Company: AOS
Filing Date: 2025-02-27
Form Type: DEF 14A
Source: 0001193125-25-037641
Chunk: 9

Company: SMITH A O CORP
Filing Date: 2025-02-27
Form: DEF 14A
Chunk 9
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 certain proxy advisors have been critical of members of our Board of Directors for maintaining a dual class stock structure. While we understand and appreciate the reasons behind these policies generally, we believe the long history of Smith family involvement and ownership in the company is one of our company’s greatest strengths, allowing us to thrive for over 150 years. At the same time, the role of the Smith family is limited to guidance and support. For more than 40 years, the company’s chief executive officer has not been a Smith family member. In addition, the company’s Board committees are comprised of independent directors and the company has not sought to utilize the “controlled company exemption” under the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules in any respect. We respectfully request that you consider these factors in casting your vote for our director nominees. 4 A. O. Smith Corporation

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors reflects the company’s unique history and structure. In addition to a member of the Smith family (who is independent), our Board is carefully balanced with a majority of independent directors who reflect the global strength and diversity of our business, including two new directors in 2021, one new director in 2023, two new directors in 2024 and an additional new director in 2025 to replace Ajita G. Rajendra after his retirement, if elected at the Annual Meeting. All of these directors bring fresh perspectives to the Board. Finally, the Board is rounded out with our current Chief Executive Officer, who ensures consistency in the oversight of the business and complements the perspectives of our independent directors.

| Nominee Name and Occupation                                                                   |     | Age |     |    |     | Director Since |     |      |     | Director Category |     |         |     | Independent |     |            |     | Audit |     |       |     | Personnel and 
 Compensation  |     |       |     | Nominating    and    Governance |     |       |
| Ronald D. Brown Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Milacron Inc.                    |     |     |     | 71 |     |                |     | 2001 |     |                   |     | Class A |     |             |     | ✓          
 Presiding1 |     |       |     |       |     |               |     | Chair |     |                                 |     | ·     |
| Todd W. Fister Chief Financial Officer Owens Corning                                          |     |     |     |