WallStSmart

Core & Main Inc (CNM)vsFerguson Plc (FERG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ferguson Plc generates 301% more annual revenue ($31.16B vs $7.76B). FERG leads profitability with a 6.3% profit margin vs 5.6%. FERG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. FERG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

CNM

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 7.3Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.28

FERG

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.34
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNMSignificantly Overvalued (-76.8%)

Margin of Safety

-76.8%

Fair Value

$32.71

Current Price

$50.57

$17.86 premium

UndervaluedFair: $32.71Overvalued
FERGUndervalued (+39.9%)

Margin of Safety

+39.9%

Fair Value

$445.00

Current Price

$228.84

$216.16 discount

UndervaluedFair: $445.00Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNM1 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
24.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

FERG4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
33.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.3410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$50.46B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.9% YoY

Areas to Watch

CNM4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.924/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.2%4/10

1.2% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
5.6%3/10

5.6% margin — thin

FERG4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.554/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
25.4x4/10

Moderate valuation

Profit MarginProfitability
6.3%3/10

6.3% margin — thin

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-552.13M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CNM

The strongest argument for CNM centers on Return on Equity.

Bull Case : FERG

The strongest argument for FERG centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap.

Bear Case : CNM

The primary concerns for CNM are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : FERG

The primary concerns for FERG are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FERG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.14 — expect wider price swings.

FERG is growing revenue faster at 5.1% — sustainability is the question.

CNM generates stronger free cash flow (604M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

FERG scores higher overall (61/100 vs 55/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Core & Main Inc

INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

Core & Main Inc. (CNM) is a leading distributor of waterworks and plumbing products in the U.S., serving a diverse clientele that includes municipalities, contractors, and industrial clients. The company specializes in critical infrastructure solutions for water, wastewater, and stormwater management, emphasizing sustainable practices in an era of increasing environmental awareness. With a strong commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and customer service, Core & Main leverages its extensive supply chain to deliver high-quality products and solutions. As demand for infrastructure modernization and compliance with rigorous environmental regulations intensifies, Core & Main is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing essential water management initiatives, solidifying its position in a vital and evolving sector.

Visit Website →

Ferguson Plc

INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

Ferguson plc distributes plumbing and heating products in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Central Europe. The company is headquartered in Wokingham, the United Kingdom.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?