-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K 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, 1996 COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-2299 BEARINGS, 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.) 3600 EUCLID AVENUE 44115 CLEVELAND, OHIO --------- ---------------------------------- (ZIP CODE) (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (216) 881-8900. 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. _X_ The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the price at which the stock was sold as of the close of business on August 30, 1996: $326,728,190. 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 30, 1996 Common Stock without par value 12,417,951 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) Bearings, Inc. 1996 Annual Report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996, portions of which are incorporated by reference into Parts I, II and IV of this Form 10-K; and, (2) Bearings, Inc. Proxy Statement dated September 16, 1996, portions of which are incorporated by reference into Parts III and IV of this Form 10-K. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PART I. ITEM 1. BUSINESS. BEARINGS, INC., an Ohio corporation, and its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, BRUENING BEARINGS, INC., a Kentucky corporation, DIXIE BEARINGS, INCORPORATED, a Tennessee corporation, ESI ACQUISITION CORPORATION (doing business as Engineered Sales, Inc.), an Ohio corporation, KING BEARING, INC., a California corporation, and MAINLINE INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTORS, INC., a Wisconsin corporation, are 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. Bearings, Inc. and its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries are hereafter referred to in this Report as the "Company", unless the context indicates otherwise. The Company's executive offices are located at 3600 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio. The Company and predecessor companies have been engaged in this business since 1923. Bearings, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of Delaware in 1928 and reincorporated from Delaware to Ohio in 1988. (a) GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS. In fiscal 1996, the Company continued to enter into strategic business combinations to improve its market position in non-bearing products and services. The Company exchanged 486,000 shares of Company Common Stock for all of the outstanding shares of Engineered Sales, Inc., an applied-technology distributor of hydraulic, pneumatic and electro-hydraulic systems and components based in St. Louis, in February 1996. Earlier in the year, the Company purchased the assets of Flood Industries, Inc. a two-branch distributor in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and the Power Transmission Equipment Division of Hines Motor Supply, Inc., located in Billings, Montana. In addition, in August 1996 the Company sold its aircraft bearing distribution business, located in Atlanta, in order to concentrate further on the core business of distribution to industrial markets. The Company signed a 10-year master marketing and procurement agreement with Electronic Data Systems Corp. in August 1996 to become the primary supplier of the Company's product offerings to EDS' SupplySource, a new integrated supply service marketed to major companies. SupplySource will perform procurement activities for its customers on an outsourced basis. Both SupplySource and International Supply Consortium, a strategic alliance formed in fiscal 1995, provide the Company new marketing vehicles for reaching the increasing number of customers who wish to reduce the number of their suppliers of maintenance, repair and operations products. The Company substantially completed construction of a new 155,000 square foot distribution center in Douglas County, Georgia, replacing the current facility in that area. The center, scheduled to open in the fall of 1996, will be the Company's largest distribution center. Also, the Company began construction of its new 145,000 square foot headquarters facility in Cleveland's Midtown Corridor in fiscal 1996. The complex is expected to be opened in mid- 1997 and will replace the Company's current headquarters complex of five unconnected buildings spread over three blocks in the Midtown Corridor. 2

The Board of Directors voted in July 1996 to change the name of the Company to Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., subject to shareholder approval at the Annual Meeting in October. The new name reflects the widening range of products and services offered by the Company. Further information regarding developments in the Company's business can be found in the Bearings, Inc. 1996 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. The Company considers its business to involve only one industry segment. (c) NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS. PRODUCTS. The Company engages in the distribution and sale of ball, roller, thrust, 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 for use therewith. Although the Company 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. The Company is a non-exclusive distributor for numerous manufacturers of the products which it sells. The principal bearing lines distributed by the Company are: American, Barden, Cooper, FAG, INA, Kaydon, MB Manufacturing, McGill, MRC, Sealmaster, SKF, Symmco, Thomson, Timken and Torrington/Fafnir. The principal drive system product lines distributed by the Company are: Baldor, Browning, Electron, Falk, FMC, Foote Jones, Jeffrey, Kop-Flex, Lincoln Electric, Lovejoy, Martin, Morse, Reliance/Dodge, Rexnord/Link-Belt, Saftronics, Stephens Adamson, U.S. Electrical Motors, and Winsmith. The principal industrial rubber product lines distributed by the Company are: Aeroquip, Boston, Dixon, Flexco, Gates, Globe, Goodyear, Habasit and Weatherhead. The principal fluid power product lines distributed by the Company are: Ingersoll Rand-ARO, Dana, Denison, Donaldson, Eaton Char-Lynn 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 suppliers of specialty items are: CR Industries, Dow Corning, Garlock, Gojo, Keystone, Loctite, Lubriplate, National/Federal Mogul, OTC/Power Team, Parker Hannifin, Rotor Clip and Skil/Bosch. The Company believes that its relationships with its suppliers are generally good and that the Company can continue to represent these suppliers. The loss of certain of these suppliers could have an adverse effect on the Company's business. Based upon the Company's analysis of product dollar sales volume for the fiscal 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 3

represented 30%, specialty items represented 12%, and other items, including industrial rubber and fluid power products, represented 13% of sales. For the year ended June 30, 1994, bearings represented 50%, drive system products represented 27%, specialty items represented 12%, and other items, including industrial rubber and fluid power products, represented 12% of sales. The Company 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; Baltimore, Maryland; Worcester, Massachusetts; Maryland Heights, Missouri; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Richmond, Virginia; and Kent, Washington assemble fluid power systems and components and provide customers with technical expertise. The Company also operates rubber shops in Tucson, Arizona; Corona, California; Tracy, California; Atlanta, Georgia; Crestwood, Illinois; Billings, Montana; Dayton, New Jersey; Arlington, Texas; Longview, Washington; and Appleton, Wisconsin to modify conveyor belts and provide hose assemblies in accordance with customer requirements. SERVICES. The Company's sales personnel advise and assist customers with respect to product selection and application. The Company considers this advice and assistance to be an integral part of its overall sales efforts. Beyond acting as a mere distributor, the Company 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, the Company believes it will develop closer, longer-lasting and more profitable relationships with its customers. Company sales personnel consist of inside customer service and field account representatives assigned to each 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 provide assistance to 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 the Company provides, through cost savings or increased productivity. Specialists assist with applications particular to their areas of technical expertise. The Company 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. Such inventories consist of certain standard items stocked at most branches as well as other items related to the specific needs of customers in the 4

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 the service that the Company provides. 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. The Company also maintains a fleet of delivery vehicles to provide for delivery to customers. These transportation services and delivery vehicles are also utilized for movement of products between suppliers, distribution centers and branches to assure availability of merchandise for customer needs. The Company's ability to service its customers is enhanced by its computerized inventory and sales information systems. The Company's point-of- sale OMNEX -Registered Trademark- 2.0 computer system gives all Company locations on-line access to inventory, sales analysis and data. Inventory and sales information is updated as transactions are entered. The OMNEX -Registered Trademark- 2.0 system permits direct access for order entry, pricing and price- auditing, order expediting and back order review. The Company's computer system also permits Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) with participating customers and suppliers. The Company'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 the Company or another distributor, although there is no assurance that this practice will continue. There is a trend among large industrial customers towards reducing the number of suppliers of maintenance and replacement products with whom they deal. The Company 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 EDS SupplySource and International Supply Consortium. The Company continues to develop marketing strategies to anticipate and address evolving customer needs and concerns. Patents, trademarks and licenses do not have a significant effect on the Company's business. MARKETS AND METHODS OF DISTRIBUTION. The Company 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 range of customers, which include industrial plants of all kinds, machine shops, mines, paper mills, public utilities, all modes of transportation, defense establishments and other government agencies, garages, textile mills, food processing plants, hospitals, high technology businesses, contractors, agricultural concerns and other enterprises using any form of machine, vehicle or implement that contains the products sold by the Company. Its customers range from the largest industrial concerns in the country to the smallest. The Company's business is not significantly dependent upon a single customer or group of customers, the loss of which would have a material 5

adverse effect upon the Company's business as a whole, and no single customer of the Company accounts for more than 2% of the Company's net sales. On June 30, 1996, the Company had 337 branches in 42 states. The Company has no operations outside the continental United States. The Company's export business during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 and prior fiscal years was less than 2% of net sales, and is not concentrated in any one geographic area. COMPETITION. The Company considers its overall business to be highly competitive. The Company'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 the Company. There is a trend in the industry toward larger multiple branch operations. The Company 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 the Company. The competitors and the number of competitors vary throughout the geographic areas in which the Company does business. The Company continues to develop and implement marketing strategies to maintain a competitive position. The Company 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 the Company'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. The Company may not be the largest distributor in each of the geographic areas in which a branch is located. BACKLOG AND SEASONALITY. The Company does not have a substantial backlog of orders and backlog is not significant in the business of the Company since prompt delivery of the majority of the Company's products is essential to the Company's business. The Company does not consider its business to be seasonal. RAW MATERIALS AND GENERAL BUSINESS CONDITIONS. The Company'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 or by any prolonged recession or depression that has an adverse effect on American industrial activity generally. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES. On June 30, 1996, the Company had 4133 employees. None of the Company's employees are covered by collective bargaining. The Company considers its relationship with its employees to be generally favorable. WORKING CAPITAL. The Company's working capital position is disclosed in the financial statements referred to at Item 8 on page 12 of this Report and is discussed in "Management's 6

Discussion and Analysis" set forth in the Bearings, Inc. 1996 Annual Report to shareholders on pages 10 and 11. The Company requires substantial working capital related to accounts receivable and inventories. Significant amounts of inventory are required to be carried to meet rapid delivery requirements of customers. The Company 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 the Company's working capital requirements. The Company believes that such practices are consistent with prevailing industry practices in these areas. ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS. The Company 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 the Company. (d) FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC OPERATIONS AND EXPORT SALES. The Company has no operations outside the continental United States. The Company's export business during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996, and prior fiscal years, was less than 2% of net sales, and is not concentrated in any one geographic area. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES. The Company owns or leases the properties in which its offices, branches, distribution centers, shops and corporate facilities are located. As of June 30, 1996, the real properties at 178 locations were owned by the Company, while 176 locations were leased by the Company. Certain property locations may contain multiple operations, such as a branch and a distribution center. The principal real properties owned by the Company (each of which has more than 20,000 square feet of floor space) are: the corporate headquarters office building in Cleveland, Ohio; the corporate finance and information services office building in Cleveland, Ohio; the Cleveland East branch in Cleveland, Ohio; the Prospect mechanical shop in Cleveland, Ohio; the Midwest Distribution Center in Florence, Kentucky; the John R. Cunin Distribution Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania; and the Portland branch and Portland Distribution Center in Portland, Oregon. The principal real properties leased by the Company (each of which has more than 20,000 square feet of floor space) are: the Corona offices and Corona Distribution Center in Corona, California; the Long Beach branch in Long Beach, California; the San Jose branch in San Jose, California; the J. L. Lammers Distribution Center in Atlanta, Georgia; the Atlanta mechanical and rubber shops in Atlanta, Georgia; the Worcester branch and fluid power center in Worcester, Massachusetts; the Fort Worth Distribution Center in Fort Worth, Texas; the Longview branch and Longview Distribution Center in Longview, Washington; the Appleton offices, branch and rubber shop in Appleton, Wisconsin; and the Milwaukee branch and distribution center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 7

Three additional properties scheduled to be occupied in fiscal 1997 are as follows: a 145,000 square foot headquarters facility in Cleveland's Midtown Corridor, opening in mid-1997; a 155,000 square foot distribution center opening in Douglas County, Georgia in the fall of 1996 and replacing the current Atlanta center; and a 127,000 square foot distribution center in Fort Worth, Texas, opening in the spring of 1997 and replacing the current Fort Worth center. The Company intends to sell its current corporate buildings in Cleveland following the completion of the new headquarters facility. The Company 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 the Company'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 the Company are being utilized by the Company 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, the Company 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, the Company 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. The Company 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, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bearings, Inc. 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 1,117 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. Compensatory and punitive damages are sought, but no amount is specified. In July 1995 and March 1996, respectively, the Company was 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 123 persons or heirs of persons who worked at the same Bogalusa facility, are essentially identical to the BICKHAM case. Preliminary information made available to the Company indicates that the Company has been named a defendant in the foregoing cases only as a supplier of certain products manufactured by 8

others, which products allegedly contained a small percentage of encapsulated asbestos fiber. In each of the cases, the proceedings as they relate to the Company are in the preliminary stages; the Company believes, however, based upon circumstances presently known that such cases are not material to its business or its financial condition. The Company intends to defend these cases vigorously. Even if liability were assessed, the Company would seek indemnification from its suppliers and its insurance carriers. In 1989, Bearings, Inc. was served with a Second Amended Complaint in a case captioned SAMMIE ADKINS, ET AL. V. A. P. GREEN INDUSTRIES, INC., ET AL., Summit County Court of Common Pleas Case No. ACV 88-7-2398, naming it as an additional defendant, along with over 200 other defendants. Subsequently, 17 additional cases were filed in the same court naming Bearings, Inc. as a defendant and setting forth virtually the same allegations against many of the same defendants on behalf of different plaintiffs. The cases alleged that the plaintiffs (including spouses in some cases) were injured due to exposure to asbestos while working for various tire and rubber companies in the greater Akron, Ohio area. In June 1996, Bearings, Inc. was dismissed without prejudice from all of these cases. 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 Bearings, Inc.; however, as explained below, the Company believes that this judgment will have no material adverse effect on its business or financial condition. 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 Bearings, Inc. acquired King Bearing in June 1990. All events relative to the judgment occurred prior to the Company's purchase of King Bearing. Although Bearings, Inc. was subsequently named as a party to the lawsuit in 1991, the jury found no liability on the part of Bearings, Inc. Under the 1990 Stock Purchase Agreement relative to the acquisition of King Bearing, both Bearings, Inc. and King Bearing were specifically indemnified by the ultimate parent of the former owner of King Bearing (whose stockholders' equity exceeded $5 billion at June 30, 1996) for any damages or loss related to the judgment. The judgment is being strongly contested by counsel retained by the indemnitor on behalf of King Bearing, and in 1992, the trial court granted the motion of King Bearing for a new trial as to all but $219,000 in damages returned by the jury. The case is now pending in the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District. The Company is a defendant in several employment-related lawsuits. The Company is vigorously defending these lawsuits, which it believes are without merit. Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of these actions, the Company believes, based upon circumstances presently known, that such cases are not material to its business or its financial condition. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders of Bearings, Inc. during the last quarter of the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996. 9

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 the Executive Officers of Bearings, Inc. and a description of their business experience during the past five years. Except as otherwise stated, the positions and offices indicated are with Bearings, Inc. and the persons were elected to their present positions on October 17, 1995: JOHN C. DANNEMILLER. Mr. Dannemiller is Chairman (since January 1992), Chief Executive Officer (since January 1992) and a Director (since 1985). He was President (from 1990 to January 1992) and Chief Operating Officer (from 1988 to January 1992). He is 58 years of age. JOHN C. ROBINSON. Mr. Robinson is President (since January 1992), Chief Operating Officer (since January 1992), and a Director (since October 1991). He was Vice President (from 1989 to January 1992) and Executive Vice President & General Manager of the Corporation's wholly-owned subsidiary, King Bearing, Inc. (from 1990 to October 1991). He is 54 years of age. MARK O. EISELE. Mr. Eisele is Controller (since October 1992). He was Manager of Internal Audit (from June 1991 to October 1992). He is 39 years of age. 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). Before joining the Company, he was Vice President, Industrial Aftermarket Operations for SKF USA Inc., a manufacturer of bearings and related products (from 1985 to May 1992). He is 53 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 the Company, he was Vice President of Business Development for Invetech, Inc., a distributor of industrial parts (from December 1992 to December 1994); and Vice President of Sales for that company (from 1990 to December 1992). He is 53 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 10

Director of Corporate Communications (from 1989 to July 1993). He is 47 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 50 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 50 years of age. PART II. ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS. The Company's Common Stock, without par value, is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The information concerning the principal market for the Company's Common Stock, the quarterly stock prices and dividends for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1996 and 1995 and the number of shareholders of record as of August 15, 1996 is set forth in the Bearings, Inc. 1996 Annual Report to shareholders on page 25, under the caption "Quarterly Operating Results and Market Data", and such information is incorporated here by reference. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA. The summary of selected financial data for each of the last five years is set forth in the Bearings, Inc. 1996 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 the Bearings, Inc. 1996 Annual Report to shareholders on pages 10 and 11 and is incorporated here by reference. 11

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA. The following consolidated financial statements and supplementary data of Bearings, Inc. and subsidiaries and the independent auditors' report listed below, which are included in the Bearings, Inc. 1996 Annual Report to shareholders at the pages indicated, are incorporated here by reference and filed herewith: Caption Page No. ------- -------- Financial Statements: Statements of Consolidated Income for the Years Ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 12 Consolidated Balance Sheets June 30, 1996 and 1995 13 Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 14 Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 15 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 16 - 22 Independent Auditors' Report 23 Supplementary Data: Quarterly Operating Results and Market Data 25 12

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 the Bearings, Inc. Proxy Statement dated September 16, 1996 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 10 and 11 in Part I, after Item 4, under the caption "Executive Officers of the Registrant". ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. The information required by this Item is set forth in the Bearings, Inc. Proxy Statement dated September 16, 1996, under the captions "Summary Compensation" on page 8, "Aggregate Option Exercises and Fiscal Year-End Option Value Table" on page 9, "Estimated Retirement Benefits Under Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefits Plan" on page 9, "Compensation of Directors" on page 14, "Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors" on pages 14 and 15, "Deferred Compensation Plan" on page 15, and "Severance Payment Agreements" on pages 15 and 16, and is incorporated here by reference. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT. (a) Information concerning the security ownership of certain beneficial owners is set forth under the caption "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners" on page 6 of the Bearings, Inc. Proxy Statement dated September 16, 1996, and is incorporated here by reference. (b) Information concerning security ownership of management is set forth under the caption "Security Ownership of Management" on page 7 of the Bearings, Inc. Proxy Statement dated September 16, 1996, and is incorporated here by reference. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS. Not applicable. 13

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 the Company, notes thereto, the independent auditors' report and supplemental data are included in the Bearings, Inc. 1996 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, 1996, 1995 and 1994 Consolidated Balance Sheets June 30, 1996 and 1995 Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 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: 14

Caption Page No. ------- ---- Independent Auditors' Report 20 Schedule VIII - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 21 All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission have been omitted because they are not required under the related instructions, are not applicable, or the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. (a)3. EXHIBITS. * Asterisk indicates an executive compensation plan or arrangement. Exhibit No. Description ------- ----------- 3(a) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Bearings, Inc., an Ohio corporation, filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on October 18, 1988 (filed as Exhibit 4(a) to the Bearings, Inc. Form 8-K dated October 21, 1988, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference). 3(b) Code of Regulations of Bearings, Inc., an Ohio corporation, adopted September 6, 1988 (filed as Exhibit 4(b) to the Bearings, Inc. Form 8-K dated October 21, 1988, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference). 3(c) Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Bearings, Inc., an Ohio corporation, filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on October 27, 1988 (filed as Exhibit 4(c) to the Bearings, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1988, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference). 3(d) Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Bearings, Inc. filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on October 17, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 4(e) to the Bearings, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1990, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference). 15

4(a) Certificate of Merger of Bearings, Inc. (Ohio) and Bearings, Inc. (Delaware) filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on October 18, 1988 (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Bearings, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1989, SEC File No. 1-2299, 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 (filed as Exhibit 4(f) to the Bearings, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1992, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference). 4(c) Amendment to $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 (filed as Exhibit 4(g) to the Bearings, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference). *10(a) Form of Executive Severance Agreement between the Company and each of its executive officers (filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Bearings, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1989, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference), 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. *10(b) Form of amendment dated January 17, 1991 amending the Executive Severance Agreements filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Bearings, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1989 (filed as Exhibit 19(a) to the Bearings, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1990, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference). The amendment is applicable to all executive officers named in the schedule filed as part of Exhibit 10(a) of this Report and that schedule is incorporated here by reference. *10(c) A written description of the Directors' compensation program is found in the Bearings, Inc. Proxy Statement dated September 16, 1996, SEC File No. 1-2299, on page 14, under the caption "Compensation of Directors", and is incorporated here by reference. 16

*10(d) Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors (filed as Exhibit 19 to the Bearings, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1991, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference). *10(e) First Amendment to Deferred Compensation Plan for Non- Employee Directors effective July 1, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 10(e) to the Bearings, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1993, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference). *10(f) A written description of the Company's Non-Contributory Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance for executive officers. *10(g) A written description of the Company's Long-Term Disability Insurance for executive officers. *10(h) Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Company and its directors and its executive officers (filed as Appendix A to the Bearings, Inc. Proxy Statement dated September 17, 1992, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference), 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. *10(i) Bearings, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefits Plan (July 1, 1993 Restatement) presently covering 7 executive officers of Bearings, Inc. (as well as certain retired executive officers) (filed as Exhibit 10(j) to the Bearings, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1993, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference). *10(j) First Amendment to Bearings, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefits Plan (July 1, 1993 Restatement) (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the Bearings, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1993, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference). *10(k) Bearings, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit A to the Bearings, Inc. Proxy Statement dated September 16, 1993, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference). 10(l) Stock Purchase Agreement between Bearings, Inc. and MLS Industries, Inc. dated June 12, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 2 to the Bearings, Inc. Form 8-K dated July 12, 1990, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference). 17

10(m) Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement and Related Guarantee and Agreement among Bearings, Inc., MLS Industries, Inc. and Emerson Electric Co., dated as of June 29, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 2(a) to the Bearings, Inc. Form 8-K dated July 12, 1990, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference). *10(n) Bearings, Inc. 1990 Long-Term Performance Plan adopted by Shareholders on October 16, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 10(t) to the Bearings, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1991, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference). *10(o) A written description of the Company's Management Incentive Plan applicable to key executives, including the five most highly compensated executive officers, is found in the Bearings, Inc. Proxy Statement dated September 16, 1996, SEC File No. 1-2299, on pages 10 and 11, 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(p) Bearings, Inc. Supplemental Defined Contribution Plan (filed as Exhibit 99 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 33-66509, filed on December 29, 1995, and incorporated here by reference). 10(q) Lease dated as of March 1, 1996 between Bearings, Inc. and the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Bearings, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996, SEC File No. 1-2299, and incorporated here by reference). 11 Computation of Net Income Per Share. 13 Bearings, Inc. 1996 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 Bearings, Inc. 23 Independent Auditors' Consent. 27 Financial Data Schedule. 18

The Company 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 the Company's reasonable expenses in furnishing such exhibit. (b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. None during the quarter ended June 30, 1996. 19

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT Shareholders and Board of Directors Bearings, Inc. We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Bearings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") as of June 30, 1996 and 1995 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, 1996 and have issued our report thereon dated August 6, 1996; such consolidated financial statements and report are included in your 1996 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 6, 1996 20

BEARINGS, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996, 1995 AND 1994 (in thousands) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D ADDITIONS BALANCE AT CHARGED TO DEDUCTIONS BEGINNING COSTS AND FROM DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD EXPENSES RESERVE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED JUNE 30 1996: Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies - allowance for doubtful accounts $2,300 $2,123 $2,023 (A) YEAR ENDED JUNE 30 1995: Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies - allowance for doubtful accounts $1,900 $1,710 $1,310 (A) YEAR ENDED JUNE 30 1994: Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies - allowance for doubtful accounts $2,000 $1,418 $1,518 (A) ---------------------------------------------- COLUMN A COLUMN E BALANCE AT END OF DESCRIPTION PERIOD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED JUNE 30 1996: Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies - allowance for doubtful accounts $2,400 YEAR ENDED JUNE 30 1995: Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies - allowance for doubtful accounts $2,300 YEAR ENDED JUNE 30 1994: Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies - allowance for doubtful accounts $1,900 (A) Amounts represent uncollectible accounts charged off. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SCHEDULE VIII 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. BEARINGS, INC. /s/ John C. Dannemiller /s/ John C. Robinson ------------------------------ ------------------------------- John C. Dannemiller, Chairman John C. Robinson, President & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer /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) Date: September 26, 1996 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. /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 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, President, Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton, Director Chief Operating Officer and Director ------------------------------------- Russel B. Every, as attorney in fact for persons indicated by "*" Date: September 26, 1996 22

BEARINGS, INC. EXHIBIT INDEX TO FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 Exhibit No. Description Reference ------- ----------- --------- 3(a) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Bearings, Inc., an Ohio corporation, filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on October 18, 1988. Note (a) 3(b) Code of Regulations of Bearings, Inc., an Ohio corporation, adopted September 6, 1988. Note (a) 3(c) Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Bearings, Inc., an Ohio corporation, filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on October 27, 1988. Note (b) 3(d) Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Bearings, Inc., filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on October 17, 1990. Note (c) 4(a) Certificate of Merger of Bearings, Inc. (Ohio) and Bearings, Inc. (Delaware) filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on October 18, 1988. Note (d) 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. Note (e) 4(c) Amendment to $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. Note (f)

10(a) Form of Executive Severance Agreement between the Company and each of its executive officers. Note (d) Schedule pursuant to Instruction 2 of Item 601(a) of Regulation S-K identifying the officers and setting forth material details in which the agreements differ from the form of agreement filed. Attached 10(b) Form of amendment amending the Executive Severance Agreements referenced in Exhibit 10(a) hereto. Note (g) 10(c) A written description of the Directors' compensation program. Note (h) 10(d) Deferred Compensation Plan for Non- employee Directors. Note (i) 10(e) First Amendment to Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors effective July 1, 1993. Note (j) 10(f) A written description of the Company's Non-Contributory Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance for executive officers. Attached 10(g) A written description of the Company's Long-Term Disability Insurance for executive officers. Attached 10(h) Form of Director and Officer Indemnifi- cation Agreement entered into between the Company and its directors and executive officers. Note (k) Schedule pursuant to Instruction 2 of Item 601(a) of Regulation S-K identifying the directors and executive officers executing such agreements. Attached 10(i) Bearings, Inc. Supplemental Executive

Retirement Benefits Plan (July 1, 1993 Restatement) presently covering 7 executive officers of Bearings, Inc. Note (j) 10(j) First Amendment to Bearings, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefits Plan (July 1, 1993 Restatement). Note (l) 10(k) Bearings, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan. Note (m) 10(l) Stock Purchase Agreement between Bearings, Inc. and MLS Industries, Inc. dated June 12, 1990. Note (n) 10(m) Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement and Related Guarantee and Agreement among Bearings, Inc., MLS Industries, Inc. and Emerson Electric Co., dated as of June 29, 1990. Note (n) 10(n) Bearings, Inc. 1990 Long-Term Performance Plan adopted by Shareholders on October 16, 1990. Note (o) 10(o) A written description of the Company's Management Incentive Plan applicable to key executives of the Company, including the five most highly compensated executive officers. Note (p) 10(p) Bearings, Inc. Supplemental Defined Contribution Plan Note (q) 10(q) Lease dated as of March 1, 1996 between Bearings, Inc. and the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority Note (r) 11 Computation of Net Income Per Share. Attached 13 Bearings, Inc. 1996 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 Bearings, Inc. Attached 23 Independent Auditors' Consent. Attached 27 Financial Data Schedule. Attached Notes: (a) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated October 21, 1988, SEC File No. 1-2299. (b) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1988, SEC File No. 1-2299. (c) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1990, SEC File No. 1-2299. (d) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1989, SEC File No. 1-2299. (e) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1992, SEC File No. 1-2299. (f) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996, SEC File No. 1-2299. (g) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1990, SEC File No. 1-2299. (h) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement dated September 16, 1996, SEC File No. 1-2299, on page 14 under the caption "Compensation of Directors". (i) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1991, SEC File No. 1-2299. (j) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1993, SEC File No. 1-2299. (k) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement dated September 17, 1992, SEC File No. 1-2299, at Appendix A. (l) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1993, SEC File No. 1-2299.

(m) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement dated September 16, 1993, SEC File No. 1-2299, at Exhibit A. (n) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated July 12, 1990, SEC File No. 1-2299. (o) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1991, SEC File No. 1-2299. (p) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement dated September 16, 1996, SEC File No. 1-2299, on pages 10 and 11 in the Report of the Executive Organization & Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on Executive Compensation, under the subcaption "Management Incentive Plan". (q) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 33-66509, filed on December 29, 1995. (r) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996, SEC File No. 1-2299.

EXHIBIT 10(a) BEARINGS, INC. FORM 10-K FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 SCHEDULE The Executive Severance Agreements ("Agreements") presently in effect for eight (8) executive officers are substantially identical in all material respects. This revised schedule is included pursuant to Instruction 2 of Item 601(a) of Regulation S-K for the purpose of setting forth the material details in which the specific Agreements differ from the form of Agreement filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Bearings, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1989: "Base Compensation" Multiple Pursuant Name Title to Paragraph 3(b) ---- ----- ------------------- J. C. Dannemiller Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Three (3) J. C. Robinson President & Chief Operating Officer Three (3) F. A. Martins Vice President-Sales & Field Operations Two (2) B. L. Purser Vice President-Marketing & National Accounts Two (2) R. C. Shaw Vice President-Communications, Two (2) Organizational Learning & Quality Standards R. C. Stinson Vice President-Administration, Two (2) Human Resources, General Counsel & Secretary J. R. Whitten Vice President-Finance & Treasurer Two (2) M. O. Eisele Controller Two (2) The continuation of employee benefit plans, programs and arrangements set forth in Paragraph 4 is three (3) years for Messrs. Dannemiller and Robinson, and two (2) years for the other executive officers listed.

EXHIBIT 10(f) BEARINGS, INC. FORM 10-K FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 NON-CONTRIBUTORY LIFE & ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE The Company maintains ongoing Non-Contributory Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance for its executive officers, which provides benefits equal to two and one-half (2-1/2) times annual compensation, but in no event more than $250,000. The Company also provides its executive officers with travel and accident insurance in the amount of $500,000. All such insurance has certain reductions after age 65.

EXHIBIT 10(g) BEARINGS, INC. FORM 10-K for FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE The Company's long-term disability insurance plan provides for long- term disability coverage to all employees of the Company who become eligible after a one-year waiting period based on plan requirements. Under the plan, eligible employees who become totally disabled as defined in the plan would receive 60% of monthly earnings, subject to a maximum schedule amount of $5,000 per month without evidence of insurability. The Corporation's executive officers, including its five most highly compensated officers, are covered under the plan, subject to a maximum schedule amount of $18,000 per month.

EXHIBIT 10(h) BEARINGS, INC. FORM 10-K FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 SCHEDULE PURSUANT TO INSTRUCTION 2 ITEM 601(a) OF REGULATION S-K The Director and Officer Indemnification Agreements presently in effect for the Company's directors and executive officers are identical in all material respects. The Directors having executed such form of Agreement are: W. G. Bares R. D. Blackwell W. E. Butler J. C. Dannemiller R. B. Every R. R. Gifford L. T. Hiltz J. J. Kahl J. C. Robinson J. S. Thornton The Officers having executed such form of Agreement are (in addition to Messrs. Dannemiller and Robinson): F. A. Martins - Vice President-Sales & Field Operations B. L. Purser - Vice President-Marketing & National Accounts R. C. Shaw - Vice President-Communications, Organizational Learning & Quality Standards R. C. Stinson - Vice President-Administration, Human Resources, General Counsel & Secretary J. R. Whitten - Vice President-Finance & Treasurer M. O. Eisele - Controller

EXHIBIT 11 BEARINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Computation of Net Income Per Share (Thousands, except per share amounts) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Ended June 30, 1996 1995 1994 ------------ ----------- ------------ AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING 1. Average common shares outstanding 12,303 11,551 11,319 2. Net additional shares outstanding assuming stock options exercised and proceeds used to purchase treasury stock 264 197 231 ------------ ----------- ------------ 3. Adjusted average common shares outstanding for fully diluted computation 12,567 11,747 11,550 ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ NET INCOME 4. Net income as reported in statements of consolidated income $23,334 $16,909 $12,687 ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ NET INCOME PER SHARE 5. Net income per average common share outstanding (4/1) $1.90 $1.46 $1.12 ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ 6. Net income per common share on a fully dilutive basis (4/3) $1.86 (A) $1.44 (A) $1.10 (A) ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ (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.

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 increased approximately 4% due to price increases and 4% due to volume increases. Net income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 improved 38% over the prior year. 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. The Company expects to continue expanding its business through acquisitions of other distributors. Gross margin (net sales less cost of sales) 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 3 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 improved 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. The number of associates was 4,133 at June 30, 1996 and 4,080 at June 30, 1995. Interest expense for 1996 increased $1.3 million as a result of increased borrowing and higher interest rates on short-term debt. Income tax expense as a percentage of income before income taxes was 42.9% in 1996. The effective tax rate was greater than the federal statutory rate primarily due to state and local income taxes and non-deductible expenses. YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 VS 1994 Sales increased to $1,054.8 million from 1994 sales of $936.3 million, an increase of 13%. The increase in sales was mainly due to additional volume. Price increases averaged 4% for most product lines over the course of the fiscal year. Results for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1995, continued to improve with net income improving 33% over the prior year. Gross margin as a percent of sales was 25.8% in 1995 and 26.9% in 1994. The gross margin percentage decreased in fiscal 1995 due to a reduction in favorable LIFO cost adjustments and delays in passing along certain price increases due to contract timing and the competitive environment. Selling, distribution and administrative expenses as a percent of sales were 22.3% in 1995 and 23.9% in 1994. The decrease in expenses as a percent of sales was the result of an active effort to control expenses and the rise in sales volume. In fiscal 1995, the Company incurred higher expenses for hospitalization, and sales commissions paid to account representatives. Expenses decreased due to accelerated vesting in the prior year of performance accelerated restricted stock (PARS). The number of associates was 4,080 at June 30, 1995 and 4,066 at June 30, 1994. Interest expense for 1995 increased $1.3 million over the prior year. This increase was due, in part, to higher average interest rates on short-term borrowings. Further, the Company in fiscal 1994 partially offset interest expense by net interest income earned under interest rate swap agreements. In 1995, the Company incurred additional interest expense from the termination of an interest rate swap agreement. (See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Income tax expense as a percent of income before income taxes was 43.0% in 1995. The effective tax rate was greater than the federal statutory rate primarily due to state and local income taxes and non-deductible expenses. 10

LIQUIDITY AND WORKING CAPITAL The Company generated cash from operating activities in the amounts of $36.4 million and $13.4 million in 1996 and 1995, 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's growth in accounts receivable and inventory in 1996 was necessary to service the increased sales volume, including greater sales of non-bearing products. Investments in property totaled $23.5 million and $15.1 million in 1996 and 1995, respectively. These capital expenditures were primarily made for building and upgrading branch facilities, construction of a new distribution center in Atlanta scheduled to open in the fall of 1996, acquisition of data processing equipment, and vehicles. Working capital at June 30, 1996, was $152.0 million compared to $153.6 million at June 30, 1995. The current ratio was 2.1 at June 30, 1996 and 2.4 at June 30, 1995. 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 $111.8 million in 1996 and $97.9 million in 1995. Effective interest rates on short-term borrowings were 6.2% in 1996 and 5.9% in 1995. The Company has short-term lines of credit totaling $110 million. The Company had $30.1 million of borrowings under these short-term lines of credit at June 30, 1996. The Company sold its Aircraft Distribution business early in fiscal 1997. The initial proceeds from the sale of $9.1 million were used to reduce short-term borrowings. This transaction is not anticipated to have a material effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company is obligated for rental payments for operating leases on 176 of its 354 branch, distribution center and other operating locations. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for annual rental commitments. 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 and enhancement of facilities and equipment. Management also believes that additional long-term debt and line of credit financing could be obtained if desired. OTHER MATTERS The Board of Directors has authorized, subject to shareholder approval, a change in the Company's name to Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., effective January 1, 1997. The Bearings, Inc. name no longer reflects the full scope of the Company's diverse business. Anticipated expenses to promote, communicate and market the new corporate identity are not expected to have a material impact on the fiscal 1997 results of operations. The 1990 agreement for the acquisition of King Bearing included specific indemnification of Bearings, 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, 1996. A $32.4 million judgment relating to this lawsuit was rendered against King in June 1992. As further explained in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, management believes that the outcome of this matter will not have a material adverse affect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company due to the indemnification and guarantee.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME BEARINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES <TABLE> <CAPTION> Year Ended June 30 (THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 1996 1995 1994 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <S> <C> <C> <C> NET SALES $ 1,143,749 $ 1,054,809 $ 936,254 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COST AND EXPENSES Cost of sales 848,682 783,105 684,213 Selling, distribution and administrative 245,786 234,781 224,224 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,094,468 1,017,886 908,437 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPERATING INCOME 49,281 36,923 27,817 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTEREST EXPENSE 8,975 7,650 6,385 INTEREST INCOME (528) (386) (225) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8,447 7,264 6,160 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 40,834 29,659 21,657 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INCOME TAX EXPENSE Federal 14,250 10,630 7,172 State and local 3,250 2,120 1,798 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17,500 12,750 8,970 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCOME $ 23,334 $ 16,909 $ 12,687 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCOME PER SHARE $ 1.90 $ 1.46 $ 1.12 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </TABLE> SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 12

13 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS BEARINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES <TABLE> <CAPTION> June 30 (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS) 1996 1995 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <S> <C> <C> ASSETS Current assets Cash and temporary investments $ 9,243 $ 4,789 Accounts receivable, less allowance of $2,400 and $2,300 155,524 145,680 Inventories 127,937 112,596 Other current assets 2,434 2,307 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current assets 295,138 265,372 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Property - at cost Land 13,529 11,783 Buildings 64,441 57,365 Equipment 71,938 68,926 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 149,908 138,074 Less accumulated depreciation 63,574 58,802 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Property - net 86,334 79,272 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other assets 22,600 14,587 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL ASSETS $ 404,072 $ 359,231 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES Current liabilities Notes payable $ 30,056 $ 18,575 Current portion of long-term debt 11,429 5,714 Accounts payable 67,652 53,722 Compensation and related benefits 19,081 18,248 Other current liabilities 14,964 15,558 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current liabilities 143,182 111,817 Long-term debt 62,857 74,286 Deferred income taxes 918 Other liabilities 8,741 6,809 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL LIABILITIES 214,780 193,830 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 7,528 11,311 Income retained for use in the business 197,232 177,402 Treasury shares - at cost (1,577 and 2,266 shares) (21,260) (29,253) Shares held in trust for deferred compensation plans (3,008) (1,426) Unearned restricted common stock compensation (1,200) (2,633) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 189,292 165,401 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 404,072 $ 359,231 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </TABLE> SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS BEARINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES <TABLE> <CAPTION> Year Ended June 30 (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS) 1996 1995 1994 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <S> <C> <C> <C> CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $ 23,334 $ 16,909 $ 12,687 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation 13,478 13,275 13,586 Deferred income taxes (1,444) (3,345) 2,448 Provision for losses on accounts receivable 2,123 1,710 1,418 (Gain) loss on sale of property (1,119) (1,412) (775) Amortization of restricted common stock compensation and goodwill 1,959 680 2,779 Treasury shares contributed to employee benefit and deferred compensation plans 4,496 3,935 1,510 Changes in current assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (9,132) (16,313) (14,344) Inventories (12,889) (5,075) (2,042) Other currents assets 1,722 (4) 885 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 13,908 2,548 9,810 Other - net 513 2,547 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 36,436 13,421 30,509 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Property purchases (23,536) (15,055) (16,585) Proceeds from property sales 4,803 4,081 4,901 Acquisition of businesses, less cash acquired (4,328) (1,852) Deposits and other (7,729) (164) (519) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (30,790) (12,990) (12,203) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Borrowings (repayments) under: Line-of-credit agreements - net 11,481 (1,230) (5,321) Long-term debt (5,714) Exercise of stock options 1,781 3,924 Dividends paid (6,528) (5,397) (4,739) Purchases of treasury shares (2,212) (3,874) (1,945) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES (1,192) (6,577) (12,005) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase (decrease) in cash and temporary investments 4,454 (6,146) 6,301 Cash and temporary investments at beginning of year 4,789 10,935 4,634 CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 9,243 $ 4,789 $ 10,935 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash paid during the year for: Income taxes $ 17,842 $ 14,827 $ 3,697 Interest $ 8,291 $ 8,411 $ 5,928 </TABLE> SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 14

15 STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY BEARINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES <TABLE> <CAPTION> For the Years Ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS) SHARES OF INCOME COMMON ADDITIONAL RETAINED FOR STOCK COMMON PAID-IN USE IN THE OUTSTANDING STOCK CAPITAL BUSINESS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> BALANCE AT JULY 1, 1993 11,273 $10,000 $5,357 $157,784 Net income 12,687 Cash dividends - $.43 per share (4,739) Purchases of common stock for treasury (88) Treasury shares issued for: 401(k) Savings Plan contributions 84 503 Exercise of stock options 19 74 Restricted common stock awards 19 53 Other 12 64 Amortization of restricted common stock compensation 911 Other 75 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1994 11,319 10,000 6,962 165,807 Net income 16,909 Cash dividends - $.47 per share (5,397) Purchases of common stock for treasury (180) Treasury shares issued for: 401(k) Savings Plan contributions 140 1,124 Exercise of stock options 225 1,565 Restricted common stock awards 138 1,232 Deferred compensation plans 46 428 Amortization of restricted common stock compensation Other 83 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1995 As previously reported 11,688 10,000 11,311 177,402 Pooling of interests with Engineered Sales 486 (6,499) 3,024 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AS RESTATED 12,174 10,000 4,812 180,426 Net income 23,334 Cash dividends - $.54 per share (6,528) Purchases of common stock for treasury (86) Treasury shares issued for: Retirement Savings Plan contributions 138 1,692 Exercise of stock options 107 391 Restricted common stock awards 1 13 Deferred compensation plans 43 416 Amortization of restricted common stock compensation 204 Other -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1996 12,377 $10,000 $7,528 $197,232 <CAPTION> SHARES HELD UNEARNED IN TRUST FOR RESTRICTED TREASURY DEFERRED COMMON TOTAL SHARES--AT COMPENSATION STOCK SHAREHOLDERS' COST PLANS COMPENSATION EQUITY <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT JULY 1, 1993 ($31,947) ($2,189) $139,005 Net income 12,687 Cash dividends - $.43 per share (4,739) Purchases of common stock for treasury (1,945) (1,945) Treasury shares issued for: 401(k) Savings Plan contributions 1,007 1,510 Exercise of stock options 237 311 Restricted common stock awards 233 (286) Other 137 201 Amortization of restricted common stock compensation 2,475 3,386 Other 75 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1994 (32,278) 150,491 Net income 16,909 Cash dividends - $.47 per share (5,397) Purchases of common stock for treasury (3,874) (3,874) Treasury shares issued for: 401(k) Savings Plan contributions 1,788 2,912 Exercise of stock options 2,789 4,354 Restricted common stock awards 1,727 (2,959) Deferred compensation plans 595 ($1,023) Amortization of restricted common stock compensation 326 326 Other (403) (320) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1995 As previously reported (29,253) (1,426) (2,633) 165,401 Pooling of interests with Engineered Sales 6,408 2,933 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AS RESTATED (22,845) (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) (2,212) Treasury shares issued for: Retirement Savings Plan contributions 1,805 3,497 Exercise of stock options 1,390 1,781 Restricted common stock awards 19 (32) Deferred compensation plans 583 (999) Amortization of restricted common stock compensation 1,465 1,669 Other (583) (583) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1996 ($21,260) ($3,008) ($1,200) $189,292 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </TABLE> SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996, 1995, AND 1994 (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) BEARINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 1 BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES 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 Bearings, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Bruening Bearings, Inc., Dixie Bearings, Incorporated, King Bearing, Inc., Mainline Industrial Distributors, Inc., and for the year ended June 30, 1996, Engineered Sales, Inc. (see Note 2). 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 3 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 are depreciated over 30 years and equipment over 3.75 to 8 years. 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. 16

17 2 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS On February 9, 1996 the Company exchanged 486,000 shares of Bearings, Inc. 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 prior years' 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. In fiscal 1994, the Company exchanged 294,000 shares of Bearings, Inc. common stock for Mainline Industrial Distributors, Inc., an applied technology distributor of drive systems, rubber products and bearings. The business combination was accounted for as a pooling of interests and the consolidated financial statements include Mainline's results of operations for each of the three years ended June 30, 1996. 3 INVENTORIES CURRENT COST The current cost of inventories exceeded the LIFO cost as follows: June 30 1996 1995 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIFO cost $127,937 $112,596 Excess of current cost over LIFO cost 100,835 94,670 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current cost $228,772 $207,266 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIFO LIQUIDATIONS During the years ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994, 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 $946, $515, and $.04 per share during 1996, $3,127, $1,692, and $.15 per share during 1995 and $6,784, $3,841 and $.34 per share during 1994. 4 OTHER ASSETS Other assets consist of the following: June 30 1996 1995 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deposits and investments $12,024 $ 5,495 Goodwill -- net of amortization 5,281 4,554 Other 5,295 4,538 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $22,600 $14,587 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Substantially all investments are restricted and consist of money-market or similar liquid investments which have fair values approximately equal to their carrying values.

5 NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG--TERM DEBT NOTES PAYABLE The Company has $110,000 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 $30,056 at June 30, 1996. The remaining unused lines available for short-term borrowings at June 30, 1996 totaled $79,944. LONG-TERM DEBT The Company has $74,286 of long-term Senior Unsecured Term Notes, including $11,429 due during fiscal 1997. 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, 1996, the most restrictive of these covenants required that the Company maintain a minimum tangible net worth of $122,000. 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, 1996 by $1,000. 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%. Net interest earned under this agreement reduces interest expense. The interest rate swap agreement has a nominal fair value at June 30, 1996. 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. 6 INCOME TAXES PROVISION The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of: Year Ended June 30 1996 1995 1994 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Current $18,944 $16,095 $6,522 Deferred (1,444) (3,345) 2,448 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $17,500 $12,750 $8,970 -------------------------------------------------------------------- The exercise of non-qualified stock options during fiscal 1996 and 1995 resulted in $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 1996 and 1994 resulted in $204 and $911, respectively, of income tax benefits. These tax benefits were credited to additional paid-in capital. 18

19 EFFECTIVE TAX RATES The following is a reconciliation between the federal statutory income tax rate and the Company's effective tax rate: Year Ended June 30 1996 1995 1994 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Statutory tax rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% Effects of: State and local income taxes 5.2 4.7 5.4 Non-deductible expenses 2.0 2.3 1.8 Other, net .7 1.0 (0.8) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Effective tax rate 42.9% 43.0% 41.4% -------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE SHEET The significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of June 30, 1996 and 1995 are as follows: June 30 1996 1995 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Depreciation and differences in property bases $(4,526) $(4,771) Inventory (8,301) (8,180) Compensation liabilities not currently deductible 5,121 4,298 Reserves not currently deductible 4,226 3,474 Goodwill 1,393 1,502 Tax loss carryforwards 94 526 Other 1,427 1,086 Valuation allowance (266) (404) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net deferred tax liability $ (832) $(2,469) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 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 combination thereof 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. Under the 1990 Plan, the Company had 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 1996 and 1994 the Company recognized accelerated vesting of 64,000 and 230,000 shares, respectively, of previously awarded PARS.

The following is a summary of transactions with respect to the stock incentive plans: <TABLE> <CAPTION> N u m b e r o f S h a r e s ----------------------------------------- Available Option Price for future Per Share Outstanding Exercisable Grants ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> Balance at July 1, 1993 722,931 435,630 3,261 Additional available 219,573 Became exercisable 172,575 Canceled upon exercise $9.46--$20.00 (148,192) (148,192) Expired/canceled $9.46--$20.00 (30,488) (24,713) Options granted $14.62--$21.54 179,175 (179,175) PARS common stock awards (19,500) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at June 30, 1994 723,426 435,300 24,159 Additional available 226,383 Became exercisable 124,429 Canceled upon exercise $9.46--$20.00 (224,581) (224,581) Expired/canceled $9.46--$20.00 (9,673) (3,039) Options granted $22.29 2,400 (2,400) PARS common stock awards (138,000) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at June 30, 1995 491,572 332,109 110,142 Additional available 233,762 Became exercisable 72,005 Canceled upon exercise $9.46--$21.54 (107,597) (107,597) Expired/canceled $9.46--$21.54 (16,500) (375) Options granted $21.71--$22.88 217,275 (217,275) PARS common stock awards (1,500) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at June 30, 1996 584,750 296,142 125,129 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </TABLE> At June 30, 1996 option prices related to outstanding options ranged from $9.46 to $22.88 per share. The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued Statement of Financial Standards (SFAS) No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", which the Company will be required to adopt for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1997. As permitted by SFAS 123, the Company does not intend to change its method of accounting for stock-based compensation. The Company has not yet determined the pro forma disclosures for employee awards granted in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1996, which will be presented in the notes to financial statements for the year ending June 30, 1997. 20

21 8 BENEFIT PLANS QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS Substantially all associates of the Company are covered by the Bearings, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan. This plan is the result of a combination, effective July 1, 1995, of the Employees' Profit-Sharing Trust and the Bearings, Inc. 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 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 above plans were $4,953, $3,958, and $2,602 for the years ended June 30, 1996, 1995, and 1994, 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, 1996 and 1995 the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation was $830 and $685, respectively. The costs recognized for post-retirement benefits for fiscal 1996, 1995, and 1994 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 IS: June 30 1996 1995 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Projected benefit obligation $4,852 $4,629 Unrecognized net transition obligation (262) Unrecognized net loss (802) (796) Unrecognized prior service cost (145) (207) Adjustment required to recognize minimum liability 418 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accrued pension liability, included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets $3,905 $3,782 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accumulated benefit obligation, fully vested $3,905 $3,782 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Periodic pension cost for the SERP consists of: Year Ended June 30 1996 1995 1994 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Service cost - benefits earned $132 $115 $ 91 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 368 350 347 Net amortization and deferral 349 361 483 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $849 $826 $921 --------------------------------------------------------------------------

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, 1996 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 contributing to rabbi trusts common stock of the Company 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 $3,286 and $1,461 at June 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively, are recorded in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. 9 COMMITMENTS, LEASE OBLIGATIONS AND RENT EXPENSES The Company leases certain branch and distribution center facilities and computer equipment under non-cancelable lease agreements. The minimum annual rental commitments under operating leases, including the lease commitment described below, are $8,779 in 1997; $9,035 in 1998; $6,129 in 1999; $4,430 in 2000; $3,157 in 2001 and $41,549 after 2001. During fiscal 1996 the Company entered into a twenty year lease agreement with the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority (the Port) in connection with the construction of a new corporate headquarters facility. Lease payments are to begin upon completion of construction in July 1997 and the facility portion of the lease will be accounted for as an operating lease. The Company will also have a capital lease for $2,000 of furniture, fixtures and equipment as part of the agreement. In connection with the lease agreement the Company has also agreed to guarantee repayment of $5,678 of bonds issued by the Port and Cuyahoga County to fund construction of the new headquarters facility. Rental costs, principally from leases for real property, vehicles and computer equipment were $12,077 in 1996, $10,756 in 1995, and $10,013 in 1994. 10 LITIGATION The 1990 agreement for the acquisition of King Bearing, Inc. (King) included specific indemnification of Bearings, 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, 1996. A $32,400 judgment relating to this lawsuit was rendered against King in June 1992. The judgment is being 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. A notice of appeal was filed by the cross-complainants, and the case is now pending in the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District. 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 Bearings, 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 and employment related 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 affect on the Company's consolidated financial position. 22

23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT [LOGO] Shareholders and Board of Directors Bearings, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bearings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") as of June 30, 1996 and 1995 and the related statements of consolidated income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 1996. 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, 1996 and 1995 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Cleveland, Ohio August 6, 1996

REPORT OF MANAGEMENT Responsibility for the integrity and objectivity of the financial information presented in this Annual Report rests with the management of Bearings, Inc. The accompanying financial statements were prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and where appropriate, certain estimates and judgement were applied with consideration to materiality. Bearings, Inc. maintains accounting systems and related controls which, in the opinion of management, provide reasonable assurance that transactions are executed in accordance with management's authorization, that financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that assets are properly accounted for and safeguarded. An important element of the control environment is the Company's ongoing utilization of an internal audit program. To assure the effective administration of internal control, we carefully select and train our employee associates, develop and disseminate written policies and procedures, provide appropriate communication channels, and foster an environment conducive to the effective functioning of controls and continuous improvement. We believe that it is essential for the Company to conduct its business affairs in accordance with the highest ethical standards, as set forth in the Bearings, Inc. written policies and procedures guidelines. These guidelines are distributed to employee associates to assure that they are understood and followed. Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, are retained to audit the consolidated financial statements of the Company. Their accompanying report is based on an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, including a review of the internal control structure and tests of accounting procedures and records. The Board of Directors, through its audit committee composed solely of non- employee directors, is responsible for overseeing the integrity and reliability of the Company's accounting and financial reporting practices and the effectiveness of its system of internal controls. Deloitte & Touche LLP and the Company's internal auditors meet regularly with, and have access to, this committee, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their audit work. /s/ John C. Dannemiller John C. Dannemiller Chairman and Chief Executive Officer /s/ John R. Whitten John R. Whitten Vice President - Finance & Treasurer /s/ Mark O. Eisele Mark O. Eisele Controller 24

25 QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS AND MARKET DATA [UNAUDITED] (A) BEARINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) <TABLE> <CAPTION> Per Common Share (C) (D) ------------------------ Net Gross Net Net Cash Price Range Sales Profit Income Income Dividend High Low ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> 1996 First Quarter (B) $277,059 $70,215 $4,528 $0.37 $0.12 $22.67 $20.08 Second Quarter (B) 275,140 71,894 5,176 0.42 0.14 29.63 22.50 Third Quarter 296,064 75,610 6,122 0.50 0.14 29.38 24.00 Fourth Quarter 295,486 77,348 7,508 0.61 0.14 33.75 26.75 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $1,143,749 $295,067 $23,334 $1.90 $0.54 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1995 First Quarter $247,605 $63,611 $3,019 $0.27 $0.11 $22.17 $20.17 Second Quarter 249,906 63,183 3,353 0.29 0.12 23.09 20.42 Third Quarter 277,029 70,241 4,349 0.37 0.12 22.67 18.83 Fourth Quarter 280,269 74,669 6,188 0.53 0.12 21.50 18.33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $1,054,809 $271,704 $16,909 $1.46 $0.47 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1994 First Quarter(B) $222,712 $56,672 $2,398 $0.21 $0.11 $16.83 $14.09 Second Quarter(B) 226,285 61,528 2,314 0.21 0.11 20.75 16.92 Third Quarter 239,743 65,498 2,886 0.25 0.11 25.00 18.50 Fourth Quarter 247,514 68,343 5,089 0.45 0.11 22.67 20.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $936,254 $252,041 $12,687 $1.12 $0.43 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </TABLE> (A) Cost of sales for interim financial statements is computed using estimated gross profit percentages which are adjusted throughout the year based upon available information. Adjustments to actual cost are made based upon the annual physical inventory and the effect of year-end inventory quantities on LIFO costs. The physical inventory adjustments in 1996 increased gross profit, net income and net income per share by $1,591, $862 and $.07, respectively. The physical inventory adjustments in 1995 and 1994 were not material. Reductions in inventories during the fiscal years ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 resulted in liquidations of LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower costs prevailing in prior years. The effect of these liquidations for the years ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 increased annual gross profit by $946, $3,127 and $6,784; annual net income by $515, $1,692 and $3,841; and net income per share by $.04, $.15 and $.34, respectively. (See Note 3 to Consolidated Financial Statements.) (B) The first two quarters of 1996 have been restated to reflect the pooling of interests with Engineered Sales, Inc. and the first two quarters of 1994 have been restated to reflect the pooling of interests with Mainline Industrial Distributors, Inc. (See Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements.) (C) On August 15, 1996 there were 1,361 shareholders of record. Additionally at June 30, 1996 there were 3,266 shareholders in the Bearings, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan. The Company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The closing price on August 15, 1996 was $28.63 per share. (D) All per share data have been restated to reflect a three for two stock split effective December 4, 1995.

10 YEAR SUMMARY (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) <TABLE> <CAPTION> 1996 1995 1994 1993 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS- YEAR ENDED JUNE 30 Net sales $1,143,749 $1,054,809 $936,254 $831,432 Operating income 49,281 36,923 27,817 20,521 Net income 23,334 16,909 12,687 8,927 Per share data (B) Net income 1.90 1.46 1.12 .82 Cash dividend .54 .47 .43 .43 YEAR-END POSITION - JUNE 30 Working capital $151,956 $153,555 $144,605 $130,860 Long-term debt 62,857 74,286 80,000 80,000 Total assets 404,072 359,231 343,519 315,935 Shareholders' equity 189,292 165,401 150,491 134,940 YEAR-END STATISTICS - JUNE 30 Current ratio 2.1 2.4 2.4 2.4 Branches 337 338 339 323 Shareholders of record 1,370(A) 1,396 1,484 1,543 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </TABLE> (A) In addition there were 3,266 employee shareholders in the Bearings, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan. (B) All per share data have been restated to reflect a three-for-two stock split effective December 4, 1995. [Graphs] 26

27 BEARINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES <TABLE> <CAPTION> 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS- YEAR ENDED JUNE 30 Net sales $817,813 $814,000 $651,271 $630,281 $542,883 $490,995 Operating income 4,703 17,115 25,281 33,463 25,000 13,964 Net income (1,666) 4,282 12,201 18,313 14,948 6,247 Per share data (B) Net income (.16) .41 1.13 1.63 1.26 .47 Cash dividend .43 .43 .43 .37 .33 .30 YEAR-END POSITION - JUNE 30 Working capital $41,967 $54,695 $64,091 $75,134 $77,606 $121,068 Long-term debt 44,750 Total assets 330,619 327,939 380,224 251,376 222,957 223,202 Shareholders' equity 128,830 134,203 135,338 134,848 128,919 125,419 YEAR-END STATISTICS - JUNE 30 Current ratio 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.7 1.9 3.5 Branches 333 341 363 267 266 269 Shareholders of record 1,617 1,679 1,694 1,358 1,318 1,361 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </TABLE> [Graphs]

EXHIBIT 21 BEARINGS, INC. FORM 10-K FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 SUBSIDIARIES Name State of Incorporation ---- ---------------------- BER Capital, Inc. Delaware Bruening Bearings, Inc. Kentucky Dixie Bearings, Incorporated Tennessee ESI Acquisition Corporation Ohio (dba Engineered Sales, Inc.) King Bearing, Inc. California Mainline Industrial Distributors, Inc. Wisconsin

EXHIBIT 23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT Bearings, Inc. We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 33-43506, 33-53345, 33-53401, 33-60687, 33-65509, 33-65513 and 333-10139 of Bearings, Inc. on Forms S-3 and S-8 of our reports dated August 6, 1996 appearing in and incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Bearings, Inc. for the year ended June 30, 1996. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Cleveland, Ohio September 26, 1996

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5 <MULTIPLIER> 1,000 <S> <C> <PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR <FISCAL-YEAR-END> JUN-30-1996 <PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1996 <CASH> 9,243 <SECURITIES> 0 <RECEIVABLES> 157,924 <ALLOWANCES> 2,400 <INVENTORY> 127,937 <CURRENT-ASSETS> 295,138 <PP&E> 149,908 <DEPRECIATION> 63,574 <TOTAL-ASSETS> 404,072 <CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 143,182 <BONDS> 62,857 <PREFERRED-MANDATORY> 0 <PREFERRED> 0 <COMMON> 10,000 <OTHER-SE> 179,292 <TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 404,072 <SALES> 1,143,749 <TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,143,749 <CGS> 848,682 <TOTAL-COSTS> 848,682 <OTHER-EXPENSES> 243,663 <LOSS-PROVISION> 2,123 <INTEREST-EXPENSE> 8,447 <INCOME-PRETAX> 40,834 <INCOME-TAX> 17,500 <INCOME-CONTINUING> 23,334 <DISCONTINUED> 0 <EXTRAORDINARY> 0 <CHANGES> 0 <NET-INCOME> 23,334 <EPS-PRIMARY> 1.90 <EPS-DILUTED> 1.86 </TABLE>