Core & Main(CNM)2023-03-27 16:00Market Overview - Core & Main estimates its addressable market for water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products in the U.S. to be approximately 40 billion addressable market in fiscal 2022[83]. - Approximately 39% of the company's net sales in fiscal 2022 were related to the municipal market, highlighting its dependence on municipal infrastructure spending[131]. Sales Breakdown - For fiscal 2022, approximately 39% of net sales were derived from the municipal construction sector, 39% from non-residential construction, and 22% from residential construction[1]. - Approximately 22% and 39% of the company's net sales in fiscal 2022 were directly related to the U.S. residential and non-residential construction markets, respectively[97]. - The company estimates that around 39% of its net sales in fiscal 2022 were linked to clean water and wastewater infrastructure, storm drainage, and fire protection systems supporting U.S. non-residential construction activity[102]. Product Categories - Pipes, valves, and fittings accounted for approximately 68% of net sales in fiscal 2022[79]. - Storm drainage products accounted for approximately 14% of net sales, while fire protection products accounted for about 11% of net sales in fiscal 2022[110][111]. - The company’s products include smart meter systems and fusible HDPE piping solutions, enhancing its offerings in the infrastructure sector[246]. Growth Strategy - The company plans to replicate successful expansion in underpenetrated geographies to drive future growth[58]. - Core & Main's strategic accounts program, which focuses on large-scale projects, represented less than 5% of fiscal 2022 net sales, indicating potential for growth in this area[76]. - The company utilizes its geographic footprint and customer relationships to introduce new products and technology, targeting underpenetrated product categories for growth[107]. Operational Efficiency - The company aims to enhance margins through pricing analytics and optimization of system-wide pricing, which could lead to long-term margin expansion[60]. - Gross margin improved by approximately 290 basis points from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2022, driven by private label product expansion and category management optimization[105]. - The company is expanding its direct sourcing and distribution capabilities to drive further margin expansion in the future[105]. Customer Base - The company has a fragmented customer base of approximately 60,000 customers, with the top 50 customers representing about 12% of net sales in fiscal 2022[113]. - The company has a branch network that connects large suppliers with smaller volume customers, with each branch carrying approximately 4,500 SKUs on average[118]. Workforce - As of January 29, 2023, the company employed approximately 4,500 associates, including 1,700 in sales positions and 250 in branch management[121]. - The sales force includes approximately 550 field sales representatives with an average of over 13 years of experience in relevant industries[120]. - The company focuses on attracting and retaining talent through competitive compensation and training programs, contributing to low turnover rates[122]. Financial Risks - The company is subject to inventory management risks, which can impact sales opportunities and gross margins[133]. - The company faces competitive pressures in a fragmented market, with only one major national competitor and various regional and local competitors[134]. - Approximately 98% of the company's net sales volume in fiscal 2022 was facilitated through credit sales to customers whose ability to pay is dependent on economic strength[138]. Supply Chain and Regulatory Challenges - Supply chain constraints have led to increased pressure on the company's operations, resulting in significant inflation throughout fiscal 2022[141]. - Regulatory changes could increase the company's costs and impact its operations, particularly in relation to environmental and safety regulations[143]. - The company is dependent on third-party freight carriers, and a shortage of qualified drivers could impact product delivery and operational efficiency[170]. Debt and Financing - As of January 29, 2023, total consolidated indebtedness was 198 million in outstanding lease commitments[188]. - The company had the ability to borrow 27 million increase in annual interest expense on the Senior ABL Credit Facility and the Senior Term Loan Facility[190]. Corporate Governance and Ownership - CD&R Investors beneficially own approximately 65.4% of the combined voting power of the company's common stock, allowing them to control significant corporate actions[203]. - The company is classified as a "controlled company," with CD&R Investors holding a majority of the voting power, which allows it to rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements[237]. - The company’s Certificate of Incorporation includes anti-takeover provisions that may discourage changes in management or control, potentially affecting the market price of its Class A common stock[235]. Stock and Market Performance - The market price of Class A common stock may be volatile and could decline, affecting liquidity and trading[228]. - Future sales of shares by the company or existing stockholders could lead to a decline in stock price[230]. - The company currently does not have an approved plan to pay dividends on its Class A common stock, intending to use future earnings for debt repayment and business development[206].