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Applied Industrial

ait · NYSE Industrials
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Ticker ait
Exchange NYSE
Sector Industrials
Industry Industrial - Distribution
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2019 Annual Report · Applied Industrial
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Expanding Capabilities. Enhanced Differentiation.
Annual Report 2019

Applied® at a Glance

Applied Industrial Technologies is a leading value-added distributor of bearings, power 

transmission products, engineered fluid power components and systems, specialty flow 

control solutions, and other industrial supplies, serving MRO and OEM customers in virtually 

every industry. In addition, Applied provides engineering, design and systems integration for 

industrial and fluid power applications, as well as customized mechanical, fabricated rubber, 

fluid power, and flow control shop services. Applied also offers storeroom services and 

inventory management solutions that provide added value to its customers.

Headquarters:
Cleveland, Ohio 
USA

Operating Facilities: 
600 in the United States, 
Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Australia, 
New Zealand and Singapore

96+
YEARS

of Leadership in 
Distribution

E-Commerce: 
www.Applied.com

Distribution Centers:
11

Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) 
Available to Customers: 
7+ million

Product Manufacturers: 
4,000+

NYSE: AIT
Stock Ticker Symbol

Data current as of June 30, 2019

Employee Associates: 
6,600+

Directors

Peter C. Wallace (3, 4)
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Former Chief Executive Officer
Gardner Denver, Inc. 
(Equipment Manufacturer)
Former President and Chief Executive Officer
Robbins & Myers, Inc. 
(Equipment Manufacturer)

Madhuri A. Andrews
Senior Vice President, Chief Digital 
and Information Officer
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. 
(Technical, Professional, and Construction 
Services)

Peter A. Dorsman (2, 3, 4)
Former Executive Vice President, Services
NCR Corporation  
(Self-Service Technology Solutions)

Mary Dean Hall
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer 
and Treasurer 
Quaker Houghton 
(Industrial Process Fluids)

Edith Kelly-Green (1, 2, 3)
Former Vice President and  
Chief Sourcing Officer
FedEx Express  
(Express Transportation)

Dan P. Komnenovich (1, 2)
Former President and Chief Executive Officer
Aviall, Inc.  
(Aviation Parts, Related Aftermarket Operations)

Robert J. Pagano, Jr. (1, 4)
President and Chief Executive Officer
Watts Water Technologies, Inc. 
(Plumbing, Heating, and Water Quality Solutions)

Vincent K. Petrella (1, 3, 4)
Executive Vice President,  
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.  
(Welding, Brazing Products Manufacturer)

Joe A. Raver (1, 2)
President and Chief Executive Officer
Hillenbrand, Inc. 
(Diversified Industrial Company)

Neil A. Schrimsher (3)
President & Chief Executive Officer
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

To Our Shareholders:

APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.  
AND SUBSIDIARIES 

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

In fiscal 2019, we made meaningful progress in executing our strategy, creating success for our customers, and 

delivering value to our shareholders. Throughout the organization, our expanding capabilities and enhanced 

differentiation are yielding results in the form of new opportunities that positively impact our market position and 

customer base, and provide material contributions to the future growth of Applied.

2019 Financial Highlights:

 » Achieved record sales of $3.5 billion
 » Increased net income to $144.0 million; $3.68 per share
 » Delivered $328.4 million of EBITDA, up 18% 

year-over-year; 9.5% of sales, up 50 basis points 
year-over-year(a)

(a) Please refer to the section entitled “Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA” 
on the inside back cover.

Continued on next page

 » Generated $180.6 million of cash from operating 

activities, up 23% year-over-year

 » Returned $58.4 million to shareholders through dividends 

and share repurchases 

 » Raised the quarterly cash dividend to $0.31 per common 

share, the 10th dividend increase since 2010

Net Sales 
(Dollars in Billions)

Net Income (b) (c) (d) (e)
(Dollars in Millions)

Net Income Per Share (b) (c) (d) (e) 
(Dollars)

7
.
2
$

5
.
2
$

1
.
3
6 $
.
2
$

5

.

3
$

$3.5
$3.0
$2.5
$2.0
$1.5
$1.0
$0.5
$0.0

$175
$150
$125
$100
$75
$50
$25
$0

6
.
1
4
1
$

0

.

4
4
1
$

9
.
3
3
1
$

5
.
5
1
1
$

6
.
9
2
$

$4.0

$3.0

$2.0

$1.0

$0.0

1
6
.
3
$

8
6

.

3
$

0
4
.
3
$

0
8
.
2
$

5
7
.
0
$

Cash Returned to Shareholders
Dividends + Share Repurchases 
(Dollars in Millions)

2
.
9
1
1
$

8
.
0
8
$

$125

$100

$75

$50

$25

$0

6
.
8
6
$

4

.

8
5
$

9
.
2
5
$

15

16

17

18

19

15

16

17

18

19

15

16

17

18

19

15

16

17

18

19

(b) The goodwill impairment charge in fiscal 2016 reduced net income by $63.8 million and net income per share by $1.62.
(c) The worthless stock tax deduction in fiscal 2017 increased net income by $22.2 million and net income per share by $0.56.
(d) One-time transaction costs relating to the FCX acquisition in fiscal 2018 decreased net income by $5.1 million and net income per share by $0.13.
(e) The intangible impairment charge in fiscal 2019 reduced net income by $23.1 million and net income per share by $0.59; the Canada tax valuation allowance reduced 
net income by $3.8 million and net income per share by $0.10; and restructuring charges reduced net income by $1.7 million and net income per share by $0.04.

Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton (2, 4)
President Emeritus
Cuyahoga Community College  
(Two-Year Educational Institution) 

Committees of The Board
(1) Audit Committee 

Chair: Vincent K. Petrella

(2) Corporate Governance Committee 

Chair: Edith Kelly-Green

(3) Executive Committee 

Chair: Peter C. Wallace
(4) Executive Organization and  
Compensation Committee 
Chair: Peter A. Dorsman

Officers

Neil A. Schrimsher
President & Chief Executive Officer

David K. Wells
Vice President – Chief Financial 
Officer & Treasurer

Fred D. Bauer
Vice President – General Counsel  
& Secretary

Warren E. “Bud” Hoffner
Vice President, General Manager –  
Fluid Power & Flow Control

Kurt W. Loring
Vice President – Chief Human  
Resources Officer

Christopher Macey
Corporate Controller

Ryan D. Cieslak
Assistant Treasurer

Senior Management

Mike R. Allen
President – Applied Industrial Technologies, LP 
(Canada)

Ivan J. Batista
General Director –  
Rafael Benitez Carrillo, Inc.  
(Puerto Rico)

Barbara D. Emery
Vice President – Human Resources

David S. Green 
Vice President – North Atlantic Area

Thomas R. Hayes
Vice President – Southeast Area

James A. Jeffiers
Vice President – Central States Area

Lonny D. Lawrence
Vice President – Information Technology

Tracie M. Longpre
Vice President – Supply Chain

Joe Mangiapane
Managing Director – Australia & New Zealand

Jeremy S. Moorman
Vice President – Operational Excellence

Sergio H. Nevárez
President – Applied Mexico

Darren B. “Ben” Padd
Vice President – Midwest Area

Jason W. Vasquez
Vice President – Sales & Marketing,  
U.S. Service Centers

Kurt J. Weinheimer
Vice President – Western Area

1

Expanding Capabilities.

Enhanced Differentiation.

Our performance for the year is a reflection of our 

Fluid Power Sales provides a strong strategic fit that 

strategy, strong brands, innovative services, valued 

extends our Fluid Power market leadership with their 

supplier relationships, and a team of more than 6,600 

quality fluid power components and specialization in 

dedicated associates. Our results also demonstrate 

the engineering and fabrication of manifolds and power 

ongoing continuous improvement initiatives that 

units. The addition of MilRoc/Woodward complements 

position us for the future, regardless of the industrial 

and diversifies our product and service offering to key 

cycle. Past, present and future, operational excellence 

U.S. oil & gas markets, primarily in the Anadarko and 

remains a foundational element of our success, driving 

Permian Basins. We remain encouraged by the positive 

efficiency and productivity across our organization and 

activity within the U.S. oil & gas markets, where our 

further improving the Applied customer experience.

scaling position in these key basins contributes nicely to 

From our high-quality 

product offering to 

our value-added 

technical capabilities, 

we continue to 

build on our strong 

foundation and 

significant position 

as a well-diversified 

industrial distributor. 

We further accelerate 

our differentiation 

through targeted 

acquisitions that build 

on our business reach 

and enhance our 

capabilities to expand 

with new and current 

customers.

our multi-faceted growth and differentiation. 

Most recently, during the first quarter of fiscal 2020, 

we reached a definitive agreement to acquire 

Olympus Controls, an automation solutions provider 

– including design, assembly, integration, and 

distribution – of motion control, machine vision, and 

robotic technologies. Their full range of value-added 

automation expertise broadens our technical presence 

across varied industrial segments. Furthermore, we are 

expanding our innovative solutions for the Industrial 

We further accelerate our differentiation through 

Internet of Things (IIoT) – 

targeted acquisitions that build on our business reach 

engaging our best suppliers 

and enhance our capabilities to expand with new and 

in delivering smart products 

current customers. Fiscal 2019 proved to be another 

and systems that improve 

IoT

C O N N E C T

active year with the addition of Fluid Power Sales in 

predictive and preventive maintenance, enable remote 

November 2018, followed by MilRoc Distribution and 

machine monitoring, and provide more automated and 

Woodward Steel in March 2019. 

connected organizations. 

2

We look forward to enhancing these comprehensive 

solutions, helping our customers increase productivity 

while lowering their owning and operating expenses. 

At Applied, we also recognize the 

impact and importance of corporate 

Also in fiscal 2019, we were proud to acknowledge the 

social responsibility in today’s dynamic 

one-year anniversary of the FCX Performance acquisition 

business environment. 

and entry into engineered specialty flow control. There 

is much excitement about our long-term potential 

within our Fluid Power & Flow Control businesses, 

where our premier brands, innovative products, custom 

solutions, and high-touch technical service are positively 

impacting customers.

At Applied, we also recognize 

the impact and importance of 

corporate social responsibility 

in today’s dynamic business 

environment. During fiscal 

2019, we published the 

Applied Corporate Social Responsibility web page 

and corresponding document detailing our ongoing 

progress and demonstrated commitment to ensuring 

that we conduct business fairly, honestly and ethically, 

in every location where we do business. Ultimately, the 

value we provide can take many forms – from actively 

advising our customers on how to save energy in their 

operations and reduce their overall environmental 

impact; to conducting energy audits in critical areas 

like motors, belting and gearing; as well as promoting 

product alternatives that are bio-based, non-toxic 

and/or made from recycled content. It also means 

being a responsible corporate citizen by implementing 

greener practices in our operations, promoting diversity 

and continuous learning across our organization, along 

with supporting the well-being of our associates and our 

communities. The Applied Core Values guide our actions 

in all we do, with an emphasis on integrity, customer 

focus, accountability, and teamwork. 

A “One Applied” mindset, noticeable throughout the 

organization, helps ensure that – together – we are 

focused on the right things to propel our success. We 

are gratified and humbled when we are commended 

for our efforts, such as recently being named the 2018 

Indirect Supply Chain Supplier of the Year for MillerCoors 

– a testament to our business leaders and talented 

associates. Additionally, I am very proud that Applied 

was again named a best workplace for top talent by 

Northeast Ohio’s Employers Resource Council. This 

marks the 19th year we have received the prestigious 

NorthCoast99 Award based on our ability to attract, 

retain and motivate top-performing employees.

3

An investment in 

Applied ® is an investment 

in our sound foundation, 

expanding capabilities, 

enhanced differentiation 

and outstanding 

potential!

 » Industry Leader

with a proven track 
record

 » Strong Cash 
Generation
providing business 
flexibility & ability 
to quickly de-lever

 » Steady Margin 
Expansion
with potential for 
more

 » Excellent Process 

Controls
with productive 
ERP tools

 » Proven Acquirer
well-positioned in 
large, fragmented 
markets

 » Clear Plan

for profitable 
growth

 » Commitment to 

Total Shareholder 
Return
through dividend 
increases, share 
repurchases and 
capital gains

 » Experienced

management team

As a service-oriented organization, one of 

our top priorities is attracting top talent and 

We continue to leverage 

investing to further develop our associates’ 

know-how. We continue to leverage skills-

based training and continuous learning 

skills-based training 

and continuous 

opportunities that are customized in an 

learning opportunities 

on-demand, digital environment. Overall, 

our Management Development & Planning 

process links talent to business strategy to 

ensure we deliver our operating plans and 

that are customized in 

an on-demand, digital 

environment.

business commitments. 

The Applied boardroom is no exception to our organizational development efforts. 

We are pleased to have Madhuri A. Andrews and Mary Dean Hall joining our Board, 

effective August 13, 2019. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and a strong 

track record of success, and we look forward to their insight and contributions. 

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton and Edith Kelly-

Green who are retiring from the Applied Board in October 2019, after serving for 

25 and 17 years, respectively.

As we enter fiscal 2020, we remain focused on executing our long-range 

strategic plan, generating profitable growth, and delivering long-term value for 

our stakeholders. With our strong foundation, expanding capabilities, enhanced 

differentiation, and outstanding potential, I am confident in our ability to excel and 

be bigger, better and stronger as we work toward our next milestone – 100 years!

Thank you for your support and investment in Applied.

Neil A. Schrimsher 

President & Chief Executive Officer

August 16, 2019

4

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

[X]

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, or

[  ]

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 1-2299

APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

34-0117420
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

1 Applied Plaza, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (216) 426-4000.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
Common Stock, without par value

Trading Symbol
AIT

Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities 
Act.

Yes

No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 

Yes 

No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of 
the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to 
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes

No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to 
be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months 
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes

No

 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated 
filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated 
filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company"  in Rule 12b-2 of the 
Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer X
Non-accelerated filer __
Emerging growth company __

Accelerated filer __
Smaller reporting company __

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended 
transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to 
Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes

No

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by 
reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such 
common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter 
(December 31, 2018): $2,069,669,000.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest 
practicable date.

Class
Common Stock, without par value

Outstanding at August 9, 2019
38,597,136

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., to 
be held October 29, 2019, are incorporated by reference into Parts II, III, and IV of this Form 10-K.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT UNDER PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT

PART I

Item 1.

Item 1A.

Item 1B.

Item 2.

Item 3.

Item 4.

Business

Risk Factors

Unresolved Staff Comments

Properties

Legal Proceedings

Mine Safety Disclosures

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

PART II
Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

Item 7A.

Item 8.

Item 9.

Item 9A.

Item 9B.

PART III
Item 10.

Item 11.

Item 12.

Item 13.

Item 14.

PART IV

Item 15.

Item 16.

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities

Selected Financial Data

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure

Controls and Procedures

Other Information

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Executive Compensation

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Form 10-K Summary

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

SIGNATURES

Page

1

2

5

11

11

12

12

12

13

14

15

25

26

62

62

64

64

64

65

65

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66

69

70

71

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT UNDER PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT

This report, including the documents incorporated by reference, contains statements that are forward-
looking, based on management's current expectations about the future.  Forward-looking statements are 
often identified by qualifiers such as “guidance,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” “intend,” “will,” “should,” 
“could,” “would,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “may,” "optimistic" and derivative or similar 
words or expressions.  Similarly, descriptions of our objectives, strategies, plans, or goals are also forward-
looking statements.  These statements may discuss, among other things, expected growth, future sales, 
future cash flows, future capital expenditures, future performance, and the anticipation and expectations 
of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. ("Applied") and its management as to future occurrences and 
trends.  Applied intends that the forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors established in 
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its 
rules, regulations, and releases.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.  All forward-looking 
statements are based on current expectations regarding important risk factors, many of which are outside 
Applied's control.  Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-
looking statements, and the making of those statements should not be regarded as a representation by 
Applied or another person that the results expressed in the statements will be achieved.  In addition, 
Applied assumes no obligation publicly to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether because 
of new information or events, or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Applied believes its primary risk factors include, but are not limited to, those identified in the following 
sections of this annual report on Form 10-K: “Risk Factors” in Item 1A; “Narrative Description of Business,” 
in Item 1, section (c); and “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations” in Item 7.  PLEASE READ THOSE DISCLOSURES CAREFULLY.

1

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

In this annual report on Form 10-K, “Applied” refers to Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., an Ohio corporation. 
References to “we,” “us,” “our,” and “the Company” refer to Applied and its subsidiaries.

We are a leading value-added distributor of bearings, power transmission products, engineered fluid power 
components and systems, specialty flow control solutions, and other industrial supplies, operating in North America, 
Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.  We serve MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) and OEM (original 
equipment manufacturing) customers in virtually every industry.  In addition, the Company provides engineering, 
design, and systems integration for industrial, fluid power, and flow control applications, as well as customized 
mechanical, fabricated rubber, fluid power, and flow control shop services.

We add value for our customers by providing product-related technical application support and solutions to help 
customers minimize their production downtime, improve machine performance, and reduce overall procurement and 
maintenance costs.

Applied and its predecessor companies have engaged in this business since 1923. Applied reincorporated in Ohio in 
1988.

Our Internet address is www.applied.com.  The following documents are available free of charge via hyperlink from 
the investor relations area of our website:

•  Applied's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and 
amendments to those reports, together with Section 16 insider beneficial stock ownership reports - these 
documents are posted as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, 
the Securities and Exchange Commission

•  Applied's Code of Business Ethics

•  Applied's Board of Directors Governance Principles and Practices

•  Applied's Director Independence Standards

•  Charters for the Audit, Corporate Governance, and Executive Organization & Compensation Committees of 

Applied's Board of Directors

The information available via hyperlink from our website is not incorporated into this annual report on Form 10-K.

General Development of Business.

Information regarding developments in our business can be found in Item 7 under the caption “Management's 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  This information is incorporated here by 
reference.

Narrative Description of Business.

Overview.  Our field operating structure is built on two platforms: Service Center Based Distribution; and Fluid 
Power & Flow Control.

•  Service Center Based Distribution.  We distribute a wide range of industrial products through service centers 
across North America, Australia, and New Zealand.  Customers primarily purchase our products for scheduled 
maintenance of their machinery and equipment and for emergency repairs.  The Service Center Based 
Distribution segment accounts for a majority of our field operations and 71% of our 2019 consolidated sales 
dollars.

The Service Center Based Distribution segment also includes: 1) the Applied Maintenance Supplies & Solutions 
(MSS) service offering, which provides customers C-Class MRO supplies (fasteners, cutting tools, paints and 
chemicals, fluid flow, safety and janitorial products) through a vendor managed inventory solution; 2) Applied 
U.S. Energy, which specializes in serving customers primarily in the upstream oil and gas industry; 3) regional 
fabricated rubber shops, which modify and repair conveyor belts and make hose assemblies in accordance with 
customer requirements, along with rubber service field crews, which install and repair conveyor belts and 
rubber linings at customer locations; and 4) our operations in Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand.

•  Fluid Power & Flow Control.  Our Fluid Power & Flow Control segment businesses primarily market products 
and services to customers within the businesses' geographic regions.  We serve customers purchasing for MRO 
needs as well as customers purchasing for OEM applications.  In addition to distribution services, the businesses 

2

offer technical advice, broader system solutions, and other value-added services.  The fluid power businesses 
design and assemble hydraulic and electro-hydraulic power units and control systems, electronic control 
systems, pneumatic and electro-pneumatic panels and sub-assemblies, fabricated aluminum assemblies, 
lubrication systems, hydraulic manifolds, and pump assemblies.  They also perform equipment repairs.  Flow 
control capabilities include the following: flow control system integration; valve, actuator, and pump repair; 
valve actuation; and process instrumentation and calibration.

Products.  We are a leading distributor of products including bearings, power transmission products, engineered 
fluid power components and systems, specialty flow control solutions, industrial rubber products, linear motion 
components, tools, safety products, oilfield supplies, and other industrial and maintenance supplies.

These products are generally supplied to us by manufacturers whom we serve as a non-exclusive distributor.  The 
suppliers also may provide us product training, as well as sales and marketing support.  Authorizations to represent 
particular suppliers and product lines may vary by geographic region, particularly for our fluid power and flow 
control businesses.  We believe our supplier relationships are generally good, and many have existed for decades.    
The disruption of relationships with certain suppliers, or the disruption of their operations, could adversely affect our 
business.

Our product suppliers typically confine their direct sales activities to large-volume transactions, mainly with large 
original equipment manufacturers.  The suppliers generally do not sell maintenance and repair products directly to 
the customer, but instead refer the customer to us or another distributor.

Net sales by product category for the most recent fiscal year is detailed in note 2 to the consolidated financial 
statements, included in Item 8 under the caption “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”  That information 
is incorporated here by reference.

Services.  Our employees advise and assist customers in selecting and applying products, and in managing 
storeroom inventory.  We consider this advice and assistance to be an integral part of our product sales efforts. 
Beyond logistical distribution services, we offer product and process solutions involving multiple technologies. These 
solutions help customers minimize production downtime, improve machine performance, and reduce overall 
procurement and maintenance costs.  By providing high levels of service, product and industry expertise, and 
technical support, while at the same time offering product breadth and competitive pricing, we believe we develop 
stronger, longer-lasting, and more profitable customer relationships.

Our service center sales employees include customer sales and service representatives and account managers, as well 
as product and industry specialists.  Customer sales and service representatives receive, process, and expedite 
customer orders, provide product information, and assist account managers in serving customers.  Account 
managers make onsite calls to customers to provide product information, identify customer requirements, make 
recommendations, and assist in implementing equipment maintenance and storeroom management programs. 
Account managers also measure and document the value of the cost savings and increased productivity we help 
generate.  Specialists assist with applications in their areas of expertise.

We maintain product inventory levels at each service center tailored to the local market.  These inventories consist of 
standard items as well as other items specific to local customer demand.  Distribution centers replenish service center 
inventories and also may ship products directly to customers.  Having product in stock helps us satisfy customers' 
immediate needs.

Timely delivery of products is an integral part of our service, particularly when customers require products for 
emergency repairs.  Service centers and distribution centers use the most effective method of transportation available 
to meet customer needs.  These methods include our own delivery vehicles, dedicated third-party transportation 
providers, as well as surface and air common carrier and courier services.  Customers can also pick up items at our 
service centers.

Our information systems enhance our customer service.  Customers turn to our website at www.applied.com to 
search for products in a comprehensive electronic catalog, research product attributes, view prices, check inventory 
levels, place orders, and track order status.  We also use electronic data interchange (EDI) and other electronic 
interfaces with customers' technology platforms and plant maintenance systems.

In addition to our electronic capabilities, we publish a printed catalog, a comprehensive purchasing tool and resource 
guide for industrial and maintenance products (also available in a mobile-friendly digital version).

The Applied Maintenance Supplies & Solutions service offering provides traditional vendor managed inventory (VMI) 
services, at customer sites, for industrial and maintenance supplies, including fasteners, cutting tools, paints and 
chemicals, fluid flow, safety, and janitorial products.

3

In addition to distributing products, we offer shop services in select geographic areas.  Our fabricated rubber shops 
modify and repair conveyor belts and provide hose assemblies (also available at select service centers and distribution 
centers and at our fluid power and flow control businesses) in accordance with customer requirements.  Field crews 
install and repair conveyor belts and rubber lining, primarily at customer locations.  Among the other services we 
offer, either performed by us directly or by third party providers, are the rebuilding or assembly of speed reducers, 
pumps, valves, cylinders, and electric and hydraulic motors, and custom machining.

Our specialized fluid power and flow control businesses generally operate independently of the service centers, but 
as product distributors, share the same focus on customer service.  Product and application recommendations, 
inventory availability, and delivery speed are all important to the businesses' success.

Many of our fluid power and flow control businesses distinguish themselves from most component distributors by 
offering engineering, design, fabrication, installation, and repair services for equipment or systems in their fields of 
expertise.  Our fluid power capabilities extend to the following specialties: fluid power system integration; manifold 
design, machining, and assembly; and the integration of hydraulic and pneumatic equipment with electronics for 
complete machine design.  Flow control services include the following: flow control system integration; valve, 
actuator, and pump repair; valve actuation; and process instrumentation and calibration.

Each business has account managers with technical product and application knowledge, who handle sophisticated 
projects.  The businesses also may provide technical support to our service centers and their customers.

Markets.  We purchase from thousands of product manufacturers and resell the products to thousands of 
customers in a wide variety of industries, including agriculture and food processing, cement, chemicals and 
petrochemicals, fabricated metals, forest products, industrial machinery and equipment, mining, oil and gas, primary 
metals, transportation, and utilities, as well as to government entities.  Customers range from very large businesses, 
with which we may have multiple-location relationships, to very small ones.  We are not significantly dependent on a 
single customer or group of customers, the loss of which would have a material adverse effect on our business as a 
whole, and no single customer accounts for more than 4% of our net sales.

Competition.  We consider our business to be highly competitive. In addition, our markets present few economic or 
technological barriers to entry, contributing to a high fragmentation of market share.  Longstanding supplier and 
customer relationships, geographic coverage, name recognition, and our employees' knowledge and experience do, 
however, support our competitive position.  Competition is based generally on breadth and quality of product and 
service offerings, product availability, price, ease of product selection and ordering, e-commerce capabilities, 
catalogs, and having a local presence.  In the fluid power & flow control businesses, product manufacturer 
authorizations are often more selective and can be a more significant competitive factor, along with market 
reputation and product application knowledge.

Our principal competitors are specialist and general line distributors of bearings, power transmission products, fluid 
power components and systems, flow control solutions, industrial rubber products, linear motion components, tools, 
safety products, oilfield supplies, and other industrial and maintenance supplies.  These competitors include local, 
regional, national, and multinational operations, and can include catalog and e-commerce companies.  We also 
compete with original equipment manufacturers and their dealers in the sale of maintenance and replacement 
components.  The identity and number of our competitors vary throughout the geographic, industry, and product 
markets we serve.

Although we may be one of the leading distributors in the geographic markets we serve for the primary product 
categories we provide there, our market share in a given market may be relatively small compared to the portion of 
the market served by original equipment manufacturers and other distributors.

Backlog Orders and Seasonality.  Backlog orders are not material to our business as a whole, although they are a 
more important factor for our fluid power and flow control businesses.  Our business has exhibited minor seasonality 
- in particular, sales per day during the first half of our fiscal year have historically been slightly lower than during the 
second half due, in part, to the impact of customer plant shutdowns, summer vacations and holidays.

Patents, Trademarks, Trade Names, and Licenses.  Customer recognition of our service marks and trade names, 
including Applied Industrial Technologies®, Applied®, and AIT®, is an important contributing factor to our sales. 
Patents and licenses are not of material importance to our business.

Raw Materials and General Business Conditions.  Our operations are dependent on general industrial and 
economic conditions.  We would be adversely affected by the unavailability of raw materials to our suppliers, 
prolonged labor disputes experienced by suppliers or customers, or by events or conditions that have an adverse 
effect on industrial activity generally in the markets we serve or on key customer industries.

4

Number of Employees.  At June 30, 2019, we had approximately 6,650 employees.

Working Capital.  Our working capital position is discussed in Item 7 under the caption “Management's Discussion 
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  This information is incorporated here by reference.

We require substantial working capital related to accounts receivable and inventories.  Significant amounts of 
inventory are carried to meet customers' delivery requirements.  We generally require payments for sales on account 
within 30 days.  Returns are not considered to have a material effect on our working capital requirements.  We 
believe these practices are generally consistent among companies in our industry.

Environmental Laws.  We believe that compliance with laws regulating the discharge of materials into the 
environment or otherwise relating to environmental protection will not have a material adverse effect on our capital 
expenditures, earnings, or competitive position.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

In addition to other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the following factors that could 
materially affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.  The risks described below are not the only 
risks facing the Company.  Certain risks are identified below in Item 7 under the caption “Management's Discussion 
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  This information is incorporated here by reference. 
Additional risks not currently known to us, risks that could apply broadly to issuers, or risks that we currently deem 
immaterial, may also impact our business and operations.  Risks can also change over time.

Our business depends heavily on the operating levels of our customers and the factors that affect them, 
including general economic conditions.  The markets for our products and services are subject to conditions or 
events that affect demand for goods and materials that our customers produce.  Consequently, demand for our 
products and services has been and will continue to be influenced by most of the same factors that affect demand 
for and production of customers' goods and materials.

When customers or prospective customers reduce production levels because of lower demand, increased supply, 
higher costs, tight credit conditions, unfavorable currency exchange rates, adverse trade policies, foreign 
competition, other competitive disadvantage, offshoring of production, or other reasons, their need for our products 
and services diminishes.  Selling prices and terms of sale come under pressure, adversely affecting the profitability 
and the durability of customer relationships, and credit losses may increase.  Inventory management becomes more 
difficult in times of economic uncertainty.  Volatile economic and credit conditions also make it more difficult for us, 
as well as our customers and suppliers, to forecast and plan future business activities.

Our business could be adversely affected if we do not successfully execute our initiatives to grow sales and 
earnings.  We have numerous initiatives underway to grow sales, enhance gross margins, manage costs, and 
otherwise improve our earnings and competitive position.  If we do not implement these initiatives effectively, or if 
for other reasons they are unsuccessful, our business could be adversely affected.

Consolidation in our customers' and suppliers' industries could adversely affect our business and financial 
results.  Consolidation continues among our product suppliers and customers.  As customer industries consolidate or 
customers otherwise aggregate their purchasing power, a greater proportion of our sales could be derived from 
large volume contracts, which could adversely impact margins.  Consolidation among customers can trigger changes 
in their purchasing strategies, potentially shifting blocks of business among competing distributors and contributing 
to volatility in our sales and pressure on prices.  Similarly, continued consolidation among our suppliers could reduce 
our ability to negotiate favorable pricing and other commercial terms for our inventory purchases.  There can be no 
assurance we will be able to take advantage of consolidation trends.

Loss of key supplier authorizations, lack of product availability, or changes in distribution programs could 
adversely affect our sales and earnings.  Our business depends on maintaining an immediately available supply of 
various products to meet customer demand.  Many of our relationships with key product suppliers are longstanding, 
but are terminable by either party.  The loss of key supplier authorizations, or a substantial decrease in the availability 
of their products, could put us at a competitive disadvantage and have a material adverse effect on our business.  
Supply interruptions could arise from raw materials shortages, inadequate manufacturing capacity or utilization to 
meet demand, financial problems, trade issues, labor disputes, or weather conditions affecting suppliers' production, 
transportation disruptions, or other reasons beyond our control.

In addition, as a distributor, we face the risk of key product suppliers changing their relationships with distributors 
generally, or us in particular, in a manner that adversely impacts us.  For example, key suppliers could change the 
following: the prices we must pay for their products relative to other distributors or relative to competing brands;  

5

the geographic or product line breadth of distributor authorizations; supplier purchasing incentive or other support 
programs; product purchase or stocking expectations; or the extent to which the suppliers seek to serve end-users 
directly.

An increase in competition could decrease sales or earnings.  We operate in a highly competitive industry. The 
industry remains fragmented, but is consolidating.  Our principal competitors are specialist and general line 
distributors of bearings, power transmission products, fluid power components and systems, flow control solutions, 
industrial rubber products, linear motion components, tools, safety products, oilfield supplies, and other industrial 
and maintenance supplies.  These competitors include local, regional, national, and multinational operations, and 
can include catalog and e-commerce companies.  Competition is largely focused in the local service area and is 
generally based on product line breadth, product availability, service capabilities, and price.  Existing competitors 
have, and future competitors may have, greater financial or other resources than we do, broader or more appealing 
product or service offerings, greater market presence, stronger relationships with key suppliers or customers, or 
better name recognition.  If existing or future competitors seek to gain or to retain market share by aggressive 
pricing strategies and sales methods, or otherwise through competitive advantage, our sales and profitability could 
be adversely affected.  Our success will also be affected by our ability to continue to provide competitive offerings as 
customer preferences or demands evolve, for example with respect to our product and services portfolio or our e-
commerce and inventory management solutions.  Technological evolution or other factors can render product 
offerings obsolete, potentially impairing our competitive position and our inventory values. 

The purchasing incentives we earn from product suppliers can be impacted if we reduce our purchases in 
response to declining customer demand.  Certain of our product suppliers have historically offered to their 
distributors, including us, incentives for purchasing their products.  In addition to market or customer account-
specific incentives, certain suppliers pay incentives to the distributor for attaining specific purchase volumes during a 
program period.  In some cases, to earn incentives, we must achieve year-over-year growth in purchases with the 
supplier.  When demand for our products declines, we may be less inclined to add inventory to take advantage of 
certain incentive programs, thereby potentially adversely impacting our profitability.

Trade policies can have an adverse impact on industries we sell into, potentially negatively affecting our 
net sales and profits.  Changes to trade policies can disrupt geographic and industry demand trends.  While 
Applied primarily serves markets in the United States, a significant portion of our domestic customer base exports or 
serves exporters.  U.S. government-imposed tariffs or taxes that penalize imports can be met with countermeasures 
by foreign governments, or can otherwise impact industrial production, and it becomes difficult to determine what 
the net effect of such actions is on Applied’s net sales and profits.  It is possible that such changes could adversely 
affect our financial results.

Volatility in product, energy, and other costs can affect our profitability.  Product manufacturers may adjust 
the prices of products we distribute for many reasons, including changes in their costs for raw materials, 
components, energy, labor, and tariffs and taxes on imports.  In addition, a portion of our own distribution costs is 
composed of fuel for our sales and delivery vehicles, freight, and utility expenses for our facilities.  Our ability to pass 
along increases in our product and distribution costs in a timely manner to our customers depends on execution, 
market conditions, and contractual limitations.  Failing to pass along price increases timely in an inflationary 
environment, or not maintaining sales volume while increasing prices, could significantly reduce our profitability.

While increases in the cost of products or energy could be damaging to us, decreases in those costs, particularly if 
severe, could also adversely impact us by creating deflation in selling prices, which could cause our gross profit 
margin to deteriorate.  Changes in energy or raw materials costs can also adversely affect customers; for example, 
declines in oil, gas, and coal prices may negatively impact customers operating in those industries and, consequently, 
our sales to those customers.

Changes in customer or product mix and downward pressure on sales prices could cause our gross profit 
percentage to fluctuate or decline.  Because we serve thousands of customers in many end markets, and offer 
millions of products, with varying profitability levels, changes in our customer or product mix could cause our gross 
profit percentage to fluctuate or decline.  Downward pressure on sales prices could also cause our gross profit 
percentage to fluctuate or decline.  We can experience downward pressure on sales prices as a result of deflation, 
pressure from customers to reduce costs, or increased competition.

Our ability to transact business is highly reliant on information systems.  A disruption or security breach 
could materially affect our business, financial condition, or results of operation.  We depend on information 
systems to process customer orders, manage inventory and accounts receivable collections, purchase products, 
manage accounts payable processes, ship products to customers on a timely basis, maintain cost-effective 
operations, provide superior service to customers, and compile financial results.  A serious, prolonged disruption of 

6

our information systems, due to manmade or natural causes, including power or telecommunications outage, or 
breach in security, could materially impair fundamental business processes and increase expenses, decrease sales, or 
otherwise reduce earnings.

Because of our reliance on information systems, we may be vulnerable to the growing threat of damage or intrusion 
from computer viruses or other cyber-attacks on our systems.  Despite precautions taken to prevent or mitigate the 
risks of such incidents, an attack on our systems could not only cause business disruption, but could also result in the 
theft or disclosure of proprietary or confidential information, or a breach of customers, supplier, or employee 
information.  Such an incident could negatively impact our sales, damage our reputation, and cause us to incur 
unanticipated legal liability and costs.

In recent years, we replaced multiple legacy information system applications with newer software platforms, to 
enhance our business information and transaction systems to support future growth.  We continue with and 
consider additional enterprise resource planning system conversions, on a smaller scale, in discrete business 
operations. Despite extensive planning, we could experience disruptions related to the implementation because of 
the projects' complexity.  The potential adverse consequences could include delays, loss of information, diminished 
management reporting capabilities, damage to our ability to process transactions timely, harm to our control 
environment, diminished employee productivity, and unanticipated increases in costs.  Further, our ability to achieve 
anticipated operational benefits from new platforms is not assured.

Acquisitions are a key component of our anticipated growth.  We may not be able to identify or to 
complete future acquisitions, to integrate them effectively into our operations, or to realize their 
anticipated benefits.  Many industries we serve are mature.  As a result, acquisitions of businesses have been 
important to our growth.  While we wish to continue to acquire businesses, we may not be able to identify and to 
negotiate suitable acquisitions, to obtain financing for them on satisfactory terms, or otherwise to complete 
acquisitions.  In addition, existing and future competitors, and private equity firms, increasingly compete with us for 
acquisitions, which can increase prices and reduce the number of suitable opportunities; the acquisitions they make 
can also adversely impact our market position.

We seek acquisition opportunities that complement and expand our operations.  However, substantial costs, delays, 
or other difficulties related to integrating acquisitions could adversely affect our business or financial results.  For 
example, we could face significant challenges in consolidating functions, integrating information systems, personnel, 
and operations, and implementing procedures and controls in a timely and efficient manner.

Further, even if we successfully integrate the acquisitions with our operations, we may not be able to realize cost 
savings, sales, profit levels, or other benefits that we anticipate from these acquisitions, either as to amount or in the 
time frame we expect.  Our ability to realize anticipated benefits may be affected by a number of factors, including 
the following: our ability to achieve planned operating results, to reduce duplicative expenses and inventory 
effectively, and to consolidate facilities; economic and market factors; the incurrence of significant integration costs 
or charges in order to achieve those benefits; our ability to retain key product supplier authorizations, customer 
relationships, and employees; our ability to address competitive, distribution, and regulatory challenges arising from 
entering into new markets (geographic, product, service, end-industry, or otherwise), especially those in which we 
may have limited or no direct experience; and exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of the acquired 
company.  In addition, acquisitions could place significant demand on administrative, operational, and financial 
resources.

We incurred a substantial amount of debt to complete the acquisition of FCX Performance, Inc. To service 
our debt, we will require a significant amount of cash that may limit our ability to pay dividends, 
repurchase our shares, or complete other acquisitions or strategic initiatives.  On January 31, 2018, we 
acquired FCX Performance, Inc. (“FCX”), a distributor of specialty process flow control products and services, for an 
aggregate purchase price of $781.8 million.  In connection with the FCX acquisition, we entered into a new credit 
facility pursuant to which we incurred approximately $780.0 million in term loan indebtedness and approximately 
$250.0 million in revolving indebtedness capacity.  This indebtedness substantially increased our leverage and 
requires significant future principal and interest payments.  As of June 30, 2019, we had total debt obligations 
outstanding of $959.8 million.  Our ability to service our debt and fund our other liquidity needs will depend on our 
ability to generate cash in the future.  The additional leverage may (i) require us to dedicate a substantial portion of 
our cash flows from operations to the payment of debt service, reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund 
planned capital expenditures, pay dividends, repurchase our shares, complete other acquisitions or strategic 
initiatives, and other general corporate purposes; (ii) limit our ability to obtain additional financing in the future 
(either at all or on satisfactory terms) to enable us to react to changes in our business or execute our growth 
strategies; and (iii) place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to businesses in our industry that have lower 
levels of indebtedness.  Additionally, any failure to comply with covenants in the instruments governing our debt 
7

could result in an event of default.  Any of the foregoing events or circumstances relating to our additional 
indebtedness may adversely affect our business, financial position, or results of operations and may cause our stock 
price to decline.

Goodwill, long-lived, and other intangible assets recorded as a result of our acquisitions could become 
impaired.  We review goodwill, long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and identifiable 
amortizing intangible assets, for impairment whenever changes in circumstances or events may indicate that the 
carrying amounts are not recoverable.  Factors which may cause an impairment of long-lived assets include 
significant changes in the manner of use of these assets, negative industry or market trends, significant 
underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, or a likely sale or disposal of the asset 
before the end of its estimated useful life.  In 2019 we recorded a $31.6 million non-cash impairment charge for 
intangible assets associated with the Company's upstream oil and gas industry operations in Canada.

As of June 30, 2019, we had $662.0 million of goodwill and $368.9 million of other intangible assets, net.  We 
assess all existing goodwill at least annually for impairment on a reporting unit basis.  The techniques used in our 
qualitative assessment and goodwill impairment tests incorporate a number of estimates and assumptions that are 
subject to change.  Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable and reflect market 
conditions forecasted at the assessment date, any changes to these assumptions and estimates due to market 
conditions or otherwise may lead to an outcome where impairment charges would be required in future periods.

Tight credit markets could impact our ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms or increase the cost 
of future financing.  Although the credit market turmoil of a decade ago did not have a significant adverse impact 
on our liquidity or borrowing costs, the availability of funds tightened and credit spreads on corporate debt 
increased.  If credit market volatility were to return, obtaining additional or replacement financing could be more 
difficult and the cost of issuing new debt or replacing a credit facility could be higher than under our current 
facilities.  Tight credit conditions could limit our ability to finance acquisitions on terms acceptable to us.

For more information relating to borrowing and interest rates, see the following sections below:  “Liquidity and 
Capital Resources” in Item 7 under the caption “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
Results of Operations;” Item 7A under the caption “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk;” and 
notes 6 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements, included below in Item 8 under the caption “Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data.”  That information is incorporated here by reference.

Our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting may be insufficient to allow us to 
accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud, and this could cause our financial statements to 
become materially misleading and adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.  We require 
effective internal control over financial reporting in order to provide reasonable assurance with respect to our 
financial reports and to effectively prevent fraud.  Internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect 
misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or 
overriding of controls, or fraud.  Therefore, even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance 
with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements.  If we cannot provide reasonable 
assurance with respect to our financial statements and effectively prevent fraud, our financial statements could be 
materially misstated, which could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.

If we are not able to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, including any failure to 
implement required new or improved controls, or if we experience difficulties in their implementation, our business, 
financial condition and operating results could be harmed.  Any material weakness could affect investor confidence 
in the accuracy and completeness of our financial statements.  As a result, our ability to obtain any additional 
financing, or additional financing on favorable terms, could be materially and adversely affected.  This, in turn, could 
materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and the market value of our stock and require us to 
incur additional costs to improve our internal control systems and procedures.  In addition, perceptions of the 
Company among customers, suppliers, lenders, investors, securities analysts, and others could also be adversely 
affected.

We cannot assure that any material weaknesses will not arise in the future due to our failure to implement and 
maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting.  In addition, although we have been successful 
historically in strengthening our controls and procedures, those controls and procedures may not be adequate to 
prevent or identify irregularities or ensure the fair presentation of our financial statements included in our periodic 
reports filed with the SEC.

Our business depends on our ability to attract, develop, motivate, and retain qualified employees.  Our 
success depends on hiring, developing, motivating, and retaining key employees, including executive, managerial, 
sales, professional, and other personnel.  We may have difficulty identifying and hiring qualified personnel.  In 

8

addition, we may have difficulty retaining such personnel once hired, and key people may leave and compete against 
us.  With respect to sales and customer service positions in particular, we greatly benefit from having employees who 
are familiar with the products and services we sell, and their applications, as well as with our customer and supplier 
relationships.  The loss of key employees or our failure to attract and retain other qualified workers could disrupt or 
adversely affect our business.  In addition, our operating results could be adversely affected by increased competition 
for employees, shortages of qualified workers, higher employee turnover (including through retirement as the 
workforce ages), or increased employee compensation or benefit costs.

An interruption of operations at our headquarters or distribution centers, or in our means of transporting 
product, could adversely impact our business.  Our business depends on maintaining operating activity at our 
headquarters and distribution centers, and being able to receive and deliver product in a timely manner.  A serious, 
prolonged interruption due to power or telecommunications outage, terrorist attack, earthquake, extreme weather 
events, other natural disasters, fire, flood, or other interruption could have a material adverse effect on our business 
and financial results.

There is no assurance that we will continue to pay dividends on our common stock.  The timing, declaration, 
amount, and payment of dividends to our shareholders fall within the discretion of our Board of Directors and 
depend on many factors, including our financial condition and results of operations, as well as applicable law and 
business considerations that our Board of Directors considers relevant.  There can be no assurance that we will 
continue to pay a quarterly dividend.

Additionally, if we cannot generate sufficient cash flow from operations to meet our debt payment obligations, then 
our ability to pay dividends, if so determined by the Board of Directors, will be impaired and we may be required to 
attempt to restructure or refinance our debt, raise additional capital, or take other actions such as selling assets, 
reducing, or delaying capital expenditures, or reducing our dividend.  There can be no assurance, however, that any 
such actions could be effected on satisfactory terms, if at all, or would be permitted by the terms of our debt or our 
other credit and contractual arrangements.

Our operations outside the United States increase our exposure to global economic and political conditions 
and currency exchange volatility.  Foreign operations contributed 13% of our sales in 2019.  This presence 
outside the U.S. increases risks associated with exposure to more volatile economic conditions, political instability, 
cultural and legal differences in conducting business (including corrupt practices), economic and trade policy actions, 
and currency exchange fluctuations.

Our foreign operations' results are reported in the local currency and then translated into U.S. dollars at applicable 
exchange rates for inclusion in our consolidated financial statements.  Fluctuations in currency exchange rates affect 
our operating results and financial position, as well as the comparability of results between financial periods.

We may be adversely affected by changes in LIBOR reporting practices or the method by which LIBOR is 
determined.  As of June 30, 2019, we had approximately $789 million of aggregate consolidated indebtedness that 
was indexed to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”).  In addition, as of June 30, 2019, approximately $463 
million of this variable rate debt was converted to a fixed rate through an interest rate swap.  The swap agreement 
was entered into in January 2019 and is indexed to LIBOR. Central banks around the world, including the Federal 
Reserve, have commissioned working groups of market participants and official sector representatives with the goal 
of finding suitable replacements for LIBOR based on observable market transactions.  It is expected that a transition 
away from the widespread use of LIBOR to alternative rates will occur over the course of the next few years.  The 
U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which regulates LIBOR, has announced that it has commitments from panel 
banks to continue to contribute to LIBOR through the end of 2021, but that it will not use its powers to compel 
contributions beyond such date.  Accordingly, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the publication of such 
rates beyond 2021.  The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and various other authorities have commenced the 
publication of reforms and actions relating to alternatives to U.S. dollar LIBOR.  Although the full impact of such 
reforms and actions, together with any transition away from LIBOR, including the potential or actual discontinuance 
of LIBOR publication, remains unclear, these changes may have a material adverse impact on the availability of 
financing, including LIBOR-based loans, and on our financing costs.

We are subject to litigation and regulatory risk due to the nature of our business, which may have a 
material adverse effect on our business.  From time to time, we are involved in lawsuits or other legal 
proceedings that arise from our business.  These may, for example, relate to product liability claims, commercial 
disputes, personal injuries, or employment-related matters.  In addition, we could face claims over other matters, 
such as claims arising from our status as a public company or government contractor, or otherwise relating to our 
compliance with a wide array of laws and regulations to which we are subject.  The defense and ultimate outcome 

9

of lawsuits or other legal proceedings or inquiries may result in higher operating expenses, which could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Our business is subject to risks, some for which we maintain third-party insurance and some for which we 
self-insure.  We may incur losses and be subject to liability claims that could have a material adverse effect 
on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.  We maintain insurance policies that provide 
limited coverage for some, but not all, of the potential risks and liabilities associated with our business.  The policies 
are subject to deductibles and exclusions that result in our retention of a level of risk on a self-insured basis.  For 
some risks, we may not obtain insurance if we believe the cost of available insurance is excessive relative to the risks 
presented.  Because of market conditions, premiums and deductibles for certain insurance policies can increase 
substantially, and in some instances, certain insurance may become unavailable or available only for reduced 
amounts of coverage.  As a result, we may not be able to renew existing insurance policies or procure other desirable 
insurance on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.  Even where insurance coverage applies, insurers may contest 
their obligations to make payments.  Our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be 
materially and adversely affected by losses and liabilities from uninsured or underinsured events, as well as by delays 
in the payment of insurance proceeds, or the failure by insurers to make payments.

In addition to the risks identified above, other risks to our future performance include, but are not limited 
to, the following:

•  changes in customer preferences for products and services of the nature, brands, quality, or cost sold by us;

•  changes in customer procurement policies and practices;

•  changes in the market prices for products and services relative to the costs of providing them;

•  changes in operating expenses;

•  organizational changes in the Company;

•  government regulation, legislation, or policies, including with respect to federal tax policy and international 

trade;

•  the variability and timing of new business opportunities including acquisitions, customer relationships, and 

supplier authorizations;

•  the incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities in connection with acquisitions; and

•  changes in accounting policies and practices that could impact our financial reporting and increase compliance 

costs.

10

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

Not applicable.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

We believe having a local presence is important to serving our customers, so we maintain service centers and other 
operations in local markets throughout the countries in which we operate.  At June 30, 2019, we owned real 
properties at 119 locations and leased 451 locations.  Certain properties house more than one operation.

The following were our principal owned real properties (each of which has more than 50,000 square feet of floor 
space) at June 30, 2019:

Location of Principal Owned
Real Property

Cleveland, Ohio
Atlanta, Georgia
Florence, Kentucky
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Fort Worth, Texas

Type of Facility

Corporate headquarters
Distribution center, service center, hose shop
Distribution center
Distribution center
Distribution center and rubber shop

Our principal leased real properties (each of which has more than 50,000 square feet of floor space) at June 30, 
2019 were:

Location of Principal Leased
Real Property

Fontana, California
Newark, California
Midland, Michigan
Elyria, Ohio
Strongsville, Ohio
Portland, Oregon
Stafford, Texas
Longview, Washington
Nisku, Alberta
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Type of Facility
Distribution center, rubber shop, fluid power shop, and
service center
Fluid power shop
Flow control shop
Product return center and service center
Offices and warehouse
Distribution center
Offices, warehouse, and flow control shop
Service center, rubber shop, and fluid power shop
Offices, service center, and shops
Distribution center and service center

The properties in Newark, Midland, and Stafford are used in our Fluid Power & Flow Control segment. The Fontana 
and Longview properties are used in both the Service Center Based Distribution segment and the Fluid Power & Flow 
Control segment.  The remaining properties are used in the Service Center Based Distribution segment.

We consider our properties generally sufficient to meet our requirements for office space and inventory stocking.

A service center's size is primarily influenced by the amount and types of inventory the service center requires to 
meet customers' needs.

When opening new operations, we have tended to lease rather than purchase real property.  We do not consider 
any service center, distribution center, or shop property to be material, because we believe that, if it becomes 
necessary or desirable to relocate an operation, other suitable property could be found.

In addition to operating locations, we own or lease certain properties which in the aggregate are not material and 
are either for sale, lease, or sublease to third parties due to a relocation or closing.  We also may lease or sublease to 
others unused portions of buildings.

Additional information regarding our properties can be found in note 13 to the consolidated financial statements, 
included below in Item 8 under the caption “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”  That information is 
incorporated here by reference.

11

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Applied and/or one of its subsidiaries is a party to pending legal proceedings with respect to product liability, 
commercial, personal injury, employment, and other matters.  Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of 
these proceedings or the range of reasonably possible loss, we believe, based on circumstances currently known, 
that the likelihood is remote that the ultimate resolution of any of these proceedings will have, either individually or 
in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on Applied's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash 
flows.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-
Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of SEC Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 
to this annual report on Form 10-K.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

Applied's executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors for a term of one year, or until their successors are 
chosen and qualified, at the Board's organization meeting held following the annual meeting of shareholders.

The following is a list of the executive officers and a description of their business experience during the past five 
years.  Except as otherwise stated, the positions and offices indicated are with Applied, and the persons were most 
recently elected to their current positions on October 30, 2018:

Name

Neil A. Schrimsher
Fred D. Bauer
Warren E. Hoffner

Kurt W. Loring

David K. Wells

:

Positions and Experience

President since 2013 and Chief Executive Officer since 2011.
Vice President-General Counsel & Secretary since 2002.
Vice President, General Manager-Fluid Power & Flow Control since October
2018.  He served as Vice President, General Manager-Fluid Power from 2003
to October 2018.  The Board of Directors designated Mr. Hoffner an
executive officer in October 2015.

Vice President-Chief Human Resources Officer since 2014.

Vice President-Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer since September 2017.  He
served as Vice President-Finance from May 2017 through August 2017.  Prior
to joining Applied, from May 2015 to May 2017, Mr. Wells was Vice
President & Chief Financial Officer of ESAB, a manufacturer of welding and
material cutting products and a division of Colfax Corporation (NYSE: CFX). 
Prior to then he was Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Apex Tool
Group, a manufacturer of hand and power tools.

Age
55
53
59

50

56

12

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER 

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Applied's common stock, without par value, is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange with the ticker 
symbol “AIT.”  Information concerning the quarterly stock dividends for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018, 
and 2017 and the number of shareholders of record as of August 9, 2019 are set forth in Item 8, “Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data,” in the “Quarterly Operating Results” table.  That information is incorporated 
here by reference.

The following table summarizes Applied's repurchases of its common stock in the quarter ended June 30, 2019.

Period

April 1, 2019 to April 30, 2019

May 1, 2019 to May 31, 2019

June 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019
Total

(a) Total
Number of
Shares (1)

(b) Average
Price Paid per
Share ($)

412

—

1,490
1,902

60.00

—

58.53
58.85

(c) Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
—

—

—
—

(d) Maximum Number of Shares
that May Yet Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs (2)

864,618

864,618

864,618
864,618

(1)  During the quarter ended June 30, 2019, Applied purchased 1,902 shares in connection with an employee deferred compensation 

program.  This purchase is not counted in the authorization in note (2).

(2)  On October 24, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1.5 million shares of the Company's common 

stock, replacing the prior authorization.  We publicly announced the new authorization on October 26, 2016.  Purchases can be 
made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.  The authorization is in effect until all shares are purchased, or the 
Board revokes or amends the authorization.

13

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

This selected financial data should be read in conjunction with Applied's consolidated financial statements and 
related notes included elsewhere in this annual report as well as the section of the annual report titled Item 7. 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 
(In thousands, except per share amounts and statistical data)

Consolidated Operations — Year Ended June 30
Net sales
Depreciation and amortization of property
Amortization:

Intangible assets
SARs and stock options

Operating income (a) (d)
Net income (a) (c) (d)
Per share data:
Net income:
Basic
Diluted (a) (c) (d)

Cash dividend

2019

2018 (b)

2017

2016

2015

$3,472,739
20,236

$ 3,073,274
17,798

$2,593,746
15,306

$2,519,428
15,966

$ 2,751,561
16,578

41,883
2,437
233,788
143,993

3.72
3.68
1.22

32,065
1,961
225,827
141,625

24,371
1,891
175,386
133,910

3.65
3.61
1.18

3.43
3.40
1.14

25,580
1,543
89,782
29,577

0.75
0.75
1.10

25,797
1,610
184,619
115,484

2.82
2.80
1.04

Year-End Position — June 30
Working capital
Long-term debt (including portion classified as current)
Total assets
Shareholders’ equity

$ 724,344
959,829
2,331,697
897,034

$ 625,469
966,063
2,285,741
814,963

$ 572,789
291,982
1,387,595
745,256

$ 507,238
328,334
1,312,025
657,916

$ 535,938
320,995
1,432,556
741,328

Year-End Statistics — June 30
Current ratio
Operating facilities
Shareholders of record (e)
Return on assets (a) (c) (d) (f)
Return on equity (a) (c) (d) (g)

Capital expenditures

Cash Returned to Shareholders During the Year
Dividends paid
Purchases of treasury shares
Total

2.7
600
4,165

6.3%
16.8%

2.4
610
4,323

8.0%
18.2%

2.8
552
4,687
10.2%
19.1%

2.8
559
5,372

2.2%
4.2%

2.7
565
6,016

7.9%
15.0%

$

$

$

18,970

47,266
11,158
58,424

$

$

$

23,230

45,858
22,778
68,636

$

$

$

17,045

44,619
8,242
52,861

$

$

$

13,130

$

14,933

43,330
37,465
80,795

$

42,663
76,515
$ 119,178

(a)  A  long-lived intangible asset impairment charge in fiscal 2019 reduced operating income by $31.6 million, net income by $26.9 
million, and diluted earnings per share by $0.69, which includes the impact of the $3.8 million valuation allowance on certain 
Canadian deferred tax assets.  Excluding the long-lived intangible asset impairment charge, the fiscal 2019 return on assets would 
be 7.5% and return on equity would be 20.0%.

(b)  FY 2018 includes the acquisition of FCX Performance, Inc. from the acquisition date of 1/31/2018. 

(c)  FY 2017 includes a tax benefit pertaining to a worthless stock tax deduction of $22.2 million, or $0.56 per share.  Excluding the 

worthless stock tax deduction, the fiscal 2017 return on assets would be 8.5% and return on equity would be 16.2%.

(d)  A goodwill impairment charge in fiscal 2016 reduced operating income by $64.8 million, net income by $63.8 million, and diluted 

earnings per share by $1.62.  Excluding the goodwill impairment charge, the fiscal 2016 return on assets would be 6.7% and return 
on equity would be 12.8%.

(e) 

Includes participant-shareholders in the Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan and shareholders in the 
Company's direct stock purchase program.

(f)  Return on assets is calculated as net income divided by monthly average assets.

(g)  Return on equity is calculated as net income divided by the average shareholders’ equity (beginning of the year plus end of

the year divided by 2).

14

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION   

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

OVERVIEW

With more than 6,600 employees across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, Applied Industrial 
Technologies (“Applied,” the “Company,” “We,” “Us” or “Our”) is a leading value-added distributor of bearings, 
power transmission products, engineered fluid power components and systems, specialty flow control solutions, and 
other industrial supplies, serving MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) and OEM (Original Equipment 
Manufacturer) customers in virtually every industry.  In addition, Applied provides engineering, design and systems 
integration for industrial, fluid power, and flow control applications, as well as customized mechanical, fabricated 
rubber, fluid power, and flow control shop services.  Applied also offers storeroom services and inventory 
management solutions that provide added value to its customers.  We have a long tradition of growth dating back 
to 1923, the year our business was founded in Cleveland, Ohio.  At June 30, 2019, business was conducted in the 
United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore from 600 facilities.

The following is Management's Discussion and Analysis of significant factors that have affected our financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows during the periods included in the accompanying consolidated 
balance sheets, statements of consolidated income, consolidated comprehensive income and consolidated cash 
flows in Item 8 under the caption "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."  When reviewing the discussion 
and analysis set forth below, please note that the majority of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) we sell in any given year 
were not sold in the comparable period of the prior year, resulting in the inability to quantify certain commonly used 
comparative metrics analyzing sales, such as changes in product mix and volume.

Our fiscal 2019 consolidated sales were $3.5 billion, an increase of $399.5 million or 13.0% compared to the prior 
year, with the acquisitions of FCX Performance Inc. (FCX), Fluid Power Sales Inc. (FPS), MilRoc Distribution (MilRoc), 
and Woodward Steel (Woodward), increasing sales by $360.0 million or 11.7% and unfavorable foreign currency 
translation of $19.2 million decreasing sales by 0.6%.  Gross profit margin increased to 29.0% for fiscal 2019 from 
28.8% for fiscal 2018 primarily due to the impact of the acquisitions, which favorably impacted the gross profit 
margin by 48 basis points in fiscal 2019, offset by an unfavorable impact of 26 basis points from the change in LIFO 
expense in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018.  Operating margin decreased to 6.7% in fiscal 2019 from 7.3% in 
fiscal 2018.  The reduction in operating margin is primarily due to a non-cash impairment charge recorded during 
fiscal 2019 totaling $31.6 million related to the long-lived intangible assets associated with the Company's upstream 
oil and gas operations in Canada within the Service Center Based Distribution segment.  The non-cash impairment 
charge decreased net income by $23.1 million and earnings per share by $0.59 per share.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company recorded charges of $2.3 million for restructuring activities 
within the Service Center Based Distribution segment to reduce headcount and consolidate locations, primarily 
related to the Company's oil and gas operations.  Of the total, $0.7 million related to inventory reserves for excess 
and obsolete inventory recorded within cost of sales and $1.6 million related to severance and facility consolidation 
recorded within selling, distribution and administrative expense.  Total restructuring charges reduced gross profit for 
the year by $0.7 million, operating income by $2.3 million, and earnings per share by $0.04 per share.

Our earnings per share was $3.68 in fiscal 2019 versus $3.61 in fiscal year 2018. 

Shareholders’ equity was $897.0 million at June 30, 2019 compared to $815.0 million at June 30, 2018.  Working 
capital increased $98.9 million from June 30, 2018 to $724.3 million at June 30, 2019.  The current ratio was 2.7 to 
1 at June 30, 2019 and 2.4 to 1 at June 30, 2018. 

Applied monitors several economic indices that have been key indicators for industrial economic activity in the United 
States.  These include the Industrial Production (IP) and Manufacturing Capacity Utilization (MCU) indices published 
by the Federal Reserve Board and the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) published by the Institute for Supply 
Management (ISM).  Historically, our performance correlates well with the MCU, which measures productivity and 
calculates a ratio of actual manufacturing output versus potential full capacity output.  When manufacturing plants 
are running at a high rate of capacity, they tend to wear out machinery and require replacement parts. 

15

The MCU (total industry) and IP indices have gradually decreased during the second half of fiscal 2019 correlating 
with an overall decline in the industrial economy in the same period.  The ISM PMI registered 51.7 in June 2019, a 
decrease from the June 2018 revised reading of 60.0.  A reading above 50 generally indicates expansion.  The index 
readings for the months during the current quarter, along with the revised indices for previous quarter ends, were as 
follows:

Month

June 2019

May 2019

April 2019

March 2019

December 2018

September 2018

June 2018

MCU

77.9

78.1

77.9

78.4

79.5

79.3

78.6

Index Reading

PMI

51.7

52.1

52.8

55.3

54.3

59.5

60.0

IP

105.2

104.8

104.6

105.2

106.4

105.7

104.8

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

This discussion and analysis deals with comparisons of material changes in the consolidated financial statements for 
the years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.  For the comparison of the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, see the 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, Item 7 of our 2018 
Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The following table is included to aid in review of Applied’s statements of consolidated income. 

Net Sales

Gross Profit Margin

Selling, Distribution & Administrative

Operating Income

Net Income

Year Ended June 30,
As a % of Net Sales

Change in
$'s Versus
Prior Period

2019

2018

% Change

100.0%

100.0%

29.0%

21.4%

6.7%

4.1%

28.8%

21.4%

7.3%

4.6%

13.0%

14.0%

12.8%

3.5%

1.7%

Sales in fiscal 2019 were $3.5 billion, which was $399.5 million or 13.0% above the prior year, with sales from 
acquisitions accounting for $360.0 million or 11.7% of the increase, and unfavorable foreign currency translation 
accounting for a decrease of $19.2 million or 0.6%.  There were 251.5 selling days in both fiscal 2019 and fiscal 
2018.  Excluding the impact of businesses acquired and the impact of foreign currency translation, sales were up 
$58.7 million or 1.9% during the year, which is driven by growth of 3.5% from the Service Center Based 
Distribution segment, offset by a 1.6% decline from the Fluid Power & Flow Control segment. 

The following table shows changes in sales by reportable segment.

Amounts in millions

Sales by Reportable Segment

Year ended June 30,

Sales

2019

2018

Increase Acquisitions

Foreign
Currency

Organic
Change

Amount of change due to

Service Center Based Distribution

$ 2,452.9 $ 2,346.4 $

106.5 $

17.6 $

(19.2) $

Fluid Power & Flow Control

1,019.8

726.8

293.0

342.4

—

Total

$ 3,472.7 $ 3,073.2 $

399.5 $

360.0 $

(19.2) $

108.1

(49.4)

58.7

Sales of our Service Center Based Distribution segment, which operates primarily in MRO markets, increased $106.5 
million, or 4.5%.  Acquisitions within this segment increased sales by $17.6 million or 0.7%, and unfavorable 
foreign currency translation decreased sales by $19.2 million or 0.8%.  Excluding the impact of businesses acquired 
and the impact of foreign currency translation, sales increased $108.1 million or 4.6% due to overall growth in the 
industrial economy.

16

Sales of our Fluid Power & Flow Control segment increased $293.0 million or 40.3%.  Acquisitions within this 
segment, primarily FCX, increased sales $342.4 million or 47.1%.  Excluding the impact of businesses acquired, sales 
decreased $49.4 million or 6.8%.  The decrease from operations is primarily due to softness and project delays in our 
fluid power businesses tied to technology markets, specifically electronic equipment and component manufacturers, 
as well as slower demand in our flow control operations.

The following table shows changes in sales by geographical area.  Other countries includes Mexico, Australia, New 
Zealand, and Singapore.  

Amounts in millions

Sales by Geographic Area

United States

Canada

Other countries

Total

Amount of change due to

Year ended June 30,

Sales

2019

2018

Increase Acquisitions

Foreign
Currency

Organic
Change

$ 3,016.7 $ 2,615.0 $

401.7 $

360.0 $

— $

271.3

184.7

273.6

184.6

(2.3)

0.1

—

—

(11.5)

(7.7)

$ 3,472.7 $ 3,073.2 $

399.5 $

360.0 $

(19.2) $

41.7

9.2

7.8

58.7

Sales in our U.S. operations increased $401.7 million or 15.4%, with acquisitions adding $360.0 million or 13.8%. 
Excluding the impact of businesses acquired, U.S. sales were up $41.7 million or 1.6%.  Sales from our Canadian 
operations decreased $2.3 million or 0.8%, and unfavorable foreign currency translation decreased Canadian sales 
by $11.5 million or 4.2%.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, Canadian sales were up $9.2 million 
or 3.4%, of which 4.2% is growth from operations, offset by a 0.8% decrease due to two less sales days.  
Consolidated sales from our other country operations increased $0.1 million compared to the prior year.  
Unfavorable foreign currency translation decreased other country sales by $7.7 million or 4.2%.  Excluding the 
impact of foreign currency translation, other country sales were up $7.8 million or 4.2% compared to the prior year.

Our gross profit margin increased to 29.0% in fiscal 2019 compared to 28.8% in fiscal 2018 primarily due to the 
impact of acquisitions, which favorably impacted the gross profit margin by 48 basis points in fiscal 2019, offset by 
an unfavorable impact of 26 basis points from the change in LIFO expense in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018.

The following table shows the changes in selling, distribution, and administrative expense (SD&A).

Amounts in millions

SD&A

Amount of change due to

Year ended June 30,

SD&A

2019

2018

Increase Acquisitions

Foreign
Currency

Organic
Change

$

742.2 $

658.2 $

84.1 $

86.9 $

(5.6) $

2.8

SD&A consists of associate compensation, benefits and other expenses associated with selling, purchasing, 
warehousing, supply chain management, and marketing and distribution of the Company’s products, as well as costs 
associated with a variety of administrative functions such as human resources, information technology, treasury, 
accounting, insurance, legal, facility related expenses and expenses incurred in acquiring businesses.  SD&A increased 
$84.1 million or 12.8% during fiscal 2019 compared to the prior year, and as a percentage of sales remained stable 
at 21.4% in fiscal 2019 and 2018.  Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had the effect of decreasing SD&A 
by $5.6 million or 0.9% compared to the prior year.  SD&A from businesses acquired added $86.9 million or 13.2%, 
including $13.7 million of intangibles amortization related to acquisitions, and net of $6.1 million of one-time 
acquisition costs related to the acquisition of FCX in the prior year that did not reoccur in the current year.  Excluding 
the impact of businesses acquired and the favorable impact from foreign currency translation, SD&A increased $2.8 
million or 0.5% during fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018.  The Company incurred $1.6 million of restructuring 
expenses related to severance and facility consolidation during fiscal 2019.  All other expenses within SD&A were up 
$1.2 million.

As a result of the continued decline in the oil and gas industry in western Canada, the Company performed an 
impairment analysis for certain long-lived intangible assets related to the Company's upstream oil and gas operations 
in Canada during the third quarter of fiscal 2019.  As a result of this test, the Company determined that the net 
book values of these long-lived intangible assets were impaired and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of 
$31.6 million for intangible assets in fiscal 2019, which decreased net income by $23.1 million and earnings per 
share by $0.59 per share.

17

Operating income increased $8.0 million, or 3.5%, to $233.8 million during fiscal 2019 from $225.8 million during 
fiscal 2018, and as a percentage of sales, decreased to 6.7% from 7.3%, primarily as a result of the impairment 
expense recorded during the current year.

Operating income as a percentage of sales for the Service Center Based Distribution segment increased to 10.4% in 
fiscal 2019 from 10.2% in fiscal 2018.  Operating income as a percentage of sales for the Fluid Power & Flow 
Control segment decreased to 11.0% in fiscal 2019 from 11.4% in fiscal 2018. 

Segment operating income is impacted by changes in the amounts and levels of certain supplier support benefits 
and expenses allocated to the segments.  The expense allocations include corporate charges for working capital, 
logistics support and other items and impact segment gross profit and operating expense.

Other income, net, represents certain non-operating items of income and expense.  This was $0.9 million of income 
in fiscal 2019 compared to $2.4 million of income in fiscal 2018.  Current year income primarily consists of 
unrealized gains on investments held by non-qualified deferred compensation trusts of $0.7 million and life 
insurance income of $0.5 million, offset by foreign currency transaction losses of $0.3 million.  Fiscal 2018 income 
consisted primarily of life insurance income of $1.6 million and unrealized gains on investments held by non-
qualified deferred compensation trusts of $0.8 million.

The effective income tax rate was 26.0% for fiscal 2019 compared to 30.8% for fiscal 2018.  The decrease in the 
effective tax rate is primarily due to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") in December 2017, 
which reduced the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% effective January 1, 2018.  The Act 
resulted in a statutory rate of 21.0% for fiscal 2019 and a blended statutory rate of 28.1% for fiscal 2018.  In the 
third quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $3.8 million related to certain deferred 
tax assets in Canada due to the uncertainty in realizing these net deferred tax assets, which was increased by $1.8 
million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, and in total increased the effective tax rate by 2.9% for fiscal 2019.  Also 
in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, final regulations were released by the Internal Revenue Service that impacted the 
transition tax.  As a result of these regulations, the net transition tax paid by the Company was $1.4 million.

We expect our income tax rate for fiscal 2020 to be in the range of 25.0% to 27.0%.

As a result of the factors discussed above, net income for fiscal 2019 increased $2.4 million from the prior year.  Net 
income per share was $3.68 per share for fiscal 2019 compared to $3.61 per share for fiscal 2018.  Current year 
results were favorably impacted by $0.48 per share for acquisitions, $0.37 per share for tax reform, and improved 
Company performance, offset by a $0.69 per share unfavorable impact from the intangible impairment, which 
includes the impact of recording the $3.8 million valuation allowance in the third quarter of fiscal 2019, and a $0.04 
per share unfavorable impact from restructuring charges during fiscal 2019.  The prior year results include positive 
impacts on earnings per share of $0.15 per share related to tax reform and $0.05 per share related to the results of 
FCX, offset by a negative impact of $0.13 per share for one-time costs related to the acquisition of FCX. 

At June 30, 2019, we had a total of 600 operating facilities in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico,  
Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, versus 610 at June 30, 2018. 

The approximate number of Company employees was 6,650 at June 30, 2019 and 6,634 at June 30, 2018.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our primary source of capital is cash flow from operations, supplemented as necessary by bank borrowings or other 
sources of debt.  At June 30, 2019 we had total debt obligations outstanding of $959.8 million compared to $966.1 
million at June 30, 2018.  Management expects that our existing cash, cash equivalents, funds available under the 
revolving credit facility, and cash provided from operations, will be sufficient to finance normal working capital needs 
in each of the countries we operate in, payment of dividends, acquisitions, investments in properties, facilities and 
equipment, debt service, and the purchase of additional Company common stock.  Management also believes that 
additional long-term debt and line of credit financing could be obtained based on the Company’s credit standing 
and financial strength.

The Company’s working capital at June 30, 2019 was $724.3 million compared to $625.5 million at June 30, 2018.  
The current ratio was 2.7 to 1 at June 30, 2019 and 2.4 to 1 at June 30, 2018.  The increase is primarily driven by a 
higher cash balance at June 30, 2019.

18

Net Cash Flows

The following table is included to aid in review of Applied’s statements of consolidated cash flows; all amounts  
are in thousands.

Net Cash Provided by (Used in):

Operating Activities

Investing Activities

Financing Activities

Exchange Rate Effect

Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

Year Ended June 30,

2019

2018

$ 180,601

$ 147,304

(55,102)

(71,539)

109

(797,906)

600,284

(589)

$

54,069

$

(50,907)

The increase in cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2019 is primarily due to the impact of acquisitions 
along with improved operating results, offset by changes in working capital. 

Net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2019 included $37.5 million used for the acquisitions of FPS, MilRoc and 
Woodward, and $19.0 million used for capital expenditures.  Net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2018 
included $775.7 million used for acquisitions, primarily FCX, and $23.2 million for capital expenditures. 

Net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2019 included $175.0 million of cash from borrowings under the new 
trade receivable securitization facility, offset by $19.5 million of net payments under the revolving credit facility, and 
$161.7 million of long-term debt repayments.  Further uses of cash were $47.3 million for dividend payments, $11.2 
million used to repurchase 192,082 shares of treasury stock, $3.5 million used to pay taxes for shares withheld, and 
$2.6 million used for acquisition holdback payments.

Net cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2018 included $780.0 million of cash borrowings under the new 
credit facility and $19.5 million of net borrowings under the revolving credit facility, offset by $125.4 million of long-
term debt repayments.  Further uses of cash were $45.9 million for dividend payments, $22.8 million used to 
repurchase 393,300 shares of treasury stock, and $3.3 million used for the payment of debt issuance costs.

The increase in dividends over the year is the result of regular increases in our dividend payout rates.  We paid 
dividends of $1.22 and $1.18 per share in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

Capital Expenditures

We expect capital expenditures for fiscal 2020 to be in the $20.0 million to $25.0 million range, primarily consisting 
of capital associated with additional information technology equipment and infrastructure investments.  Depreciation 
for fiscal 2020 is expected to be in the range of $21.0 million to $22.0 million.

Share Repurchases

The Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of shares of the Company’s stock.  These purchases may   
be made in open market and negotiated transactions, from time to time, depending upon market conditions.    
At June 30, 2019, we had authorization to purchase an additional 864,618 shares.

In fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, we repurchased 192,082, 393,300, and 162,500 shares of the Company’s common 
stock, respectively, at an average price per share of $58.10, $57.92, and $50.72, respectively.

Borrowing Arrangements

In January 2018, in conjunction with the acquisition of FCX, the Company refinanced its existing credit facility and 
entered into a new five-year credit facility with a group of banks expiring in January 2023.  This agreement provides 
for a $780.0 million unsecured term loan and a $250.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility.  Fees on this facility 
range from 0.10% to 0.20% per year based upon the Company's leverage ratio at each quarter end.  Borrowings 
under this agreement carry variable interest rates tied to either LIBOR or prime at the Company's discretion.  At 
June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, the Company had $613.6 million and $775.1 million outstanding under the term 
loan, respectively.  The Company had no amount outstanding under the revolver as of June 30, 2019 and $19.5 
million was outstanding under the revolver as of June 30, 2018.  Unused lines under this facility, net of outstanding 
letters of credit of $3.2 million and $3.6 million, respectively, to secure certain insurance obligations, totaled $246.8 
million and $226.9 million at June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively, and were available to fund future 
acquisitions or other capital and operating requirements.  In January 2019, the Company entered into an interest 
rate swap on $463.0 million of unsecured variable debt to mitigate variability in forecasted interest payments.  

19

The interest rate on the term loan was 4.19% and 4.13% as of June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively.  The 
weighted average interest rate on the amount outstanding under the revolving credit facility as of June 30, 2018 
was 3.93%.

Additionally, the Company had letters of credit outstanding with a separate bank, not associated with the revolving 
credit agreement, in the amount of $2.7 million as of June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, in order to secure certain 
insurance obligations.

In August 2018, the Company established a trade receivable securitization facility (the “AR Securitization Facility”) 
with a termination date of August 31, 2021.  The maximum availability under the AR Securitization Facility is $175.0 
million.  Availability is further subject to changes in the credit ratings of our customers, customer concentration levels 
or certain characteristics of the accounts receivable being transferred and, therefore, at certain times, we may not be 
able to fully access the $175.0 million of funding available under the AR Securitization Facility.  The AR Securitization 
Facility effectively increases the Company’s borrowing capacity by collateralizing a portion of the amount of the 
Service Center Based Distribution reportable segment’s U.S. operations’ trade accounts receivable.  The collateralized 
trade accounts receivable is equal to the borrowed amount outstanding under the AR Securitization Facility and 
there are no restrictions on cash or other assets.  The Company uses the proceeds from the AR Securitization Facility 
as an alternative to other forms of debt, effectively reducing borrowing costs.  Borrowings under this facility carry 
variable interest rates tied to LIBOR and fees on the AR Securitization Facility are 0.90% per year.  As of June 30, 
2019, the Company borrowed $175.0 million under the AR Securitization Facility, and the interest rate was 3.33%. 

At June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, the Company had borrowings outstanding under its unsecured shelf facility 
agreement with Prudential Investment Management of $170.0 million.  Fees on this facility range from 0.25% to 
1.25% per year based on the Company's leverage ratio at each quarter end.  The "Series C" notes have a principal 
amount of $120.0 million and carry a fixed interest rate of 3.19%, and are due in equal principal payments in July 
2020, 2021, and 2022.  The "Series D" notes have a principal amount of $50.0 million, carry a fixed interest rate of 
3.21%, and are due in equal principal payments in October 2019 and 2023. 

In 2014, the Company assumed $2.4 million of debt as a part of the headquarters facility acquisition.  The 1.50% 
fixed interest rate note is held by the State of Ohio Development Services Agency, maturing in May 2024.  At 
June 30, 2019 and 2018, $1.2 million and $1.4 million was outstanding, respectively. 

The credit facility and the unsecured shelf facility contain restrictive covenants regarding liquidity, net worth, financial 
ratios, and other covenants.  At June 30, 2019, the most restrictive of these covenants required that the Company 
have net indebtedness less than 4.0 times consolidated income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization 
(as defined).  At June 30, 2019, the Company's net indebtedness was less than 3.0 times consolidated income 
before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (as defined).  The Company was in compliance with all financial 
covenants at June 30, 2019.

Accounts Receivable Analysis

The following table is included to aid in analysis of accounts receivable and the associated provision for losses on 
accounts receivable (all dollar amounts are in thousands):

June 30,

Accounts receivable, gross

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Accounts receivable, net

Allowance for doubtful accounts, % of gross receivables

Year Ended June 30,

Provision for losses on accounts receivable

Provision as a % of net sales

2019

2018

$ 551,400

$ 559,775

10,498

10,964

$ 540,902

$ 548,811

1.9%

2.0%

2019

4,058

$

2018

2,803

$

0.12%

0.09%

Accounts receivable are reported at net realizable value and consist of trade receivables from customers.  
Management monitors accounts receivable by reviewing Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) and the aging of receivables 
for each of the Company's locations.

On a consolidated basis, DSO was 55.2 at June 30, 2019 versus 55.0 at June 30, 2018. 

Approximately 3.0% of our accounts receivable balances are more than 90 days past due at June 30, 2019 
compared to 4.0% at June 30, 2018.  This decrease primarily relates to our U.S. Service Center Based Distribution 

20

businesses.  On an overall basis, our provision for losses from uncollected receivables represents 0.12% of our sales 
in the year ended June 30, 2019.  Historically, this percentage is around 0.10% to 0.15%.  Management believes 
the overall receivables aging and provision for losses on uncollected receivables are at reasonable levels.

Inventory Analysis

Inventories are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for U.S. inventories and the average cost method for 
foreign inventories.  Management uses an inventory turnover ratio to monitor and evaluate inventory.  Management 
calculates this ratio on an annual as well as a quarterly basis and uses inventory valued at average costs.  The 
annualized inventory turnover (using average costs) for the period ended June 30, 2019 was 4.2 versus 4.0 at 
June 30, 2018.  We believe our inventory turnover ratio in fiscal 2020 will be slightly better than our fiscal 2019 
levels. 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The following table shows the approximate value of the Company’s contractual obligations and other commitments 
to make future payments as of June 30, 2019 (in thousands):

Operating leases

$ 104,160

$ 33,707

$ 39,827

$ 18,491

$ 12,135

Planned funding of post-retirement obligations

12,900

3,500

1,800

1,200

6,400

Total

Period Less
Than 1 yr

Period
2-3 yrs

Period
4-5 yrs

Period
Over 5 yrs

Unrecognized income tax benefit liabilities, including

interest and penalties

Long-term debt obligations

Interest on long-term debt obligations (1)

Acquisition holdback payments

Total Contractual Cash Obligations

5,800

959,829

105,400

6,371

—

49,613

35,800

2,640

—

—

338,361

571,855

58,400

3,656

11,200

75

—

—

—

—

$1,194,460

$ 125,260

$ 442,044

$ 602,821

$ 18,535

$

5,800

Other

—

—

5,800

—

—

—

(1) Amounts represent estimated contractual interest payments on outstanding long-term debt obligations.  Rates in 
effect as of June 30, 2019 are used for variable rate debt.

Purchase orders for inventory and other goods and services are not included in our estimates as we are unable to 
aggregate the amount of such purchase orders that represent enforceable and legally binding agreements specifying 
all significant terms.  The previous table includes the gross liability for unrecognized income tax benefits including 
interest and penalties in the “Other” column as the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate regarding the 
timing of cash settlements, if any, with the respective taxing authorities.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

We have evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to June 30, 2019 through the date the financial 
statements were issued. 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company reached a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the 
outstanding stock of Olympus Controls Corp., located in Tualatin, Oregon.  The Company intends to fund this 
acquisition using funds available through the Company's revolving credit facility.  As a full-service provider of 
innovative technologies and complete engineered solutions for OEMs, machine builders, integrators, and end users, 
this business will be included in the Fluid Power & Flow Control segment.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally 
accepted in the United States of America requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates at a 
specific point in time that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and disclosed in the 
accompanying notes.  The Business and Accounting Policies note to the consolidated financial statements describes 
the significant accounting policies and methods used in preparation of the consolidated financial statements.  
Estimates are used for, but not limited to, determining the net carrying value of trade accounts receivable, 
inventories, recording self-insurance liabilities and other accrued liabilities.  Estimates are also used in establishing 
opening balances in relation to purchase accounting.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.  The following 
critical accounting policies are impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the 
preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

21

LIFO Inventory Valuation and Methodology

Inventories are valued at the average cost method, using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for U.S. inventories, and 
the average cost method for foreign inventories.  We adopted the link chain dollar value LIFO method for accounting 
for U.S. inventories in fiscal 1974.  Approximately 15.9% of our domestic inventory dollars relate to LIFO layers 
added in the 1970s.  The excess of average cost over LIFO cost is $151.7 million as reflected in our consolidated 
balance sheet at June 30, 2019.  The Company maintains five LIFO pools based on the following product groupings: 
bearings, power transmission products, rubber products, fluid power products and other products.

LIFO layers and/or liquidations are determined consistently year-to-year.  See the Inventories note to the  
consolidated financial statements in Item 8 under the caption "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,"  
for further information. 

Allowances for Slow-Moving and Obsolete Inventories

We evaluate the recoverability of our slow-moving and inactive inventories at least quarterly.  We estimate the 
recoverable cost of such inventory by product type while considering factors such as its age, historic and current 
demand trends, the physical condition of the inventory, as well as assumptions regarding future demand.  Our ability 
to recover our cost for slow moving or obsolete inventory can be affected by such factors as general market 
conditions, future customer demand and relationships with suppliers.  A significant portion of the products we hold 
in inventory have long shelf lives, are not highly susceptible to obsolescence and are eligible for return under various 
supplier return programs.  

As of June 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company's reserve for slow-moving or obsolete inventories was $41.1 million 
and $38.1 million, respectively, recorded in inventories in the consolidated balance sheets. 

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

We evaluate the collectibility of trade accounts receivable based on a combination of factors.  Initially, we estimate 
an allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net sales based on historical bad debt experience.  This initial 
estimate is adjusted based on recent trends of certain customers and industries estimated to be a greater credit risk, 
trends within the entire customer pool and changes in the overall aging of accounts receivable.  While we have a 
large customer base that is geographically dispersed, a general economic downturn in any of the industry segments 
in which we operate could result in higher than expected defaults, and therefore, the need to revise estimates for 
bad debts.  Accounts are written off against the allowance when it becomes evident that collection will not occur.

As of June 30, 2019 and 2018, our allowance for doubtful accounts was 1.9% and 2.0% of gross receivables, 
respectively.  Our provision for losses on accounts receivable was $4.1 million, $2.8 million and $2.1 million in fiscal 
2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Goodwill and Intangibles

The purchase price of an acquired company is allocated between intangible assets and the net tangible assets of the 
acquired business with the residual of the purchase price recorded as goodwill.  Goodwill for acquired businesses is 
accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed be recorded at the date of the acquisition at their respective estimated fair values.  The determination of 
the value of the intangible assets acquired involves certain judgments and estimates.  These judgments can include, 
but are not limited to, the cash flows that an asset is expected to generate in the future and the appropriate 
weighted average cost of capital.  The judgments made in determining the estimated fair value assigned to each 
class of assets acquired, as well as the estimated life of each asset, can materially impact the net income of the 
periods subsequent to the acquisition through depreciation and amortization, and in certain instances through 
impairment charges, if the asset becomes impaired in the future.  As part of acquisition accounting, we recognize 
acquired identifiable intangible assets such as customer relationships, vendor relationships, trade names, and non-
competition agreements apart from goodwill.  Finite-lived identifiable intangibles are evaluated for impairment when 
changes in conditions indicate carrying value may not be recoverable.

We evaluate goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level annually as of January 1, and whenever an event 
occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting 
unit is less than its carrying amount.  Events or circumstances that may result in an impairment review include 
changes in macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial 
performance, other relevant entity-specific events, specific events affecting the reporting unit or sustained decrease 
in share price.  Each year, the Company may elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is 
more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value.  If impairment is indicated in 
the qualitative assessment, or, if management elects to initially perform a quantitative assessment of goodwill, the 
impairment test uses a one-step approach.  The fair value of a reporting unit is compared with its carrying amount, 

22

including goodwill.  If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit 
is not impaired.  If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge would be 
recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, not to exceed the 
total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. 

Goodwill on our consolidated financial statements relates to both the Service Center Based Distribution segment and 
the Fluid Power & Flow Control segment.  The Company has seven reporting units for which an annual goodwill 
impairment assessment was performed as of January 1, 2019.  The Company concluded that all of the reporting 
units’ fair value exceeded their carrying amounts by at least 20% as of January 1, 2019.  As of June 30, 2019, the 
Company's goodwill balance was $662.0 million, of which $28.3 million relates to the Canada reporting unit.  As of 
January 1, 2019, the fair value of the Canada reporting unit exceeded the carrying value by 25.0%.  If the Company 
does not achieve the forecasted sales growth and margin improvements goodwill could be impaired.

The fair values of the reporting units in accordance with the goodwill impairment test were determined using the 
income and market approaches.  The income approach employs the discounted cash flow method reflecting 
projected cash flows expected to be generated by market participants and then adjusted for time value of money 
factors, and requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to forecasts of future 
revenues, operating margins, and discount rates.  The market approach utilizes an analysis of comparable publicly 
traded companies and requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to the forecasts 
of future revenues, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and multiples that are 
applied to management’s forecasted revenues and EBITDA estimates.  

Changes in future results, assumptions, and estimates after the measurement date may lead to an outcome where 
additional impairment charges would be required in future periods.  Specifically, actual results may vary from the 
Company’s forecasts and such variations may be material and unfavorable, thereby triggering the need for future 
impairment tests where the conclusions may differ in reflection of prevailing market conditions.  Further, continued 
adverse market conditions could result in the recognition of additional impairment if the Company determines that 
the fair values of its reporting units have fallen below their carrying values.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are recorded for estimated future tax effects of differences between the bases of assets and 
liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes, giving consideration to enacted tax laws.  As of June 30, 
2019, the Company had recognized $54.5 million of net deferred tax liabilities.  Valuation allowances are provided 
against deferred tax assets where it is considered more-likely-than-not that the Company will not realize the benefit 
of such assets on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis.  The remaining net deferred tax asset is the amount 
management believes is more-likely-than-not of being realized.  The realization of these deferred tax assets can be 
impacted by changes to tax laws, statutory rates and future taxable income levels.

23

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT UNDER PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT

This Form 10-K, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis, contains statements that are forward-
looking based on management’s current expectations about the future.  Forward-looking statements are 
often identified by qualifiers, such as “guidance”, “expect”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “will”, “should”, 
“could”, “would”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “may”, "optimistic" and derivative or similar 
words or expressions.  Similarly, descriptions of objectives, strategies, plans, or goals are also forward-
looking statements.  These statements may discuss, among other things, expected growth, future sales, 
future cash flows, future capital expenditures, future performance, and the anticipation and expectations 
of the Company and its management as to future occurrences and trends.  The Company intends that the 
forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors established in the Private Securities Litigation 
Reform Act of 1995 and by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and releases.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.  All forward-
looking statements are based on current expectations regarding important risk factors, many of which are 
outside the Company’s control.  Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in 
the forward-looking statements, and the making of those statements should not be regarded as a 
representation by the Company or any other person that the results expressed in the statements will be 
achieved.  In addition, the Company assumes no obligation publicly to update or revise any forward-
looking statements, whether because of new information or events, or otherwise, except as may be 
required by law.

Important risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following: risks relating to the operations levels 
of our customers and the economic factors that affect them; changes in the prices for products and services 
relative to the cost of providing them; reduction in supplier inventory purchase incentives; loss of key 
supplier authorizations, lack of product availability, or changes in supplier distribution programs; the cost 
of products and energy and other operating costs; changes in customer preferences for products and 
services of the nature and brands sold by us; changes in customer procurement policies and practices; 
competitive pressures; our reliance on information systems and risks relating to their proper functioning, 
the security of those systems, and the data stored in or transmitted through them; the impact of economic 
conditions on the collectability of trade receivables; reduced demand for our products in targeted markets 
due to reasons including consolidation in customer industries; our ability to retain and attract qualified 
sales and customer service personnel and other skilled executives, managers and professionals; our ability 
to identify and complete acquisitions, integrate them effectively, and realize their anticipated benefits; the 
variability, timing and nature of new business opportunities including acquisitions, alliances, customer 
relationships, and supplier authorizations; the incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities in connection 
with acquisitions; our ability to access capital markets as needed on reasonable terms; disruption of 
operations at our headquarters or distribution centers; risks and uncertainties associated with our foreign 
operations, including volatile economic conditions, political instability, cultural and legal differences, and 
currency exchange fluctuations; the potential for goodwill and intangible asset impairment; changes in 
accounting policies and practices; our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; 
organizational changes within the Company; risks related to legal proceedings to which we are a party; 
potentially adverse government regulation, legislation, or policies, both enacted and under consideration, 
including with respect to federal tax policy, and international trade, such as recent tariffs and proposed 
tariffs on imports; and the occurrence of extraordinary events (including prolonged labor disputes, power 
outages, telecommunication outages, terrorist acts, earthquakes, extreme weather events, other natural 
disasters, fires, floods, and accidents).  Other factors and unanticipated events could also adversely affect 
our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We discuss certain of these matters and other risk factors more fully throughout our Form 10-K, as well as 
other of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

24

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Our market risk is impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates as well as changes in interest rates.  
We occasionally utilize derivative instruments as part of our overall financial risk management policy, but do not use 
derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

Because we operate throughout North America, Australia and New Zealand and approximately 13.1% of our fiscal 
year 2019 net sales were generated outside the United States, foreign currency exchange rates can impact our 
financial position, results of operations and competitive position.  The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are 
translated into their U.S. dollar equivalents at end-of-period exchange rates for assets and liabilities, while income 
and expenses are translated at average monthly exchange rates.  Translation gains and losses are components of 
other comprehensive income (loss) as reported in the statements of consolidated comprehensive income.  
Transaction gains and losses arising from fluctuations in currency exchange rates on transactions denominated in 
currencies other than the functional currency are recognized in the statements of consolidated income as a 
component of other (income) expense, net.  Applied does not currently hedge the net investments in our foreign 
operations.

During the course of the fiscal year, the Canadian and Mexican currency exchange rates increased in relation to the 
U.S. dollar by 1.4% and 3.6%, respectively, while the Australian and New Zealand currency exchange rates 
decreased in relation to the U.S. dollar by 4.8% and 1.1%, respectively.  In the twelve months ended June 30, 2019, 
we experienced net foreign currency translation gains totaling $2.0 million, which were included in other 
comprehensive (loss) income.  We utilize a sensitivity analysis to measure the potential impact on earnings based on 
a hypothetical 10% change in foreign currency rates.  Excluding the non-cash intangible asset impairment charge 
recorded in fiscal 2019, a 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies that affect the 
Company from the levels experienced during the year ended June 30, 2019 would have resulted in a $1.4 million 
decrease in net income for the year ended June 30, 2019.  Excluding the non-cash intangible asset impairment 
charge recorded in fiscal 2019, a 10% weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies that affect the 
Company from the levels experienced during the year ended June 30, 2019 would have resulted in a $1.4 million 
increase in net income for the year ended June 30, 2019.  

Interest Rate Risk

Our primary exposure to interest rate risk results from our outstanding debt obligations with variable interest rates.  
The levels of fees and interest charged on our various debt facilities are based upon leverage levels and market 
interest rates. The Company uses interest rate swap instruments to mitigate variability in forcasted interest rates.

Our variable interest rate debt facilities outstanding include our five-year credit facility, which provides for a revolving 
credit facility with a capacity of up to $250.0 million in borrowings with no balance outstanding at June 30, 2019, a 
$780.0 million term loan, of which $613.6 million was outstanding at June 30, 2019, and a $175.0 million trade 
receivable securitization facility, all of which was outstanding at June 30, 2019.  In January 2019, the Company 
entered into an interest rate swap on $463.0 million of the Company’s U.S. dollar-denominated unsecured variable 
rate debt.  The interest rate swap effectively converts a portion of the floating rate interest payment into a fixed rate 
interest payment.  The Company designated the interest rate swap as a pay-fixed, receive-floating interest rate swap 
instrument and is accounting for this derivative as a cash flow hedge.  Fixed interest rate debt facilities include 
$170.0 million outstanding under our unsecured shelf facility agreement, as well as $1.2 million of assumed debt 
from the purchase of our headquarters facility.  We had total average variable interest rate bank borrowings of 
$810.9 million during fiscal 2019.  The impact of a hypothetical 1.0% increase in the interest rates on our average 
variable interest rate bank borrowings (not considering the impact of our interest rate swap) would have resulted in 
a $8.1 million increase in interest expense.  Due to the interest rate swap, the impact of a hypothetical 1.0% 
increase in the variable interest rate would have reduced net cash interest paid by $1.9 million.  Changes in market 
interest rates would also impact interest rates on these facilities.

For more information relating to borrowing and interest rates, see the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of 
“Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 and notes 6 and 
7 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8.  That information is also incorporated here by reference.  In 
addition, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” for additional risk factors relating to our business.

25

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and 
subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, the related statements of consolidated income, 
comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 
2019, and the related notes and the schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the "financial 
statements").  In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the 
Company as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years 
in the period ended June 30, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of 
America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2019, based on the criteria 
established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of 
the Treadway Commission and our report dated August 16, 2019, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's 
internal control over financial reporting. 

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an 
opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits.  We are a public accounting firm registered with 
the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal 
securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.  Those standards require that we plan and 
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material 
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.  Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material 
misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to 
those risks.  Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in 
the financial statements.  Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates 
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.  We believe that our 
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial 
statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to 
accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, 
subjective, or complex judgments.  The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on 
the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing 
a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Goodwill - Canada Reporting Unit - Refer to Note 5 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

The Company’s evaluation of goodwill for impairment involves the comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to 
its carrying value.  The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using the income and market 
approaches.  The determination of the fair value using the income approach requires management to make significant 
estimates and assumptions related to forecasts of future revenues, operating margins, and discount rates.  The 
determination of the fair value using the market approach requires management to make significant estimates and 
assumptions related to forecasts of future revenues, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization 
(EBITDA) and multiples that are applied to management’s forecasted revenues and EBITDA estimates.  The goodwill 
balance was $662.0 million as of June 30, 2019, of which $28.3 million related to the Canada reporting unit.  The fair 
value of the Canada reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by 25% as of the measurement date and, therefore, no 
impairment was recognized. 

26

Given the nature of the Canada reporting unit's operations, the sensitivity of the business to changes in the Canadian 
economy, the reporting unit’s historical performance as compared to projections, and the difference between its fair 
value and the carrying value, auditing management’s judgments regarding forecasts of future revenues, operating 
margins, and EBITDA, as well as selection of the discount rate and selection of multiples applied to management’s 
forecasted revenues and EBITDA estimates for the Canada reporting unit, required a high degree of auditor judgment 
and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists. 

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the forecasts of future revenues, operating margins, and EBITDA (“forecasts”), and the 
selection of the discount rate and selection of multiples applied to management’s forecasted revenues and EBITDA 
estimates (“market multiples”) for the Canada reporting unit included the following, among others:

•  We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s goodwill impairment evaluation, including those 

over the determination of the fair value of the Canada reporting unit, such as controls related to management’s 
forecasts and the selection of the discount rate and market multiples used.

•  We evaluated management’s ability to accurately forecast by comparing actual results to management’s 

historical forecasts.

•  We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s forecasts by comparing the forecasts to (1) historical 

results, (2) internal communications to management and the Board of Directors, and (3) forecasted information 
included in industry reports for the various industries the Canada reporting unit operates within. 

•  With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the discount rate, including testing the underlying 
source information and the mathematical accuracy of the calculations, and developing a range of independent 
estimates and comparing those to the discount rate selected by management.

•  With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the market multiples by evaluating the selected 

comparable publicly traded companies and the adjustments made for differences in growth prospects and risk 
profiles between the reporting unit and the comparable publicly traded companies.  We tested the underlying 
source information and mathematical accuracy of the calculations.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Cleveland, Ohio

August 16, 2019

We have served as the Company's auditor since 1966.

27

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Year Ended June 30,

Net Sales

Cost of Sales

Gross Profit

Selling, Distribution and Administrative, including depreciation
Intangible Impairment

Operating Income

Interest Expense

Interest Income

Other Income, net

Income Before Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense

Net Income

Net Income Per Share — Basic

Net Income Per Share — Diluted

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

2019

2018

2017

$ 3,472,739

$ 3,073,274

$ 2,593,746

2,465,116

2,189,279

1,856,051

1,007,623

742,241
31,594

233,788

40,788

(600)

(881)

194,481

50,488

143,993

3.72

3.68

$

$

$

$

$

$

883,995

658,168
—

225,827

24,142

(657)

(2,376)

204,718

63,093

141,625

3.65

3.61

$

$

$

737,695

562,309
—

175,386

8,831

(290)

(121)

166,966

33,056

133,910

3.43

3.40

28

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)

Year Ended June 30,
Net income per the statements of consolidated income

Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Post-employment benefits:

  Actuarial (loss) gain on re-measurement
  Reclassification of actuarial (gains) losses and prior service cost into other income, net

and included in net periodic pension costs
Unrealized gain on investment securities available for sale
Cumulative effect of adopting accounting standard
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge
Reclassification of interest from cash flow hedge into interest expense
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax
Income tax (benefit) expense related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Comprehensive income

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

2019
143,993

$

2018
141,625

$

2017
133,910

$

2,021

(8,875)

2,238

(372)

709

2,038

(306)
—
(50)
(14,446)
244
(12,909)
(3,246)
(9,663)
134,330

$

(73)
37
—
—
—
(8,202)
319
(8,521)
133,104

$

506
91
—
—
—
4,873
1,029
3,844
137,754

$

29

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)

June 30,
Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net
Inventories
Other current assets

Total current assets
Property — at cost

Land
Buildings
Equipment, including computers and software

Total property — at cost

Less accumulated depreciation

Property — net
Identifiable intangibles, net
Goodwill
Other assets

Total Assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Accounts payable
Current portion of long-term debt
Compensation and related benefits
Other current liabilities

Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Other liabilities

Total Liabilities

Shareholders’ Equity

Preferred stock — no par value; 2,500 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding
Common stock — no par value; 80,000 shares authorized; 54,213 shares issued; 
38,597 and 38,703 shares outstanding, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Treasury shares — at cost (15,616 and 15,510 shares), respectively
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total Shareholders’ Equity
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

30

2019

2018

$

108,219
540,902
447,555
51,462
1,148,138

$

54,150
548,811
422,069
32,990
1,058,020

14,452
101,338
189,579
305,369
181,066
124,303
368,866
661,991
28,399
$ 2,331,697

14,411
104,419
177,813
296,643
175,300
121,343
435,947
646,643
23,788
$ 2,285,741

$

237,289
49,036
67,978
69,491
423,794
908,850
102,019
1,434,663

$

256,886
19,183
73,370
83,112
432,551
944,522
93,705
1,470,778

—

—

10,000
172,931
1,229,148
(415,159)
(99,886)
897,034
$ 2,331,697

10,000
169,383
1,129,678
(403,875)
(90,223)
814,963
$ 2,285,741

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

Year Ended June 30,
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Intangible impairment
Depreciation and amortization of property
Amortization of intangibles
Amortization of stock appreciation rights and options
Deferred income taxes
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
Unrealized foreign exchange transaction losses (gains)
Other share-based compensation expense
Gain on sale of property
Other
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

Accounts receivable
Inventories
Other operating assets
Accounts payable
Other operating liabilities
Cash provided by Operating Activities
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures
Proceeds from property sales
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
Other
Cash used in Investing Activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net (repayments) borrowings under revolving credit facility
Borrowings under long-term debt facilities
Long-term debt repayments
Payment of debt issuance costs
Purchases of treasury shares
Dividends paid
Acquisition holdback payments
Exercise of stock appreciation rights and options

Taxes paid for shares withheld
Cash (used in) provided by Financing Activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year

Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the year for:

Income taxes
Interest

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

31

2019

2018

2017

$ 143,993

$ 141,625

$ 133,910

31,594
20,236
41,883
2,437
2,368
4,058
238
4,474
(459)
—

8,465
(16,590)
(7,738)
(29,788)
(24,570)
180,601

(18,970)
1,003
(37,526)
391
(55,102)

(19,500)
175,000
(161,738)
(775)
(11,158)
(47,266)
(2,610)
—

(3,492)
(71,539)
109
54,069
54,150
$ 108,219

$

—
17,798
32,065
1,961
1,615
2,803
(667)
4,666
(335)
—

(83,103)
(33,436)
6,947
50,345
5,020
147,304

(23,230)
978
(775,654)
—
(797,906)

19,500
780,000
(125,420)
(3,298)
(22,778)
(45,858)
(319)
102

(1,645)
600,284
(589)
(50,907)
105,057
54,150

—
15,306
24,371
1,891
(2,852)
2,071
(333)
3,629
(1,541)
103

(42,267)
(3,624)
(6,162)
32,076
8,041
164,619

(17,045)
2,924
(2,773)
—
(16,894)

(33,000)
—
(3,353)
—
(8,242)
(44,619)
(11,307)
656

(3,484)
(103,349)
820
45,196
59,861
$ 105,057

54,294
40,142

41,724
25,560

38,772
8,561

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands)

For the Years Ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017

Balance at July 1, 2016

Net income

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Cash dividends — $1.14 per share

Purchases of common stock for treasury

Treasury shares issued for:

Exercise of stock appreciation rights and options

Performance share awards

Restricted stock units

Compensation expense — stock appreciation rights
and options

Other share-based compensation expense

Other

Balance at June 30, 2017

Net income

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Reclassifications of certain income tax effects from
accumulated other comprehensive loss

Cash dividends — $1.18 per share

Purchases of common stock for treasury

(393)

Treasury shares issued for:

Exercise of stock appreciation rights and options

Performance share awards

Restricted stock units

Compensation expense — stock appreciation rights
and options

Other share-based compensation expense

Other

Balance at June 30, 2018

Net income

19

5

15

16

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Cumulative effect of adopting accounting standards

Cash dividends — $1.22 per share

Purchases of common stock for treasury

(192)

Treasury shares issued for:

Exercise of stock appreciation rights and options

Performance share awards

Restricted stock units

Compensation expense — stock appreciation rights
and options

Other share-based compensation expense

Other

30

18

23

15

Shares of
Common
Stock
Outstanding

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Treasury
Shares-
at Cost

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Total
Shareholders'
Equity

39,057

$ 10,000

$ 162,529

$ 944,821

$ (373,888) $

(85,546) $

657,916

133,910

(45,005)

3,844

(163)

111

10

15

11

(8,242)

105

126

227

25

224

(2,218)

(360)

(624)

1,891

3,629

(192)

39,041

10,000

164,655

1,033,751

(381,448)

(81,702)

38,703

10,000

169,383

1,129,678

(403,875)

(90,223)

141,625

471

(46,162)

(8,050)

(471)

(22,778)

84

(24)

(56)

(7)

347

(482)

(273)

(740)

1,961

4,666

(404)

(9,663)

143,993

3,056

(47,621)

(11,158)

(59)

(301)

(120)

42

354

(1,069)

(844)

(1,057)

2,437

4,474

(393)

133,910

3,844

(45,005)

(8,242)

(2,113)

(234)

(397)

1,891

3,629

57

745,256

141,625

(8,050)

—

(46,162)

(22,778)

(398)

(297)

(796)

1,961

4,666

(64)

814,963

143,993

(9,663)

3,056

(47,621)

(11,158)

(1,128)

(1,145)

(1,177)

2,437

4,474

3

Balance at June 30, 2019

38,597

$ 10,000

$ 172,931

$1,229,148

$ (415,159) $

(99,886) $

897,034

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 1: BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Business

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Applied”) is a leading value-added 
distributor of bearings, power transmission products, engineered fluid power components and systems, specialty 
flow control solutions, and other industrial supplies, serving Maintenance Repair & Operations (MRO) and Original 
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers in virtually every industry.  In addition, Applied provides engineering, 
design and systems integration for industrial, fluid power, and flow control applications, as well as customized 
mechanical, fabricated rubber, fluid power, and flow control shop services.  Applied also offers storeroom services 
and inventory management solutions that provide added value to its customers.  Although the Company does not 
generally manufacture the products it sells, it does assemble and repair certain products and systems.

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and its 
subsidiaries.  Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. 

Foreign Currency

The financial statements of the Company’s Canadian, Mexican, Australian and New Zealand subsidiaries are 
measured using local currencies as their functional currencies.  Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at 
current exchange rates, while income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates.  Translation gains and 
losses are reported in other comprehensive (loss) income in the statements of consolidated comprehensive income.  
Gains and losses resulting from transactions denominated in foreign currencies are included in the statements of 
consolidated income as a component of other income, net.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United 
States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of 
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the 
reported amount of revenues and expenses during the period.  Actual results may differ from the estimates and 
assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all short-term, highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date 
of purchase to be cash equivalents.  Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

Marketable Securities

The primary marketable security investments of the Company include money market and mutual funds held in a 
rabbi trust for a non-qualified deferred compensation plan.  These are included in other assets in the consolidated 
balance sheets, are classified as trading securities, and are reported at fair value based on quoted market prices.  
Changes in the fair value of the investments during the period are recorded in other income, net in the statements 
of consolidated income.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company has a broad customer base representing many diverse industries across North America, Australia, New 
Zealand, and Singapore.  As such, the Company does not believe that a significant concentration of credit risk exists 
in its accounts receivable.  The Company’s cash and cash equivalents consist of deposits with commercial banks and 
regulated non-bank subsidiaries.  While the Company monitors the creditworthiness of these institutions, a crisis in 
the financial systems could limit access to funds and/or result in the loss of principal.  The terms of these deposits 
and investments provide that all monies are available to the Company upon demand.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are stated at their estimated net realizable value and consist of amounts billed or billable and 
currently due from customers.  The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts, which reflects 
management’s best estimate of probable losses based on an analysis of customer accounts, known troubled 
accounts, historical experience with write-offs, and other currently available evidence.

33

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

The Company evaluates the collectibility of trade accounts receivable based on a combination of factors.  Initially, the 
Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net sales based on historical bad debt 
experience.  This initial estimate is adjusted based on recent trends of customers and industries estimated to be 
greater credit risks, trends within the entire customer pool, and changes in the overall aging of accounts receivable.  
Accounts are written off against the allowance when it becomes evident collection will not occur.  While the 
Company has a large customer base that is geographically dispersed, a general economic downturn in any of the 
industry segments in which the Company operates could result in higher than expected defaults, and therefore, the 
need to revise estimates for bad debts. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $10,498 and $10,964 at June 30, 
2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at average cost, using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for U.S. inventories and the average 
cost method for foreign inventories.  The Company adopted the link chain dollar value LIFO method of accounting 
for U.S. inventories in fiscal 1974.  At June 30, 2019, approximately 15.9% of the Company’s domestic inventory 
dollars relate to LIFO layers added in the 1970s.  The Company maintains five LIFO pools based on the following 
product groupings: bearings, power transmission products, rubber products, fluid power products and other 
products.  LIFO layers and/or liquidations are determined consistently year-to-year.

The Company evaluates the recoverability of its slow moving and inactive inventories at least quarterly.  The 
Company estimates the recoverable cost of such inventory by product type while considering factors such as its age, 
historic and current demand trends, the physical condition of the inventory, as well as assumptions regarding future 
demand.  The Company’s ability to recover its cost for slow moving or obsolete inventory can be affected by such 
factors as general market conditions, future customer demand, and relationships with suppliers.  Historically, the 
Company’s inventories have demonstrated long shelf lives, are not highly susceptible to obsolescence, and, in certain 
instances, can be eligible for return under supplier return programs.

Supplier Purchasing Programs

The Company enters into agreements with certain suppliers providing inventory purchase incentives.  The Company’s 
inventory purchase incentive arrangements are unique to each supplier and are generally annual programs ending at 
either the Company’s fiscal year end or the supplier’s year end; however, program length and ending dates can vary.  
Incentives are received in the form of cash or credits against purchases upon attainment of specified purchase 
volumes and are received either monthly, quarterly or annually.  The incentives are generally a specified percentage 
of the Company’s net purchases based upon achieving specific purchasing volume levels.  These percentages can 
increase or decrease based on changes in the volume of purchases.  The Company accrues for the receipt of these 
inventory purchase incentives based upon cumulative purchases of inventory.  The percentage level utilized is based 
upon the estimated total volume of purchases expected during the life of the program.  Supplier programs are 
analyzed each quarter to determine the appropriateness of the amount of purchase incentives accrued.  Upon 
program completion, differences between estimates and actual incentives subsequently received have not been 
material.  Benefits under these supplier purchasing programs are recognized under the Company’s inventory 
accounting methods as a reduction of cost of sales when the inventories representing these purchases are recorded 
as cost of sales.  Accrued incentives expected to be settled as a credit against future purchases are reported on the 
consolidated balance sheets as an offset to amounts due to the related supplier.

Property and Related Depreciation and Amortization

Property and equipment are recorded at cost.  Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the 
estimated useful lives of the assets and is included in selling, distribution and administrative expenses in the 
accompanying statements of consolidated income.  Buildings, building improvements and leasehold improvements 
are depreciated over ten to thirty years or the life of the lease if a shorter period, and equipment is depreciated over 
three to ten years.  The Company capitalizes internal use software development costs in accordance with guidance 
on accounting for costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use.  Amortization of software 
begins when it is ready for its intended use, and is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 
the software, generally not to exceed twelve years.  Capitalized software and hardware costs are classified as 
property on the consolidated balance sheets.  The carrying values of property and equipment are reviewed for 
impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the recorded value cannot be recovered from 
undiscounted future cash flows.  Impairment losses, if any, would be measured based upon the difference between 
the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets.

34

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is recognized as the excess cost of an acquired entity over the net amount assigned to assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed.  Goodwill is not amortized.  Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually as of January 1 or 
whenever changes in conditions indicate an evaluation should be completed.  These conditions could include a 
significant change in the business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, or sale or 
disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit.  The Company utilizes the income and market approaches to 
determine the fair value of reporting units.  Evaluating impairment requires significant judgment by management, 
including estimated future operating results, estimated future cash flows, the long-term rate of growth of the 
business, and determination of an appropriate discount rate.  While the Company uses available information to 
prepare the estimates and evaluations, actual results could differ significantly.

The Company recognizes acquired identifiable intangible assets such as customer relationships, trade names, vendor 
relationships, and non-competition agreements apart from goodwill.  Customer relationship identifiable intangibles 
are amortized using the sum-of-the-years-digits method or the expected cash flow method over estimated useful 
lives consistent with assumptions used in the determination of their value.  Amortization of all other finite-lived 
identifiable intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated period of benefit.  
Amortization of identifiable intangible assets is included in selling, distribution and administrative expense in the 
accompanying statements of consolidated income.  Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for 
impairment when changes in conditions indicate carrying value may not be recoverable.  Identifiable intangible assets 
with indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis or whenever changes in conditions indicate an 
evaluation should be completed.  The Company does not currently have any indefinite-lived identifiable intangible 
assets. 

Self-Insurance Liabilities

The Company maintains business insurance programs with significant self-insured retention covering workers’ 
compensation, business, automobile, general product liability and other claims.  The Company accrues estimated 
losses including those incurred but not reported using actuarial calculations, models and assumptions based on 
historical loss experience.  The Company also maintains a self-insured health benefits plan which provides medical 
benefits to U.S. based employees electing coverage under the plan.  The Company estimates its reserve for all unpaid 
medical claims, including those incurred but not reported, based on historical experience, adjusted as necessary 
based upon management’s reasoned judgment.

Revenue Recognition

The Company primarily sells purchased products distributed through its network of service centers and recognizes 
revenue at a point in time when control of the product transfers to the customer, typically upon shipment from an 
Applied facility or directly from a supplier.  For products that ship directly from suppliers to customers, Applied acts 
as the principal in the transaction and recognizes revenue on a gross basis.  Revenue recognized over time is not 
significant.  Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for the 
products and services provided, net of allowances for product returns, variable consideration, and any taxes collected 
from customers that will be remitted to governmental authorities.  Shipping and handling costs are recognized in net 
sales when they are billed to the customer.  The Company has elected to account for shipping and handling activities 
as fulfillment costs.  There are no significant costs associated with obtaining customer contracts.

Payment terms with customers vary by the type and location of the customer and the products or services offered. 
The Company does not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of significant financing 
components based on the expectation that the period between when the Company transfers a promised good or 
service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less.  Arrangements 
with customers that include payment terms extending beyond one year are not significant. 

The Company’s products are generally sold with a right of return and may include variable consideration in the form 
of incentives, discounts, credits or rebates.  Product returns are estimated based on historical return rates.  The 
returns reserve was $7,265 and $2,602 at June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively.  The increase in the 
reserve is due to the Company's adoption of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606 - Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers (ASC 606), which required the returns reserve to be established at the gross sales value 
with an asset established for the value of expected product to be returned.

The Company estimates and recognizes variable consideration based on historical experience to determine the 
expected amount to which the Company will be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised goods or services 
to a customer.  The Company records variable consideration as an adjustment to the transaction price in the period it 
is incurred.  The realization of variable consideration occurs within a short period of time from product delivery; 
therefore, the time value of money effect is not significant. 

35

Shipping and Handling Costs

The Company records freight payments to third parties in cost of sales and internal delivery costs in selling, 
distribution and administrative expense in the accompanying statements of consolidated income.  Internal delivery 
costs in selling, distribution and administrative expenses were approximately $24,090, $19,320 and $20,060 for the 
fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are determined based upon income and expenses recorded for financial reporting purposes.  Deferred 
income taxes are recorded for estimated future tax effects of differences between the bases of assets and liabilities 
for financial reporting and income tax purposes, giving consideration to enacted tax laws.  Uncertain tax positions 
meeting a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are recognized in accordance with ASC Topic 740 - Income 
Taxes.  The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits in the 
provision for income taxes.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-based compensation represents the cost related to share-based awards granted to employees under the 2015 
Long-Term Performance Plan, the 2011 Long-Term Performance Plan, or the 2007 Long-Term Performance Plan.  
The Company measures share-based compensation cost at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the 
award and recognizes the cost over the requisite service period.  Non-qualified stock appreciation rights (SARs) and 
stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of the Company’s common stock 
at the date of grant and the fair values are determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, which 
incorporates assumptions regarding the expected volatility, the expected option life, the risk-free interest rate and 
the expected dividend yield.  SARs and stock option awards generally vest over four years of continuous service and 
have ten-year contractual terms.  The fair value of restricted stock awards, restricted stock units (RSUs), and 
performance shares are based on the closing market price of Company common stock on the grant date.

Treasury Shares

Shares of common stock repurchased by the Company are recorded at cost as treasury shares and result in a 
reduction of shareholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets.  The Company uses the weighted-average cost 
method for determining the cost of shares reissued.  The difference between the cost of the shares and the 
reissuance price is added to or deducted from additional paid-in capital.

Derivatives

The Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value 
of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a 
derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting, and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied 
the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting.  Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure 
to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest 
rate risk, are considered fair value hedges.  Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to 
variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. 
Derivatives may also be designated as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign 
operation.  Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the 
hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are 
attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a 
cash flow hedge.  The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain 
risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting. 

In accordance with the FASB’s fair value measurement guidance, the Company made an accounting policy election 
to measure the credit risk of its derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a 
net basis by counterparty portfolio.

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers (Topic 606)".  The standard outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in the accounting 
for revenue arising from contracts with customers.  The core principle of this model is that "an entity recognizes 
revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the 
consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services."  Subsequent to 
the issuance of ASU 2014-09, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, and ASU 2016-12, which 
clarify the guidance in ASU 2014-09 but do not change the core principle of the revenue recognition model, and 

36

have been collectively codified into ASC 606.  The provisions of ASC 606 are effective for interim and annual periods 
beginning after December 15, 2017.  On July 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606 using the modified 
retrospective method.  As a result, the Company applied ASC 606 only to contracts that were not completed as of 
July 1, 2018.  The adoption of ASC 606 resulted in a net increase to opening retained earnings of approximately 
$3,429, net of tax, on July 1, 2018.  See note 2, Revenue Recognition, for further information on the impacts of 
these standard updates.

Income Tax Consequences of Intra-entity Transfer of Assets other than Inventory

In October 2016, the FASB issued its final standard on the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets 
other than inventory.  This standard, issued as ASU 2016-16, requires that an entity recognize the income tax 
consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs and eliminates the 
exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory.  This update is effective for annual and interim 
financial statement periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  The Company adopted ASU 2016-16 during the 
first quarter of fiscal 2019 using the modified retrospective method, and recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment 
decreasing retained earnings by $424, recording a deferred tax asset of $587 and reversing a prepaid asset of 
$1,011 as of the beginning of the period.  The deferred tax asset is included in other assets on the consolidated 
balance sheet as of June 30, 2019.

Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities

In August 2017, the FASB issued its final standard on targeted improvements to accounting for hedging activities.  
This standard, issued as ASU 2017-12, expands and refines hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk 
components and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instruments and the hedged 
item in the financial statements.  This update is effective for annual and interim financial statement periods 
beginning after December 15, 2018.  The Company early adopted ASU 2017-12 during the third quarter of fiscal 
2019.

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

In February 2016, the FASB issued its final standard on accounting for leases.  This standard, issued as ASU 2016-02, 
requires that an entity that is a lessee recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases 
and disclose key information about leasing arrangements.  The core principle of this update is that a "lessee should 
recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases."  This update is effective for annual financial statement 
periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with earlier application permitted.  In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 
2018-10 which clarifies the guidance in ASU 2016-02, and ASU 2018-11 which provides entities with an additional 
transition method option for adopting the new standard.  The Company plans to use this new transition method 
option upon adoption and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings.  In 
December 2018 and January 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2018-20 and ASU 2019-01, respectively, which further 
clarify the guidance.  The Company established a cross-functional team to evaluate the new standard and is in the 
process of implementing new lease administration software.  Upon adoption, the Company's right of use assets and 
corresponding lease liabilities are estimated at approximately $80,000 to $105,000 before considering deferred 
taxes.  Applied does not expect a material impact to the Company’s statements of consolidated income, 
comprehensive income, or cash flows. 

In June 2016, the FASB issued its final standard on measurement of credit losses on financial instruments.            
This standard, issued as ASU 2016-13, requires that an entity measure impairment of certain financial instruments, 
including trade receivables, based on expected losses rather than incurred losses.  This update is effective for 
financial statement periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for financial 
statement periods beginning after December 15, 2018.  In November 2018, April 2019, and May 2019 the FASB 
issued ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-04, and ASU 2019-05, respectively, which clarify the guidance in ASU 2016-13.  The 
Company has not yet determined the impact of these pronouncements on its financial statements and related 
disclosures. 

In August 2016, the FASB issued its final standard on the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments 
within the statement of cash flows.  This standard, issued as ASU 2016-15, makes a number of changes meant to 
add or clarify guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows.  
This update is effective for annual and interim financial statement periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with 
early adoption permitted.  The Company has not yet determined the impact of this pronouncement on its financial 
statements and related disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued its final standard on the accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud 
computing arrangement that is a service contract.  This standard, issued as ASU 2018-15, aligns the requirements for  
capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements 

37

for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software.  This update is effective for 
annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted.  The Company has 
not yet determined the impact of this pronouncement on its financial statements and related disclosures.

NOTE 2: REVENUE RECOGNITION

The Company adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method effective July 1, 2018.  The Company 
completed an analysis of revenue streams at each of its business units and evaluated the impact of adopting ASC 
606 on revenue recognition.  The Company primarily sells purchased products and the majority of its revenue is 
recognized at a point in time.  The cumulative effect of initially applying ASC 606 resulted in a net increase to the 
opening retained earnings balance of $3,429, net of tax, at July 1, 2018.  The transition adjustment is comprised of 
two components.  The first component is recognition of revenue from bill and hold arrangements.  The second 
component is recognition of revenue from contracts that meet the criteria to recognize revenue over time as the 
underlying products have no alternative use and the Company has a right to payment for performance completed to 
date.  Revenue for periods prior to July 1, 2018 has not been adjusted and continues to be reported under ASC 
Topic 605 - Revenue Recognition. 

Contract Assets

The Company’s contract assets consist of un-billed amounts resulting from contracts for which revenue is recognized 
over time using the cost-to-cost method, and for which revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the 
customer.  On July 1, 2018, $13,823 of contract assets were recognized as part of the cumulative effect adjustment 
resulting from the adoption of ASC 606.

Activity related to contract assets, which are included in other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet, is as 
follows:

Contract assets

June 30, 2019

July 1, 2018

$

8,920 $

13,823 $

$ Change

(4,903)

% Change

(35.5)%

The following tables summarize the impacts of ASC 606 on the Company's consolidated financial statements:

Year Ended June 30, 2019

$

As Reported Adjustments
4,675
$
3,691
984
321
—
663
—
—
663
166
497

3,472,739
2,465,116
1,007,623
742,241
31,594
233,788
40,188
(881)
194,481
50,488
143,993

$

$

Balances
without
adoption of
ASC 606
3,477,414
2,468,807
1,008,607
742,562
31,594
234,451
40,188
(881)
195,144
50,654
144,490

$

$

Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, distribution and administrative expense, including depreciation
Intangible Impairment
Operating income
Interest expense, net
Other income, net
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net income

38

 
Assets

Accounts receivable, net

Other current assets

Inventories

Other assets

Liabilities

Other current liabilities

Other liabilities

Equity

Retained Earnings

As of June 30, 2019

As Reported Adjustments

Balances
without
adoption of
ASC 606

$

540,902

$

4,690

$

545,592

51,462

447,555

28,399

69,491

102,019

(8,920)

6,552

297

6,688

(1,116)

42,542

454,107

28,696

76,179

100,903

$

897,034

$

(2,932) $

894,102

Disaggregation of Revenues

The following tables present the Company's net sales by reportable segment and by geographic areas based on the 
location of the facility shipping the product for the years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.  Other countries consist of 
Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

Year Ended June 30,

2019

2018

Service Center
Based
Distribution

Fluid Power &
Flow Control

Service Center
Based
Distribution

Total

Fluid Power &
Flow Control

Total

$

$

2,009,479 $
271,305
172,121
2,452,905 $

1,007,280 $

—
12,554
1,019,834 $

3,016,759
271,305
184,675
3,472,739

$

$

1,903,388 $
273,622
169,408
2,346,418 $

711,653 $

—
15,203
726,856 $

2,615,041
273,622
184,611
3,073,274

Geographic Areas:
United States
Canada
Other countries

Total

The following table presents the Company’s percentage of revenue by reportable segment and major customer 
industry for the year ended June 30, 2019:

General Industry
Industrial Machinery
Metals
Food
Oil & Gas

Forest Products

Chem/Petrochem
Cement & Aggregate
Transportation
Total

Year Ended June 30, 2019

Service Center
Based
Distribution
33.7%
10.4
12.6
10.6
10.1

Fluid Power &
Flow Control
43.0%
21.8
9.4
2.7
2.1

8.0

3.1
6.7
4.8
100.0%

3.1

13.8
1.0
3.1
100.0%

Total
36.3%
13.8
11.6
8.3
7.8

6.6

6.3
5.0
4.3
100.0%

39

 
 
The following table presents the Company’s percentage of revenue by reportable segment and product line for the 
year ended June 30, 2019:

Power Transmission
Fluid Power
Bearings, Linear & Seals
General Maintenance; Hose Products
Specialty Flow Control
Total

Year Ended June 30, 2019

Service Center
Based
Distribution
33.9%
13.5
27.5
25.1
—
100.0%

Fluid Power &
Flow Control
1.6%
39.4
0.3
5.3
53.4
100.0%

Total
24.4%
21.1
19.5
19.3
15.7
100.0%

NOTE 3: BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

The operating results of all acquired entities are included within the consolidated operating results of the Company 
from the date of each respective acquisition. 

Fiscal 2019 Acquisitions

On March 4, 2019, the Company acquired substantially all of the net assets of MilRoc Distribution and Woodward 
Steel.  MilRoc Distribution is an Oklahoma based distributor of oilfield specific products, namely pumps and valves, as 
well as equipment repair services and industrial parts to the oil & gas industry.  Woodward Steel is an Oklahoma 
based steel supplier to the oil & gas and agriculture industries.  MilRoc Distribution and Woodward Steel are both 
included in the Service Center Based Distribution segment.  The purchase price for the acquisition was $35,000, net 
tangible assets acquired were $17,910, and intangible assets including goodwill was $17,090 based upon 
preliminary estimated fair values at the acquisition date, which are subject to adjustment pending the completion of 
the fair value analysis.  The purchase price includes acquisition holdback payments of $4,375, which are included in 
other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2019, and which will be 
paid on the first, second, and third anniversaries of the acquisition date with interest at a fixed rate of 2.0% per 
annum.  The Company funded this acquisition using available cash.  The acquisition price and the results of 
operations for the acquired entity are not material in relation to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

On November 2, 2018, the Company acquired substantially all of the net assets of Fluid Power Sales, Inc. (FPS), a 
Baldwinsville, New York based manufacturer and distributor of fluid power components, specializing in the 
engineering and fabrication of manifolds and power units.  FPS is included in the Fluid Power & Flow Control 
segment.  The purchase price for the acquisition was $8,100, net tangible assets acquired were $4,150, and 
goodwill was $3,950 based upon preliminary estimated fair values at the acquisition date, which are subject to 
adjustment.  The purchase price includes acquisition holdback payments of $1,200, which is included in other 
current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2019, and which will be paid 
on the first and second anniversaries of the acquisition date with interest at a fixed rate of 1.5% per annum.  The 
Company funded this acquisition using available cash.  The acquisition price and the results of operations for the 
acquired entity are not material in relation to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

FCX Acquisition

On January 31, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of FCX 
Performance, Inc. (FCX), a Columbus, Ohio based distributor of specialty process flow control products and services.  
The total consideration transferred for the acquisition was $781,781, which was financed by cash-on-hand and a 
new credit facility comprised of a $780,000 Term Loan A and a $250,000 revolver, effective with the transaction 
closing.  See note 6 Debt.  As a distributor of engineered valves, instruments, pumps and lifecycle services to MRO 
and OEM customers across diverse industrial and process end markets, this business is included in the Fluid Power & 
Flow Control Segment.

40

 
The following table summarizes the consideration transferred, assets acquired, and liabilities assumed in connection 
with the acquisition of FCX based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date.

Cash

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Other current assets

Property

Identifiable intangible assets

Goodwill

Other assets

Total assets acquired

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Other liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Net assets acquired

Purchase price

Reconciliation of fair value transferred:

Working Capital Adjustments

Total Consideration

FCX Acquisition

2018

11,141

80,836

44,669

1,753

8,282

305,420

440,012

775

892,888

54,035

2,677

54,395

781,781

784,281

(2,500)

781,781

$

$

$

$

$

Goodwill acquired of $161,452 is deductible for income tax purposes. 

Net sales, operating income and net income from the FCX acquisition included in the Company’s results since 
January 31, 2018, the date of the acquisition, are as follows:

Net sales

Operating income

Net income

$

2019

549,833 $

January 31, 2018
to June 30, 2018
249,752

38,186

28,075

16,845

8,758

The Company incurred $2,849 in third-party costs during 2018 pertaining to the acquisition of FCX, which are 
included in selling, distribution and administration expense in the statements of consolidated income for fiscal 2018.

The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations have been prepared as if the FCX acquisition 
(including the related acquisition costs) had occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2017:

Pro forma, year ended June 30:

Net sales

Operating income

Net income

Diluted net income per share

2018

2017

$ 3,330,430 $ 2,943,583

234,603

158,181

$

4.03 $

196,194

126,270

3.20

These pro forma amounts have been calculated after applying the Company’s accounting policies and adjusting the 
results to reflect additional amortization that would have been recorded assuming the fair value adjustments to 
identified intangible assets had been applied as of July 1, 2016.  In addition, pro forma adjustments have been made 
for the interest expense that would have been incurred as a result of the indebtedness used to finance the 
acquisitions.  The pro forma net income amounts also incorporate an adjustment to the recorded income tax 
expense for the income tax effect of the pro forma adjustments described above.  These pro forma results of 
operations do not include any anticipated synergies or other effects of the planned integration of FCX; accordingly, 

41

such pro forma adjustments do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations that actually would have 
resulted had the acquisitions occurred as of the date indicated or that may result in the future.

Other Fiscal 2018 Acquisition

On July 3, 2017, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of Diseños, Construcciones y Fabricaciones 
Hispanoamericanas, S.A. ("DICOFASA"), a distributor of accessories and components for hydraulic systems and 
lubrication, located in Puebla, Mexico.  DICOFASA is included in the Service Center Based Distribution segment.    
The purchase price for the acquisition was $5,920, net tangible assets acquired were $3,395, and goodwill was 
$2,525 based upon estimated fair values at the acquisition date.  The purchase price includes $906 of acquisition 
holdback payments, of which $219 was paid during fiscal year 2019.  Due to changes in foreign currency exchange 
rates, the balance of $646 is included in other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance 
sheets as of June 30, 2019, which will be paid on the second and third anniversaries of the acquisition date with 
interest at a fixed rate of 1.5% per annum.  The Company funded this acquisition using available cash.  The 
acquisition price and the results of operations for the acquired entity are not material in relation to the Company's 
consolidated financial statements.

Fiscal 2017 Acquisition

On March 3, 2017, the Company acquired substantially all of the net assets of Sentinel Fluid Controls ("Sentinel"), a 
distributor of hydraulic and lubrication components, systems and solutions operating from four locations.  Sentinel is 
included in the Fluid Power & Flow Control segment.  The purchase price for the acquisition was $3,755, net 
tangible assets acquired were $3,130, and goodwill was $625 based upon estimated fair values at the acquisition 
date.  The purchase price included $982 of acquisition holdback payments, of which $329, $328, and $175 were 
paid during fiscal years 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.  The remaining balance of $150 is included in other 
current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, which will be paid plus interest at various 
times in the future.  The Company funded the amount paid for the acquisition at closing using available cash.  The 
acquisition price and the results of operations for the acquired entity are not material in relation to the Company's 
consolidated financial statements.

Holdback Liabilities for Acquisitions

Acquisition holdback payments of approximately $2,640, $2,343, $1,313 and $75 will be made in fiscal 2020, 2021, 
2022, and 2024, respectively.  The related liabilities for these payments are recorded in the consolidated balance 
sheets in other current liabilities for the amounts due in fiscal year 2020 and other liabilities for the amounts due in 
fiscal years 2021 through 2024.

NOTE 4: INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following:

June 30,
U.S. inventories at average cost

Foreign inventories at average cost

Less: Excess of average cost over LIFO cost for U.S. inventories

Inventories on consolidated balance sheets

$

$

2019
473,949

125,260

599,209

151,654

2018
443,521

117,711

561,232

139,163

$

447,555

$

422,069

The overall impact of LIFO layer liquidations increased gross profit by $112, $579, and $9,414 in fiscal 2019, fiscal 
2018, and fiscal 2017, respectively.  In fiscal 2017, reductions in U.S. inventories, primarily in the bearings pool 
which included the scrapping of approximately $6,000 of product, resulted in liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities 
carried at lower costs prevailing in prior years.  

42

 NOTE 5: GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for both the Service Center Based Distribution segment and the 
Fluid Power & Flow Control segment for the years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 are as follows: 

Balance at July 1, 2017
Goodwill added during the year
Other, primarily currency translation
Balance at June 30, 2018
Goodwill added during the year
Other, primarily currency translation
Balance at June 30, 2019

$

Service Center
Based
Distribution
201,740
2,525
(1,181)
203,084
9,943
607
213,634

$

Fluid Power &
Flow Control
4,395
439,164
—
443,559
4,798
—
448,357

$

$

Total
206,135
441,689
(1,181)
646,643
14,741
607
661,991

$

$

The Company has seven (7) reporting units for which an annual goodwill impairment assessment was performed as 
of January 1, 2019.  The Company concluded that all of the reporting units’ fair value exceeded their carrying 
amounts by at least 20% as of January 1, 2019.  Specifically, the Canada reporting unit's fair value exceeded its 
carrying value by 25%.  The Canada reporting unit has a goodwill balance of $28,327 as of June 30, 2019.  The fair 
values of the reporting units in accordance with the goodwill impairment test were determined using the income 
and market approaches.  The income approach employs the discounted cash flow method reflecting projected cash 
flows expected to be generated by market participants and then adjusted for time value of money factors, and 
requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to forecasts of future revenues, 
operating margins, and discount rates.  The market approach utilizes an analysis of comparable publicly traded 
companies and requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to the forecasts of 
future revenues, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and multiples that are 
applied to management’s forecasted revenues and EBITDA estimates.

Changes in future results, assumptions, and estimates after the measurement date may lead to an outcome where 
additional impairment charges would be required in future periods.  Specifically, actual results may vary from the 
Company’s forecasts and such variations may be material and unfavorable, thereby triggering the need for future 
impairment tests where the conclusions may differ in reflection of prevailing market conditions.  

At June 30, 2019 and 2018, accumulated goodwill impairment losses subsequent to fiscal year 2002 totaled 
$64,794 related to the Service Center Based Distribution segment and $36,605 related to the Fluid Power & Flow 
Control segment. 

The Company's identifiable intangible assets resulting from business combinations are amortized over their estimated 
period of benefit and consist of the following:

June 30, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangibles:

Customer relationships
Trade names
Vendor relationships
Non-competition agreements

Total Intangibles

June 30, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangibles:

Customer relationships
Trade names
Vendor relationships
Non-competition agreements

Total Intangibles

Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Book Value

422,367
105,946
11,367
2,702
542,382

$

$

135,879
27,232
8,156
2,249
173,516

Amount

465,691
112,939
11,425
2,761
592,816

Accumulated
Amortization

$

$

125,009
22,454
7,382
2,024
156,869

$

$

$

$

286,488
78,714
3,211
453
368,866

Net
Book Value

340,682
90,485
4,043
737
435,947

$

$

$

$

Amounts include the impact of foreign currency translation.  Fully amortized amounts are written off. 

43

During fiscal 2019, the Company acquired identifiable intangible assets with a preliminary acquisition cost allocation 
and weighted-average life as follows:

Customer relationships
Trade names
Non-competition agreements
Total Intangibles Acquired

Acquisition
Cost Allocation
5,956
$
941
250
7,147

$

Weighted-
Average Life
20.0
5.0
5.0
17.5

Due to a sustained decline in economic conditions in the upstream oil and gas industry in western Canada,
management also assessed the long-lived intangible assets related to the Reliance asset group in Canada for
impairment during the third quarter of fiscal 2019.  The Reliance asset group is located in western Canada and
primarily serves customers in the upstream oil and gas industry.  The asset group carrying value exceeded the sum of
the undiscounted cash flows, indicating impairment.  The fair value of the asset group was then determined using 
the income approach, using Level 3 assumptions in the fair value hierarchy, and the analysis resulted in the 
measurement of a full impairment loss of $31,594, which was recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2019.

Amortization of identifiable intangibles totaled $41,883, $32,065 and $24,371 in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, 
respectively, and is included in selling, distribution and administrative expenses in the statements of consolidated 
income.  Future amortization expense based on the Company’s identifiable intangible assets as of June 30, 2019 is 
estimated to be $39,000 for 2020, $36,900 for 2021, $34,800 for 2022, $32,600 for 2023 and $28,600 for 2024.

NOTE 6: DEBT

Revolving Credit Facility & Term Loan

In January 2018, in conjunction with the acquisition of FCX, the Company refinanced its existing credit facility and 
entered into a new five-year credit facility with a group of banks expiring in January 2023.  This agreement provides 
for a $780,000 unsecured term loan and a $250,000 unsecured revolving credit facility.  Fees on this facility range 
from 0.10% to 0.20% per year based upon the Company's leverage ratio at each quarter end.  Borrowings under 
this agreement carry variable interest rates tied to either LIBOR or prime at the Company's discretion.  At June 30, 
2019 and June 30, 2018, the Company had $613,625 and $775,125 outstanding under the term loan, respectively.  
The Company had no amount outstanding under the revolver as of June 30, 2019 and $19,500 was outstanding 
under the revolver as of June 30, 2018.  Unused lines under this facility, net of outstanding letters of credit of 
$3,215 and $3,625, respectively, to secure certain insurance obligations, totaled $246,785 and $226,875 at 
June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively, and were available to fund future acquisitions or other capital and 
operating requirements.  The interest rate on the term loan was 4.19% and 4.13% as of June 30, 2019 and 
June 30, 2018, respectively.  The weighted average interest rate on the amount outstanding under the revolving 
credit facility as of June 30, 2018 was 3.93%.

Additionally, the Company had letters of credit outstanding with a separate bank, not associated with the revolving 
credit agreement, in the amount of $2,698 as of June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, in order to secure certain 
insurance obligations.

Trade Receivable Securitization Facility

In August 2018, the Company established a trade receivable securitization facility (the “AR Securitization Facility”) 
with a termination date of August 31, 2021.  The maximum availability under the AR Securitization Facility is 
$175,000.  Availability is further subject to changes in the credit ratings of our customers, customer concentration 
levels or certain characteristics of the accounts receivable being transferred and, therefore, at certain times, we may 
not be able to fully access the $175,000 of funding available under the AR Securitization Facility.  The AR 
Securitization Facility effectively increases the Company’s borrowing capacity by collateralizing a portion of the 
amount of the Service Center Based Distribution reportable segment’s U.S. operations’ trade accounts receivable.  
The collateralized trade accounts receivable is equal to the borrowed amount outstanding under the AR 
Securitization Facility and there are no restrictions on cash or other assets.  The Company uses the proceeds from the 
AR Securitization Facility as an alternative to other forms of debt, effectively reducing borrowing costs.  Borrowings 
under this facility carry variable interest rates tied to LIBOR and fees on the AR Securitization Facility are 0.90% per 
year.  As of June 30, 2019, the Company borrowed $175,000 under the AR Securitization Facility, and the interest 
rate was 3.33%. 

44

Other Long-Term Borrowings

At June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, the Company had borrowings outstanding under its unsecured shelf facility 
agreement with Prudential Investment Management of $170,000.  Fees on this facility range from 0.25% to 1.25% 
per year based on the Company's leverage ratio at each quarter end.  The "Series C" notes have a principal amount 
of $120,000 and carry a fixed interest rate of 3.19%, and are due in equal principal payments in July 2020, 2021, 
and 2022.  The "Series D" notes have a principal amount of $50,000, carry a fixed interest rate of 3.21%, and are 
due in equal principal payments in October 2019 and 2023. 

In 2014, the Company assumed $2,359 of debt as a part of the headquarters facility acquisition.  The 1.50% fixed 
interest rate note is held by the State of Ohio Development Services Agency, maturing in May 2024.  At June 30, 
2019 and 2018, $1,204 and $1,438 was outstanding, respectively. 

Unamortized debt issue costs of $577 and $551 are included as a reduction of current portion of long-term debt on 
the consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively.  Unamortized debt issue costs 
of $1,366 and $1,807 are included as a reduction of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets as of 
June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively.

The table below summarizes the aggregate maturities of amounts outstanding under long-term borrowing 
arrangements for each of the next five years:

 Fiscal Year

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Covenants

Aggregate
Maturity

$

49,613

79,241

259,120

546,624

25,231

The credit facility and the unsecured shelf facility contain restrictive covenants regarding liquidity, net worth, financial 
ratios, and other covenants.  At June 30, 2019, the most restrictive of these covenants required that the Company 
have net indebtedness less than 4.0 times consolidated income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization 
(as defined).  At June 30, 2019, the Company's net indebtedness was less than 3.0 times consolidated income 
before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (as defined).  The Company was in compliance with all financial 
covenants at June 30, 2019.

NOTE 7: DERIVATIVES

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions.  The 
Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management 
of its core business activities.  The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk 
primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities and the use of derivative 
financial instruments.  Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures 
that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, 
the value of which are determined by interest rates.  The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to 
manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its 
known or expected cash payments principally related to the Company’s borrowings.  

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its 
exposure to interest rate movements.  To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps 
as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.  Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the 
receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the 
life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.

For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative 
is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same 
period(s) during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  Amounts reported in accumulated other 

45

comprehensive loss related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on 
the Company’s variable-rate debt. 

In January 2019, the Company entered into an interest rate swap to mitigate variability in forecasted interest 
payments on $463,000 of the Company’s U.S. dollar-denominated unsecured variable rate debt.  The interest rate 
swap effectively converts a portion of the floating rate interest payment into a fixed rate interest payment.  The 
Company designated the interest rate swap as a pay-fixed, receive-floating interest rate swap instrument and is 
accounting for this derivative as a cash flow hedge.  The interest rate swap converts $463,000 of variable rate debt 
to a rate of 4.36%.  The fair value of the interest rate cash flow hedge was $14,202 as of June 30, 2019 (Level 2 in 
the fair value hierarchy), which is included in other current liabilities and other liabilities in the consolidated balance 
sheet.  Realized losses related to the interest rate cash flow hedge were not material in fiscal 2019.

NOTE 8: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Marketable securities measured at fair value at June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018 totaled $11,246 and $10,318, 
respectively.  The majority of these marketable securities are held in a rabbi trust for a non-qualified deferred 
compensation plan.  The marketable securities are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets and 
their fair values were valued using quoted market prices (Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy).

As of June 30, 2019, the carrying value of the Company's fixed interest rate debt outstanding under its unsecured 
shelf facility agreement with Prudential Investment Management approximates fair value (Level 2 in the fair value 
hierarchy).

The revolving credit facility and the term loan contain variable interest rates and their carrying values approximate fair 
value (Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy).

46

NOTE 9: INCOME TAXES
Income Before Income Taxes

The components of income before income taxes are as follows:

Year Ended June 30,
U.S.

Foreign

Income before income taxes

Provision

The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of:

Year Ended June 30,
Current:

Federal

State and local

Foreign

Total current
Deferred:

Federal

State and local

Foreign

Total deferred

Total

2019
204,462

(9,981)

194,481

$

$

2018
186,874

17,844

204,718

$

$

2017
154,472

12,494

166,966

$

$

2019

2018

2017

$

34,437

$

48,131

$

26,456

7,965

5,718

48,120

6,265

1,947

(5,844)

2,368

8,038

5,309

61,478

5,955

(586)

(3,754)

1,615

4,692

4,760

35,908

852

535

(4,239)

(2,852)

$

50,488

$

63,093

$

33,056

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") was enacted in the U.S., making significant changes 
to U.S. tax law.  The Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, required companies 
to pay a one-time transition tax on certain unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax 
deferred, generally eliminated U.S. federal income tax on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, and created new taxes 
on certain foreign-sourced earnings.  During fiscal 2018, the Company revised its estimated annual effective tax rate 
to reflect the change in the federal statutory rate from 35% to 21%.  The rate change was administratively effective 
as of the beginning of the Company's fiscal year, resulting in a blended statutory rate for fiscal 2018 of 28.06%.  

The SEC staff issued SAB 118, which provided guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Act for which the 
accounting under ASC 740 was incomplete.  To the extent that a company's accounting for certain income tax 
effects of the Act was incomplete but it was able to determine a reasonable estimate, it was required to record a 
provisional estimate in the financial statements.  If a company could not determine a provisional estimate to be 
included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax 
laws that were in effect immediately before enactment of the Act.  According to SAB 118, the Company recorded a 
provisional tax expense of $3,877 related to the one-time transition tax on certain unremitted earnings of foreign 
subsidiaries and recorded a provisional tax expense of $2,414 related to the re-measurement of deferred tax 
balances in fiscal 2018.  During fiscal 2019, the Company completed its accounting of the Act.  Accordingly, the 
Company recorded adjustments in fiscal 2019 totaling $2,403 to reduce the tax liability related to the one-time 
transition tax.  

47

Effective Tax Rates

The following reconciles the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate:

Year Ended June 30,
Statutory income tax rate

Effects of:

State and local taxes

U.S. federal tax reform

Worthless stock deduction

Stock compensation

GILTI/FDII

U.S. tax on foreign income, net

Impact of foreign operations

Deductible dividend

Valuation allowance

Other, net

Effective income tax rate

2019
21.0%

2018
28.1%

2017
35.0%

4.4

(0.3)

—

(0.5)

0.7

0.5

(1.8)

(0.2)

2.9

(0.7)

3.1

3.1

—

(0.4)

—

—

(1.3)

(0.3)

(0.9)

(0.6)

2.8

—

(13.9)

(1.4)

—

—

(2.3)

(0.4)

0.3

(0.3)

26.0%

30.8%

19.8%

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

June 30,
Deferred tax assets:

Compensation liabilities not currently deductible
Other expenses and reserves not currently deductible
Goodwill and intangibles
Foreign tax credit
Net operating loss carryforwards
Hedging instrument
Other

Total deferred tax assets
Less: Valuation allowance
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
Deferred tax liabilities:

Inventories
Goodwill and intangibles
Depreciation and differences in property bases

Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liabilities are classified as follows:

Other assets
Other liabilities

Net deferred tax liabilities

2019

2018

$

17,401
13,050
2,398
—
8,466
3,498
1,173
45,986
(5,597)
40,389

19,334
13,169
3,197
413
11,315
—
199
47,627
(38)
47,589

(8,600)
(75,504)
(10,777)
(94,881)
(54,492) $

(8,196)
(86,176)
(9,294)
(103,666)
(56,077)

$

3,859
(58,351)
(54,492) $

2,103
(58,180)
(56,077)

$

$

$

$

As of June 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $27,024  
and $21,668, respectively, which will expire at various dates beginning in 2033.  Also as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, 
the Company had state net operating loss carryforwards, the tax benefit of which is approximately $2,098 and 
$1,549 respectively, which will expire at various dates beginning in 2027.

Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets where it is considered more-likely-than-not that the 
Company will not realize the benefit of such assets.  The remaining net deferred tax asset is the amount 
management believes is more-likely-than-not of being realized.  The realization of these deferred tax assets can be 

48

impacted by changes to tax laws, statutory tax rates and future income levels.  During the year ended June 30, 2019, 
the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $5,559 related to certain deferred tax assets in Canada due to the 
uncertainty in realizing these net deferred tax assets.

As of June 30, 2019, the Company has accumulated undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries of 
approximately $107,277.  Because $95,400 of such earnings have previously been subject to the one-time transition 
tax required by the Act, any additional taxes due with respect to such earnings or the excess of the amount for 
financial reporting over the tax basis of our foreign investments would generally be limited to foreign withholding 
and state income taxes.  The amount of the unrecognized tax liability with respect to the distribution of such 
earnings is estimated to be approximately $2,795.  In addition, we expect foreign tax credits would be available to 
either offset or partially reduce the tax cost in the event of a distribution.  We intend, however, to indefinitely 
reinvest these earnings and expect future U.S. cash generation to be sufficient to meet future U.S. cash needs.

Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in U.S. federal, various state, local and foreign jurisdictions.  
The following table sets forth the changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended June 30, 
2019, 2018 and 2017:

Year Ended June 30,
Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits at beginning of the year

Current year tax positions

Prior year tax positions

Expirations of statutes of limitations

Settlements

$

2019
3,988

105

1,151

(265)

—

2018
3,533

$

$

143

636

(324)

—

2017
2,915

574

259

(189)

(26)

Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits at end of year

$

4,979

$

3,988

$

3,533

Included in the balance of unrecognized income tax benefits at June 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017 are $4,701, $3,725, 
and $3,323, respectively, of income tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate.

During 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company recognized $161, $(110), and $163 of expense (benefit), respectively, 
for interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits in its statements of consolidated income.  The 
Company had a liability for penalties and interest of $838 and $677 as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  The 
Company does not anticipate a significant change to the total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits within 
the next twelve months.

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for the tax years 2016 through 2019 and to state 
and local income tax examinations for the tax years 2013 through 2019.  In addition, the Company is subject to 
foreign income tax examinations for the tax years 2012 through 2019.

The Company’s unrecognized income tax benefits are included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets 
since payment of cash is not expected within one year, or as a reduction of a deferred tax asset.

49

NOTE 10: SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Treasury Shares

At June 30, 2019, 128 shares of the Company’s common stock held as treasury shares were restricted as collateral 
under escrow arrangements relating to change in control and director and officer indemnification agreements.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Changes in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended June 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017, 
are comprised of the following amounts, shown net of taxes:

Foreign
currency
translation
adjustment

Unrealized
(loss) gain
on securities
available
for sale

Post-
employment
benefits

Cash flow
hedge

Total
accumulated
other
comprehensive
(loss) income

Balance at July 1, 2016

$

(81,685) $

(38) $

(3,823) $

— $

(85,546)

Other comprehensive income
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
Net current-period other comprehensive income

Balance at June 30, 2017

Other comprehensive (loss) income
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
Amounts reclassified for certain income tax effects to
retained earnings

Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income

Balance at June 30, 2018

Other comprehensive income (loss)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
Cumulative effect of adopting accounting standards

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

2,238

—

2,238

(79,447)

(8,549)

—

22

(8,527)

(87,974)

1,644

—

—

1,644

59

—

59

21

20

—

9

29

50

—

—

(50)

(50)

1,239

308

1,547

(2,276)

524

(45)

(502)

(23)

(2,299)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(327)

(10,887)

(226)

—

183

—

3,536

308

3,844

(81,702)

(8,005)

(45)

(471)

(8,521)

(90,223)

(9,570)

(43)

(50)

(553)

(10,704)

(9,663)

Balance at June 30, 2019

$

(86,330) $

— $

(2,852) $ (10,704) $

(99,886)

50

Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Details of other comprehensive (loss) income are as follows:

Year Ended June 30,

2019

Tax
Expense
(Benefit)

Pre-Tax
Amount

Net
Amount

Pre-Tax
Amount

2018

Tax
(Benefit)
Expense

2017

Net
Amount

Pre-Tax
Amount

Tax
Expense

Net
Amount

Foreign currency translation

adjustments

$

2,021

$

377

$

1,644

$ (8,875) $

(326) $ (8,549) $ 2,238

$

— $ 2,238

Post-employment benefits:

Actuarial (loss) gain on
re-measurement

Reclassification of

actuarial (gains) losses
and prior service cost
into other income, net
and included in net
periodic pension costs

Unrealized gain on

investment securities
available for sale

Unrealized loss on cash

flow hedge

Reclassification of interest

from cash flow hedge into
interest expense

Cumulative effect of

adopting accounting
standard

Reclassification of certain
income tax effects to
retained earnings

Other comprehensive (loss)

(372)

(45)

(327)

709

185

524

2,038

799

1,239

(306)

(80)

(226)

(73)

(28)

(45)

506

198

308

—

—

—

(14,446)

(3,559)

(10,887)

244

(50)

—

61

—

—

183

(50)

—

37

—

—

—

—

17

—

—

—

20

—

—

—

471

(471)

91

—

—

—

—

32

—

—

—

—

59

—

—

—

—

income

$ (12,909) $ (3,246) $ (9,663) $ (8,202) $

319

$ (8,521) $ 4,873

$

1,029

$ 3,844

Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted net 
income per share includes the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding.  Under the two-class method 
of computing net income per share, non-vested share-based payment awards that contain rights to receive non-
forfeitable dividends are considered participating securities.  The Company’s participating securities include Restricted 
Stock Units ("RSUs") and restricted stock awards.  The Company calculated basic and diluted net income per share 
under both the treasury stock method and the two-class method.  For the years presented there were no material 
differences in the net income per share amounts calculated using the two methods.  Accordingly, the treasury stock 
method is disclosed below.

The following table presents amounts used in computing net income per share and the effect on the weighted-
average number of shares of dilutive potential common shares:

Year Ended June 30,
Net Income

Average Shares Outstanding:

Weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic computation

Dilutive effect of potential common shares

Weighted-average common shares outstanding for dilutive computation

Net Income Per Share — Basic

Net Income Per Share — Diluted

2019
$ 143,993

2018
$ 141,625

2017
$ 133,910

38,670

490

39,160

38,752

529

39,281

$

$

3.72

3.68

$

$

3.65

3.61

$

$

39,013

391

39,404

3.43

3.40

51

Stock awards relating to 226, 66 and 141 shares of common stock were outstanding at June 30, 2019, 2018 and 
2017, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the fiscal years then 
ended as they were anti-dilutive.

NOTE 11: SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Share-Based Incentive Plans

Following approval by the Company's shareholders in October 2015, the 2015 Long-Term Performance Plan (the 
"2015 Plan") replaced the 2011 Long-Term Performance Plan.  The 2015 Plan, which expires in 2020, provides for 
granting of SARs, stock options, stock awards, cash awards, and such other awards or combination thereof as the 
Executive Organization and Compensation Committee or, in the case of director awards, the Corporate Governance 
Committee of the Board of Directors (together referred to as the Committee) may determine to officers, other key 
employees and members of the Board of Directors.  Grants are generally made at regularly scheduled committee 
meetings.  Compensation costs charged to expense under award programs paid (or to be paid) with shares 
(including SARs, stock options, performance shares, restricted stock, and RSUs) are summarized in the table below:

Year Ended June 30,
SARs and options

Performance shares

Restricted stock and RSUs
Total compensation costs under award programs

2019
2,440

2,082

2,391
6,913

2018
1,961

2,006

2,660
6,627

$

$

$

$

2017
1,891

1,331

2,298
5,520

$

$

Such amounts are included in selling, distribution and administrative expense in the accompanying statements of 
consolidated income.  The total income tax benefit recognized in the statements of consolidated income for share-
based compensation plans was $2,709, $1,923 and $4,848 for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  It 
has been the practice of the Company to issue shares from treasury to satisfy requirements of awards paid with 
shares. 

The aggregate unrecognized compensation cost for share-based award programs with the potential to be paid at 
June 30, 2019 are summarized in the table below:

June 30,

SARs and options

Performance shares

Restricted stock and RSUs

Total unrecognized compensation costs under award programs

Average Expected
Period of Expected
Recognition (Years)

2.3

1.7

1.7

2.0

2019

$

4,216

3,994

1,846

$ 10,056

Cost of these programs will be recognized as expense over the weighted-average remaining vesting period of 
2.0 years.  The aggregate number of shares of common stock which may be awarded under the 2015 Plan is 2,500; 
shares available for future grants at June 30, 2019 were 1,395.

Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Options

The weighted-average assumptions used for SARs and stock option grants issued in fiscal 2019, 2018   
and 2017 are:

Expected life, in years

Risk free interest rate

Dividend yield

Volatility

Per share fair value of SARs and stock options granted during the year

2019

6.0

2.8%

1.8%

2018

6.0

2.1%

2.5%

22.5%

24.3%

$16.15

$11.25

2017

4.8

1.2%

2.5%

24.1%

$7.97

The expected life is based upon historical exercise experience of the officers, other key employees and 
members of the Board of Directors.  The risk free interest rate is based upon U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds 
with remaining terms equal to the expected life of the SARs and stock options.  The assumed dividend yield 
has been estimated based upon the Company’s historical results and expectations for changes in dividends 

52

and stock prices.  The volatility assumption is calculated based upon historical daily price observations of the 
Company’s common stock for a period equal to the expected life.

SARs are redeemable solely in Company common stock.  The exercise price of stock option awards may be 
settled by the holder with cash or by tendering Company common stock.

A summary of SARs and stock options activity is presented below:

Year Ended June 30, 2019
(Shares in thousands)
Outstanding, beginning of year
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Outstanding, end of year
Exercisable at end of year
Expected to vest at end of year

Shares
1,401
194
(95)
(21)
1,479
910
1,464

Weighted-
Average
Exercise 
Price
45.32
74.05
36.51
61.59
49.42
43.21
49.31

$

$
$
$

The weighted-average remaining contractual terms for SARs and stock options outstanding, exercisable, and 
expected to vest at June 30, 2019 were 6.1, 4.9, and 6.1 years, respectively.  The aggregate intrinsic values of 
SARs and stock options outstanding, exercisable, and expected to vest at June 30, 2019 were $20,682 
$16,685, and $20,579, respectively.  The aggregate intrinsic value of the SARs and stock options exercised 
during fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $3,363, $1,765, and $8,396, respectively.

The total fair value of shares vested during fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $1,846, $2,149, and $1,788, 
respectively.

Performance Shares

Performance shares are paid in shares of Applied stock at the end of a three-year period provided the 
Company achieves goals established by the committee.  The number of Applied shares payable will vary 
depending on the level of the goals achieved.

A summary of nonvested performance shares activity at June 30, 2019 is presented below:

Year Ended June 30, 2019
(Shares in thousands)
Nonvested, beginning of year
Awarded
Vested
Nonvested, end of year

Shares
93
36
(32)
97

$

Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
45.16
54.05
38.10
50.88

$

The Committee set three one-year goals for each of the 2019, 2018, and 2017 grants.  Each fiscal year 
during the three-year term has its own separate goals, tied to the Company’s earnings before interest, tax, 
depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and after-tax return on assets (ROA).  Achievement during any 
particular fiscal year is awarded and “banked” for payout at the end of the three-year term.  For the 
outstanding grants as of June 30, 2019, the maximum number of shares which could be earned in future 
periods was 62. 

53

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock award recipients are entitled to receive dividends on, and have voting rights with respect to 
their respective shares, but are restricted from selling or transferring the shares prior to vesting.  Restricted 
stock awards vest over periods of one to four years.  RSUs are grants valued in shares of Applied stock, but 
shares are not issued until the grants vest three to four years from the award date, assuming continued 
employment with Applied.  Applied primarily pays dividend equivalents on RSUs on a current basis.
A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested restricted stock and RSUs at June 30, 2019 is 
presented below:

Year Ended June 30, 2019
(Share amounts in thousands)
Nonvested, beginning of year
Granted
Forfeitures
Vested
Nonvested, end of year

NOTE 12: BENEFIT PLANS
Retirement Savings Plan

Shares
116
36
(7)
(56)
89

$

Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
51.27
68.92
57.59
48.05
59.93

$

Substantially all U.S. employees participate in the Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan.  
Participants may elect 401(k) contributions of up to 50% of their compensation, subject to Internal Revenue Code 
maximums.  The Company partially matches 401(k) contributions by participants.  The Company’s expense for 
matching of employees’ 401(k) contributions was $7,711, $6,551 and $6,677 during 2019, 2018 and 2017, 
respectively.

Deferred Compensation Plans

The Company has deferred compensation plans that enable certain employees of the Company to defer receipt of a 
portion of their compensation.  Assets held in these rabbi trusts consist of investments in money market and mutual 
funds and Company common stock.

Post-employment Benefit Plans

The Company provides the following post-employment benefits which, except for the Qualified Defined Benefit 
Retirement Plan and Key Executive Restoration Plan, are unfunded:

Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefits Plan

The Company has a non-qualified pension plan to provide supplemental retirement benefits to certain 
officers.  Benefits are payable and determinable at retirement based upon a percentage of the participant’s 
historical compensation.  The Executive Organization and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors 
froze participant benefits (credited service and final average earnings) and entry into the Supplemental 
Executive Retirement Benefits Plan (SERP) effective December 31, 2011. 

Key Executive Restoration Plan

In fiscal 2012, the Company adopted the Key Executive Restoration Plan (KERP), a funded, non-qualified 
deferred compensation plan, to replace the SERP.  The Company recorded $400, $359, and $289 of expense 
associated with this plan in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Qualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plan

The Company has a qualified defined benefit retirement plan that provides benefits to certain hourly 
employees at retirement.  These employees do not participate in the Retirement Savings Plan.  The benefits 
are based on length of service and date of retirement.  The plan accruals were frozen as of April 16, 2018 
and employees are now permitted to participate in the Retirement Savings Plan subsequent to April 16, 2018.

Retiree Health Care Benefits

The Company provides health care benefits, through third-party policies, to eligible retired employees who 
pay a specified monthly premium.  Premium payments are based upon current insurance rates for the type of 
coverage provided and are adjusted annually.  Certain monthly health care premium payments are partially 
subsidized by the Company.  Additionally, in conjunction with a fiscal 1998 acquisition, the Company 
assumed the obligation for a post-retirement medical benefit plan which provides health care benefits to 
eligible retired employees at no cost to the individual.

54

The Company uses a June 30 measurement date for all plans.

The following table sets forth the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets during the year and the funded 
status for the post-employment plans at June 30:

Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of the year
Service cost
Interest cost
Plan participants’ contributions
Benefits paid
Actuarial loss (gain) during year
Benefit obligation at end of year
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Actual gain on plan assets
Employer contributions
Plan participants’ contributions
Benefits paid
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
Funded status at end of year

Pension Benefits

Retiree Health Care
Benefits

2019

2018

2019

2018

$

$

$

$
$

21,534
45
698
—
(3,695)
486
19,068

$

$

24,411
124
729
—
(3,181)
(549)
21,534

$

$

$

7,702
669
3,798
—
(3,695)
$
8,474
(10,594) $

$

6,530
516
3,837
—
(3,181)
$
7,702
(13,832) $

1,491
18
54
69
(150)
24
1,506

$

$

— $
—
81
69
(150)

— $
(1,506) $

1,684
19
52
68
(223)
(109)
1,491

—
—
155
68
(223)
—
(1,491)

The amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets and in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the 
post-employment plans were as follows:

June 30,
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:
Other current liabilities
Other liabilities
Net amount recognized
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Net actuarial (loss) gain
Prior service cost
Total amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss

Pension Benefits

Retiree Health Care
Benefits

2019

2018

2019

2018

$

$

$

$

3,352
7,242
10,594

$

$

3,298
10,534
13,832

$

$

(4,995) $
—
(4,995) $

(4,781) $
—
(4,781) $

155
1,351
1,506

977
184
1,161

$

$

$

$

220
1,271
1,491

1,121
554
1,675

The following table provides information for pension plans with projected benefit obligations and accumulated 
benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:

June 30,
Projected benefit obligations
Accumulated benefit obligations
Fair value of plan assets

$

Pension Benefits

$

2019
19,068
19,068
8,474

2018
21,534
21,534
7,702

55

The net periodic costs (benefits) are as follows:

Year Ended June 30,
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)
Amortization of prior service cost
Recognition of prior service cost upon plan curtailment
Net periodic cost (benefits)

Pension Benefits

Retiree Health Care Benefits

2019
45
698
(532)
185
—
—
396

$

$

2018
124
729
(472)
424
27
8
840

$

$

2017
126
687
(460)
872
86
—
1,311

$

$

$

2019
18
54
—
(121)
(369)
—
(418) $

$

2018
19
52
—
(154)
(369)
—
(452) $

2017
29
63
—
(181)
(271)
—
(360)

$

$

The Company reports the service cost component of the net periodic post-employment costs in the same line item in 
the income statement as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the employees during the 
period.  The other components of net periodic post-employment costs are presented in the income statement 
separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations.  Therefore, $63, 
$143, and $155 of service costs are included in selling, distribution and administrative expense, and $(85), $245, and 
$796 of net other periodic post-employment (benefits) costs are included in other income, net in the statements of 
consolidated income for the years ended June 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

The estimated net actuarial loss for the pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive 
income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $239.  The estimated net actuarial gain and 
income from prior service cost for the retiree health care benefits that will be amortized from accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $122 and $184, respectively.

Assumptions

A discount rate is used to determine the present value of future payments.  In general, the Company’s liability 
increases as the discount rate decreases and decreases as the discount rate increases.  The Company computes a 
weighted-average discount rate taking into account anticipated plan payments and the associated interest rates from 
the Financial Times Stock Exchange Pension Yield Curve (formerly the Citigroup Pension Discount Yield Curve) and 
the Findley Discount Curve. 

The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for 
the plans were as follows:

June 30,
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at year end:

Discount rate

Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:

Discount rate
Expected return on plan assets

Pension Benefits

Retiree Health Care
Benefits

2019

2018

2019

2018

2.8 %

3.5 %
7.0 %

3.5 %

2.8 %
7.0 %

3.1%

3.8%
N/A

3.8%

3.3%
N/A

The assumed health care cost trend rates used in measuring the accumulated benefit obligation for retiree health 
care benefits were 7.0% as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, decreasing to 5.0% by 2027.

A one-percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have had the following effects as 
of June 30, 2019 and for the year then ended:

Effect on total service and interest cost components of periodic expense
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation

One-Percentage Point
Decrease
Increase
10
(7)
$
$
(151)
180

56

Plan Assets

The fair value of each major class of plan assets for the Company’s Qualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plan is 
valued using either quoted market prices in active markets for identical instruments; Level 1 in the fair value 
hierarchy, or other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly; Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.  
Following are the fair values and target allocation as of June 30:

Asset Class:

Equity* securities (Level 1)
Debt securities (Level 2)
Other (Level 1)

Total

Target Allocation

Fair Value
2019

40 – 70% $
20 – 50%
0 – 20%

100% $

5,441
3,033
—
8,474

$

$

2018

6,226
1,337
139
7,702

*  Equity securities do not include any Company common stock.

The Company has established an investment policy and regularly monitors the performance of the assets of the trust 
maintained in conjunction with the Qualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plan.  The strategy implemented by the 
trustee of the Qualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plan is to achieve long-term objectives and invest the pension 
assets in accordance with ERISA and fiduciary standards.  The long-term primary objectives are to provide for a 
reasonable amount of long-term capital, without undue exposure to risk; to protect the Qualified Defined Benefit 
Retirement Plan assets from erosion of purchasing power; and to provide investment results that meet or exceed the 
actuarially assumed long-term rate of return.  The expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption was 
developed by considering the historical returns and the future expectations for returns of each asset class as well as 
the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio.

Cash Flows

Employer Contributions

The Company expects to contribute $3,350 to its pension benefit plans and $130 to its retiree health care 
benefit plans in fiscal 2020.  Contributions do not equal estimated future benefit payments as certain 
payments are made from plan assets.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as applicable, are expected to be paid 
in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the subsequent five years:

During Fiscal Years
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025 through 2029

$

Pension
Benefits
3,800
1,300
1,300
1,400
750
6,250

Retiree Health
 Care Benefits
130
$
120
110
110
100
500

57

NOTE 13: LEASES

The Company leases many service center and distribution center facilities, vehicles and equipment under non-
cancelable lease agreements accounted for as operating leases.  The minimum annual rental commitments under 
non-cancelable operating leases as of June 30, 2019 are as follows:

During Fiscal Years
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Thereafter
Total minimum lease payments

$ 33,707
23,407
16,420
10,653
7,838
12,135
$ 104,160

Rental expense incurred for operating leases, principally from leases for real property, vehicles and computer 
equipment was $45,000 in 2019, $41,000 in 2018 and $35,900 in 2017, and was classified within selling, 
distribution and administrative expense in the statements of consolidated income.

The Company maintains lease agreements for many of the operating facilities of businesses it acquires from previous 
owners.  In many cases, the previous owners of the business acquired become employees of Applied and occupy 
management positions within those businesses.  The payments under lease agreements of this nature totaled $2,400 
in each of 2019, 2018, and 2017.

NOTE 14: SEGMENT INFORMATION

In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company performed a review of its management reporting structure and 
implemented changes to align with how the Company measures performance.  As a result, the Company has revised 
its reportable segments to reflect how management currently reviews financial information and makes operating 
decisions.  Certain supplier support benefits are now included within the Service Center Based Distribution segment 
operating income.  Previously, these benefits were included in Corporate and other expense, net.  All prior-period 
amounts have been adjusted to reflect the reportable segment change.

The Company's reportable segments are: Service Center Based Distribution and Fluid Power & Flow Control.  These 
reportable segments contain the Company's various operating segments which have been aggregated based upon 
similar economic and operating characteristics.  The Service Center Based Distribution segment provides customers 
with solutions to their maintenance, repair and original equipment manufacturing needs through the distribution of 
industrial products including bearings, power transmission components, fluid power components and systems, 
industrial rubber products, linear motion products, tools, safety products, and other industrial and maintenance 
supplies.  The Fluid Power & Flow Control segment distributes engineered fluid power components and specialty 
flow control solutions and operates shops that assemble fluid power systems and components, performs equipment 
repair, and offers technical advice to customers.

The accounting policies of the Company’s reportable segments are generally the same as those described in note 1.  
Intercompany sales, primarily from the Fluid Power & Flow Control segment to the Service Center Based Distribution 
segment of $28,677, $25,556, and $22,719, in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, have been eliminated in the 
following table.

58

Segment Financial Information

Year Ended June 30, 2019

Net sales
Operating income for reportable segments
Assets used in the business
Depreciation and amortization of property
Capital expenditures
Year Ended June 30, 2018

Net sales
Operating income for reportable segments
Assets used in the business
Depreciation and amortization of property
Capital expenditures
Year Ended June 30, 2017

Net sales
Operating income for reportable segments
Assets used in the business
Depreciation and amortization of property
Capital expenditures

Service Center
Based 
Distribution

Fluid Power &
Flow Control

$

$

$

$

$

$

2,452,905
254,954
1,265,093
15,982
16,475

2,346,418
238,322
1,198,296
15,336
18,492

2,180,358
203,267
1,187,054
14,375
14,566

$

$

$

1,019,834
112,117
1,066,604
4,254
2,495

726,856
83,175
1,087,445
2,462
4,738

413,388
46,312
200,541
931
2,479

Total

3,472,739
367,071
2,331,697
20,236
18,970

3,073,274
321,497
2,285,741
17,798
23,230

2,593,746
249,579
1,387,595
15,306
17,045

A reconciliation of operating income for reportable segments to the consolidated income before income taxes   
is as follows:

Year Ended June 30,
Operating income for reportable segments
Adjustments for:

Intangible amortization — Service Center Based Distribution
Intangible amortization — Fluid Power & Flow Control
Intangible Impairment — Service Center Based Distribution
Corporate and other expense, net

Total operating income
Interest expense, net
Other income, net
Income before income taxes

2019
367,071

$

2018
321,497

$

2017
249,579

13,639
28,244
31,594
59,806
233,788
40,188
(881)
194,481

$

17,375
14,690
—
63,605
225,827
23,485
(2,376)
204,718

$

18,954
5,417
—
49,822
175,386
8,541
(121)
166,966

$

$

Fluctuations in corporate and other expense, net, are due to changes in corporate expenses, as well as in the 
amounts and levels of certain expenses being allocated to the segments.  The expenses being allocated include 
corporate charges for working capital, logistics support and other items.

Geographic Information

Long-lived assets are based on physical locations and are comprised of the net book value of property and intangible 
assets.  Information by geographic area is as follows:

June 30,
Long-Lived Assets:
United States
Canada
Other Countries

Total

2019

2018

2017

$

$

474,910
13,291
4,968
493,169

$

$

501,373
50,261
5,656
557,290

$

$

207,126
57,947
6,558
271,631

59

NOTE 15: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is a party to various pending judicial and administrative proceedings.  Based on circumstances 
currently known, the Company believes the likelihood is remote that the ultimate resolution of any of these matters 
will have, either individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial 
position, results of operations, or cash flows.

NOTE 16: OTHER INCOME, NET

Other income, net, consists of the following:

Year Ended June 30,

2019

2018

2017

Unrealized gain on assets held in rabbi trust for a non-qualified deferred compensation plan
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains)
Net other periodic post-employment (benefits) costs
Life insurance (income) expense, net
Other, net
Total other income, net

$

$

(689) $
334
(85)
(479)
38

(785) $ (1,188)
209
(210)
796
245
107
(1,628)
(45)
2
(121)

(881) $ (2,376) $

NOTE 17: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

We have evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to June 30, 2019 through the date the financial 
statements were issued. 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company reached a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the 
outstanding stock of Olympus Controls Corp., located in Tualatin, Oregon.  The Company intends to fund this 
acquisition using funds available through the Company's revolving credit facility.  As a full-service provider of 
innovative technologies and complete engineered solutions for OEMs, machine builders, integrators, and end users, 
this business will be included in the Fluid Power & Flow Control segment.

60

QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)

2019

  First Quarter

  Second Quarter

  Third Quarter

  Fourth Quarter

2018
  First Quarter
  Second Quarter
  Third Quarter
  Fourth Quarter

Net Sales

Gross Profit

Operating
Income

Net Income Net Income

Cash
Dividend

Per Common Share

$

864,515

$

251,853

$

66,339

$

48,938

$

840,038

885,443

882,743
3,472,739

680,701
667,187
827,665
897,721
3,073,274

$

$

$

242,860

255,559

257,351
1,007,623

192,424
188,360
239,524
263,687
883,995

$

$

$

$

$

$

60,965

34,509

71,975
233,788

51,837
46,715
56,444
70,831
225,827

$

$

$

38,717

16,535

39,803
143,993

33,721
30,950
36,592
40,362
141,625

$

$

$

1.24

0.99

0.42

1.02
3.68

0.86
0.79
0.93
1.03
3.61

$

$

$

$

0.30

0.30

0.31

0.31
1.22

0.29
0.29
0.30
0.30
1.18

On August 9, 2019, there were 4,135 shareholders of record including 2,786 shareholders in the Applied Industrial 
Technologies, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan.  The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.  
The closing price on August 9, 2019 was $55.34 per share.

The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal per share amounts reported for year-to-date.  This is due to 
changes in the number of weighted shares outstanding and the effects of rounding for each period.

Cost of sales for interim financial statements are computed using estimated gross profit percentages which are adjusted 
throughout the year based upon available information.  Adjustments to actual cost are primarily made based on 
periodic physical inventory and the effect of year-end inventory quantities on LIFO costs.

Fiscal 2019
During the third quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company acquired substantially all of the net assets of MilRoc Distribution 
and Woodward Steel for a purchase price of $35.0 million.  MilRoc Distribution is an Oklahoma based distributor of 
oilfield specific products, namely pumps and valves, as well as equipment repair services and industrial trailer parts to 
the oil & gas industry, and fluid power components, specializing in the engineering and fabrication of manifolds and 
power units.  Woodward Steel is a Woodward, Oklahoma based steel supplier to the oil & gas and agriculture 
industries.  MilRoc Distribution and Woodward steel are both included in the Service Center Based Distribution 
segment. 

During the third quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company incurred certain restructuring charges primarily for oil & gas 
operations.  Total restructuring charges reduced gross profit for the quarter by $0.7 million and operating income by 
$2.3 million.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company performed an impairment analysis for certain long-lived intangible 
assets related to the Company's upstream oil & gas operations in Canada as a result of the continued decline in the oil 
& gas industry in Western Canada.  As a result of this test, the Company determined that the net book values of these 
long-lived intangible assets were impaired and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $31.6 million.  The 
Company also recorded a valuation allowance against its Canadian deferred tax assets of $3.8 million.

Fiscal 2018
During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of FCX 
Performance, Inc. (FCX), a Columbus, Ohio based distributor of specialty process flow control products and services.  At 
the time of closing, FCX operated 68 locations with approximately 1,000 employees.  The total consideration 
transferred for the acquisition was approximately $782 million, which was financed by cash-on-hand and a new credit 
facility comprised of a $780 million Term Loan A and $250 million revolver (the Credit Facility), effective with the 
transaction closing.  This Credit Facility was used to finance the transaction, as well as to repay the Company's existing 
term loan outstanding prior to the acquisition date. The Company incurred one-time acquisition costs that decreased 
operating income by $6.1 million, net income by $5.1 million and net income per share by $0.13 per share.

61

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING 

AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company's management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 
and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, 
as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that 
evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Management of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate 
internal control over financial reporting.  Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under 
the supervision of, the President & Chief Executive Officer and the Vice President - Chief Financial Officer & 
Treasurer, and effected by the Company’s Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide 
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial 
statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of 
America.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the 
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of 
the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit 
preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United States of America and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance 
with authorizations of the Company’s Management and Board of Directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance 
regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets 
that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable, not absolute, 
assurance with respect to the preparation and presentation of the consolidated financial statements and may not 
prevent or detect misstatements.  Further, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of internal control over 
financial reporting may vary over time.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting 
as of June 30, 2019.  This evaluation was based on the criteria set forth in the framework "Internal Control - 
Integrated Framework (2013)" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  
Based on this evaluation, Management determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was 
effective as of June 30, 2019.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting has been audited by Deloitte & Touche 
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

/s/ Neil A. Schrimsher
President & Chief Executive Officer

  /s/ David K. Wells
  Vice President - Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

August 16, 2019 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2019 
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over 
financial reporting.

62

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and subsidiaries 
(the “Company”) as of June 30, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) 
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  In our opinion, the 
Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2019, 
based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO. 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended June 30, 2019, of the Company 
and our report dated August 16, 2019, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its 
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying 
Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the 
Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.  We are a public accounting firm registered with 
the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal 
securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.  Those standards require that we plan and 
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was 
maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial 
reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating 
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered 
necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.  

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding 
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles.  A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies 
and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the 
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are 
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of 
management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely 
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on 
the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become 
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may 
deteriorate.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Cleveland, Ohio

August 16, 2019

63

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

Not applicable.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

The information required by this Item as to Applied's directors is incorporated by reference to Applied's proxy 
statement relating to the annual meeting of shareholders to be held October 29, 2019, under the caption “Item 1 - 
Election of Directors.”  The information required by this Item as to Applied's executive officers has been furnished in 
this report in Part I, after Item 4, under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”

The information required by this Item regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 is incorporated by reference to Applied's proxy statement, under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial 
Ownership Reporting Compliance.”

Applied has a code of ethics, named the Code of Business Ethics, that applies to our employees, including our 
principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer.  The Code of Business Ethics is 
posted via hyperlink at the investor relations area of our www.applied.com website.  In addition, amendments to 
and waivers from the Code of Business Ethics will be disclosed promptly at the same location.

Information regarding the composition of Applied’s audit committee and the identification of audit committee 
financial experts serving on the audit committee is incorporated by reference to Applied's proxy statement, under 
the caption “Corporate Governance.”

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to Applied's proxy statement for the annual 
meeting of shareholders to be held October 29, 2019, under the captions “Executive Compensation” and 
“Compensation Committee Report.”

64

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED 

STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Applied's shareholders have approved the following equity compensation plans: the 2007 Long-Term Performance 
Plan, the 2011 Long-Term Performance Plan, the 2015 Long-Term Performance Plan, the Deferred Compensation 
Plan, and the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.  All of these plans are currently in effect.

The following table shows information regarding the number of shares of Applied common stock that may be issued 
pursuant to equity compensation plans or arrangements of Applied as of June 30, 2019.

Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by security
holders
Equity compensation plans not approved by   
security holders
Total

Number of
Securities to be
Issued upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights

Weighted-
Average Exercise
Price of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights

1,464,276

—
1,464,276

$49.31

—
$49.31

Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available for
Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation
Plans

*

—
*

*  The 2015 Long-Term Performance Plan was adopted to replace the 2011 Long-Term Performance Plan and the 
2011 Long-Term Performance Plan was adopted to replace the 2007 Long-Term Performance Plan.  Stock 
options and stock appreciation rights remain outstanding under each of the 2007 and 2011 plans, but no new 
awards are made under those plans.  The aggregate number of shares that remained available for awards 
under the 2015 Long-Term Performance Plan at June 30, 2019 was 1,394,903.

Information concerning the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated by 
reference to Applied's proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held October 29, 2019, under 
the caption “Holdings of Major Shareholders, Officers, and Directors.”

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to Applied's proxy statement for the annual 
meeting of shareholders to be held October 29, 2019, under the caption “Corporate Governance.”

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to Applied's proxy statement for the annual 
meeting of shareholders to be held October 29, 2019, under the caption “Item 4 - Ratification of Auditors.”

65

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE.

(a)1. Financial Statements.

The following consolidated financial statements, notes thereto, the reports of independent registered public 
accounting firm, and supplemental data are included in Item 8 of this report:

• Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

• Statements of Consolidated Income for the Years Ended June 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017

• Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended June 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017

• Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2019 and 2018

• Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017

• Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity For the Years Ended June 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017

• Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended June 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017

• Supplementary Data:

• Quarterly Operating Results

(a)2. Financial Statement Schedule.

The following schedule is included in this Part IV, and is found in this report at the page indicated:

Page No.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts: Pg. 70

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and 
Exchange Commission have been omitted because they are not required under the related instructions, are not 
applicable, or the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

(a)3. Exhibits.

* Asterisk indicates an executive compensation plan or arrangement.

Exhibit No.

Description

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

4.3

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., as amended on October 25, 
2005 (filed as Exhibit 3(a) to Applied's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2005, SEC File No. 1-2299, and 
incorporated here by reference).

Code of Regulations of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., as amended on October 19, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 3(b) to 
Applied's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by 
reference).

Certificate of Merger of Bearings, Inc. (Ohio) and Bearings, Inc. (Delaware) filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on 
October 18, 1988, including an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated September 6, 1988 (filed as Exhibit 4(a) to 
Applied's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by 
reference).

Private Shelf Agreement dated as of November 27, 1996, as amended through June 29, 2018, between Applied and 
PGIM, Inc. (formerly known as Prudential Investment Management, Inc.), conformed to show all amendments (filed as 
Exhibit 4.2 to Applied’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here 
by reference).

Request for Purchase dated May 30, 2014 and 3.19% Series C Notes dated July 1, 2014, under Private Shelf Agreement 
dated November 27, 1996, as amended, between Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and Prudential Investment 
Management, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Applied’s Form 8-K filed July 2, 2014, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated 
here by reference).

66

4.4

4.5

4.6

*10.1

*10.2

*10.3

*10.4

*10.5

*10.6

*10.7

*10.8

*10.9

*10.10

*10.11

*10.12

*10.13

*10.14

*10.15

*10.16

*10.17

Request for Purchase dated October 22, 2014 and 3.21% Series D Notes dated October 30, 2014, under Private Shelf 
Agreement dated November 27, 1996, as amended, between Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and Prudential 
Investment Management, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Applied's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, 
SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Credit Agreement dated as of January 31, 2018, among Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., KeyBank National 
Association as Agent, and various financial institutions (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Applied's Form 8-K filed February 6, 2018, 
SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Receivables Financing Agreement dated as of August 31, 2018 among AIT Receivables LLC, as borrower, PNC Bank, 
National Association, as administrative agent, Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., as initial servicer, PNC Capital 
Markets LLC, as structuring agent and the additional persons from time to time party thereto, as lenders (filed as Exhibit 
10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed September 6, 2018, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

A written description of Applied's director compensation program is incorporated by reference to Applied’s proxy statement
for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held October 29, 2019 under the caption “Director Compensation.”

Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (September 1, 2003 Restatement), the terms of which govern 
benefits vested as of December 31, 2004, for Peter A. Dorsman, an Applied director (filed as Exhibit 10(c) to Applied's 
Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2003, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (Post-2004 Terms) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Applied's Form 10-Q 
for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Amendment to the Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors 
(Post-2004 Terms) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, SEC File No. 
1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement entered into between Applied and each of its directors and 
executive officers (filed as Exhibit 10(g) to Applied's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration 
No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference).

2007 Long-Term Performance Plan (filed as Exhibit 10 to Applied's Form 8-K filed October 23, 2007, SEC File No. 
1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Section 409A Amendment to the 2007 Long-Term Performance Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Applied's Form 10-Q for the 
quarter ended December 31, 2008, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

2011 Long-Term Performance Plan (filed as Appendix to Applied’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders 
held on October 25, 2011, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

2015 Long-Term Performance Plan (filed as Appendix to Applied's proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders 
held on October 27, 2015, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Non-Statutory Stock Option Award Terms and Conditions (Directors) (filed as Exhibit 10 to Applied's Form 8-K filed 
November 30, 2005, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Restricted Stock Award Terms and Conditions (Directors) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Applied's Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended March 31, 2018, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Stock Appreciation Rights Award Terms and Conditions (Officers) (August 2017 revision) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Applied's 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Restricted Stock Units Terms and Conditions (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Applied's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
September 30, 2017, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Performance Shares Terms and Conditions (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Applied's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 
30, 2017, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Management Incentive Plan General Terms (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Applied's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 
30, 2018, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Key Executive Restoration Plan, as amended and restated (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Applied's Form 8-K filed August 16, 
2013, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Schedule of executive officer participants in the Key Executive Restoration Plan, as amended and restated (filed as 
Exhibit 10.2 to Applied's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated 
here by reference).

67

*10.18

*10.19

*10.20

*10.21

*10.22

*10.23

*10.24

*10.25

*10.26

*10.27

*10.28

*10.29

*10.30

*10.31

*10.32

21

23

24

31

32

95

Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefits Plan (Restated Post-2004 Terms), in which Fred D. Bauer participates (filed 
as Exhibit 10.1 to Applied's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated 
here by reference).

First Amendment to the Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefits Plan (Restated 
Post-2004 Terms) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Applied's Form 8-K filed December 22, 2011, SEC File No. 1-2299, and 
incorporated here by reference).

Second Amendment to the Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefits Plan 
(Restated Post-2004 Terms) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Applied's Form 8-K filed October 26, 2012, SEC File No. 1-2299, and 
incorporated here by reference).

Supplemental Defined Contribution Plan (January 1, 1997 Restatement), the terms of which govern benefits vested as of 
December 31, 2004, for Fred D. Bauer (filed as Exhibit 10(m) to Applied’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 
23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference).

First Amendment to Supplemental Defined Contribution Plan effective as of October 1, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to 
Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by 
reference).

Second Amendment to Supplemental Defined Contribution Plan effective as of January 16, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to 
Applied's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Supplemental Defined Contribution Plan (Post-2004 Terms), restated effective as of January 1, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 
10.27 to Applied's Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by 
reference.)

Severance Agreement for Neil A. Schrimsher (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Applied's Form 8-K filed October 31, 2011, SEC File 
No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Amendment to Severance Agreement for Neil A. Schrimsher (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Applied's Form 8-K filed October 26, 
2012, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Change in Control Agreement for Neil A. Schrimsher (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Applied's Form 8-K filed October 31, 2011, 
SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Change in Control Agreement for Fred D. Bauer (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Applied's Form 8-K filed April 25, 2008, SEC File 
No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Form of Change in Control Agreement for Kurt W. Loring and David K. Wells (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Applied's Form 10-Q 
for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

A written description of Applied's Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance for executive officers (filed as 
Exhibit 10.33 to Applied's Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by 
reference).

A written description of Applied's Long-Term Disability Insurance for executive officers (filed as Exhibit 10.34 to Applied's 
Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

A written description of Applied's Retiree Health Care Coverage for Neil A. Schrimsher and Fred D. Bauer (filed as Exhibit 
10.35 to Applied's Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by 
reference).

Applied’s subsidiaries at June 30, 2019.

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Powers of attorney.

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certifications.

Section 1350 certifications.

Mine safety and health disclosure.

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

68

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

Applied will furnish a copy of any exhibit described above and not contained herein upon payment of a specified 
reasonable fee, which shall be limited to Applied's reasonable expenses in furnishing the exhibit.

Certain instruments with respect to long-term debt have not been filed as exhibits because the total amount of 
securities authorized under any one of the instruments does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the Company 
and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.  The Company agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange 
Commission, upon request, a copy of each such instrument.

ITEM 16. FORM 1O-K SUMMARY.

Not applicable.

69

APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019, 2018, AND 2017
(in thousands)

COLUMN A

COLUMN B

COLUMN C

COLUMN D  

COLUMN E

DESCRIPTION

Year Ended June 30, 2019

Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies —

Accounts receivable:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Returns reserve

Year Ended June 30, 2018

Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies —

Accounts receivable:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Returns reserve

Year Ended June 30, 2017

Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies —

Accounts receivable:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Returns reserve

Balance at
Beginning
of Period

Additions
Charged to
Cost and
Expenses

Additions
(Deductions)
Charged to
Other
Accounts  

Deductions
from
Reserve  

Balance at
End of
Period

$

$

$

$

$

$

10,964

2,602

13,566

8,056

1,572

9,628

9,329

1,705

11,034

$

$

$

$

$

$

4,058

738

4,796

2,803

—

2,803

2,071

—

2,071

$

$

$

$

$

$

—

3,925 (A)

3,925

3,548 (B)

1,030 (B)

4,578

—

(133) (B)

(133)

$

$

$

$

$

$

4,524 (C)

—

4,524

3,443 (C)

—

3,443

3,344 (C)

—

3,344

$

$

$

$

$

$

10,498

7,265

17,763

10,964

2,602

13,566

8,056

1,572

9,628

(A)  The Company adopted ASC 606 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers effective July 1, 2018 which requires the Company's 
sales returns reserve to be established at the gross sales value with an asset established for the value of the expected product to 
be returned.

(B)  Amounts in the year ending June 30, 2018 represent reserves recorded through purchase accounting for acquisitions made during 
the year of $3,548 and for the return of merchandise by customers of $1,030.  Amounts in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017 
represent reserves for the return of merchandise by customers.

(C)  Amounts represent uncollectible accounts charged off.

70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this 
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

/s/ Neil A. Schrimsher
Neil A. Schrimsher
President & Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Christopher Macey

Christopher Macey
Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

Date:  August 16, 2019

/s/ David K. Wells

David K. Wells
Vice President-Chief Financial Officer
& Treasurer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the 
following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

*

Madhuri A. Andrews, Director

  Peter A. Dorsman, Director

Mary Dean Hall, Director

  Edith Kelly-Green, Director

*

*

Dan P. Komnenovich, Director

  Robert J. Pagano, Jr., Director

*

             *
Vincent K. Petrella, Director

/s/  Neil A. Schrimsher

             *

Joe A. Raver, Director

*

Neil A. Schrimsher, President & Chief Executive Officer
and Director

Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton, Director

             *

Peter C. Wallace, Director and Chairman

/s/ Fred D. Bauer  
Fred D. Bauer, as attorney in fact 
for persons indicated by “*” 

 Date: August 16, 2019

71

 
 
 
Shareholder Information

Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. common stock is listed on the New York 
Stock Exchange under the symbol AIT.  The Company is identified in most 
financial listings as “AppliedIndlTch.”

RESEARCH ON APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES IS AVAILABLE 
THROUGH:

CLEVELAND RESEARCH  
COMPANY 
Adam Uhlman 
216/649-7241

GREAT LAKES REVIEW –  
Division of Wellington  
Shields & Co. 
Elliott Schlang 
216/767-1340 

KEYBANC CAPITAL 
MARKETS 
Steve Barger 
216/689-0210

LONGBOW RESEARCH 
Chris Dankert 
216/525-8486

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC 
Allison Poliniak-Cusic 
212/214-5062

($000)

FY2019

FY2018

Sales

$3,472,739 

$3,073,274 

Net Income

$143,993

$141,625 

+ Interest Expense

+ Taxes

+ Depreciation

+ Amortization*

40,188

50,488

20,236

73,477

23,485

63,093

17,798

32,065

EBITDA

$328,382

$278,066 

EBITDA % of Sales

9.5%

9.0%

SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

*Includes FY2019 intangibles impairment

The Applied Industrial 
Technologies, Inc. Annual Report 
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year 
ended June 30, 2019, including 
the financial statements and 
schedules thereto, is available at 
our website www.Applied.com. It 
is also available without charge 
upon written request to the 
Director – Investor Relations & 
Treasury at the address shown.

ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders  
will be held at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, 
October 29, 2019, at the Corporate 
Headquarters of Applied Industrial 
Technologies, 1 Applied Plaza,  
East 36th and Euclid Avenue,  
Cleveland, Ohio 44115.

Requests to transfer Applied Industrial 
Technologies, Inc. shares and all 
correspondence regarding address 
change information, duplicate mailings, 
missing certificates, failure to receive 
dividend checks in a timely manner or  
to participate in the Company’s direct 
stock purchase program should be 
directed to the Company’s transfer  
agent and registrar:

COMPUTERSHARE
P.O. Box 505000 
Louisville, KY 40233-5000 
800/988-5291

INVESTOR RELATIONS INQUIRIES 
SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:

RYAN D. CIESLAK
Director – Investor Relations 
& Treasury 
Applied Industrial Technologies 
1 Applied Plaza  
Cleveland, OH 44115-5004 
Telephone:  216/426-4887  
E-mail:  rcieslak@applied.com

Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative 
Total Return

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., Standard & Poor’s 500, and Peer Group 
(Performance Results from 7/1/2014 through 6/30/2019)

$200.00

$160.00

$120.00

$80.00

$40.00

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. 

Standard and Poor's 500 

Peer Group  

$0.00

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Assumes $100 invested at the close of trading 6/30/14 in Applied Industrial 
Technologies, Inc. common stock, Standard & Poor’s 500, and Peer Group.

Cumulative total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.

The returns of the companies in the Peer Group are weighted based on the 
companies’ relative stock market capitalization.

Peer Group companies selected on a line-of-business basis include: DXP Enterprises, 
Inc.; Fastenal Company; Genuine Parts Company; W. W. Grainger, Inc.; Kaman 
Corporation; Lawson Products, Inc.; MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.; and WESCO 
International, Inc. 

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

Standard & Poor’s 500

Peer Group

Source: Zacks Investment Research, Inc.

2014

100.00

100.00

100.00

2015

79.98

107.42

91.93

2016

93.55

111.71

95.34

2017

124.88

131.70

92.38

2018

151.13

150.64

113.28

2019

135.17

166.33

123.54

This report contains statements that are forward-looking, as that term is defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and releases. 
Applied  intends  that  such  forward-looking  statements  be  subject  to  the  safe  harbors  created  thereby. All  forward-looking  statements  are  based  on  current 
expectations regarding important risk factors, including those identified on pages 1, 5-10 and 24 of Applied’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 
included herein. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, and the making of such statements 
should not be regarded as a representation by Applied or any other person that results expressed will be achieved.

 
Corporate Headquarters1 Applied Plaza Cleveland, Ohio 44115216/426-4000Applied.com