Core and Main Inc vs Paycom Software Inc — how do they compare? Core and Main Inc trades at $46.07 (market cap $8.73B), while Paycom Software Inc trades at $207.99 (market cap $9.57B). The key difference: Core and Main Inc and Paycom Software Inc are close in size by market cap, and Paycom Software Inc pays a 0.71% dividend while Core and Main Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNM | PAYC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $8.73B | $9.57B |
Sector | Technology | Technology |
52-Week High | $66.98 | $233.89 |
52-Week Low | $42.37 | $113.59 |
Enterprise Value | $11.02B | $10.35B |
Dividend Yield | — | 0.71% |
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.
Paycom Software (PAYC) trades at $206.16, down 3.42% today but maintains strong fundamentals with consistent earnings beats and robust profitability. The stock shows bullish technical momentum with recent Q2 2026 results exceeding expectations, driven by 10% revenue growth and margin expansion. AI-driven demand and automation savings support management's raised 2026 outlook.
Outlook remains positive with analyst consensus target of $219.22 offering 6% upside. Key risks include valuation multiples above sector averages and competitive pressures. The company's strong cash flow generation and dividend payments provide shareholder value support amid market volatility.
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 →Paycom is a fast-growing provider of payroll and human capital management, or HCM, software primarily targeting clients with 50-10,000 employees in the United States. Paycom was established in 1998 and services about 18,000 clients as of 2021, based on parent company grouping. Alongside its core payroll software, Paycom offers various HCM add-on modules, including time and attendance, talent management, and benefits administration.
Read more on PAYC →