📊 CNM Key Takeaways
Is Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) a Good Investment?
Core & Main exhibits adequate liquidity and positive free cash flow, but profitability is deteriorating with net income declining 4.5% YoY despite modest 2.8% revenue growth, indicating margin compression. Combined with extremely low returns on equity (5.3%) and assets (1.7%), the company struggles to generate acceptable returns on its substantial capital base, while debt-to-equity of 1.04x limits financial flexibility.
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.
Core & Main, Inc. Key Strengths (CNM)
- Strong liquidity position with current ratio of 2.31x and quick ratio of 1.31x enabling operational flexibility
- Positive free cash flow of $68.0M providing cash generation despite profitability headwinds
- Adequate interest coverage ratio of 6.6x demonstrating ability to service debt obligations
- Reasonable gross margin of 27.2% indicating retained pricing power in wholesale distribution channel
- 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
- Net income declining 4.5% YoY while revenue grows only 2.8% signals margin compression and operational deterioration
- Critically low returns on equity (5.3%) and assets (1.7%) indicate severe inefficiency in capital deployment
- High leverage with debt-to-equity of 1.04x and long-term debt ($2.1B) exceeding stockholders' equity ($2.0B) limits financial flexibility
- Slow revenue growth of 2.8% constrains earnings expansion potential in mature wholesale market
- Thin net margin of 5.7% leaves minimal buffer against cost inflation or economic headwinds
- 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
- Operating and net margin trends (currently declining)
- Return on equity and return on assets (need substantial improvement from current depressed levels)
- Revenue growth acceleration (must exceed current 2.8% trajectory)
- Debt-to-equity ratio and long-term debt levels (debt serviceability under stress)
- Free cash flow consistency and conversion (FCF margin of 3.6% is below peer expectations)
- Operating and net margin trend
- Free cash flow conversion relative to net income
Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The relatively thin 3.6% FCF margin may limit capital allocation flexibility. Strong liquidity with a 2.31x current ratio provides a solid financial cushion.
CNM Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
CNM vs Market Sector: How Core & Main, Inc. Compares
How Core & Main, Inc. compares to Market sector averages
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. shows some fundamental concerns relative to the Market sector in 2026.
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
CNM Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
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
CNM Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $1.9B | $100.0M | $0.52 |
| 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 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Core & Main, Inc. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
CNM SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Core & Main, Inc. (CIK: 0001856525)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about CNM
What is the AI rating for CNM?
Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) has a Combined AI Grade of A from Claude (B) and ChatGPT (A) with 74% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are CNM's key strengths?
Claude: Strong liquidity position with current ratio of 2.31x and quick ratio of 1.31x enabling operational flexibility. Positive free cash flow of $68.0M providing cash generation despite profitability headwinds. 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 declining 4.5% YoY while revenue grows only 2.8% signals margin compression and operational deterioration. Critically low returns on equity (5.3%) and assets (1.7%) indicate severe inefficiency in capital deployment. 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 $1.9B.
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 $0.57.
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 grade reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
What is CNM's fundamental grade?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in June 2026, Core & Main, Inc. has a A grade with 74% 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 5.3% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of 5.7% (sector avg: 12%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
What is CNM's AI grade for 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Core & Main, Inc. a combined A grade 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 $82.0M, with capital expenditures of $14.0M. FCF margin is 3.6%.
How does CNM compare to other Market stocks?
Vs Default sector averages: Net margin 5.7% (avg: 12%), ROE 5.3% (avg: 15%), current ratio 2.31 (avg: 1.8).