Core & Main Draws Favor as Herc, GM Face Caution in Industrials Review

Core & Main (NYSE: CNM) was identified as the preferred industrials stock, while Herc Holdings (NYSE: HRI) and General Motors (NYSE: GM) were flagged as less attractive, according to a StockStory report published May 15, 2026. The report said industrial stocks have gained 17.7% over the past six months, outpacing the S&P 500’s 7.9% return, partly on expectations for a more favorable regulatory environment under the Trump administration. Core & Main, a water, wastewater and fire-protection products distributor, had a market value of $9.20 billion and traded at $49.25, or 18.8 times forward earnings. Herc, an equipment rental company valued at $4.55 billion, traded at $136.21, or 20.5 times forward earnings. GM, with a market value of $67.89 billion, traded at $75.30, or 6.2 times forward earnings.