A O Smith Corp vs Howmet Aerospace Inc — how do they compare? A O Smith Corp trades at $62.05 (market cap $8.51B), while Howmet Aerospace Inc trades at $278.65 (market cap $112.31B). The key difference: Howmet Aerospace Inc is far larger — about 13.2× A O Smith Corp's market cap, and A O Smith Corp pays the higher dividend (2.3%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AOS | HWM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $8.51B | $112.31B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $80.47 | $291.28 |
52-Week Low | $55.78 | $171.00 |
Enterprise Value | $9.00B | $116.42B |
Dividend Yield | 2.3% | 0.2% |
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.
Howmet Aerospace (HWM) trades at $281.63, down 0.73% on the day, with strong technical support at $279 and resistance at $285. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with Q2 2026 EPS of $1.33 exceeding expectations by 7.3%, driven by robust aerospace and defense demand. Analyst consensus remains strongly bullish with 84% buy ratings and a $334.63 price target, representing 19% upside potential.
Outlook remains positive with raised 2026 guidance and strong cash flow generation, though elevated valuation multiples (P/E 60.63) and significant capital expenditures present risks. The stock offers growth exposure to aerospace recovery but faces execution risks amid capacity expansion plans and supply chain challenges.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →Howmet Aerospace provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. It specializes in jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and forged aluminum wheels.
Read more on HWM →