Compare Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (AAP) vs A O Smith Corp (AOS) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. vs A O Smith Corp — how do they compare? Advance Auto Parts, Inc. trades at $53.07 (market cap $3.19B), while A O Smith Corp trades at $63.65 (market cap $8.65B). The key difference: A O Smith Corp is far larger — about 2.7× Advance Auto Parts, Inc.'s market cap, and A O Smith Corp pays the higher dividend (2.26%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AAP | AOS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $3.19B | $8.65B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Industrials |
52-Week High | $64.17 | $80.47 |
52-Week Low | $38.75 | $55.78 |
Enterprise Value | $5.47B | $9.15B |
Dividend Yield | 1.89% | 2.26% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Advance Auto Parts (AAP) trades at $53.52, down 3.97% on the day, with a bearish technical signal and mixed fundamentals. Recent earnings have consistently beaten expectations, with Q1 2026 EPS of $0.77 versus $0.39 expected, but profitability remains thin with a net income margin of 0.51%. The company is executing a turnaround focused on professional sales and supply chain improvements, as noted in recent news (The Motley Fool, August 2026).
The outlook is cautious; while valuation appears reasonable with a P/S of 0.37 and analysts set a $61.30 consensus target, weak cash flow from operations and high debt pose risks. Investor sentiment is neutral amid restructuring efforts, but margin expansion and successful execution are critical for sustained recovery.
A.O. Smith Corporation (AOS) trades at $62.53, showing modest daily gains of 0.19%. The stock maintains strong profitability with 13.15% net margins and 27.13% ROE, though recent Q1 2026 earnings missed expectations. Technical indicators suggest a bullish trend with the current price near key support at $62. Recent leadership transition with Kevin Wheeler's retirement and Stephen Shafer assuming chairman role adds management continuity.
The outlook remains cautiously optimistic with a $67.25 consensus price target offering 7.5% upside potential. Strong North American performance and dividend growth provide support, but higher input costs and weaker China demand present headwinds. The stock's valuation appears reasonable at 17.74 P/E, though recent Zacks Strong Sell ratings warrant monitoring.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
About Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
Advance Auto Parts is one of the industry's largest retailers of aftermarket automotive parts, tools, and accessories to do-it-yourself customers in North America. Advance operated 4,972 stores as of the end of 2021, in addition to servicing 1,317 independently owned Carquest stores. The company's Worldpac unit is a premier distributor of imported original-equipment parts. Advance derived 58% of its 2021 sales from commercial clients, up from 30%-40% before the General Parts deal.
Read more on AAP →About A O Smith Corp
A.O. Smith Corporation manufactures and markets comprehensive lines of residential and commercial gas, gas tankless, and electric water heaters. Supplementary products include water heating equipment, condensing and noncondensing boilers, and water system tanks. The company's two operating segments are by geographic region: North America (majority of total revenue) and the Rest of the World. A material portion of sales in North America derive from replacing existing products, and the company utilizes a wholesale distribution channel and multiple selling locations. The Rest of the World segment sells primarily to Asian countries and operates sales offices to expand distribution and market its product portfolio.
Read more on AOS →
