10:56 AM EDT, 03/24/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Core & Main ( CNM ) issued a full-year sales outlook below market estimates on Tuesday, while the water, sewer and fire protection product distributor's fiscal fourth-quarter earnings unexpectedly increased on an annual basis.

The company anticipates sales in a range of $7.8 billion to $7.9 billion for fiscal 2026, representing annual growth of 2% to 3% from last year's result of $7.65 billion. The current consensus on FactSet is for $7.95 billion.

The guidance is based on current market conditions and reflects "flat pricing and end-market performance," according to the company.

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization are pegged at $950 million to $980 million. In the year ended Feb. 1, the metric edged up 0.1% to $931 million.

RBC Capital Markets expected Core & Main ( CNM ) to provide a downbeat full-year core profit outlook amid geopolitical risks.

"The increase in crude oil prices, and a potential for this flowing through the petrol chemical value chain, creates the possibility of inflation coming back into (Core & Main ( CNM )) as 2026 progresses, which could provide a notable positive," Truist Securities said in a client note.

Oil prices rebounded on Tuesday as market optimism over a potential easing of the Middle East conflict faded after Iran denied it was in talks with the US.

The company's adjusted earnings ticked up to $0.52 a share for the three-month period ended Feb. 1 from $0.51 the year before, defying the Street's view that called for a decline to $0.48.

Shares of the firm were up 1.7% in Tuesday trade, although the stock has lost 4.8% so far this year.

Sales fell to $1.58 billion from nearly $1.7 billion, missing the average analyst estimate of $1.59 billion. Average daily sales for pipes, valves and fittings and storm drainage were down mainly due to lower volumes, while the metric for fire protection and meters advanced.

"We will continue to expand our offering and service capabilities in higher-growth product categories, pursue measured greenfield expansion, execute disciplined acquisitions, and invest in technology solutions to drive productivity and enhance the customer experience," Chief Executive Mark Witkowski said in a statement. "We believe these actions position Core & Main ( CNM ) to compound market share gains, expand margins and sustain strong cash flow over time."

Price: 49.08, Change: +0.67, Percent Change: +1.38