Compare Core and Main Inc (CNM) vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Core and Main Inc vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. — how do they compare? Core and Main Inc trades at $46.1 (market cap $8.73B), while Illinois Tool Works Inc. trades at $293.35 (market cap $83.49B). The key difference: Illinois Tool Works Inc. is far larger — about 9.6× Core and Main Inc's market cap, and Illinois Tool Works Inc. pays a 2.35% dividend while Core and Main Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNM | ITW | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $8.73B | $83.49B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $66.98 | $299.60 |
52-Week Low | $42.37 | $241.07 |
Enterprise Value | $11.02B | $92.34B |
Dividend Yield | — | 2.35% |
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 $45.9, down 0.86% today, with a bullish technical signal despite near-term pressure. The company demonstrates strong fundamentals with consistent earnings beats, including Q1 2026 EPS of $0.57 beating expectations of $0.534. Revenue reached $7.44B in 2025 with 5.87% net margin, while analyst consensus remains positive with 57% buy ratings. Recent news highlights institutional activity including California State Teachers Retirement System increasing its position by 22.3% in Q1 2026.
CNM presents a compelling investment case with robust profitability (23.73% ROE) and improving cash flow trends, though elevated debt levels and competitive pressures warrant caution. The stock's current valuation at 19.76 P/E appears reasonable given growth prospects, with technical support at $46 providing downside protection. Upside potential exists if the company maintains its earnings beat streak and executes on FY26 guidance of $7.8-7.9B revenue.
ITW trades at $293.66, down 0.29% on the day, with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The company maintains strong profitability with 19.39% net income margin and 104.65% ROE, though valuations appear elevated at P/E 26.55 and P/B 28.85. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat expectations at $2.84 EPS, and management raised full-year guidance amid manufacturing sector recovery. The company announced a 7% dividend increase and $6 billion share repurchase program in August 2026.
Outlook remains positive with analyst consensus target of $314.25 offering 7% upside potential. Key catalysts include continued manufacturing recovery and margin expansion from the 80/20 program. Risks include premium valuation concerns and potential organic sales declines masked by currency gains. Institutional sentiment is mixed with 21% buy ratings versus 32% sell recommendations.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
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 Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Illinois Tool Works is a diversified global manufacturer that produces specialized industrial equipment, consumables, and related services. The firm operates 87 global divisions through seven distinct operating segments: automotive OEM, construction products, food equipment, specialty products, test/measurement and electronics, polymers and fluids, and welding. About half of its revenue comes from its operations in North America, with the remainder originating from international markets. ITW takes a bottom-up and decentralized approach to portfolio management, with the exception that each segment must apply its 80/20 operating process modeled on the Pareto principle.
Read more on ITW →
