Core & Main Q4 Sales Fall 6.9% While EPS Rises 12.1%
Core & Main's Q4 net sales fell 6.9% to $1.581B, with average daily sales up 0.9% and gross margin increasing 50bps to 27.1%, lifting diluted EPS 12.1% to $0.37. For fiscal 2025, net sales rose 2.8% to $7.647B, net income gained 6.5% to $462M and $155M was repurchased in shares.
1. Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights
In the fourth quarter, net sales fell 6.9% to $1.581B, driven by one fewer selling week, while average daily net sales rose 0.9%. Gross profit margin improved by 50 basis points to 27.1%, SG&A expenses declined 5.4% to $264M, and net income increased 9.0% to $73M, lifting diluted EPS to $0.37.
2. Fiscal 2025 Full-Year Performance
For fiscal 2025, net sales grew 2.8% to $7.647B with average daily sales up 4.8%, gross margin rising 30 basis points to 26.9% and net income reaching $462M, up 6.5%, resulting in EPS of $2.31. Adjusted EBITDA edged up 0.1% to $931M and operating cash flow totaled $650M.
3. Strategic Initiatives and Capital Deployment
During the year, the company repurchased $155M of shares, opened ten new branches, and completed two targeted acquisitions to strengthen presence in high-growth regions. Looking to fiscal 2026, priorities include expanding into higher-growth product categories, pursuing measured greenfield expansion, executing disciplined acquisitions and investing in technology to drive productivity and cash flow.