Core & Main (CNM) vs Watsco (WSO.B)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 10, 2026.
Summary
Core & Main (CNM) has outperformed Watsco (WSO.B) over the past year, losing 20.9% versus a loss of 22.8%. Over five years, CNM leads with a +59.4% price change compared with +11.9% for WSO.B. Watsco is the larger company by market cap ($12.83 billion vs $7.44 billion), about 1.7 times the size, while Core & Main is growing revenue faster (+2.8% vs -5.0%).
On valuation, Core & Main trades at a lower trailing P/E (16.6x vs 26.6x for Watsco). Watsco pays a dividend yielding 3.96%, while Core & Main does not currently pay one. Watsco converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 6.9% versus 5.8%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | CNM | WSO.B |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $40.35 | $310.90 |
| Market cap | $7.44B | $12.83B |
| 1-day change | -0.05% | 0.00% |
| YTD return | -22.36% | -8.25% |
| 1-year return | -20.90% | -22.77% |
| 5-year return | +59.42% | +11.87% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 16.60 | 26.64 |
| Forward P/E | 11.52 | — |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.43 | $11.67 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 3.96% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $12.30 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $7.65B | $7.24B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +2.77% | -4.98% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $441.00M | $496.99M |
| Gross margin | 26.93% | 28.05% |
| Operating margin | 9.44% | 9.95% |
| Net margin | 5.77% | 6.87% |
| 52-week high | $59.66 | $453.37 |
| 52-week low | $39.42 | $306.82 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -32.37% | -31.42% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | — |
| Avg. price target upside | +35.17% | — |
| Average volume | 2.25M | 98 |
| Shares outstanding | 184.44M | 5.66M |
| Employees | 5,600 | 6,950 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Industrials |
| Industry | Durable Goods | Industrial Distribution |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Watsco trades at a higher earnings multiple (26.6x vs 16.6x trailing P/E).
- Watsco offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (3.96% vs 0.00%).
- Core & Main grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+2.77% vs -4.98%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Core & Main in Consumer Discretionary and Watsco in Industrials.
About Core & Main
CNM stock →Core & Main, Inc. engages in the distribution of water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products and related services in the United States.
Consumer Discretionary · Durable Goods · 5,600 employees
About Watsco
WSO.B stock →Watsco, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the distribution of air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment, and related parts and supplies in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It distributes equipment, including residential ducted and ductless air conditioners, such as gas, electric, and oil furnaces; commercial air conditioning and heating equipment systems; and other specialized equipment.
Industrials · Industrial Distribution · 6,950 employees
CNM vs WSO.B FAQ
Which is bigger, Core & Main or Watsco?
Watsco (WSO.B) is larger, with a market capitalization of $12.83B compared with $7.44B for Core & Main (CNM).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CNM or WSO.B?
CNM returned -20.90% over the past 12 months, compared with -22.77% for WSO.B (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CNM or WSO.B?
CNM has the lower trailing P/E at 16.6, versus 26.6 for WSO.B. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Core & Main or Watsco?
Watsco pays a dividend yielding 3.96%, while Core & Main does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Core & Main and Watsco in the same industry?
No. Core & Main is in the Consumer Discretionary sector, while Watsco is in Industrials.