A O Smith Corp vs HCA Health Inc — how do they compare? A O Smith Corp trades at $63.65 (market cap $8.65B), while HCA Health Inc trades at $413.01 (market cap $89.08B). The key difference: HCA Health Inc is far larger — about 10.3× 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.
| AOS | HCA | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $8.65B | $89.08B |
Sector | Industrials | Health |
52-Week High | $80.47 | $545.13 |
52-Week Low | $55.78 | $361.32 |
Enterprise Value | $9.15B | $139.62B |
Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 0.76% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
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.
HCA Healthcare trades at $414.66, up 0.15% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a P/E of 13.8. Revenue grew to $75.60B in 2025, with net income of $6.78B, and the company has beaten EPS estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent corporate actions include a $0.78 dividend scheduled for September 2026.
The outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $449.93, implying 8.5% upside, supported by strong earnings and institutional buy ratings. Risks include high debt levels, regulatory investigations, and expense pressures noted in Q2 2026 results. Investors should weigh solid fundamentals against legal and operational headwinds.
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 →HCA Healthcare is a Nashville-based healthcare provider organization operating the largest collection of acute-care hospitals in the U.S. As of December 2021, the firm owned and operated 182 hospitals, 125 freestanding outpatient surgery centers, and a broad network of physician offices, urgent care clinics, and freestanding emergency rooms across nearly 20 states and a small foothold in England.
Read more on HCA →