider of industrial and construction equipment and services across the Midwest and Northeast United States.

Alta reported revenues of $410.5 million, down 3% year on year. This print missed analysts’ expectations by 3.3%. Overall, it was a softer quarter as it also produced a significant miss of analysts’ revenue and adjusted operating income estimates.

The stock is down 17.5% since reporting and currently trades at $6.76.

Read our full, actionable report on Alta here, it’s free.

Market Update

Late in 2025 into early 2026, there was hand-wringing around artificial intelligence. For software companies, the fear was that AI would erode pricing power and compress margins as new tools made it easier to replicate what once required expensive enterprise platforms. Crypto investors had their own version of the same anxiety: if AI agents could trade, allocate capital, and manage wallets autonomously, what exactly was the long-term value of today’s crypto infrastructure?

These concerns triggered a noticeable rotation away from these sectors and into safer havens. But markets rarely dwell on one narrative for long. Spring 2026 came, and the focus shifted abruptly from technological disruption to geopolitical risk. The US’ conflict with Iran became the dominant driver of market psychology, and when geopolitics takes center stage, the script changes quickly. Investors stop debating growth rates and start worrying about oil supply, inflation, and global stability.

Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Hidden Gem Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.