Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) Stock Analysis
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) trades at $43.12 with AI Score 66/100 (Grade B+). Core & Main, Inc. is a leading distributor of water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products in the United States. Market cap: $8.07B, Sector: Industrials.
Price as of Jul 23, 2026 · Last analyzed: May 10, 2026CNM stock analysis for 2026: Analysts have set a consensus price target of $64.00 for Core & Main, Inc., suggesting 48.4% upside from the current price of $43.12. The AI MoonshotScore is 66/100, indicating a bullish outlook. Key factors: analyst coverage, AI-driven quantitative scoring.
CNM: 3/3 scored disciplines lean bullish. Dominant signal: Ray Dalio bullish.
How is this calculated? →Why this analysis is different
- A sector-relative MoonshotScore — five pillars (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum) re-ranked nightly against the full universe of US-listed common stocks.
- An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
- Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.
Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) Industrial Operations Profile
Core & Main, Inc. is a specialized distributor of water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products, serving the municipal, non-residential, and residential markets in the U.S. With a focus on infrastructure maintenance and construction, the company leverages its extensive product range and service capabilities to support critical utility networks.
What Is the Investment Thesis for CNM?
Core & Main, Inc. presents a notable research candidate due to its leading position in the distribution of essential water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products. The company's focus on infrastructure maintenance and construction aligns with long-term trends in municipal and private sector spending. With a P/E ratio of 21.2 and a profit margin of 5.8%, Core & Main demonstrates solid financial performance. Growth catalysts include increasing infrastructure investments and strategic acquisitions. Potential risks include economic downturns affecting construction activity and fluctuations in raw material prices. The company's beta of 1.00 indicates market correlation.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
CNM Key Highlights
- Market Cap of $8.07B reflects investor confidence in Core & Main's market position.
- P/E ratio of 21.2 indicates a reasonable valuation relative to earnings.
- Gross Margin of 26.9% demonstrates effective cost management and pricing strategies.
- Profit Margin of 5.8% reflects the company's ability to convert revenue into profit.
- Beta of 1.00 suggests the stock's price movements generally align with the overall market.
Who Are CNM's Competitors?
CNM is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GNRC Generac Holdings Inc. | $210.50 | -1.37% | $12.4B | 56 |
| SWK Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. | $87.41 | -2.06% | $13.6B | 60 |
| ARMK Aramark | $57.00 | +0.66% | $15.0B | 57 |
| WMS Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. | $141.75 | +2.09% | $10.9B | 70 |
| FLS Flowserve Corporation | $71.66 | +4.48% | $9.16B | 69 |
| ADRZY Andritz AG | $16.71 | -1.53% | $8.19B | 44 |
| ADRZF Andritz AG | $89.28 | +0.00% | $8.75B | 47 |
| MSM MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. | $125.83 | -1.14% | $7.03B | 84 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are CNM's Key Strengths?
- Leading market position in water and fire protection distribution.
- Comprehensive product portfolio and service offerings.
- Established relationships with key customer segments.
- Strong distribution network and supply chain.
What Are CNM's Weaknesses?
- Dependence on infrastructure spending and construction activity.
- Exposure to fluctuations in raw material prices.
- Limited international presence.
- Modest profit margin compared to some competitors.
What Could Drive CNM Stock Higher?
- Infrastructure Bill Investments: Continued government spending on water and wastewater infrastructure projects will drive demand for Core & Main's products and services.
- Smart Meter Adoption: Increasing adoption of smart meter technology will boost sales of Core & Main's smart meter products and related services.
- Potential Acquisitions: Strategic acquisitions of smaller distributors and service providers could expand Core & Main's geographic reach and product portfolio.
- Regulatory Compliance: Stricter regulations regarding water quality and fire protection will drive demand for Core & Main's compliance-related products and services.
What Are the Key Risks for CNM?
- Economic Slowdown: An economic downturn could reduce construction activity and infrastructure spending, negatively impacting Core & Main's revenue.
- Raw Material Price Volatility: Fluctuations in the prices of raw materials such as steel and plastic could affect Core & Main's profitability.
- Increased Competition: Increased competition from other distributors and manufacturers could erode Core & Main's market share.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Disruptions in the supply chain could lead to delays in product delivery and increased costs.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for CNM?
- Expansion in Smart Meter Technology: Core & Main can capitalize on the growing demand for smart meter products and services. By offering comprehensive smart meter solutions, including installation and software, Core & Main can enhance its value proposition and capture a larger share of this expanding market.
- Strategic Acquisitions: Core & Main has the opportunity to grow through strategic acquisitions of smaller distributors and specialized service providers. Acquisitions can expand the company's geographic reach, product portfolio, and service capabilities. By integrating complementary businesses, Core & Main can strengthen its market position and achieve economies of scale, driving revenue growth and profitability.
- Increased Infrastructure Spending: The increasing need to repair and upgrade aging water and wastewater infrastructure presents a significant growth opportunity for Core & Main. Government initiatives and private investments are driving increased spending on infrastructure projects. Core & Main can leverage its expertise and product offerings to secure contracts for supplying materials and services to these projects, contributing to revenue growth.
- Penetration of the Fire Protection Market: Core & Main can further penetrate the fire protection market by offering a comprehensive range of fire protection products and services. The demand for fire protection solutions is driven by regulatory requirements and safety concerns. By expanding its product portfolio to include advanced fire suppression systems and related accessories, Core & Main can capture a larger share of this market and enhance its revenue streams.
- Geographic Expansion: Core & Main can expand its geographic footprint by establishing new distribution centers and service locations in underserved markets. Geographic expansion allows the company to reach new customers and increase its market share. By strategically locating new facilities, Core & Main can improve its responsiveness to customer needs and enhance its competitive position.
What Opportunities Does CNM Have?
- Expansion in smart meter technology and services.
- Strategic acquisitions to expand geographic reach and product portfolio.
- Increased infrastructure spending driven by government initiatives.
- Penetration of the fire protection market.
What Threats Does CNM Face?
- Economic downturns affecting construction and infrastructure projects.
- Increased competition from other distributors and manufacturers.
- Regulatory changes impacting water and fire protection standards.
- Disruptions in the supply chain.
What Are CNM's Competitive Advantages?
- Extensive product portfolio catering to diverse infrastructure needs.
- Established relationships with municipalities and private water companies.
- Specialized expertise in water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection solutions.
- Strategic distribution network ensuring timely product delivery.
What Does CNM Do?
Core & Main, Inc., established in 1874 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, operates as a distributor of essential infrastructure products and related services. The company focuses on water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection solutions, catering to a diverse clientele including municipalities, private water companies, and professional contractors. Core & Main's comprehensive product portfolio encompasses pipes, valves, hydrants, fittings, storm drainage systems, fire protection equipment, and smart meter technologies. These products are integral to the maintenance, repair, replacement, and construction of vital water and fire protection infrastructure across the United States. The company's evolution has been marked by a commitment to providing specialized products and services that support the development and upkeep of critical utility networks, positioning it as a key player in the industrial distribution sector.
What Products and Services Does CNM Offer?
- Distributes water and wastewater products.
- Supplies storm drainage solutions.
- Provides fire protection products and services.
- Offers pipes, valves, hydrants, and fittings.
- Sells corrugated piping systems and retention basins.
- Provides smart meter products and installation services.
- Offers fabrication services for fire protection systems.
How Does CNM Make Money?
- Distribution of water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products.
- Sales to municipalities, private water companies, and contractors.
- Provision of related services such as installation and fabrication.
- Revenue generation through product sales and service fees.
What Industry Does CNM Operate In?
Core & Main, Inc. operates within the industrial distribution sector, which is experiencing growth driven by increasing investments in infrastructure and construction. The market is competitive, with players like Generac Holdings Inc. and Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. offering related products and services. Core & Main distinguishes itself through its specialized focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection solutions. The company's alignment with long-term trends in infrastructure spending positions it favorably within the industry.
Who Are CNM's Key Customers?
- Municipalities responsible for water and wastewater infrastructure.
- Private water companies providing water services to residential and commercial customers.
- Professional contractors involved in construction and maintenance projects.
- Residential end markets.
- Non-residential end markets.
Company Profile
Core & Main, Inc. operates in the Industrial - Distribution industry within the Industrials sector. It is headquartered in Saint Louis, US. The company is led by CEO Mark R. Witkowski. CNM has traded publicly since 2021.
How Core & Main, Inc. Is Valued
Relative to its peer group, CNM's quantitative score of 66/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 62/100.
F-Score 8/9Financial Health
Core & Main, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 8/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — signaling solid underlying fundamentals. Its Altman Z-Score of 3.22 places it in the safe zone, indicating low near-term bankruptcy risk.
FY2027 estForward Outlook
Wall Street analysts project Core & Main, Inc. revenue of about $7.85B for fiscal 2027, with EPS near $2.57. The estimate reflects 7 contributing analysts.
CNM Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Core & Main is benefiting from the ongoing infrastructure boom, with government spending fueling demand for their water and wastewater infrastructure products.
- Recent insider buying activity suggests that those with the most knowledge of the company's prospects are confident in its future performance.
- The company's focus on consolidating a fragmented market gives them pricing power and opportunities for organic growth.
- Positive community sentiment indicates that investors believe the company is well-positioned to capitalize on current market trends.
Bear Case
- Rising interest rates could dampen municipal spending on infrastructure projects, impacting Core & Main's revenue.
- Increased competition from both established players and new entrants could erode market share and pressure profit margins.
- Negative community sentiment surrounding the company's debt levels raises concerns about its financial flexibility in a downturn.
- Dependence on government spending makes them vulnerable to policy changes or budget cuts, creating uncertainty for future earnings.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
CNM Latest News
-
Dow Tumbles Over 900 Points On Iran Strikes: Investor Sentiment Weakens Further, Greed Index Remains In 'Fear' Zone
benzinga · Jun 11, 2026
-
Shares of companies in the broader industrial sector are trading lower amid elevated oil prices following President Trump's military threats to Iran, which may risk inflation and high interest rates that could hurt demand.
Benzinga · Jun 10, 2026
-
Crude Oil Gains 3%; Core & Main Earnings Top Views
benzinga · Jun 10, 2026
-
Earnings Scheduled For June 10, 2026
benzinga · Jun 10, 2026
CNM Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for CNM.
Price Targets
Consensus target: $64.00
CNM MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates CNM 0-100 on quantitative fundamentals — growth, financial health, valuation, momentum, and risk.
Latest News
Dow Tumbles Over 900 Points On Iran Strikes: Investor Sentiment Weakens Further, Greed Index Remains In 'Fear' Zone
Shares of companies in the broader industrial sector are trading lower amid elevated oil prices following President Trump's military threats to Iran, which may risk inflation and high interest rates that could hurt demand.
Crude Oil Gains 3%; Core & Main Earnings Top Views
Earnings Scheduled For June 10, 2026
Leadership: Mark R. Witkowski
CEO
Mark R. Witkowski serves as the CEO of Core & Main, Inc., leading a workforce of 5700 employees. His career reflects extensive experience in the industrial distribution sector. He has a proven track record of driving growth and operational efficiency. Witkowski's leadership is focused on strengthening Core & Main's market position and enhancing its value proposition to customers. His strategic vision emphasizes innovation, customer service, and sustainable business practices.
Track Record: Under Mark R. Witkowski's leadership, Core & Main has focused on expanding its product offerings and service capabilities. He has overseen strategic acquisitions aimed at strengthening the company's market position. Witkowski has also emphasized operational improvements and customer satisfaction initiatives. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to sustainable growth and value creation for shareholders.
CNM Industrials Stock FAQ
What does the AI Score mean for CNM?
CNM holds an AI Score of 66/100 (Grade: B+). This is an educational research signal, not a buy or sell recommendation. Core & Main, Inc. is a leading distributor of water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products in the United States. The company serves municipalities, private water companies, …
What does Core & Main, Inc. do?
Core & Main, Inc. is a leading distributor of water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products and related services in the United States. The company supplies essential materials and services to municipalities, private water companies, and professional contractors.
What do analysts say about CNM stock?
Analyst coverage of Core & Main, Inc. focuses on its growth prospects within the industrial distribution sector. Key valuation metrics include the company's P/E ratio and profit margin. Analysts consider the company's ability to capitalize on increased infrastructure spending and strategic acquisitions. Growth considerations include the company's expansion in smart meter technology and geographic reach.
What are the main risks for CNM?
Core & Main, Inc. faces several risks, including economic downturns that could reduce construction activity and infrastructure spending. Fluctuations in raw material prices, such as steel and plastic, could affect the company's profitability. Increased competition from other distributors and manufacturers could erode Core & Main's market share. Supply chain disruptions could lead to delays in product delivery and increased costs.
What are the key factors to evaluate for CNM?
Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) holds an AI score of 66/100 (moderate). P/E: 21.2x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Analysts target $64.00 (+48%). Not financial advice.
How frequently does CNM data refresh on this page?
CNM's price was last updated on Jul 23, 2026 and refreshes on page view during U.S. market hours — it is not a real-time exchange feed. Fundamentals update after quarterly filings; the MoonshotScore recalculates nightly; news aggregates continuously.
What has driven CNM's recent stock price performance?
Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Leading market position in water and fire protection distribution. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider CNM overvalued or undervalued right now?
Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) trades at 21.2x earnings. Analysts target $64.00 (+48%) — upside seen. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
How do I research CNM before investing?
Before investing in Core & Main, Inc. (CNM), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) analyst consensus ratings and price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Information is based on available company data and industry analysis.
- Future performance is subject to market conditions and company-specific factors.