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ECONOMIC OUTLOOK REPORTS
This comprehensive MDM 2Q26 Forecast is a guide to the U.S. wholesale distribution economy, providing a historical, current and future snapshot of numerous key economic indicators in one convenient place along with our exclusive sector-specific forecasts for 19 different product categories. Its economic indicator data is updated through May 15.
This comprehensive MDM 1Q26 Forecast is a guide to the U.S. wholesale distribution economy, providing a historical, current and future snapshot of numerous key economic indicators in one convenient place along with our exclusive sector-specific forecasts for 19 different product categories. This report was freshly updated in late February.
Premium Monthly
Our May issue is packed with articles that cover the margin pressure gap between large and small distributors; a deep dive into Grainger’s impressive 1Q; parts 2 and 3 of Tom Gale’s data analytics series; updates on DNOW’s MRC Global integration and ERP headaches; our monthly MDM Forecast and M&A Roundup; a Wiring products Market Profile; and more.
Market Insight Reports
See our breakdown of M&A activity by product category, the latest EBITDA trading multiples for 27 publicly traded industrial distributors; our latest Premium articles, which take deep dives into the M&A strategies of two prominent companies; and our detailed recap of dealmaking activity during January-March, which was the busiest three-month stretch since May-July 2024.
MDM’s 1Q26 MarketPulse Report consists of the quarterly results, analysis and commentary from the latest Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey — conducted early April — that explored revenue performance, pricing and business expectations for the current quarter and rest-of-year. It includes a wealth of market-specific data and commentary from survey respondents.
Case Studies
This MDM Case Study examines how Stellar Industrial Supply built a differentiated growth model around documented customer savings, service-first selling and digital execution — turning measurable value creation into a durable platform for customer loyalty, expansion and operational excellence.
How has Singer Industrial grown into a 55-plus-company platform while preserving local leadership and culture? This MDM Case Study explores the industrial rubber, fluid power and automation distributor’s coordinated autonomy model, acquisition strategy and technology investments that are helping drive scale, efficiency and long-term growth.
Premium Articles
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![Airgas Owned_RADNOR Women's PPE Line for MDM[25]](https://www.mdm.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Airgas-Owned_RADNOR-Womens-PPE-Line-for-MDM25-scaled-riq4cdqi8vqfj5z3cjvoi8gl6gbefewsijtwp5qw1w.jpg "Airgas Owned_RADNOR Women’s PPE Line for MDM[25]")
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The second of this three-part case study series examines how fastener supplies distributor LINC Systems leveraged digital tools and centralized data to strengthen its sales, pricing and customer engagement models.
The latest MDM Forecast projects stronger 2025 and 2026 revenue growth for U.S. wholesale distribution, driven by sector-specific gains though underlying economic trends suggest caution in interpreting topline numbers. As always, results vary across the 19 industry sectors tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau. Get your sector-specific insights here.
Fastener supplies distributor LINC Systems accelerated its expansion through a disciplined acquisition strategy paired with foundational investments in scalable infrastructure. By building a business platform that could support rapid growth — including ERP consolidation, cybersecurity and digital governance — LINC positioned itself for long-term, sustainable success. Here's the first of Tom Gale's three-part deep dive.
Industrial distributors continue to evaluate their exposure to China. From "dual faucet" strategy to why some categories may be impossible to move, see what publicly traded distributors had to say in the latest round of earnings calls.
Distributor M&A momentum picked up in May, with notable moves across HVACR, Electrical and Gases & Welding sectors. Get a full recap of May’s distributor M&A activity, including a year-to-date breakdown by product category.
The second half of this series explores what the rollout of a distributor's tariff command center looks like and how to evaluate your readiness to handle whatever the tariff environment can throw at you.
The company spelled out specifics on the changes Beacon will undergo in the months ahead to align with QXO’s aggressive vision to achieve significant organic growth.
With today's tariffs news arriving like surprise album drops, ordinary financial leadership won't do for distributors. The first of this two-part series examines how to create a "tariff command center" that uses advanced pricing strategies to turn tariff challenges into competitive advantages.
Without adequate liquidity, even the most robust distributors may find themselves struggling to fulfill orders, grow, or, in some cases, survive. Here, Steve Tomasello shares what an effective cash flow management system looks like.
The latest MDM Forecast reflects an overall downward revision in 2025 revenue expectations in the wake of tariff impacts, though still in line with the industry's historical average. As always, results vary across the 19 industry sectors tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau. Get your sector-specific insights here.
The latest MDM Case Study series takes aim at ADI Global, with Part 1 focused on how this Resideo-owned distributor grows and improves profits, applying a fruit orchard analogy to discuss the strategy involved.
MDM explores the latest vacancy rates and demand for distribution centers and warehouses across the country in this installment of the Logistics Liaison.
April tied March for the weakest month of distributor M&A activity that we’ve tracked since September 2023. Get a full recap of April's distributor dealmaking here, including our year-to-date breakdown of deals by product category.
Respondents in the 1Q25 Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey were divided on 2025 demand and investment outlooks, as tariff uncertainty clouds confidence and prompts cautious strategic planning. See our full breakdown of the results.
Most distributors and manufacturers surveyed in the 1Q25 Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey indicated a 1-10% increase in the cost of goods sold in 2025, though uncertainty colored commentary. Get our deep dive analysis here.
We polled nearly 300 distributors and manufacturers in early April about the methods they are using in response to a higher cost of goods sold brought on by tariffs. See our detailed breakdown of the results, including by revenue size, along with plenty of respondent commentary.
The latest MDM Forecast had a modest continuation in downward revision in April overall, with growth still expected but at a slower pace than previously projected. As always, the projection varied throught the 19 different industry verticals tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau. Get your sector-specific outlook here.
QXO acknowledged a rebranding in an FAQ for Beacon employees, though timing is still to be determined.
This piece reviews relevant pricing and tariff dynamics and describes key implications for distributors as they plot their course through a choppy environment.
Dive into the latest demand trend in the safety product category and explore how some distributors have answered the call for PPE designed for women in trades.
The second of this three-part case study series examines how fastener supplies distributor LINC Systems leveraged digital tools and centralized data to strengthen its sales, pricing and customer engagement models.
The latest MDM Forecast projects stronger 2025 and 2026 revenue growth for U.S. wholesale distribution, driven by sector-specific gains though underlying economic trends suggest caution in interpreting topline numbers. As always, results vary across the 19 industry sectors tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau. Get your sector-specific insights here.
Fastener supplies distributor LINC Systems accelerated its expansion through a disciplined acquisition strategy paired with foundational investments in scalable infrastructure. By building a business platform that could support rapid growth — including ERP consolidation, cybersecurity and digital governance — LINC positioned itself for long-term, sustainable success. Here's the first of Tom Gale's three-part deep dive.
Industrial distributors continue to evaluate their exposure to China. From "dual faucet" strategy to why some categories may be impossible to move, see what publicly traded distributors had to say in the latest round of earnings calls.
Distributor M&A momentum picked up in May, with notable moves across HVACR, Electrical and Gases & Welding sectors. Get a full recap of May’s distributor M&A activity, including a year-to-date breakdown by product category.
The second half of this series explores what the rollout of a distributor's tariff command center looks like and how to evaluate your readiness to handle whatever the tariff environment can throw at you.
The company spelled out specifics on the changes Beacon will undergo in the months ahead to align with QXO’s aggressive vision to achieve significant organic growth.
With today's tariffs news arriving like surprise album drops, ordinary financial leadership won't do for distributors. The first of this two-part series examines how to create a "tariff command center" that uses advanced pricing strategies to turn tariff challenges into competitive advantages.
Without adequate liquidity, even the most robust distributors may find themselves struggling to fulfill orders, grow, or, in some cases, survive. Here, Steve Tomasello shares what an effective cash flow management system looks like.
The latest MDM Forecast reflects an overall downward revision in 2025 revenue expectations in the wake of tariff impacts, though still in line with the industry's historical average. As always, results vary across the 19 industry sectors tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau. Get your sector-specific insights here.
The latest MDM Case Study series takes aim at ADI Global, with Part 1 focused on how this Resideo-owned distributor grows and improves profits, applying a fruit orchard analogy to discuss the strategy involved.
MDM explores the latest vacancy rates and demand for distribution centers and warehouses across the country in this installment of the Logistics Liaison.
April tied March for the weakest month of distributor M&A activity that we’ve tracked since September 2023. Get a full recap of April's distributor dealmaking here, including our year-to-date breakdown of deals by product category.
Respondents in the 1Q25 Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey were divided on 2025 demand and investment outlooks, as tariff uncertainty clouds confidence and prompts cautious strategic planning. See our full breakdown of the results.
Most distributors and manufacturers surveyed in the 1Q25 Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey indicated a 1-10% increase in the cost of goods sold in 2025, though uncertainty colored commentary. Get our deep dive analysis here.
We polled nearly 300 distributors and manufacturers in early April about the methods they are using in response to a higher cost of goods sold brought on by tariffs. See our detailed breakdown of the results, including by revenue size, along with plenty of respondent commentary.
The latest MDM Forecast had a modest continuation in downward revision in April overall, with growth still expected but at a slower pace than previously projected. As always, the projection varied throught the 19 different industry verticals tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau. Get your sector-specific outlook here.
QXO acknowledged a rebranding in an FAQ for Beacon employees, though timing is still to be determined.
This piece reviews relevant pricing and tariff dynamics and describes key implications for distributors as they plot their course through a choppy environment.
Dive into the latest demand trend in the safety product category and explore how some distributors have answered the call for PPE designed for women in trades.
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