Compare Core and Main Inc (CNM) vs Ecolab Inc. (ECL) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Core and Main Inc vs Ecolab Inc. — how do they compare? Core and Main Inc trades at $46.73 (market cap $8.67B), while Ecolab Inc. trades at $285.5 (market cap $79.73B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 9.2× Core and Main Inc's market cap, and Ecolab Inc. pays a 1.03% dividend while Core and Main Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNM | ECL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $8.67B | $79.73B |
Sector | Technology | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $66.98 | $308.35 |
52-Week Low | $42.37 | $245.73 |
Enterprise Value | $10.96B | $88.51B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.03% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Core & Main (CNM) trades at $46.55, up 2.33% on the day, with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The stock shows strong profitability with a 23.73% ROE and 5.87% net margin, supported by resilient municipal demand. Recent news highlights institutional activity, including CalSTRS increasing its stake by 22.3% in Q1 2026 (Defense World, 2026-08-04).
The outlook is mixed: analyst consensus leans bullish with 57% buy ratings, but technical indicators suggest near-term pressure. Key risks include high debt levels and residential market weakness. Upside hinges on margin expansion and FY26 revenue guidance of $7.8–7.9B (Business Wire, 2026-06-25).
ECL trades at $285.17, up 0.6% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong analyst support. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $2.09, beating estimates, and raised full-year guidance. Revenue growth remains steady, with a net income margin of 12.57% and robust cash flow from operations of $2.95B in 2025. Recent news highlights dividend declarations and institutional buying interest.
Outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $327.90, implying 15% upside. Risks include elevated valuation multiples and potential margin pressure from input costs. The stock's momentum is supported by earnings beats and strategic acquisitions, but investors should monitor debt levels and competitive dynamics in the water and hygiene sector.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
About Core and Main Inc
Core & Main is a leading US distributor of water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products. It provides essential infrastructure solutions to municipalities, private water companies, and contractors.
Read more on CNM →About Ecolab Inc.
Ecolab produces and markets cleaning and sanitation products for the hospitality, healthcare, and industrial markets. The firm is the global market share leader in this category with a wide array of products and services, including dish and laundry washing systems, pest control, and infection control products. The company has a strong hold on the U.S. market and is looking to increase its profitability abroad. Additionally, Ecolab serves customers in water, manufacturing, and life sciences end markets, selling customized solutions.
Read more on ECL →
