New Research: Rebates as a Strategic Growth Tool in a Shifting Market In the HVAC industry, rebates are often treated as “backside dollars,” a necessary but largely passive part of the business. New research reframes HVAC rebate strategy as something far more consequential. When managed deliberately, rebates are no longer just an accounting exercise. They are a primary … [Read more...] about HVAC Rebate Strategy: New Research
Research Reports
AI Agents in Distribution: From Hype to Practical Impact
Distributors are hearing more about AI every day, but much of the conversation stays broad and abstract. This article looks at something more practical: how AI agents are already being used in distribution to handle routine tasks, free up people, and improve the customer experience. Recently, I had the chance to speak with Mohamed Ben Aribia, founder of Helixia, and watch … [Read more...] about AI Agents in Distribution: From Hype to Practical Impact
Market Share Math: How Distributors Can Sharpen 2026 Planning
Market share is the most cited, least understood metric for most HVAC distributors. With economic uncertainty hanging over 2026, sharper distribution planning is essential. Here is how to ground your growth targets in reality and avoid the blind spots competitors may be leaving wide open. Why Market Share Matters in 2026 This article kicks off a series we will be … [Read more...] about Market Share Math: How Distributors Can Sharpen 2026 Planning
Creating more time for your inside teams to service customers
This week we’ve been on calls with key distributors and working on our latest benchmark research about how automated order management is creating “barriers to exit” for customers. We are preparing this full report for a webinar and white paper in partnership with our friends at Conexiom. I’m excited to be co-presenting this webinar and crafting the white paper research … [Read more...] about Creating more time for your inside teams to service customers
EARNINGS Analysis: AAON Q2 2025 Results
An uneven HVACR Market and some supply chain restraints created a flat sales environment for AAON in their Q2 results. AAON – AAON, the Tulsa, Oklahoma headquartered HVAC manufacturer of HVAC equipment for commercial and industrial markets, announced 2Q 2025 earnings on August 11. Net sales during 2Q decreased 0.6% to $311.6 million. The year-over-year decline was … [Read more...] about EARNINGS Analysis: AAON Q2 2025 Results
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
Lennox Q2 2025 Results Deep Dive – HVACR Trends
We’re taking a deep dive on the latest earnings results from HVAC manufacturer Lennox in this column. There was little discussion on tariffs, with Lennox baking tariffs into their 2H 2025 guidance and stating that the tariff impact is expected to be half of what it looked like in 1Q, which was $50 million. A substantial portion of the surcharges from April tariffs were … [Read more...] about Lennox Q2 2025 Results Deep Dive – HVACR Trends
