A O Smith Corp vs Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF — how do they compare? A O Smith Corp trades at $63.65 (market cap $8.65B), while Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF trades at $88.89. The key difference: A O Smith Corp pays a 2.26% dividend while Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF pays none, and Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF is trading nearer its 52-week high, A O Smith Corp nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AOS | VUG | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $8.65B | — |
Sector | Industrials | Sector/Thematic |
52-Week High | $80.47 | $90.29 |
52-Week Low | $55.78 | $70.00 |
Enterprise Value | $9.15B | — |
Dividend Yield | 2.26% | — |
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.
Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) trades at $88.87, down 0.35% today, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages. The ETF shows strong institutional accumulation, with multiple firms increasing positions by over 500% in Q2 2026. Technical indicators show overbought RSI levels but strong trend momentum with ADX readings above 30.
VUG offers exposure to large-cap growth stocks with historical outperformance versus the S&P 500. Risks include growth stock volatility and concentration in technology sectors. The ETF remains attractive for long-term investors seeking growth exposure, though current overbought conditions suggest potential for near-term consolidation.
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 →VUG is an index-based ETF that tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, providing concentrated exposure to the largest and fastest-growing companies in the United States. It focuses on stocks with high growth potential across tech, communication, and consumer sectors, serving as a low-cost, high-conviction core holding for long-term capital appreciation.
Read more on VUG →