Compare Core and Main Inc (CNM) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Core and Main Inc vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Core and Main Inc trades at $46.18 (market cap $8.73B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $121.38 (market cap $43.14B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 4.9× Core and Main Inc's market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays a 3.92% dividend while Core and Main Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNM | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $8.73B | $43.14B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $66.98 | $140.81 |
52-Week Low | $42.37 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $11.02B | $46.63B |
Dividend Yield | — | 3.92% |
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 $46.06, down 0.52% on the day, with a bullish technical signal despite mixed moving averages. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $0.57 exceeding expectations. Financials show solid profitability with a 5.87% net income margin and 23.73% ROE, though debt levels remain elevated. Recent news includes institutional position adjustments and a $750 million senior notes offering priced in June 2026.
Outlook is cautiously optimistic with analyst consensus favoring Buy ratings (57%). Key opportunities include margin expansion and municipal strength, while risks involve high debt, competitive pressures, and reliance on infrastructure spending. The stock's valuation at a P/E of 19.76 appears reasonable given growth prospects, but investors should monitor execution against FY26 revenue guidance of $7.8–7.9 billion.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $120.34, down 0.69% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but overbought RSI readings. The company shows strong profitability with a 27.03% net income margin and consistent earnings beats, though valuation ratios like a P/E of 24.81 are elevated. Recent news highlights steady small business employment data and product expansion, supporting its core HR services business.
The outlook is mixed: solid fundamentals and dividend payments offer stability, but high valuation and analyst caution (63.33% hold rating) suggest limited near-term upside. Risks include economic sensitivity and debt levels, yet long-term growth in HR outsourcing remains a tailwind for patient investors.
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 Paychex, Inc.
Paychex is a leading provider of payroll, human capital management, and insurance solutions servicing small and midsize clients primarily in the United States. The company, established in 1979, services over 730,000 clients and pays over 1 in 12 U.S. private-sector workers. Alongside its traditional payroll services, Paychex offers HCM solutions such as benefits administration and time and attendance software, as well as human resources outsourcing and insurance agency services.
Read more on PAYX →
