Why This Matters to Distributors: AD members are increasing purchasing power and scale, making it harder for independent distributors outside a buying group to compete on price and supplier access.
AD, the member-owned wholesale distribution cooperative, reported first-quarter 2026 member sales rose 16% to $28 billion across its divisions and geography. Same-store sales among existing members increased 10%.
The Wayne, Pennsylvania-based cooperative said member purchases from AD suppliers increased 28% during the quarter. The U.S. electrical and U.S. pipe, valves and fittings divisions led performance, each posting 13% growth.
AD added 74 members on a net basis during the quarter, driven by its merger with The Commonwealth Group. During the same period, AD members acquired nine fellow members and 14 companies outside the cooperative.
“Our strong start to 2026 reflects growth across our divisions, driven by member expansion, increased engagement and the successful integration of The Commonwealth Group,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill Weisberg said.
The results follow a record 2025, when AD member sales reached $100 billion for the first time.
AD serves independent distributors across nine industry segments, including electrical, industrial and safety, plumbing, HVAC, bearings, and power transmission, building supplies, gypsum, and wallboard, PVF and waterworks. The cooperative provides members with supplier access, financial programs, sales and marketing support, ecommerce tools, and training.
The first-quarter results show continued growth in purchasing concentration among members. The 28% increase in supplier purchases indicates members are directing more volume through preferred supplier programs. Combined with membership growth and acquisition activity, that trend is increasing the cooperative’s overall scale and purchasing leverage.
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