A O Smith Corp vs McCormick & Company, Incorporated — how do they compare? A O Smith Corp trades at $62.86 (market cap $8.65B), while McCormick & Company, Incorporated trades at $52.41 (market cap $14.22B). The key difference: McCormick & Company, Incorporated is the larger of the two by market cap, and McCormick & Company, Incorporated pays the higher dividend (3.63%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AOS | MKC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $8.65B | $14.22B |
Sector | Industrials | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $80.47 | $72.26 |
52-Week Low | $55.78 | $45.60 |
Enterprise Value | $9.15B | $18.82B |
Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 3.63% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
AOS trades at $62.41, down 2.45% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and key support at $60. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $1.03, beating estimates, driven by North America strength. Revenue remains stable at $3.83B for 2025, with strong profitability margins including a 38.59% gross margin and 14.26% net income margin. Recent leadership transition saw Kevin Wheeler retire as Executive Chairman, with Stephen Shafer taking over.
The stock offers a 7.8% upside to the $67.25 consensus price target, supported by solid cash flow and a dividend yield. Risks include exposure to input cost pressures and weaker China demand, as noted in Q2 results. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 33% buy ratings, but institutional selling by Amundi in Q1 2026 warrants monitoring for momentum shifts.
MKC trades at $53.13, up 0.32% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong profitability metrics including a 21.91% net income margin and 25.7% ROE. Recent Q2 2026 results beat expectations, driven by acquisitions and margin expansion. The pending Unilever Foods merger, expected to close in 2027, dominates news flow and offers transformative growth potential.
The outlook is positive, with a consensus price target of $59.67 implying 12% upside. Key opportunities include merger synergies and sustained dividend growth, while risks involve integration execution and soft consumer volumes. Analysts are mixed but lean bullish on valuation and strategic positioning.
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 →In its 130-year history, McCormick has grown to become the leading global manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of spices, herbs, extracts, seasonings, and other flavorings. Beyond end consumers, McCormick's customer base also includes top quick-service restaurants, retail grocery chains, and other packaged food and beverage manufacturers, with about 30% of sales generated beyond its home turf to include 150 other countries and territories. In addition to its namesake brand, the firm's portfolio includes Old Bay, Zatarain's, Thai Kitchen, Frank's RedHot, French's, and the recently acquired Cholula brand.
Read more on MKC →