A O Smith Corp vs Ecolab Inc. — how do they compare? A O Smith Corp trades at $63.65 (market cap $8.48B), while Ecolab Inc. trades at $284.25 (market cap $79.73B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 9.4× A O Smith Corp's market cap, and A O Smith Corp pays the higher dividend (2.31%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AOS | ECL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $8.48B | $79.73B |
Sector | Industrials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $80.47 | $308.35 |
52-Week Low | $55.78 | $245.73 |
Enterprise Value | $8.98B | $88.51B |
Dividend Yield | 2.31% | 1.03% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
A. O. Smith Corporation (AOS) trades at $63.98, up 1.57% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and support at $63. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat estimates at $1.03 per share, driven by North America strength, though net income margins softened to 13.15% in 2025. The company maintains solid profitability with a 27.13% ROE and a $0.36 dividend declared for H2-2026.
Outlook is mixed: analyst consensus targets $67.25 with 33% buy ratings, but Zacks flagged AOS as a strong sell in June 2026. Risks include higher input costs, weak China demand, and competitive pressures. Cash flow turned positive in 2026, yet revenue stagnation around $3.8B warrants caution for growth investors.
ECL trades at $285.17, up 0.6% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong analyst support. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $2.09, beating estimates, and raised full-year guidance. Revenue growth remains steady, with a net income margin of 12.57% and robust cash flow from operations of $2.95B in 2025. Recent news highlights dividend declarations and institutional buying interest.
Outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $327.90, implying 15% upside. Risks include elevated valuation multiples and potential margin pressure from input costs. The stock's momentum is supported by earnings beats and strategic acquisitions, but investors should monitor debt levels and competitive dynamics in the water and hygiene sector.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →Ecolab produces and markets cleaning and sanitation products for the hospitality, healthcare, and industrial markets. The firm is the global market share leader in this category with a wide array of products and services, including dish and laundry washing systems, pest control, and infection control products. The company has a strong hold on the U.S. market and is looking to increase its profitability abroad. Additionally, Ecolab serves customers in water, manufacturing, and life sciences end markets, selling customized solutions.
Read more on ECL →