A O Smith Corp vs Wendys Co — how do they compare? A O Smith Corp trades at $63.65 (market cap $8.65B), while Wendys Co trades at $8.6 (market cap $1.44B). The key difference: A O Smith Corp is far larger — about 6× Wendys Co's market cap, and Wendys Co pays the higher dividend (3.71%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AOS | WEN | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $8.65B | $1.44B |
Sector | Industrials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $80.47 | $10.68 |
52-Week Low | $55.78 | $6.17 |
Enterprise Value | $9.15B | $5.17B |
Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 3.71% |
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.
Wendy's (WEN) stock is trading at $8.57, up 17.4% in 24 hours, with a neutral technical signal and bullish moving averages. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $0.18, beating expectations, but faces challenges including a 50% dividend cut, withdrawn 2026 outlook, and declining U.S. same-store sales as Burger King overtakes it as the second-largest U.S. burger chain. Financial metrics show a P/E of 11.44 and ROE of 108.04%, but net income margin has fallen to 5.72% for 2026.
The outlook is cautious; while valuation appears reasonable and recent earnings beats are positive, significant operational headwinds, high debt, and intense competition pose risks. Analyst sentiment is mixed with a majority Hold rating, reflecting uncertainty around the new CEO's turnaround plan. Investment opportunity hinges on successful execution of strategic initiatives to restore growth and profitability.
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 →The Wendy's Company is the second-largest burger quick-service restaurant, or QSR, chain in the United States by systemwide sales, with $11.1 billion in 2021, narrowly edging Burger King ($10.3 billion) and clocking in well behind wide-moat McDonald's ($45.7 billion). After divestitures of Tim Hortons (2006) and Arby's (2011), the firm manages just the burger banner, generating sales across a footprint that spans almost 7,000 total units in 30 countries. Wendy's generates revenue from the sale of hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and fries throughout its company-owned footprint, through franchise royalty and marketing fund payments remitted by its franchisees, which account for 94% of stores, and through franchise flipping and advisory fees.
Read more on WEN →