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Applied Industrial

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FY2023 Annual Report · Applied Industrial
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A

CENTURY

OF PROGRESS

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

At 100 years, Applied’s differentiated industry position is apparent – from our 
legacy Service Center network to our leading engineered fluid power and 
flow control solutions, and a scaling presence across advanced automation 
technologies. We are proud to be a critical partner for our customers’ most 
valuable assets and supply chain investments.

Although  Applied®  has  a  vastly  larger  scope  today  than 
when  we  began,  our  founding  philosophy  has  remained 
unchanged: Taking Care of the Customer. The associates 
of  Applied  continue  to  uphold  this  philosophy  and  deliver 
world-class service through comprehensive product and 
service solutions that generate customer success. 

The driving force behind all we do is our Core Values that 
are  reflective  of  the  Company  as  a  whole;  the  individual 
responsibilities  of  each  associate;  and  the  promises  and 
commitments  made  to  customers,  associates,  suppliers, 
communities,  and  shareholders.  The  Applied  Core  Values 
include: Integrity, Respect, Customer Focus, Commitment 
to  Excellence,  Accountability,  Innovation,  Continuous 
Improvement,  and  Teamwork.  These  Core  Va lues 

resonate  throughout  the  organization  to  guide  associates 
and reinforce performance standards, every day.

Throughout  2023,  our  centennial  celebration  has  been 
one  of  recognizing  our  evolution,  success  and  continued 
progress. Looking ahead, we are excited to build on Applied’s 
history  through  our  multi-faceted  strategy  of  enhancing 
and  leveraging  our  core  Service  Center  operations, 
while  expanding  across  higher-engineered  solutions 
tied to advanced automation, industrial power, and process 
technologies. 

Across  Applied,  we  have  more  to  do  and  more  to 
achieve… supporting All Things Industrial® to keep 
industry running – productively!

1
9
2
3

Single product 

category (bearings), 

selling to car & 

truck dealers

2
0
2
3

Leading technical distributor & solutions 

 • 570+ Facilities (Worldwide)

provider with multi-channel capabilities 

 • 6,200+ Associates

that offer choice, convenience, and 

expertise in virtually all industrial markets

 • 8.8M+ SKUs

 • $4.4B+ Sales

At June 30, 2023

 • Founded as The Ohio 

Ball Bearing Co.

 • 1 Location (Cleveland)

 • 3 Associates

 • $82K Sales

Core Service Center Segment – Focused on MRO motion & 
power control solutions for critical break-fix applications

Industrial Motion

Maintenance Supplies

E-Business

Leading Technical 
Distributor & Solutions 

Leading National Distributor 
for C-Class MRO Supplies 

Growing in Today’s 
Digital Technologies, 

Provider Across Critical 
Industrial Infrastructure

Through Vendor Managed 
Inventory (VMI) & Vending 

Offering Customization 
to Streamline the Online 

Solutions

Procurement Process

To Our Stakeholders:

I  am  extremely  proud  of  the  Applied®  teams’  strong 

From  our  financial  results  to  the  feedback  we  receive 

performance  in  fiscal  2023.  Successful  execution 

from customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders… our 

of  our  strategic  initiatives  combined  with  benefits 

value proposition and ongoing evolution are resonating 

from  our  industry  position  and  disciplined  capital 

at a high level across our core marketplace. 

deployment drove a pivotal year for our business. Sales 

exceeded  $4  billion  and  EBITDA  margins  reached 

record  highs  on  the  back  of  top-tier  organic  growth, 

operational  discipline,  and  ongoing  expansion  of  our 

next-generation Automation platform.

This  progress  is  particularly  exciting  as  we  reflect  on 

our  Company’s  history,  including  celebrating  our 

centennial  anniversary  during  the  year  –  a  very  proud 

and  gratifying  moment  for  Applied  and  our  talented 

teams around the world. Our rich history and culture 

We also delivered record free cash generation inclusive 

remain a guiding framework as we forge ahead on our 

of  working  capital  investment  and  higher  capital 

strategy and continue to advance our leading technical 

spending,  further  reinforcing  our  growth  capacity 

capabilities throughout our industry.

going  forward  and  highlighting  our  enhanced  cash 

flow  power  as  we  scale  and  optimize  our  business.  At 

the  same  time,  we  made  significant  progress  toward 

our long-term objectives and positioning the Company 

to  fully  capture  secular  and  structural  tailwinds 

gaining momentum across our core markets, including 

through talent initiatives and advancing our technical 

engineered solutions. 

Continued on next page

Engineered Solutions Segment – Specializing in distributing, engineering, designing, & integrating 
hydraulic, pneumatic, & flow control technologies, as well as advanced automation solutions

Fluid Power

Flow Control

Automation

Leading the Industry in 
Innovative Technology Solutions; 

Unmatched Engineered Systems 
Design, Assembly, Integration, & 

Service Capabilities

Leading Provider of Process 
Flow Control Products & 

Services for Mission-Critical & 
Full-Cycle Solutions

Growing Provider of Next-Generation 
Automation Supplies & Solutions 

Focused on Machine Vision, Robotics, 
Motion, & Digital Technologies

FISCAL 2023 

IN REVIEW

Fiscal 2023 Financial Highlights

Achieved record sales, gross margin, EBITDA, 
EBITDA margin, EPS, and free cash flow 

 › Sales of $4.4 billion, up 15.8% year-over-year 

including 15.7% on an organic basis

 › EPS of $8.84; Non-GAAP adjusted EPS of 

$8.75, up 32.9% year-over-year (a) 

 › EBITDA margin of 11.9%, up 114 bps year-over-year; 
inclusive of an unfavorable 18 bps LIFO impact (b)

Generated $344 million of operating cash, and 
$317 million of free cash; inclusive of growth-related 
working capital investment and capex (c)

Deployed $157 million toward M&A, debt 
reduction, dividends, and share buybacks

Raised quarterly dividend to $0.35 per share, 
our 14th dividend increase since 2010 

Refer to the inside back cover for:

(a) Reconciliation of Net Income and Net Income Per Share to 
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share 

(b) Reconciliation of EBITDA

(c) Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow

2

Our  success  in  fiscal  2023  is  partially  the  result 

of  strategic  investments  and  initiatives  that  have 

posit ioned  A ppl ied ®  for  st ronger  g row t h  a nd 

operating  leverage  relative  to  our  legacy  trends. 

Over  the  past  f ive  years,  we  have  grown  sales, 

EBITDA, and adjusted EPS a respective 8%, 14%, and 

19% on a compounded annual basis, which is inclusive 

of  the  pandemic  driven  downturn  in  calendar  2020. 

Our  performance  over  this  period  includes  average 

quarterly  organic  sales  growth  in  the  mid-teens  and 

more  than  200  basis  points  of  EBITDA  margin 

expansion  within  the  past  two  years.  In  addition, 

our  competitive  position  and  operational  rigor  have 

never been stronger. This is evident by the significant 

improvement 

in  our  return  on  capital  metrics 

throughout  the  year,  which  are  the  highest  in  more 

than 10 years. 

Overall,  in  a  year  that  faced  ongoing  headwinds  from 

This  is  particularly  relevant  given  our  market  focus 

supply  chain  constraints  and  persistent  inflation,  to  a 

around  critical  motion  and  powertrain  products  in 

mixed  macro  and  demand  backdrop,  we  exceeded  our 

demanding applications, including notable requirements 

commitments  and  created  meaningful  value  for  our 

around supplier brands and local service reliability. 

customers,  suppliers,  and  all  stakeholders.  This  is  clear 

when considering our share price increased 51% in fiscal 

2023, while our market capitalization is nearing $6 billion 

compared to $2 billion in fiscal 2020.

What’s  more,  we  continue  to  focus  on  expanding 

outside  of  our  legacy  core  offering  including  across 

higher-engineered solutions tied to fluid power, process 

flow  control,  and  advanced  automation.  Within  our 

Our  performance  also  demonstrates  the  consistency 

Fluid Power operations, our technical and engineering 

that our teams are executing, as well as the breadth of 

capabilities are in greater demand from OEMs as they 

catalysts  across  many  areas  of  our  business.  Of  note, 

face  rapid  innovation  and  accelerate  integration  of 

our  core  Service  Center  network  continues  to  benefit 

advanced  features  into  their  equipment.  We  are  also 

from  a  number  of  internal  initiatives  aimed  at  driving 

integral  to  our  customers’  sustainability  initiatives, 

greater  sales  force  effectiveness.  This  includes  using 

from  enhancing  the  overall  efficiency  and  life  cycle  of 

more analytics and various sales process tools to identify 

hydraulic systems and power units, to helping design and 

and  capture  new  business  opportunities.  Furthermore, 

integrate new electrification features within fluid power 

ongoing talent investments continue to supplement our 

systems. We are in the early innings of the development 

sales momentum.

At  the  same  time,  we  are  seeing  solid  traction  with 

our cross-selling initiative. From flow control products 

of these opportunities, yet they are positively influencing 

our business funnel and represent an emerging area of 

potential growth for Applied® longer term.

supporting  process  maintenance,  to  emerging  robotic 

Our  strategic  expansion  into  Flow  Control  in  2018 

technologies  addressing  labor  and  safety  initiatives 

is  a  great  example  of  the  evolution  of  our  channel 

at  our  customers’  facilities,  the  full  suite  of  technical 

capabilities  and  end-market  mix  that  is  providing 

solutions  we  offer  today  is  meaningful  to  the  value 

more  resiliency  to  our  growth  and  margin  profile 

proposition  permeating  across  our  service  centers. 

today.  Demand  for  our  higher-margin  process  flow 

In  addition,  growth  opportunities  are  arising  as 

control  products  and  solutions  strengthened  in  fiscal 

customers  continue  to  consolidate  their  spend  with 

2023 as MRO activity and capital spending on process 

more  capable  distributors  offering  leading  technical 

infrastructure  was  strong  across  longer  and  later-cycle 

support and solutions. 

end  markets,  such  as  Chemicals,  Food  &  Beverage, 

Utilities, Energy, and Pulp & Paper. 

Continued on next page

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Continued from previous page

In  addition,  our  flow  control  solutions  are  increasingly 

With  sales  now  annualizing  around  $200  million,  and 

used in applications tied to our customers’ decarbonization 

representing  close  to  15%  of  our  Engineered  Solutions 

efforts and other required infrastructure investments as 

segment,  our  Automation  platform  is  becoming  a  key 

end markets transition around new energy requirements. 

contributor  to  our  financial  performance,  growth 

This  includes  providing  technical  support  for  the 

trajectory, and business profile.

configuration, assembly, and testing of process systems.

Along  with  sustained  top-line  momentum,  our  team 

As  it  relates  to  our  expanding  Automation  platform 

did an exceptional job of managing inflationary pressures 

focused  on  next-generation  robotics,  machine  vision, 

through  channel  execution,  pricing  actions,  and 

and digital solutions, we saw a strong underlying demand 

additional countermeasures, as well as controlling costs 

backdrop  in  fiscal  2023.  Sales  grew  a  solid  11%  on  an 

as  we  leverage  our  operational  excellence  initiatives, 

organic  basis  against  ongoing  supply  chain  constraints. 

shared  services  model,  and  technology  investments. 

We  also  made  additional  progress  further  scaling  and 

These  efforts  resulted  in  more  than  10  basis  points  of 

optimizing this strategic growth area of our business.  

gross margin expansion, high-teen incremental margins, 

The  acquisitions  of  Automation,  Inc.  and  Advanced 

Motion  Systems  Inc.  during  the  year  broadened 

our  footprint  in  the  U.S.  Upper  Midwest  and  Upper 

Nort heast.  Bot h  companies  brought  established 

customer  and  supplier  relationships,  along  with  an 

and  more  than  100  basis  points  of  EBITDA  margin 

expansion  during  the  year  despite  ongoing  LIFO 

headwinds. Combined with our ongoing working capital 

initiatives, we grew free cash during fiscal 2023 by nearly 

90% over the prior year – achieving record levels.

experienced  team  highly  regarded  for  their  technical 

The  consistent  performance  in  these  areas  is  not 

application  expertise  that  aligns  with  our  growth 

surprising  when  considering  the  ingrained  culture 

strategy, market focus, and value proposition. 

of  operational  execution  and  cost  accountability  that 

We  also  made  traction  with  our  greenfield  expansion 

initiatives  across  the  Southwest  and  Southeast  regions. 

Our  automation  expansion  continues  to  diversify  our 

end-market  exposure  with  solid  sales  growth  across 

Biotech,  Life  Sciences,  Data  Centers,  and  Consumer 

Packaging  verticals  during  the  year.  Further,  customer 

interest and new business opportunities remain elevated, 

with our sales funnel and pre-sales engineering activity 

at record highs.

continues  to  run  deep  throughout  Applied®,  as  well  as 

the  inherent  cash  flow  potential  of  our  business  model. 

As  our  growth  profile  and  operating  efficiencies  have 

strengthened, we are seeing a greater level of operating 

leverage across Applied that should continue to augment 

our earnings power and cash flow going forward.

4

LOOKING

AHEAD

As we move into fiscal 2024, we see considerable potential 

as we progress toward our next strategic objectives. Our 

to unlock across Applied® as we further our evolution and 

teams and alignment are strong as the underlying flywheel 

reinforce  our  position  as  the  leading  solutions  provider 

effect embedded in our strategy builds momentum. At its 

for  our  customers’  most  valuable  production  assets  and 

core, this is centered around optimizing and leveraging our 

supply  chain  reliability.  Similar  to  a  year  ago  when  we 

legacy service center operations as secular tailwinds gain 

began fiscal 2023, the current macro backdrop is driving 

speed, while expanding across higher margin engineered 

uncertainty  as  to  how  industrial  activity  will  track  into 

solutions  tied  to  advanced  automation,  industrial  power, 

fiscal 2024.

and process technologies. 

Higher capital costs, tighter credit conditions, and ongoing 

We expect this multi-faceted strategy to present many new 

labor and supply chain constraints will likely remain drags 

growth  prospects.  Within  our  Service  Center  network, 

on  end-market  spending  and  customers’  budgets  in  the 

we  are  expanding  into  new  vertical  markets  tied  to 

near  term.  That  said,  we  remain  constructive  that  our 

electric  vehicle  production,  semi-conductors,  renewable 

industry position and self-help opportunities can sustain 

energy,  life  sciences,  logistics,  and  wastewater.  We  are 

above market performance, and continue to drive a robust 

also engaging supplier partners and developing solutions 

business  funnel  that  presents  many  new  and  diverse 

for the adoption of IoT and smart systems. Our domain 

growth catalysts both near and long term. 

expertise  and  technical  sales  knowledge  are  invaluable 

assets to have in the channel as these emerging business 

Regardless of the trajectory of cycle dynamics near term, 

opportunities gain momentum. 

we  are  intently  focused  on  continuing  to  enhance  our 

underlying operational strength and scaling our business 

Continued on next page

5

Continued from previous page

In  our  Fluid  Power  operations,  we  are  leading  the  way 

The  outlook  on  our  next-generation  Automation 

in  developing  and  integrating  solutions  supporting 

platform  is  also  encouraging.  We  continue  to  develop 

the  advancement  of  digital  control  technologies,  as 

new  approaches  to  best  serve  our  growing  customer 

well  as  autonomous  and  electrified  equipment.  Our 

base  and 

further  enhance  our  market  position, 

engineering  capabilities  set  us  in  a  strong  competitive 

including  through  proprietary  turnkey  solutions  and 

position  to  capture  this  fluid  power  growth  tailwind. 

leading application expertise. We expect ongoing labor 

We  are  also  adding  capacity  in  regions  related  to  the 

constraints  and  evolving  production  considerations 

technology end market, including further strengthening 

to  accelerate  demand  for  our  leading  engineering 

the growth potential of our fluid power systems across the 

capabilities  across  functions,  such  as  machine  tending, 

semi-conductor sector for years to come. 

palletizing, and quality control. 

Plus,  we  see  notable  growth  potential  in  expanding 

These  applications  present  meaningful  and  scalable 

our  solutions  tied  to  sustainable  initiatives  and 

growth vectors as we extend our automation solutions 

the  energy  transition.  Of  note,  our  Flow  Control 

across our embedded service center customer base, and 

business is engaging strategic suppliers and identifying 

continue to expand our geographic footprint throughout 

opportunities  around  biogas  and  carbon  capture,  as 

North America. Overall, we see significant potential to 

well  as  hydrogen  and  lithium  production.  Our  broad 

further grow this platform into fiscal 2024 and beyond 

flow  control  product  portfolio  combined  with  our 

through M&A and organic initiatives.

engineering  capabilities  are  integral  to  the  ongoing 

build-out of various flow systems and processes utilized 

in these emerging “green” market opportunities.

Demonstrated ESG Commitment:

100 YEARS

of Conducting Business Ethically & Responsibly

6

We also remain focused on advancing our commitment 

service  capabilities  as  we  look  to  fully  leverage  and 

and  opportunity  around  ESG  (environmental,  social, 

capture  the  significant  growth  potential  continuing  to 

and  governance).  This  includes  extending  our  strong 

develop in our core service center business. This includes 

foundation  of  quality  brands,  innovative  solutions, 

tailwinds tied to reshoring, customer capex investments, 

dedicated  customer  service,  sound  ethics  and  a 

and technical supply chain requirements. 

commitment to our Core Values. It also means building 

on  our  legacy  of  being  a  responsible  corporate  citizen 

by  implementing  greener  practices  in  our  operations, 

promoting diversity, fostering continuous learning across 

our organization, and supporting our communities.

Based on this backdrop and the strong performance in 

fiscal 2023, we have increased our intermediate financial 

objectives  and  now  target  sales  of  more  than  $5.5 

billion  and  EBITDA  margins  of  more  than  13%.  We 

believe these objectives are well within the Company’s 

We  are  also  expanding  ways  we  can  help  customers 

capability and can be achieved within the next five years, 

advance 

their 

sustainability 

initiatives  and  drive 

or sooner, depending on broader macro conditions, the 

more  energy  efficient  processes  across  their  facilities. 

cadence of M&A, and other factors. 

We highlighted some of these sustainable solutions and 

opportunities  above  (including  electrification  in  fluid 

power  systems  and  decarbonization  efforts  across  our 

flow control operations), and will provide further detail 

Across the organization, our team is engaged and ready 

to  execute  on  these  next  milestones,  which  we  believe 

provides the framework for significant value creation for 

on these initiatives going forward. We welcome you to 

all stakeholders.

review our 2023 Environmental, Social & Governance 

Report  that  demonstrates  our  impact  and  ongoing 

commitment to key ESG topics. 

Lastly, we enter fiscal 2024 with a healthy balance sheet, 

including  more  than  $300  million  of  cash  on  hand 

and  more  than  $1.5  billion  in  balance  sheet  capacity. 

We  expect  favorable  cash  generation  to  sustain  as  our 

working capital requirements moderate following heavy 

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

Neil A. Schrimsher

President & Chief Executive Officer

investment  in  recent  years.  This  provides  significant 

August 11, 2023

firepower to drive ongoing organic investment, as well 

as potentially accelerate accretive M&A. Our top M&A 

priorities  remain  focused  on  automation,  fluid  power, 

and  flow  control.  We  also  continue  to  evaluate  select 

M&A opportunities across our Service Center network, 

aimed  at  optimizing  our  market  coverage,  talent,  and 

7

Directors and Leadership Team

Board of Directors*

Officers*

Senior Management*

Neil A. Schrimsher
President & Chief Executive Officer

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

Jon S. Ploetz
Vice President – General Counsel & Secretary

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

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

Kurt W. Loring
Vice President – Chief Human Resources Officer

Thomas R. Hayes
Vice President – Southeast Area

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

Ryan D. Cieslak
Assistant Treasurer

James A. Jeffiers
Vice President – Central States Area

Lonny D. Lawrence
Vice President – Information Technology

Tracie M. Longpre
Vice President – Supply Chain

Joe Mangiapane
Managing Director – Australia & New Zealand

Jeremy S. Moorman
Vice President – Operational Excellence

Sergio H. Nevárez
President – Applied Mexico

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

William P. Rozier
Vice President – Western Area

* At June 30, 2023

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)
Executive Vice President 
and Chief Information Officer

MKS Instruments, Inc. 
(Technology Solutions Provider)

Shelly M. Chadwick (1, 2)
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer 

Materion Corporation 
(High-Performance Engineered Materials)

Mary Dean Hall (1, 2)
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer 

Ingevity Corporation 
(Specialty Chemicals, High-Performance Carbon 
Materials, and Engineered Polymers)

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)
Former Executive Vice President

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.  
(Welding, Brazing Products Manufacturer)

Joe A. Raver (2, 3, 4)
Former 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 & 
Sustainabilty Committee

Chair: Peter C. Wallace

(3) Executive Committee

Chair: Peter C. Wallace

(4) Executive Organization &  
Compensation Committee

 Chair: Joe A. Raver

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, 7-12 and 26 of Applied’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 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.

8

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, 2023

OR

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

☐
For the transition period from ___ to ___ 

Commission file number 1-2299 

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

Ohio
(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization)

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

1 Applied Plaza Cleveland Ohio
 (Address of Principal Executive Offices)

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

Yes  ☒   No  ☐ 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller 
reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, 
“smaller reporting company”, and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

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.  ☒

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the 
registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-
based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to 
§240.1D-1(b). ☐

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, 2022): $4,758,283,000.

The registrant had outstanding 38,656,774 shares of common stock as of August 4, 2023.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., to be held 
October 24, 2023, 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

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

PART II
Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

Item 7A.

Item 8.

Item 9.

Item 9A.

Item 9B.
Item 9C.

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
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

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

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2

7

13

13

14

14

14

15

16

17

27

28

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60
60

60

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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, control, and automation 
technologies.  Through our comprehensive network of approximately 6,200 employee associates and approximately 
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 8.8 million stock keeping units with a focus on industrial 
bearings, power transmission products, fluid power components and systems, specialty flow control, and advanced 
factory automation solutions.  We market our products with a set of service solutions including inventory 
management, engineering, design, assembly, 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 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 & Sustainability, 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 market that requires technical expertise and service given that our products and 
solutions are directly tied to 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 advanced automation solutions and smart technologies
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, as well as optimize the efficiency and safety of their facilities and 
equipment.  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 

2

integrate solutions focused on making a customer’s operations and equipment more productive, cost and energy-
efficient, and automated.  We believe our products and solutions are increasingly critical within the industrial supply 
chain given increased manufacturing activity in the U.S., potential reshoring or localization of supply chains across 
North America, greater supply chain investments following the pandemic, 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.  In addition, reshoring and localization of supply 
chains could be a meaningful growth catalyst in years to come.  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, linear motion components, and 
automation solutions, 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

• Optimize operations and 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 and customer labor constraints, as well as increased industrial
capacity and 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 channel solutions, 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 programming, 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, electrification, remote monitoring,
advancements in machining, regulatory and compliance standards, and data analytics.  We believe our service
and engineering capabilities, shop network, and supplier relationships, combined with our software coding and
smart technology application knowledge, are key competitive advantages.  We see opportunities to leverage
these advantages across new and underserved geographies, as well as through new commercial solutions that
could drive a greater share gain of this market opportunity in coming years.

Expand automation platform and develop growth around emerging industrial technologies.  We are
expanding our position and capabilities focused on advanced factory automation and smart technologies that
optimize and connect customers’ industrial supply chains.  We believe we have a favorable position to capture
this addressable market given our technical product focus, service capabilities, embedded customer
relationships and knowledge across direct production infrastructure and equipment, and existing supplier
relationships.  Following several business acquisitions made in recent years, we now offer products and
solutions focused on the design, assembly, integration, and distribution of machine vision, robotics, digital
networking, and motion control technologies.  Our emerging growth across these areas is diversifying our end-
market exposure with greater penetration into technology, life sciences, logistics, and food and beverage
industries. 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 expansion.  We have a number of initiatives
focused on driving operational improvements throughout the organization.  Systems investments in recent

3

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 and our history of cost accountability, we see ongoing 
opportunity to optimize our margin profile and cash generation in coming years.

•

Pursue value-creating 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 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, industry relationships, and operational discipline are key to our
acquisition success.  In addition, dedicated corporate teams and related support functions provide strategic
oversight of critical work streams and integration execution, which we believe enhances our ability to capture
synergistic value.  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 450 locations in our Service Center Distribution 
segment and approximately 130 locations in our Engineered Solutions 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 2023 sales were generated.  We also have 
international operations, the largest of which is in Canada (7% of fiscal 2023 sales) with the balance (6% of fiscal 
2023 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, advanced 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, flow control, and 
automation 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 

4

metals, forest products, industrial machinery and equipment, life sciences, mining, oil and gas, primary metals, 
technology, transportation, and utilities, as well as to government entities.  Customers range from very large 
businesses, with which we may have multiple-location relationships, to very small ones.  We are not significantly 
dependent on a single customer or group of customers, the loss of which would have a material adverse effect on 
our business as a whole, and no single customer accounts for more than 4% of our fiscal 2023 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 
machine performance, expand their engineering capabilities, 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) Engineered Solutions. 
In fiscal 2023, our Service Center Based Distribution segment represented 67% of our total sales, while our 
Engineered Solutions segment represented 33% 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.

Engineered Solutions.  Our Engineered Solutions 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 advanced automation solutions, including machine vision, robotics, motion control, and smart 
technologies.

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 

5

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, and integration of autonomous and electrification features.

Our specialty flow control operations provide 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, 
life sciences, 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.  Our flow control 
solutions are increasingly used in applications tied to required infrastructure for decarbonization initiatives, including 
providing technical support for the configuration, assembly, and testing of process systems.

Our advanced automation operations provide solutions focused on the design, assembly, integration, and 
distribution of machine vision, collaborative robots, mobile robots, RFID, industrial networking, and machine learning 
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, biotechnology, data 
centers, food and beverage, logistics, consumer, and general industrial.  Our automation business helps customers 
develop, produce, and integrate machine and facility automation solutions using comprehensive technology and 
application knowledge.  A core element of our strategy and value proposition within automation is our value-added 
and engineered solution capabilities, enabling us to provide in-depth consultative, design, engineering, assembly, 
testing, and support services for various customer requirements.  

HUMAN CAPITAL

We attribute our business success to talented, dedicated employee associates who live our Core Values of integrity, 
respect, customer focus, commitment to excellence, accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and 
teamwork. 

At June 30, 2023, we had approximately 6,200 associates across six countries, with geographic and segment counts 
as follows:

Country

Associates

Segment

Associates

United States

Canada

Other Countries

4,800

650

750

Service Center Based Distribution

Engineered Solutions

Other

4,050

1,850

300

Associate Development.  We strive to attract, retain, and develop a diverse group of high-performing associates, 
empowering them to achieve their potential and providing them opportunities to test their skills, increase their 
responsibilities, and advance their careers.  Applied’s commitment to associate development is reflected in our 
investments in a learning management system (offering a wide array of internal facilitated training courses, supplier 
product training, and other third-party courses), a modern social learning platform, and in-person training through 
which associates can continually expand their knowledge base and position themselves to achieve their professional 
goals.  During the fiscal year we implemented manager training on the importance of identifying and providing 
resources for associate mental health needs.  Approximately 55% of eligible managers have completed this training 
as of the end of the fiscal year.

Compensation and Benefits.  We seek to provide competitive compensation and benefits in order to help attract 
and retain high quality associates.  In the U.S., Applied offers comprehensive benefits with choices to fit our 
associates’ varied needs, including the following: medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug insurance; short and 
long-term disability benefits; life insurance plans; Section 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match; paid 
vacations and holidays; incentive programs in support of our pay for performance culture; an employee assistance 
program; and an educational reimbursement program.

Diversity and Inclusion.  We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that is respectful to all associates 
and believe this serves as a cornerstone for a strong company.  We employ multiple initiatives to recruit, train, and 

6

advance diverse associates.  In the area of recruitment, for example, we engage in on-campus events and 
recruitment strategies that increase our exposure to diverse populations in order to enhance the diversity of our 
applicant pool.

Health and Safety.  Applied is also committed to the safety and well-being of our associates.  In the U.S., all 
associates are required to complete specific assigned online training courses annually, which include offerings on 
workplace safety hazards and vehicle safety.  In addition, role-specific training is assigned based on the types of 
hazards associates may face while carrying out their job function, such as training modules on operating in confined 
spaces, forklift operation, and lockout/tagout procedures.  Our U.S. associates completed over 35,000 safety training 
courses during the fiscal year, helping to raise awareness of workplace risks.

SEASONALITY 

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.

ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS

We believe that compliance with government regulations relating to 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.  Further, 
the disclosure of a risk should not be interpreted to imply that the risk has not already materialized.  

GENERAL ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRY RISKS

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

Our business, results of operation and financial condition have been, and could in the future be, adversely 
affected by a pandemic, epidemic or other public health emergency.  The COVID-19 pandemic created 
significant volatility, uncertainty, and economic disruption, and resulted in lost or delayed sales to us, and we 

7

experienced business disruptions as we modified our business practices. Another pandemic, including a new 
COVID-19 variant, or other public health emergency, together with preventative measures taken to contain or 
mitigate such crises, could impact our results of operations and financial condition in a variety of ways, such as: 
impact our customers such that the demand for our products and services could change; disrupt our supply chain 
and impact the ability of our suppliers to provide products as required; disrupt our ability to sell and provide our 
products and services and otherwise operate effectively; increase incremental costs resulting from the adoption of 
preventative measures and compliance with regulatory requirements; create financial hardship on customers, 
including by creating restrictions on their ability to pay for our services and products; result in closures of our facilities 
or the facilities of our customers or suppliers; and reduce customer demand on purchasing incentives we earn from 
suppliers. 

In addition, a pandemic or other public health emergency could impact the proper functioning of financial and 
capital markets, foreign currency exchange rates, product and energy costs, labor supply and costs, and interest 
rates.  Any pandemic or other public health emergency could also amplify the other risks and uncertainties described 
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We cannot reasonably predict the ultimate impact of any pandemic or other public health emergency, including the 
extent of any adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition, which will depend on, 
among other things, the duration and spread, the impact of governmental regulations that may be imposed in 
response, the effectiveness of actions taken to contain or mitigate the outbreak, the availability, safety and efficacy 
of vaccines, including against emerging variants of the infectious disease, and global economic conditions. 

Supply chain disruptions could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.      
Our supply chain, including transportation availability, staffing, and cost, could be disrupted by natural or human-
induced events or conditions, such as power or telecommunications outage, security incident, terrorist attack, war, 
other geopolitical events, public health emergency, earthquake, extreme weather events, fire, flood, other natural 
disasters, transportation disruption, labor actions, including strikes, raw materials shortages, financial problems or 
insolvency, trade regulations or actions, inadequate manufacturing capacity or utilization to meet demand, or other 
reasons beyond our control.  For example, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted certain suppliers’ operations and our 
ability to procure product to meet customer demand fully and timely.  When we can find acceptable alternate 
sources for certain products, they may cost more.  Impairment of our ability to meet customer demand could result 
in lost sales, increased costs, reduced profitability, and damage to our reputation.

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 produce 
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 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.

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 
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 or sales methods, business acquisition, 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 
product and service types, brands, quality, or prices.  Technological evolution or other factors can render product 
and service offerings obsolete, potentially impairing our competitive position and our inventory values.

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 2023.  This 
presence outside the U.S. increases risks associated with exposure to more volatile economic conditions, political 

8

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.

STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL RISKS

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.

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 (including due to supply chain disruptions, as noted above), could put us at a competitive 
disadvantage and have a material adverse effect on our business. 

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; the number 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.

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, customer account-specific, or 
transaction-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.

Volatility in product, energy, labor, 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.  Labor costs are 
our largest expense.  Our ability to pass along increases in our 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, such as the current economic climate, or not maintaining sales volume while increasing 
prices, could significantly reduce our profitability.

While increases in the cost of products, labor, 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, 

9

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 
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.

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.

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, war, 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.

FINANCIAL AND REPORTING RISKS

Our indebtedness entails debt service commitments that could adversely affect our ability to fulfill our 
obligations and could limit or reduce our flexibility.  As of June 30, 2023, we had total debt obligations 
outstanding of $622.2 million.  Our ability to service our debt and fund our other liquidity needs will depend on our 
ability to generate cash in the future.  Our debt commitments 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 indebtedness may 
adversely affect our business, financial position, or results of operations and may cause our stock price to decline.

10

In addition, the increase in interest rates has created some tightening in the credit markets.  If credit markets 
continue to tighten, or if it creates credit market volatility, 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.  

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.

Goodwill, long-lived, and other intangible assets recorded as a result of our acquisitions could become 
impaired.  We review goodwill, long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and identifiable 
amortizing intangible assets, for impairment whenever changes in circumstances or events may indicate that the 
carrying amounts are not recoverable.  Factors which may cause an impairment of long-lived assets include 
significant changes in the manner of use of these assets, negative industry or market trends, significant 
underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, or a likely sale or disposal of the asset 
before the end of its estimated useful life.  In 2021, we recorded a $49.5 million non-cash charge for the impairment 
of certain intangible, lease, and fixed assets.

As of June 30, 2023, we had remaining $578.4 million of goodwill and $235.5 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.

GENERAL RISK FACTORS

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 
for employees, shortages of qualified workers, higher employee turnover (including through retirement as the 
workforce ages), or increased employee compensation or benefit costs.

We are subject to legal, regulatory, and litigation risks, which may have a material adverse effect on our 
business.  We are subject to a wide array of laws and regulations.  Changes in the legal and regulatory environment 

11

in which we operate, including with respect to taxes, international trade, employment laws, and data privacy, could 
adversely and materially affect the Company.      

In addition, 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 or additional costs arising from our compliance with regulatory 
requirements, including those relating to the following: our status as a public company; our government contracts; 
tax compliance; our engagement in international trade; and our collection, storage, or transmission of personal data. 

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 limits, deductibles, and exclusions that result in our 
retention of a level of risk on a self-insured basis.  

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.

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, 2023, we owned real 
properties at 113 locations and leased 409 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, 2023:

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, 
2023 were:

Location of Principal Leased
Real Property

Fontana, California
Newark, California
Midland, Michigan
Strongsville, Ohio
Portland, Oregon
Stafford, Texas
Longview, Washington
Nisku, Alberta
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

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

The properties in Baldwinsville, Newark, Midland, and Stafford are used in our Engineered Solutions segment.  The 
Fontana and Longview properties are used in both the Service Center Based Distribution segment and the 
Engineered Solutions 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.

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.

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 25, 2022:

Name

Neil A. Schrimsher
Warren E. Hoffner

Kurt W. Loring

Jon S. Ploetz

Jason W. Vasquez
David K. Wells

Positions and Experience

President since 2013 and Chief Executive Officer since 2011.
Vice President, General Manager-Engineered Solutions 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 2015.

Vice President-Chief Human Resources Officer since 2014. 
Vice President-General Counsel since March 2023.  Prior to joining Applied, 
Mr. Ploetz was Vice President, Assistant General Counsel & Assistant 
Corporate Secretary at Harsco Corporation (NYSE: HSC) from 2018 to 2023, 
and Assistant General Counsel, Corporate & Securities prior to that.
Vice President-Sales & Marketing, U.S. Service Centers since June 2017.
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, 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).

Age
59
63

54

50

47
60

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.”  On August 4, 2023, there were 3,205 shareholders of record including 2,132 shareholders in the 
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan.  

The following table summarizes Applied's repurchases of its common stock in the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

Period

April 1, 2023 to April 30, 2023

May 1, 2023 to May 31, 2023

June 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023

Total

(a) Total
Number of 
Shares

(b) Average
Price Paid per 
Share ($)

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

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

—

—

—

—

— 

— 

— 

— 

—

—

—

—

1,500,000 

1,500,000 

1,500,000 

1,500,000 

(1) On August 9, 2022, 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 August 11, 2022.  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)
Consolidated Operations — Year Ended June 30
Net sales
Depreciation and amortization of property
Amortization:

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

$ 4,412,794 
22,266 

$ 3,810,676 
21,676 

$ 3,235,919 
20,780 

$ 3,245,652 
21,196 

$ 3,472,739 
20,236 

Intangible assets
SARs and stock options 

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

Cash dividend

Year-End Position — June 30
Working capital
Total debt
Total assets
Shareholders’ equity

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

30,805 
2,785 
473,151 
346,739 

31,879 
3,284 
357,858 
257,414 

34,365 
2,526 
205,454 
144,757 

8.98 
8.84 
1.38 

6.69 
6.58 
1.34 

3.73 
3.68 
1.30 

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

0.62 
0.62 
1.26 

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

3.72 
3.68 
1.22 

$ 1,106,463 
622,248 
2,743,332 
1,458,437 

$  859,902 
689,495 
2,452,588 
1,149,355 

$  768,875 
829,396 
2,271,807 
932,546 

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

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

3.0 
580 
3,227 
 13.7 %
 26.6 %

2.7 
568 
3,344 
 11.1 %
 24.7 %

2.8 
568 
3,535 
 6.4 %
 16.3 %

2.7 
580 
3,772 
 1.0 %
 2.8 %

2.7 
600 
4,165 
 6.3 %
 16.8 %

Capital expenditures

$ 

26,476 

$ 

18,124 

$ 

15,852 

$ 

20,115 

$ 

18,970 

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

$ 

$ 

53,446 
716 
54,162 

$ 

$ 

51,805 
13,784 
65,589 

$ 

$ 

50,664 
40,089 
90,753 

$ 

$ 

48,873 
— 
48,873 

$ 

$ 

47,266 
11,158 
58,424 

(a)

In fiscal 2021, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $49.5 million as a result of reduced economic conditions
and business alignment initiatives related to a portion of the Service Center Based Distribution segment exposed to oil and gas end
markets.  Excluding the impairment charge, the fiscal 2021 return on assets would be 8.0% and return on equity would be 20.6%.
(b) 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%.

(c) 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%

(d) Return on assets is calculated as net income divided by monthly average assets.
(e) 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 approximately 6,200 associates across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, Applied 
Industrial Technologies, Inc. ("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, 
2023, 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 2023 consolidated sales were $4.4 billion, an increase of $602.1 million or 15.8% compared to the prior 
year, with the acquisitions of R.R. Floody Company (Floody), Automation, Inc. and Advanced Motion Systems, Inc. 
(AMS) increasing sales by $20.0 million or 0.5% and unfavorable foreign currency translation of $16.3 million 
decreasing sales by 0.4%.  Gross profit margin increased to 29.2% for fiscal 2023 from 29.0% for fiscal 2022. 
Operating margin increased to 10.7% in fiscal 2023 from 9.4% in fiscal 2022. 

Our diluted earnings per share was $8.84 in fiscal 2023 versus $6.58 in fiscal 2022. 

Shareholders’ equity was $1,458.4 million at June 30, 2023 compared to $1,149.4 million at June 30, 2022.  
Working capital increased $246.6 million from June 30, 2022 to $1,106.5 million at June 30, 2023.  The current 
ratio was 3.0 to 1 and 2.7 to 1 at June 30, 2023 and at June 30, 2022, respectively. 

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 since June 2022 correlating with an overall decrease in the 
economy in the same period.  The ISM PMI registered 46.0 in June 2023, a decrease from the June 2022 revised 
reading of 53.1.  A reading above 50 generally indicates expansion.  The index readings for the months during the 
most recent quarter, along with the revised indices for previous quarter ends, were as follows:

Month

June 2023

May 2023

April 2023

March 2023

December 2022

September 2022

June 2022

Index Reading

PMI

46.0

46.9

47.1

46.3

48.4

51.0

53.1

IP

99.6

99.9

100.1

99.1

97.9

100.6

100.0

MCU

78.9

79.4

79.9

79.5

78.9

80.8

80.5

17

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

This discussion and analysis deals with comparisons of material changes in the consolidated financial statements for 
the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022.  For the comparison of the years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, see the 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, Item 7 of our 2022 
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 Expense

Operating Income

Net Income

Year Ended June 30,
As a % of Net Sales

Change in 
$'s Versus 
Prior Period

2023

2022

% Change

 100.0 %

 100.0 %

 29.2 %

 18.4 %

 10.7 %

 7.9 %

 29.0 %

 19.7 %

 9.4 %

 6.8 %

 15.8 %

 16.3 %

 8.6 %

 32.2 %

 34.7 %

Sales in fiscal 2023 were $4.4 billion, which was $602.1 million or 15.8% above the prior year, with sales from 
acquisitions adding $20.0 million or 0.5% and unfavorable foreign currency translation accounting for a decrease of 
$16.3 million or 0.4%.  There were 252.5 selling days in both fiscal 2023 and 2022.  Excluding the impact of 
businesses acquired and foreign currency translation, sales were up $598.4 million or 15.7% during the year, driven 
by an increase from operations reflecting resilient underlying demand across both segments, structural and secular 
tailwinds across legacy and new markets, and support from company-specific growth opportunities. 

The following table shows changes in sales by reportable segment.

Amounts in millions

Sales by Reportable Segment

Amount of change due to

Year ended June 30,

Sales 

2023

2022

Increase Acquisitions

Foreign 
Currency

Organic 
Change

Service Center Based Distribution

$  2,966.8  $  2,565.6  $ 

401.2  $ 

—  $ 

(16.3)  $ 

Engineered Solutions

Total

1,446.0   

1,245.1   

200.9   

20.0 

— 

$  4,412.8  $  3,810.7  $ 

602.1  $ 

20.0  $ 

(16.3)  $ 

417.5 

180.9 

598.4 

Sales in our Service Center Based Distribution segment, which operates primarily in MRO markets, increased $401.2 
million, or 15.6%.  Unfavorable foreign currency translation decreased sales by $16.3 million or 0.6%.  Excluding the 
impact of foreign currency translation, sales increased $417.5 million or 16.2% during the year, driven by an 
increase from operations due to ongoing benefits from market position, sales process initiatives, solid growth across 
national strategic accounts, as well as benefits from cross-selling actions.

Sales in our Engineered Solutions segment increased $200.9 million or 16.1%.  Acquisitions within this segment, 
primarily Automation, Inc., increased sales $20.0 million or 1.6%.  Excluding the impact of businesses acquired, sales 
increased $180.9 million or 14.5%, reflecting positive underlying segment demand and driven by expanding 
technical and engineering capabilities, diverse end-market mix, and cross-selling initiatives, partially offset by slower 
order activity across the technology sector and ongoing supply chain constraints.

18

The following table shows changes in sales by geographical area.  Other countries include 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 

2023

2022

Increase Acquisitions

Foreign 
Currency

Organic 
Change

$  3,860.4  $  3,299.8  $ 

560.6  $ 

20.0  $ 

—  $ 

540.6 

315.5 

236.9 

291.5 

219.4 

24.0 

17.5 

— 

— 

(16.0) 

(0.3) 

40.0 

17.8 

$  4,412.8  $  3,810.7  $ 

602.1  $ 

20.0  $ 

(16.3)  $ 

598.4 

Sales in our U.S. operations increased $560.6 million or 17.0%, with acquisitions adding $20.0 million or 0.6%. 
Excluding the impact of businesses acquired, U.S. sales were up $540.6 million or 16.4%.  Sales from our Canadian 
operations increased $24.0 million or 8.2%.  Unfavorable foreign currency translation decreased Canadian sales by 
$16.0 million or 5.5%.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, Canadian sales were up $40.0 million 
or 13.7%.  Consolidated sales from our other countries operations increased $17.5 million or 8.0% compared to the 
prior year.  Unfavorable foreign currency translation decreased other countries sales by $0.3 million or 0.1%.  
Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, other countries sales were up $17.8 million or 8.1% compared 
to the prior year, driven by an increase from operations, primarily an $11.5 million increase in Mexican sales due to 
increased industrial activity, mainly related to the automotive industry.

Our gross profit margin increased to 29.2% in fiscal 2023 compared to 29.0% in fiscal 2022.  Gross profit margin 
expanded year over year primarily reflecting broad-based execution across the business and countermeasures in 
response to ongoing inflation and supply chain dynamics.  The gross profit margin for the current year was 
negatively impacted by 18 basis points due to a $7.7 million increase in LIFO expense over the prior year.

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 

2023

2022

Increase Acquisitions

Foreign 
Currency

Organic 
Change

$ 

813.8  $ 

749.1  $ 

64.7  $ 

6.4  $ 

(4.3)  $ 

62.6 

SD&A consists of associate compensation, benefits and other expenses associated with selling, purchasing, 
warehousing, supply chain management, and marketing and distribution of the Company’s products, as well as 
costs associated with a variety of administrative functions such as human resources, information technology, 
treasury, accounting, insurance, legal, facility related expenses and expenses incurred in acquiring businesses.    
SD&A increased $64.7 million or 8.6% during fiscal 2023 compared to the prior year, and as a percentage of sales 
decreased to 18.4% in fiscal 2023 compared to 19.7% in fiscal 2022.  Changes in foreign currency exchange rates 
had the effect of decreasing SD&A by $4.3 million or 0.6% compared to the prior year.  SD&A from businesses 
acquired added $6.4 million or 0.9%, including $0.9 million of intangibles amortization related to acquisitions. 
Excluding the impact of businesses acquired and the unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, SD&A 
increased $62.6 million or 8.3% during fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022.  Excluding the impact of acquisitions, 
total compensation increased $47.3 million during fiscal 2023, as a result of annual calendar year merit increases 
and an increase in employee incentive compensation correlating with the improved company performance.  Also, 
excluding the impact of acquisitions, travel & entertainment and fleet expenses increased $4.7 million during 2023, 
primarily driven by higher fuel costs and the return of travel activity in the current year after travel constraints in the 
prior year due to COVID-19.  Additionally, excluding the impact of acquisitions, occupancy costs increased $5.3 
million during 2023, primarily driven by increased building lease costs.  All other expenses within SD&A were up $5.3 
million. 

Operating income increased $115.3 million, or 32.2%, to $473.2 million during fiscal 2023 from $357.9 million 
during fiscal 2022, and as a percentage of sales, increased to 10.7% from 9.4%, primarily due to gross profit margin 
expansion, volume leverage, and control of SD&A expense in fiscal 2023.

Operating income, as a percentage of sales for the Service Center Based Distribution segment increased to 12.6% in 
fiscal 2023 from 11.8% in fiscal 2022.  Operating income as a percentage of sales for the Engineered Solutions 
segment increased to 14.1% in fiscal 2023 from 12.6% in fiscal 2022. 

19

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 expense (income), net, represents certain non-operating items of income and expense, and was $1.7 million of 
expense in fiscal 2023 compared to $1.8 million of expense in fiscal 2022.  Current year expense primarily consists of 
foreign currency transaction losses of $3.3 million and other periodic post-employment costs of $1.5 million, offset 
by unrealized gains on investments held by non-qualified deferred compensation trusts of $2.2 million, life insurance 
income of $0.7 million and other income of $0.2 million.  Fiscal 2022 expense consisted primarily of unrealized loss 
on investments held by non-qualified deferred compensation trusts of $2.6 million and other periodic post-
employment costs of $0.6 million, offset by life insurance income of $1.4 million.

The effective income tax rate was 22.9% for fiscal 2023 compared to 21.9% for fiscal 2022.  The increase in the 
effective tax rate is due to changes in compensation-related deductions in fiscal 2023 compared to the prior year. 

As a result of the factors discussed above, net income for fiscal 2023 increased $89.3 million from the prior year. 
Diluted net income per share was $8.84 per share for fiscal 2023 compared to $6.58 per share for fiscal 2022.  

At June 30, 2023, we had approximately 580 operating facilities in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, 
Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore at June 30, 2023, versus 568 June 30, 2022. 

The approximate number of Company employees was 6,200 at June 30, 2023 and 6,100 at June 30, 2022. 

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, 2023 we had total debt obligations outstanding of $622.2 million compared to $689.5 
million at June 30, 2022.  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 in which we operate, 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 if necessary based on the Company’s 
credit standing and financial strength.

The Company’s working capital at June 30, 2023 was $1,106.5 million compared to $859.9 million at June 30, 
2022.  The current ratio was 3.0 to 1 at June 30, 2023 and 2.7 to 1 at June 30, 2022.  

Net Cash Flows

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

Amounts in thousands

Net Cash Provided by (Used in):

Operating Activities

Investing Activities

Financing Activities

Exchange Rate Effect

Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

Year Ended June 30,

2023

2022

$  343,966  $  187,570 

(60,833) 

(35,658) 

(126,888) 

(223,029) 

3,317 

(2,154) 

$  159,562  $ 

(73,271) 

The increase in cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2023 is driven by changes in working capital for the 
year and by increased operating results.  Changes in cash flows between years related to working capital were driven 
by (amounts in thousands): 

Accounts receivable

Inventory 

Accounts payable 

$ 

$ 

$ 

94,460 

49,448 

(15,915) 

Net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2023 included $35.8 million used for the acquisitions of Automation, 
Inc. and AMS and $26.5 million used for capital expenditures.  Net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2022 
included $7.0 million used for the acquisition of Floody, $14.8 million million in cash payments for loans on 
company-owned life insurance and $18.1 million used for capital expenditures. 

20

Net cash used in financing activities decreased from the prior year period primarily due to a change in net debt 
activity, as there was $67.2 million of net debt payments in fiscal 2023 compared to $139.9 million of net debt 
payments in 2022.  Further uses of cash in 2023 were $53.4 million for dividend payments and $12.9 million used to 
pay taxes for shares withheld.  Further uses of cash in 2022 were $51.8 million for dividend payments, $8.1 million 
used to pay taxes for shares withheld, and $13.8 million used to repurchase 148,658 shares of treasury stock.

The increase in dividends over the year is the result of regular increases in our dividend payout rates.  We paid 
dividends of $1.38 and $1.34 per share in fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. 

Capital Expenditures

We expect capital expenditures for fiscal 2024 to be in the $27.0 million to $29.0 million range, primarily consisting 
of capital associated with additional information technology equipment and infrastructure investments.  

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, 2023, we had authorization to purchase an additional 1,500,000 shares.  

In fiscal 2023, we purchased 8,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an average price per share of $89.46. 
In fiscal 2022, we repurchased 148,658 shares of the Company's common stock at an average price per share of 
$92.72.  In fiscal 2021,we repurchased 400,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an average price per 
share of $100.22.

Borrowing Arrangements

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

June 30,

Revolving credit facility

Trade receivable securitization facility

Series C Notes 

Series D Notes

Series E Notes

Other

Total debt

Less: unamortized debt issuance costs

2023

2022

$ 

383,592  $ 

410,592 

188,300 

188,300 

— 

25,000 

25,000 

356 

40,000 

25,000 

25,000 

603 

$ 

622,248  $ 

689,495 

152 

171 

$ 

622,096  $ 

689,324 

In December 2021, the Company entered into a new revolving credit facility with a group of banks to refinance the 
existing credit facility as well as provide funds for ongoing working capital and other general corporate purposes.  
The revolving credit facility provides a $900.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility and an uncommitted 
accordion feature which allows the Company to request an increase in the borrowing commitments, or incremental 
term loans, under the credit facility in aggregate principal amounts of up to $500.0 million.  In May 2023, the 
Company and the administrative agent entered into an amendment to the credit facility to replace LIBOR as a 
reference rate available for use in the computation of interest and replace it with SOFR.  Borrowings under this 
agreement bear interest, at the Company's election, at either the base rate plus a margin that ranges from 0 to 55 
basis points based on net leverage ratio or SOFR plus a margin that ranges from 80 to 155 basis points based on the 
net leverage ratio.  Unused lines under this facility, net of outstanding letters of credit of $0.2 million to secure 
certain insurance obligations, totaled $516.2 million and $489.2 million at June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, 
respectively, and were available to fund future acquisitions or other capital and operating requirements.  The interest 
rate on the revolving credit facility was 6.11% and 2.81% as of June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, respectively.

Additionally, the Company had letters of credit outstanding not associated with the revolving credit agreement, in 
the amount of $4.0 million and $4.7 million as of June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, respectively, in order to secure 
certain insurance obligations.

In August 2018, the Company established a trade receivable securitization facility (the “AR Securitization Facility”).  
On March 26, 2021, the Company amended the AR Securitization Facility to expand the eligible receivables, which 
increased the maximum availability to $250.0 million and increased the fees on the AR Securitization Facility to 
0.98% per year.  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 

21

times, we may not be able to fully access the $250.0 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 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.  In May 2023, 
the Company entered into an amendment to the AR Securitization facility to replace LIBOR as a reference rate 
available for use in the computation of interest and replace it with SOFR, therefore borrowings under this facility 
carry variable interest rates tied to SOFR.  The interest rate on the AR Securitization Facility as of June 30, 2023 and 
June 30, 2022 was 6.16% and 2.60%, respectively.  The Company classified the AR Securitization Facility as long-
term debt as it has the ability and intent to extend or refinance this amount on a long-term basis.  On August 4, 
2023, the Company amended the AR Securitization Facility and extended the term to August 4, 2026.  

At June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, the Company had borrowings outstanding under its unsecured shelf facility 
agreement with Prudential Investment Management of $50.0 million and $90.0 million, respectively.  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 
remaining principal balance on the "Series C" notes of the $40.0 million was paid in July 2022.  The "Series D" 
notes have a remaining principal amount of $25.0 million, carry a fixed interest rate of 3.21%, and are due in 
October 2023.  The "Series E" notes have a principal amount of $25.0 million, carry a fixed interest rate of 3.08%, 
and are due in October 2024. 

In 2014, the Company assumed $2.4 million of debt as a part of the headquarters facility acquisition.  The 1.50% 
fixed interest rate note is held by the State of Ohio Development Services Agency and matures in November 2024. 

In 2019, the Company entered into an interest rate swap which mitigates variability in forecasted interest payments 
on $384.0 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, 2023, 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, 2023, the Company's net indebtedness was less than 0.7 times consolidated 
income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (as defined).  The Company was in compliance with all 
financial covenants at June 30, 2023.

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

2023

2022

$ 730,729 

$ 673,951 

22,334 

17,522 

$ 708,395 

$ 656,429 

 3.1 %

 2.6 %

2023

2022

$  5,619 

$  3,193 

 0.13 %

 0.08 %

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.  The Company experienced a significant increase in accounts receivable during 
fiscal 2023 commensurate with the increase in sales.

On a consolidated basis, DSO was 55.1 at June 30, 2023 versus 55.7 at June 30, 2022.  Approximately 2.5% of our 
accounts receivable balances are more than 90 days past due at June 30, 2023 compared to 3.4% at June 30, 2022. 
On an overall basis, our provision for losses from uncollected receivables represents 0.13% of our sales for the year 
ended June 30, 2023, compared to 0.08% of sales for the year ended June 30, 2022.  The increase primarily relates 
to provisions recorded in the current year for customer credit deterioration and bankruptcies primarily in 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.

22

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.  Inventory increased throughout fiscal 2022 to meet increasing customer demand.  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 year ended June 30, 2023 was 4.4 versus 4.7 for the year ended June 30, 2022.  

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, 2023 (in thousands):

Operating leases

$  113,251  $  34,235  $  44,995  $  22,646  $  11,375  $ 

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

6,561 

1,360 

2,770 

460 

1,971 

5,900 

622,248 

68,000 

810 

— 

25,251 

22,300 

684 

— 

25,105 

34,000 

126 

— 

571,892 

11,700 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

$  816,770  $  83,830  $  106,996  $  606,698  $  13,346  $  5,900 

Other

— 

— 

5,900 

— 

— 

— 

(1) Amounts represent estimated contractual interest payments on outstanding long-term debt obligations net of
receipts under the terms of the interest rate swap.  Rates in effect as of June 30, 2023 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 14.2% of our domestic inventory dollars relate to LIFO layers 
added in the 1970s.  The excess of average cost over LIFO cost is $215.3 million as reflected in our consolidated 
balance sheet at June 30, 2023.  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. 

23

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 and are not highly susceptible to obsolescence.  

As of June 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company's reserve for slow-moving or obsolete inventories was $42.6 million 
and $39.2 million, respectively, recorded in inventories in the consolidated balance sheets. 

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

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

As of June 30, 2023 and 2022, our allowance for doubtful accounts was 3.1% and 2.6% of gross receivables, 
respectively.  Our provision for losses on accounts receivable was $5.6 million, $3.2 million, and $6.5 million in fiscal 
2023, 2022, and 2021, 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 Engineered Solutions segment.  The Company has eight (8) reporting units for which an annual goodwill 
impairment assessment was performed as of January 1, 2023.  The Company concluded that all of the reporting 
units’ fair values exceeded their carrying amounts by at least 20% as of January 1, 2023.  

24

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, 
2023, the Company recognized $35.0 million of net deferred tax liabilities.  Valuation allowances are provided 
against net deferred tax assets, determined on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis, 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 rates and future taxable income levels.

25

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; continuing risks relating to the effects of the COVID-19 
pandemic; inflationary or deflationary trends in the cost of products, energy, labor and other operating costs, and 
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 (such as due to supply chain 
strains), changes in supplier distribution programs, inability of suppliers to perform, and transportation disruptions; 
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, war, 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.  Risks can also change over time. Further, 
the disclosure of a risk should not be interpreted to imply that the risk has not already materialized.

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.

26

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% of our fiscal 
year 2023 net sales were generated outside the United States, foreign currency exchange rates can impact our 
financial position, results of operations and competitive position.  The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are 
translated into their U.S. dollar equivalents at end-of-period exchange rates for assets and liabilities, while income 
and expenses are translated at average monthly exchange rates.  Translation gains and losses are components of 
other comprehensive income 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 
expense (income), net.  Applied does not currently hedge the net investments in our foreign operations.

During the course of the fiscal year, the Canadian, Australian and New Zealand currency exchange rates decreased in 
relation to the U.S. dollar by 2.9%, 3.9%, and 2.5%, respectively, while the Mexican currency exchange rate 
increased in relation to the U.S. dollar by 17.7%.  In the twelve months ended June 30, 2023, we experienced net 
foreign currency translation gains totaling $7.7 million, which were included in other comprehensive income.  We 
utilize a sensitivity analysis to measure the potential impact on earnings based on a hypothetical 10% change in 
foreign currency rates.  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, 2023 would have resulted in a $1.7 million 
decrease in net income for the year ended June 30, 2023. 

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 forecasted 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 $900.0 million in borrowings with $383.6 million outstanding at June 30, 
2023, and a $188.3 million trade receivable securitization facility, all of which was outstanding at June 30, 2023. 
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 $384.0 million as of 
June 30, 2023.  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 
$50.0 million outstanding under our unsecured shelf facility agreement, as well as $0.4 million of assumed debt 
from the purchase of our headquarters facility.  We had total average variable interest rate bank borrowings of 
$587.1 million during fiscal 2023.  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 the interest rate swap) would have resulted in a 
$5.9 million increase in interest expense.  Including the impact of the interest rate swap, the impact of a hypothetical 
1.0% increase in the variable interest rate would have resulted in a $2.0 million increase in interest expense. 

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.

27

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, 2023 and 2022, 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, 2023, 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, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period 
ended June 30, 2023, 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, 2023, 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 11, 2023, expressed an unqualified opinion on the 
Company's internal control over financial reporting. 

Basis for Opinion

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

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

Critical Audit Matter

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

Goodwill - Engineered Solutions Segment - Refer to Notes 1 and 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 
$578.4 million as of June 30, 2023, of which $367.2 million related to reporting units within the Engineered Solutions 
segment.  The fair value of all reporting units exceeded their carrying value by at least 20% as of the measurement date 
and, therefore, no impairment was recognized. 

Given the nature of one of the reporting unit’s operations within the Engineered Solutions segment, the sensitivity of 
the reporting unit to changes in the economy, the reporting unit’s historical performance as compared to projections, 

28

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 reporting unit, required a high degree of auditor 
judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the forecasts of future revenues 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 this reporting unit within the Engineered Solutions segment 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 current 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 unit operates within.

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

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

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

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Cleveland, Ohio

August 11, 2023

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

29

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
Impairment expense

Operating income

Interest expense

Interest income

Other expense (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.

2023

2022

2021

$  4,412,794  $  3,810,676  $  3,235,919 

3,125,829 

2,703,760 

2,300,395 

1,286,965 

1,106,916 

813,814 
— 

473,151 

24,790 

(3,151) 

1,701 

449,811 

103,072 

749,058 
— 

357,858 

26,785 

(522)

1,805 

329,790 

72,376 

935,524 

680,542 
49,528 

205,454 

30,807 

(215)

(2,200)

177,062 

32,305 

$ 

$ 

$ 

346,739  $ 

257,414  $ 

144,757 

8.98  $ 

8.84  $ 

6.69  $ 

6.58  $ 

3.73 

3.68 

30

 
 
 
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)

2023

2021
$  346,739  $  257,414  $  144,757 

2022

7,723 

(9,862) 

24,352 

405 
1,031 

2,839 
— 

903 
— 

36 
18,174 
(7,285) 
20,084 
3,085 
16,999 

270 
3,250 
11,553 
40,328 
3,990 
36,338 
$  363,738  $  278,211  $  181,095 

300 
26,204 
11,361 
30,842 
10,045 
20,797 

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

Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments

Post-employment benefits:

 Actuarial gain on re-measurement
 Termination of pension plan
 Reclassification of net actuarial losses and prior service cost into other
 expense (income), net and included in net periodic pension costs

Unrealized gain on cash flow hedge
Reclassification of interest from cash flow hedge into interest expense
Total other comprehensive income, before tax
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Comprehensive income

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

31

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; 
38,657 and 38,499 shares outstanding, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Treasury shares — at cost (15,556 and 15,714 shares, respectively)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Total Shareholders’ Equity
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

32

2023

2022

$  344,036  $  184,474 
656,429 
449,821 
68,805 
1,359,529 

708,395 
501,184 
93,192 
1,646,807 

14,219 
109,884 
219,979 
344,082 
229,041 
115,041 
100,677 
235,549 
578,418 
66,840 

14,319 
108,119 
204,473 
326,911 
215,015 
111,896 
108,052 
250,590 
563,205 
59,316 
$ 2,743,332  $ 2,452,588 

$  301,685  $  259,463 
40,174 
91,166 
108,824 
499,627 
649,150 
154,456 
1,303,233 

25,170 
98,740 
114,749 
540,344 
596,926 
147,625 
1,284,895 

— 

— 

10,000 
188,646 
1,792,632 
(477,545) 
(55,296) 
1,458,437 

10,000 
183,822 
1,499,676 
(471,848) 
(72,295) 
1,149,355 
$ 2,743,332  $ 2,452,588 

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:

Impairment Expense
Depreciation and amortization of property
Amortization of intangibles
Amortization of stock appreciation rights and options
Deferred income taxes
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
Other share-based compensation expense
Other
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

Accounts receivable
Inventories
Other operating assets
Accounts payable
Other operating liabilities
Cash provided by Operating Activities
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
Capital expenditures
Proceeds from property sales
Life insurance proceeds
Cash payments for loans on company-owned life insurance
Cash used in Investing Activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Repayments under revolving credit facility
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility
Borrowings under long-term debt facilities
Long-term debt repayments
Interest rate swap settlement receipts (payments)
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 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 (includes interest rate swap settlements)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

2023

2022

2021

$  346,739  $  257,414  $  144,757 

— 
22,266 
30,805 
2,785 
(5,716) 
5,619 
9,576 
1,145 

(51,059) 
(42,977) 
(25,254) 
37,682 
12,355 
343,966 

(35,785) 
(26,476) 
1,428 
— 
— 
(60,833) 

— 
21,676 
31,879 
3,284 
15,176 
3,193 
8,558 
(1,752) 

(145,519) 
(92,425) 
(4,982) 
53,597 
37,471 
187,570 

(6,964) 
(18,124) 
1,107 
3,158 
(14,835) 
(35,658) 

49,528 
20,780 
34,365 
2,526 
(31,080) 
6,540 
6,454 
1,446 

(59,119) 
41,318 
(5,262) 
10,919 
18,525 
241,697 

(30,230) 
(15,852) 
1,152 
— 
— 
(44,930) 

(27,000) 
— 
— 
(40,247) 
8,800 
— 
(716) 
(53,446) 
(1,510) 
127 
(12,896) 
(126,888) 
3,317 
159,562 
184,474 

— 
— 
26,000 
(131,883) 
(3,737) 
(399) 
(40,089) 
(50,664) 
(2,345) 
163 
(10,083) 
(213,037) 
5,464 
(10,806) 
268,551 
$  344,036  $  184,474  $  257,745 

— 
410,592 
— 
(550,493) 
(5,703) 
(1,956) 
(13,784) 
(51,805) 
(2,361) 
555 
(8,074) 
(223,029) 
(2,154) 
(73,271) 
257,745 

$  108,084  $  53,301  $  64,394 
$  22,567  $  20,164  $  27,492 

33

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands)

Purchases of common stock for treasury

(400) 

38,516 

10,000 

  177,014 

  1,294,413 

  (455,789) 

(93,092) 

257,414 

(52,175) 

20,797 

Purchases of common stock for treasury

(149) 

For the Years Ended June 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Balance at June 30, 2020

Net income

Other comprehensive income

Cash dividends — $1.30 per share

Treasury shares issued for:

Exercise of stock appreciation rights and options

Performance share awards

Restricted stock units

Compensation expense — stock appreciation rights

Other share-based compensation expense

Other

Balance at June 30, 2021

Net income

Other comprehensive income

Cash dividends — $1.34 per share

Treasury shares issued for:

Exercise of stock appreciation rights and options

Performance share awards

Restricted stock units

Compensation expense — stock appreciation rights

Other share-based compensation expense

Other

Balance at June 30, 2022

Net income

Other comprehensive income

Cash dividends — $1.38 per share

Purchases of common stock for treasury

Treasury shares issued for:

Exercise of stock appreciation rights and options

Performance share awards

Restricted stock units

Compensation expense — stock appreciation rights
Other share-based compensation expense

Other

Shares of
Common
Stock
Outstanding

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Treasury
Shares-
at Cost

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

Total
Shareholders'
Equity

38,710  $  10,000  $ 176,492  $ 1,200,570  $ (414,090)  $ 

(129,430)  $ 

843,542 

144,757 

(50,992) 

36,338 

(40,089) 

(2,009) 

(20)

95

78

324 

(6,379) 

(985)

(740) 
2,526

6,454

(354)

(13,784) 

(2,132) 

(73)

(138)

24

68 

(3,945) 

(222)

(598)
3,284

8,558

(269)

144,757 

36,338 

(50,992) 

(40,089) 

(8,388) 

(1,005) 

(645) 
2,526 

6,454 

48 

932,546 

257,414 

20,797 

(52,175) 

(13,784) 

(6,077) 

(295) 

(736) 
3,284 

8,558 

(177) 

152 

22 

19 

13 

104 

5 

12 

11 

38,499 

10,000 

183,822 

  1,499,676 

(471,848) 

(72,295) 

1,149,355 

346,739 

(53,887) 

16,999 

(8) 

92 

23 

34 

17 

(716) 

(3,773) 

(758) 

(932) 

104 

482 

(4,256) 

(1,290) 

(1,712) 
2,785 
9,576 

(279) 

346,739 

16,999 

(53,887) 

(716) 

(8,029) 

(2,048) 

(2,644) 
2,785 
9,576 

307 

Balance at June 30, 2023

38,657  $  10,000  $ 188,646  $ 1,792,632  $ (477,545)  $ 

(55,296)  $  1,458,437 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

34

 
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 income (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 expense (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 expense (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.  

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

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.  Initially, the Company estimates an allowance for doubtful 
accounts as a percentage of net sales based on historical bad debt experience.  This initial estimate is adjusted based 
on recent trends of customers and industries estimated to be greater credit risks, trends within the entire customer 

35

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 $22,334 and $17,522 at June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, 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, 2023, approximately 14.2% 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.

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, 

36

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 
generally 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 $12,635 and $10,522 at June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, 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 
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 $22,170, $17,890 and $15,970 for the 
fiscal years ended June 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

37

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, or the 2011 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 suspended the 
401(k) match starting in the fourth quarter of 2020 and restored it in the third quarter of fiscal 2021.  The 
Company’s expense for matching of employees’ 401(k) contributions was $9,989, $9,149 and $3,945 during 2023, 
2022 and 2021, respectively.

Deferred Compensation Plans

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

38

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 $399, $450, and $401 in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.  The Company 
expects to make payments of approximately $1,300 under the SERP in fiscal 2024 and 2025, respectively.

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 $456, $514, and $334 of expense 
associated with this plan in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.  

Qualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plan

The Company's qualified defined benefit retirement plan provided benefits to certain hourly employees at 
retirement based on length of service and date of retirement.  The plan accruals were frozen as of April 16, 
2018, and employees were permitted to participate in the Retirement Savings Plan, following that date.  The 
Company terminated the plan effective February 28, 2022.  Participants elected to receive benefits as either a 
lump sum payment or through an annuity contract and the settlement of $8,895 was paid from plan assets in 
the second quarter of fiscal 2023.  As a result of the plan termination, the Company recognized a loss of $1,184 
in the year ended June 30, 2023, which is recorded in other expense (income), net in the statements of 
consolidated income.  The Company recorded net periodic costs associated with this plan of $282 and $46 in 
fiscal 2022 and 2021, 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 $113, $123, 
and $161 in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, 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 2034, 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.

39

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, 2023, 2022 and 2021.  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, 2023

Service Center 
Based 
Distribution

Engineered 
Solutions

Total

$ 

$ 

2,441,281  $ 
315,499 
210,062 
2,966,842  $ 

1,419,140  $ 

— 
26,812 
1,445,952  $ 

3,860,421 
315,499 
236,874 
4,412,794 

Year Ended June 30, 2022

Service Center 
Based 
Distribution

Engineered 
Solutions

Total

$ 

$ 

2,081,566  $ 
291,530 
192,508 
2,565,604  $ 

1,218,184  $ 

— 
26,888 
1,245,072  $ 

3,299,750 
291,530 
219,396 
3,810,676 

Year Ended June 30, 2021

Service Center 
Based 
Distribution

Engineered 
Solutions

Total

$ 

$ 

1,768,965  $ 
255,360 
175,208 
2,199,533  $ 

1,013,894  $ 

— 
22,492 
1,036,386  $ 

2,782,859 
255,360 
197,700 
3,235,919 

The following tables present the Company’s percentage of revenue by reportable segment and major customer 
industry for the years ended June 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021:

General Industry
Industrial Machinery
Food
Metals

Forest Products

Chem/Petrochem

Cement & Aggregate
Oil & Gas
Transportation
Total

Year Ended June 30, 2023

Service Center 
Based 
Distribution
 34.0 %
 9.8 %
 13.2 %
 10.6 %

 12.1 %

 2.8 %

 7.8 %
 6.0 %
 3.7 %
 100.0 %

Engineered 
Solutions
 41.2 %
 26.1 %
 2.7 %
 7.5 %

 2.8 %

 13.9 %

 1.3 %
 1.4 %
 3.1 %
 100.0 %

Total
 36.2 %
 15.2 %
 9.8 %
 9.6 %

 9.1 %

 6.4 %

 5.7 %
 4.5 %
 3.5 %
 100.0 %

40

General Industry
Industrial Machinery
Food
Metals

Forest Products

Chem/Petrochem

Cement & Aggregate
Oil & Gas
Transportation
Total

General Industry

Industrial Machinery

Food

Metals

Forest Products

Chem/Petrochem

Cement & Aggregate

Oil & Gas

Transportation

Total

Year Ended June 30, 2022

Service Center 
Based 
Distribution
 34.9 %
 10.3 %
 12.6 %
 11.2 %

 10.8 %

 3.1 %

 7.6 %
 5.4 %
 4.1 %
 100.0 %

Engineered 
Solutions
 40.1 %
 28.3 %
 2.5 %
 7.4 %

 2.4 %

 13.8 %

 1.0 %
 1.2 %
 3.3 %
 100.0 %

Year Ended June 30, 2021

Service Center 
Based 
Distribution

Engineered 
Solutions

 35.8 %

 9.8 %

 13.5 %

 10.5 %

 10.7 %

 3.3 %

 7.9 %

 3.9 %

 4.6 %

 40.0 %

 26.8 %

 2.9 %

 6.8 %

 2.9 %

 13.6 %

 1.1 %

 1.1 %

 4.8 %

Total
 36.7 %
 16.2 %
 9.3 %
 9.9 %

 8.0 %

 6.6 %

 5.5 %
 4.0 %
 3.8 %
 100.0 %

Total

 37.2 %

 15.2 %

 10.1 %

 9.3 %

 8.2 %

 6.6 %

 5.7 %

 3.0 %

 4.7 %

 100.0 %

 100.0 %

 100.0 %

The following tables present the Company’s percentage of revenue by reportable segment and product line for the 
years ended June 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021:

Power Transmission
General Maintenance; Hose Products
Fluid Power
Bearings, Linear & Seals

Specialty Flow Control
Total

Year Ended June 30, 2023

Service Center 
Based 
Distribution
 37.3 %
 21.1 %
 13.3 %
 28.3 %

 — %
 100.0 %

Engineered 
Solutions
 10.6 %
 19.3 %
 34.3 %
 0.4 %

 35.4 %
 100.0 %

Total
 28.5 %
 20.6 %
 20.2 %
 19.1 %

 11.6 %
 100.0 %

41

Power Transmission
General Maintenance; Hose Products
Fluid Power
Bearings, Linear & Seals

Specialty Flow Control
Total

Power Transmission

General Maintenance; Hose Products

Fluid Power

Bearings, Linear & Seals

Specialty Flow Control

Total

Contract Assets

Year Ended June 30, 2022

Service Center 
Based 
Distribution
 37.1 %
 20.9 %
 12.8 %
 29.2 %

 — %
 100.0 %

Engineered 
Solutions
 10.6 %
 18.9 %
 37.2 %
 0.4 %

 32.9 %
 100.0 %

Year Ended June 30, 2021

Service Center 
Based 
Distribution

Engineered 
Solutions

 37.3 %

 20.5 %

 13.2 %

 29.0 %

 — %

 7.5 %

 16.9 %

 38.0 %

 0.4 %

 37.2 %

Total
 28.4 %
 20.3 %
 20.8 %
 19.8 %

 10.7 %
 100.0 %

Total

 27.8 %

 19.3 %

 21.2 %

 19.8 %

 11.9 %

 100.0 %

 100.0 %

 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, 2023

June 30, 2022

$ 

17,911  $ 

18,050  $ 

$ Change

(139)

% Change

 (0.8) %

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.

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 2023 Acquisitions

On March 31, 2023, the Company acquired substantially all of the net assets of Advanced Motion Systems Inc. 
(AMS), a western New York based provider of automation products, services, and engineered solutions focused on a 
full range of machine vision, robotics, and motion control products and technologies.  AMS is included in the 
Engineered Solutions segment. The purchase price for the acquisition was $10,118, net tangible assets acquired 
were $1,768, and intangible assets including goodwill were $8,350 based upon preliminary estimated fair values at 
the acquisition date, which are subject to adjustment.  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 1, 2022, the Company acquired substantially all of the net assets of Automation, Inc., a Minneapolis, 
Minnesota based provider of automation products, services, and engineered solutions focused on machine vision, 
collaborative and mobile robotics, motion control, intelligent sensors, pneumatics, and other related products and 
solutions.  Automation, Inc. is included in the Engineered Solutions segment.  The purchase price for the acquisition 
was $25,667, net tangible assets acquired were $3,689, and intangible assets including goodwill were $21,978 
based upon preliminary estimated fair values at the acquisition date, which are subject to adjustment.  The Company 

42

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 2022 Acquisitions

On August 18, 2021, the Company acquired substantially all of the net assets of R.R. Floody Company (Floody), a 
Rockford, Illinois provider of high technology solutions for advanced factory automation.  Floody is included in the 
Engineered Solutions segment.  The purchase price for the acquisition was $8,038, net tangible assets acquired were 
$1,040, and intangible assets including goodwill were $6,998 based upon estimated fair values at the acquisition 
date.  The purchase price includes $1,000 of acquisition holdback payments, of which $500 was paid during the 
year-ended June 30, 2023.  The remaining balance of $500 is included in other current liabilities on the consolidated 
balance sheet as of June 30, 2023, and will be paid on the second anniversary 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.

Fiscal 2021 Acquisitions

On December 31, 2020, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Gibson Engineering (Gibson), a 
Norwood, Massachusetts provider of automation products, services, and engineered solutions focused on machine 
vision, motion control, mobile and collaborative robotic solutions, intelligent sensors, and other related equipment.  
Gibson is included in the Engineered Solutions segment.  The purchase price for the acquisition was $15,341, net 
tangible assets acquired were $955, and intangible assets including goodwill were $14,386 based upon estimated 
fair values at the acquisition date.  The purchase price included $1,904 of acquisition holdback payments, of which 
$850 was paid during the year-ended June 30, 2023.  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 October 5, 2020, the Company acquired substantially all of the net assets of Advanced Control Solutions (ACS), 
which operates four locations in Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.  ACS is a provider of automation products, 
services, and engineered solutions focused on machine vision equipment and software, mobile and collaborative 
robotic solutions, intelligent sensors, logic controllers, and other related equipment.  ACS is included in the 
Engineered Solutions segment.  The purchase price for the acquisition was $17,867, net tangible assets acquired 
were $1,210, and intangible assets including goodwill were $16,657 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.

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

2023

2022

$ 

558,299  $ 

487,555 

158,165 

716,464 
215,280 

141,176 

628,731 
178,910 

$ 

501,184  $ 

449,821 

The overall impact of LIFO layer liquidations increased gross profit by $127, $501, and $3,895 in fiscal 2023, fiscal 
2022, and fiscal 2021, respectively.

43

NOTE 5: GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for both the Service Center Based Distribution segment and the 
Engineered Solutions segment for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows: 

Balance at July 1, 2021
Goodwill acquired during the year
Other, primarily currency translation
Balance at June 30, 2022
Goodwill acquired during the year
Other, primarily currency translation
Balance at June 30, 2023

Service Center 
Based 
Distribution

$ 

$ 

212,296  $ 
— 
(1,286) 
211,010 
— 
221 
211,231  $ 

Engineered 
Solutions
347,781  $ 
3,984 
430 
352,195 
14,517 
475 
367,187  $ 

Total
560,077 
3,984 
(856) 
563,205 
14,517 
696 
578,418 

The Company has eight (8) reporting units for which an annual goodwill impairment assessment was performed as 
of January 1, 2023.  The Company concluded that all of the reporting units’ fair values exceeded their carrying 
amounts by at least 20% as of January 1, 2023.  

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; (ii) inability to achieve the sales from our strategic growth 
initiatives.

At June 30, 2023 and 2022, accumulated goodwill impairment losses subsequent to fiscal year 2002 totaled 
$64,794 related to the Service Center Based Distribution segment and $167,605 related to the Engineered Solutions 
segment. 

44

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, 2023
Finite-Lived Intangibles:

Customer relationships
Trade names
Vendor relationships
Other

Total Intangibles

June 30, 2022
Finite-Lived Intangibles:

Customer relationships
Trade names
Vendor relationships
Other

Total Intangibles

Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Book Value

364,572  $ 
108,301 
9,861 
3,347 
486,081  $ 

188,804  $ 
50,823 
9,744 
1,161 
250,532  $ 

175,768 
57,478 
117 
2,186 
235,549 

Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Book Value

353,836  $ 
105,629 
11,320 
2,321 
473,106  $ 

166,623  $ 
44,637 
10,533 
723 
222,516  $ 

187,213 
60,992 
787 
1,598 
250,590 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

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

During fiscal 2021, due to the economic downturn in the oil and gas end markets, the Company determined that 
certain carrying values may not be recoverable within the Company's three asset groups that have significant 
exposure to oil and gas end markets.  The Company determined that an impairment existed in two of the three asset 
groups as the asset groups' carrying values exceeded the sum of the undiscounted cash flows.  The fair values of the 
long-lived assets were then determined using the income approach, and the analyses resulted in the measurement of 
an intangible asset impairment loss of $45,033, which was recorded during the second quarter of fiscal 2021, as the 
fair value of the intangible assets was determined to be zero.  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, EBITDA, and discount rates.  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.  The analyses of these asset groups also 
resulted in a fixed asset impairment loss and leased asset impairment loss of $1,983 and $2,512, respectively, which 
were recorded during the second quarter of fiscal 2021.  Sustained significant softness in certain end market 
concentrations could result in impairment of certain intangible assets in future periods.

During fiscal 2023, 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
11,176 
$ 
3,610 
1,025 
15,811 

$ 

Weighted-
Average Life
20.0
15.0
6.7
18.0

Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for impairment when changes in conditions indicate 
carrying value may not be recoverable. 

Amortization of identifiable intangibles totaled $30,805, $31,879 and $34,365 in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, 
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, 2023 is 
estimated to be $27,500 for 2024, $25,300 for 2025, $23,600 for 2026, $21,800 for 2027 and $20,200 for 2028.

45

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

June 30,

Revolving 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

2023

2022

$ 

383,592  $ 

410,592 

188,300 

188,300 

— 

25,000 

25,000 

356 

40,000 

25,000 

25,000 

603 

$ 

622,248  $ 

689,495 

152 

171 

$ 

622,096  $ 

689,324 

In December 2021, the Company entered into a new revolving credit facility with a group of banks to refinance the 
existing credit facility as well as provide funds for ongoing working capital and other general corporate purposes.  
The revolving credit facility provides a $900,000 unsecured revolving credit facility and an uncommitted accordion 
feature which allows the Company to request an increase in the borrowing commitments, or incremental term loans, 
under the credit facility in aggregate principal amounts of up to $500,000.  In May 2023, the Company and the 
administrative agent entered into an amendment to the credit facility to replace LIBOR as a reference rate available 
for use in the computation of interest and replace it with SOFR.  Borrowings under this agreement bear interest, at 
the Company's election, at either the base rate plus a margin that ranges from 0 to 55 basis points based on net 
leverage ratio or SOFR plus a margin that ranges from 80 to 155 basis points based on the net leverage ratio. 
Unused lines under this facility, net of outstanding letters of credit of $200 to secure certain insurance obligations, 
totaled $516,208 and $489,208 at June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, respectively, and were available to fund future 
acquisitions or other capital and operating requirements.  The interest rate on the revolving credit facility was 6.11% 
and 2.81% as of June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, respectively.

Additionally, the Company had letters of credit outstanding not associated with the revolving credit agreement, in 
the amount of $4,046 and $4,735 as of June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, 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”).  
On March 26, 2021, the Company amended the AR Securitization Facility to expand the eligible receivables, which 
increased the maximum availability to $250,000 and increased the fees on the AR Securitization Facility to 0.98% 
per year.  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 $250,000 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 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.  In May 2023, 
the Company entered into an amendment to the AR Securitization facility to replace LIBOR as a reference rate 
available for use in the computation of interest and replace it with SOFR, therefore borrowings under this facility 
carry variable interest rates tied to SOFR.  The interest rate on the AR Securitization Facility as of June 30, 2023 and 
June 30, 2022 was 6.16% and 2.60%, respectively.  The Company classified the AR Securitization Facility as long-
term debt as it has the ability and intent to extend or refinance this amount on a long-term basis.  On August 4, 
2023, the Company amended the AR Securitization Facility and extended the term to August 4, 2026.  

Unsecured Shelf Facility

At June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, the Company had borrowings outstanding under its unsecured shelf facility 
agreement with Prudential Investment Management of $50,000 and $90,000, respectively.  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 remaining 
principal balance on the "Series C" notes of the $40,000 was paid in July 2022.  The "Series D" notes have a 
remaining principal amount of $25,000, carry a fixed interest rate of 3.21%, and are due in October 2023.  The 
"Series E" notes have a principal amount of $25,000, carry a fixed interest rate of 3.08%, and are due in October 
2024.

46

Other Long-Term Borrowing

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 and matures in November 2024. 

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

 Fiscal Year

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

Covenants

Aggregate 
Maturity

$ 

25,251 

25,105 

— 

571,892 

— 

The credit facility and the unsecured shelf facility contain restrictive covenants regarding liquidity, net worth, financial 
ratios, and other covenants.  At June 30, 2023, 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, 2023, the Company's net indebtedness was less than 0.7 times consolidated 
income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (as defined).  The Company was in compliance with all 
financial covenants at June 30, 2023.

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 notional 
amount declines over time.  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.  During the quarter ended 
December 31, 2020, the Company completed a transaction to amend and extend the interest rate swap agreement 
which resulted in an extension of the maturity date by an additional three years and a decrease of the weighted 
average fixed pay rate from 2.61% to 1.63%.  The pay-fixed interest rate swap is considered a hybrid instrument 
with a financing component and an embedded at-market derivative that was designated as a cash flow hedge.  In 
May 2023, the Company entered into bilateral agreements with its swap counterparties to transition its interest rate 
swap agreements to SOFR, and further decreased the weighted average fixed pay rate to 1.58%.  The Company 

47

made various ASC 848 elections related to changes in critical terms of the hedging relationship due to reference rate 
reform to not result in a dedesignation of the hedging relationship.  As of May 31, 2023, the Company's interest 
rate swap agreement was indexed to SOFR.

The interest rate swap converted $384,000 of variable rate debt to a rate of 2.59% as of June 30, 2023.  The 
interest rate swap converted $409,000 of variable rate debt to a rate of 2.75% as of June 30, 2022.  The fair value 
(Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy) of the interest rate cash flow hedge was $27,044 and $17,827 as of June 30, 
2023 and June 30, 2022, respectively, which is included in other current assets and other assets in the consolidated 
balance sheet.  Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income, before tax, to interest expense totaled 
$(7,285), $11,361, and $11,553 for fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.  

NOTE 8: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Marketable securities measured at fair value at June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022 totaled $18,637 and $15,317, 
respectively.  The majority of these marketable securities are held in a rabbi trust for a non-qualified deferred 
compensation plan.  The marketable securities are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets and 
their fair values were valued using quoted market prices (Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy).

As of June 30, 2023, 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 contains variable interest rates and its carrying value approximates 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 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

2023

2022

2021

$  423,316  $  287,367  $  152,202 

26,495 

42,423 

24,860 

$  449,811  $  329,790  $  177,062 

2023

2022

2021

$ 

84,294  $ 

40,608  $ 

46,685 

19,026 

5,468 

108,788 

(1,881) 

(84) 

(3,751) 

(5,716) 

10,188 

6,404 

57,200 

12,467 

2,659 

50 

11,035 

5,665 

63,385 

(24,168) 

(4,740) 

(2,172) 

15,176 

(31,080) 

$  103,072  $ 

72,376  $ 

32,305 

48

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

Stock compensation

GILTI/FDII

R & D credit

U.S. tax on foreign income, net

Impact of foreign operations

Non-deductibles/Deductible dividend

Interest deduction

Valuation allowance

Other, net

Effective income tax rate

2023

 21.0 %

2022

 21.0 %

2021

 21.0 %

 3.5 

 (1.0) 

 (0.2) 

 (0.4) 

 — 

 0.2 

 0.6 

 (0.4) 

 (0.6) 

 0.2 

 3.3 

 (1.5) 

 0.2 

 (0.4) 

 (0.4) 

 0.4 

 0.2 

 (0.6) 

 (0.6) 

 0.3 

 3.2 

 (2.5) 

 0.1 

 (1.5) 

 (0.5) 

 — 

 — 

 (1.1) 

 0.1 

 (0.6) 

 22.9 %

 21.9 %

 18.2 %

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
Leases
Net operating loss carryforwards 
Capitalization of R&D costs
Other

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

Inventories
Goodwill and intangibles
Leases
Hedging instrument
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

2023

2022

17,726  $ 
18,215 
26,345 
6,809 
11,646 
381 
81,122  $ 
(3,459) 
77,663  $ 

19,131 
17,143 
26,688 
7,371 
— 
563 
70,896 
(6,271) 
64,625 

(15,174)  $ 
(52,463) 
(26,179) 
(9,081) 
(9,757) 
(112,654) 
(34,991)  $ 

(13,728) 
(46,513) 
(26,509) 
(6,446) 
(9,760) 
(102,956) 
(38,331) 

9,990  $ 

(44,981) 
(34,991)  $ 

5,677 
(44,008) 
(38,331) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

As of June 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $29,374 
and $32,018, respectively, the tax benefit of which is approximately $6,440 and $6,677, respectively.  These loss 
carryforwards will expire at various dates beginning in 2033.  Also, as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company had 
state net operating loss carryforwards, the tax benefit of which is approximately $466 and $878, respectively, which 
will expire at various dates beginning in 2027.

49

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.  The Company evaluates the 
realization of its deferred tax assets each quarter throughout the year.  During the years ended June 30, 2023 and 
2022, the Company recorded a net tax benefit related to the change in valuation allowances of $2,657 and $1,937, 
respectively.  The total valuation allowance provided against the deferred tax assets in Canada and Mexico is $3,415 
and $6,228 as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

As of June 30, 2023, the Company had accumulated undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries of 
approximately $172,914.  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.  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, 
2023, 2022, and 2021:

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

2023

2022

$ 

4,926  $ 

5,230  $ 

622 

(86) 

(641) 

505 

(83)

(726)

$ 

4,821  $ 

4,926  $ 

2021

4,955 

285 

620

(630)

5,230 

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the provision for income taxes. 
During 2023,  2022, and 2021, the Company recognized $239, $(362), and $144 of expense (income), 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 $1,115, $876, and $1,238 as of June 30, 2023, 2022, and 
2021, 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, 2023, 2022, and 2021 are $4,722, $4,813, and $4,986 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 2019 through 2023 and to state 
and local income tax examinations for the tax years 2017 through 2023.  In addition, the Company is subject to 
foreign income tax examinations for the tax years 2016 through 2023.

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.

50

NOTE 10: SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Treasury Shares

At June 30, 2023, 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, 2023, 2022, and 2021, are 
comprised of the following amounts, shown net of taxes:

Balance at July 1, 2020

Other comprehensive income
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

Net current-period other comprehensive income

Balance at June 30, 2021

Other comprehensive (loss) income
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income

Balance at June 30, 2022

Other comprehensive income
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

Net current-period other comprehensive income

Balance at June 30, 2023

Other Comprehensive Income

Details of other comprehensive income are as follows:

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
adjustment 

Post-
employment 
benefits

Cash flow 
hedge

Total 
accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
loss

$  (105,094)  $ 

(4,564)  $ 

(19,772)  $ 

(129,430) 

24,256 
— 

24,256 

687 
204 

891 

(80,838) 

(3,673) 

(9,900) 
— 

(9,900) 

2,142 
228 

2,370 

(90,738) 

(1,303) 

7,639 
— 

7,639 

1,082 
24 

1,106 

2,480 
8,711 

11,191 

(8,581) 

19,770 
8,557 

28,327 

19,746 

13,759 
(5,505) 

8,254 

27,423 
8,915 

36,338 

(93,092) 

12,012 
8,785 

20,797 

(72,295) 

22,480 
(5,481) 

16,999 

$ 

(83,099)  $ 

(197)  $ 

28,000  $ 

(55,296) 

Year Ended June 30,

2023

Tax 
Expense 
(Benefit)

Pre-Tax 
Amount

2022

2021

Net 
Amount

Pre-Tax 
Amount

Tax 
Expense

Net 
Amount

Pre-Tax 
Amount

Tax 
Expense

Net 
Amount

Foreign currency translation 

adjustments

$  7,723  $ 

84  $  7,639  $  (9,862)  $ 

38  $  (9,900)  $ 24,352  $ 

96  $ 24,256 

Post-employment benefits:

Actuarial gain on

 re-measurement
Reclassification of 

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

Termination of pension 

plan

Unrealized gain on cash 

flow hedge

Reclassification of interest 

from cash flow hedge into 
interest expense
Other comprehensive 

405 

100 

305 

2,839 

697 

2,142 

903 

216 

687 

36 

12 

24 

300 

1,031 

254 

777 

— 

72 

— 

228 

270 

— 

— 

66 

— 

204 

— 

18,174 

4,415 

13,759 

26,204 

6,434 

19,770 

3,250 

770 

2,480 

(7,285) 

(1,780) 

(5,505) 

11,361 

2,804 

8,557 

11,553 

2,842 

8,711 

income

$  20,084  $  3,085  $  16,999  $ 30,842  $  10,045  $ 20,797  $ 40,328  $  3,990  $ 36,338 

51

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:

2023

2022

2021

$  346,739  $  257,414  $  144,757 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic computation

38,592 

38,471 

38,758 

Dilutive effect of potential common shares

Weighted-average common shares outstanding for dilutive computation
Net Income Per Share — Basic

Net Income Per Share — Diluted

628 

634 

39,220 

39,105 

$ 

$ 

8.98  $ 

8.84  $ 

6.69  $ 

6.58  $ 

538 

39,296 
3.73 

3.68 

Stock awards relating to 84, 106 and 234 shares of common stock were outstanding at June 30, 2023, 2022 and 
2021, 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 
& Sustainability 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, performance shares, restricted stock, and RSUs) are summarized in the table below:

Year Ended June 30,

SARs

Performance shares
Restricted stock and RSUs

Total compensation costs under award programs

2023

2022

2021

$  2,785  $  3,284  $  2,526 

5,302 
4,274 

4,549 
4,009 

2,494 
3,960 

$  12,361  $  11,842  $  8,980 

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 $7,886, $5,105, and $6,649 for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.  It 
has been the practice of the Company to issue shares from treasury to satisfy requirements of awards paid with 
shares. 

52

The aggregate unrecognized compensation cost for share-based award programs with the potential to be paid at 
June 30, 2023 is summarized in the table below:

June 30,

SARs

Performance shares

Restricted stock and RSUs

Total unrecognized compensation costs under award programs

Average Expected 
Period of Expected 
Recognition (Years)

2.7

1.7

1.8

2.0

2023

$  3,267 

5,694 

4,036 

$  12,997 

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, 2023 were 1,653.

Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Options

The weighted-average assumptions used for SARs grants issued in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 are:

Expected life, in years

Risk free interest rate

Dividend yield

Volatility

Per share fair value of SARs granted during the year

2023

6.2

 2.9 %

 1.3 %

2022

6.4

 1.0 %

 1.5 %

2021

7.0

 0.5 %

 1.9 %

 35.5 %

 34.3 %

 32.0 %

$35.98

$26.18

$17.97

The expected life is based upon historical exercise experience of the officers, other key employees and 
members of the Board of Directors.  The risk free interest rate is based upon U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds 
with remaining terms equal to the expected life of the SARs.  The assumed dividend yield has been estimated 
based upon the Company’s historical results and expectations for changes in dividends 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, 2023

(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

Weighted-
Average
Exercise 
Price
61.85 
104.33 
53.84 
77.65 
70.11 
62.64 
69.90 

965  $ 
112 
(257) 
(4) 
816  $ 
537  $ 
810  $ 

The weighted-average remaining contractual terms for SARs and stock options outstanding, exercisable, and 
expected to vest at June 30, 2023 were 6.0, 5.0, and 6.0 years, respectively.  The aggregate intrinsic values of 
SARs and stock options outstanding, exercisable, and expected to vest at June 30, 2023 were $60,964 
$44,125, and $60,689, respectively.  The aggregate intrinsic value of the SARs and stock options exercised 
during fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $20,170, $17,015, and $21,189, respectively.

The total fair value of shares vested during fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $2,691, $2,341, and $2,880, 
respectively.

53

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, 2023 is presented below:

Year Ended June 30, 2023

(Shares in thousands)

Non-vested, beginning of year
Awarded
Forfeitures
Vested
Non-vested, end of year

Shares

Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date 
Fair Value
58.27 
74.10 
62.43 
53.63 
96.37 

131  $ 
73 
(2) 
(43) 
159  $ 

The Committee set three one-year goals for each of the 2023, 2022, and 2021 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, 2023, the maximum number of shares that could be earned in future 
periods was 65. 

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

Under the 2019 Plan, restricted stock award recipients have voting rights with respect to their shares, but are 
restricted from selling or transferring the shares prior to vesting; dividends are accrued and paid upon 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; dividend equivalents on RSUs are accrued and paid upon vesting.

A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested restricted stock and RSUs at June 30, 2023 is 
presented below:

Shares

Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date 
Fair Value
69.23 
108.60 
76.91 
60.02 
83.35 

177  $ 
37 
(5) 
(66) 
143  $ 

Year Ended June 30, 2023
(Share amounts in thousands)

Non-vested, beginning of year
Granted
Forfeitures
Vested
Non-vested, end of year

54

NOTE 12: LEASES

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 $35,982 and $9,153, respectively, for the year ended June 30, 2023 and $34,144 and 
$7,501, respectively, for the year ended June 30, 2022.  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

2023

2022

$ 

100,677  $ 

108,052 

$ 

31,173  $ 

72,704 

30,114 

80,807 

$ 

103,877  $ 

110,921 

2023

4.9

2022

5.5

 3.67 %

 2.92 %

2023

$ 

$ 

35,545  $ 

30,605  $ 

2022

35,313 

50,743 

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
2024

2025
2026

2027

2028

Thereafter

Total lease payments

Less interest

Present value of lease liabilities

Maturity of Operating 
Lease Liabilities

$ 

$ 

34,235 

25,253 

19,742 

14,230 

8,416 

11,375 

113,251 

9,374 

103,877 

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 $1,500 in 2023, and $2,100 in each of 2022 and 2021.

NOTE 13: SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company's reportable segments are: Service Center Based Distribution and Engineered Solutions (formerly 
known as Fluid Power & Flow Control).  The Company changed the reportable segment name to Engineered 
Solutions in the first quarter of fiscal 2023.  There was no change in the composition of either reportable segment.  
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 

55

customers’ machinery and equipment.  The Engineered Solutions 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.  This segment also includes our operations that focus on 
advanced automation solutions including machine vision, robotics, motion control, and smart technologies.

The accounting policies of the Company’s reportable segments are generally the same as those described in note 1. 
Intercompany sales, primarily from the Engineered Solutions segment to the Service Center Based Distribution 
segment of $48,450, $37,163, and $31,615, in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, have been eliminated in the 
following table.

Segment Financial Information

Year Ended June 30, 2023

Net sales
Operating income for reportable segments
Assets used in the business
Depreciation and amortization of property
Capital expenditures
Year Ended June 30, 2022

Net sales
Operating income for reportable segments
Assets used in the business
Depreciation and amortization of property
Capital expenditures
Year Ended June 30, 2021

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

Service Center
Based 
Distribution

Engineered 
Solutions

$ 

$ 

$ 

2,966,842  $ 
373,439 
1,736,393 
17,932 
15,390 

1,445,952  $ 
203,404 
1,006,939 
4,334 
11,086 

2,565,604  $ 
301,881 
1,455,293 
17,509 
14,486 

1,245,072  $ 
156,644 
997,295 
4,167 
3,638 

2,199,533  $ 
225,206 
1,332,720 
17,155 
13,735 

1,036,386  $ 
121,782 
939,087 
3,625 
2,117 

Total

4,412,794 
576,843 
2,743,332 
22,266 
26,476 

3,810,676 
458,525 
2,452,588 
21,676 
18,124 

3,235,919 
346,988 
2,271,807 
20,780 
15,852 

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 — Engineered Solutions
Impairment — Service Center Based Distribution
Corporate and other expense, net

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

2023
576,843  $ 

2022
458,525  $ 

2021
346,988 

$ 

2,857 
27,948 
— 
72,887 
473,151 
21,639 
1,701 
449,811  $ 

3,435 
28,444 
— 
68,788 
357,858 
26,263 
1,805 
329,790  $ 

5,426 
28,938 
49,528 
57,642 
205,454 
30,592 
(2,200) 
177,062 

$ 

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.

56

Geographic Information

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

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

Total

2023

2022

2021

$ 

$ 

176,025  $ 
29,817 
9,876 
215,718  $ 

178,522  $ 
31,728 
9,698 
219,948  $ 

173,335 
21,458 
7,907 
202,700 

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 EXPENSE (INCOME), NET

Other expense (income), net, consists of the following:

Year Ended June 30,

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

$ 

2023

2022

(2,223)  $  2,612  $ 
3,284 
1,470 
(668) 
(162) 

(65)
610 
(1,374) 
22 

$  1,701  $  1,805  $ 

2021

(4,048) 
2,091
283 
(296) 
(230) 
(2,200) 

NOTE 16: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

We have evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to June 30, 2023 through the date the financial 
statements were issued. 

57

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, 
& Principal Accounting Officer, 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, 2023.  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, 2023.

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

August 11, 2023 

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

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, 2023 
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over 
financial reporting.  

58

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, 2023, 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, 2023, 
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, 2023, of the Company 
and our report dated August 11, 2023, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its 
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying 
Management’s Report on Internal 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 11, 2023

59

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

During the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2023, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a "Rule 
10b5-1 trading arrangement" or a "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" (in each case, as defined in Item 408 of 
Regulation S-K).

ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS.

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 24, 2023, 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’s Code of Business Ethics 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.

Applied has adopted insider trading policies and procedures governing the purchase, sale, and/or other dispositions 
of Applied's securities by directors, officers, and employees.

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 24, 2023, under the captions "Director Compensation," “Executive 
Compensation,” "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation," and “Compensation Committee 
Report.”

60

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

STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Equity compensation plan information is incorporated herein by reference to Applied's proxy statement for the 
annual meeting of shareholders to be held October 24, 2023, under the caption "Equity Compensation Plan 
Information (as of June 30, 2023)".

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 24, 2023, 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 24, 2023, under the caption “Corporate Governance.”

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Principal accountant, Deloitte & Touche LLP (PCAOB ID No. 34), fees and services required by this Item is 
incorporated by reference to Applied's proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held October 
24, 2023, under the caption “Item 5 - Ratification of Auditors.”

61

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, 2023, 2022, and 2021

• Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended June 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021

• Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2023 and 2022

• Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021

• Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity For the Years Ended June 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021

• Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended June 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021

• Supplementary Data:

(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. 66

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

4.4

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).

Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated as of March 26, 2021 
between Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and PGIM, Inc. (formerly known as Prudential Investment Management, 
Inc.), and certain of its affiliates (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Applied's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, SEC 
File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of December 9, 
2021, between Applied and PGIM, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed December 14, 2021, SEC 
File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

62

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.8

4.9

4.10

4.11

4.12

4.13

4.14

4.15

4.16

*10.1

*10.2

*10.3

*10.4

*10.5

Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of October 28, 
2022, between Applied and PGIM, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed November 1, 2022, SEC 
File No.  1-2299, as incorporated here by reference).

Credit Agreement dated as of December 9, 2021, among Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., KeyBank National 
Association as Agent, and various financial institutions (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed December 
14, 2021, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

First Amendment Agreement, dated as of May 12, 2023, among Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., KeyBank National 
Association as Agent, and the Lenders set forth therein.

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 Applied's Form 8-K filed September 6, 2018, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Amendment No. 1 to Receivables Financing Agreement and Reaffirmation of Performance Guaranty dated as of March 
26, 2021 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 10.2 to Applied's Form 8-K filed March 29, 2021, SEC 
File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Amendment No. 2 to Receivables Financing Agreement and Reaffirmation of Performance Guaranty, dated as of May 12, 
2023, by and among AIT Receivables, LLC, Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., PNC Bank, National Association, 
Regions Bank, and PNC Capital Markets LLC.

Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of August 31, 2018 among various entities listed on Schedule I thereto (including 
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.), as originators, Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., as servicer, and AIT 
Receivables LLC, as buyer (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Applied's Form 8-K filed September 6, 2018, SEC File No. 1-2299, 
and incorporated here by reference).

Amendment No. 1 to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of November 19, 2018 among Applied Industrial 
Technologies, Inc. and various of its affiliates, as originators, Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., as servicer, and AIT 
Receivables LLC, as buyer(filed as Exhibit 4.10 to Applied's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, SEC File 
No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Amendment No. 2 to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of March 26, 2021, among various entities listed on 
Schedule 1 thereto (including Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.), as originators, Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc, 
as servicer, and AIT Receivables LLC, as buyer (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Applied's Form 8-K filed March 29, 2021, SEC 
File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Description of Applied's securities (filed as Exhibit 4.7 to Applied's Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2020, SEC File 
No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Amendment No. 3 to Receivables Financing Agreement and Reaffirmation of Performance Guaranty dated as of August 
6, 2023 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 Applied’s Form 8-K filed August 9, 2023, SEC 
File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Amendment No. 3 to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of August 4, 2023 among various entities listed on 
Schedule I thereto (including Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.), as originators, Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., 
as servicer, and AIT Receivables LLC, as buyer (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Applied’s Form 8-K filed August 9, 2023, SEC 
File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

A written description of Applied's director compensation program is incorporated by reference to Applied’s proxy 
statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held October 24, 2023 under the caption “Director Compensation.”

Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (Post-2004 Terms), in which Peter C. Wallace participates 
(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).

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).

63

*10.6

*10.7

*10.8

*10.9

*10.10

*10.11

*10.12

*10.13

*10.14

*10.15

*10.16

*10.17

*10.18

*10.19

*10.20

*10.21

*10.22

*10.23

*10.24

*10.25

*10.26

*10.27

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  2020  revision)  (filed  as  Exhibit  10.4  to 
Applied's  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  September  30,  2020,  SEC  File  No.  1-2299,  and  incorporated  here  by 
reference).

Restricted Stock Units Terms and Conditions (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Applied's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
September 30, 2020, 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, 2020, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Stock Appreciation Rights Award Terms and Conditions (Officers) (August 2022 revision) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Applied 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Restricted Stock Units Terms and Conditions (Officers) (August 2022 revision) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Applied Form 10-Q 
for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

Performance Shares Terms and Conditions (August 2022 revision) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Applied Form 10-Q for the 
quarter ended September 30, 2022, 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, 2020, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

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

Schedule of executive officer participants in the Key Executive Restoration Plan, as amended and restated.

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.)

First Amendment to Supplemental Defined Contribution Plan (Post-2004 Terms) (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Applied's 10-Q 
for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference.)

Consulting Agreement, dated January 27, 2023, between Applied and Fred Bauer (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Applied's Form 
10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference).

64

*10.28

*10.29

*10.30

*10.31

*10.32

*10.33

*10.34

19

21

23

24

31

32

95

101

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).

Form of Change in Control Agreement for Kurt W. Loring, Jon S. Ploetz 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 Insider Trading Policy

Applied’s subsidiaries at June 30, 2023.

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.

The following financial information from Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended June 30, 2023, formatted in Inline XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Statements of 
Consolidated Income, (ii) the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, 
(iv) the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows, (v) the Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity, and (vi) the 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

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.

65

APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2023, 2022, AND 2021
(in thousands)

COLUMN A

COLUMN B

COLUMN C

COLUMN D

COLUMN E

Additions 
Charged to 
Cost and 
Expenses

Additions 
(Deductions) 
Charged to 
Other 
Accounts

Balance at 
Beginning of 
Period

Deductions 
from 
Reserve

Balance at 
End of 
Period

DESCRIPTION

Year Ended June 30, 2023

Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies —

Accounts receivable:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$ 

17,522  $ 

5,619  $ 

— 

Returns reserve

10,522 

— 

2,113  (A)

$ 

28,044  $ 

5,619  $ 

2,113 

Year Ended June 30, 2022
Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies —

Accounts receivable:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$ 

16,455  $ 

3,193  $ 

— 

Returns reserve

9,772 

— 

750  (A)

$ 

26,227  $ 

3,193  $ 

750 

Year Ended June 30, 2021

Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies —

Accounts receivable:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$ 

13,661  $ 

6,540  $ 

— 

Returns reserve

9,883 

— 

(111) (A)

$ 

23,544  $ 

6,540  $ 

(111)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$

807  (B)

$ 

22,334 

— 

807 

12,635 

$ 

34,969 

2,126  (B)

$ 

17,522 

— 

2,126 

10,522 

$ 

28,044 

3,746  (B)

$ 

16,455 

— 

3,746 

9,772 

$ 

26,227 

(A) Amounts in the years ending June 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021 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.

(B) Amounts represent uncollectible accounts charged off.

66

 
 
 
 
 
 
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

Date:  August 11, 2023

/s/ David K. Wells

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

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

Shelly M. Chadwick, Director

*

Mary Dean Hall, Director

*

Dan P. Komnenovich, Director

*

*

Robert J. Pagano, Jr., Director

Vincent K. Petrella, Director

/s/  Neil A. Schrimsher

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

 *

Joe A. Raver, Director

 *

Peter C. Wallace, Director and Chairman

/s/ Jon S. Ploetz
Jon S. Ploetz, as attorney in fact 
for persons indicated by “*” 

 Date: August 11, 2023

67

Shareholder Information

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

Research on Applied Industrial Technologies is available through:

Keybanc Capital Markets

Baird 

Ken Newman 

216/689-3184

Loop Capital

Chris Dankert 

310/439-5591

David Manthey 

813/288-8503

Shareholder Inquiries

Annual Report On Form 10-K

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

The Applied Industrial 
Technologies, Inc. Annual Report 
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year 
ended June 30, 2023, including the 
financial statements and schedules 
thereto, is available at our website 
www.Applied.com. It is also 
available without charge upon 
written request to the Director – 
Investor Relations & Treasury at 
the address shown.

Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders 

will be held at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, 

October 24, 2023, at the 

Corporate Headquarters of 

Applied Industrial Technologies: 

1 Applied Plaza  

East 36th and Euclid Avenue  

Cleveland, Ohio 44115

Computershare

P.O. Box 43078 

Providence, RI 02940-3078 

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

Reconciliation of Net Income and Net Income 
Per Share to Adjusted Net Income and 
Adjusted Net Income Per Share

In thousands, except per share amounts

FY2023

FY2022

Per 
Share 
Diluted 
Impact

Net 
Income

Per 
Share 
Diluted 
Impact

Net 
Income

Net Income and Net Income Per Share $346,739 

 $8.84 $257,414 

 $6.58 

Adjustments

Tax valuation allowance adjustment, net

 (3,657)      (0.09)   

-

-

Adjusted Net Income 
and Net Income Per Share

 $343,082 

 $8.75   $257,414 

 $6.58

Reconciliation of EBITDA

In thousands

Net Income

Adjustments

Interest expense, net

Income tax expense

FY2023

FY2022

$346,739 

 $257,414

21,639 

 26,263

103,072 

 72,376

Depreciation and amortization of property

22,266 

 21,676

Amortization of intangibles 

30,805 

 31,879

EBITDA

$524,521 

 $409,608

Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow

In thousands

FY2023

FY2022

Cash provided by operating activities

$343,966 

 $187,570

Capital expenditures

Free Cash Flow

(26,476)

 (18,124)

$317,490 

 $169,446

Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return

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

(Performance Results from 7/1/2018 through 6/30/2023)

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

100.00

89.44

92.68

137.56

147.26

224.16

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

$280.00

$240.00

Standard & Poor’s 500

100.00

110.42

118.70

167.13

149.39

178.66

$200.00

Dow Jones US Industrial Suppliers Index

100.00

106.19

129.01

172.92

167.67

238.68

Assumes $100 invested at the close of trading 6/30/2018 in Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. 
common stock, Standard & Poor’s 500, and Dow Jones US Industrial Suppliers Index.

Cumulative total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.

$160.00

$120.00

$80.00

$40.00

$0.00

2018

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. 

Standard & Poor's 500 

Dow Jones US Industrial Suppliers Index

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Source: Zacks Investment Research, Inc.

 
Corporate Headquarters

1 Applied Plaza 

Cleveland, Ohio 44115

216/426-4000

Applied.com