Jefferies analyst R. Scott Graham reiterated a Buy rating and boosted his price target on AO Smith (NYSE: AOS) to $76.00 (from $74.00) following Q1 results. The analyst sees another strong year ahead.

Graham commented, "1Q15 EPS were +20% and above expectations. As expected a pre-buy aided EPS, we think by 7%. Sales and earnings in NA and China paced the quarter. 2015 guide was increased and includes expenses for ROW growth initiatives. We believe US Resi conditions will improve and keep our estimate bias upward. AOS remains a top pick."

The firm raised FY 2015 EPS from $2.77 to $2.82 and FY 2016 EPS from $3.26 to $3.29.

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Shares of AO Smith closed at $66.59 yesterday.