Core & Main stock reports 10.00 percent diluted EPS growth in Q2

Published on 09/29/2026 at 22:12 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Core & Main stock posted fiscal Q2 adjusted EPS of USD 0.94 on September 9, 2026. Revenue reached USD 2.15 billion and fiscal 2026 guidance stayed at USD 7.8 billion to USD 7.9 billion.

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Core & Main (ISIN US21873J1088) delivered adjusted diluted EPS of USD 0.94 in fiscal Q2 ended August 2, 2026, up 8.00 percent year over year, according to Core & Main. The September 9, 2026 results reaffirmed fiscal 2026 guidance and showed earnings growth despite mixed demand across some product categories.

Q2 growth remains measured

Core & Main reported fiscal Q2 net sales of USD 2.15 billion, an increase of 2.50 percent from USD 2.09 billion a year earlier. Net income rose 6.40 percent to USD 150.0 million, while adjusted EBITDA increased 3.00 percent to USD 274.0 million, according to Business Wire.

The gross profit margin was 26.70 percent in the quarter, compared with 26.80 percent in the prior-year quarter. Diluted GAAP EPS reached USD 0.77, up 10.00 percent from USD 0.70, showing that lower share counts supported per-share growth alongside higher net income.

Guidance and buybacks set the tone

Management kept fiscal 2026 net sales guidance at USD 7.8 billion to USD 7.9 billion, with adjusted EBITDA guidance of USD 950.0 million to USD 980.0 million and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.20 percent to 12.40 percent, Core & Main said on September 9, 2026.

Capital allocation added another measurable support. The company repurchased 3.7 million shares for USD 169.0 million during the quarter and reported USD 62.0 million in operating cash flow for the three months ended August 2, 2026.

Analysts split over valuation

Wolfe Research reaffirmed an Outperform rating and assigned a USD 63.00 price target in a September 15, 2026 report, according to MarketBeat. Zacks Research moved its rating from Hold to Strong Sell on September 16, 2026, according to MarketBeat.

The contrast reflects the central debate around CNM: quarterly earnings improved, but revenue growth remained slower than earnings growth. That makes the margin outlook and the durability of municipal, fire protection and acquisition-driven demand important markers for the next update.

Market value stays near yearly low

NYSE-listed Core & Main had a market capitalization of USD 7.8 billion and a 52-week range of USD 40.03 to USD 59.66 as of September 29, 2026. The market data places the company close to the lower end of its yearly range while the latest quarter shows double-digit diluted EPS growth.