Core and Main Inc vs Kroger Co — how do they compare? Core and Main Inc trades at $46.18 (market cap $8.73B), while Kroger Co trades at $56.01 (market cap $34.46B). The key difference: Kroger Co is far larger — about 3.9× Core and Main Inc's market cap, and Kroger Co pays a 2.56% dividend while Core and Main Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNM | KR | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $8.73B | $34.46B |
Sector | Technology | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $66.98 | $75.60 |
52-Week Low | $42.37 | $55.53 |
Enterprise Value | $11.02B | $54.56B |
Dividend Yield | — | 2.56% |
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.
Kroger (KR) trades at $56.09, down 0.69% on the day, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported mixed Q1 2026 earnings, missing EPS estimates by $0.01, but beat in the prior two quarters. Revenue for 2025 was $147.12 billion with a net income margin of 0.71%. Recent news includes the appointment of a new Chief eCommerce Officer and expanded prescription delivery services, signaling digital growth initiatives.
The stock presents a valuation gap with a consensus price target of $68.25, implying 22% upside, supported by a 47.7% buy rating from analysts. However, risks include competitive pressures in grocery retail, a high P/E ratio of 32.89, and a projected net income decline in 2026. Positive cash flow trends and dividend payments offer stability, but execution on e-commerce strategy is critical for sustained growth.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →Kroger is the leading American grocer, with 2,726 supermarkets operating under several banners throughout the country as of the end of fiscal 2021. Around 83% of stores have pharmacies, while nearly 60% also sell fuel. The company also operates roughly 120 fine jewelry stores. Kroger features a leading private-label offering and manufactures around 30% of its own-brand units (and more than 40% of its grocery own-label assortment) itself, in 33 food production plants nationwide. Kroger is a top-two grocer in most of its major markets (as of early 2021, according to company data). Virtually all of Kroger's sales come from the United States.
Read more on KR →