A O Smith Corp vs Vistra Corp — how do they compare? A O Smith Corp trades at $63.65 (market cap $8.65B), while Vistra Corp trades at $147.18 (market cap $48.64B). The key difference: Vistra Corp is far larger — about 5.6× 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 | VST | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $8.65B | $48.64B |
Sector | Industrials | Technology |
52-Week High | $80.47 | $217.92 |
52-Week Low | $55.78 | $134.71 |
Enterprise Value | $9.15B | $70.58B |
Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 0.63% |
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.
Vistra (VST) trades at $146.68, up 2.67% today, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages but strong analyst support (90.9% buy ratings). Recent Q2 2026 earnings showed a beat on EPS ($2.87 actual vs. $1.32 expected) but a revenue miss, while the company reaffirmed full-year guidance amid growing data center power demand. The stock's valuation includes a P/E of 24.44 and a high ROE of 75.73%, though net cash flow was negative in 2025.
The outlook is positive due to robust EBITDA growth and strategic positioning in the AI power sector, with a consensus price target of $239.75 implying significant upside. Key risks include ERCOT market volatility, hedging losses, and high debt levels, requiring monitoring of execution on data center deals and cost controls.
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 →Vistra is a leading integrated retail electricity and power generation company that serves as a critical infrastructure provider for the digital economy. It operates a diversified portfolio of zero-carbon nuclear and renewable assets alongside a massive, flexible natural gas fleet, positioning it as an indispensable partner for energy-intensive AI data centers and industrial electrification.
Read more on VST →