A.O. Smith: A $350 Million Buyback Opportunity Is Taking Shape

What happened: A Seeking Alpha analyst published a piece on A.O. Smith ($AOS) titled "A $350 Million Buyback Opportunity Is Taking Shape." The analyst had previously rated the company a Hold twice, citing a weak China business and no real signs of new revenue opportunities. Key numbers: $350 million buyback referenced in the headline; two prior Hold ratings. Why it matters: The article signals a shift in the analyst's view from the earlier Hold ratings, which were based on concerns about the China business and lack of new revenue opportunities.

A Seeking Alpha analyst published a piece on A.O. Smith ($AOS) titled "A $350 Million Buyback Opportunity Is Taking Shape." The analyst had previously rated the company a Hold twice, citing a weak China business and no real signs of new revenue opportunities.

The article signals a shift in the analyst's view from the earlier Hold ratings, which were based on concerns about the China business and lack of new revenue opportunities.