The provided text is an excerpt from a Wikipedia article detailing the history, operations, and products of the A. O. Smith Corporation, a prominent American manufacturer. The source provides extensive corporate information, including the company's founding in 1874, its current status as an S&P 500 component on the NYSE, and its focus on water technology, such as heaters, boilers, and purification systems. The history section traces its evolution from manufacturing bicycle parts and auto frames to becoming a major defense contractor during the World Wars, ultimately settling on its modern concentration on water products and acquiring various related brands globally. The article also includes  ...