2026 Business Sale Multiples Report
A plain-English reference for what small businesses actually sell for in 2026 — organized by industry, expressed as a multiple of cash flow (SDE). Free to cite; a link back is appreciated.
Typical 2026 SDE multiples by industry
| Industry | Typical SDE multiple |
|---|---|
| Marina / boat & RV storage | ~6.6x |
| Car wash | ~4.7x |
| Self-storage | ~4.6x |
| Laundromat | ~4.0x |
| Home services / trades (HVAC, plumbing, etc.) | ~2.5–3.0x |
| Local retail | ~2.0–2.5x |
| All-industry median | ~2.7x |
How to read a multiple
A business with $200,000 of clean SDE in a category trading at 3x is worth roughly $600,000. The same $200,000 SDE in a self-storage facility (~4.6x) is closer to $920,000, and in a marina (~6.6x) closer to $1.3M. The industry matters enormously — because recurring revenue, asset backing, and barriers to entry are what push a multiple up.
What moves a multiple within an industry
- Recurring revenue (memberships, monthly rentals) — the single biggest lift.
- Owner independence — a business that runs without the owner is worth more.
- Clean, verifiable financials — inflated add-backs are the most common valuation error and they collapse in due diligence.
- Growth trajectory — a clearly climbing business earns a premium.
Methodology & sources. Figures reflect commonly cited 2026 small-business SDE multiple ranges aggregated from public brokerage and valuation data. They are typical ranges for education, not appraisals — every business is unique. Estimate your own number with our valuation calculator.
Curious what your exit could look like?
Tell us a little about your business and we'll put together a free, private exit analysis — what it may be worth, where it could grow, and how a deal on your terms (often with nothing down) might work.
Get my free exit analysis → No pushy sales line to call. You share your details, we reach out — on your schedule.