Applied Industrial Technologies Reports Fiscal 2021 Third Quarter Results

Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT), a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies, today reported results for its fiscal 2021 third quarter ended March 31, 2021.

Net sales for the quarter increased 1.2% to $840.9 million from $830.8 million in the prior year. The change includes a 1.8% increase from acquisitions and a 0.6% increase from foreign currency translation, partially offset by a negative 1.6% impact from one less selling day. Excluding these factors, sales increased 0.4% on an organic daily basis reflecting a 0.4% increase in the Service Center segment and a 0.2% increase in the Fluid Power & Flow Control segment. The Company reported net income of $­­­56.1 million, or $1.42 per share. Results include non-routine income of $2.6 million pre-tax. Excluding this income, the Company reported non-GAAP adjusted net income of $54.1 million, or $1.37 per share, and adjusted EBITDA of $86.8 million.

Neil A. Schrimsher, Applied’s President & Chief Executive Officer, commented “This was a solid quarter for Applied across many fronts. Sales exceeded our expectations and grew slightly over the prior year reflecting improving end-market demand and our industry position. At the same time, we expanded gross margins and leveraged a leaner cost structure that has been refined over the past year. These dynamics more than offset the elimination of various temporary cost actions and drove favorable earnings growth, while our working capital initiatives continue to support cash flow. Results highlight Applied’s strong execution and potential as the next phase of the industrial economy unfolds.”

Mr. Schrimsher added, “Looking ahead, I believe we are entering a favorable period for Applied and all stakeholders. Indications of cyclical and secular demand tailwinds are building within legacy and emerging market verticals. We are seeing greater break-fix and maintenance activity across our service center network, as well as stronger orders within our fluid power, specialty flow control, and automation offerings. This is accelerating sales growth as we lap prior year pandemic-related weakness, with month-to-date organic sales in April up approximately 10% year over year. While supply chain constraints and inflation are increasing industry-wide, we are in a strong spot to manage through these early cycle dynamics and continue to drive accretive growth opportunities going forward, reflecting our leading technical position and strategy. Combined with our cross-selling potential, self-help margin initiatives, and strong balance sheet, we have a clear path to drive meaningful value creation into fiscal 2022 and beyond.”

Outlook
Based on month-to-date sales in April and assuming normal seasonal patterns, the Company would project fiscal 2021 fourth quarter sales to increase 12% to 13% year over year on an organic basis.

Dividend
Today the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.33 per common share, payable on May 28, 2021, to shareholders of record on May 14, 2021.

Conference Call Information
Applied will host its quarterly conference call for investors and analysts at 10 a.m. ET on April 29, 2021. Neil A. Schrimsher – President & CEO, and David K. Wells – CFO will discuss the Company's performance. A supplemental investor deck detailing latest quarter results is available for reference on the investor relations portion of the Company’s website at www.applied.com. To join the call, dial 877-311-4351 (toll free) or 614-999-9139 (for International callers) using conference ID 1278031. A live audio webcast can be accessed online through the investor relations portion of the Company's website at www.applied.com. A replay of the call will be available for two weeks by dialing 855-859-2056 or 800-585-8367 (both toll free), or 404-537-3406 (International) using conference ID 1278031.

About Applied^®
Applied Industrial Technologies is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise. For more information, visit www.applied.com.

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking,