WallStSmart

Core & Main Inc (CNM)vsWW Grainger Inc (GWW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

WW Grainger Inc generates 140% more annual revenue ($18.38B vs $7.65B). GWW leads profitability with a 9.7% profit margin vs 5.9%. CNM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.46. GWW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

CNM

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.42

GWW

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.5Value: 4.3Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 6.25
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNMSignificantly Overvalued (-43.7%)

Margin of Safety

-43.7%

Fair Value

$33.64

Current Price

$52.37

$18.73 premium

UndervaluedFair: $33.64Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for GWW.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNM1 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
22.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

GWW3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
45.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 45 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
6.2510/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$62.31B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

CNM3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Profit MarginProfitability
5.9%3/10

5.9% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.223/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.1%2/10

Revenue declined 0.1%

GWW3 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.064/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
35.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
15.6x4/10

Trading at 15.6x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CNM

The strongest argument for CNM centers on Return on Equity. PEG of 1.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : GWW

The strongest argument for GWW centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CNM

The primary concerns for CNM are Profit Margin, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth.

Bear Case : GWW

The primary concerns for GWW are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

GWW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.

GWW is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — sustainability is the question.

GWW generates stronger free cash flow (569M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

GWW scores higher overall (60/100 vs 55/100) and 10.1% revenue growth. 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) stands as a leading distributor of waterworks and plumbing products in the United States, serving a diverse range of clients including municipalities, contractors, and industrial sectors. With a strong commitment to delivering innovative infrastructure solutions for water, wastewater, and stormwater management, the company is increasingly focused on fostering sustainability amidst mounting environmental challenges. Leveraging its extensive supply chain and operational expertise, Core & Main is well-positioned to address the urgent needs for infrastructure modernization and compliance with rigorous environmental regulations, thus playing a pivotal role in advancing water management practices within the essential utilities sector.

Visit Website →

WW Grainger Inc

INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

W. W. Grainger, Inc. is an American Fortune 500 industrial supply company founded in 1927 in Chicago by William W. (Bill) Grainger.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?