Is CNM a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 45.7/100. It is ranked #1,894 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 67/100, Momentum 42/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for CNM?

Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) has a "Hold" rating and 3-star score. The composite score of 45.7 ranks it #1,894 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is CNM in?

Core & Main, Inc. operates in the Consumer Staples sector (Wholesale industry) with a market cap of $9.60 billion. It is classified as a mid-cap stock.

Does CNM pay a dividend?

CNM does not currently pay a regular dividend. The company may be reinvesting profits for growth.

What is CNM's P/E ratio?

CNM has a trailing P/E ratio of 18.52x. The Consumer Staples sector average is 33.1x. This P/E is in a moderate range relative to the broader market.

How profitable is CNM?

CNM's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 26.6%. ROE: 24.7% vs sector average 7.7%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is CNM valued compared to peers?

CNM's value factor score is 67/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 18.5x, EV/EBITDA 9.5x. The stock appears attractively valued versus peers.

What is CNM's debt level?

CNM's debt-to-equity ratio is 193%. Sector average: 72%. Elevated leverage increases credit risk.

CNM has a beta of 1.01, meaning it tracks the market. Stability score: 59/100.

Does CNM have high short interest?

CNM's short interest factor score is 15/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

CNM Stock Analysis: Top Mid-Cap Hold (Score 45.7/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
CNM	+0.41%	+0.98%	+4.19%	-1.00%	+6.79%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLP	-1.29%	+0.59%	-3.91%	+6.04%	+3.81%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	+0.48%	-2.62%	+3.86%	-0.64%	-22.74%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	+1.70%	+0.40%	+8.10%	-7.04%	+2.98%	-	-	-

Metric	CNM	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	18.5x	-44%
EV/EBITDA	9.5x	+38%
Price / Book	4.6x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
ITRN Ituran Location & Control Ltd.	60	48	82	70	19.6x	122.1%	47.8%	16.8%	-	0.0x	$1.0B	VS
SENEA Seneca Foods Corp	55	49	59	69	10.3x	14.4%	14.3%	6.7%	70.9%	39.0x	$1.1B	VS
JBSS SANFILIPPO JOHN B & SON INC	54	50	57	61	12.8x	20.2%	19.3%	6.3%	14.0%	11.0x	$965M	VS
ARW ARROW ELECTRONICS, INC.	53	50	73	63	15.8x	7.2%	11.2%	1.6%	11.9%	337.0x	$7.5B	VS
SFD SMITHFIELD FOODS INC	53	50	72	57	13.8x	11.9%	19.9%	7.5%	7.3%	29.0x	$11.3B	VS
BG Bunge Global SA	53	50	54	69	24.9x	5.7%	5.4%	1.8%	67.3%	59.0x	$24.8B	VS
DAR DARLING INGREDIENTS INC.	53	50	55	71	142.7x	1.5%	24.1%	1.2%	13.3%	114.0x	$9.9B	VS
ADM Archer-Daniels-Midland Co	52	50	52	64	54.6x	2.8%	6.4%	0.8%	-8.4%	33.0x	$34.9B	VS
CTVA Corteva, Inc.	52	49	51	60	50.6x	4.7%	42.9%	0.2%	-57.2%	76.0x	$56.3B	VS
MO ALTRIA GROUP, INC.	51	50	67	51	13.6x	-	62.1%	33.8%	-2.2%	-990.0x	$109.5B	VS
CNM Core & Main, Inc.	46	50	67	42	18.5x	24.7%	26.6%	6.4%	20.2%	193.0x	$9.6B

Key Ratio	TTM	2026	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
Gross Margin %	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.2%
Operating Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
EBITDA Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
Net Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	0.0%
FCF Margin %	2.4%	-	-	-	-	-	5.5%
ROE %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%	0.2%	0.1%	0.0%
ROA %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%
ROIC %	15.5%	27.5%	32.0%	38.4%	25.4%	18.3%	5.4%

Key Ratio

TTM

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

Gross Margin %

0.3%

0.2%

Operating Margin %

0.1%

EBITDA Margin %

0.1%

Net Margin %

0.1%

0.0%

FCF Margin %

2.4%

5.5%

ROE %

0.2%

0.3%

0.2%

0.1%

0.0%

ROA %

0.1%

0.0%

ROIC %

15.5%

27.5%

32.0%

38.4%

25.4%

18.3%

5.4%

Line Item	TTM	2026	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
	$8.0B	$7.6B	$7.4B	$6.7B	$6.7B	$5.0B	$3.6B
	—	$5.6B	$5.5B	$4.9B	$4.9B	$3.7B	—
	$2.1B	$2.1B	$2.0B	$1.8B	$1.8B	$1.3B	$878M
Gross Margin	26.6%	26.9%	26.6%	27.1%	27.0%	25.6%	24.1%
	—	$1.2B	$1.1B	$931M	$880M	$717M	—
Depreciation	—	$183M	$183M	$147M	$140M	$138M	$153M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$1.3B	$1.3B	$1.1B	$1.0B	$855M	—
	$811M	$722M	$719M	$740M	$775M	$425M	$185M
EBIT	$811M	$722M	$719M	$740M	$775M	$425M	$185M
EBITDA	$994M	$905M	$902M	$887M	$915M	$563M	$338M
Operating Margin	10.1%	9.4%	9.7%	11.0%	11.7%	8.5%	5.1%
EBITDA Margin	12.4%	11.8%	12.1%	13.2%	13.8%	11.3%	9.3%
	—	—	—	$81M	$66M	$98M	$139M
	—	$607M	$577M	$659M	$709M	$276M	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$145M	$143M	$128M	$128M	$51M	$9M
	$512M	$462M	$434M	$531M	$581M	$225M	$37M
Net Margin	6.4%	6.0%	5.8%	7.9%	8.7%	4.5%	1.0%
	$2.32	$2.32	$2.14	$2.15	$2.16	$0.57	$0.00
Diluted EPS	$2.32	$2.31	$2.13	$2.15	$2.13	$0.55	$0.00
Weighted Avg Basic	—	190M	192M	173M	169M	159M	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	198M	201M	228M	246M	244M	—

Line Item

TTM

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

$8.0B

$7.6B

$7.4B

$6.7B

$5.0B

$3.6B

—

$5.6B

$5.5B

$4.9B

$3.7B

—

$2.1B

$2.0B

$1.8B

$1.3B

$878M

Gross Margin

26.6%

26.9%

26.6%

27.1%

27.0%

25.6%

24.1%

—

$1.2B

$1.1B

$931M

$880M

$717M

—

Depreciation

—

$183M

$147M

$140M

$138M

$153M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$1.3B

$1.1B

$1.0B

$855M

—

$811M

$722M

$719M

$740M

$775M

$425M

$185M

EBIT

$811M

$722M

$719M

$740M

$775M

$425M

$185M

EBITDA

$994M

$905M

$902M

$887M

$915M

$563M

$338M

Operating Margin

10.1%

9.4%

9.7%

11.0%

11.7%

8.5%

5.1%

EBITDA Margin

12.4%

11.8%

12.1%

13.2%

13.8%

11.3%

9.3%

—

$81M

$66M

$98M

$139M

—

$607M

$577M

$659M

$709M

$276M

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$145M

$143M

$128M

$51M

$9M

$512M

$462M

$434M

$531M

$581M

$225M

$37M

Net Margin

6.4%

6.0%

5.8%

7.9%

8.7%

4.5%

1.0%

$2.32

$2.14

$2.15

$2.16

$0.57

$0.00

Diluted EPS

$2.32

$2.31

$2.13

$2.15

$2.13

$0.55

$0.00

Weighted Avg Basic

—

190M

192M

173M

169M

159M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

198M

201M

228M

246M

244M

—

Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does Core & Main, Inc. Do?

Core & Main, Inc. distributes water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products and related services to municipalities, private water companies, and professional contractors in the municipal, non-residential, and residential end markets in the United States. Its products include pipes, valves, hydrants, fittings, and other products and services; storm drainage products, such as corrugated piping systems, retention basins, inline drains, manholes, grates, geosynthetics, and other related products; fire protection products, including fire protection pipes, sprinkler heads and other devices, fire suppression systems, and related accessories, as well as fabrication services; and meter products, such as smart meter products, installation, software and other services. The company's specialty products and services are used in the maintenance, repair, replacement, and construction of water and fire protection infrastructure. Core & Main, Inc. was founded in 1874 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) is classified as a mid-cap stock in the Consumer Staples sector, specifically within the Wholesale industry. The company is led by CEO Stephen O. LeClair and employs approximately 4,100 people. With a market capitalization of $9.6B, CNM is one of the notable companies in the Consumer Staples sector.

Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

As of April 2026, Core & Main, Inc. receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 45.7/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.CNM ranks #1,894 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Consumer Staples sector, Core & Main, Inc. ranks #71 of 180 stocks, placing it in the upper half of its Consumer Staples peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

CNM Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) currently trades at $51.45. The stock gained $0.21 (0.4%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for CNM is $67.18, which means the stock is currently trading -23.4% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $43.17, putting the stock 19.2% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 1.6M shares, reflecting moderate market activity.

Is CNM Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) carries a value factor score of 67/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 18.52x, compared to the Consumer Staples sector average of 33.11x — a discount of 44%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 4.57x, versus the sector average of 1.74x. The price-to-sales ratio is 1.18x, compared to 0.35x for the average Consumer Staples stock. On an enterprise value basis, CNM trades at 9.54x EV/EBITDA, versus 6.93x for the sector.

Overall, CNM's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

Core & Main, Inc. Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 24.7%, compared to the Consumer Staples sector average of 7.7%, which demonstrates strong shareholder value creation. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 8.4% versus the sector average of 3.1%.

On a margin basis, Core & Main, Inc. reports gross margins of 26.6%, compared to 26.2% for the sector. The operating margin is 10.1% (sector: 2.9%). Net profit margin stands at 6.4%, versus 1.6% for the average Consumer Staples stock. Revenue growth is running at 20.2% on a trailing basis, compared to 3.1% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

CNM Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

Core & Main, Inc. has a debt-to-equity ratio of 193.0%, compared to the Consumer Staples sector average of 72.0%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 2.63x, indicating strong short-term liquidity. Total debt on the balance sheet is $2.15B. Cash and equivalents stand at $89M.

CNM has a beta of 1.01, meaning it is roughly in line with the broader market in terms of price volatility. The stability factor score for Core & Main, Inc. is 59/100, reflecting average volatility within the normal range for its sector.

Core & Main, Inc. Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, Core & Main, Inc. reported revenue of $8.01B and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.32. Net income for the quarter was $512M. Gross margin was 26.6%. Operating income came in at $811M.

In FY 2026, Core & Main, Inc. reported revenue of $7.65B and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.32. Net income for the quarter was $462M. Gross margin was 26.9%. Revenue grew 2.8% year-over-year compared to FY 2025. Operating income came in at $722M.

In Q2 2026, Core & Main, Inc. reported revenue of $2.09B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.71. Net income for the quarter was $141M. Gross margin was 26.8%. Revenue grew 6.6% year-over-year compared to Q2 2025. Operating income came in at $213M.

In Q1 2026, Core & Main, Inc. reported revenue of $1.91B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.53. Net income for the quarter was $105M. Gross margin was 26.7%. Revenue grew 9.8% year-over-year compared to Q1 2025. Operating income came in at $171M.

Over the past 8 quarters, Core & Main, Inc. has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $1.74B to $8.01B. Investors analyzing CNM stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

CNM Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) does not currently pay a dividend. This is common among smaller companies in the Wholesale industry that prefer to reinvest cash flows into business expansion rather than returning capital to shareholders. Income-focused investors looking for Consumer Staples dividend stocks may want to explore other Consumer Staples stocks or use the stock screener to filter by dividend yield.

CNM Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) has a momentum factor score of 42/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 26/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 15/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

CNM vs Competitors — Consumer Staples Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Consumer Staples sector, Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) ranks #71 out of 180 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places CNM in the upper half of all Consumer Staples stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include Ituran Location & Control Ltd. (ITRN) with a score of 60.3/100, DARLING INGREDIENTS INC. (DAR) with a score of 52.9/100, Bunge Global SA (BG) with a score of 53.0/100, SANFILIPPO JOHN B & SON INC (JBSS) with a score of 54.1/100, and Archer-Daniels-Midland Co (ADM) with a score of 52.2/100.

Comparing CNM against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full CNM vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how Core & Main, Inc. stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

CNM Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy CNM? — Investment Thesis Summary

Core & Main, Inc. presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. The value score of 67/100 suggests attractive pricing relative to fundamentals.

In summary, Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 45.7/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on CNM stock.

Related Resources for CNM Investors

Explore more research and tools: CNM vs S&P 500 comparison, top Consumer Staples stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare CNM head-to-head with peers: CNM vs ITRN, CNM vs DAR, CNM vs BG.

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Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does Core & Main, Inc. Do?

Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

CNM Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is CNM Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

Core & Main, Inc. Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

CNM Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

Core & Main, Inc. Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

CNM Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

CNM Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

CNM vs Competitors — Consumer Staples Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

CNM Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy CNM? — Investment Thesis Summary

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