Home 
Today's Top Picks 
Top Performers 
Watchlist 
My Robo Portfolios 
ETF Zone 
Help & Tutorial - Chart
- Upturn Summary
- Highlights
- Revenue
- Valuation
- About
CNM 
Core & Main Inc (CNM)
- BUY Advisory
- SELL Advisory (Profit)
- SELL Advisory (Loss)
- Profit
- Loss
- Pass (Skip investing)
Stock price based on last close (see disclosures)
- ALL
- 1Y
- 1M
- 1W
Upturn Advisory Summary
12/18/2025: CNM (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Number of Analysts
14 Analysts rated it
Moderately tracked stock, growing coverage, gaining market and investor attention.
1 Year Target Price $60.06
1 Year Target Price $60.06
| 6 | Strong Buy |
| 4 | Buy |
| 3 | Hold |
| 1 | Sell |
| 0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 44.36% | Avg. Invested days 57 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  3.0 | Stock Returns Performance  3.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 12/18/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Large-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 10.64B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 23.63 | 1Y Target Price 60.06 |
Price to earnings Ratio 23.63 | 1Y Target Price 60.06 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 14 | Beta 0.99 | 52 Weeks Range 43.17 - 67.18 | Updated Date 12/20/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 43.17 - 67.18 | Updated Date 12/20/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) 2.28 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Revenue by Geography
Earnings Date
Report Date 2025-12-09 | When Before Market | Estimate 0.66 | Actual 0.7189 |
Profitability
Profit Margin 5.6% | Operating Margin (TTM) 10.67% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 7.27% | Return on Equity (TTM) 23.97% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 23.63 | Forward PE 22.83 | Enterprise Value 12515799994 | Price to Sales(TTM) 1.37 |
Enterprise Value 12515799994 | Price to Sales(TTM) 1.37 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.61 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 13.57 | Shares Outstanding 188802673 | Shares Floating 178760259 |
Shares Outstanding 188802673 | Shares Floating 178760259 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.56 | Percent Institutions 118.01 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Core & Main Inc
Company Overview
History and Background
Core & Main Inc. was established in 2017 through a carve-out from HD Supply Holdings, Inc. It operates as a leading distributor of waterworks and fire protection products in the United States. The company has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, solidifying its position in the essential infrastructure market.
Core Business Areas
- Waterworks: Distribution of a comprehensive range of products for water and wastewater systems, including pipes, fittings, valves, hydrants, and controls. This segment serves municipalities, contractors, and industrial customers for new construction, repair, and maintenance projects.
- Fire Protection: Supply of fire protection equipment and systems, such as sprinkler systems, fire hydrants, valves, and related accessories. This segment caters to fire sprinkler contractors, municipalities, and other entities responsible for fire safety infrastructure.
Leadership and Structure
Core & Main Inc. is led by a management team with extensive experience in the distribution and infrastructure sectors. The company operates through a decentralized structure with numerous branches across the United States, allowing for localized service and expertise. Key leadership positions include CEO, CFO, and various operational and sales executives.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Ductile Iron Pipe and Fittings: Core & Main is a major distributor of ductile iron pipes and fittings used in water and wastewater distribution networks. Competitors include various pipe manufacturers and other large distributors. Specific market share data for this product line is not publicly disclosed but is a significant portion of their waterworks segment.
- Valves and Hydrants: The company distributes a wide array of valves (e.g., gate valves, butterfly valves) and fire hydrants crucial for water distribution and fire suppression systems. Major competitors include valve manufacturers and other industrial distributors.
- PVC and HDPE Pipe: Distribution of various plastic piping solutions used in municipal and industrial applications. Competitors include plastic pipe manufacturers and other plumbing and industrial suppliers.
- Fire Sprinkler System Components: Supply of a range of components for fire sprinkler systems, including sprinkler heads, pipes, fittings, and alarm devices. Competitors include dedicated fire protection equipment suppliers and larger industrial distributors.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
Core & Main operates within the essential infrastructure distribution market, specifically focusing on waterworks and fire protection. This industry is characterized by stable demand driven by the need for maintaining and upgrading aging water and wastewater systems, as well as ensuring public safety through fire protection infrastructure. The sector is influenced by government spending on infrastructure, regulatory requirements, and construction activity.
Positioning
Core & Main is positioned as a leading national distributor with a vast network of branches, offering a broad product portfolio and strong customer relationships. Its competitive advantages include a comprehensive product offering, extensive geographic reach, specialized technical expertise, and a focus on customer service. The company benefits from its role in supplying critical components for essential public services.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The total addressable market for water infrastructure and fire protection distribution in the U.S. is estimated to be in the tens of billions of dollars annually. Core & Main, with its significant market presence and broad product lines, holds a substantial share of this TAM, particularly within its specialized segments.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Extensive national distribution network with numerous branches.
- Broad and deep product portfolio serving essential infrastructure needs.
- Strong customer relationships across municipal, contractor, and industrial sectors.
- Experienced management team with industry expertise.
- Reputation for reliability and service in a critical sector.
Weaknesses
- Reliance on macroeconomic factors such as infrastructure spending and construction cycles.
- Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting product availability.
- Integration challenges with acquired businesses.
- Limited diversification outside of the waterworks and fire protection sectors.
Opportunities
- Increasing government investment in water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades.
- Growing demand for water conservation and advanced water management solutions.
- Expansion into new geographic markets through acquisitions or organic growth.
- Leveraging technology for improved logistics, inventory management, and customer engagement.
- Increasing focus on sustainability and resilient infrastructure.
Threats
- Intensifying competition from other national distributors and specialized suppliers.
- Rising raw material costs impacting product pricing and margins.
- Economic downturns affecting construction and municipal spending.
- Changes in environmental regulations or building codes.
- Potential for consolidation in the distribution landscape.
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- Ferguson Enterprises (Private)
- Winsupply Inc. (Private)
- HD Supply Waterworks (Acquired by Core & Main)
- NaviGate (Part of Rexel Group)
- Other regional and specialized distributors
Competitive Landscape
Core & Main holds a strong competitive position due to its national scale, comprehensive product offering, and established customer base. Its key advantages include extensive branch network, specialized technical support, and strong supplier relationships. Competitors like Ferguson and Winsupply are also significant players, with Winsupply focusing on independent distributor ownership models. The market is fragmented, allowing for continued consolidation opportunities.
Major Acquisitions
Waterworks Supply Company
- Year: 2023
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 150
- Strategic Rationale: To expand its presence in the Southeastern US and enhance its product portfolio in specific waterworks categories.
ACF Environmental
- Year: 2022
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 75
- Strategic Rationale: To bolster its offerings in erosion control and stormwater management solutions.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Core & Main has experienced significant historical growth, primarily through strategic acquisitions of regional distributors and expansion of its existing branch network. Organic growth has also contributed, driven by increasing demand for water infrastructure and fire protection products.
Future Projections: Analyst projections for Core & Main generally anticipate continued revenue growth, supported by ongoing infrastructure spending, favorable demographic trends, and the company's proven acquisition strategy. Earnings growth is also expected, though at a potentially moderated pace as the company integrates larger acquisitions. Specific EPS and revenue growth forecasts are available from financial analysis firms.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives have included continued pursuit of strategic acquisitions to expand geographic reach and product offerings, investment in technology to enhance operational efficiency and customer service, and efforts to integrate acquired businesses effectively into the Core & Main platform.
Summary
Core & Main Inc. is a robust player in the essential waterworks and fire protection distribution market, benefiting from consistent demand for infrastructure. Its extensive network, broad product lines, and strategic acquisition approach have fueled strong historical growth. The company's main challenges lie in managing integration costs and navigating economic fluctuations. Continued investment in infrastructure by governments presents a significant opportunity, while competition and supply chain risks require careful management.
Similar Stocks
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company Investor Relations Websites
- Financial News Outlets (e.g., Bloomberg, Reuters)
- Industry Analysis Reports
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Filings
Disclaimers:
This analysis is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice. Market share data is estimated and may not reflect exact figures. Financial projections are subject to change. Investors should conduct their own due diligence before making any investment decisions.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Core & Main Inc
Exchange NYSE | Headquaters Saint Louis, MO, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 2021-07-22 | CEO & Director Mr. Mark R. Witkowski CPA | ||
Sector Industrials | Industry Industrial Distribution | Full time employees 5700 | Website https://www.coreandmain.com |
Full time employees 5700 | Website https://www.coreandmain.com | ||
Core & Main, Inc. distributes water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products and related services in the United States. Its products portfolio include pipes, valves, hydrants, fittings, and other products and services used for service, repair and replacement of underground water infrastructure; storm drainage products, such as corrugated HDPE and metal piping systems, retention basins, inline drains, manholes, grates, geosynthetics, erosion control, and other related products; fire protection products, including fire protection pipes, valves, fittings, sprinkler heads and other accessories, as well as fabrication and kitting services; smart meter products; and smart metering solutions which include meter accessories, meter installation, network infrastructure and software installation, training, and long-term services, as well as engineered treatment plant products. The company's specialty products and services are used in the maintenance, repair, replacement, and construction of water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection infrastructure. It serves municipalities, private water companies, and professional contractors in the municipal, non-residential, and residential end markets. Core & Main, Inc. was founded in 1874 and is headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Note: This website is maintained by Upturn Corporation, which is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing in securities has risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. No assurance is provided as to any particular investment return, and you may lose money using our services. You are strongly advised to consult appropriate counsel before making any investments in companies you learn about through our services. You should obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment, accounting, and other advice that takes into account your investment portfolio and overall financial situation. You are solely responsible for conducting due diligence on a potential investment. We do not affect trades for you. You will select your own broker through which to transact. Investments are not FDIC insured, they are not guaranteed, and they may lose value. Please see the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclosure for more information.