WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

WW Grainger Inc generates 131% more annual revenue ($17.94B vs $7.76B). GWW leads profitability with a 9.5% profit margin vs 5.6%. GWW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.81. CNM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).

CNM

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

GWW

Buy

50

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 7.3Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 5/9
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
GWWSignificantly Overvalued (-399.9%)

Margin of Safety

-399.9%

Fair Value

$240.52

Current Price

$1075.87

$835.35 premium

UndervaluedFair: $240.52Overvalued

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

GWW2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
46.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 46 in profit

Market CapQuality
$50.97B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

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

GWW4 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.814/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
30.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
13.7x4/10

Trading at 13.7x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.5%4/10

4.5% revenue growth

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CNM

The strongest argument for CNM centers on Return on Equity.

Bull Case : GWW

The strongest argument for GWW centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap.

Bear Case : CNM

The primary concerns for CNM are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS 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 1.09 — expect wider price swings.

GWW is growing revenue faster at 4.5% — 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

CNM scores higher overall (55/100 vs 50/100). 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.

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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.

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