The most and least expensive industries to buy in 2026

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by an intermediary from Johns Hopkins University
in Brooklyn, NY, USA

5mos ago

The most and least expensive industries to buy in 2026

redactedOne of the most common questions we get: What are average EBITDA multiples by industry, and are they changing? We've analyzed 100,000+ listings across our platform to show where multiples stand by sector - including the 20th and 80th percentiles so you can identify where deals might exist. Key findings: 1. Manufacturing trades at the highest average multiple (5.0x), 2. Wholesale Trade offers the best value (2.3x average), 3. Real Estate Rentals shows the widest quality spread (1.5x to 5.0x). Set up a free account at redacted or DM us with any questions!

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reply by a searcher 4mos ago
from Brown University in New York, NY, USA

Thanks, Marc. Just to confirm, these are true EBITDA multiples including owner/operator salary, correct? I find that SDE and EBITDA multiples are often conflated in conversation.

reply by an intermediary 3mos ago
from Johns Hopkins University in Brooklyn, NY, USA

Hi Hunter - yes, this is based on broker-reported profitability metrics in listings. As you pointed out, people blur the lines constantly. This metric is closer to SDE than true EBITDA.