US Stocks Likely To Open Lower After 2-Day Advance: Clear And Measured Tariff Plan Could 'Trigger A Strong Relief Rally,' Says Expert
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 25 2025
0mins
Should l Buy CNM?
Source: Benzinga
Market Overview: U.S. stock futures fell after two days of gains, with President Trump announcing imminent automobile tariffs and a 25% tariff on nations buying Venezuelan oil, impacting market sentiment and causing profit-taking among investors.
Economic Indicators: Analysts are closely monitoring upcoming economic data releases, including the S&P Case-Shiller home price index and consumer confidence, while the Federal Reserve is expected to maintain interest rates amid ongoing policy uncertainty.
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Analyst Views on CNM
Wall Street analysts forecast CNM stock price to rise
9 Analyst Rating
6 Buy
2 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 57.630
Low
40.00
Averages
58.88
High
65.00
Current: 57.630
Low
40.00
Averages
58.88
High
65.00
About CNM
Core & Main, Inc. specializes in advancing reliable infrastructure with local service, nationwide. The Company, as a specialty distributor with a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and related services, provides solutions to municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors across municipal, non-residential and residential end markets. With more than 370 locations across the United States, the Company provides its customers local expertise backed by a national supply chain. The Company also has operations in Canada. The Company’s products include pipes, valves, fittings, storm drainage products, fire protection products, meter products and other products. The Company complements its core products through additional offerings, including fusible high-density polyethylene (fusible HDPE) piping solutions, specifically engineered treatment plant products, geosynthetics and erosion control products.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- New Investment Disclosure: On February 13, 2026, ACK Asset Management LLC disclosed a new position in Rogers (NYSE: ROG), acquiring 436,707 shares in an estimated $39.99 million trade, reflecting confidence in the company's future prospects.
- Asset Allocation Insight: This acquisition represents 5.0% of ACK's 13F assets under management as of December 31, 2025, indicating a significant concentration in industrial and infrastructure investments within their portfolio.
- Performance Highlights: Rogers reported $216.0 million in third-quarter sales, a 6.5% sequential increase, with gross margins expanding to 33.5%, showcasing strong performance driven by robust demand in electric vehicles and wireless infrastructure.
- Market Outlook: Despite a 25% increase in Rogers' stock price over the past year, it still trades below peak margins seen in stronger cycles, prompting long-term investors to monitor margin sustainability and recovery potential in the EV and aerospace sectors.
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- Complete Exit: ACK Asset Management fully exited its position in Centuri Holdings (NYSE:CTRI) by selling 1,375,000 shares for approximately $29.11 million, indicating a cautious outlook on the company's future performance.
- Quarter-End Valuation Decline: This transaction resulted in a $29.11 million decline in the value of ACK's Centuri holdings at the end of the fourth quarter, reflecting concerns about the company's growth potential despite its strong performance.
- Strong Performance Yet Skepticism: Although Centuri posted record quarterly revenue of $850 million in November 2026, up 18.1% year-over-year, ACK's exit suggests a lack of confidence in the company's valuation and sustainable returns, potentially impacting investor sentiment.
- Market Performance Comparison: Centuri's shares rose 45.9% over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 by 33 percentage points; however, ACK's exit may prompt a reevaluation of the company's future performance in light of ongoing demand for infrastructure modernization.
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- Accelerated Acquisition Plans: Following a successful $3 billion capital raise, QXO Inc is in late-stage talks with seven potential acquisition targets, with annual revenues ranging from $1 billion to over $5 billion, indicating a strong intent to expand its business.
- Flexible Fund Utilization: This financing boosts QXO's available capital to approximately $10 billion, with analysts noting that this will enable the company to pursue larger transactions, thereby achieving a more competitive valuation in the market.
- Clear Acquisition Timeline: QXO is required to complete at least one acquisition by July 15, 2026, although the company is already prepared for a second and possibly third acquisition, reflecting its aggressive acquisition strategy.
- Optimistic Market Response: Analysts are bullish on QXO's acquisition prospects, viewing the M&A pipeline as a primary driver for stock performance, and expect effective capital deployment to further lower the company's valuation while offsetting dilution from transactions.
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- Market Expansion Opportunity: Core & Main has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Pioneer Supply, which operates multiple distribution points in Texas and Oklahoma, significantly enhancing its market share in these states and expected to drive future growth.
- Brand Synergy: With a strong reputation for quality service established since 1963, Pioneer Supply's integration with Core & Main aligns perfectly with the company's mission, enhancing customer value and competitive positioning in the market.
- Diverse Customer Base: Pioneer Supply serves municipal, residential, and non-residential markets, and the acquisition will enable Core & Main to better meet diverse customer needs, thereby expanding its product and service offerings.
- Strategic Integration Plan: This acquisition not only represents a direct expansion of Core & Main's business but will also enhance overall operational efficiency through resource integration and supply chain optimization, further solidifying its leadership position in the infrastructure sector.
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- New Position Established: Tribune Investment Group initiated a new holding in Core & Main during Q3, acquiring 335,000 shares valued at approximately $18.03 million, indicating confidence in the company's prospects.
- Asset Allocation Optimization: This acquisition accounts for 8.74% of Tribune's 13F reportable assets, reflecting Core & Main's significance in the infrastructure sector.
- Strong Financial Performance: Core & Main reported a 1.2% year-over-year sales increase to $2.06 billion in Q3, with net income reaching $143 million, demonstrating resilience amid market volatility.
- Enhanced Buyback Program: The company repurchased $50 million in stock and increased its buyback authorization by $500 million after the quarter-end, signaling confidence in future growth and proactive capital management.
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- Position Increase: Tribune Investment Group acquired 335,000 shares of Core & Main in Q3, valued at approximately $18.03 million, making it the fund's largest holding, reflecting confidence in the infrastructure market.
- Asset Allocation: This new position accounts for 8.74% of Tribune's 13F reportable assets, indicating a strategic focus on the water and fire protection infrastructure market to enhance portfolio stability through diversification.
- Financial Performance: Core & Main reported a 1.2% year-over-year sales increase to $2.06 billion in Q3, with gross margin expanding to 27.2% and net income reaching $143 million, demonstrating resilience and consistent cash flow generation amid economic fluctuations.
- Buyback Plan: The company repurchased $50 million of stock at quarter-end and increased its buyback authorization by another $500 million, signaling a commitment to shareholder returns while reflecting confidence in future growth.
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