Core and Main Inc vs Rockwell Automation — how do they compare? Core and Main Inc trades at $46.18 (market cap $8.73B), while Rockwell Automation trades at $446.44 (market cap $49.64B). The key difference: Rockwell Automation is far larger — about 5.7× Core and Main Inc's market cap, and Rockwell Automation pays a 1.23% dividend while Core and Main Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNM | ROK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $8.73B | $49.64B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $66.98 | $495.08 |
52-Week Low | $42.37 | $333.75 |
Enterprise Value | $11.02B | $52.77B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.23% |
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.
Rockwell Automation (ROK) trades at $451.86, up 3.82% over 24 hours, with a neutral technical signal. The stock exhibits strong fundamentals, including a 49.09% gross margin and consistent earnings beats, with Q2 2026 EPS of $3.49 surpassing the $3.38 estimate. Recent news highlights AI integration in quality management systems, signaling innovation momentum. Valuation ratios are elevated, with a P/E of 41.85 and P/S of 5.6, reflecting premium pricing.
The outlook remains positive due to robust earnings performance and raised fiscal 2026 guidance, though high valuation multiples and inflation pressures pose risks. Analyst consensus is a Buy with a $507 price target, suggesting 12% upside. Key risks include cost inflation and competitive threats in industrial automation.
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 →Rockwell Automation is a pure-play automation competitor that is the successor entity to Rockwell International, which spun off its former Rockwell Collins avionics segment in 2001. As of fiscal 2021, the firm operates through three segments--intelligent devices, software and control, and lifecycle services. Intelligent devices contains its drives, sensors, and industrial components, software and control contains its information and network and security software, while lifecycle services contains its consulting and maintenance services as well as its Sensia JV with Schlumberger.
Read more on ROK →