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Applied Industrial

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Industry Industrial - Distribution
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2020 Annual Report · Applied Industrial
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APPLIED® AT A GLANCE

Applied Industrial Technologies is a leading 

value-added distributor and technical solutions 

provider of industrial motion, fluid power, 

flow control, automation technologies, and 

related maintenance supplies. Our leading 

brands, specialized services, and comprehensive 

knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users 

in virtually all industrial markets through our 

multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, 

convenience, and expertise.

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

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

DIRECTORS
Peter C. Wallace (2, 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 (1, 2)
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 (1, 2)
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial 
Officer and Treasurer 
Quaker Houghton 
(Industrial Process Fluids)

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

Robert J. Pagano, Jr. (1, 2, 4)
President and Chief Executive Officer
Watts Water Technologies, Inc. 
(Plumbing, Heating, and Water            
Quality Solutions)

Vincent K. Petrella (1, 2, 3, 4)
Executive Vice President
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.  
(Welding, Brazing Products Manufacturer)

Joe A. Raver (2, 4)
President and Chief Executive Officer
Hillenbrand, Inc. 
(Diversified Industrial Company)

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

Committees of The Board
(1) Audit Committee 

Chair: Vincent K. Petrella

(2) Corporate Governance Committee 

Chair: Peter C. Wallace
(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

HEADQUARTERS
Cleveland, Ohio USA

Fluid Power

Specialty Flow Control

Bearings & Power 
Transmission

Robotics & Machinery 
Automation

#1 industry position

#1 industry position

#2 industry position

emerging provider

APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES     |    2020 ANNUAL REPORT

TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

Fiscal 2020 had its share of challenges, but it also brought opportunities. Many have used the word unprecedented to describe 

recent events and the subsequent business environment we have experienced. Here at Applied®, the word unwavering stands out, 

as it characterizes the dedication of our associates during these challenging times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

While COVID has reset the stage in many ways, we know how we respond determines our performance… and success. Across our 

business, we have implemented operational procedures and followed guidelines from the CDC and other health organizations. Through 

social distancing, virtual meetings and sales calls, distance learning and more, we have remained productive and have learned many best 

practices along the way – all in an effort to serve our customers and keep industry running.

I am incredibly proud of our teamwork and innovation which allow us to proactively and effectively respond across many industries 

where we play a key role in keeping the industrial infrastructure running productively. Our track record of operational discipline 

while preserving our capability to serve is once again apparent in this environment. This was highlighted in fiscal 2020 as we 

controlled costs and margins, generated record cash, and enhanced our balance sheet despite the softer demand environment.

We understand our requirements and know how to manage through any part of the cycle.

More than ever before, our comprehensive portfolio of products and services – combined with our specialized 

expertise and know-how – is bridging today’s challenges with tomorrow’s opportunities.

FISCAL 2020 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 » Sales of $3.2 billion

down 6.5% year-over-year and down 9.4% 
organically, reflecting the softer economic 
environment and impact from COVID-19

 » Record cash generation including cash from 

operations of $296.7 million
up 64% year-over-year 

 » Returned $48.9 million to shareholders

 » EPS of $0.62; Non-GAAP adjusted EPS of $3.81 

through dividends

down 13.5% year-over-year(a)

 » Raised quarterly dividend to $0.32

 » Reduced net debt by 22% year-over-year(b)

per common share, the 11th dividend increase since 2010

(a) Please refer to the section entitled “Reconciliation of Net income per share to Adjusted net income per share” on the inside back cover.

(b) Net debt is defined as Total debt (Current portion of long-term debt and Long-term debt) less Cash and cash equivalents.

97+

years of leadership           

in distribution

6,200+

3,200+

$2. B

employee associates

customer-facing associates

market capitalization

11

,000+

580+

distribution centers

product manufacturers

operating facilities

Data current as of June 30, 2020

7M+

operating facilities
SKUs available
to customers

1

The resilient nature of our value proposition is apparent 

across other facets of our Company as well. This 

includes providing leading fluid power solutions such 

as advanced electronic control integration supporting 

greater safety and precision of industrial equipment, 

as well as pneumatic solutions facilitating various areas 

of technology and life sciences. Today’s environment 

is also prompting us to identify new opportunities 

through our specialty flow control capabilities, as 

well as complementary consumables and emerging 

automation technologies. Olympus Controls, acquired 

in August 2019, is providing many relevant and 

timely opportunities, including ventilator innovation, 

autonomous UV-C cleaning technology, contact tracing 

and proximity tools, and more. We have proven to be 

valuable on multiple fronts.

Targeted investments in recent years have positioned

Applied as the leading distributor of technical solutions 

across the industrial supply chain. This has differentiated 

our value proposition and will continue to be ever 

more relevant as the industrial economy starts its next 

phase of growth with increasing supply chain and 

technical requirements. As industrial equipment and 

facility infrastructure continues to ramp, it will increase 

critical break-fix demand across our network, where 

we can respond with local expertise and the most 

comprehensive suite of motion control technologies  

and services within our industry… and in our  

Company’s history. 

Additionally, behaviors reshaped by the pandemic 

will reinforce secular growth opportunities tied 

to our technical service and engineered solutions 

portfolio, which has become a greater portion of 

our business in recent years. In particular, we believe 

customers will increasingly focus on addressing 

skilled labor constraints, plant efficiency, and 

regulatory requirements, while considerations 

From the onset of the pandemic, we were classified as 

an essential business supporting the important industrial 

infrastructure with critical products and services. Our 

facilities remained open and operational through the 

various shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders, while 

adhering to health and safety protocols. With more 

than 50% of our service center network demand tied 

to break-fix requirements, customers depend on us 

for critical parts, services and solutions that sustain 

operations and support vital areas of the economy. 

For some customers, a slowdown prompts incremental 

maintenance on their direct production infrastructure 

and systems, and we remain a valued partner in 

supporting their engineering and maintenance teams in 

addressing related needs. 

2

around manufacturing re-shoring and U.S. industrial 

infrastructure have potential to gain momentum. 

Ultimately, this could accelerate customers’ outsourcing 

of technical MRO and service needs, investments in 

automation, and the consolidation of market share 

toward leading distribution platforms given increasing 

service, operational and capital requirements.

As a value-added business partner, we continue to 

look for new and innovative ways to work with our 

customers and suppliers to maximize productivity 

and investment returns. Emerging technologies have 

effectively impact our customers and the important 

demonstrated encouraging capabilities in helping 

industrial infrastructure. A focus on living the Applied   

reduce downtime and MRO costs through a network 

Core Values is reinforced in this business climate, further 

of sensors, smart devices and machine learning 

supporting our efforts and helping to generate success 

algorithms. This data and digitization movement – 

for our customers and Applied.

often referred to as the Industrial Internet of Things 

(IIoT) – has been steadily building momentum 

throughout the industrial and manufacturing sectors. 

Through the Applied IoT ConnectTM Program, we 

continue to develop the best ways to leverage

these offerings and implement solutions for 

connected operations.

These values continue to influence how we engage new 

end users, fellow associates, suppliers, communities, 

and other important stakeholders. We have received 

letters from customers across our globally-served 

industries acknowledging our support and the value we 

provide. Our core values are also fundamental to our 

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, 

We are also leveraging technology and data internally

which emphasize Corporate Governance; Supply 

for continuous improvement and team collaboration 

Chain Management; Environmental, Health & Safety; 

on staying “close” to our customers and executing 

Sustainability Initiatives; and our Corporate Citizenship & 

business during these times. Our Applied Maintenance 

Human Rights Statement. 

Supplies & SolutionsSM team has introduced virtual 

ordering by integrating a video conferencing app 

to scan product bins and place orders, providing a 

contactless and touchless ordering option. Furthermore, 

we are strengthening our Applied.com channel and 

digital sales capabilities through chat assistance 

and engagement initiatives, further enhancing our 

customers’ procurement experience and driving new 

growth opportunities. 

From our foundation as a distributor and related low

carbon footprint, to advising customers on energy savings 

and eco-friendly products, we play an important role in 

supporting the environment. Additionally, we continue 

to have an opportunity – and collective responsibility – to 

further develop plans, actions and results that promote 

fair, honest and ethical practices across our business. 

We are proud to note that we have been ranked 

among the top 15 of Ohio Fortune 1000 companies 

Across our organization, we have many significant and

for Diversity in Corporate Governance, according to a 

exciting near-term opportunities to productively and 

recent report from the National Diversity Council.

3

Throughout Applied, our 

teams are fully engaged 

in serving our customers, 

executing our long-range 

strategic plan, and living 

our core values with an 

emphasis on:

Customer Focus
Dedicated to serving 
customer needs; providing 
value-add at every      
touch point

Accountability
Responsible for our 
actions and results

Continuous 
Improvement
Becoming better as 
individuals and as a team

Innovation
Creative and embracing 
change for new 
opportunities and     
future readiness

Teamwork
Working Together, 
Winning Together!

We Are AppliedSM, and we have a strong foundation, 

expanding capabilities and outstanding potential as the 

leading technical products, services and solutions provider 

to industrial markets. As we enter fiscal 2021, we see 

significant opportunity as we leverage our industry position 

to effectively adapt to the evolving industrial landscape, and 

invest in new and emerging growth opportunities. 

While we are facing some challenges as the industrial

economy transitions from a generational pandemic, we 

have a remarkably strong business model that generates 

cash and adapts well throughout the cycle, as we have 

demonstrated. Our strategy is deeply focused on the 

opportunities ahead of us and moving the Company 

toward its long-term financial goals for significant earnings 

growth and value creation in the coming years. With our 

100-year anniversary approaching, I firmly believe our best 

days are ahead!

Thank you for your continued support. On behalf of all of 

us at Applied, we wish you all the best during this time.

Neil A. Schrimsher 
President & Chief Executive Officer

August 14, 2020

I firmly believe 
our best days 
are ahead!

4

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K 

(Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 

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.)

                               (Address of Principal Executive Offices)

1 Applied Plaza Cleveland Ohio

44115
(Zip Code)

(216) 426-4000 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code

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 Act. 

 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 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 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 and posted on its corporate website, if any, every 
Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).

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

Yes  

No  

Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer  

Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth 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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the 
effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) 
by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the 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, 2019): $2,554,970,000.

The registrant had outstanding 38,711,670 shares of common stock as of August 7, 2020.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., to be held 
October 27, 2020, 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

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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 distributor and solutions provider of industrial motion, power, and control technologies.  Through 
our comprehensive network of approximately 6,200 associates and 580 facilities including service center, fluid 
power, flow control, and automation operations, as well as repair shops and distribution centers, we offer a selection 
of more than 7 million stock keeping units with a focus on industrial bearings, power transmission products, fluid 
power components and systems, specialty flow control solutions, and robotics and machinery automation.  We 
market our products with a set of service solutions including inventory management, engineering, design, repair, and 
systems integration, as well as customized mechanical, fabricated rubber, and shop services. Our customers use our 
products and services for both MRO (maintenance, repair, and operating) and OEM (original equipment 
manufacturing) applications across a variety of end markets primarily in North America, as well as Australia, New 
Zealand, and Singapore.  Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Applied and its predecessor companies have engaged in 
business since 1923.

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.

VALUE PROPOSITION
We serve a segment of the industrial distribution market that requires technical expertise and service given that our 
products and solutions are directly tied to industrial companies’ production and efficiency initiatives.  As such, we 
believe we are integral to our customers’ supply chains considering the critical nature and direct exposure our 
solutions have on our customers’ core production equipment and plant capabilities.  While we compete with other 
distributors and service providers offering products and solutions addressing this area of the industrial supply chain, 
we believe our industry position and value proposition benefits from relative advantages tied to the following key 
attributes:

1) Technical expertise in motion control technologies and related service offerings
2) Broad in-stock product offering, inventory availability, and repair capabilities
3) Tenured relationships with industrial customers and leading suppliers
4) Scale and proximity of our service center network relative to customer facilities
5) Leading positions in engineered fluid power and flow control solutions
6) Expanding capabilities in machinery and robotic automation
7) Talent acquisition and development of technically-oriented sales associates, engineers, and service personnel 
8) Business systems and distribution capabilities
9) Complementary offerings including indirect consumable supply inventory management

We focus on helping customers minimize their production downtime, improve machine performance, and reduce 
overall procurement and maintenance costs.  A primary focus for our service center network is responding to a 
critical “break-fix” situation, which requires knowledge of a customer’s facility, localized inventory, timely delivery 
capabilities, service execution, and accountability.  In addition, our fluid power, flow control, and automation 
operations design, engineer, and integrate solutions focused on making a customer’s operations and equipment 
more productive, cost-efficient, and automated.  We believe our products and solutions are increasingly critical 

2

within the industrial supply chain given an aging and tighter customer labor force, more sophisticated production 
equipment and processes, a greater focus on plant floor optimization, and compliance and regulatory requirements.

INDUSTRY AND COMPETITION
We primarily compete within North America which we believe offers significant growth potential given our industry 
position, established distribution and sales network, market fragmentation, and customer technical requirements, as 
well as opportunities tied to automation and smart technologies.  Growth within our industry is influenced by 
broader industrial production and capacity utilization, as well as inflation, labor dynamics, capital spending, 
geopolitical events, factory optimization initiatives, changes in industrial equipment technologies, and supply chain 
requirements.

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, and linear motion components, 
and to a lesser extent providers of tools, safety products, and other industrial and maintenance supplies.  These 
competitors include local, regional, national, and multinational operations.  We also compete with original 
equipment manufacturers and integrators.  The identity and number of our competitors vary throughout the 
geographic, industry, and product markets we serve. 

STRATEGIC GROWTH AND OPERATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
•  Capture market share across our core service center network.  Our network of service centers located 
close to industrial companies allows us to respond quickly and effectively to critical MRO situations involving 
direct production infrastructure and industrial equipment.  We believe more sophisticated industrial production 
processes, customer labor constraints, and increased manufacturing activity across North America could drive 
greater demand for our products and services.  We continue to deploy initiatives to further enhance our 
capabilities across our service center network and gain market share.  These include investments in analytics, 
strategic account penetration, sales process optimization, talent development, and digital capabilities, as well as 
fully leveraging and cross-selling our expanded product and service platform across fluid power, flow control, 
automation, and consumables solutions.

•  Extend our leading fluid power and flow control position as demand for comprehensive solutions 

grows.  We provide innovative fluid power and flow control solutions including systems design and 
engineering, electronic control integration, software programing, valve actuation, compliance consulting, 
fabrication and assembly, and dedicated service and repair.  Demand for these solutions is increasing across a 
variety of industrial, off-highway mobile, technology, and process related applications given a greater focus on 
power consumption, plant efficiency and automation, emissions control, remote monitoring, advancements in 
machining, regulatory and compliance standards, and data analytics.  We believe our service and engineering 
capabilities, shop network, and supplier relationships are key competitive advantages supporting our ability to 
capture a greater share of this market growth opportunity in coming years. 

• 

Leverage technical industry position in developing growth around emerging industrial technologies.  
We believe we are positioned to capture emerging opportunities relating to automation and smart technologies 
focused on optimizing and connecting customers’ industrial supply chains.  Our position reflects our technical 
product focus, service capabilities, embedded customer relationships and knowledge across direct production 
infrastructure and equipment, and existing supplier relationships.  Following our acquisition of Olympus 
Controls in fiscal 2020, we now offer products and solutions focused on the design, assembly, integration, and 
distribution of motion control, machine vision, and robotic technologies.  We expect to continue to expand our 
automation footprint and capabilities in coming years, as well as pursue opportunities tied to the Industrial 
Internet of Things (IIoT).  We believe this market potential could be meaningful as technology continues to 
converge within traditional industrial supply chains and end-markets.  

•  Execute ongoing operational initiatives supporting margin profile.  We have a number of initiatives 
focused on driving operational improvements throughout the organization.  Systems investments in recent 
years including common ERP platforms are supporting opportunities in leveraging shared services, refining our 
sales management process, and standardizing pricing and sourcing functions, while we continue to optimize 
our shop and distribution network and analytics.  We also remain focused on achieving margin synergies across 
our operations following expansion into flow control and automation.  This includes enhanced pricing 
functions, leveraging vendor procurement, freight savings, and refined cost management.  Combined with 
growth in more profitable areas of our business, we see ongoing opportunity to optimize our margin profile 
and cash generation in coming years.

•  Pursue acquisitions to supplement growth and strengthen industry position.  We expect to pursue 

additional acquisitions aligned with our growth strategy and long-term financial targets.  We view acquisitions 

3

as an important growth consideration given high fragmentation, greater operational and technical 
requirements, and supplier authorizations within the markets we serve.  We believe our sourcing strategy, cash 
generation capabilities, and operational discipline are key to our acquisition success.  Over the near to 
intermediate-term, our acquisition priorities are focused on continuing to expand our current offerings, while 
further enhancing our technical differentiation and value-added service capabilities.

OPERATIONS
Our distribution and sales network consists of approximately 460 locations in our Service Center Distribution 
segment and 120 locations in our Fluid Power & Flow Control segment.  This includes service centers, distribution 
centers, and facilities tied to our fluid power, flow control, and automation operations.  Our service centers resemble 
local inventory hubs located in close proximity to our customers and focused primarily on MRO related fulfillment 
and service needs.  Our fluid power, flow control, and automation locations support technical and shop-oriented 
services integral to the more specialized and integrated nature of the products and solutions they provide.  Other 
operations and channels we market through include inventory management services for indirect consumable supplies 
and digital solutions including our Applied.com website, electronic data interchange (EDI) and other electronic 
interfaces with customers' technology platforms and plant maintenance systems. 

Our distribution centers provide daily service to our service centers, helping replenish inventories and shipping 
products directly to customers where appropriate.  An efficient supply chain and timely delivery of our products is 
vital to our value proposition particularly when customers require products for emergency repairs.  We utilize 
dedicated third-party transportation providers, our own delivery vehicles, as well as surface and air common carrier 
and courier services.  Customers may also pick up items at our service centers.  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.  

Our operations are primarily based in the U.S. where 87% of our fiscal 2020 sales were generated.  We also have 
international operations, the largest of which is in Canada (8% of fiscal 2020 sales) with the balance (5% of fiscal 
2020 sales) in Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. 

SUPPLIERS
We are a leading distributor of products including bearings, power transmission products, engineered fluid power 
components and systems, specialty flow control solutions, machinery and robotics automation products, industrial 
rubber products, linear motion components, tools, safety products, 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 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.

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 3% of our fiscal 2020 sales.

SERVICES
We believe part of our success, differentiation, and competitive advantage is attributable to the comprehensive set of 
services and solutions we provide, which we view as critical given the technical nature and application of our core 
product offering of motion, power, control, and automation technologies.  The foundation of our service capabilities 
lies with our technically oriented associate team, which includes engineers, industry segment specialists, mechanics, 
technicians, fluid power specialists, as well as our systems, shop network, and supplier relationships.  We believe 
knowledge and service capabilities relating to our core product offering are increasingly needed across our customer 
base given skilled labor constraints within their operations, maintenance requirements, and more sophisticated plant 
equipment and processes.  Our services and solutions help customers minimize production downtime, improve 

4

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.  See 
the Reportable Segments section below for more detail on the various service solutions we provide to customers.

REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
We report results of operations in two segments: 1) Service Center Based Distribution, and 2) Fluid Power & Flow 
Control.  In fiscal 2020, our Service Center Based Distribution segment represented 69% of our total sales, while our 
Fluid Power & Flow Control segment represented 31% of our total sales. 

Service Center Based Distribution.  Our Service Center Based Distribution segment includes our legacy MRO 
distribution operations across North America, Australia, and New Zealand.  This business operates through local 
service centers and distribution centers with a focus on providing products and services addressing the maintenance 
and repair of motion control infrastructure and production equipment.  Products primarily include industrial bearings, 
motors, belting, drives, couplings, pumps, linear motion products, hydraulic and pneumatic components, filtration 
supplies, and hoses, as well as other related supplies for general operational needs of customers’ machinery and 
equipment. 

Service center locations are stocked with product inventory tailored to each local market and staffed with customer 
sales and service representatives, 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.  Industry specialists assist with product applications in their 
areas of expertise.  Service centers market product offerings with a suite of services that create additional value for 
the customer.  This includes onsite training, product fabrication and repair, and inventory management solutions.  
We also provide analysis and measurement of productivity improvement and cost savings potential from these 
services through our Applied Documented Value-Added® (DVA®) reports.  

The segment includes operations focused on certain end markets and indirect consumable supplies through vendor 
managed inventory solutions, as well as regional fabricated rubber shops and service field crews, which install, 
modify, and repair conveyor belts and rubber linings, and make hose assemblies in accordance with customer 
requirements.

Fluid Power & Flow Control.  Our Fluid Power & Flow Control segment includes our operations that specialize in 
distributing, engineering, designing, integrating, and repairing hydraulic and pneumatic fluid power technologies, 
and engineered flow control products and services.  We believe we are the largest distributor and solutions provider 
of fluid power and industrial flow control products and solutions in the U.S.  The segment also includes our 
operations that focus on robotic and machinery automation solutions following the acquisition of Olympus Controls 
in August 2019.

Our fluid power operations offer products and services primarily used within industrial, off-highway mobile, and 
technology applications.  Fluid power products include hydraulic and pneumatic technologies using liquids and gases 
to transmit power, typically in smaller spaces than other forms of power transmission.  Hydraulic products offer high 
power to weight ratios, high torque at low speeds, and power reliability, while pneumatic products are focused on 
lightweight applications in need of speed and precision.  Our fluid power products and solutions are commonly used 
for off-highway equipment, heavy industrial equipment and machines at factories, marine and offshore equipment, 
factory automation, food processing equipment, packaging operations, and downstream energy process systems. 
Operations are supported by a team of certified fluid power specialists, mechanics, technicians, and engineers that 
provide technical services ranging from system design and integration, electronic control integration, hydraulic 
assemblies, repair and rebuild, manifold design and assembly, customized filtration solutions, software programming 
and repair, and hydraulic system retrofits.

Our specialty flow control operations encompass the operations of our fiscal 2018 acquisition of FCX Performance, 
Inc., which provides highly engineered process flow control products, solutions, and services.  Products include 
pumps, valves, fittings, hoses, process instrumentation, actuators, and filtration supplies which are used to control 
the flow of liquids and gases in mission-critical industrial applications.  Our flow control products and services are 
focused on MRO related applications; OEMs; and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms across a 
variety of industries including chemicals, steel, power, oil and gas, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, food and 
beverage, and general industrials.  Similar to our fluid power operations, our flow control offering includes technical 
service capabilities such as flow control systems integration, repair services, valve actuation, process instrumentation, 
pipe and hose fabrication, and compliance consulting.

5

Our robotic and machinery automation operations encompass our fiscal 2020 acquisition of Olympus Controls, 
which provides solutions focused on the design, assembly, integration, and distribution of motion control, machine 
vision, and robotic technologies for OEMs, machine builders, integrators, and other industrial and technology end 
users.  Products and solutions are marketed across a variety of industries including technology, medical, life sciences, 
logistics, and general industrial.  Olympus Controls helps customers develop, produce, and integrate machine 
automation solutions using comprehensive technology and industry processes. 

BACKLOG 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 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.

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES  
At June 30, 2020, we had approximately 6,200 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.

6

The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken in response thereto continue to impact 
our results of operations and financial condition will depend on future developments, which are uncertain 
and cannot be predicted.  The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant volatility, uncertainty, and economic 
disruption.  The extent to which the pandemic continues to impact our results of operations and financial condition 
will depend on evolving factors that are uncertain and cannot be predicted, including the following: the duration, 
spread, and severity of the pandemic in the countries in which we operate; responsive measures taken by 
governmental authorities, businesses, and individuals; the effect on our customers and their demand for our 
products and services; the effect on our suppliers and disruptions to the global supply chain; our ability to sell and 
provide our products and services and otherwise operate effectively, including as a result of travel restrictions and 
associates working from home; disruptions to our operations resulting from associate illness; restrictions or 
disruptions to, or reduced availability of, transportation; customers’ ability to pay for our services and products; 
closures of our facilities or those of our customers or suppliers; the impact of reduced customer demand on 
purchasing incentives we earn from suppliers; and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating 
conditions can resume.  The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted and will result in lost or delayed sales 
to us, and we have experienced business disruptions as we have modified our business practices (including travel, 
work locations, and cancellation of physical participation in meetings).  In addition, the pandemic’s impact on the 
economy may affect the proper functioning of financial and capital markets, foreign currency exchange rates, 
product and energy costs, and interest rates.  Even after the pandemic has subsided, we may continue to experience 
adverse impacts to our business as a result of any economic recession or depression that has occurred or may occur 
in the future.  The pandemic’s effects may also amplify the other risks and uncertainties described in this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K, and may continue to materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of 
operations, and/or stock price.

Our business could be adversely affected if we do not successfully execute our strategies to grow sales and 
earnings.  We have numerous strategies and initiatives to grow sales, leveraging the breadth of our product 
offering, supplier relationships, and value-added technical capabilities to differentiate us and improve our 
competitive position.  We also continually seek to enhance gross margins, manage costs, and otherwise improve 
earnings.  Many of our activities target improvements to the consistency of our operating practices across our 
hundreds of locations. 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 or insolvency, trade issues, labor disputes, public health emergencies, 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; 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, 
automation technologies, industrial rubber products, linear motion components, tools, safety products, oilfield 
supplies, and other industrial and maintenance supplies.  These competitors include local, regional, national, and 

7

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 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 or agreements, including the recently enacted United States-
Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), 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, among other things, 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, conduct business communications, and compile financial 
results.  A serious, prolonged disruption of our information systems, due to man-made 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 are vulnerable to the growing threat of damage or intrusion 
from computer viruses or other cyber-attacks, including ransomware and business e-mail compromise, on our 
systems.  Despite precautions taken to prevent or mitigate the risks of such incidents, breaches of our systems could 
not only cause business disruption, but could also result in the theft of funds, the theft, loss, or disclosure of 

8

proprietary or confidential information, or the breach of customer, supplier, or employee information.  A security 
incident involving our systems, or even an inadvertent failure to comply with data privacy and security laws and 
regulations, could negatively impact our sales, damage our reputation, and cause us to incur unanticipated legal 
liability, remediation costs, and other losses and expenses.

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 in 2018 to complete the acquisition of FCX Performance, Inc. ("FCX"), a 
distributor of specialty process flow control products and services.  The aggregate purchase price of FCX was $781.8 
million.  To service our debt, we require a significant amount of cash that may limit our ability to pay dividends, 
repurchase our shares, or complete other acquisitions or strategic initiatives.  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, 2020, we had 
total debt obligations outstanding of $935.3 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 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 
9

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 2020, we recorded a $131.0 million non-cash impairment charge for 
goodwill associated with the FCX business.

As of June 30, 2020, we had $540.6 million of goodwill and $343.2 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 regarding 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 
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 

10

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, security incident, terrorist attack, public health 
emergency, earthquake, extreme weather events, other natural disasters, fire, flood, transportation disruption, 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 2020.  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, 2020, we had approximately $764.3 million of aggregate consolidated indebtedness 
that was indexed to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”).  In addition, as of June 30, 2020, approximately 
$431.0 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, our engagement in 
international trade, or otherwise relating to our compliance with a wide array of laws and regulations to which we 
are subject.  Our contracts with federal, state, and local governments subject us to various laws and regulations 
governing these contracts, increased costs of compliance, and the potential for government audits.  The defense and 
ultimate outcome of lawsuits or other legal proceedings or inquiries may result in higher operating expenses, the 
inability to participate in existing or future government contacts, or other adverse consequences, which could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

11

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, international trade, 

data privacy and security, and government contracting;

•  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.

12

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, 2020, we owned real 
properties at 117 locations and leased 433 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, 2020:

Location of Principal Owned
Real Property

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

Type of Facility

Corporate headquarters
Distribution center, service center, hose shop
Distribution center
Offices, warehouse, and fluid power shop
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, 
2020 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 Baldwinsville, 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.

13

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 do not expect, based on circumstances currently 
known, 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 29, 2019:

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 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
56
54
60

51

57

14

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, 2020, 2019, 
and 2018 and the number of shareholders of record as of August 7, 2020 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, 2020.

Period

April 1, 2020 to April 30, 2020

May 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020

June 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020
Total

(a) Total
Number of
Shares

(b) Average
Price Paid per
Share ($)

0

0

0
0

—

—

—
—

(c) Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
0

0

0
0

(d) Maximum Number of Shares
that May Yet Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs (1)

864,618

864,618

864,618
864,618

(1)  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.

15

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)

2020

2019

2018 (c)

2017

2016

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

Intangible assets
SARs and stock options

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

Cash dividend

$3,245,652
21,196

$ 3,472,739
20,236

$3,073,274
17,798

$2,593,746
15,306

$ 2,519,428
15,966

41,553
2,954
88,989
24,042

0.62
0.62
1.26

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

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

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

3.72
3.68
1.22

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

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

$ 733,686
935,276
2,283,551
843,542

$ 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

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

Capital expenditures

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

2.7
580
3,772

1.0%
2.8%

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%

$

$

$

20,115

48,873
—
48,873

$

$

$

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

43,330
37,465
80,795

(a)  A goodwill impairment charge in fiscal 2020 reduced operating income by $131.0 million, net income by $118.8 million, and diluted 
earnings per share by $3.04.  Excluding the goodwill impairment charge, the fiscal 2020 return on assets would be 6.5% and return 
on equity would be 16.4%.

(b)  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 a $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%.

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

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

(f) 

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

16

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

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

OVERVIEW

With more than 6,200 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 and technical 
solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance 
supplies.  Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO (Maintenance, Repair 
& Operations) and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) end users in virtually all industrial markets through our 
multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.  We have a long tradition of growth 
dating back to 1923, the year our business was founded in Cleveland, Ohio.  At June 30, 2020, business was 
conducted in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore from 
approximately 580 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 a significant number 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 2020 consolidated sales were $3.2 billion, a decrease of $227.0 million or 6.5% compared to the prior 
year, with the acquisitions of Fluid Power Sales Inc. (FPS), MilRoc Distribution (MilRoc), Woodward Steel (Woodward) 
and Olympus Controls (Olympus) increasing sales by $80.7 million or 2.3% and unfavorable foreign currency 
translation of $10.5 million decreasing sales by 0.3%.  Gross profit margin decreased to 28.9% for fiscal 2020 from 
29.0% for fiscal 2019.  The gross margin was negatively affected by 12 basis points for $3.9 million of non-routine 
expense recorded in cost of sales related to inventory reserves for excess and obsolete inventory for certain locations 
that were closed during the year within the U.S. operations of the Service Center Based Distribution segment. 
Operating margin decreased to 2.7% in fiscal 2020 from 6.7% in fiscal 2019.  The reduction in operating margin is 
primarily due to a $131.0 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge recorded during fiscal 2020 related to the 
goodwill associated with the Company's FCX Performance, Inc. (FCX) operations within the Fluid Power & Flow 
Control segment.  The prior fiscal year included a $31.6 million non-cash intangible impairment charge related to the 
long-lived intangible assets associated with the Company's Canadian operations within the Service Center Based 
Distribution segment.  The non-cash impairment charges decreased net income by $118.8 million and earnings per 
share by $3.04 per share for fiscal 2020 and decreased net income by $23.1 million and earnings per share by $0.59 
per share for fiscal 2019.  

During fiscal 2020, the Company recorded non-routine expense of $9.0 million related to consolidating locations 
and reducing headcount primarily within the Company's U.S. operations of the Service Center Based Distribution 
segment.  Of the total, $3.9 million related to inventory reserves for excess and obsolete inventory for certain 
locations that were closed during the year recorded within cost of sales, and $5.1 million related to severance and 
facility consolidation recorded within selling, distribution and administrative expense.  Also, the Company recorded a 
$1.0 million tax benefit related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act within income tax 
expense.  Total non-routine charges reduced gross profit by $3.9 million, decreased operating income by $9.0 
million, and decreased net income by $5.8 million for fiscal 2020.

During the current fiscal year, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the business.  We are classified as 
critical infrastructure and our facilities remain open and operational as they adhere to health and safety policies.  
Demand was challenging in the second half of the fiscal year as customers in many of our core manufacturing end 
markets idled or reduced production capacity and facility utilization in response to the pandemic.  Underlying trends 
remain subdued but are exhibiting stability into our fiscal 2021 first quarter with organic sales down mid-teens year-
over-year through early August.  We are continuing to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue 
to take appropriate cost actions.  Cost measures implemented to date include reduced discretionary spend, staff 
realignments, temporary furloughs and pay reductions, suspension of 401(k) company match, and other expense 
reduction actions. 

Our earnings per share was $0.62 in fiscal 2020 versus $3.68 in fiscal year 2019. 

17

Shareholders’ equity was $843.5 million at June 30, 2020 compared to $897.0 million at June 30, 2019.  Working 
capital increased $9.3 million from June 30, 2019 to $733.7 million at June 30, 2020.  The current ratio was 2.7 to 1 
at June 30, 2020 and at June 30, 2019. 

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. 

The MCU (total industry) and IP indices decreased during the second half of fiscal 2020 correlating with an overall 
decline in the industrial economy in the same period.  The ISM PMI registered 52.6 in June 2020, an increase from 
the June 2019 revised reading of 51.6.  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 2020

May 2020

April 2020

March 2020

December 2019

September 2019

June 2019

MCU

68.6

65.1

64.2

73.5

77.2

77.4

77.7

Index Reading

PMI

52.6

43.1

41.5

49.1

47.8

48.2

51.6

IP

93.3

87.0

83.8

99.6

105.1

104.5

105.0

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

This discussion and analysis deals with comparisons of material changes in the consolidated financial statements for 
the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.  For the comparison of the years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, see the 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, Item 7 of our 2019 
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

2020

2019

% Change

100.0%

100.0%

28.9%

22.1%

2.7%

0.7%

29.0%

21.4%

6.7%

4.1%

(6.5)%

(6.9)%

(3.3)%

(61.9)%

(83.3)%

Sales in fiscal 2020 were $3.2 billion, which was $227.0 million or 6.5% below the prior year, with sales from 
acquisitions adding $80.7 million or 2.3% and unfavorable foreign currency translation accounting for a decrease of 
$10.5 million or 0.3%.  There were 253.5 selling days in fiscal 2020 and 251.5 selling days in fiscal 2019.  Excluding 
the impact of businesses acquired and foreign currency translation, sales were down $297.2 million or 8.5% during 
the year, driven by a 9.4% decrease from operations due to weak demand across key end markets, further impacted 
by the economic slowdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, offset by an increase of 0.9% due to two 
additional sales days. 

18

The following table shows changes in sales by reportable segment.

Amounts in millions

Sales by Reportable Segment

Year ended June 30,

Sales

2020

2019

Decrease Acquisitions

Foreign
Currency

Organic
Change

Amount of change due to

Service Center Based Distribution

$ 2,242.0 $ 2,452.9 $

(210.9) $

23.8 $

(10.5) $

(224.2)

Fluid Power & Flow Control

1,003.7

1,019.8

(16.1)

56.9

—

(73.0)

Total

$ 3,245.7 $ 3,472.7 $

(227.0) $

80.7 $

(10.5) $

(297.2)

Sales of our Service Center Based Distribution segment, which operates primarily in MRO markets, decreased $210.9 
million, or 8.6%.  Acquisitions within this segment increased sales by $23.8 million or 1.0%, and unfavorable 
foreign currency translation decreased sales by $10.5 million or 0.4%.  Excluding the impact of businesses acquired 
and the impact of foreign currency translation, sales decreased $224.2 million or 9.2% during the year, driven by a 
10.0% decrease from operations due to weak demand across key end markets, offset by an increase of 0.8% due to 
two additional sales days.

Sales of our Fluid Power & Flow Control segment decreased $16.1 million or 1.6%.  Acquisitions within this 
segment, primarily Olympus, increased sales $56.9 million or 5.6%.  Excluding the impact of businesses acquired, 
sales decreased $73.0 million or 7.2%, driven by a 8.0% decrease from operations, offset by an 0.8% increase due 
to two additional sales days.  The decrease from operations is primarily due to slower demand in our flow control 
operations and weaker activity across our industrial OEM customer base.

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

2020

2019

Decrease Acquisitions

Foreign
Currency

Organic
Change

$ 2,819.4 $ 3,016.7 $

(197.3) $

80.7 $

— $

(278.0)

248.6

177.7

271.3

184.7

(22.7)

(7.0)

—

—

(2.7)

(7.8)

(20.0)

0.8

$ 3,245.7 $ 3,472.7 $

(227.0) $

80.7 $

(10.5) $

(297.2)

Sales in our U.S. operations decreased $197.3 million or 6.5%, with acquisitions adding $80.7 million or 2.7%. 
Excluding the impact of businesses acquired, U.S. sales were down $278.0 million or 9.2%, driven by a decrease of 
10.0% from operations, offset by an increase of 0.8% due to two additional sales days.  Sales from our Canadian 
operations decreased $22.7 million or 8.4%, and unfavorable foreign currency translation decreased Canadian sales 
by $2.7 million or 1.0%.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, Canadian sales were down $20.0 
million or 7.4%, driven by a decrease of 8.2% from operations, offset by an increase of 0.8% due to two additional 
sales days.  Consolidated sales from our other country operations decreased $7.0 million or 3.8% compared to the 
prior year.  Unfavorable foreign currency translation decreased other country sales by $7.8 million or 4.2%.  
Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, other country sales were up $0.8 million or 0.4% compared to 
the prior year, driven by an increase of 1.2% due to additional sales days, offset by a 0.8% decrease from 
operations.

Our gross profit margin decreased to 28.9% in fiscal 2020 compared to 29.0% in fiscal 2019.  The gross margin was 
negatively affected by 12 basis points for $3.9 million of non-routine expense recorded within cost of sales related to 
inventory reserves for excess and obsolete inventory for certain locations that were closed during the year within the 
U.S. operations of the Service Center Based Distribution segment. 

19

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

2020

2019

Decrease Acquisitions

Foreign
Currency

Organic
Change

$

717.7 $

742.2 $

(24.5) $

20.8 $

(2.5) $

(42.8)

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 
decreased $24.5 million or 3.3% during fiscal 2020 compared to the prior year, and as a percentage of sales 
increased to 22.1% in fiscal 2020 compared to 21.4% in fiscal 2019.  Changes in foreign currency exchange rates 
had the effect of decreasing SD&A by $2.5 million or 0.3% compared to the prior year.  SD&A from businesses 
acquired added $20.8 million or 2.8%, including $1.9 million of intangibles amortization related to acquisitions.  
Excluding the impact of businesses acquired and the favorable impact from foreign currency translation, SD&A 
decreased $42.8 million or 5.8% during fiscal 2020 compared to fiscal 2019.  The Company incurred $5.1 million of 
non-routine expenses related to severance and facility consolidation primarily within the U.S. Operations of the 
Service Center Based Distribution segment during fiscal 2020, compared to $1.6 million of restructuring expenses 
incurred in fiscal 2019.  Excluding the impact of acquisitions, total compensation excluding severance decreased 
$39.8 million during fiscal 2020, primarily due to cost reduction actions taken by the Company in response to the 
COVID-19 pandemic, including headcount reductions, temporary furloughs and pay reductions, and suspension of 
the 401(k) company match.  All other expenses within SD&A were down $6.5 million.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test.  As a result 
of this test, the Company recorded a $131.0 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge related to the Company's 
FCX operations in the Fluid Power & Flow Control segment, primarily due to the overall decline in the industrial 
economy, specifically slower demand in FCX's end markets.  The non-cash goodwill impairment charge decreased 
net income by $118.8 million and earnings per share by $3.04 per share for fiscal 2020.  In fiscal 2019, the 
Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $31.6 million for intangible assets related to the Company's 
Canadian operations within the Service Center Based Distribution segment, which decreased net income by $23.1 
million and earnings per share by $0.59 per share for fiscal 2019.

Operating income decreased $144.8 million, or 61.9%, to $89.0 million during fiscal 2020 from $233.8 million 
during fiscal 2019, and as a percentage of sales, decreased to 2.7% from 6.7%, primarily as a result of the goodwill 
impairment expense recorded during the current year.

Operating income, before intangible impairment charges, as a percentage of sales for the Service Center Based 
Distribution segment decreased to 9.4% in fiscal 2020 from 10.4% in fiscal 2019.  Operating income, before 
goodwill impairment charges, as a percentage of sales for the Fluid Power & Flow Control segment decreased to 
10.9% in fiscal 2020 from 11.0% in fiscal 2019. 

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, and was $2.8 million of income 
in fiscal 2020 compared to $0.9 million of income in fiscal 2019.  Current year income primarily consists of 
unrealized gains on investments held by non-qualified deferred compensation trusts of $0.5 million and foreign 
currency transaction gains of $2.5 million, offset by other expense of $0.2 million.  Fiscal 2019 income consisted 
primarily 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.

The effective income tax rate was 56.5% for fiscal 2020 compared to 26.0% for fiscal 2019.  The increase in the 
effective tax rate is primarily due to the FCX goodwill impairment charge, which increased the effective tax rate by 
31.4% during fiscal 2020.  The Company also recorded a $1.0 million tax benefit related to the CARES Act during 
the current year, which favorably impacted the rate by 1.8% in fiscal 2020.

We expect our income tax rate for fiscal 2021 to be in the range of 23.0% to 25.0%.

As a result of the factors discussed above, net income for fiscal 2020 decreased $120.0 million from the prior year.  
Net income per share was $0.62 per share for fiscal 2020 compared to $3.68 per share for fiscal 2019.  Current year 

20

results were negatively impacted by $3.04 per share for the goodwill impairment and $0.18 per share for non-
routine expenses, offset by a favorable impact of $0.03 per share for the CARES Act tax benefit.  The prior year 
results included positive impacts on earnings per share of $0.48 per share for acquisitions, $0.37 per share for tax 
reform, 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. 

At June 30, 2020, we had a total of 580 operating facilities in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico,  
Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, versus 600 at June 30, 2019. 

The approximate number of Company employees was 6,200 at June 30, 2020 and 6,650 at June 30, 2019.

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, 2020 we had total debt obligations outstanding of $935.3 million compared to $959.8 
million at June 30, 2019.  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, 2020 was $733.7 million compared to $724.3 million at June 30, 2019.  
The current ratio was 2.7 to 1 at both June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019. 

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 in Cash and Cash Equivalents

Year Ended June 30,

2020

2019

$ 296,714

$ 180,601

(55,404)

(78,238)

(2,740)

(55,102)

(71,539)

109

$ 160,332

$

54,069

The increase in cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2020 is driven by operating results and the changes 
in working capital for the year: 

Decrease in accounts receivable

Decrease in inventory

Decrease in accounts payable

$

$

$

65,972

73,618

(24,068)

Net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2020 included $37.2 million used for the acquisition of Olympus and 
$20.1 million used for capital expenditures.  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 for capital expenditures. 

Net cash used in financing activities included $49.6 million and $161.7 million of long-term debt repayments in 2020 
and 2019, respectively, offset by $25.0 million of cash borrowings under a unsecured shelf facility agreement with 
Prudential Investment Management in 2020 and $175.0 million of cash borrowings from the trade receivable 
securitization facility in 2019.  Further uses of cash in 2020 were $48.9 million for dividend payments, $2.6 million 
used to pay taxes for shares withheld, and $2.4 million used for acquisition holdback payments.  Further uses of cash 
in 2019 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.

The increase in dividends over the year is the result of regular increases in our dividend payout rates.  We paid 
dividends of $1.26 and $1.22 per share in fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. 

21

Capital Expenditures

We expect capital expenditures for fiscal 2021 to be in the $15.0 million to $20.0 million range, primarily consisting 
of capital associated with additional information technology equipment and infrastructure investments.  Depreciation 
for fiscal 2021 is expected to be in the range of $22.5 million to $23.5 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, 2020, we had authorization to purchase an additional 864,618 shares.

The Company did not repurchase shares in fiscal 2020.  In fiscal 2019 and 2018, we repurchased 192,082 and 
393,300 shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively, at an average price per share of $58.10,and $57.92, 
respectively.

Borrowing Arrangements

A summary of long-term debt, including the current portion, follows; all amounts are in thousands:

June 30,
Unsecured credit facility

Trade receivable securitization facility

Series C notes

Series D Notes

Series E Notes

Other

Total debt

Less: unamortized debt issuance costs

2020
589,250

175,000

120,000

25,000

25,000

1,026

935,276

1,487

933,789

$

$

$

2019
613,625

175,000

120,000

50,000

—

1,204

959,829

1,943

957,886

$

$

$

In January 2018, 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.  The Company had no amount outstanding 
under the revolver as of June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019.  Unused lines under this facility, net of outstanding 
letters of credit of $1.9 million and $3.2 million, respectively, to secure certain insurance obligations, totaled $248.1 
million and $246.8 million at June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, respectively, and were available to fund future 
acquisitions or other capital and operating requirements.  The interest rate on the term loan was 1.94% and 4.19% 
as of June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, respectively.  

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 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.  The interest rate on the AR Securitization Facility as of June 30, 2020 and 
June 30, 2019 was 1.07% and 3.33%, respectively.  

At June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, 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, carry a fixed interest rate of 3.19%, and are due in equal principal payments in July 2020, 
2021, and 2022.  A $40.0 million principal payment was made on the "Series C" notes in July 2020.  The "Series D" 
notes have a principal amount of $50.0 million and carry a fixed interest rate of 3.21%.  A $25.0 million principal 
payment was made on the "Series D" notes during fiscal 2020, and the remaining principal balance of $25.0 million 

22

is due in October 2023.  In October 2019, the Company amended its unsecured shelf facility agreement with 
Prudential Investment Management to authorize the issuance of "Series E" notes, which have a principal amount of 
$25.0 million, carry a fixed interest rate of 3.08%, and are due in October 2024.

The Company entered into an interest rate swap which mitigates variability in forecasted interest payments on 
$431.0 million of the Company’s U.S. dollar-denominated unsecured variable rate debt.  For more information, see 
note 7, Derivatives, to the consolidated financial statements, included in Item 8 under the caption “Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data.”

The credit facility and the unsecured shelf facility contain restrictive covenants regarding liquidity, net worth, financial 
ratios, and other covenants.  At June 30, 2020, the most restrictive of these covenants required that the Company 
have net indebtedness less than 3.75 times consolidated income before interest, taxes, depreciation and 
amortization (as defined).  At June 30, 2020, the Company's net indebtedness was less than 3.1 times consolidated 
income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (as defined).  The Company was in compliance with all 
financial covenants at June 30, 2020.

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

2020
$ 463,659

2019
$ 551,400

13,661

10,498

$ 449,998

$ 540,902

2.9%

1.9%

2020

$ 14,055

$

2019

4,058

0.43%

0.12%

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 55.9 at June 30, 2020 versus 55.2 at June 30, 2019. 

Approximately 4.6% of our accounts receivable balances are more than 90 days past due at June 30, 2020 
compared to 3.0% at June 30, 2019.  On an overall basis, our provision for losses from uncollected receivables 
represents 0.43% of our sales in the year ended June 30, 2020, compared to 0.12% of sales for the year ended 
June 30, 2019.  This increase primarily relates to provisions recorded in the current year for customer credit 
deterioration and bankruptcies primarily in the U.S. and Mexican operations of the Service Center Based Distribution 
segment.  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.  As activities slowed in the second half of fiscal 2020, the Company took actions to reduce its 
overall inventory, which resulted in a net decrease in inventory of $58.4 million.  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, 2020 was 3.8 versus 4.2 at June 30, 2019.  We believe our inventory turnover ratio in 
fiscal 2021 will be slightly better than our fiscal 2020 levels. 

23

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, 2020 (in thousands):

Operating leases

$ 104,165

$ 29,979

$ 39,328

$ 19,540

$ 15,318

Total

Period Less
Than 1 yr

Period
2-3 yrs

Period
4-5 yrs

Period
Over 5 yrs

Planned funding of post-retirement obligations

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

10,000

6,000

935,276

40,100

4,086

900

—

79,181

17,000

2,563

1,800

—

805,744

21,900

1,448

500

—

50,351

1,200

75

6,800

—

—

—

—

$1,099,627

$ 129,623

$ 870,220

$ 71,666

$ 22,118

$

6,000

Other

—

—

6,000

—

—

—

(1) Amounts represent estimated contractual interest payments on outstanding long-term debt obligations.  Rates in 
effect as of June 30, 2020 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.

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.

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 17.3% of our domestic inventory dollars relate to LIFO layers 
added in the 1970s.  The excess of average cost over LIFO cost is $155.5 million as reflected in our consolidated 
balance sheet at June 30, 2020.  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.  

As of June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company's reserve for slow-moving or obsolete inventories was $42.9 million 
and $41.1 million, respectively, recorded in inventories in the consolidated balance sheets. 

24

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, 2020 and 2019, our allowance for doubtful accounts was 2.9% and 1.9% of gross receivables, 
respectively.  Our provision for losses on accounts receivable was $14.1 million, $4.1 million and $2.8 million in fiscal 
2020, 2019 and 2018, 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.  If circumstances require a finite-lived 
intangible asset be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to 
be generated by the asset to the carrying value of the asset.  If the carrying value of the finite-lived intangible asset is 
not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value 
exceeds its fair value determined through a discounted cash flow model.

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, 
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 eight reporting units for which an annual goodwill 
impairment assessment was performed as of January 1, 2020.  The Company concluded that seven of the reporting 
units’ fair value exceeded their carrying amounts by at least 10% as of January 1, 2020.   Specifically, the Canada 
reporting unit's fair value exceeded its carrying value by 12%, and the Mexico reporting unit's fair value exceeded its 
carrying value by 14%.  The Canada and Mexico reporting units have goodwill balances of $27.2 million and $5.2 
million, respectively, as of June 30, 2020.  The carrying value of the final reporting unit, which is comprised of the 
FCX operations, exceeded the fair value, resulting in goodwill impairment of $131.0 million.  The non-cash 
impairment charge was the result of the overall decline in the industrial economy, specifically slower demand in 
FCX's end markets.  This led to reduced spending by customers and reduced revenue expectations.  As of June 30, 
2020, the Company's goodwill balance was $540.6 million, of which $309.0 million relates to the FCX reporting 
unit.  If the Company does not achieve forecasted sales growth and margin improvements goodwill could be further 
impaired.

25

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, 
2020, the Company recognized $38.1 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.

26

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; risks relating to the effects of the COVID-19 
pandemic; 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, 
changes in supplier distribution programs, inability of suppliers to perform, and transportation disruptions; 
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, international trade, data privacy and security, and government 
contracting; and the occurrence of extraordinary events (including prolonged labor disputes, power 
outages, telecommunication outages, terrorist acts, public health emergency, 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.

27

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 2020 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 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, 
net.  Applied does not currently hedge the net investments in our foreign operations.

During the course of the fiscal year, the Canadian, Mexican, Australian and New Zealand currency exchange rates 
decreased in relation to the U.S. dollar by 4.0%, 17.1%, 1.8% and 4.0%, respectively.  In the twelve months ended 
June 30, 2020, we experienced net foreign currency translation losses totaling $18.5 million, which were included in 
other comprehensive loss.  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 goodwill impairment charge recorded in 
fiscal 2020, 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, 2020 would have resulted in a $1.3 million decrease in net 
income for the year ended June 30, 2020.  Excluding the non-cash goodwill impairment charge recorded in fiscal 
2020, 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, 2020 would have resulted in a $1.3 million increase in net income for 
the year ended June 30, 2020.  

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, 2020, a 
$780.0 million term loan, of which $589.3 million was outstanding at June 30, 2020, and a $175.0 million trade 
receivable securitization facility, all of which was outstanding at June 30, 2020.  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 notional amount of the interest rate swap was $431.0 million as of June 30, 2020.  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 $1.0 million of assumed debt from the purchase 
of our headquarters facility.  We had total average variable interest rate bank borrowings of $782.0 million during 
fiscal 2020.  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 $7.8 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 $4.3 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.

28

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the shareholders and the Board of Directors 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, 2020 and 2019, 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, 
2020, 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, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years 
in the period ended June 30, 2020, 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, 2020, 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 14, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's 
internal control over financial reporting. 

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, effective July 1, 2019, the Company adopted the FASB’s new 
standard related to leases using the optional transition method, which required application of the new guidance to only 
those leases that existed at the date of adoption. 

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 - FCX and Canada Reporting Units - 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, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and 
amortization (EBITDA), and discount rates.  The determination of the fair value using the market approach requires 
management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to the forecasts of future revenues, EBITDA and 
multiples that are applied to management’s forecasted revenues and EBITDA estimates.  The goodwill balance was 

29

$540.6 million as of June 30, 2020, of which $309.0 million related to the FCX reporting unit and $27.2 million related 
to the Canada reporting unit.  The fair value of the FCX reporting unit did not exceed its carrying value as of the 
measurement date and, therefore, an impairment charge of $131.0 million was recognized in 2020.  The fair value of 
the Canada reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by 12% as of the measurement date and, therefore, no 
impairment was recognized. 

Given the nature of the FCX and Canada reporting units’ operations, the sensitivity of the business to changes in the 
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 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 FCX and Canada reporting units, 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 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 FCX and Canada reporting units included the following, among others:

•  We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s goodwill impairment evaluation, 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 reporting units operate 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 units and the comparable publicly traded companies.  We tested the underlying 
source information and mathematical accuracy of the calculations.

•  With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the fair value of the reporting units based upon 

reconciling the fair values of the reporting units to the market capitalization of the Company.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
August 14, 2020

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

30

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 expense, including depreciation
Goodwill and 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.

2020

2019

2018

$ 3,245,652

$ 3,472,739

$ 3,073,274

2,307,916

2,465,116

2,189,279

937,736

717,747
131,000

88,989

37,264

(729)

(2,782)

55,236

31,194

24,042

0.62

0.62

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

$

$

$

31

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)

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

2020
24,042

2019
$ 143,993

2018
$ 141,625

$

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, before tax
Income tax (benefit) expense related to items of other comprehensive loss
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Comprehensive (loss) income

(18,499)

2,021

(8,875)

(2,192)

(372)

709

(306)
(66)
—
—
(50)
—
(14,446)
(16,615)
244
4,638
(12,909)
(32,734)
(3,246)
(3,190)
(29,544)
(9,663)
(5,502) $ 134,330

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

$

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

32

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
Operating lease assets, 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; 
38,710 and 38,597 shares outstanding, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Treasury shares — at cost (15,503 and 15,616 shares), respectively
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total Shareholders’ Equity
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

33

2020

2019

$

268,551
449,998
389,150
52,070
1,159,769

$

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

14,339
104,396
195,220
313,955
192,054
121,901
90,636
343,215
540,594
27,436
$ 2,283,551

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

$

186,270
78,646
61,887
99,280
426,083
855,143
158,783
1,440,009

$

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

—

—

10,000
176,492
1,200,570
(414,090)
(129,430)
843,542
$ 2,283,551

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

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:

Goodwill & 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 (gains) losses
Other share-based compensation expense
Gain on sale of property
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.

34

2020

2019

2018

$

24,042

$ 143,993

$ 141,625

131,000
21,196
41,553
2,954
(13,292)
14,055
(1,357)
4,000
(1,157)

74,437
57,028
(5,268)
(53,856)
1,379
296,714

(20,115)
1,948
(37,237)
—
(55,404)

—
25,000
(49,553)
(95)
—
(48,873)
(2,440)
330

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)
—

(2,607)
(78,238)
(2,740)
160,332
108,219
$ 268,551

(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

41,162
36,648

54,294
40,142

41,724
25,560

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands)

Shares of
Common
Stock
Outstanding

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Treasury
Shares-
at Cost

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

Total
Shareholders'
Equity

39,041

$ 10,000

$ 164,655

$1,033,751

$ (381,448) $

(81,702) $

745,256

Purchases of common stock for treasury

(393)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Cumulative effect of adopting accounting standards

Cash dividends — $1.22 per share

Purchases of common stock for treasury

(192)

For the Years Ended June 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018

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

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

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, 2019

Net income

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Cumulative effect of adopting accounting standards

Cash dividends — $1.26 per share

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

19

5

15

16

30

18

23

15

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)

38,597

10,000

172,931

1,229,148

(415,159)

(99,886)

24,042

(3,275)

(49,305)

(29,544)

43

36

17

17

(730)

(1,540)

(671)

2,954

4,000

(452)

71

362

213

(40)

423

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

897,034

24,042

(29,544)

(3,275)

(49,305)

(659)

(1,178)

(458)

2,954

4,000

(69)

Balance at June 30, 2020

38,710

$ 10,000

$ 176,492

$1,200,570

$ (414,090) $

(129,430) $

843,542

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, 
and related maintenance supplies.  Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve 
MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) end users in virtually all 
industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.  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 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.

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 

36

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 $13,661 and $10,498 at June 30, 
2020 and June 30, 2019, 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, 2020, approximately 17.3% 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 expense 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 asset group's 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 of an asset group and its fair value.

37

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.  If circumstances require a 
finite-lived intangible asset be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows 
expected to be generated by the asset to the carrying value of the asset.  If the carrying value of the finite-lived 
intangible asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, impairment is recognized to the extent that 
the carrying value exceeds its fair value determined through a discounted cash flow model.  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 $9,883 and $7,265 at June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, respectively. 

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 

38

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. 

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 expense were approximately $19,620, $24,090 and $19,320 for the 
fiscal years ended June 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, 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 Accounting Standards 
Codification (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 2019 
Long-Term Performance Plan, 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.

Retirement Savings Plan

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 $5,959, $7,711 and $6,551 during 2020, 2019 and 2018, 
respectively.

39

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.  The Company recorded net periodic benefit costs 
associated with the SERP of $317, $414, and $679 in fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.  The Company 
expects to make payments of approximately $800 under the SERP in each of fiscal 2021, 2022 and 2023.

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 $189, $400, and $359 of expense 
associated with this plan in fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018, 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 did 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 
permitted to participate in the Retirement Savings Plan, following that date.  The Company recorded net 
periodic (benefits) costs associated with this plan of $(116), $(34), and $149 in fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018, 
respectively

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.  The Company recorded net periodic benefits associated with these plans of $257, $418, 
and $452 in fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

The Company has determined that the related disclosures under ASC Topic 715 - Compensation, Retirement 
Benefits, for these post-employment benefit plans are not material to the consolidated financial statements.

Leases

The Company leases facilities for certain service centers, warehouses, distribution centers and office space.  The 
Company also leases office equipment and vehicles.  All leases are classified as operating.  The Company’s leases 
expire at various dates through 2031, with terms ranging from 1 year to 15 years.  Many of the Company’s real 
estate leases contain renewal provisions to extend lease terms up to 5 years. The exercise of renewal options is solely 
at the Company’s discretion.  The Company’s lease agreements do not contain material variable lease payments, 
residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants.  The Company does not recognize right-of-use assets or lease 
liabilities for short-term leases with initial terms of 12 months or less.  Leased vehicles comprise the majority of the 
Company’s short-term leases.  All other leases are recorded on the balance sheet with right-of-use assets 
representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities representing lease payment 
obligations.  The Company’s leases do not provide implicit rates; therefore the Company uses its incremental 
borrowing rate as the discount rate for measuring lease liabilities.  Non-lease components are accounted for 
separately from lease components.  The Company’s operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis 
over the lease term and is recorded in selling, distribution and administrative expense on the statements of 
consolidated income.

40

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

Reference Rate Reform

In March 2020, the FASB issued its final standard on the facilitation of the effects of reference rate reform on 
financial reporting.  This standard, issued as ASU 2020-04, provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to 
ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial 
reporting.  This update is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022.  The Company adopted the 
new guidance as it became effective in the third quarter of fiscal 2020.  The adoption of this guidance did not have 
a material impact on the Company's financial statements or related disclosures. 

Leases 

In February 2016, the FASB issued its final standard on accounting for leases.  This standard, issued as ASU 2016-02, 
and codified into ASC Topic 842, Leases, 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.  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.  In 
December 2018 and January 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2018-20 and ASU 2019-01, respectively, which further 
clarify the guidance.  The Company adopted the new guidance effective July 1, 2019 using the optional transition 
method, which required application of the new guidance to only those leases that existed at the date of adoption.  
The Company elected the “package of practical expedients,” which permitted the Company to not reassess under 
the new standard its prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs.  Adoption 
of the new standard resulted in the recognition of right-of-use (ROU) assets and lease liabilities of $83,533 and 
$89,778, respectively, on July 1, 2019.  The difference between the ROU assets and lease liabilities related primarily 
to the impairment of certain leases in Canada and the United States.  In addition, the adoption resulted in an 
adjustment to opening retained earnings of $3,275, net of tax, on July 1, 2019 primarily due to the impairment of 
the leases.  The standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s statements of consolidated income or 
cash flows.

Cash Flows

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 adopted the new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.  The adoption 
of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements or related disclosures.

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

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 annual 
and interim 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, May 2019, 
November 2019, and February 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-04, ASU 2019-05, ASU 2019-11 and 
ASU 2020-02, 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 December 2019, the FASB issued its final standard on simplifying the accounting for income taxes.  This standard, 
issued as ASU 2019-12, makes a number of changes meant to add or clarify guidance on accounting for income 
taxes.  This update is effective for annual and interim financial statement periods beginning after December 15, 
2021, with early adoption permitted in any interim period for which financial statements have not yet been filed.  
The Company has not yet determined the impact of these pronouncements on its financial statements and related 
disclosures.

41

NOTE 2: REVENUE RECOGNITION

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, 2020, 2019 and 2018.  Other countries 
consist of Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

Geographic Areas:
United States
Canada
Other countries

Total

Geographic Areas:
United States
Canada
Other countries

Total

Geographic Areas:
United States
Canada
Other countries

Total

Year Ended June 30, 2020

Service Center
Based
Distribution

Fluid Power &
Flow Control

Total

$

$

1,833,275 $
248,610
160,064
2,241,949 $

986,125 $

—
17,578
1,003,703 $

2,819,400
248,610
177,642
3,245,652

Year Ended June 30, 2019

Service Center
Based
Distribution

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

Year Ended June 30, 2018

Service Center
Based
Distribution

Fluid Power &
Flow Control

Total

$

$

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

The following tables present the Company’s percentage of revenue by reportable segment and major customer 
industry for the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:

General Industry
Industrial Machinery
Metals
Food
Forest Products

Chem/Petrochem

Oil & Gas
Cement & Aggregate
Transportation
Total

Year Ended June 30, 2020

Service Center
Based
Distribution
35.0%
9.7%
11.1%
12.2%
9.3%

Fluid Power &
Flow Control
41.2%
24.4%
7.2%
3.1%
3.7%

3.3%

7.5%
7.3%
4.6%
100.0%

13.4%

1.6%
1.0%
4.4%
100.0%

Total
36.8%
14.3%
9.9%
9.4%
7.6%

6.4%

5.7%
5.4%
4.5%
100.0%

42

 
General Industry
Industrial Machinery
Metals
Food
Forest Products

Chem/Petrochem

Oil & Gas
Cement & Aggregate
Transportation
Total

Year Ended June 30, 2019

Service Center
Based
Distribution
33.7%
10.4%
12.6%
10.6%
8.0%

3.1%

10.1%
6.7%
4.8%
100.0%

Fluid Power &
Flow Control
43.0%
21.8%
9.4%
2.7%
3.1%

13.8%

2.1%
1.0%
3.1%
100.0%

Total
36.3%
13.8%
11.6%
8.3%
6.6%

6.3%

7.8%
5.0%
4.3%
100.0%

The following tables present the Company’s percentage of revenue by reportable segment and product line for the 
years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:

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

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

Contract Assets

Year Ended June 30, 2020

Service Center
Based
Distribution
35.4%
13.4%
24.6%
26.6%
—%
100.0%

Fluid Power &
Flow Control
9.5%
39.0%
11.7%
0.3%
39.5%
100.0%

Year Ended June 30, 2019

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

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

Total
27.4%
21.3%
20.6%
18.5%
12.2%
100.0%

Total
24.4%
21.1%
19.3%
19.5%
15.7%
100.0%

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. 

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

Contract assets

June 30, 2020

June 30, 2019

$

8,435 $

8,920 $

$ Change

(485)

% Change

(5.4)%

The difference between the opening and closing balances of the Company's contract assets primarily results from 
the timing difference between the Company's performance and when the customer is billed.

43

 
 
 
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 2020 Acquisitions

On August 21, 2019, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Olympus Controls (Olympus), a 
Portland, Oregon automation solutions provider - including design, assembly, integration, and distribution - of 
motion control, machine vision, and robotic technologies.  Olympus is included in the Fluid Power & Flow Control 
segment.  The purchase price for the acquisition was $36,642, net tangible assets acquired were $9,540, and 
intangible assets including goodwill was $27,102 based upon estimated fair values at the acquisition date.  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 2019 Acquisitions

On March 4, 2019, the Company acquired substantially all of the net assets of MilRoc Distribution (MilRoc) and 
Woodward Steel (Woodward).  MilRoc 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 is an 
Oklahoma based steel supplier to the oil & gas and agriculture industries.  MilRoc and Woodward are both included 
in the Service Center Based Distribution segment.  The purchase price for the acquisition was $35,000, net tangible 
assets acquired were $17,788, and intangible assets including goodwill was $17,212 based upon estimated fair 
values at the acquisition date.  The purchase price includes acquisition holdback payments of $4,375, of which 
$1,666 was paid during the year ended June 30, 2020.  The remaining balance of $2,709 is included in other 
current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2020, and which will be paid 
on the 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 $8,066, net tangible assets acquired were $4,151, and 
goodwill was $3,915 based upon estimated fair values at the acquisition date.  The purchase price includes 
acquisition holdback payments of $1,200, of which $600 was paid during the year-end June 30, 2020.  The 
remaining balance of $600 is included in other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 
2020, and will be paid on the second anniversary 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.

44

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

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for FCX since the acquisition is as follows:

Balance at 1/31/2018

Impairment

Balance at 6/30/2020

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

440,012

131,000

309,012

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Goodwill acquired of $161,452 was deductible for income tax purposes at the time of the acquisition.  Subsequent 
to the goodwill impairment recorded during the year ended June 30, 2020, $112,922 remains deductible for income 
tax purposes as of June 30, 2020. 

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

2020 (1)

2019

January 31,
2018 to June
30, 2018

$

490,743 $

549,833 $

249,752

(97,300)

(91,739)

38,186

28,075

16,845

8,758

(1)  There was a $131,000 goodwill impairment charge during the year ended June 30, 2020. See note 5, Goodwill and Intangibles, for 

further information.

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.

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 

45

$2,525 based upon estimated fair values at the acquisition date.  The purchase price includes $906 of acquisition 
holdback payments, of which $201 and $219 was paid during fiscal year 2020 and 2019, respectively.  Due to 
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, the remaining balance of $356 is included in other current liabilities on 
the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2020, which will be paid on the third anniversary 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.

Holdback Liabilities for Acquisitions

Acquisition holdback payments of approximately $2,563, $1,448 and $75 will be made in fiscal 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 2021 and other liabilities for the amounts due in fiscal years 2022 
and 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

 NOTE 5: GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES

$

$

2020
431,866

112,795

544,661

155,511

2019
473,949

125,260

599,209

151,654

$

389,150

$

447,555

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, 2020 and 2019 are as follows: 

Balance at July 1, 2018
Goodwill acquired during the year
Other, primarily currency translation
Balance at June 30, 2019
Goodwill adjusted/acquired during the year
Impairment
Other, primarily currency translation
Balance at June 30, 2020

$

Service
Center Based
Distribution
203,084
9,943
607
213,634
(3,393)
—
(1,671)
208,570

$

$

Fluid Power &
Flow Control
443,559
4,798
—
448,357
14,667
(131,000)
—
332,024

$

Total
646,643
14,741
607
661,991
11,274
(131,000)
(1,671)
540,594

$

$

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company recorded an adjustment to the preliminary estimated fair value 
of intangible assets related to the MilRoc/Woodward acquisition.  The fair values of the customer relationships, trade 
name, and other intangible assets were increased by $1,524, $1,809, and $60, respectively, with a corresponding 
total decrease to goodwill of $3,393.  The changes to the preliminary estimated fair values resulted in an increase to 
amortization expense of $303 during the year ended June 30, 2020, which is recorded in selling, distribution, and 
administrative expense on the statements of consolidated income.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company recorded an adjustment to the preliminary estimated fair 
value of intangible assets related to the Olympus acquisition.  The trade name and other intangible assets were 
increased by $4,260 and $980, respectively, with a corresponding decrease to the customer relationship intangible 
asset of $5,504 and an increase to goodwill of $264.  The changes to the preliminary estimated fair values resulted 
in a decrease to amortization expense of $24 during the year ended June 30, 2020, which is recorded in selling, 
distribution, and administrative expense on the statements of consolidated income. 

The Company has eight (8) reporting units for which an annual goodwill impairment assessment was performed as 
of January 1, 2020.  The Company concluded that seven (7) of the reporting units’ fair values exceeded their carrying 
amounts by at least 10% as of January 1, 2020.  Specifically, the Canada reporting unit's fair value exceeded its 
carrying value by 12%, and the Mexico reporting unit's fair value exceeded its carrying value by 14%.  The Canada 

46

and Mexico reporting units have goodwill balances of $27,186 and $5,185, respectively, as of June 30, 2020.  The 
carrying value of the final reporting unit, which is comprised of the FCX operations, exceeded the fair value, resulting 
in goodwill impairment of $131,000.  The non-cash impairment charge is the result of the overall decline in the 
industrial economy, specifically slower demand in FCX's end markets.  This has led to reduced spending by 
customers and reduced revenue expectations.  The remaining goodwill for the FCX reporting unit as of June 30, 
2020 is $309,012.  Because the carrying value of the FCX reporting unit approximated fair value of the reporting 
unit after the impairment was recorded, a future decline in the estimated cash flows could result in an additional 
impairment loss.  A future decline in the estimated cash flows could result from a significant or extended decline in 
various end markets.

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, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), 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, EBITDA, and multiples that are applied to 
management’s forecasted revenues and EBITDA estimates.

The techniques used in the Company's impairment test have incorporated a number of assumptions that the 
Company believes to be reasonable and to reflect known market conditions at the measurement date.  Assumptions 
in estimating future cash flows are subject to a degree of judgment.  The Company makes all efforts to forecast 
future cash flows as accurately as possible with the information available at the measurement date.  The Company 
evaluates the appropriateness of its assumptions and overall forecasts by comparing projected results of upcoming 
years with actual results of preceding years.  Key assumptions (Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy) relate to pricing 
trends, inventory costs, customer demand, and revenue growth.  A number of benchmarks from independent 
industry and other economic publications were also used. 

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.  Certain events or circumstances that 
could reasonably be expected to negatively affect the underlying key assumptions and ultimately impact the 
estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units may include such items as: (i) a decrease in expected future 
cash flows, specifically, a decrease in sales volume driven by a prolonged weakness in customer demand or other 
pressures adversely affecting our long-term sales trends; and (ii) inability to achieve the sales targeted by our strategic 
growth initiatives.

At June 30, 2020 and 2019, accumulated goodwill impairment losses subsequent to fiscal year 2002 totaled 
$64,794 related to the Service Center Based Distribution segment.  At June 30, 2020 and 2019, accumulated 
goodwill impairment losses subsequent to fiscal year 2002 totaled $167,605 and $36,605, respectively, related to 
the Fluid Power & Flow Control segment. 

47

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, 2020
Finite-Lived Intangibles:

Customer relationships
Trade names
Vendor relationships
Other

Total Intangibles

June 30, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangibles:

Customer relationships
Trade names
Vendor relationships
Other

Total Intangibles

Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Book Value

$

$

$

$

426,017
111,453
11,329
2,078
550,877

$

$

162,965
34,815
8,934
948
207,662

$

$

263,052
76,638
2,395
1,130
343,215

Amount

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

Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Book Value

$

$

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

$

$

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

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

During fiscal 2020, the Company acquired identifiable intangible assets with an acquisition cost allocation and 
weighted-average life as follows:

Customer relationships
Trade names
Other
Total Intangibles Acquired

Acquisition
Cost Allocation
7,160
$
4,260
980
12,400

$

Weighted-
Average Life
20.0
15.0
6.8
17.2

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.  
Sustained significant softness in certain end market concentrations could result in impairment of certain intangible 
assets in future periods.

Amortization of identifiable intangibles totaled $41,553, $41,883 and $32,065 in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, 
respectively, and is included in selling, distribution and administrative expense in the statements of consolidated 
income.  Future amortization expense based on the Company’s identifiable intangible assets as of June 30, 2020 is 
estimated to be $38,300 for 2021, $36,100 for 2022, $34,000 for 2023, $29,800 for 2024 and $26,300 for 2025.

48

NOTE 6: DEBT
A summary of long-term debt, including the current portion, follows:

June 30,
Unsecured credit facility

Trade receivable securitization facility

Series C Notes

Series D Notes

Series E Notes

Other

Total debt

Less: unamortized debt issuance costs

Revolving Credit Facility & Term Loan

2020
589,250

175,000

120,000

25,000

25,000

1,026

935,276

1,487

933,789

$

$

$

2019
613,625

175,000

120,000

50,000

—

1,204

959,829

1,943

957,886

$

$

$

In January 2018, 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.  The Company had no amount outstanding under the revolver 
as of June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019.  Unused lines under this facility, net of outstanding letters of credit of 
$1,873 and $3,215, respectively, to secure certain insurance obligations, totaled $248,127 and $246,785 at 
June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, respectively, and were available to fund future acquisitions or other capital and 
operating requirements.  The interest rate on the term loan was 1.94% and 4.19% as of June 30, 2020 and 
June 30, 2019, respectively.  

Additionally, the Company had letters of credit outstanding with a separate bank, not associated with the revolving
credit agreement, in the amount of $4,475 and $2,698 as of June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, respectively, 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 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.  The interest rate on the AR Securitization Facility as of 
June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019 was 1.07% and 3.33%, respectively.  

Other Long-Term Borrowings

At June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, 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, carry a fixed interest rate of 3.19%, and are due in equal principal payments in July 2020, 2021, and 
2022.  A $40,000 principal payment was made on the "Series C" notes in July 2020.  The "Series D" notes have a 
principal amount of $50,000 and carry a fixed interest rate of 3.21%.  A $25,000 principal payment was made on 
the "Series D" notes during fiscal 2020, and the remaining principal balance of $25,000 is due in October 2023.  In 
October 2019, the Company amended its unsecured shelf facility agreement with Prudential Investment 
management to authorize the issuance of "Series E" notes, which have a principal amount of $25,000, carry a fixed 
interest rate of 3.08%, and are due in October 2024.

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. 

49

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

 Fiscal Year

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Covenants

Aggregate
Maturity

$

79,181

259,120

546,624

25,351

25,000

The credit facility and the unsecured shelf facility contain restrictive covenants regarding liquidity, net worth, financial 
ratios, and other covenants.  At June 30, 2020, the most restrictive of these covenants required that the Company 
have net indebtedness less than 3.75 times consolidated income before interest, taxes, depreciation and 
amortization (as defined).  At June 30, 2020, the Company's net indebtedness was less than 3.1 times consolidated 
income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (as defined).  The Company was in compliance with all 
financial covenants at June 30, 2020.

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 
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 $431,000 of variable rate debt 
to a rate of 4.36% as of June 30, 2020 and as of June 30, 2019 converted $463,000 of variable rate debt to a rate 
of 4.36%.  The fair value (Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy) of the interest rate cash flow hedge was $26,179 and 
$14,202 as of June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, respectively, 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 the years ended June 30, 2020 or 2019.

NOTE 8: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Marketable securities measured at fair value at June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019 totaled $12,259 and $11,246, 
respectively.  The majority of these marketable securities are held in a rabbi trust for a non-qualified deferred 

50

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, 2020, 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).

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

2020
36,161

19,075

55,236

$

$

2019
204,462

(9,981)

194,481

$

$

2018
186,874

17,844

204,718

$

$

2020

2019

2018

$

31,149

$

34,437

$

48,131

7,580

5,757

44,486

(8,594)

(3,098)

(1,600)

(13,292)

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

$

31,194

$

50,488

$

63,093

During the third quarter of fiscal 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted 
in the U.S.  As a result of the CARES Act, the Company recorded a $1,000 tax benefit related to the carryback of a 
tax net operating loss incurred in a year in which the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate was 21% to a year in 
which the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate was higher.

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 2018, 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.  As of June 30, 2019, the Company recorded a 
net tax expense of $5,802 related to the one time transition tax and re-measurement of deferred tax balances.

51

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

CARES Act NOL carryback

Goodwill impairment

Stock compensation

GILTI/FDII

R & D credit

U.S. tax on foreign income, net

Impact of foreign operations

Non-deductibles

Interest deduction

Deductible dividend

Valuation allowance

Other, net

Effective income tax rate

2020
21.0%

2019
21.0%

2018
28.1%

6.4

—

(1.8)

31.4

(1.3)

3.6

(1.2)

(3.1)

1.6

1.2

(4.0)

(0.6)

2.6

0.7

4.4

(0.3)

—

—

(0.5)

0.7

(0.4)

0.5

(0.6)

0.6

(1.2)

(0.2)

2.9

(0.9)

3.1

3.1

—

—

(0.4)

—

(0.3)

—

0.7

0.3

(1.6)

(1.3)

(0.3)

(0.6)

56.5%

26.0%

30.8%

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
Leases
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
Leases
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

2020

2019

$

17,252
15,272
—
24,016
8,859
6,406
757
72,562
(7,494)
65,068

(8,284)
(58,506)
(23,407)
(13,018)
(103,215)
(38,147) $

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

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

$

4,749
(42,896)
(38,147) $

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

$

$

$

$

As of June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $29,584  
and $27,024, respectively, which will expire at various dates beginning in 2033.  Also, as of June 30, 2020 and 

52

2019, the Company had state net operating loss carryforwards, the tax benefit of which is approximately $1,177 
and $2,098 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 
impacted by changes to tax laws, statutory tax rates and future income levels.  During the year ended June 30, 2020, 
the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $2,124 related to certain deferred tax assets in Canada due to the 
uncertainty in realizing these net deferred tax assets.

As of June 30, 2020, the Company had accumulated undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries of 
approximately $114,070.  The vast majority of such earnings have previously been subjected to the one-time 
transition tax or the Global Intangible Low Taxed Income ("GILTI") inclusion implemented by the Act.  Therefore, 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.  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, 
2020 and 2019:

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

Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits at end of year

2020
4,979

$

$

105

177

(306)

$

4,955

$

2019
3,988

105

1,151

(265)

4,979

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the provision for income taxes. 
During 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $256 and $161 of expense, 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 $1,094 and $838 as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  The Company does not 
anticipate a significant change to the total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits within the next twelve 
months.  Included in the balance of unrecognized income tax benefits at June 30, 2020 and 2019 are $4,708 and 
$4,701, respectively, of income tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate.

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for the tax years 2017 through 2020 and to state 
and local income tax examinations for the tax years 2014 through 2020.  In addition, the Company is subject to 
foreign income tax examinations for the tax years 2013 through 2020.

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.

53

NOTE 10: SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Treasury Shares

At June 30, 2020, 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 Loss

Changes in the accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended June 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, are 
comprised of the following amounts, shown net of taxes:

Foreign
currency
translation
adjustment

Unrealized
gain (loss)
on securities
available
for sale

Post-
employment
benefits

Cash flow
hedge

Total
accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss

Balance at July 1, 2017

$

(79,447) $

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

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

Balance at June 30, 2019

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

(8,549)

—

22
(8,527)

(87,974)

1,644

—

—

1,644

(86,330)

(18,764)

—

(18,764)

21

20

—

9
29

50

—

—

(50)

(50)

—

—

—

—

$

(2,276) $

— $

(81,702)

524

(45)

(502)
(23)

(2,299)

—

—

—
—

—

(327)

(10,887)

(226)

—

(553)

(2,852)

(1,662)

(50)

(1,712)

183

—

(10,704)

(10,704)

(12,572)

3,504

(9,068)

(8,005)

(45)

(471)
(8,521)

(90,223)

(9,570)

(43)

(50)

(9,663)

(99,886)

(32,998)

3,454

(29,544)

Balance at June 30, 2020

$ (105,094) $

— $

(4,564) $ (19,772) $

(129,430)

54

Other Comprehensive Loss 

Details of other comprehensive loss are as follows:

Year Ended June 30,

2020

Tax
Expense
(Benefit)

Pre-Tax
Amount

Net
Amount

Pre-Tax
Amount

2019

Tax
Expense
(Benefit)

Net
Amount

Pre-Tax
Amount

2018

Tax
(Benefit)
Expense

Net
Amount

Foreign currency translation

adjustments

$ (18,499) $

265

$ (18,764) $ 2,021

$

377

$ 1,644

$ (8,875) $

(326) $ (8,549)

Post-employment benefits:

Actuarial (loss) gain on
re-measurement

Reclassification of

actuarial gains 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

(2,192)

(530)

(1,662)

(372)

(45)

(327)

709

185

524

(66)

(16)

(50)

(306)

(80)

(226)

(73)

(28)

(45)

—

—

—

—

—

—

(16,615)

(4,043)

(12,572)

(14,446)

(3,559)

(10,887)

4,638

1,134

3,504

244

—

—

—

—

—

—

(50)

—

61

—

—

183

(50)

—

37

—

—

—

—

17

—

—

—

20

—

—

—

471

319

(471)

$ (8,521)

Other comprehensive loss

$ (32,734) $ (3,190) $ (29,544) $(12,909) $ (3,246) $ (9,663) $ (8,202) $

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

2020
24,042

2019
$ 143,993

2018
$ 141,625

38,658

341

38,999

38,670

490

39,160

0.62

0.62

$

$

3.72

3.68

$

$

38,752

529

39,281

3.65

3.61

$

$

$

55

 
Stock awards relating to 726, 226 and 66 shares of common stock were outstanding at June 30, 2020, 2019 and 
2018, 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 2019, the 2019 Long-Term Performance Plan (the 
"2019 Plan") replaced the 2015 Long-Term Performance Plan.  The 2019 Plan, which expires in 2024, 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

2020
2,954

854

3,146
6,954

$

$

2019
2,440

2,082

2,391
6,913

$

$

2018
1,961

2,006

2,660
6,627

$

$

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 $2,189, $2,709 and $1,923 for fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018, 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, 2020 is 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)

2.2

1.8

2.1

2.0

2020

$

4,113

4,580

3,028

$ 11,721

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 2019 Plan is 2,250; 
shares available for future grants at June 30, 2020 were 2,221.

Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Options

The weighted-average assumptions used for SARs and stock option grants issued in fiscal 2020, 2019   
and 2018 are:

Expected life, in years

Risk free interest rate

Dividend yield

Volatility

Per share fair value of SARs granted during the year

2020

6.2

1.6%

2.3%

2019

6.0

2.8%

1.8%

2018

6.0

2.1%

2.5%

23.7%

22.5%

24.3%

$10.12

$16.15

$11.25

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 

56

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, 2020
(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
1,479
296
(139)
(16)
1,620
996
1,607

Weighted-
Average
Exercise 
Price
49.42
54.20
39.06
60.64
51.07
46.10
51.01

$

$
$
$

The weighted-average remaining contractual terms for SARs and stock options outstanding, exercisable, and 
expected to vest at June 30, 2020 were 6.0, 4.7, and 6.0 years, respectively.  The aggregate intrinsic values of 
SARs and stock options outstanding, exercisable, and expected to vest at June 30, 2020 were $20,862 
$16,795, and $20,780, respectively.  The aggregate intrinsic value of the SARs and stock options exercised 
during fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018 was $3,460, $3,363, and $1,765, respectively.

The total fair value of shares vested during fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018 was $2,285, $1,846, and $2,149, 
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 non-vested performance shares activity at June 30, 2020 is presented below:

Year Ended June 30, 2020
(Shares in thousands)
Non-vested, beginning of year
Awarded
Vested
Non-vested, end of year

Shares
97
17
(58)
56

$

Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
50.88
52.86
47.87
54.62

$

The Committee set three one-year goals for each of the 2020, 2019, and 2018 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, 2020, the maximum number of shares that could be earned in future 
periods was 79. 

57

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 five years from the award date, assuming continued 
employment with Applied.  Applied primarily pays dividend equivalents on RSUs on a current basis, however 
dividend equivalents on RSU grants under the 2019 Plan will be paid upon vesting.

A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested restricted stock and RSUs at June 30, 2020 is 
presented below:

Year Ended June 30, 2020
(Share amounts in thousands)
Non-vested, beginning of year
Granted
Vested
Non-vested, end of year

NOTE 12: LEASES

Shares
89
81
(40)
130

$

Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
59.93
56.74
53.60
59.91

$

The Company’s operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is recorded in 
selling, distribution and administrative expense on the statements of consolidated income.  Operating lease costs and 
short-term lease costs were $33,152 and $10,581 for the year ended June 30, 2020, respectively.  Rental expense 
incurred for operating leases under ASC Topic 840, Leases, was $45,000 for the year ended June 30, 2019.  Variable 
lease costs and sublease income were not material.

Information related to operating leases is as follows:

June 30,

Operating lease assets, net

Operating lease liabilities
Other current liabilities

Other liabilities

Total operating lease liabilities

June 30,

Weighted average remaining lease term (years)

Weighted average incremental borrowing rate

Year Ended June 30,
Cash paid for operating leases

Right of use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

2020

90,636

27,231

67,926

95,157

2020

3.6

3.45%

2020

34,642

39,136

$

$

$

$

$

58

The table below summarizes the aggregate maturities of liabilities pertaining to operating leases with terms greater 
than one year for each of the next five years:

Fiscal Year
2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Thereafter

Total lease payments

Less interest

Present value of lease liabilities

Maturity of Operating
Lease Liabilities

$

$

29,979

22,900

16,428

12,842

6,698

15,318

104,165

9,008

95,157

The table below summarizes the future minimum annual rental commitments for operating leases accounted for in 
accordance with ASC Topic 840, Leases, as of June 30, 2019:

Fiscal Year
2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Thereafter

Total minimum lease payments

Operating Leases

33,707

23,407

16,420

10,653

7,838

12,135

104,160

$

$

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 $2,500 in 2020 and $2,400 in both 2019 and 2018, respectively.

NOTE 13: SEGMENT INFORMATION

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 operates through 
local service centers and distribution centers with a focus on providing products and services addressing the 
maintenance and repair of motion control infrastructure and production equipment.  Products primarily include 
industrial bearings, motors, belting, drives, couplings, pumps, linear motion products, hydraulic and pneumatic 
components, filtration supplies, and hoses, as well as other related supplies for general operational needs of 
customers’ machinery and equipment.  The Fluid Power & Flow Control segment includes our operations that 
specialize in distributing, engineering, designing, integrating, and repairing hydraulic and pneumatic fluid power 
technologies, and engineered flow control products and services.

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 $29,582, $28,677, and $25,556, in 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, have been eliminated in the 
following table.

59

Segment Financial Information

Year Ended June 30, 2020

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

Service Center
Based 
Distribution

Fluid Power &
Flow Control

$

$

$

$

$

$

2,241,949
211,667
1,314,011
17,133
17,063

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

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

$

$

$

1,003,703
109,847
969,540
4,063
3,052

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

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

Total

3,245,652
321,514
2,283,551
21,196
20,115

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

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

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
Goodwill Impairment — Fluid Power & Flow Control
Corporate and other expense, net

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

2020
321,514

$

2019
367,071

$

2018
321,497

$

12,385
29,168
—
131,000
59,972
88,989
36,535
(2,782)
55,236

$

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

$

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, intangible 
assets and right of use assets.  Information by geographic area is as follows:

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

Total

2020

2019

2018

$

$

523,739
23,865
8,148
555,752

$

$

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

$

$

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

60

NOTE 14: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is a party to various pending judicial and administrative proceedings.  Based on circumstances 
currently known, the Company does not expect 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 15: OTHER INCOME, NET

Other income, net, consists of the following:

Year Ended June 30,
Unrealized gain on assets held in rabbi trust for a non-qualified deferred compensation plan
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses
Net other periodic post-employment (benefits) costs
Life insurance expense (income), net
Other, net
Total other income, net

2020
(458) $

$

(2,463)
(120)
233
26

$ (2,782) $

2019
(689) $
334
(85)
(479)
38

2018
(785)
(210)
245
(1,628)
2
(881) $ (2,376)

NOTE 16: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

We have evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to June 30, 2020 through the date the financial 
statements were issued. 

61

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

2020

  First Quarter

  Second Quarter

  Third Quarter

  Fourth Quarter

2019
  First Quarter
  Second Quarter
  Third Quarter
  Fourth Quarter

Net Sales

Gross Profit

Operating
Income (loss)

Net Income
(loss)

Net Income
(loss)

Cash
Dividend

Per Common Share

$

856,404

$

251,460

$

61,166

$

38,799

$

833,375

830,797

725,076
3,245,652

864,515
840,038
885,443
882,743
3,472,739

$

$

$

241,234

236,752

208,290
937,736

251,853
242,860
255,559
257,351
1,007,623

$

$

$

$

$

$

58,745

(77,950)

47,028
88,989

66,339
60,965
34,509
71,975
233,788

$

$

$

38,031

(82,777)

29,989
24,042

48,938
38,717
16,535
39,803
143,993

$

$

$

1.00

0.97

(2.14)

0.77
0.62

1.24
0.99
0.42
1.02
3.68

$

$

$

$

0.31

0.31

0.32

0.32
1.26

0.30
0.30
0.31
0.31
1.22

On August 7, 2020, there were 3,742 shareholders of record including 2,522 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 7, 2020 was $67.26 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 2020
The decline in net sales in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020 is due to slowness in key end markets largely 
attributable to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company adopted ASC 842 – accounting for leases.  Adoption of the new 
standard resulted in the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of $83.5 million and $89.8 million, 
respectively, on July 1, 2019.  In addition, the adoption resulted in an adjustment to opening retained earnings of 
approximately $3.3 million, net of tax, on July 1, 2019. 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Olympus Controls, a 
Portland, Oregon based full-service provider of innovative technologies and complete engineered solutions for original 
equipment manufacturers, machine builders, integrators, and end users.  Olympus Controls is included in the Fluid 
Power & Flow Control segment.  The purchase price for the acquisition was $36.6 million.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company recognized a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $131.0 
million related to the operations of FCX Performance, Inc. (FCX) within the Company's Fluid Power & Flow Control 
segment.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company incurred certain non-routine charges primarily related to its U.S. 
operations in the Service Center Based Distribution segment.  Total non-routine charges reduced gross profit by $3.9 
million, increased the operating loss by $6.0 million, and increased the quarter net loss by $3.6 million.

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.  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. 

62

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.

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, 2020.  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, 2020.

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 14, 2020 

63

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, 2020 
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over 
financial reporting.  As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant portion of our workforce began working 
remotely in March 2020.  These changes to the working environment did not have a material effect on our internal 
controls over financial reporting during the most recent quarter.  We are continually monitoring and assessing the 
COVID-19 pandemic on our internal controls to minimize the impact on their design and operating effectiveness.

64

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, 2020, 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, 2020, 
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, 2020, of the Company 
and our report dated August 14, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements 
and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company's adoption of the FASB's new standard related to 
leases.

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 Control 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 14, 2020

65

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 27, 2020, 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 “Information about our Executive Officers.”

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 “Delinquent Section 16(a) 
Reports." 

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 27, 2020, under the captions “Executive Compensation” and 
“Compensation Committee Report.”

66

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 2019 Long-Term 
Performance Plan, the Deferred Compensation Plan (no active employees participate in the plan), and the Deferred 
Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (two active directors participate in the plan).  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, 2020.

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

1,606,961

—
1,606,961

$51.01

—
$51.01

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

*

—
*

*  The 2019 Long-Term Performance Plan was adopted in October 2019 to replace the 2015 Long-Term 
Performance Plan and, similarly, the 2015 Long-Term Performance Plan replaced the 2011 Long-Term 
Performance Plan, which itself had replaced the 2007 Long-Term Performance Plan.  Stock options, stock 
appreciation rights, and other awards remain outstanding under the 2007, 2011, and 2015 plans, but no new 
awards are made under those plans.  The aggregate number of shares that remained available for awards 
under the 2019 Long-Term Performance Plan at June 30, 2020 was 2,221,129.

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 27, 2020, 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 27, 2020, 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 27, 2020, under the caption “Item 3 - Ratification of Auditors.”

67

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, 2020, 2019, and 2018

• Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended June 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018

• Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2020 and 2019

• Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018

• Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity For the Years Ended June 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018

• Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended June 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018

• 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. 72

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).

Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated as of October 30, 2019, between Applied 
Industrial Technologies, Inc. and PGIM, Inc. (formerly known as Prudential Investment Management, Inc.), and certain of 
its affiliates (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Applied’s Form 8-K filed November 5, 2019, 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).

68

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

*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).

Description of Applied's securities. 

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 27, 2020 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).

2019 Long-Term Performance Plan, amended and restated (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Applied's Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended September 30, 2019, 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, 2020, 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 10.2 to Applied's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 
30, 2019, 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, 2019, 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).

69

*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

*10.33

21

23

24

31

32

95

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).

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, 2020.

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 - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags
are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

70

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

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 10-K SUMMARY.

Not applicable.

71

APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020, 2019, AND 2018
(in thousands)

COLUMN A

COLUMN B

COLUMN C

COLUMN D  

COLUMN E

DESCRIPTION

Year Ended June 30, 2020

Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies —

Accounts receivable:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Returns reserve

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

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

$

$

$

$

$

$

10,498

7,265

17,763

10,964

2,602

13,566

8,056

1,572

9,628

$

$

$

$

$

$

14,055

—

14,055

4,058

738

4,796

2,803

—

2,803

$

$

$

$

$

$

—

2,618 (B)

2,618

—

3,925 (B)

3,925

3,548 (A)

1,030 (A)

4,578

$

$

$

$

$

$

10,892 (C)

—

10,892

4,524 (C)

—

4,524

3,443 (C)

—

3,443

$

$

$

$

$

$

13,661

9,883

23,544

10,498

7,265

17,763

10,964

2,602

13,566

(A)  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. 

(B)  Amounts in the year ending June 30, 2020 and 2019 represent reserves recorded for the return of merchandise by customers.   
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.

(C)  Amounts represent uncollectible accounts charged off.

72

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 14, 2020

/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

*

  Dan P. Komnenovich, Director

*

  Vincent K. Petrella, Director

/s/  Neil A. Schrimsher

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

*

Mary Dean Hall, Director

*

Robert J. Pagano, Jr., Director

             *
Joe A. Raver, Director

             *

Peter C. Wallace, Director and Chairman

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

 Date: August 14, 2020

73

 
 
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME PER SHARE 
TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME PER SHARE

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.”

FY2020

FY2019

RESEARCH ON APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES IS AVAILABLE THROUGH:

Net income per share - diluted

 $0.62 

 $3.68 

CLEVELAND RESEARCH  COMPANY 
Adam Uhlman 
216/649-7241

ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO. 
David Manthey
813/288-8503

KEYBANC CAPITAL MARKETS
Steve Barger 
216/689-0210

SIDOTI & COMPANY, LLC 
Joseph Mondillo
212/894-3339

LONGBOW RESEARCH 
Chris Dankert 
216/525-8486

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC 
Mike McGinn 
212/214-5052

Adjustments:

Goodwill & intangible impairment

Non-routine costs

Non-routine tax (benefit) expense

  3.04

 0.18

 (0.03)

 0.59

 0.04

 0.10

Adjusted net income per share - diluted

$3.81

$4.41

COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE 
TOTAL RETURN

SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

Requests to transfer Applied 

The Applied Industrial 

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., Standard & Poor’s 500, Dow Jones 
US Industrial Suppliers Index, and Old Peer Group

Industrial Technologies, Inc. 

Technologies, Inc. Annual 

(Performance Results from 7/1/2015 through 6/30/2020)

shares and all correspondence 

Report on Form 10-K for the 

regarding address change 

fiscal year ended June 30, 

information, duplicate mailings, 

2020, including the financial 

missing certificates, failure to 

statements and schedules 

receive dividend checks in a 

timely manner or to participate 

in the Company’s direct stock 

thereto, is available at our 
website www.Applied.com. 
It is also available without 

purchase program should be 

charge upon written request 

directed to the Company’s 

to the Director – Investor 

transfer agent and registrar:

Relations & Treasury at the 

address shown.

ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting of 
Shareholders will be held at
9:00 a.m., Tuesday,
October 27, 2020, at the 
Corporate Headquarters of 
Applied Industrial Technologies:
1 Applied Plaza,  
East 36th and Euclid Avenue,  
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

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 
Telephone: 216/426-4887  
E-mail:  rcieslak@applied.com

$200.00

$160.00

$120.00

$80.00

$40.00

$0.00

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

Standard and Poor's 500

Dow Jones US Industrial Suppliers Index

Old Peer Group

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Assumes $100 invested at the close of trading 6/30/2015 in Applied 

Industrial Technologies, Inc. common stock, Standard & Poor’s 500, 

Dow Jones US Industrial Suppliers Index, and Old Peer Group.

Cumulative total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.

The returns of the companies in the Old Peer Group are weighted 

based on the companies’ relative stock market capitalization.

After reevaluating the Old Peer Group this year, Applied elected to replace 

it with a published index because we believe the Dow Jones US Industrial 

Suppliers Index provides a meaningful comparison of total shareholder 

return performance and will be more convenient to administer.

The Old Peer Group is comprised of 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

Dow Jones US Industrial Suppliers Index

Old Peer Group

Source: Zacks Investment Research, Inc.

2015

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

2016

116.96

103.99

101.80

103.70

2017

156.13

122.60

97.46

100.48

2018

188.96

140.23

119.21

123.21

2019

169.00

154.83

126.59

134.38

2020

175.13

166.45

153.80

148.81

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, 6-12 and 27 of Applied’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 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 Headquarters

1 Applied Plaza 
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216/426-4000

Applied.com