Core & Main, Inc.
For the period ended May 4, 2025. Filed Jun 10, 2025.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
May 4, 2025 · Filed Jun 10, 2025
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-10-27; filed 2024-12-03.
0001856525-24-000118
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-05-04; filed 2025-06-10.
0001856525-25-000116
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 129 previous paragraphs and 114 current paragraphs.
66 unchanged; 31 reworded; 15 added; 28 removed; 4 previous and 2 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 8 previous and 6 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (15)
Current report
In recent months, the U.S. government has announced tariffs and trade restrictions on certain goods produced outside the United States. We believe our exposure to tariffs is limited as over three-quarters of products that we purchase are manufactured domestically. In addition, when price increases occur, we proactively evaluate our customer pricing and strategic buying opportunities. The potential direct and indirect impacts of tariffs on the broad economy and our end markets are uncertain and we continue to closely monitor and evaluate the ongoing situation.
Current report
Net Sales
Current report
Gross Profit
Current report
Net Income
Current report
Adjusted EBITDA
Current report
Earnings Per Share
Current report
Net Sales
Current report
Gross Profit
Current report
Selling, General & Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
Current report
Operating income for the three months ended May 4, 2025 increased $3 million, or 1.8%, to $171 million compared with $168 million during the three months ended April 28, 2024. The increase in operating income was primarily attributable to higher gross profit partially offset by higher SG&A and D&A expenses.
Current report
Interest expense was $30 million for the three months ended May 4, 2025 compared with $34 million for the three months ended April 28, 2024. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in interest rates and decreased average borrowings under the Senior ABL Credit Facility.
Current report
Net Income
Current report
Earnings Per Share
Current report
Adjusted EBITDA
Current report
Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements may be accelerated if we elect an early termination in accordance with the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreements or negotiate a settlement of the Tax Receivable Agreements. An early termination or negotiated settlement of our obligations, or our successor’s obligations, under such Tax Receivable Agreement to make payments thereunder would be based on certain assumptions, including an assumption that we would have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize all potential future tax benefits that are subject to such Tax Receivable Agreement.
Removed paragraphs (28)
Previous report
Significant Events During the Nine Months Ended October 27, 2024
Previous report
On February 9, 2024, Core & Main LP amended the terms of the Senior ABL Credit Facility (as defined in Note 6 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q) in order to extend the maturity from July 27, 2026 to February 9, 2029.
Previous report
On February 9, 2024, Core & Main LP entered into a $750 million senior term loan, which matures on February 9, 2031 (the “2031 Senior Term Loan”). Proceeds of the 2031 Senior Term Loan were used or may be used in the future to, among other things, (a) repay total outstanding borrowings under the Senior ABL Credit Facility, (b) invest in organic growth and productivity initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, share repurchases or other initiatives aligned with Core & Main’s capital allocation strategy and (c) pay related fees, premiums and expenses.
Previous report
On February 12, 2024, Core & Main LP entered into an interest rate swap that has a starting notional amount of $750 million that increases to $1,500 million on July 27, 2026 through the instrument maturity on July 27, 2028. The instrument is intended to reduce the Company’s exposure to variable interest rates under the senior term loan facilities.
Previous report
On May 21, 2024, Core & Main LP amended the terms of the $1,500 million senior term loan (as amended, the “2028 Senior Term Loan”), in order to reduce the effective applicable margin from 2.60% to 2.00%.
Previous report
Refer to Note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion of the amendment to the Senior ABL Credit Facility, the 2028 Senior Term Loan, the 2031 Senior Term Loan and the interest rate swap.
Previous report
On June 12, 2024, the Company’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program (the “Repurchase Program”), pursuant to which the Company may purchase up to $500 million of the Company’s Class A common stock. Shares repurchased under the Repurchase Program are retired immediately and are accounted for as a decrease to stockholders’ equity. For the nine months ended October 27, 2024 the Company repurchased 2,890,483 shares of Class A common stock for a total of $121 million through open market transactions.
Previous report
SG&A expenses for the three months ended October 27, 2024 increased $34 million, or 14.2%, to $274 million compared with $240 million during the three months ended October 29, 2023. The increasewas generally attributable to acquisitions. Other SG&A costs increased slightly due to investments in growth and higher inflation. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 13.4% for the three months ended October 27, 2024 compared with 13.1% for the three months ended October 29, 2023. The increasewas primarily attributable to acquisitions, investments in growth and inflationary cost impacts.
Previous report
Operating income for the three months ended October 27, 2024 increased $6 million, or 2.8%, to $223 million compared with $217 million during the three months ended October 29, 2023. The increase in operating income was primarily attributable to higher gross profit partially offset by higher SG&A and amortization expenses.
Previous report
Interest expense was $36 million for the three months ended October 27, 2024 compared with $20 million for the three months ended October 29, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to increased borrowings under the 2031 Senior Term Loan and the Senior ABL Credit Facility.
Previous report
The Class A common stock basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended October 27, 2024 both increased 6.2% to$0.69 compared with$0.65 forthe three months ended October 29, 2023. The increase in basic earnings per share was attributable to an increase in net income attributable to Core & Main, Inc. partially offset by higher Class A share counts from exchanges of Partnership Interests. Diluted earnings per share increased due to lower share counts following the share repurchase transactions executed throughout fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2024 partially offset by a decline in net income.
Previous report
Nine Months Ended October 27, 2024 Compared with Nine Months Ended October 29, 2023
Previous report
Net sales for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 increased $481 million, or 9.1%, to $5,743 million compared with $5,262 million for the nine months ended October 29, 2023. Net sales increased primarily due to acquisitions and higher end-market volumes partially offset by slightly lower selling prices. Net sales increased for pipes, valves & fittings due to acquisitions partially offset by slightly lower selling prices. Net sales increasedfor storm drainage due to acquisitions and our ability to drive the adoption of advanced storm water management systems. Net sales for fire protection products declined due to slightly lower selling prices and end-market volumes partially offset by acquisitions. Net sales of meter products benefited fromour ability to drive the adoption of smart meter technology through municipalities, increased product availability and acquisitions.
Previous report
Gross profit for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 increased $95 million, or 6.6%, to $1,529 million compared with $1,434 million for the nine months ended October 29, 2023. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 was 26.6% compared with 27.3% for the nine months ended October 29, 2023. The overall decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to larger prior year benefits from strategic inventory investments during an inflationary period partially offset by favorable impacts from the execution of our gross margin initiatives and accretive acquisitions.
Previous report
SG&A Expenses
Previous report
D&A Expense
Previous report
D&A expense was $135 million for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 compared with $109 million for the nine months ended October 29, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to recent acquisitions.
Previous report
Operating Income
Previous report
Operating income for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 decreased $29 million, or 4.6%, to $595 million compared with $624 million during the nine months ended October 29, 2023. The decrease in operating income was primarily attributable to higher SG&A and amortization expenses partially offset by higher gross profit.
Previous report
Interest Expense
Previous report
Interest expense was $106 million for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 compared with $59 million for the nine months ended October 29, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to increased borrowings under the 2031 Senior Term Loan and the Senior ABL Credit Facility.
Previous report
Provision for Income Taxes
Previous report
Net income for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 decreased $88 million, or 19.3% to $367 million compared with $455 million for the nine months ended October 29, 2023. The decrease in net income was primarily attributable to a decrease in operating income, an increase in interest expenses and an increase in income tax expenses.
Previous report
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 decreased $127 million to $20 million compared with $147 million for the nine months ended October 29, 2023. Thedecrease was primarily attributable to exchanges of Partnership Interests by non-controlling interest holders and a decline in net income.
Previous report
Net income attributable to Core & Main, Inc. for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 increased $39 million, or 12.7%, to $347 million compared with $308 million for the nine months ended October 29, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to a decreased allocation to non-controlling interest holders following exchanges of Partnership Interests partially offset by a decline in net income.
Previous report
Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 increased $1 million, or 0.1%, to $751 million compared with $750 million for the nine months ended October 29, 2023. The increase in Adjusted EBITDAwas primarily attributable to higher gross profit partially offset by higher SG&A expenses. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income or net income attributable to Core & Main, Inc., the most comparable GAAP financial metric, as applicable, see “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Previous report
In addition to making distributions to Core & Main, Inc. to fund tax obligations and payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements, in accordance with the Partnership Agreement, Holdings also makes distributions to Management Feeder representing the non-controlling interests of Core & Main, Inc. to fund their income tax obligations with various taxing authorities. The amount of these payments are dependent upon various factors, including the amount of taxable income allocated to them from Holdings, changes in the ownership percentage of the non-controlling interest holders, changes in tax rates and the timing of distributions relative to the corresponding tax year. Tax distributions to non-controlling interest holders were$9 million for the nine months ended October 27, 2024. Further exchanges by Management Feeder may result in lower tax distributions subject to any changes to income before provision to income taxes.
Previous report
(3)Represents costs related to secondary offerings reflected in SG&A expenses in our Statement of Operations.
Reworded paragraphs (31)
Previous wording
Core & Main, Inc. (“Core & Main” and collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure with local service, nationwide. As a leading specialized distributor with a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products, and related services, we provide solutions to municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors across municipal, non-residential and residential end markets, nationwide. Our specialty products and services are used primarily in the maintenance, repair, replacement and new construction of water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection infrastructure. We reach customers through a network of approximately 350 branches across 49 states. Our products include pipes, valves, fittings, storm drainage products, fire protection products, meter products and other products. We complement our core products through additional offerings, including smart meter systems, fusible high-density polyethylene (“fusible HDPE “) piping solutions, specifically engineered treatment plant products, geosynthetics and erosion control products. Our services and capabilities allow for integration with customers and form part of their sourcing and procurement function.
Current wording
Core & Main, Inc. (“Core & Main” and collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a leading specialty distributor dedicated to advancing reliable infrastructure with local service, nationwide. With a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products, and related services, we provide solutions to municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors across municipal, non-residential and residential end markets, nationwide. Our specialty products and services are used primarily in the maintenance, repair, replacement and new construction of water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection infrastructure. We reach customers through a network of over 370 branches across 49 United States (“U.S.”) states. Our products include pipes, valves, fittings, storm drainage products, fire protection products, meter products and other products. We complement our core products through additional offerings, including fusible high-density polyethylene (“fusible HDPE “) piping solutions, specifically engineered treatment plant products, geosynthetics and erosion control products.
Previous wording
The Company’s fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Sunday nearest to January 31 st. Quarters within the fiscal year include 13-week periods, unless a fiscal year includes a 53 rd week, in which case the fourth quarter of the fiscal year will be a 14-week period. Each of the three months ended October 27, 2024 and three months ended October 29, 2023 included 13 weeks and each of the nine months ended October 27, 2024 and nine months ended October 29, 2023 included 39 weeks. The current fiscal year ending February 2, 2025 (“fiscal 2024”) will include 53 weeks.
Current wording
The Company’s fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Sunday nearest to January 31 st. Quarters within the fiscal year include 13-week periods, unless a fiscal year includes a 53 rd week, in which case the fourth quarter of the fiscal year will be a 14-week period. Each of the three months ended May 4, 2025 and three months ended April 28, 2024 included 13 weeks. The current fiscal year ending February 1, 2026 (“fiscal 2025”) will include 52 weeks.
Previous wording
Historically, demand for our products has been closely tied to municipal infrastructure spending, non-residential construction and residential construction in the U.S. We estimate that, based on net sales for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2024 (“fiscal 2023”), our exposure by end market was approximately 42% municipal, 38% non-residential and 20% residential. Infrastructure spending and the non-residential and residential construction markets are subject to cyclical market pressures. Municipal demand has been relatively steady over the long term due to the consistent and immediate need to replace broken infrastructure; however, activity levels are subject to the availability of funding for municipal projects. Non-residential and residential construction activities are primarily driven by availability of credit, interest rates, general economic conditions, consumer confidence and other factors that are beyond our control. The length and magnitude of these cycles have varied over time and by market. Cyclicality can also have an impact on the products we procure for our customers or our related services, as further discussed under “—Price Fluctuations” below. Interest rate increases in the fiscal year ended January 29, 2023 (“fiscal 2022”) and fiscal 2023 slowed home buying and new lot development, which was a contributing factor to a decline in the residential end market compared with the prior year. Future changes in interest rates or deviations from expectations of declining rates may contribute to an increase or further decline in residential and non-residential end market volume, respectively.
Current wording
Historically, demand for our products has been tied to municipal infrastructure spending, non-residential construction and residential construction in the U.S. We estimate that, based on net sales for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2025 (“fiscal 2024”), our exposure by end market was approximately 42% municipal, 38% non-residential and 20% residential. Infrastructure spending and the non-residential and residential construction markets are subject to cyclical market pressures. Municipal demand has been relatively steady over the long term due to the consistent and immediate need to replace broken infrastructure; however, activity levels are subject to the availability of funding for municipal projects. Non-residential and residential construction activities are primarily driven by availability of credit, interest rates, general economic conditions, consumer confidence and other factors that are beyond our control. The length and magnitude of these cycles have varied over time and by market. Cyclicality can also have an impact on the products we procure for our customers or our related services, as further discussed under “—Price Fluctuations” below. Interest rate increases in the fiscal year ended January 28, 2024 (“fiscal 2023”) slowed home buying and new lot development, which was a contributing factor to a decline in the residential end market in fiscal 2023. In the second half of 2024 certain benchmark interest rates were cut, if interest rates continue to decline this may result in increased levels of activity in the U.S. residential and non-residential construction markets.
Previous wording
In November 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (“IIJA”) was signed into law, which includes $55 billion to invest in water infrastructure across the U.S. In the coming years, including as a result of the IIJA, we expect increased federal infrastructure investment to have a core focus on the upgrade, repair and replacement of municipal waterworks systems and to address demographic shifts and serve the growing population. We believe these dynamics, coupled with expanding municipal budgets, create the backdrop for a favorable funding environment and accelerated investment in projects that will benefit our business.
Current wording
In November 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (“IIJA”) was signed into law, which includes $55 billion to invest in water infrastructure across the U.S. In January 2025, President Trump issued an executive order to pause funding disbursements under IIJA; however this funding pause was not related to funding for water or road projects. While this pause is temporary, a more permanent reduction in IIJA funding may have an adverse effect on our business or financial condition. In the coming years, including as a result of the IIJA, we expect, but cannot provide any assurance that, increased federal infrastructure investment to have a core focus on the upgrade, repair and replacement of municipal waterworks systems and to address demographic shifts and serve the growing population. We believe these dynamics, coupled with expanding municipal budgets, create the backdrop for a favorable funding environment and accelerated investment in projects that will benefit our business.
Previous wording
Our operating results within a fiscal year are typically impacted by seasonality. Colder weather and shorter daylight hours historically have reduced construction, maintenance and repair activity. As a result, net sales are typically lower in our first and fourth fiscal quarters, especially in northern geographic regions. Abnormal levels of precipitation may negatively impact our operating results as it may result in the delay of construction projects. Our operating results may also be adversely affected by hurricanes, which typically occur during our third fiscal quarter. Our cash flows from operating activities are typically lower during the first and second fiscal quarters due to investment in working capital and annual incentive compensation payments and are typically higher during the third and fourth fiscal quarters due to cash inflows associated with receivable collections and reduced inventory purchases.
Current wording
Our operating results within a fiscal year are typically impacted by seasonality. Colder weather and shorter daylight hours historically have reduced construction, maintenance and repair activity. As a result, net sales are typically lower in our first and fourth fiscal quarters, especially in northern geographic regions. Abnormal levels of precipitation may negatively impact our operating results as it may result in the delay of construction projects across fiscal quarters. Our operating results may also be adversely affected by hurricanes, which typically occur during our third fiscal quarter. Our cash flows from operating activities are typically lower during the first and second fiscal quarters due to investment in working capital and annual incentive compensation payments and are typically higher during the third and fourth fiscal quarters due to cash inflows associated with receivable collections and reduced inventory purchases.
Previous wording
The costs to procure the products we sell are historically volatile and subject to fluctuations arising from changes in supply and demand, national and international economic conditions, labor and material costs, competition, market speculation, government regulation, weather events, trade policies and periodic delays in the delivery of our products. If we are able to pass through price increases to our customers, our net sales will increase; conversely, during periods of deflation, our customer pricing may decrease to remain competitive, resulting in decreased net sales. During fiscal 2022 andthe fiscal year ended January 29, 2022 (“fiscal 2021”), we experienced supply chain disruption that contributed to significant price inflation and product surcharges with respect to certain products we sell. The supply chain disruption was due to several factors, including, but not limited to, unpredictable lead times and delays from our suppliers, labor availability, global logistics and the availability of raw materials. In fiscal 2023, we saw improvements in the supply chain and more predictable lead times for certain products, but for other products the supply chain remained constrained. This led to price stability in fiscal 2023 compared to the price inflation we experienced during fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021. For fiscal 2024, for certain suppliers and product lines we have experienced greater product availability that has resulted in increased risk of lower selling prices for these product lines. Additional supply chain disruptions may result in increases in product costs which we may not be able to pass on to our customers, loss of sales due to lack of product availability or potential customer claims from the inability to provide products in accordance with contractual terms. Greater product availability from supply chain improvements may lead to increased competition that may result in price and volume declines. We continue to monitor all of these factors and the resulting price impacts.
Current wording
The costs to procure the products we sell are historically volatile and subject to fluctuations arising from changes in supply and demand, national and international economic conditions, labor and material costs, competition, market speculation, government regulation, weather events, trade policies and periodic delays in the delivery of our products. If we are able to pass through price increases to our customers, our net sales will increase; conversely, during periods of deflation, our customer pricing may decrease to remain competitive, resulting in decreased net sales. During the fiscal year ended January 29, 2023 (“fiscal 2022”), we experienced supply chain disruption that contributed to significant price inflation and product surcharges with respect to certain products we sell. The supply chain disruption was due to several factors, including, but not limited to, unpredictable lead times and delays from our suppliers, labor availability, global logistics and the availability of raw materials. In fiscal 2023, we saw improvements in the supply chain and more predictable lead times for certain products, but for other products the supply chain remained constrained. This led to price stability in fiscal 2023 compared to the price inflation we experienced during fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2024, certain suppliers and product lines experienced greater product availability that slightly lowered selling prices for these product lines. Additional supply chain disruptions may result in increases in product costs which we may not be able to pass on to our customers, loss of sales due to lack of product availability or potential customer claims from the inability to provide products in accordance with contractual terms. Greater product availability from supply chain improvements may lead to increased competition that may result in price and volume declines. We continue to monitor all of these factors and the resulting price impacts. In addition, the cost of products we purchase and sell may be impacted by the imposition of additional tariffs on imported goods from several geographic regions.
Previous wording
Certain of our indebtedness, including borrowings under the Senior Term Loan Credit Facility (as defined in Note 6 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q) and the Senior ABL Credit Facility are subject to variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. The Senior Term Loan Credit Facility and the Senior ABL Credit Facility each bear interest based on term secured overnight financing rate (“Term SOFR”). If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on our variable-rate indebtedness will increase and our net income would decrease, even though the amount borrowed under the facilities remains the same. As of October 27, 2024, we had $2,430 million of outstanding variable-rate debt. We seek to mitigate our exposure to interest rate volatility through the entry into interest rate swap instruments, such as our interest rate swap, associated with borrowings under the Senior Term Loan Credit Facility, which effectively converts $800 million of our variable rate debt to fixed rate debt, with notional amount decreases to $700 million on July 27, 2025 through the instrument maturity on July 27, 2026. On February 12, 2024, Core & Main LP entered into an additional interest rate swap, associated with borrowings under the Senior Term Loan Credit Facility, that has a starting notional amount of $750 million that increases to $1,500 million on July 27, 2026 through the instrument maturity on July 27, 2028, which effectively converts our variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. Despite these efforts, unfavorable movement in interest rates may further result in higher interest expense and cash payments.
Current wording
Certain of our indebtedness, including borrowings under the Senior Term Loan Credit Facility (as defined in Note 6 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q) and the Senior ABL Credit Facility, are subject to variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. The Senior Term Loan Credit Facility and the Senior ABL Credit Facility each bear interest based on term secured overnight financing rate (“Term SOFR”). If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on our variable-rate indebtedness will increase and our net income would decrease, even though the amount borrowed under the facilities remains the same. As of May 4, 2025, we had $2,284 million of outstanding variable-rate debt. We seek to mitigate our exposure to interest rate volatility through the entry into interest rate swap instruments, such as our interest rate swap, associated with borrowings under the Senior Term Loan Credit Facility, which effectively converts $800 million of our variable rate debt to fixed rate debt, with notional amount decreases to $700 million on July 27, 2025 through the instrument maturity on July 27, 2026. On February 12, 2024, Core & Main LP entered into an additional interest rate swap, associated with borrowings under the Senior Term Loan Credit Facility, that has a starting notional amount of $750 million that increases to $1,500 million on July 27, 2026 through the instrument maturity on July 27, 2028. Despite these efforts, unfavorable movement in interest rates may further result in higher interest expense and cash payments.
Previous wording
In addition to our organic growth strategy, we opportunistically pursue strategic asset and business acquisitions to grow our business. Below is a summary of the acquisitions that closed during thenine months ended October 27, 2024 (the “Fiscal 2024 Acquisitions”) and the nine months ended October 29, 2023 (the "Fiscal 2023 Acquisitions") with an aggregate transaction value of $748 million and $161 million, subject to working capital adjustments, respectively.
Current wording
In addition to our organic growth strategy, we opportunistically pursue strategic asset and business acquisitions to grow our business. Below is a summary of the acquisitions that closed during the fiscal year ended February 2, 2025 (the "Fiscal 2024 Acquisitions") with an aggregate transaction value of $769 million, subject to working capital adjustments, respectively.
Previous wording
We generate net sales primarily from the sale of water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and the provision of related services to approximately 60,000 customers, as of January 28, 2024, including municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors. We recognize sales, net of sales tax, customer incentives, returns and discounts. Net sales fluctuate as a result of changes in product costs as we seek to reflect these changes in our customer pricing in a timely manner. This will increase net sales if we are able to pass along price increases and decrease net sales if we are required to reduce our customer prices as a result of competitive dynamics.
Current wording
We generate net sales primarily from the sale of water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and the provision of related services to over 60,000 customers, as of February 2, 2025, including municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors. We recognize sales, net of sales tax, customer incentives, returns and discounts. Net sales fluctuate as a result of changes in product costs as we seek to reflect these changes in our customer pricing in a timely manner. This will increase net sales if we are able to pass along price increases and decrease net sales if we are required to reduce our customer prices as a result of competitive dynamics.
Previous wording
•Fire protection products primarily include fire protection pipe, sprinkler heads and devices as well as custom fabrication services.
Current wording
•Fire protection products primarily include fire protection pipe, sprinkler heads, fittings, valves and devices as well as custom fabrication services.
Previous wording
Net sales for the three months ended October 27, 2024 increased $211 million, or 11.5%, to $2,038 million compared with $1,827 million for the three months ended October 29, 2023. Net sales increased primarily dueto acquisitions and comparably higher end-market volumes partially offset by slightly lower selling prices. Net sales increased for pipes, valves & fittings due to acquisitions and comparably higher end-market volumes partially offset by slightly lower selling prices. Net sales increased for storm drainage products due to acquisitions and our ability to drive the adoption of advanced storm water management systems. Net sales for fire protection products declined due to lower selling prices and comparably lower end-market volumes. Net sales of meter products benefited from our ability to drive the adoption of smart meter technology through municipalities, increased product availability and acquisitions.
Current wording
Net sales for the three months ended May 4, 2025 increased $170 million, or 9.8%, to $1,911 million compared with $1,741 million for the three months ended April 28, 2024. Net sales increased primarily due to higher volumes and acquisitions. Net sales increased for pipes, valves & fittings, storm drainage and meter products due to higher volumes and acquisitions. Net sales for fire protection products declined due to lower end-market volumes and lower selling prices partially offset by acquisitions.
Previous wording
Gross profit for the three months ended October 27, 2024 increased $49 million, or 9.9%, to $543 million compared with $494 million for the three months ended October 29, 2023. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended October 27, 2024 was 26.6% compared with 27.0% for the three months ended October 29, 2023. The overall decline in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to larger prior year benefits from strategic inventory investments during an inflationary period partially offset by favorable impacts from the execution of our gross margin initiatives and accretive acquisitions.
Current wording
Gross profit for the three months ended May 4, 2025 increased $42 million, or 9.0%, to $510 million compared with $468 million for the three months ended April 28, 2024. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended May 4, 2025 was 26.7% compared with 26.9% for the three months ended April 28, 2024. The overall decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to a higher average cost of inventory this year compared to the prior year partially offset by favorable impacts from the execution of our gross margin initiatives and accretive acquisitions.
Previous wording
SG&A expenses for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 increased $98 million, or 14.0%, to $799 million compared with $701 million during the nine months ended October 29, 2023. The increase includes $68 million in personnel expenses primarily related to acquisitions. The remaining increase is driven by acquisitions, inflation and other growth investments. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 13.9% for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 compared with 13.3% for the nine months ended October 29, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to acquisitions, investments in growth and inflationary cost impacts.
Current wording
SG&A expenses for the three months ended May 4, 2025 increased $36 million, or 14.0%, to $293 million compared with $257 million during the three months ended April 28, 2024. The increase is primarily attributable to higher personnel expenses, primarily attributable to acquisitions, inflation and other distribution-related costs due to an increase in sales volume. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 15.3% for the three months ended May 4, 2025 compared with 14.8% for the three months ended April 28, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to acquisitions and inflationary cost impacts.
Previous wording
D&A expense for the three months ended October 27, 2024 was $46 million compared with $37 million during the three months ended October 29, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to recent acquisitions.
Current wording
D&A expense was $46 million for the three months ended May 4, 2025 compared with $43 million for the three months ended April 28, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to recent acquisitions.
Previous wording
The provision for income taxes for the three months ended October 27, 2024 increased $8 million, or 20.5%, to $47 million compared with $39 million for the three months ended October 29, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the effective tax rate and an increase in operating income. For the three months ended October 27, 2024 and October 29, 2023, our effective tax rate was 25.1% and 19.8%, respectively. The effective tax rate for each period reflects only the portion of net income that is attributable to taxable entities. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to a decrease in the non-controlling interest ownership that increased the allocation of net income to taxable entities.
Current wording
The provision for income taxes for the three months ended May 4, 2025 increased $3 million, or 9.1%, to $36 million compared with $33 million for the three months ended April 28, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in operating income and an increase in the effective tax rate. For the three months ended May 4, 2025 and April 28, 2024, our effective tax rate was 25.5% and 24.6%, respectively. The effective tax rate for each period reflects only the portion of net income that is attributable to taxable entities. The increase in theeffective tax rate was primarily attributable to a decrease in the non-controlling interest ownership that increased the allocation of net income to taxable entities.
Previous wording
Net income for the three months ended October 27, 2024 decreased $18 million, or 11.4%, to $140 million compared with $158 million for the three months ended October 29, 2023. The decrease in net income was primarily attributable to an increase in interest expense and income tax expense partially offset by an increase in operating income.
Current wording
Net income for the three months ended May 4, 2025 increased $4 million, or 4.0% to $105 million compared with $101 million for the three months ended April 28, 2024. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to a 1.8% increase in operating income and a decrease in interest expense partially offset by an increase in income tax expense.
Previous wording
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests for the three months ended October 27, 2024 decreased $39 million to $7 million compared with $46 million for the three months ended October 29, 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to exchanges of Partnership Interests by non-controlling interest holders and a decline in net income.
Current wording
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests for the three months ended May 4, 2025 decreased $1 million to $5 million compared with $6 million for the three months ended April 28, 2024. Thedecrease was primarily attributable to exchanges of Partnership Interests by non-controlling interest holders partially offset by an increase in net income.
Previous wording
Net income attributable to Core & Main, Inc. for the three months ended October 27, 2024 increased $21 million, or 18.8%, to $133 million compared with $112 million for the three months ended October 29, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to a decreased allocation to non-controlling interest holders following exchanges of Partnership Interests partially offset by a decline in net income.
Current wording
Net income attributable to Core & Main, Inc. for the three months ended May 4, 2025 increased $5 million, or 5.3%, to $100 million compared with $95 million for the three months ended April 28, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to a 4.0% increase in net income and a decreased allocation to non-controlling interest holders following exchanges of Partnership Interests.
Previous wording
The Class A common stock basic earnings per share for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 and the nine months ended October 29, 2023 was $1.81 in each period. The Class A common stock diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 decreased 0.6% to$1.79 compared with$1.80 for the nine months ended October 29, 2023. The basic earnings per share was flat due to an increase in net income attributable to Core & Main, Inc. offset by higher Class A share counts from exchanges of Partnership Interests. Diluted earnings per share decreased due to a decline in net income partially offset by lower share counts following the share repurchase transactions executed throughout fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2024.
Current wording
The Class A common stock basic earnings per share for the three months ended May 4, 2025 increased 8.2% to$0.53 compared with$0.49 forthe three months ended April 28, 2024. The Class A common stock diluted earnings per share for the three months ended May 4, 2025 increased 6.1% to$0.52 compared with$0.49 for the three months ended April 28, 2024. The basic earnings per share increased due to an increase in net income attributable to Core & Main, Inc. and lower Class A share counts following the share repurchase transactions executed throughout fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2025. Diluted earnings per share increased due to an increase in net income and lower Class A share counts following the share repurchase transactions executed throughout fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2025.
Previous wording
Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended October 27, 2024 increased $17 million, or 6.5%, to $277 million compared with $260 million for the three months ended October 29, 2023. The increase in Adjusted EBITDAwas primarily attributable to higher gross profit partially offset by higher SG&A expenses. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income or net income attributable to Core & Main, Inc., the most comparable GAAP financial metric, as applicable, see “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Current wording
Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended May 4, 2025 increased $7 million, or 3.2%, to $224 million compared with $217 million for the three months ended April 28, 2024. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily attributable to higher gross profit partially offset by higher SG&A expenses. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income or net income attributable to Core & Main, Inc., the most comparable GAAP financial metric, as applicable, see “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Previous wording
Historically, we have financed our liquidity requirements through cash flows from operating activities, borrowings under our credit facilities, issuances of equity and debt securities and working capital management activities. Our principal historical liquidity requirements have been for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, servicing indebtedness, share repurchases (including under the Repurchase Program) and the Repurchase Transactions (as defined in Note 1 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).
Current wording
Historically, we have financed our liquidity requirements through cash flows from operating activities, borrowings under our credit facilities, issuances of equity and debt securities and working capital management activities. Our principal historical liquidity requirements have been for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, servicing indebtedness, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements and share repurchases (including under the Repurchase Program).
Previous wording
As of October 27, 2024, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $10 million. We maintain our cash deposits according to a banking policy that requires diversification across a variety of highly-rated financial institutions. However, this could result in a concentration of cash and cash equivalents across these financial institutions in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-insured limits.
Current wording
As of May 4, 2025, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $8 million. We maintain our cash deposits according to a banking policy that requires diversification across a variety of highly-rated financial institutions. However, this could result in a concentration of cash and cash equivalents across these financial institutions in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-insured limits.
Previous wording
As of October 27, 2024, we had$235 million outstanding borrowings on our Senior ABL Credit Facility, which provides for borrowings of up to $1,250 million, subject to borrowing base availability. As of October 27, 2024, after giving effect to approximately $15 million of letters of credit issued under the Senior ABL Credit Facility, Core & Main LP would have been able to borrow approximately $1,000 million under the Senior ABL Credit Facility, subject to borrowing base availability. Our short term debt obligations of $23 million are related to quarterly amortization principal payments on the Senior Term Loan Credit Facility.
Current wording
As of May 4, 2025, we had$100 million outstanding borrowings on our Senior ABL Credit Facility, which provides for borrowings of up to $1,250 million, subject to borrowing base availability. As of May 4, 2025, after giving effect to approximately $15 million of letters of credit issued under the Senior ABL Credit Facility, Core & Main LP would have been able to borrow approximately $1,135 million under the Senior ABL Credit Facility, subject to borrowing base availability. Our short term debt obligations of $24 million are related to quarterly principal payments on the Senior Term Loan Credit Facility.
Previous wording
In fiscal 2024, the Company had a financing cash outflow related to the payment of$11 million under the Tax Receivable Agreements. The annual payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements are expected to increase as a result of exchanges, including those exchanges made as part of the secondary offerings completed in fiscal 2023. Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements are only required to be made to the extent that we realize or are deemed to have realized the benefit of the corresponding tax deductions to reduce payments to federal, state and local taxing authorities. These payments are in an amount that represents 85% of the reduction in payments to federal, state and local taxing authorities. As such, the cash savings from the incremental tax deductions are expected to exceed the payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements over the life of these arrangements. Based on the anticipated filing date of income tax returns and contractual payment terms in the Tax Receivable Agreements, we expect these payments to occur two fiscal years after we utilize the corresponding tax deductions.
Current wording
In fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, the Company had a financing cash outflow related to the payment of$18 million and$11 million, respectively, under the Tax Receivable Agreements. The annual payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements increased as a result of exchanges of Partnership Interests completed in fiscal 2023. Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements are only required to be made to the extent that we realize or are deemed to have realized the benefit of the corresponding tax deductions to reduce payments to federal, state and local taxing authorities. These payments are in an amount that represents 85% of the reduction in payments to federal, state and local taxing authorities. As such, the cash savings from the incremental tax deductions are expected to exceed the payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements over the life of these arrangements. Based on the anticipated filing date of income tax returns and contractual payment terms in the Tax Receivable Agreements, we expect these payments to occur two fiscal years after we utilize the corresponding tax deductions.
Previous wording
Additionally, we continuously evaluate our approach to our capital allocation, which may include acquisitions, greenfields, debt reduction (including through open market debt repurchases, negotiated repurchases, other retirements of outstanding debt and opportunistic refinancing of debt), stock repurchases, dividends or other distributions. During thenine months ended October 27, 2024, we completed $121 million of repurchases of Class A common stock under the Repurchase Program. For further details, refer to Note 1 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We may continue to return capital to our shareholders through share repurchases including pursuant to the Repurchase Program and/or dividends. The execution of these, and other, capital allocation activities may be at the discretion of, and subject to the approval by, our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, earnings, liquidity and capital requirements, market conditions, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions, compliance with our debt covenants, restrictions imposed by applicable law, general business conditions and any other factors that our board of directors deems relevant in making any such determination. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will engage in any or all of these actions or to what amount of capital we will allocate to each option.
Current wording
Additionally, we regularly evaluate our approach to our capital allocation, which may include acquisitions, capital expenditures, greenfields, debt reduction (including through open market debt repurchases, negotiated repurchases, other retirements of outstanding debt and opportunistic refinancing of debt), stock repurchases, dividends, payments on Tax Receivable Agreements or other distributions. During thethree months ended May 4, 2025, we completed $39 million of repurchases of Class A common stock under the Repurchase Program. For further details, refer to Note 1 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We may continue to return capital to our shareholders through share repurchases, including pursuant to the Repurchase Program or initiating dividend payments. The execution of these, and other, capital allocation activities may be at the discretion of, and subject to the approval by, our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, earnings, liquidity and capital requirements, market conditions, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions, compliance with our debt covenants, restrictions imposed by applicable law, general business conditions and any other factors that our board of directors deems relevant in making any such determination. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will engage in any or all of these actions or to what amount of capital we will allocate to each option.
Previous wording
Net cash provided by operating activities was $386 million for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 compared with $775 million for the nine months ended October 29, 2023. The $389 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by more typical investment in working capital in the nine months ended October 27, 2024 compared with a reduction in inventory during fiscal 2023 due to inventory optimization subsequent to supply chain improvements. Increased interest payments and higher income tax payments due to higher taxable income of Core & Main, Inc. following exchanges of Partnership Interests throughout fiscal 2023 also reduced cash flows.
Current wording
Net cash provided by operating activities was$77 millionfor the three months ended May 4, 2025 compared with$78 million for thethree months ended April 28, 2024. The$1 million decrease incash provided by operating activities was due to a higher investment in working capital in the three months ended May 4, 2025 partially offset by the timing of interest payments, lower tax payments and an increase in net income.
Previous wording
Net cash used in investing activities increased by $575 million to $757 million for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 compared with $182 million for the nine months ended October 29, 2023, primarily attributable to a$571 million increase in cash outflows for acquisitions during fiscal 2024.
Current wording
Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $558 million to $16 million for the three months ended May 4, 2025 compared with $574 million for the three months ended April 28, 2024, primarily attributable to$564 million in cash outflows for acquisitions during fiscal 2024.
Previous wording
Net cash provided by financing activities was $380 million for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 compared with net cash used in financing activities of $669 million for the nine months ended October 29, 2023. The change of $1,049 million was primarily attributed to the $750 million issuance of the 2031 Senior Term Loan, a $497 million reduction in outflows related to the Repurchase Transactions and $24 million reduction in distributions to non-controlling interest holders during fiscal 2024. These factors were partially offset by a $195 million decrease in net borrowings on the Senior ABL Credit Facility and a $14 million of debt issuance costs associated with the debt offerings during fiscal 2024.
Current wording
Net cash used in financing activities was $61 million for the three months ended May 4, 2025 compared with net cash provided by financing activities of $525 million for the three months ended April 28, 2024. The change of $586 million was primarily attributed to a $542 million decrease in net borrowings and debt issuance costs, $39 million increase in outflows related to therepurchases of Class A common stock under the Repurchase Program and a $7 million increase in payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements during fiscal 2025.
Previous wording
(1)Aggregate amount of commitments under the asset-based revolving credit facility of $1,250 million overall, subject to borrowing base availability. There were $235 million outstanding under the Senior ABL Credit Facility as of October 27, 2024.
Current wording
(1)Aggregate amount of commitments under the asset-based revolving credit facility of $1,250 million overall, subject to borrowing base availability. There were $100 million outstanding under the Senior ABL Credit Facility as of May 4, 2025.
Previous wording
As of October 27, 2024, the Company had agreements in place with various suppliers to purchase goods and services, primarily inventory, in the aggregate amount of $1,009 million. These purchase obligations are generally cancellable, but the Company foresees no intent to cancel. Payments are generally expected to be made during fiscal 2024 and the fiscal year ended February 1, 2026 for these obligations.
Current wording
As of May 4, 2025, the Company had agreements in place with various suppliers to purchase goods and services, primarily inventory, in the aggregate amount of $1,262 million. These purchase obligations are generally cancellable, but the Company foresees no intent to cancel. Payments are generally expected to be made during fiscal 2025 and the fiscal year ended January 31, 2027.
Previous wording
A summary of our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2 to the audited consolidated financial statements in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Our estimates and assumptions are based on historical experiences and changes in the business environment. However, actual results may differ from estimates under different conditions, sometimes materially. Critical accounting policies and estimates are defined as those that are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management judgment. There have been no significant changes to these policies which have had a material impact on the Company’s interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes during the three and nine months ended October 27, 2024.
Current wording
A summary of our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2 to the audited consolidated financial statements in our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Our estimates and assumptions are based on historical experiences and changes in the business environment. However, actual results may differ from estimates under different conditions, sometimes materially. Critical accounting policies and estimates are defined as those that are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management judgment. There have been no significant changes to these policies which have had a material impact on the Company’s interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes during the three months ended May 4, 2025.
Rearranged current paragraphs (2)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Net Income Attributable to Core & Main, Inc.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Net Income Attributable to Core & Main, Inc.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (4)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Amounts in millions (except per share data)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended October 27, 2024 increased $12 million, or 10.9%, to $122 million compared with $110 million for the nine months ended October 29, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the effective tax rate partially offset by lower operating income. For the nine months ended October 27, 2024 and October 29, 2023, our effective tax rate was 24.9% and 19.5%, respectively. The effective tax rate for each period reflects only the portion of net income that is attributable to taxable entities. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to a decrease in the non-controlling interest ownership that increased the allocation of net income to taxable entities.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests