Albertsons Companies Inc vs A O Smith Corp — how do they compare? Albertsons Companies Inc trades at $12.03 (market cap $5.95B), while A O Smith Corp trades at $63.65 (market cap $8.65B). The key difference: A O Smith Corp is the larger of the two by market cap, and Albertsons Companies Inc pays the higher dividend (5.55%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ACI | AOS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $5.95B | $8.65B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Industrials |
52-Week High | $19.74 | $80.47 |
52-Week Low | $11.03 | $55.78 |
Enterprise Value | $21.35B | $9.15B |
Dividend Yield | 5.55% | 2.26% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Albertsons (ACI) trades at $11.98, down 1.24% with bearish technical signals despite recent insider buying by the CEO and CFO. The stock shows mixed fundamentals with strong revenue growth to $80.39B in 2025 but declining net margins to 0.08%. Recent Q2 2026 earnings missed expectations, triggering a 22% selloff and multiple legal investigations. Analyst consensus remains cautious with a $13.20 price target and 56.52% hold rating.
ACI presents a high-risk opportunity trading near multi-year lows with potential upside to analyst targets. Key catalysts include ACI Edge restructuring and digital initiatives, but investors face significant execution risks amid margin pressure and competitive grocery markets. The stock's deep value case is complicated by earnings volatility and ongoing legal scrutiny.
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.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Albertsons is the second-largest traditional grocer in America, operating 2,276 stores under 24 banners in 34 states (as of the end of fiscal 2021). Around 75% of stores have pharmacies, while nearly 20% also sell fuel. Albertsons has a significant private-label operation, accounting for around 20% of sales (excluding fuel). While its own brand assortment is mainly manufactured by third parties, Albertsons operates 20 food production plants (as of the end of fiscal 2021). Albertsons is a top-two grocer in two thirds of its major markets (as of early 2022, according to company data), and virtually all of its sales come from the United States.
Read more on ACI →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 →