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Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) Stock Fundamental Analysis & AI Rating 2026

CNM NYSE Wholesale-Durable Goods, NEC DE CIK: 0001856525
Updated This Month • Analysis: Mar 22, 2026 • SEC Data: 2025-11-02
Combined AI Rating
BUY
76% Confidence
STRONG AGREEMENT
BUY
72% Conf
BUY
79% Conf

📊 CNM Key Takeaways

Revenue: $6.1B
Net Margin: 6.1%
Free Cash Flow: $351.0M
Current Ratio: 2.26x
Debt/Equity: 1.08x
EPS: $1.94
AI Rating: BUY with 72% confidence
Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) receives a BUY rating with 76% confidence from our AI fundamental analysis based on SEC 10-K filings. With revenue of $6.1B, net profit margin of 6.1%, and return on equity (ROE) of 18.8%, Core & Main, Inc. demonstrates strong fundamentals in the Market sector. Below is our complete CNM stock analysis for 2026.

Is Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) a Good Investment?

Claude

CNM demonstrates solid fundamental health with strong revenue growth of 11% YoY and healthy profitability margins across the board. The company generates robust free cash flow ($351M) with a FCF margin of 5.8%, supported by excellent liquidity (2.26x current ratio) and manageable leverage (1.08x debt/equity with 6.6x interest coverage). However, the lack of net income growth and slight EPS decline warrant monitoring to ensure operational leverage improves alongside top-line expansion.

ChatGPT

Core & Main shows solid fundamental quality with double-digit revenue growth, healthy gross and operating margins, and strong free cash flow generation. Liquidity is comfortably above average and returns on equity and assets indicate efficient capital use, though flat net income and modest EPS pressure suggest some margin or financing headwinds. Overall, the business appears financially sound with good growth quality, but leverage and profit conversion should be monitored closely.

Why Buy Core & Main, Inc. Stock? CNM Key Strengths

Claude
  • + Strong revenue growth of 11% YoY indicating market demand and competitive positioning
  • + Solid profitability with consistent margins: 26.9% gross margin, 10% operating margin, 6.1% net margin
  • + Excellent cash generation with $351M free cash flow and healthy 5.8% FCF margin relative to revenue
  • + Strong balance sheet with 2.26x current ratio and 1.35x quick ratio indicating strong liquidity position
  • + Manageable leverage with 1.08x debt/equity and comfortable 6.6x interest coverage ratio
  • + Healthy returns on capital: 18.8% ROE and 5.9% ROA demonstrate efficient use of shareholder capital
ChatGPT
  • + Double-digit revenue growth with stable profitability
  • + Strong liquidity profile with 2.26x current ratio and 1.35x quick ratio
  • + Robust free cash flow generation at $351M with manageable interest coverage

CNM Stock Risks: Core & Main, Inc. Investment Risks

Claude
  • ! Net income flat YoY and diluted EPS declined 0.9% despite 11% revenue growth suggests margin compression or expense control issues
  • ! High debt load of $2.1B (1.08x debt/equity) requires continued strong cash generation to service obligations
  • ! Low cash position of $89M relative to $6.3B total assets and $2.1B long-term debt limits financial flexibility
  • ! Wholesale durable goods sector is cyclical and sensitive to economic slowdowns and capital spending trends
  • ! 18 Form 4 insider filings in last 90 days warrant scrutiny to understand insider transaction patterns and sentiment
ChatGPT
  • ! Net income was flat despite 11% revenue growth, indicating weaker earnings leverage
  • ! Debt load remains meaningful with $2.13B long-term debt and 1.08x debt-to-equity
  • ! Low cash balance relative to total debt reduces balance sheet flexibility

Key Metrics to Watch

Claude
  • * Net income growth trajectory and operating margin expansion relative to revenue growth
  • * Free cash flow generation and conversion rate to ensure quality of earnings
  • * Debt reduction progress and maintenance of interest coverage above 6.0x
  • * Gross margin stability amid inflationary pressures in wholesale/distribution
  • * Working capital efficiency and days sales outstanding trends
ChatGPT
  • * Operating and net margin trend
  • * Free cash flow conversion relative to net income

Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios

Revenue
$6.1B
Net Income
$371.0M
EPS (Diluted)
$1.94
Free Cash Flow
$351.0M
Total Assets
$6.3B
Cash Position
$89.0M

💡 AI Analyst Insight

Strong liquidity with a 2.26x current ratio provides a solid financial cushion.

CNM Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis

Gross Margin 26.9%
Operating Margin 10.0%
Net Margin 6.1%
ROE 18.8%
ROA 5.9%
FCF Margin 5.8%

CNM vs Market Sector: How Core & Main, Inc. Compares

How Core & Main, Inc. compares to Market sector averages

Net Margin
CNM 6.1%
vs
Sector Avg 12.0%
CNM Sector
ROE
CNM 18.8%
vs
Sector Avg 15.0%
CNM Sector
Current Ratio
CNM 2.3x
vs
Sector Avg 1.8x
CNM Sector
Debt/Equity
CNM 1.1x
vs
Sector Avg 0.7x
CNM Sector

Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.

Is Core & Main, Inc. Stock Overvalued? CNM Valuation Analysis 2026

Based on fundamental analysis, Core & Main, Inc. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Market sector in 2026.

Return on Equity
18.8%
Sector avg: 15%
Net Profit Margin
6.1%
Sector avg: 12%
Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Debt/Equity
1.08x
Sector avg: 0.7x

Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.

Core & Main, Inc. Balance Sheet: CNM Debt, Cash & Liquidity

Current Ratio
2.26x
Quick Ratio
1.35x
Debt/Equity
1.08x
Debt/Assets
67.4%
Interest Coverage
6.64x
Long-term Debt
$2.1B

CNM Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend

CNM 5-year financial data: Year 2021: Revenue $5.0B, Net Income $36.0M, EPS $0.55. Year 2022: Revenue $6.7B, Net Income $37.0M, EPS $0.55. Year 2023: Revenue $7.6B, Net Income $74.0M, EPS $0.55.
Revenue
Net Income
EPS (right axis)

5-Year Trend Summary: Core & Main, Inc.'s revenue has grown significantly by 53% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $0.55 reflects profitable operations.

CNM Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance

Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Net Income Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
EPS Growth
N/A
Earnings per share
FCF Margin
5.8%
Free cash flow / Revenue

CNM Quarterly Earnings & Performance

Quarterly financial performance data for Core & Main, Inc. including revenue, net income, and earnings per share.
Quarter Revenue Net Income EPS
Q3 2025 $2.0B $133.0M $0.69
Q2 2025 $2.0B $119.0M $0.61
Q1 2025 $1.7B $95.0M $0.49
Q3 2024 $1.8B $112.0M $0.65
Q2 2024 $1.9B $110.0M $0.61
Q1 2024 $1.6B $86.0M $0.49
Q3 2023 $1.8B $111.0M $0.65
Q2 2023 $1.9B $110.0M $0.66

Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.

Core & Main, Inc. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation

Operating Cash Flow
$382.0M
Cash generated from operations
Stock Buybacks
$97.0M
Shares repurchased (TTM)
Capital Expenditures
$31.0M
Investment in assets
Dividends
None
No dividend program

CNM SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis

Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Core & Main, Inc. (CIK: 0001856525)

📋 Recent SEC Filings

Date Form Document Action
Apr 10, 2026 8-K d142907d8k.htm View →
Apr 9, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1775767645.xml View →
Apr 2, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1775166785.xml View →
Mar 27, 2026 8-K cnm-20260325.htm View →
Mar 24, 2026 10-K cnm-20260201.htm View →

Frequently Asked Questions about CNM

What is the AI rating for CNM?

Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) has a Combined AI Rating of BUY from Claude (BUY) and ChatGPT (BUY) with 76% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.

What are CNM's key strengths?

Claude: Strong revenue growth of 11% YoY indicating market demand and competitive positioning. Solid profitability with consistent margins: 26.9% gross margin, 10% operating margin, 6.1% net margin. ChatGPT: Double-digit revenue growth with stable profitability. Strong liquidity profile with 2.26x current ratio and 1.35x quick ratio.

What are the risks of investing in CNM?

Claude: Net income flat YoY and diluted EPS declined 0.9% despite 11% revenue growth suggests margin compression or expense control issues. High debt load of $2.1B (1.08x debt/equity) requires continued strong cash generation to service obligations. ChatGPT: Net income was flat despite 11% revenue growth, indicating weaker earnings leverage. Debt load remains meaningful with $2.13B long-term debt and 1.08x debt-to-equity.

What is CNM's revenue and growth?

Core & Main, Inc. reported revenue of $6.1B.

Does CNM pay dividends?

Core & Main, Inc. does not currently pay dividends.

Where can I find CNM SEC filings?

Official SEC filings for Core & Main, Inc. (CIK: 0001856525) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.

What is CNM's EPS?

Core & Main, Inc. has a diluted EPS of $1.94.

How is the AI analysis conducted?

Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.

Is CNM a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Core & Main, Inc. has a BUY rating with 76% confidence. The AI analysis suggests favorable fundamentals based on SEC filings. This is not investment advice.

Is CNM stock overvalued or undervalued?

Valuation metrics for CNM: ROE of 18.8% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of 6.1% (sector avg: 12%). Higher ROE suggests strong returns relative to peers.

Should I buy CNM stock in 2026?

Our dual AI analysis gives Core & Main, Inc. a combined BUY rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.

What is CNM's free cash flow?

Core & Main, Inc.'s operating cash flow is $382.0M, with capital expenditures of $31.0M. FCF margin is 5.8%.

How does CNM compare to other Market stocks?

Vs Default sector averages: Net margin 6.1% (avg: 12%), ROE 18.8% (avg: 15%), current ratio 2.26 (avg: 1.8).

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Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by Claude AI (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) based on publicly available SEC EDGAR filings. It does not include stock price data and should not be considered financial advice. All fundamental data is sourced from SEC public domain filings. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Data Source: SEC EDGAR | Analysis Date: Mar 22, 2026 | Data as of: 2025-11-02 | Powered by Claude AI