WallStSmart

Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT)vsCore & Main Inc (CNM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Core & Main Inc generates 58% more annual revenue ($7.65B vs $4.84B). AIT leads profitability with a 8.3% profit margin vs 5.9%. CNM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.26. CNM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).

AIT

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 3.7Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.35

CNM

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AIT.

CNMSignificantly Overvalued (-30.6%)

Margin of Safety

-30.6%

Fair Value

$33.66

Current Price

$45.47

$11.81 premium

UndervaluedFair: $33.66Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AIT3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.3510/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
21.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.209/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Areas to Watch

AIT4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.1%4/10

3.1% earnings growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.952/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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

5.9% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.203/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.1%2/10

Revenue declined 0.1%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AIT

The strongest argument for AIT centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.

Bull Case : CNM

The strongest argument for CNM centers on Return on Equity. PEG of 1.26 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AIT

The primary concerns for AIT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : CNM

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNM carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.

AIT is growing revenue faster at 7.3% — sustainability is the question.

AIT generates stronger free cash flow (95M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

CNM scores higher overall (55/100 vs 51/100). 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.

Applied Industrial Technologies

INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. distributes industrial products in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. The company is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Core & Main Inc

INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

Core & Main Inc. (CNM) is a leading distributor of waterworks and plumbing products across the United States, serving a diverse client base that includes municipalities, contractors, and industrial entities. The company emphasizes innovative and sustainable solutions for water management, wastewater treatment, and stormwater infrastructure, positioning itself to address the growing need for infrastructure modernization in line with strict environmental standards. With a strong supply chain and deep industry knowledge, Core & Main is well-equipped to tackle critical challenges in the utilities sector, reinforcing its status as a key player in promoting effective water management practices.

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