Compare A O Smith Corp (AOS) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
A O Smith Corp vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? A O Smith Corp trades at $63.65 (market cap $8.65B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $121.38 (market cap $43.14B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 5× A O Smith Corp's market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.92%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AOS | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $8.65B | $43.14B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $80.47 | $140.81 |
52-Week Low | $55.78 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $9.15B | $46.63B |
Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 3.92% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
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.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $120.34, down 0.69% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but overbought RSI readings. The company shows strong profitability with a 27.03% net income margin and consistent earnings beats, though valuation ratios like a P/E of 24.81 are elevated. Recent news highlights steady small business employment data and product expansion, supporting its core HR services business.
The outlook is mixed: solid fundamentals and dividend payments offer stability, but high valuation and analyst caution (63.33% hold rating) suggest limited near-term upside. Risks include economic sensitivity and debt levels, yet long-term growth in HR outsourcing remains a tailwind for patient investors.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
About A O Smith Corp
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 →About Paychex, Inc.
Paychex is a leading provider of payroll, human capital management, and insurance solutions servicing small and midsize clients primarily in the United States. The company, established in 1979, services over 730,000 clients and pays over 1 in 12 U.S. private-sector workers. Alongside its traditional payroll services, Paychex offers HCM solutions such as benefits administration and time and attendance software, as well as human resources outsourcing and insurance agency services.
Read more on PAYX →
