AFLAC Incorporated vs A O Smith Corp — how do they compare? AFLAC Incorporated trades at $120.6 (market cap $60.70B), while A O Smith Corp trades at $63.65 (market cap $8.65B). The key difference: AFLAC Incorporated is far larger — about 7× A O Smith Corp's market cap, and A O Smith Corp pays the higher dividend (2.26%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AFL | AOS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $60.70B | $8.65B |
Sector | Financials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $129.55 | $80.47 |
52-Week Low | $103.55 | $55.78 |
Enterprise Value | $70.65B | $9.15B |
Dividend Yield | 2.02% | 2.26% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
AFL trades at $120.98, down 0.79% on the day, with a P/E of 13.06 and net income margin of 26.59%. Recent earnings missed estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q3 2026 results pending. Technical indicators show a bullish overall signal despite bearish moving averages and oscillators. The company maintains a strong dividend history, with recent payouts of $0.61 per share.
Outlook remains mixed; solid profitability and dividend growth support income investors, but earnings misses and revenue declines pose near-term risks. Analyst consensus is cautious with a hold-heavy rating and price target of $118, slightly below current levels. Key catalysts include U.S. sales momentum and Japan unit performance, while currency headwinds and medical cost inflation are concerns.
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
Latest headlines on both assets
Aflac Inc offers supplemental health insurance and life insurance in the two largest insurance markets in the world, the U.S. and Japan. In addition to its cancer policies, the company has broadened its product offerings to include accidents, disability, and long-term-care insurance. It markets its products through independent distributors, selling most of its policies directly to consumers at their places of work.
Read more on AFL →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 →