Medline to Raise Hospital Supply Prices Jan. 1 on Inflation

Medline plans to raise prices for hospitals and other customers on Jan. 1 after concluding inflation will persist through 2027, executives said on the company's Nov. 4 earnings call, as reported by Crain's Chicago Business. The company did not disclose the size of the increases but raised its estimated 2026 inflation cost to $80 million from $70 million, citing raw materials, finished goods, diesel fuel and inbound freight. CEO Jim Boyle said price increases are "not a lever for growth" and that customers can mitigate costs by switching to Medline-brand products. Medline also raised its 2026 organic sales growth outlook to 10%-10.5%, authorized a $1 billion share repurchase, and prepaid $750 million of debt.