A O Smith Corp vs NextEra Energy, Inc. — how do they compare? A O Smith Corp trades at $63.65 (market cap $8.65B), while NextEra Energy, Inc. trades at $85.47 (market cap $178.85B). The key difference: NextEra Energy, Inc. is far larger — about 20.7× A O Smith Corp's market cap, and NextEra Energy, Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.91%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AOS | NEE | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $8.65B | $178.85B |
Sector | Industrials | Utilities |
52-Week High | $80.47 | $97.88 |
52-Week Low | $55.78 | $69.77 |
Enterprise Value | $9.15B | $286.18B |
Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 2.91% |
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.
NextEra Energy (NEE) trades at $84.70, showing minimal daily movement. The stock exhibits a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats in Q1 and Q2 2026. Financially, the company maintains strong profitability with a 32.4% net income margin and benefits from growing electricity demand driven by AI data center expansion, as highlighted in recent partnerships like the $100 billion Kentucky data center project with Brookfield (The Motley Fool, 2026-07-29).
Outlook remains positive due to robust dividend payments and strategic positioning in AI power infrastructure, though risks include high capital expenditures and rising debt levels. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $100.40 price target, suggesting significant upside potential from current levels.
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 →NextEra Energy's regulated utility, Florida Power & Light, distributes power to more than 5 million customers in Florida. FP&L contributes more than 60% of the group's operating earnings. The renewable energy segment generates and sells power throughout the United States and Canada. Consolidated generation capacity totals more than 50 gigawatts and includes natural gas, nuclear, wind, and solar assets.
Read more on NEE →