How a 50% duty on semifinished copper drifts past consumers and lands squarely on coil makers, lineset extruders, and the distributors who serve them. The drama that wasn’t, at least for homeowners When the White House dropped its Section 232 tariff proclamation on July 31, slapping a 50% duty on copper pipe, tube, wire, rod, and sheet effective August 1, it sounded dire … [Read more...] about Copper Tariffs: Minor Home-Buyer Bump, Major OEM Headache
Industry News
Pentagon Pricing Series – A Pricing Reset is the Most High-Risk and High-Reward Activity in B2B Distribution
As a former pricing leader for three billion-dollar distributors in North America, I can share from experience that a major pricing reset is simultaneously a dangerous activity, yet when done right, the best driver of top-line sales growth in this industry. Earlier this year, I wrote a Case Study for Modern Distribution Management (MDM) on the pricing reset MSC … [Read more...] about Pentagon Pricing Series – A Pricing Reset is the Most High-Risk and High-Reward Activity in B2B Distribution
EARNINGS Analysis: WATSCO Q2 2025 results some headwinds and tailwinds
A slow Q2 for the largest HVAC distributor, Watsco, but record gross profits and climbing GM% helped offset some of the headwinds. Watsco – Watsco, headquartered in Miami, Florida, is the largest distributor in the North American market for HVAC products, with over 375,000 contractors, technicians, and installers visiting or calling one of its 701 locations each year, … [Read more...] about EARNINGS Analysis: WATSCO Q2 2025 results some headwinds and tailwinds
Wholesale HVAC Equipment Costs Just Jumped
Prices are moving again. Quietly, but steadily. The Producer Price Index for HVAC equipment has ticked up for eleven months in a row. It’s not necessarily making headlines, but it’s worth your attention. Undoubtedly, you’ve already raised prices due to tariffs or manufacturer increases, but are you sure you’re keeping pace? Every month, something is going up. Are you … [Read more...] about Wholesale HVAC Equipment Costs Just Jumped
Masco Q2 Earnings: Plumbing Holds Strong as Paint Softens What It Signals for Residential HVAC
Masco’s Q2 2025 earnings report was a study in contrasts. For those of us watching the residential HVAC space, it offered a few clear signals. Headline numbers: Adjusted gross margin improved to 37.7%, up 10 basis points. Revenue was $2.05 billion, down 2% year-over-year. Adjusted for currency and divestitures, it was flat. Adjusted operating margin rose to … [Read more...] about Masco Q2 Earnings: Plumbing Holds Strong as Paint Softens What It Signals for Residential HVAC
From Tools to Toolbags: Malco’s Next Move
When The Malco Group picked up Veto Pro Pac earlier this month, it wasn’t just an expansion move. It was a signal. Malco is already known for HVAC-specific tools, chemicals, and accessories. Adding Veto brings a premium tool storage line into the fold and pushes the company further into full-spectrum jobsite relevance. This deal doesn’t just add SKUs. It deepens Malco’s … [Read more...] about From Tools to Toolbags: Malco’s Next Move
HARDI Emerging Leaders Conference 2025 – Feedback from Channel Leaders
The HARDI Association has built a strong program for emerging leaders, and at the HARDI Emerging Leaders Conference July 22 -24th over 100 HVACR Emerging Leaders had a packed agenda with great speakers and presentations over the full program. I was intrigued by the event, as I saw it had great speakers and presenters including Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam. Dr. Bharani is the … [Read more...] about HARDI Emerging Leaders Conference 2025 – Feedback from Channel Leaders
