2026 Outlook Distributors weathered a difficult 2025 to sustain a still growing industry. Perhaps for that reason, they are optimistic for 2026. But that optimism is understandably measured. When it comes to sales, 60% of distributors expect higher sales this year, with much of that enthusiasm coming from large distributors. If you ask about profit, that optimism is tempered a bit more as the external pressures of 2025 are likely to continue into 2026. Only 53% of distributors expect profit in 2026, and only half of small distributors are feeling encouraged about profitability. Auping is senior news editor at PPAI. 9% 31% 13% 10% 35% All Distributors Distributors Over $2.5M Distributors Under 2.5M 100 75 50 25 0 (%) Distributors' 2026 Sales Predictions: ■ Less than 2025 ■ Same as 2025 ■ Greater than 2025 60% 82% 56% 5% 9% 38% 27% 10% 41% All Distributors Distributors Over $2.5M Distributors Under 2.5M 100 75 50 25 0 (%) Distributors' 2026 Profit Predictions: ■ Less than 2025 ■ Same as 2025 ■ Greater than 2025 53% 69% 50% 4% 42 • MARCH 2026 • PPAI Must Read | PPAI Sales Volume
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