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 $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.
Rockwell Automation (ROK) trades at $450.36, up 3.48% today, with a neutral technical signal and strong recent earnings beats. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $3.49, exceeding expectations, and raised full-year guidance amid robust demand in automation markets. Valuation ratios are elevated with a P/E of 41.85, but profitability remains solid with a net income margin of 13.38%.
Outlook is positive due to consistent earnings outperformance and AI-driven growth initiatives, though high valuation and inflationary cost pressures present risks. The consensus price target of $507.00 implies potential upside, supported by a majority analyst hold rating reflecting cautious optimism.
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 →