Applied Industrial Technologies sees 9.2% YoY net sales increase for fiscal Q1
Applied Industrial Technologies, a value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies, reported net sales of $1.2 billion for its fiscal 2026 first quarter quarter, an increase of 9.2% over the prior year. The quarter ended September 30.
The change includes a 6.3% increase from acquisitions, partially offset by a negative 0.1% impact from foreign currency translation. Excluding these factors, sales increased 3.0% on an organic basis reflecting a 4.4% increase in the Service Center segment and a 0.4% decrease in the Engineered Solutions segment.
The company reported net income of $100.8 million, or $2.63 per share, and EBITDA of $146.3 million. On a pre-tax basis, results include $2.6 million ($0.05 after tax per share) of LIFO expense compared to $2.0 million ($0.04 after tax per share) of LIFO expense in the prior-year period.
“We had a solid first quarter, delivering double-digit EBITDA and EPS growth that exceeded our expectations," said President and CEO Neil A. Schrimsher. "Total sales increased 9% year over year on stronger organic sales growth and M&A contribution. Organic growth was led by our shorter-cycle Service Center segment reflecting traction with internal initiatives, firming technical MRO demand, and our industry position. Engineered Solutions segment organic sales were relatively unchanged from the prior year but remain favorably positioned with segment orders continuing to trend positive. In addition, favorable operating leverage, cost control, and channel execution resulted in first quarter EBITDA margins of 12.2% expanding nearly 50 basis points over the prior-year period, which was ahead of our guidance. Overall, I’m encouraged by our teams’ ongoing execution and the positive momentum building across Applied.”
He added, “Following first quarter results, we are reiterating fiscal 2026 sales and EBITDA margin guidance established in mid-August. Near term, we expect improvement in end-market demand to remain gradual and bifurcated as macro and trade policy uncertainty persists into the seasonally slower fall and winter months. Combined with ongoing inflationary pressures and an evolving tariff backdrop, we believe a prudent approach to guidance remains warranted at this time. That said, we remain constructive on our set-up and positive indications that continue to develop. Customer sentiment continues to gradually improve, and we are making solid progress on various initiatives that are expanding new business funnels and growth opportunities. These dynamics could be further catalyzed by lower interest rates and reemerging capital investment across the North American industrial sector in coming quarters. Lastly, our M&A pipeline remains active and in position to supplement our growth and earnings potential.”
Fiscal 2026 Guidance
On Oct. 28, the company modestly increased fiscal 2026 EPS guidance to a range of $10.10 to $10.85 (prior $10.00 to $10.75) to primarily reflect fiscal 2026 first quarter performance and a slightly lower diluted share count assumption reflecting fiscal 2026 first quarter share repurchases. The company is maintaining guidance for sales of up 4% to up 7% including up 1% to 4% on an organic basis, as well as EBITDA margins of 12.2% to 12.5%. Guidance incorporates ongoing macro uncertainty tied to the evolving trade and tariff backdrop, as well as inflationary headwinds and growth investments. Guidance does not assume contribution from future acquisitions or share buybacks.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The September/October issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about American Producers Supply. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam and Frank Hurtte, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
