WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ferguson Plc generates 306% more annual revenue ($31.06B vs $7.65B). FERG leads profitability with a 6.3% profit margin vs 5.9%. CNM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.46. FERG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

CNM

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

FERG

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.34
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
FERGSignificantly Overvalued (-84.1%)

Margin of Safety

-84.1%

Fair Value

$145.19

Current Price

$229.58

$84.39 premium

UndervaluedFair: $145.19Overvalued

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

FERG3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
35.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.3410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.0% YoY

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%

FERG4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.524/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.6%4/10

3.6% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
6.3%3/10

6.3% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.043/10

Elevated debt levels

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 : FERG

The strongest argument for FERG centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : CNM

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

Bear Case : FERG

The primary concerns for FERG are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FERG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.13 — expect wider price swings.

FERG is growing revenue faster at 3.6% — sustainability is the question.

FERG generates stronger free cash flow (680M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

FERG scores higher overall (59/100 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) 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.

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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.

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