Core Growth Group has released a new guide addressing a common valuation challenge for HVAC and plumbing business owners: a company generating millions of dollars in annual revenue may be worth considerably more or less than its sales figures suggest. The resource explains why adjusted EBITDA can provide a more meaningful picture of potential sale value and how owners can identify the operational factors that may influence what a buyer is prepared to pay.
More information is available at https://coregrowthgroup.com/ebitda-vs-revenue-valuation-key-differences-calculator-use-case
The guide arrives as acquisition activity continues to create opportunities for owners considering an eventual exit from the home services sector. According to CT Acquisitions' 2026 Home Services M&A Multiples Report, observed EBITDA multiples range from 3.0x to 10.0x for HVAC businesses and 2.4x to 6.5x for plumbing businesses. The wide ranges demonstrate why two companies producing similar annual revenue can ultimately receive very different valuations.
Core Growth Group explains that revenue and EBITDA measure fundamentally different aspects of a business. Revenue reflects overall sales, while EBITDA provides insight into the earnings generated by the underlying operation. For HVAC and plumbing owners considering a future sale, understanding that distinction can help prevent expectations based on business size alone.
The resource also explains how adjusted EBITDA accounts for legitimate add-backs that may not continue after a sale, including above-market owner compensation, certain personal expenses, and one-time costs. Owners can examine the factors that influence valuation multiples, including recurring service revenue, documented growth, management infrastructure, clean financials, and the extent to which daily operations depend on the owner.
An accompanying calculator allows HVAC and plumbing owners to model their adjusted EBITDA and better understand where their business may sit within a valuation range. The exercise can identify areas owners have time to improve before entering negotiations.
The resource ties valuation into Core Growth Group's Grow, Prepare, and Exit framework. Owners focused on growth can strengthen the earnings and systems that build long-term value; those preparing for a future sale can address financial and operational weaknesses before going to market; and those ready to exit can enter buyer discussions with clearer expectations.
For more details, visit https://coregrowthgroup.com/