1 FORM 10-K SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (FEE REQUIRED) For The Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1997 Commission File No. 1-2299 APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) OHIO 34-0117420 ------------------------------- ---------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) One Applied Plaza, Cleveland, Ohio 44115 --------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (216) 426-4000. Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Name of exchange on which registered ------------------- ------------------------------------ Common Stock without par value New York Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None 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 X No -- Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ] The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was sold as of the close of business on August 29, 1997: $560,142,816.

2 Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Class Outstanding at August 29, 1997 ----- ------------------------------ Common Stock without par value 14,680,016 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Listed hereunder are the documents, portions of which are incorporated by reference, and the Parts of this Form 10-K into which such portions are incorporated: (1) Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. 1997 Annual Report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, portions of which are incorporated by reference into Parts I, II and IV of this Form 10-K; and, (2) Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. Proxy Statement dated September 15, 1997, portions of which are incorporated by reference into Parts III and IV of this Form 10-K.

3 PART I. ------- ITEM 1. BUSINESS. --------- Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. ("Applied"), directly and through its wholly owned operating subsidiaries, is engaged in the business of selling and distributing bearings, mechanical and electrical drive system products, industrial rubber products, fluid power products and specialty maintenance and repair products manufactured by others. Applied and its predecessor companies have been engaged in this business since 1923. Applied was incorporated pursuant to the laws of Delaware in 1928 and reincorporated from Delaware to Ohio in 1988. Applied, formerly known as Bearings, Inc., adopted its current name as of January 1, 1997. (a) General Development of Business. -------------------------------- Effective January 1, 1997, Applied changed its name from Bearings, Inc. The new identity reflects the widening range of products and services offered by Applied. Concurrently with the name change, two subsidiaries, King Bearing, Inc. and Bruening Bearings, Inc., were merged into Applied. In September 1996, Applied opened a new 155,000 square foot distribution center in Douglas County, Georgia, replacing the former facility in that area. In addition, a new 127,000 square foot distribution center opened in May 1997 in Fort Worth, Texas, replacing the previous Fort Worth facility. Applied also completed construction of its new 145,000 square foot headquarters facility in Cleveland's Midtown Corridor. The complex opened in June 1997 and replaced Applied's previous headquarters complex of five buildings spread over three blocks in the Midtown Corridor. On July 31, 1997, Applied acquired INVETECH Company ("Invetech"), a privately held distributor of industrial components, for approximately 2.1 million shares of Applied Common Stock and $23.4 million in cash. Invetech, together with its subsidiaries, American Bearing and Power Transmission, Inc. and Moore Bearing Company, had approximately 980 employees and revenues of $321 million in the 12 months ended June 30, 1997. All Invetech locations will operate under the Applied Industrial Technologies identity by December 31, 1997. Following the acquisition, Applied operates branches in 44 states. Further information regarding developments in Applied's business can be found in Applied's 1997 Annual Report to shareholders under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis" on pages 10 and 11, which is incorporated herein by reference. (b) Financial Information about Industry Segments. --------------------------------------------- Applied considers its business to involve only one industry segment. 2

4 (c) Narrative Description of Business. --------------------------------- Products. Applied engages in the distribution and sale of ball, roller, mounted, plane and linear type bearings, mechanical and electrical drive system products, industrial rubber products, fluid power products and specialty items used in connection with the foregoing such as seals, lubricants, locking devices, sealing compounds, adhesives and maintenance tools. Although Applied does not generally manufacture the products that it sells, it does assemble filter carts, fluid power components, hydraulic power units, hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, speed reducers and electrical panels, modify conveyor belts and rebuild precision machine tool spindles. Applied is a non-exclusive distributor for numerous manufacturers of the products that it sells. The principal bearing lines distributed by Applied are: American, Barden, Cooper, FAG, Heim/RBC, INA, Kaydon, MB Manufacturing, McGill, MRC, Sealmaster, SKF, Symmco, Thomson, Timken and Torrington/Fafnir. The principal drive system product lines distributed by Applied are: Baldor, Boston Gear, Browning, Falk, Foote Jones, Jeffrey, Kop-Flex, Lovejoy, Martin, Morse, Reliance/Dodge, Rexnord/Link-Belt, Saftronics, Sumitomo, U.S. Electrical Motors, and Winsmith. The principal industrial rubber product lines distributed by Applied are Aeroquip, Boston, Dixon, Flexco, Gates, Goodyear, Habasit and Weatherhead. The principal fluid power product lines distributed by Applied are Dana, Denison, Donaldson, Eaton Char-Lynn, Ingersoll Rand-ARO and Schrader Bellows. Specialty items, including seals, sealants, fluid sealing, "O" rings, retaining rings, adhesives, lubricants, maintenance equipment, skin care products and tools, are purchased from various manufacturers. The principal specialty item lines distributed by Applied are CR Industries, Dow Corning, Garlock, Gojo, Keystone, Loctite, Lubriplate, National/Federal Mogul, OTC/Power Team, Parker Hannifin, Rotor Clip and Skil/Bosch. Applied believes that its relationships with its suppliers are generally good and that Applied can continue to represent these suppliers. The loss of certain of these suppliers could have an adverse effect on Applied's business. Based on Applied's analysis of product dollar sales volume for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, bearings represented 41%, drive system products represented 31%, specialty items represented 12%, and other items, including industrial rubber and fluid power products, represented 16% of sales. For the year ended June 30, 1996, bearings represented 43%, drive system products represented 30%, specialty items represented 11%, and other items, including industrial rubber and fluid power products, represented 15% of sales. For the year ended June 30, 1995, bearings represented 45%, drive system products represented 30%, specialty items represented 12%, and other items, including industrial rubber and fluid power products, represented 13% of sales. Applied rebuilds precision machine tool spindles at its Spindle Lab in Cleveland, Ohio. Mechanical shops located in Corona, California; Tracy, California; Atlanta, Georgia; Florence, Kentucky; Worcester, Massachusetts; Iron Mountain, Michigan; Butte, Montana; Charlotte, North Carolina; Cleveland, Ohio; Carlisle, Pennsylvania; Ft. Worth, Texas; and Longview, Washington rebuild and assemble speed reducers, pumps, valves, cylinders and hydraulic motors, provide custom machining and assemble electrical panels and fluid power systems to customer specifications. Fluid power centers located in Corona, California; Tracy, California; Baltimore, Maryland; Worcester, 3

5 Massachusetts; Maryland Heights, Missouri; Limerick, Pennsylvania; Richmond, Virginia; and Kent, Washington assemble fluid power systems and components and provide customers with technical expertise. Applied also operates rubber shops in Tucson, Arizona; Corona, California; Tracy, California; Atlanta, Georgia; Crestwood, Illinois; Dayton, New Jersey; Fort Worth, Texas; Longview, Washington; and Appleton, Wisconsin to modify conveyor belts and provide hose assemblies in accordance with customer requirements. Shops and centers are shown as of June 30, 1997. Services. Applied's sales personnel advise and assist customers with respect to product selection and application. Applied considers this advice and assistance to be an integral part of its overall sales efforts. Beyond acting as a mere distributor, Applied markets itself as a "single-source" applied technology supplier, offering product and process solutions involving multiple product technologies, which solutions reduce production downtime and overall procurement and maintenance costs for customers. By providing a high level of service, product knowledge and technical support, while at the same time offering competitive pricing, Applied believes it will develop closer, longer-lasting and more profitable relationships with its customers. Applied's sales personnel consist of inside customer service and field account representatives assigned to each Applied branch, in addition to representatives assigned as industry and product specialists. Inside customer service representatives receive, process and expedite customer orders, provide pricing and product information, and assist field account representatives in servicing customers. Field account representatives make on-site calls to customers and potential customers to provide product and pricing information, make surveys of customer requirements and recommendations, and assist in the implementation of maintenance programs. The representatives will measure and document for a customer the value to the customer of the services and advice Applied provides, through cost savings or increased productivity. Specialists assist with applications particular to their areas of technical expertise. Applied maintains inventory levels in each branch that are tailored to meet the immediate needs of its customers and maintains back-up inventory in its distribution centers, thereby enabling customers to minimize their own inventories. These inventories consist of certain standard items stocked at most branches as well as other items related to the specific needs of customers in the particular locale. As a result, the business of each branch is concentrated largely in the geographic area in which it is located. Timely delivery of products to customers is an integral part of Applied's service. Branches and distribution centers utilize the most effective method of transportation available to meet customer needs including both surface and air common carrier and courier services. Applied also maintains a fleet of vehicles to deliver products to customers. These transportation services and delivery vehicles are also used for movement of products between suppliers, distribution centers and branches to assure availability of merchandise for customer needs. Applied's ability to serve its customers is enhanced by its computerized inventory and sales information systems. Applied's point-of-sale OMNEX (R) 2.0 computer system gives each Applied location on-line access to inventory, sales analysis and data. Inventory and sales information is updated as transactions are entered. The system permits direct access for order entry, pricing and price 4

6 auditing, order expediting and back order review. Applied's computer system also permits Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) with participating customers and suppliers. Applied's operations contrast sharply with those of manufacturers whose products it sells in that the manufacturers generally confine their direct sales activities to large-volume transactions with original equipment manufacturers who incorporate the components purchased into the products they make. The manufacturers generally do not sell replacement components directly to the customer but refer the customer to Applied or another distributor. There can be no assurance that this practice will continue, however, and any discontinuance of this practice could have an adverse effect on Applied's business. There is a trend among large industrial customers towards reducing the number of suppliers of maintenance and replacement products with whom they deal. Applied is responding to this trend by, among other things, continuing to broaden its product offering and developing new methods for marketing its products, such as through various integrated supply channels. There can be no guarantee, however, that this trend will not have an adverse effect on Applied's business. Patents, trademarks and licenses do not have a significant effect on Applied's business. Markets and Methods of Distribution. Applied purchases from over 100 major suppliers of bearings, drive system products, industrial rubber products, fluid power products and specialty items and resells to a wide variety of industries, including industrial machinery, forest products, primary metals, agriculture and food processing, chemical processing, transportation, mining, textiles and utilities. Its customers range from the largest industrial concerns in the country to the smallest. Applied's business is not significantly dependent upon a single customer or group of customers, the loss of which would have a material adverse effect upon Applied's business as a whole, and no single customer of Applied accounts for more than 3% of Applied's net sales. At June 30, 1997, Applied had 331 branches in 42 states. Applied has no operations outside the continental United States. Applied's export business during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 and prior fiscal years was less than 2% of net sales, and is not concentrated in any one geographic area. Competition. Applied considers its overall business to be highly competitive. In addition, such markets present few economic or technological barriers to entry. Applied's principal competitors are other specialized bearing, drive system product, industrial rubber product, fluid power and specialty item distributors, and, to a lesser extent, mill supply houses. These competitors include single and multiple branch operations, some of which are divisions or subsidiaries of larger organizations that may have greater financial resources than Applied. There is a trend in the industry toward larger multiple branch operations. Applied also competes with the manufacturers of original equipment and their distributors in the sale of maintenance and replacement bearings, power transmission components and related items. Some of these manufacturers may have greater financial resources than Applied. The identity and number of competitors vary throughout the geographic areas in which Applied does 5

7 business. Applied continues to develop and implement marketing strategies to maintain a competitive position. Applied is one of the leading distributors of replacement bearings, drive system products, industrial rubber products, fluid power products and specialty items in the United States, but Applied's share of the market for those products is relatively small compared to the portion of that market serviced by original equipment manufacturers and other distributors. Applied may not be the largest distributor in each of the geographic areas in which a branch is located. Backlog and Seasonality. Applied does not have a substantial backlog of orders and backlog is not significant in the business of Applied since prompt delivery of the majority of Applied's products is essential to Applied's business. Applied does not consider its business to be seasonal. Raw Materials and General Business Conditions. Applied's operations are dependent upon general industrial activities and economic conditions and would be adversely affected by the unavailability of raw materials to its suppliers, prolonged labor disputes experienced by suppliers or customers, or by any prolonged recession or depression that has an adverse effect on American industrial activity generally. Number of Employees. On June 30, 1997, Applied had 4,101 employees. Applied considers its relationship with its employees to be generally favorable. Working Capital. Applied's working capital position is disclosed in the financial statements referred to at Item 14 on page 13 of this Report and is discussed in "Management's Discussion and Analysis" set forth in Applied's 1997 Annual Report to shareholders on pages 10 and 11. Applied requires substantial working capital related to accounts receivable and inventories. Significant amounts of inventory are carried to meet rapid delivery requirements of customers. Applied generally requires all payments for sales on account within 30 days and generally customers have no right to return merchandise. Returns are not considered to have a material effect on Applied's working capital requirements. Applied believes that such practices are consistent with prevailing industry practices in these areas. Environmental Laws. Applied believes that compliance with federal, state and local provisions regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment will not have a material adverse effect upon capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position of Applied. (d) Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic Operations and --------------------------------------------------------------- Export Sales. ------------ Applied has no operations outside the continental United States. Applied's export business during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, and prior fiscal years, was less than 2% of net sales, and is not concentrated in any one geographic area. 6

8 (e) Cautionary Statement under Private Securities Litigation Reform --------------------------------------------------------------- Act. --- This report, including the documents incorporated by reference, may contain statements that are forward-looking, as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or 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. 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 the results expressed therein will be achieved. Important risk factors include, but are not limited to, those identified in "Narrative Description of Business", above, and the following: changes in the economy; changes in customer procurement policies and practices; changes in product manufacturer sales policies and practices; the availability of product; changes in operating expenses; the effect of price increases; the variability and timing of business opportunities including acquisitions, customer agreements, supplier authorizations and other business strategies; Applied's ability to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions; the incurrence of additional debt and contingent liabilities in connection with acquisitions; changes in accounting policies and practices; the effect of organizational changes within Applied; adverse results in significant litigation matters; adverse state and federal regulation and legislation; and the occurrence of extraordinary events (including prolonged labor disputes, natural events and acts of God, fires, floods and accidents). ITEM 2. PROPERTIES. ----------- Applied owns or leases the properties in which its offices, branches, distribution centers, shops and corporate facilities are located. As of June 30, 1997, the real properties at 172 locations were owned by Applied, while 175 locations were leased by Applied. Certain property locations may contain multiple operations, such as a branch and a distribution center. The principal real properties owned by Applied (each of which has more than 20,000 square feet of floor space) as of June 30, 1997 are: the Atlanta Distribution Center, mechanical shop and rubber shop in Atlanta, Georgia; the Midwest Distribution Center and mechanical shop in Florence, Kentucky; the Prospect mechanical shop in Cleveland, Ohio; the Portland Distribution Center and rubber shop in Portland, Oregon; and the John R. Cunin Distribution Center and mechanical shop in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In addition, Applied intends to sell its remaining former corporate headquarters office buildings and the Cleveland East branch in Cleveland, Ohio (which branch was relocated in September 1997). The principal real properties leased by Applied (each of which has more than 20,000 square feet of floor space) as of June 30, 1997 are: the new corporate headquarters facility in Cleveland, Ohio; the Corona Distribution Center, offices, mechanical shop and rubber shop in Corona, California; the Long Beach branch in Long Beach, California; the San Jose branch in San Jose, California; the Tracy fluid power shop, rubber shop and mechanical shop in Tracy, California; the Worcester branch and mechanical shop in Worcester, Massachusetts; the Portland branch in Portland, 7

9 Oregon; the Fort Worth Distribution Center, mechanical shop and rubber shop in Fort Worth, Texas; the Longview branch in Longview, Washington; the Longview Distribution Center, mechanical shop and rubber shop in Longview, Washington; the Appleton offices, branch and rubber shop in Appleton, Wisconsin; and the Milwaukee branch and distribution center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Applied considers the properties owned or leased to be generally sufficient to meet its requirements for office space and inventory stocking. The size of the buildings in which Applied's branches are located is primarily influenced by the amount of inventory required to be carried to meet the needs of the customers of the branch. All of the real properties owned or leased by Applied are being utilized by Applied in its business except for certain properties, which in the aggregate are not material and are either for sale or lease to third parties due to relocation or closing of a facility. Unused portions of buildings may be leased or subleased to others. Generally, when opening a new branch, Applied will initially lease space. Then, as the business develops, suitable property may be purchased or leased for relocation of the branch. A new general-purpose office-storeroom building may be constructed. However, Applied has no fixed policy in this regard, and in each instance the final decision is made on the basis of availability and cost of suitable property in the local real estate market, whether purchased or leased. Applied does not consider any one of its properties to be material, because it believes that if it becomes necessary or desirable to relocate any of its branches and distribution centers, other suitable properties could be found. ITEM 3. PENDING LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. -------------------------- In 1994, Dixie Bearings, Incorporated (now known as Applied Industrial Technologies--Dixie, Inc.), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Applied, was served with a First Amending and Supplemental Petition in a case captioned IN RE: ROBERT LEE BICKHAM, ET AL. V. METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, ET AL., 22nd Judicial District Court for the Parish of Washington, Louisiana, Case No. 70,760-E, naming it as an additional defendant, along with over 50 other defendants. The action was initially filed in 1993. The petition claims to have been filed on behalf of approximately 1,118 persons or heirs of persons who were allegedly exposed to asbestos-containing products while employed at the Bogalusa, Louisiana, Paper Mill and/or Box Factory, currently operated by Gaylord Container, Inc. Exposure is claimed to have occurred until approximately 1989. The plaintiffs claim that they or their decedents contracted asbestos-related diseases, and where applicable, died as a result of exposure to asbestos. Compensatory and punitive damages are sought, but no amount is specified. Applied was subsequently served with Petitions in two related cases pending in the same court as the BICKHAM case: IDA MAE WILLIAMS, ET AL. V. METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 72,986-F; and BENNIE L. ADAMS, ET AL. V. METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 72,154-B. These cases, involving a total of approximately 124 persons or heirs of persons who worked at the same Bogalusa facility, are essentially identical to the BICKHAM case. Preliminary information made available to Applied indicates that Applied has been named a defendant in the foregoing cases only as a supplier of certain products manufactured by others, which products allegedly contained a small percentage of encapsulated asbestos fiber. Applied intends to 8

10 defend these cases vigorously. Even if liability were assessed, Applied would seek indemnification from its suppliers and its insurance carriers. In 1992, a jury in a case captioned KING BEARING, INC., ET AL. V. CARYL EDMUND ORANGES, ET AL., Superior Court of the State of California, County of Orange, Case No. 53-42-31, awarded a $32.4 million judgment against King Bearing, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Applied (but which has since been merged into Applied). The verdict was based on contractual and other claims asserted by various cross-complainants against King Bearing in a breach of contract and unfair competition case initially filed by King Bearing in 1987. The suit, which involved a former owner of King Bearing, was pending at the time Applied acquired King Bearing in June 1990. All events relative to the judgment occurred prior to Applied's purchase of King Bearing. On September 30, 1996, the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, affirmed the trial court's grant of King Bearing's motion for a new trial. As a result, the matter was remanded to the trial court for a new trial. Under the 1990 Stock Purchase Agreement relative to the acquisition of King Bearing by Applied, Applied is specifically indemnified by the ultimate parent of the former owner of King Bearing (whose stockholders' equity exceeded $5 billion at June 30, 1997) for any damages or losses relating to this action. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. ---------------------------------------------------- No matters were submitted to a vote of Applied's security holders during the last quarter of the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT. ------------------------------------- The Executive Officers are elected for a term of one year, or until their successors are chosen and qualified, at the organizational meeting of the Board of Directors held immediately following the annual meeting of shareholders. The following is a listing of Applied's 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 elected to their present positions on October 22, 1996: John C. Dannemiller. Mr. Dannemiller is Chairman (since January 1992), Chief Executive Officer (since January 1992), President (since October 1996) and a Director (since 1985). He is 59 years of age. John C. Robinson. Mr. Robinson is Vice Chairman (since October 1996) and a Director (since 1991). He was President (from January 1992 to October 1996) and Chief Operating Officer (from January 1992 to October 1996). He is 55 years of age. Mark O. Eisele. Mr. Eisele is Controller (since October 1992). He was Manager of Internal Audit (from 1991 to October 1992). He is 40 years of age. 9

11 Francis A. Martins. Mr. Martins is Vice President-Sales & Field Operations (since July 1996). Prior to that he was Vice President-Sales & Marketing (October 1994 to July 1996) and Vice President-Marketing (from May 1992 to October 1994). He is 54 years of age. Bill L. Purser. Mr. Purser is Vice President-Marketing & National Accounts (since July 1996). Prior to that he was Vice President-National Accounts (from January 1995 to July 1996) and Director of National Accounts (from December 1994 to January 1995). Before joining Applied, he was Vice President of Business Development for INVETECH Company (from December 1992 to December 1994) and Vice President of Sales for that company (from 1990 to December 1992). He is 54 years of age. Richard C. Shaw. Mr. Shaw is Vice President-Communications, Organizational Learning & Quality Standards (since July 1996). Prior to that he was Vice President-Communications & Public Relations (from July 1993 to July 1996) and Director of Corporate Communications (from 1989 to July 1993). He is 48 years of age. Robert C. Stinson. Mr. Stinson is Vice President-Administration, Human Resources, General Counsel & Secretary (since October 1994) and has served as Secretary since 1990. He was Vice President-General Counsel (from 1989 to October 1994). He is 51 years of age. John R. Whitten. Mr. Whitten is Vice President-Finance & Treasurer (since October 1992). He was Vice President (since 1985) and Controller (from 1981 to October 1992). He is 51 years of age. PART II. -------- ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED ------------------------------------------------- STOCKHOLDER MATTERS. -------------------- Applied's Common Stock, without par value, is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol APZ. The information concerning the principal market for Applied's Common Stock, the quarterly stock prices and dividends for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 and the number of shareholders of record as of August 20, 1997 is set forth in Applied's 1997 Annual Report to shareholders on page 25, under the caption "Quarterly Operating Results and Market Data", and such information is incorporated here by reference. 10

12 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA. ----------------------- The summary of selected financial data for each of the last five years is set forth in Applied's 1997 Annual Report to shareholders in the table on pages 26 and 27 under the caption "10 Year Summary" and is incorporated here by reference. ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL ------------------------------------------------- CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. ------------------------------------ The "Management's Discussion and Analysis" is set forth in Applied's 1997 Annual Report to shareholders on pages 10 and 11 and is incorporated here by reference. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA. ------------------------------------------- The following consolidated financial statements and supplementary data of Applied and its subsidiaries and the independent auditors' report listed below, which are included in Applied's 1997 Annual Report to shareholders at the pages indicated, are incorporated here by reference and filed herewith: <TABLE> <CAPTION> Caption Page No. ------- -------- <S> <C> Financial Statements: Statements of Consolidated Income for the Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 12 Consolidated Balance Sheets June 30, 1997 and 1996 13 Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 14 Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 15 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 16 - 22 </TABLE> 11

13 <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> Independent Auditors' Report 23 Supplementary Data: Quarterly Operating Results and Market Data 25 </TABLE> ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS --------------------------------------------- ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. --------------------------------------- Not applicable. PART III. --------- ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT. -------------------------------------------------- The information required by this Item as to the Directors is set forth in Applied's Proxy Statement dated September 15, 1997 on pages 3 through 5 under the caption "Election of Directors" and is incorporated here by reference. The information required by this Item as to the Executive Officers has been furnished in this Report on pages 9 and 10 in Part I, after Item 4, under the caption "Executive Officers of the Registrant". The information required by this Item as to Forms 3, 4 or 5 reporting delinquencies is set forth in Applied's Proxy Statement on page 19 under the caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" and is incorporated here by reference. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. ----------------------- The information required by this Item is set forth in Applied's Proxy Statement dated September 15, 1997, under the captions "Summary Compensation" on page 7, "Aggregate Option Exercises and Fiscal Year-End Option Value Table" on page 8, "Estimated Retirement Benefits Under Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefits Plan" on page 8, "Compensation of Directors" on pages 13 and 14, "Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors" on page 14, "Deferred Compensation Plan" on pages 14 and 15, and "Severance Payment Agreements and Other Change in Control Arrangements" on pages 15 and 16, and is incorporated here by reference. 12

14 ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL ---------------------------------------- OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT. ---------------------- Information concerning the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is set forth under the caption "Beneficial Ownership of Certain Applied Shareholders and Management" on page 6 of Applied's Proxy Statement dated September 15, 1997, and is incorporated here by reference. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS. ----------------------------------------------- Information concerning certain relationships and related transactions is set forth under the caption "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" on page 13 of Applied's Proxy Statement dated September 15, 1997 and is incorporated here by reference. PART IV. -------- ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT --------------------------------------------------- SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. ---------------------------------- (a)1. Financial Statements. --------------------- The following consolidated financial statements of Applied, notes thereto, the independent auditors' report and supplemental data are included in Applied's 1997 Annual Report to shareholders on pages 12 through 23 and page 25, and are incorporated by reference in Item 8 of this Report. Caption ------- Statements of Consolidated Income for the Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 Consolidated Balance Sheets June 30, 1997 and 1996 Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 13

15 Independent Auditors' Report Supplementary Data: Quarterly Operating Results and Market Data (a)2. Financial Statement Schedule. ----------------------------- The following Report and Schedule are included in this Part IV, and are found in this Report at the pages indicated: <TABLE> <CAPTION> Caption Page No. ------- -------- <S> <C> Independent Auditors' Report 18 Schedule VIII - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 19 </TABLE> 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. <TABLE> <CAPTION> Exhibit No. Description --- ----------- <S> <C> 3(a) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3(a) to Applied's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference). 3(b) Code of Regulations of Applied adopted September 6, 1988 (filed as Exhibit 3(b) to Applied's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference). 4(a) 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 </TABLE> 14

16 <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference). 4(b) $80,000,000 Maximum Aggregate Principal Amount Note Purchase and Private Shelf Facility dated October 31, 1992 between Bearings, Inc. and The Prudential Insurance Company of America (as amended and restated) (filed as Exhibit 4(b) to Applied's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference). *10(a) Form of Executive Severance Agreement between Applied and each of its executive officers, together with schedule pursuant to Instruction 2 of Item 601(a) of Regulation S-K identifying the officers and setting forth the material details in which the agreements differ from the form of agreement that is filed (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to Applied's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference). *10(b) A written description of the Directors' compensation program is found in Applied's Proxy Statement dated September 15, 1997, SEC File No. 1-2299, on pages 13 and 14, under the caption "Compensation of Directors", and is incorporated here by reference. *10(c) Applied Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors (January 1, 1997 Restatement) (filed as Exhibit 10(d) to Applied's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference). *10(d) A written description of Applied's Non-Contributory Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance for executive officers (filed as Exhibit 10(e) to Applied's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference). *10(e) A written description of Applied's Long-Term Disability Insurance for executive officers (filed as Exhibit 10(f) to Applied's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference). *10(f) Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement entered into between Applied and its directors and its executive officers, together with a schedule pursuant to Instruction 2 of Item 601(a) of Regulation S-K identifying the directors and executive officers executing such Agreements (filed as Exhibit 10(g) to Applied's Registration Statement </TABLE> 15

17 <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference). *10(g) Applied Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefits Plan (July 1, 1993 Restatement) presently covering 7 Applied executive officers (as well as certain retired executive officers) (filed as Exhibit 10(h) to Applied's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference). *10(h) First Amendment to Applied Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefits Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(i) to Applied's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference). *10(i) Applied Deferred Compensation Plan (January 1, 1997 Restatement) (filed as Exhibit 10(j) to Applied's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference). *10(j) 1990 Long-Term Performance Plan adopted by Shareholders on October 16, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 10(k) to Applied's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference). *10(k) A written description of Applied's Management Incentive Plan applicable to key executives, including the five most highly compensated executive officers, is found in Applied's Proxy Statement dated September 15, 1997, SEC File No. 1-2299, on pages 9 and 10, in the Report of the Executive Organization & Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on Executive Compensation, under the subcaption "Management Incentive Plan", and is incorporated here by reference. *10(l) Applied Supplemental Defined Contribution Plan (January 1, 1997 Restatement) (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). 10(m) Lease dated as of March 1, 1996 between Applied and the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority (filed as Exhibit 10(n) to Applied's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference). </TABLE> 16

18 <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> 10(n) Plan and Agreement of Merger among Applied, I. C. Acquisition Corp. and INVETECH Company dated as of April 29, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 2(a) to Applied's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, and incorporated here by reference). 11 Computation of Net Income Per Share. 13 Applied 1997 Annual Report to shareholders (not deemed "filed" as part of this Form 10-K except for those portions that are expressly incorporated by reference). 21 Subsidiaries of Applied at June 30, 1997. 23 Independent Auditors' Consent. 27 Financial Data Schedule. </TABLE> Applied will furnish a copy of any exhibit described above and not contained herein upon payment of a specified reasonable fee which fee shall be limited to Applied's reasonable expenses in furnishing such exhibit. (b) Reports on Form 8-K. -------------------- None during the quarter ended June 30, 1997. 17

19 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT ---------------------------- Shareholders and Board of Directors Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") as of June 30, 1997 and 1996 and the related statements of consolidated income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended June 30, 1997 and have issued our report thereon dated August 7, 1997 (August 15, 1997 as to Note 13); such consolidated financial statements and report are included in your 1997 Annual Report to shareholders and are incorporated herein by reference. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company, listed in Item 14(a)2. This consolidated financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Cleveland, Ohio August 7, 1997 18

20 <TABLE> <CAPTION> APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (in thousands) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ADDITIONS BALANCE AT CHARGED TO DEDUCTIONS BALANCE BEGINNING COSTS AND FROM AT END OF DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD EXPENSES RESERVE PERIOD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> YEAR ENDED JUNE 30 1997: Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies - allowance for doubtful accounts $2,400 $1,743 $1,743 (A) $2,400 YEAR ENDED JUNE 30 1996: Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies - allowance for doubtful accounts $2,300 $2,123 $2,023 (A) $2,400 YEAR ENDED JUNE 30 1995: Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies - allowance for doubtful accounts $1,900 $1,710 $1,310 (A) $2,300 <FN> (A) Amounts represent uncollectible accounts charged off. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SCHEDULE VIII </TABLE> 19

21 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. <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> /s/ John C. Dannemiller /s/ John C. Robinson ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- John C. Dannemiller, Chairman, John C. Robinson, Vice Chairman Chief Executive Officer & President /s/ John R. Whitten /s/ Mark O. Eisele ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- John R. Whitten Mark O. Eisele Vice President-Finance & Treasurer Controller (Principal Financial Officer) (Principal Accounting Officer) </TABLE> Date: September 25, 1997 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. <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> /s/ William G. Bares /s/ Roger D. Blackwell ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- William G. Bares, Director Dr. Roger D. Blackwell, Director /s/ William E. Butler /s/ John C. Dannemiller ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- William E. Butler, Director John C. Dannemiller, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director /s/ Russel B. Every /s/ Russell R. Gifford ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- Russel B. Every, Director Russell R. Gifford, Director /s/ L. Thomas Hiltz /s/ John J. Kahl ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- L. Thomas Hiltz, Director John J. Kahl, Director /s/ John C. Robinson /s/ Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- John C. Robinson, Vice Chairman Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton, Director and Director </TABLE> ------------------------------------- William G. Bares, as attorney in fact for persons indicated by "*" Date: September 25, 1997 20

22 APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. EXHIBIT INDEX TO FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 <TABLE> <CAPTION> Exhibit No. Description Reference --- ----------- --------- <S> <C> <C> 3(a) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. Note (a) 3(b) Code of Regulations of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., adopted September 6, 1988. Note (b) 4(a) 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. Note (c) 4(b) $80,000,000 Maximum Aggregate Principal Amount Note Purchase and Private Shelf Facility dated October 31, 1992 between Applied and The Prudential Insurance Company of America (as amended and restated). Note (d) 10(a) Form of Executive Severance Agreement between Applied and each of its executive officers, together with schedule identifying officers and setting forth material details by which the individual agreements differ from the form. Note (e) 10(b) A written description of the directors' compensation program. Note (f) 10(c) Applied Deferred Compensation Plan for Non- Employee Directors (January 1, 1997 Restatement). Note (g) </TABLE>

23 <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> <C> 10(d) A written description of Applied's Non-Contributory Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance for executive officers. Note (h) 10(e) A written description of Applied's Long-Term Disability Insurance for executive officers. Note (i) 10(f) Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement entered into between Applied and its directors and executive officers, together with a schedule identifying the directors and executive officers executing such agreements. Note (j) 10(g) Applied Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefits Plan (July 1, 1993 Restatement) presently covering 7 Applied executive officers. Note (k) 10(h) First Amendment to Applied Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefits Plan (July 1, 1993 Restatement). Note (l) 10(i) Applied Deferred Compensation Plan (January 1, 1997 Restatement). Note (m) 10(j) 1990 Long-Term Performance Plan adopted by Shareholders on October 16, 1990. Note (n) 10(k) A written description of Applied's Management Incentive Plan applicable to key Applied executives, including the five most highly compensated executive officers. Note (o) 10(l) Applied Supplemental Defined Contribution Plan (January 1, 1997 Restatement) Note (p) 10(m) Lease dated as of March 1, 1996 between Applied and the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority Note (q) 10(n) Plan and Agreement of Merger among Applied, I. C. Acquisition Corp. and INVETECH Company dated as of April 29, 1997. Note (r) </TABLE>

24 <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> <C> 11 Computation of Net Income Per Share. Attached 13 Applied 1997 Annual Report to shareholders (not deemed "filed" as part of this Form 10-K except for those portions that are expressly incorporated by reference). Attached 21 Subsidiaries of Applied at June 30, 1997. Attached 23 Independent Auditors' Consent. Attached 27 Financial Data Schedule. Attached <FN> Notes: (a) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, at Exhibit 3(a). (b) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, at Exhibit 3(b). (c) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, at Exhibit 4(a). (d) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, at Exhibit 4(b). (e) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, at Exhibit 10(a). (f) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement dated September 15, 1997, SEC File No. 1-2299, on pages 13 and 14, under the caption "Compensation of Directors". (g) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, at Exhibit 10(d). (h) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, at Exhibit 10(e). </TABLE>

25 <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> <FN> (i) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, at Exhibit 10(f). (j) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, at Exhibit 10(g). (k) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, at Exhibit 10(h). (l) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, at Exhibit 10(i). (m) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, at Exhibit 10(j). (n) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, at Exhibit 10(k). (o) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement dated September 15, 1997, SEC File No. 1-2299, on pages 9 and 10, in the Report of the Executive Organization & Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on Executive Compensation, under the sub-caption "Management Incentive Plan". (p) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, at Exhibit 10(m). (q) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, at Exhibit 10(n). (r) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-27801, at Exhibit 2(a). </TABLE>

1 Exhibit 11 APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ------------------------------------------------------ Computation of Net Income Per Share (Thousands, except per share amounts) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <TABLE> <CAPTION> Year Ended June 30, 1997 1996 1995 ----------- ----------- ----------- <S> <C> <C> <C> Average Shares Outstanding (B) ------------------------------ 1. Average common shares outstanding 12,389 12,303 11,551 2. Net additional shares outstanding assuming stock options exercised and proceeds used to purchase treasury stock 345 264 197 ----------- ----------- ----------- 3. Adjusted average common shares outstanding for fully diluted computation 12,734 12,567 11,747 =========== =========== =========== Net Income ---------- 4. Net income as reported in statements of consolidated income $ 27,092 $ 23,334 $ 16,909 =========== =========== =========== Net Income Per Share -------------------- 5. Net income per average common share outstanding (4/1) $ 2.19 $ 1.90 $ 1.46 =========== =========== =========== 6. Net income per common share on a fully dilutive basis (4/3) $ 2.13 (A) $ 1.86 (A) $ 1.44 (A) =========== =========== =========== <FN> (A) Amount is not presented in the statements as the dilutive effect is less than 3%. (B) All per share data have been restated to reflect a three for two stock split effective December 4, 1995. </TABLE>

1 Exhibit 13 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Year Ended June 30, 1997 vs 1996 -------------------------------- Sales in 1997 increased 1.4% to $1,160.3 million from 1996 sales of $1,143.7 million. The lower level of sales increase resulted from an overall slowing in certain industries which exhibited strength in the prior year, particularly in certain traditionally cyclical industries. The decline in sales growth was also affected by the sale of the Dixie Bearings Aircraft Division during the first quarter of fiscal 1997. The Company expects to continue expanding its business through strategic acquisitions. The Company also expects to grow revenues through sales of additional products to customers who traditionally relied on the Company for bearing products. Gross margin (net sales less cost of sales) as a percent of sales increased to 26.4% in 1997 from 25.8% in 1996. The increase in the gross margin resulted from an increase in favorable LIFO cost adjustments (see Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and from changes in the product mix, as sales of lower margin bearing products declined and sales of non-bearing products with higher margins continued to grow. Selling, distribution and administrative expenses as a percent of sales were 22.0% in 1997 and 21.5% in 1996. The increase in expenses as a percent of sales was primarily the result of increased compensation and health care costs. Operating income increased to $50.6 million in 1997 from $49.3 million in 1996. As a percent of sales, operating income increased to 4.4% in 1997 from 4.3% in 1996. This improved operating margin resulted from higher gross margins on sales. Interest expense for 1997 decreased $2.5 million or 28% as a result of decreased borrowings. Income tax expense as a percentage of income before income taxes decreased to 39.9% in 1997 from 42.9% in 1996. The decrease in the effective tax rate resulted from lower effective state and local income tax rates and from Federal income tax credits. Net income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 improved 16.1% over the prior year. The number of associates was 4,101 at June 30, 1997 and 4,133 at June 30, 1996. Year Ended June 30, 1996 vs 1995 -------------------------------- Sales in 1996 increased 8% to $1,143.7 million from 1995 sales of $1,054.8 million. The sales increase was approximately 4% due to price increases and 4% due to volume increases. In 1996, the Company continued to implement its strategy, which began in 1992, of selling additional products to its existing customers, as well as better penetration of the market with products beyond the traditional bearing product lines. Gross margin, as a percent of sales was 25.8% in 1996 and 1995. Margins remained constant, even though the benefits from favorable LIFO cost adjustments were significantly lower in 1996 than 1995 (see Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The lower LIFO benefits were offset by a change in product mix. Selling, distribution and administrative expenses as a percent of sales were 21.5% in 1996 and 22.3% in 1995. The decrease in expenses as a percent of sales was the result of a continued effort to control expenses and improve productivity. While these expenses decreased as a percent of sales, they did increase 5% in absolute dollars primarily due to higher compensation costs from an increase in the number of associates, costs associated with acquisitions and the accelerated vesting of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock (PARS) based upon the price performance of the Company's common stock during the year. Operating income increased to $49.3 million in 1996 from $36.9 million in 1995. As a percent of sales, operating income increased to 4.3% in 1996 from 3.5% in 1995. This improved operating margin resulted from higher sales volume and improved productivity. Interest expense for 1996 increased $1.3 million as a result of increased borrowings and higher interest rates on short-term debt. Income tax expense as a percentage of income before income taxes was 42.9% in 1996 and 43.0% in 1995. Net income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 improved 38% over the prior year. The number of associates was 4,133 at June 30, 1996 and 4,080 at June 30, 1995. Liquidity and Working Capital ----------------------------- The Company generated cash from operating activities of $41.8 million and $36.4 million in 1997 and 1996, respectively. Cash flow from operations depends primarily upon generating operating income, controlling the investment in inventory and receivables, and managing the timing of payments to suppliers. The Company is obligated for rental payments for operating leases on 175 of its 347 branch, distribution center and other operating locations. (See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for annual rental commitments.)

2 Investments in property totaled $21.6 million and $23.5 million in 1997 and 1996, respectively. These capital expenditures were primarily made for building and upgrading branch and distribution center facilities, furniture and equipment for the new corporate headquarters facility in Cleveland, vehicles and data processing equipment. A new company-owned distribution center in Atlanta opened in September 1996 and a new Fort Worth, Texas build-to-suit distribution center financed under an operating lease opened in May 1997. Working capital at June 30, 1997, was $164.7 million compared to $151.9 million at June 30, 1996. This increase is primarily due to increased cash provided from operations, the receipt of proceeds from the sale of the Aircraft Division, and the refund of insurance deposits. The current ratio was 2.4 at June 30, 1997 and 2.1 at June 30, 1996. Capital Resources ----------------- Capital resources are obtained from income retained in the business, indebtedness under the Company's lines of credit and long-term debt and from operating lease arrangements. Average combined short-term and long-term borrowing was $89.4 million in 1997 and $111.8 million in 1996. Effective interest rates on short-term borrowings were 6.3% in 1997 and 6.2% in 1996. The Company has short-term lines of credit with commercial banks totaling $155 million. The Company had $25.4 million of borrowings under these bank short-term lines of credit at June 30, 1997. The Company also has an agreement with the Prudential Insurance Company of America for an uncommitted shelf facility to borrow up to $50 million in additional long-term financing, at its sole discretion, with terms ranging from seven to twenty years. The entire $50 million is available for future financing needs as no borrowings have been made as of June 30, 1997. The Company sold its Dixie Bearings Aircraft Division business in August 1996. The Company received proceeds from the sale of $9.1 million which were used to reduce short-term borrowings. The Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of up to 158,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock during fiscal 1998 and beyond to fund employee benefit programs and stock option and award programs. These purchases can be made in open market or negotiated transactions, from time to time, depending upon market conditions. Under a previous Board authorization, the Company acquired 150,500 shares of its Common Stock for $4.1 million during the year ended June 30, 1997. Management expects that capital resources provided from operations, available lines of credit, long-term debt and operating leases will be sufficient to finance normal working capital needs, business acquisitions, enhancement of facilities and equipment 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 desired. Other Matters ------------- Effective August 1, 1997, the Company completed the acquisition of Invetech Company, a privately held industrial distributor based in Detroit, Michigan. The aggregate purchase price including the issuance of 2.1 million shares of Company Common Stock was $93.9 million. The cash portion of the purchase price of $23.4 million was financed through available short-term lines of credit. The Company expects to incur a pre-tax nonrecurring charge of approximately $4.0 million in the quarter ending September 30, 1997 for consolidation expenses and costs associated with the disposal of duplicative capital assets. (See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.) The 1990 agreement for the acquisition of King Bearing included specific indemnification of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and King for any financial damages or losses related to a lawsuit pending against King in the Superior Court of Orange County, California. The indemnification was also guaranteed by the ultimate parent of King's former owner, a Fortune 500 company with stockholders' equity exceeding five billion dollars at June 30, 1997. As further explained in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, management believes that the outcome of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company due to the indemnification and guarantee.

3 <TABLE> <CAPTION> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries Year Ended June 30 1997 1996 1995 (Thousands, except per share amounts) ........................................................................................................................... <S> <C> <C> <C> NET SALES $1,160,251 $1,143,749 $1,054,809 ........................................................................................................................... COST AND EXPENSES Cost of sales 854,230 848,682 783,105 Selling, distribution and administrative 255,422 245,786 234,781 ........................................................................................................................... 1,109,652 1,094,468 1,017,886 ........................................................................................................................... OPERATING INCOME 50,599 49,281 36,923 ........................................................................................................................... Interest Expense 6,463 8,975 7,650 Interest Income (956) (528) (386) ........................................................................................................................... 5,507 8,447 7,264 ........................................................................................................................... INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 45,092 40,834 29,659 ........................................................................................................................... INCOME TAX EXPENSE Federal 15,700 14,250 10,630 State and local 2,300 3,250 2,120 ........................................................................................................................... 18,000 17,500 12,750 ........................................................................................................................... NET INCOME $ 27,092 $ 23,334 $ 16,909 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCOME PER SHARE $ 2.19 $ 1.90 $ 1.46 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </TABLE> See notes to consolidated financial statements. <TABLE> <CAPTION> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries June 30 1997 1996 (Amounts in thousands) ........................................................................................................................... <S> <C> <C> ASSETS Current assets Cash and temporary investments $ 22,405 $ 9,243 Accounts receivable, less allowance of $2,400 153,080 155,524 Inventories 103,069 127,937 Other current assets 6,905 2,434 ........................................................................................................................... Total current assets 285,459 295,138 ........................................................................................................................... Property - at cost Land 12,281 13,529 Buildings 66,157 64,441 Equipment 81,132 71,938 ........................................................................................................................... 159,570 149,908 Less accumulated depreciation 68,809 63,574 ........................................................................................................................... Property - net 90,761 86,334 ........................................................................................................................... Other assets 17,894 22,600 ........................................................................................................................... TOTAL ASSETS $394,114 $404,072 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES Current liabilities Notes payable $ 25,415 $ 30,056 Current portion of long-term debt 11,429 11,429 Accounts payable 49,469 67,652 Compensation and related benefits 19,025 19,081 Other current liabilities 15,398 14,964 ........................................................................................................................... Total current liabilities 120,736 143,182 Long-term debt 51,428 62,857 Other liabilities 14,366 8,741 ........................................................................................................................... TOTAL LIABILITIES 186,530 214,780 ........................................................................................................................... SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Preferred stock - no par value; 2,500 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding Common stock - no par value; 30,000 shares authorized; 13,954 shares issued 10,000 10,000 Additional paid-in capital 10,311 7,528 Income retained for use in the business 216,642 197,232 Treasury shares - at cost (1,541 and 1,577 shares) (22,983) (21,260) Shares held in trust for deferred compensation plans (5,436) (3,008) Unearned restricted common stock compensation (950) (1,200) ........................................................................................................................... TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 207,584 189,292 ........................................................................................................................... TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $394,114 $404,072 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </TABLE> See notes to consolidated financial statements.

4 <TABLE> <CAPTION> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries Year Ended June 30 1997 1996 1995 (Amounts in thousands) .................................................................................................................................. <S> <C> <C> <C> CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $27,092 $23,334 $16,909 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 13,574 13,478 13,275 Deferred income taxes 1,900 (1,444) (3,345) Provision for losses on accounts receivable 1,743 2,123 1,710 Gain on sale of property (921) (1,119) (1,412) Amortization of restricted common stock compensation and goodwill 857 1,959 680 Treasury shares contributed to employee benefit and deferred compensation plans 4,372 4,496 3,935 Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions: Accounts receivable (2,315) (9,132) (16,313) Inventories 18,868 (12,889) (5,075) Other current assets (4,471) 1,722 (4) Accounts payable and accrued expenses (18,949) 13,908 2,548 Other - net 513 .................................................................................................................................. NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 41,750 36,436 13,421 .................................................................................................................................. CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Property purchases (21,579) (23,536) (15,055) Proceeds from property sales 6,898 4,803 4,081 Proceeds from sale of Dixie Bearings Aircraft Division 9,090 Acquisition of businesses, less cash acquired (4,328) (1,852) Deposits and other 4,234 (7,729) (164) .................................................................................................................................. NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (1,357) (30,790) (12,990) .................................................................................................................................. CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Borrowings (repayments) under: Line-of-credit agreements - net (4,641) 11,481 (1,230) Long-term debt (11,429) (5,714) Exercise of stock options 1,089 1,781 3,924 Dividends paid (7,682) (6,528) (5,397) Purchases of treasury shares (4,568) (2,212) (3,874) .................................................................................................................................. NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES (27,231) (1,192) (6,577) .................................................................................................................................. Increase (decrease) in cash and temporary investments 13,162 4,454 (6,146) Cash and temporary investments at beginning of year 9,243 4,789 10,935 .................................................................................................................................. CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS AT END OF YEAR $22,405 $ 9,243 $ 4,789 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash paid during the year for: Income taxes $19,107 $17,842 $14,827 Interest $ 6,873 $ 8,291 $ 8,411 </TABLE> See notes to consolidated financial statements.

5 <TABLE> <CAPTION> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries For the Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 Income Shares of Additional Retained for Treasury Common Stock Common Paid-in Use in the Shares-at Outstanding Stock Capital Business Cost (Thousands, except per share amounts) ......................................................................................................... <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> BALANCE AT JULY 1, 1994 11,319 $10,000 $6,962 $165,807 ($32,278) Net income 16,909 Cash dividends - $.47 per share (5,397) Purchases of common stock for treasury (180) (3,874) Treasury shares issued for: 401(k) Savings Plan contributions 140 1,124 1,788 Exercise of stock options 225 1,565 2,789 Restricted common stock awards 138 1,232 1,727 Deferred compensation plans 46 428 595 Amortization of restricted common stock compensation Other 83 ......................................................................................................... BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1995 As previously reported 11,688 10,000 11,311 177,402 (29,253) Pooling of interests with Engineered Sales 486 (6,499) 3,024 6,408 ......................................................................................................... BALANCE AS RESTATED 12,174 10,000 4,812 180,426 (22,845) Net income 23,334 Cash dividends - $.54 per share (6,528) Purchases of common stock for treasury (86) (2,212) Treasury shares issued for: Retirement Savings Plan contributions 138 1,692 1,805 Exercise of stock options 107 391 1,390 Restricted common stock awards 1 13 19 Deferred compensation plan 43 416 583 Amortization of restricted common stock compensation 204 Increase in fair value of shares held in trust ......................................................................................................... BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1996 12,377 10,000 7,528 197,232 (21,260) Net income 27,092 Cash dividends - $.62 per share (7,682) Purchases of common stock for treasury (166) (4,568) Treasury shares issued for: Retirement Savings Plan contributions 109 1,809 1,568 Exercise of stock options 52 342 747 Restricted common stock awards 6 68 67 Deferred compensation plans 35 532 463 Amortization of restricted common stock compensation 32 Increase in fair value of shares held in trust ......................................................................................................... Balance at June 30, 1997 12,413 $10,000 $10,311 $216,642 ($22,983) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> Shares Held Unearned in Trust for Restricted Deferred Common Total Compensation Stock Shareholders' Plans Compensation Equity ......................................................................................... <S> <C> <C> <C> BALANCE AT JULY 1, 1994 $150,491 Net income 16,909 Cash dividends - $.47 per share (5,397) Purchases of common stock for treasury (3,874) Treasury shares issued for: 401(k) Savings Plan contributions 2,912 Exercise of stock options 4,354 Restricted common stock awards ($2,959) Deferred compensation plans ($1,023) Amortization of restricted common stock compensation 326 326 Other (403) (320) ......................................................................................... BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1995 As previously reported (1,426) (2,633) 165,401 Pooling of interests with Engineered Sales 2,933 ......................................................................................... BALANCE AS RESTATED (1,426) (2,633) 168,334 Net income 23,334 Cash dividends - $.54 per share (6,528) Purchases of common stock for treasury (2,212) Treasury shares issued for: Retirement Savings Plan contributions 3,497 Exercise of stock options 1,781 Restricted common stock awards (32) Deferred compensation plan (999) Amortization of restricted common stock compensation 1,465 1,669 Increase in fair value of shares held in trust (583) (583) ......................................................................................... BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1996 (3,008) (1,200) 189,292 Net income 27,092 Cash dividends - $.62 per share (7,682) Purchases of common stock for treasury (4,568) Treasury shares issued for: Retirement Savings Plan contributions 3,377 Exercise of stock options 1,089 Restricted common stock awards (135) Deferred compensation plans (995) Amortization of restricted common stock compensation 385 417 Increase in fair value of shares held in trust (1,433) (1,433) ......................................................................................... BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1997 ($5,436) ($950) $207,584 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See notes to consolidated financial statements. </TABLE>

6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) ................................................................................ 1. Business and Accounting Policies Name Change ----------- In October 1996, shareholders approved a change in the Company's name from Bearings, Inc. to Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. effective January 1, 1997. Business -------- The Company distributes bearings, electrical and mechanical drive systems products, fluid power products and systems, industrial rubber products, general maintenance products and related specialty items. The Company offers technical application support for these products and provides creative solutions to help customers minimize downtime and reduce overall procurement costs. Although the Company does not generally manufacture the products it sells, it does assemble and repair certain products and systems. Most of the Company's sales are in the maintenance and replacement markets, to customers in a wide range of industries principally in the United States. Consolidation ------------- The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Estimates --------- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of 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 Equivalents ---------------- The Company considers all temporary investments with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents for purposes of the statements of consolidated cash flows. Goodwill -------- Goodwill is recorded for the purchase price of acquired operations in excess of the fair value of identifiable net assets. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over 15 to 20 years. Inventories ----------- Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. (See Note 5 for further information regarding inventories.) Depreciation ------------ Depreciation of buildings and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings and related improvements are depreciated over 10 to 30 years and equipment over 3 to 8 years.

7 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. Net Income Per Share -------------------- Net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Net income per share has not been adjusted for the effect of stock options as the dilutive effect would be less than 3% for each year. All shares and per-share data have been restated to reflect a three-for-two stock split effective December 4, 1995. In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, Earnings Per Share. This statement simplifies the current standard for computing earnings per share (EPS). At June 30, 1997, the Company had stock options outstanding, which would currently have a less than 3% dilution effect for reporting Diluted EPS under SFAS No. 128. SFAS No. 128 becomes effective for interim and annual financial statements beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 1998; earlier application is not permitted. 2. Subsequent Event - Acquisition Effective August 1, 1997, the Company completed the acquisition of the Invetech Company (Invetech), a distributor of bearings, mechanical and electrical drive system products, industrial rubber products and specialty maintenance and repair products. The aggregate purchase price including the issuance of 2.1 million shares of Company Common Stock was $93,900. The cash portion of the purchase price of $23,400 includes a $10,000 escrow account and was financed through available short-term lines of credit. The Company will account for the acquisition as a purchase and will include Invetech's results of operations from the effective date of the acquisition in its fiscal 1998 financial statements. The Company expects to incur a pre-tax nonrecurring charge of approximately $4,000 in the quarter ending September 30, 1997 for consolidation expenses and costs associated with disposal of duplicative capital assets. Unaudited pro forma combined net sales, net income and net income per share for the year ended June 30, 1997 giving effect to the acquisition as if it occurred at the beginning of the year would have been $1,481,200, $29,100 and $2.01, respectively. This unaudited pro forma information includes adjustments resulting from the allocation of the purchase price to the net assets of Invetech based on a preliminary analysis of the fair value of assets and liabilities assumed. The unaudited pro forma amounts do not include the expected pre-tax nonrecurring charge of approximately $4,000 or any potential expense reductions from the consolidation of certain facilities and administrative functions of the two companies. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of results of operations had the acquisition been made at July 1, 1996 or of future results of operations. 3. Business Combinations In February 1996, the Company exchanged 486,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock for all of the outstanding shares of Engineered Sales, Inc., a distributor of hydraulic, pneumatic and electro-hydraulic components, systems and related fluid power engineering services. This business combination was accounted for as a pooling of interests. The fiscal 1996 consolidated financial statements include results of operations of Engineered Sales for the entire fiscal year. The fiscal 1995 consolidated financial statements have not been restated as the effects are not material. Separate 1996 results of operations for Engineered Sales prior to the acquisition are not presented as the amounts are not material. In addition, during fiscal 1996, the Company acquired the assets of a distributor of drive products and a distributor of rubber products, for a total of $4,328. During fiscal 1995, the Company acquired the assets of a distributor of fluid power products, and of a distributor of bearings and drive systems products, for a total of $3,255. The acquisitions of these businesses were accounted for as purchases and their results of operations are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from their respective acquisition dates. Results of operations for these acquisitions are not material for all periods presented. Goodwill recognized in connection with these combinations is being amortized over 15 years. 4. Sale of Division In August 1996, the Company sold the Dixie Bearings Aircraft Division located in Atlanta, Georgia to Aviation Sales Company for $9,090. The assets were sold at their approximate net book value. The sale did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

8 5. Inventories Current Cost ------------ The current cost of inventories exceeds the LIFO cost as follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> June 30 1997 1996 ................................................................................................ <S> <C> <C> LIFO cost $103,069 $127,937 Excess of current cost over LIFO cost 98,740 100,835 ................................................................................................ Current cost $201,809 $228,772 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </TABLE> LIFO Liquidations During the years ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Company liquidated LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower costs prevailing in prior years. The effect of these liquidations reduced cost of sales and increased net income and net income per share, respectively, by $3,022, $1,754, and $.14 per share during 1997; $946, $515, and $.04 per share during 1996; and $3,127, $1,692 and $.15 per share during 1995. 6. Other Assets Other assets consist of the following: <TABLE> <CAPTION> June 30 1997 1996 ............................................................................................... <S> <C> <C> Deposits and investments $9,225 $12,024 Goodwill - net of amortization 5,080 5,281 Other 3,589 5,295 ............................................................................................... Total $17,894 $22,600 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </TABLE> Substantially all investments are restricted and consist of money-market or similar liquid investments which have fair values approximately equal to their carrying values. 7. Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt Notes Payable ------------- The Company has $155,000 of short-term lines of credit which require payment of interest at various interest rate options, none of which is in excess of the banks' prime rate at interest determination dates. Borrowings under these lines of credit totaled $25,415 at June 30, 1997. The remaining unused lines available for short-term borrowings at June 30, 1997 totaled $129,585. Long-Term Debt -------------- The Company has $62,857 of long-term Senior Unsecured Term Notes, including $11,429 due during fiscal 1998. Interest is payable quarterly at a fixed interest rate of 7.82%. The principal amount is to be paid in semi-annual installments of $5,714 through 2003. These notes contain certain restrictive covenants regarding liquidity, tangible net worth, financial ratios and other covenants. At June 30, 1997, the most restrictive of these covenants required that the Company maintain a minimum tangible net worth of $130,128. Based upon current market rates for debt of similar maturities, the Company estimates that the fair value of its long-term debt is more than its carrying value at June 30, 1997 by approximately $1,000. The Company has entered into an agreement with Prudential Insurance Company of America for an uncommitted shelf facility enabling the Company to borrow up to $50,000 in additional long-term financing. The Company may make long-term borrowings at its sole discretion, with terms ranging anywhere from seven to twenty years under this agreement. At June 30, 1997, there were no borrowings under this agreement.

9 Interest Rate Swaps ------------------- Effective March 1, 1996, the Company entered into a two-year interest rate swap agreement with a major bank that effectively converts $15,000 of variable rate borrowings to a fixed rate. Under this agreement, the Company receives payments at variable rates based on LIBOR as determined at monthly intervals and makes payments at a fixed interest rate of 5.29%. The agreement is accounted for using the settlement method in which the periodic net cash settlements are recognized in interest expense when they accrue. The interest rate swap agreement had a nominal fair value at June 30, 1997. During fiscal 1995, the Company terminated a two-year interest rate swap agreement initiated in fiscal 1994. Costs to terminate were amortized to interest expense over the original term of the swap agreement. 8. Income Taxes Provision --------- The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of: <TABLE> <CAPTION> Year Ended June 30 1997 1996 1995 ................................................................................................ <S> <C> <C> <C> Current $16,100 $18,944 $16,095 Deferred 1,900 (1,444) (3,345) ................................................................................................ Total $18,000 $17,500 $12,750 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </TABLE> The exercise of non-qualified stock options during fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995 resulted in $368, $501 and $431, respectively, of income tax benefits to the Company derived from the difference between the market price at the date of exercise and the option price. Also, the accelerated vesting of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock (PARS) in fiscal 1997 and 1996 resulted in $32 and $204, respectively, of income tax benefits. These tax benefits were credited to additional paid-in capital. Effective Tax Rates ------------------- The following is a reconciliation between the federal statutory income tax rate and the Company's effective tax rate: <TABLE> <CAPTION> Year Ended June 30 1997 1996 1995 ................................................................................................. <S> <C> <C> <C> Statutory tax rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% Effects of: State and local income taxes 3.3 5.2 4.7 Non-deductible expenses 1.5 2.0 2.3 Other, net .1 .7 1.0 ................................................................................................. Effective tax rate 39.9% 42.9% 43.0% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </TABLE> Balance Sheet ------------- The significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> June 30 1997 1996 .............................................................................................. <S> <C> <C> Depreciation and differences in property bases $(4,846) $(4,618) Inventory (8,440) (8,301) Compensation liabilities not currently deductible 4,760 5,623 Reserves not currently deductible 4,103 4,327 Goodwill 1,283 1,393 Other 408 744 .............................................................................................. Net deferred tax liability $(2,732) $ (832) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </TABLE> Certain balances from fiscal year 1996 have been reclassified to be consistent with fiscal 1997.

10 9. Stock Incentive Plans The 1990 Long-Term Performance Plan (the "1990 Plan") provides for granting of stock options, stock awards, cash awards, and such other awards or combinations as the Executive Organization and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may determine. The number of shares of Common Stock which may be awarded in each fiscal year under the 1990 Plan is two percent (2%) of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on the first day of each year for which the plan is in effect. Common Stock available for distribution under the 1990 Plan, but not distributed, may be carried over to the following year. Shares available for future grants at June 30, 1997 were 144,698 and 125,129 at June 30, 1996. Under the 1990 Plan, the Company has awarded PARS and stock options to officers and other key associates. PARS recipients are entitled to receive dividends and have voting rights on their respective shares but are restricted from selling or transferring the shares prior to vesting. The restricted stock vests after a period of six years, with accelerated vesting based upon achievement of certain return on asset objectives or minimum stock price levels. The aggregate fair market value of the restricted stock is considered unearned compensation at the time of grant and is amortized over the six-year vesting period or until such time as acceleration of vesting takes place. In fiscal 1997 and 1996, the Company recognized accelerated vesting of 5,000 and 64,000 shares, respectively, of previously awarded PARS. The stock options vest over a period of 4 years and expire after 10 years. At June 30, 1997, the Company has a fixed stock option plan as described above. The Company applied APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for options granted under the 1990 Plan; accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for stock options granted. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock options been determined based on fair value at the grant dates for awards under the 1990 Plan consistent with the method of FASB No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to $26,502 and $2.14 in 1997 and $22,984 and $1.87 in 1996. Disclosures under the fair value method are estimated using the Black Scholes option pricing model. The assumptions used for grants issued in 1997 and 1996 are: <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> Expected life ........................................................7 years Risk-free interest rate ..............................................6.4% Dividend yield .......................................................2.0% Volatility ..........................................................20.1% </TABLE> Information regarding these option plans is as follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> 1997 1996 Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Exercise Exercise Shares Price Shares Price ................................................................................................. <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> Outstanding at July 1 584,750 $ 16.36 491,572 $ 13.12 Granted 223,100 28.79 217,275 21.71 Exercised (51,838) 13.89 (107,597) 12.01 Expired/canceled (11,376) 22.26 (16,500) 18.59 ................................................................................................. Outstanding at June 30 744,636 $ 20.17 584,750 $ 16.36 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Options exercisable at June 30 337,946 $ 14.43 296,142 $ 12.88 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year $ 8.53 $ 6.45 </TABLE>

11 The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at June 30, 1997: <TABLE> <CAPTION> Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Weighted- Average Weighted- Weighted- Remaining Average Average Ranges of Numbers Contractual Exercise Number Exercise Exercise Prices Outstanding Life Price Exercisable Price .............................................................................................. <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> $ 9 - $14 192,104 3.9 Years $ 12.04 192,104 $12.04 14 - 20 118,536 6.1 14.62 84,938 14.62 20 - 25 215,146 8.0 21.71 60,904 21.70 25 - 30 218,850 9.3 28.79 .............................................................................................. 744,636 337,946 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </TABLE> At June 30, 1997, option prices related to outstanding options ranged from $9.46 to $29.94 per share. 10. Benefit Plans Qualified Retirement Plans -------------------------- Substantially all associates of the Company are covered by the Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan. This plan is the result of a combination, effective July 1, 1995, of the Employees' Profit-Sharing Trust and the 401(k) Savings Plan. The Company makes a discretionary profit-sharing contribution to the Retirement Savings Plan generally based upon a percentage of the Company's income before income taxes and before the amount of the contribution. The Company also partially matches 401(k) contributions by participants, who may elect to contribute up to 15 percent of their compensation. The matching contribution is made with the Company's Common Stock and is determined quarterly using rates based on achieving certain quarterly earnings per share levels. The Company's expense for contributions to the plan was $4,895, $4,953, and $3,958 for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. Retiree Medical Benefits ------------------------ The Company provides health care benefits to eligible retired associates who elect to pay the Company 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. At June 30, 1997 and 1996 the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation was $860 and $830, respectively. The costs recognized for post-retirement benefits for fiscal 1997, 1996, and 1995 were not material. Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefit Plan (SERP) ----------------------------------------------------- The Company has a non-qualified pension plan to provide supplemental retirement benefits to certain officers. Benefits are payable at retirement based upon a percentage of the participant's compensation. The plan specifies minimum annual retirement benefits for certain participants. The funded status of the SERP plan is: <TABLE> <CAPTION> June 30 1997 1996 ....................................................................................... <S> <C> <C> Projected benefit obligation $5,228 $4,852 Unrecognized net loss (887) (802) Unrecognized prior service cost (126) (145) ....................................................................................... Accrued pension liability, included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets $4,215 $3,905 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accumulated benefit obligation, fully vested $4,165 $3,848 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </TABLE>

12 Periodic pension cost for the SERP consists of: <TABLE> <CAPTION> Year Ended June 30 1997 1996 1995 ............................................................................................... <S> <C> <C> <C> Service cost - benefits earned $ 145 $ 132 $115 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 387 368 350 Net amortization and deferral 88 349 361 ............................................................................................... Total $ 620 $ 849 $826 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </TABLE> Pension cost and benefit obligations shown above were determined using a discount rate of 8.0% and a rate of increase in compensation levels of 5.5%. At June 30, 1997 there were no assets under the plan. The Company funds the benefits when payments are made to participants. Deferred Compensation Plans --------------------------- The Company has deferred compensation plans that enable certain associates of the Company to defer receipt of a portion of their compensation and non-employee directors to defer receipt of director fees. The Company funds these deferred compensation liabilities by making contributions to rabbi trusts. Contributions consist of Company Common Stock and investments in money market and mutual funds. While held in trust, the Common Stock is reported as a contra-equity account and the money market and mutual fund investments are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The deferred compensation liabilities of $6,405 and $3,286 at June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively, are recorded in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. 11. Commitments, Lease Obligations and Rent Expenses The Company leases its corporate headquarters along with certain branch and distribution center facilities and computer equipment under non-cancellable lease agreements accounted for as operating leases. The minimum annual rental commitments under operating leases, are $11,274 in 1998; $7,700 in 1999; $5,860 in 2000; $4,390 in 2001; $3,611 in 2002 and $36,835 after 2002. In connection with the lease of the corporate headquarters facility the Company has guaranteed repayment of $5,678 of bonds issued by the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority as lessor and Cuyahoga County to fund construction of the facility. Rental expenses incurred for operating leases, principally from leases for real property, vehicles and computer equipment were $12,891 in 1997, $12,077 in 1996, and $10,756 in 1995. The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $7.8 million at June 30, 1997. These letters of credit secure certain employee benefit and insurance obligations. 12. Litigation The 1990 agreement for the acquisition of King Bearing, Inc. (King) included specific indemnification of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and King for any financial damages or losses related to a lawsuit pending against King in the Superior Court of Orange County, California. The indemnification was also guaranteed by the ultimate parent of King's former owner, a Fortune 500 company with stockholders' equity exceeding five billion dollars at June 30, 1997. A $32,400 judgment relating to this lawsuit was rendered against King in June 1992. The judgment was strongly contested by counsel retained by the indemnitor on behalf of King, and in September 1992, the trial court granted the motion of King for a new trial as to all but $219 in damages returned by the jury. On appeal, the California Court of Appeals, in September 1996, remanded the matter to the trial court for a new trial and reversed the trial court's exclusion of the $219 in damages from the new trial order. All alleged events relevant to the judgment occurred prior to the Company's purchase of King, and the jury found no liability on the part of the Company. In January 1997, King was merged into Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. Due to the indemnification and guarantee, management believes that the outcome of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company. The Company is a defendant in several lawsuits for product liability matters. The Company is vigorously defending these lawsuits, which management believes are without merit. Although management cannot predict the outcomes of these lawsuits, they are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position. 13. Subsequent Event-Stock Split On August 15, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors approved a three-for-two common stock split payable on September 15,1997 to shareholders of record on August 29, 1997. Pro forma net income per share, giving retroactive effect to the three-for-two split, is as follows: $1.46 in 1997, $1.27 in 1996, and $0.97 in 1995. Financial information contained elsewhere in this annual report has not been adjusted to reflect the impact of the common stock split.

13 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT [DELOITTE AND TOUCHE LOGO] Shareholders and Board of Directors Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of June 30, 1997 and 1996 and the related statements of consolidated income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at June 30, 1997 and 1996 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Cleveland, Ohio August 7, 1997 (August 15, 1997 as to Note 13.)

14 <TABLE> <CAPTION> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 YEAR SUMMARY 1997 1996 1995 1994 (Thousands, except per share amounts) ........................................................................................................................... <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS- YEAR ENDED JUNE 30 Net sales $1,160,251 $1,143,749 $1,054,809 $936,254 Operating income 50,599 49,281 36,923 27,817 Net income 27,092 23,334 16,909 12,687 Per share data (A) Net income 2.19 1.90 1.46 1.12 Cash dividend .62 .54 .47 .43 YEAR-END POSITION - JUNE 30 Working capital $164,723 $151,956 $153,555 $144,605 Long-term debt 51,428 62,857 74,286 80,000 Total assets 394,114 404,072 359,231 343,519 Shareholders' equity 207,584 189,292 165,401 150,491 YEAR-END STATISTICS - JUNE 30 Current ratio 2.4 2.1 2.4 2.4 Branches 331 337 338 339 Number of Shareholders 4,676 4,636 4,379 4,478 <FN> (A) All per share data have been restated to reflect a three for two stock split effective December 4, 1995. </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> $831,432 $817,813 $814,000 $651,271 $630,281 $542,883 20,521 4,703 17,115 25,281 33,463 25,000 8,927 (1,666) 4,282 12,201 18,313 14,948 .82 (.16) .41 1.13 1.63 1.26 .43 .43 .43 .43 .37 .33 $130,860 $41,967 $54,695 $64,091 $75,134 $77,606 80,000 315,935 330,619 327,939 380,224 251,376 222,957 134,940 128,830 134,203 135,338 134,848 128,919 2.4 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.7 1.9 323 333 341 363 267 266 4,449 4,354 4,025 3,583 3,204 4,051 </TABLE>

1 Exhibit 21 APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. FORM 10-K FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 SUBSIDIARIES <TABLE> <CAPTION> Name Jurisdiction of ---- Incorporation or Organization ----------------------------- <S> <C> Applied Industrial Technologies--DBB, Inc. Ohio (formerly known as I. C. Acquisition Corp.) Applied Industrial Technologies-Dixie, Inc. Tennessee Applied Industrial Technologies--GA LP Delaware Applied Industrial Technologies-Mainline, Inc. Wisconsin Applied Industrial Technologies--PA LLC Pennsylvania Applied Industrial Technologies--TN LP Delaware Applied Industrial Technologies--TX LP Delaware BER Capital, Inc. Delaware BER International, Inc. Barbados Bearings Continental, Inc. Ohio Bearing Sales and Services, Inc. Washington ESI Acquisition Corporation Ohio (d.b.a. Engineered Sales, Inc.) The Ohio Ball Bearing Company Ohio </TABLE>

1 Exhibit 23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT ----------------------------- Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 33-43506, 33-53401, 33-60687, 33-65509, 33-65513, 333-10139 and 333-27801 of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. on Forms S-3, S-4 and S-8 of our reports dated August 7, 1997 (August 15, 1997 as to Note 13) appearing in and incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. for the year ended June 30, 1997. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Cleveland, Ohio September 25, 1997

<TABLE> <S> <C>

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<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1997
<CASH>                                          22,405
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  155,480
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<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 45,092
<INCOME-TAX>                                    18,000
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