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U.S. Trade Distributors Industry Analysis

UpdatedJun 29, 2026
DataAggregated Company Financials
Companies59
  • 7D-0.3%
  • 3M20.9%
  • 1Y22.3%
  • YTD17.4%

Last week, the Trade Distributors industry hasn't moved much but United Rentals is up 4.2% in that time. The past year has been better, since the industry has gained 22% in that time. As for the next few years, earnings are expected to grow by 14% per annum.

Industry Valuation and Performance

Has the U.S. Trade Distributors Industry valuation changed over the past few years?

DateMarket CapRevenueEarningsPEAbsolute PEPS
Mon, 29 Jun 2026US$418.6bUS$202.9bUS$15.5b25.8x27.1x2.1x
Wed, 27 May 2026US$387.7bUS$202.8bUS$15.5b24.1x25x1.9x
Fri, 24 Apr 2026US$382.9bUS$198.0bUS$15.4b24.8x24.8x1.9x
Sun, 22 Mar 2026US$350.6bUS$200.5bUS$16.4b19.8x21.4x1.7x
Tue, 17 Feb 2026US$380.2bUS$187.5bUS$15.4b24.2x24.7x2x
Thu, 15 Jan 2026US$354.2bUS$181.6bUS$15.3b22.2x23.1x2x
Sat, 13 Dec 2025US$336.1bUS$183.2bUS$15.2b19.9x22.2x1.8x
Mon, 10 Nov 2025US$326.5bUS$182.9bUS$15.0b19.7x21.7x1.8x
Wed, 08 Oct 2025US$346.9bUS$179.7bUS$14.8b21.7x23.4x1.9x
Fri, 05 Sep 2025US$356.4bUS$184.4bUS$14.7b24x24.3x1.9x
Sun, 03 Aug 2025US$332.8bUS$182.4bUS$14.5b21.7x22.9x1.8x
Tue, 01 Jul 2025US$325.6bUS$181.2bUS$13.8b19.8x23.7x1.8x
Thu, 29 May 2025US$314.3bUS$182.0bUS$13.9b20.5x22.6x1.7x
Sat, 26 Apr 2025US$301.0bUS$191.5bUS$14.1b19.3x21.3x1.6x
Mon, 24 Mar 2025US$289.5bUS$190.8bUS$14.3b19.3x20.3x1.5x
Wed, 19 Feb 2025US$315.8bUS$190.6bUS$15.0b20.9x21.1x1.7x
Fri, 17 Jan 2025US$316.0bUS$189.9bUS$15.3b19.1x20.6x1.7x
Sun, 15 Dec 2024US$325.0bUS$189.5bUS$15.2b17.6x21.3x1.7x
Tue, 12 Nov 2024US$343.2bUS$191.3bUS$15.3b17.1x22.4x1.8x
Thu, 10 Oct 2024US$306.3bUS$190.8bUS$15.7b14.8x19.5x1.6x
Sat, 07 Sep 2024US$281.7bUS$190.7bUS$15.8b13.2x17.8x1.5x
Mon, 05 Aug 2024US$289.6bUS$190.5bUS$15.8b16.1x18.3x1.5x
Wed, 03 Jul 2024US$277.5bUS$189.8bUS$15.9b15.2x17.4x1.5x
Fri, 31 May 2024US$294.4bUS$189.5bUS$15.8b16.4x18.6x1.6x
Sun, 28 Apr 2024US$300.5bUS$189.2bUS$15.8b18.2x19x1.6x
Tue, 26 Mar 2024US$320.5bUS$188.8bUS$15.8b17.2x20.3x1.7x
Thu, 22 Feb 2024US$293.4bUS$188.7bUS$15.5b17.8x19x1.6x
Sat, 20 Jan 2024US$291.8bUS$206.5bUS$16.7b14.8x17.5x1.4x
Mon, 18 Dec 2023US$285.1bUS$205.3bUS$16.8b14.7x17x1.4x
Wed, 15 Nov 2023US$253.0bUS$205.5bUS$16.9b13.1x14.9x1.2x
Fri, 13 Oct 2023US$253.5bUS$203.7bUS$16.6b11.9x15.2x1.2x
Sun, 10 Sep 2023US$245.4bUS$203.8bUS$16.6b11.7x14.7x1.2x
Tue, 08 Aug 2023US$257.6bUS$203.7bUS$16.6b14.8x15.5x1.3x
Thu, 06 Jul 2023US$255.8bUS$202.4bUS$16.5b13.9x15.5x1.3x
Price to Earnings Ratio

15.5x


Total Market Cap: US$255.8bTotal Earnings: US$16.5bTotal Revenue: US$202.4bTotal Market Cap vs Earnings and Revenue0%0%0%
U.S. Trade Distributors Industry Price to Earnings3Y Average 20.4x202420252026
Current Industry PE
  • Investors are optimistic on the American Trade Distributors industry, and appear confident in long term growth rates.
  • The industry is trading at a PE ratio of 27.1x which is higher than its 3-year average PE of 20.4x.
  • The 3-year average PS ratio of 1.6x is lower than the industry's current PS ratio of 2.1x.
Past Earnings Growth
  • The earnings for companies in the Trade Distributors industry have declined 2.2% per year over the last three years.
  • Meanwhile revenues have remained mostly flat.
  • This means that although sales have remained flat, either the cost of doing business or the level of investment back into businesses has increased, which has decreased profits.

Industry Trends

Which industries have driven the changes within the U.S. Industrials industry?

US Market-2.52%
Industrials-0.24%
Trade Distributors-0.34%
Trade Companies and Distributors-0.34%
Industry PEThere are no additional sub-industries under this industry.
Forecasted GrowthThere are no additional sub-industries under this industry.

Top Stock Gainers and Losers

Which companies have driven the market over the last 7 days?

CompanyLast Price7D1YValuation
URI United RentalsUS$1.12k4.2%
+US$2.8b		49.0%PE28x
FAST FastenalUS$47.102.6%
+US$1.4b		12.2%PE41.6x
AER AerCap HoldingsUS$148.812.6%
+US$591.3m		26.9%PE6x
WSO WatscoUS$410.742.4%
+US$394.4m		-5.9%PE36.1x
SITE SiteOne Landscape SupplyUS$116.635.9%
+US$286.2m		-3.2%PE33.9x

Latest News

HRI
US$151.26
Herc Holdings
7D
-2.5%
1Y
15.0%
Seeking Alpha • 15h

Herc Holdings Growing With Data Centers And Acquisition

Summary Herc Holdings Inc. is rated Strong Buy with a one-year target price of $251.50, reflecting transformative growth drivers. HRI's acquisition of H&E and expansion into specialty rentals for data center construction are expected to boost margins and EBITDA. Specialty Solutions, including data center rentals, offer higher margins but currently represent just 14% of HRI's revenue base. Management's three-year strategy and synergy realization underpin expectations for substantial EPS and productivity gains through 2030. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
FAST
US$47.10
Fastenal
7D
2.6%
1Y
12.2%
Seeking Alpha • 19h

Fastenal: What Could Justify The Valuation

Summary Fastenal is a market-leading industrial distributor with a robust, asset-light business model and minimal leverage. At a 40x+ P/E, FAST’s valuation is disconnected from its moderate 8–12% growth and limited margin expansion potential. I set a $31/share price target, reflecting earnings normalization and a more reasonable risk/reward profile. I rate FAST as a 'HOLD' due to insufficient upside at the current valuation; better entry points may emerge with normalization. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
GWW
US$1,353.61
W.W. Grainger
7D
-0.9%
1Y
31.6%
Seeking Alpha • Jun 27

W.W. Grainger: Great Company, At A Bad Price

Summary W.W. Grainger, Inc. has a fantastic track record. The company's supply chain investments have positioned the company as the MRO distribution leader. Improving business confidence bolsters GWW's short-term outlook. Great earnings growth is already more than priced in. I estimate GWW stock to have a -15% downside to $1158. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
WCC
US$347.33
WESCO International
7D
-4.9%
1Y
87.3%
Narrative Update • Jun 26

WCC: Data Center Expansion And Newark Deal Will Drive Future Upside

Analysts have lifted the WESCO International fair value estimate from $415 to $440, citing a refined discount rate and updated assumptions on revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E that align with recent upward price target moves across the Street. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on WESCO International points to a generally constructive tone, with several firms adjusting price targets and one initiating coverage, all while highlighting the same broad set of growth themes.
EQPT
US$20.48
EquipmentShare.com
7D
-22.2%
1Y
n/a
Narrative Update • Jun 26

EQPT: Upsized 2034 Notes And Raised 2026 Guidance Will Drive Future Repricing

The updated analyst narrative for EquipmentShare.com lifts the fair value estimate to $24, reflecting a mix of higher expected profit margins, a lower future P/E assumption, and recent Street price target changes that now cluster around the mid-$20s after Q1 model revisions. Analyst Commentary Recent research on EquipmentShare.com shows a split tape, with some firms lifting long term expectations while others temper near term enthusiasm and reset price targets closer to current levels.
SUNB
US$74.07
Sunbelt Rentals Holdings
7D
-13.9%
1Y
14.8%
Narrative Update • Jun 26

SUNB: Margin Recovery And Free Cash Flow Will Support Future Upside

Analysts have nudged their average price target on Sunbelt Rentals Holdings higher, with the fair value estimate moving from $78.00 to about $83.64 as they factor in updated EBITDA assumptions, a slightly higher future P/E of roughly 19x, and ongoing debate around margins and growth in the rental business. Analyst Commentary Street research on Sunbelt Rentals Holdings is mixed, with bullish analysts highlighting improving cost trends and selected upward revisions to EBITDA assumptions, while more cautious voices focus on margin pressure and the risk that profitability guidance may be difficult to achieve.
GATX
US$182.26
GATX
7D
2.9%
1Y
17.6%
Seeking Alpha • Jun 25

GATX's Growth Spurt Doesn't Justify An Upgrade

Summary GATX remains rated "Hold" due to fair valuation and challenging industry conditions, despite strong operational growth and recent large-scale fleet expansion. GATX's acquisition of 101,000 railcars from Wells Fargo for $4.2 billion drove significant revenue and cash flow increases, particularly in its North American segment. Management forecasts 2026 EPS between $9.50 and $10.10, with operating cash flow and EBITDA expected to rise to $921.9 million and $1.43 billion, respectively. Industry trends favor lessors like GATX, but economic headwinds and a potential U.S. recession temper near-term upside, supporting a neutral stance. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
RUSH.A
US$72.78
Rush Enterprises
7D
3.8%
1Y
40.7%
Narrative Update • Jun 25

RUSH.A: Revised Discount Rate Assumptions Will Support Reassessment Of Upside Potential

Analysts have lifted their price target on Rush Enterprises by $5, supported by updated views on its discount rate, long term revenue and profit assumptions, and projected P/E levels. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Rush Enterprises focuses on how updated discount rate assumptions, long term revenue and profit views, and projected P/E levels feed into the higher price targets.
BCC
US$81.02
Boise Cascade
7D
8.5%
1Y
-8.5%
DXPE
US$163.36
DXP Enterprises
7D
-5.9%
1Y
85.5%
Narrative Update • Jun 24

DXPE: Q1 Momentum And Water Expansion Will Shape A Measured Outlook

Analysts have reduced their price target for DXP Enterprises to $158.50, citing a recent downgrade in research that notes a slightly lower discount rate and marginally adjusted P/E assumptions, while leaving core growth and margin expectations unchanged. What’s in the News for DXP Enterprises DXP Enterprises reports Q1 2026 sales growth of 9.5% year over year, with contributions from Service Centers, Innovative Pumping Solutions, and Supply Chain Services segments, according to recent earnings coverage.
SITE
US$116.63
SiteOne Landscape Supply
7D
5.9%
1Y
-3.2%
Narrative Update • Jun 24

SITE: Long Term Margin Targets And Investor Day Will Drive Future Repricing

Analysts have trimmed the consolidated price target for SiteOne Landscape Supply to $153, reflecting recent target reductions across several firms while still pointing to interest in the company’s long term EBITDA margin aspirations of 13% to 15%. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around SiteOne Landscape Supply points to a mix of optimism about long term profit potential and caution around the path to achieving it.
AER
US$148.81
AerCap Holdings
7D
2.6%
1Y
26.9%
WSO
US$410.74
Watsco
7D
2.4%
1Y
-5.9%
Analysis Article • Jun 21

Watsco (WSO) Stock Could Be 5.3% Undervalued as Momentum Meets Valuation Questions

Recent trading in Watsco (WSO) has put the air conditioning and heating distributor back on investor watchlists, as the stock’s returns over the past month and past 3 months stand out in a mixed market. See our latest analysis for Watsco. At a share price of $401.04, Watsco’s recent momentum, including a 1 month share price return of 6.9% and 3 month share price return of 4.1%, contrasts with a 1 year total shareholder return that is down 2.0%, even though the 5 year total shareholder return...
DSGR
US$27.82
Distribution Solutions Group
7D
-2.8%
1Y
0.6%
Analysis Article • Jun 19

Distribution Solutions Group (DSGR) Stock Could Be 17.1% Undervalued After Strong Growth Run

Distribution Solutions Group (DSGR) has drawn investor interest after reporting 38.1% average annual revenue growth over four years, double digit earnings per share growth, and stronger free cash flow margins that support reinvestment or potential capital returns. See our latest analysis for Distribution Solutions Group. At a share price of $28.61, Distribution Solutions Group has seen a 9.79% 90 day share price return and a 6.99% 1 year total shareholder return. This suggests gradually...
URI
US$1,121.66
United Rentals
7D
4.2%
1Y
49.0%
Seeking Alpha • Jun 18

United Rentals: A Full Valuation Given A Cloudy Macro

Summary United Rentals is rated a "Sell" at current levels, with shares up 56% over the past year and ~20% downside to fair value. URI's shift toward specialty rentals, strong free cash flow, and market share gains underpin its business resilience despite muted nonresidential construction. Management raised 2024 guidance, now targeting $2.3 billion in free cash flow and $7.625–$7.875 billion in EBITDA, reflecting confidence in near-term demand. Valuation is stretched at a 3.5% free cash flow yield; I see fair value at $880, with improved balance sheet and structural advantages warranting a premium. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
ZKH
US$2.29
ZKH Group
7D
-9.5%
1Y
-27.6%
Narrative Update • Jun 18

ZKH: Share Repurchase And Improved Profit Outlook Will Support Future Upside

Analysts have made a small adjustment to their price target for ZKH Group stock, reflecting slightly updated fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions. The implied valuation shift is measured in just a few cents per share based on these refined inputs.