AOS vs AWI Comparison

A.O. Smith manufactures a broad lineup of water heaters, boilers, and water treatment products. The company has two reporting segments: North America (75% of sales) and rest of world (25% of sales). A.O. Smith is the leading manufacturer of water heaters in North America for the residential and commercial markets, with approximately 37% and 54% market share, respectively. Residential water heaters account for most of North American sales and are distributed equally through wholesale and retail channels. Most of A.O. Smith's international revenue is from China, a market the company entered during the mid-1990s. However, the firm announced a strategic review of its China operations.

Armstrong World Industries Inc. designs, innovates, and manufactures ceiling and wall solutions in the Americas. The company manufactures and sources products made of numerous materials, including mineral fiber, fiberglass, metal, felt, wood, resin, wood fiber, and glass-reinforced-gypsum. It also manufactures ceiling suspension system (grid) products through a joint venture with Worthington Industries, Inc., called Worthington Armstrong Venture (WAVE). The company's reportable operating segments include Mineral Fiber, Architectural Specialties, and Unallocated Corporate. A majority of its revenue is generated from the Mineral Fiber segment, which produces suspended mineral fiber and fiberglass ceiling systems. Geographically, it derives maximum revenue from the United States.