AOS vs PSO 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.

UK-listed Pearson is a testing and educational provider. Pearson's primary operations are in assessment and qualification testing and higher education, but they also provide English education and testing, virtual learning, prehiring testing and screening, and upskilling/reskilling. The company divested noncore businesses, including the Financial Times, The Economist, and publishing house Penguin, and is now focused on being an educational resource and testing provider.