Who Owns Applied Industrial Technologies Company?

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Who Owns Applied Industrial Technologies?

Understanding a company's ownership is key to grasping its strategic direction and accountability. For Applied Industrial Technologies, its journey from a private entity to a publicly traded one significantly broadened its ownership base.

As a leading distributor of industrial products and services, its ownership structure impacts its market approach and operational decisions. This exploration will detail who holds stakes in this prominent industrial solutions provider.

The ownership of Applied Industrial Technologies is primarily held by its shareholders, with a significant portion owned by institutional investors. As of recent filings, Vanguard Group Inc. is a major shareholder, holding approximately 10.1% of the company's outstanding shares. BlackRock Inc. also maintains a substantial stake, owning around 7.9%. These institutional holdings indicate a strong presence of investment management firms guiding the company's public investment profile. Individual investors and company insiders also contribute to the overall ownership structure, reflecting a diverse base of stakeholders interested in the company's performance and growth, particularly in areas like industrial motion and power transmission components, which are crucial for many manufacturing processes. A deeper dive into its market position can be found in an Applied Industrial Technologies PESTEL Analysis.

Applied Industrial Technologies traces its origins back to 1923 when it was founded as The Ohio Ball Bearing Company in Cleveland, Ohio, by Joseph M. Bruening. Initially focused on sales, distribution, and service for automotive replacement parts, the company strategically shifted its focus to industrial customers for replacement bearings as the industrial landscape evolved.

Founding Vision Joseph M. Bruening established the company with a clear vision for serving industrial needs. His early focus was on providing essential replacement bearings to a growing industrial sector.	Initial Focus The company began by supplying automobile and truck replacement parts. It quickly adapted to concentrate on industrial customers as market demands shifted.	Early Ownership Structure Specific details on initial equity splits are not publicly available. However, the company's early years were characterized by private ownership, typical for a growing distribution business.
Geographic Expansion The company experienced steady growth and expansion from its base in Ohio. This growth was driven by the strategic expansion of its branch network and product lines.	Strategic Development Early ownership agreements were crucial in shaping the company's direction. These agreements likely guided expansion strategies and product diversification, ensuring alignment with the founder's vision.	Ownership Stability There is no widespread documentation of significant ownership disputes during the company's foundational period. This suggests a stable early ownership environment focused on organic growth.

The company's early decades were marked by a commitment to expanding its reach and product offerings, reflecting a strategic approach to growth. While precise initial ownership percentages are not detailed in historical records, the trajectory of the business indicates a foundational period of private ownership focused on building a robust industrial supply enterprise. Early decisions regarding expansion and product diversification would have inherently influenced ownership control and direction, ensuring the company remained aligned with its founder's long-term objectives. The absence of documented ownership conflicts suggests a stable environment conducive to organic growth and strategic market penetration, laying the groundwork for future developments in its Revenue Streams & Business Model of Applied Industrial Technologies.

Key Aspects of Early Ownership

The initial ownership of Applied Industrial Technologies was shaped by its founder's vision and the company's early growth phase.

• Founded in 1923 as The Ohio Ball Bearing Company by Joseph M. Bruening.
• Initial focus on automotive replacement parts, later shifting to industrial bearings.
• Likely operated under private ownership during its formative years.
• Expansion and product diversification were guided by early ownership agreements.
• No significant documented ownership disputes in the early history.

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Applied Industrial Technologies, originally known as Bearings, Inc., transitioned to public ownership in 1953 with its listing on the American Stock Exchange. The company rebranded to Applied Industrial Technologies in 1997 to better represent its expanded product offerings and is currently listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker AIT. This initial public offering was a pivotal moment, opening avenues for wider public investment and capital acquisition.

The ownership structure of Applied Industrial Technologies is heavily dominated by institutional investors, reflecting significant confidence from major financial entities. As of July 2025, these institutions collectively hold approximately 94.80% of the company's stock. Insiders represent about 5.55% of ownership, while retail investors account for a negligible 0.00%. This substantial institutional backing, with a reported 93.52% institutional ownership, underscores the market's perception of the company's stability and future prospects.

Major Institutional Shareholders

As of March 30, 2025, several key institutional investors hold significant stakes in Applied Industrial Technologies, influencing its corporate direction.

• BlackRock, Inc. leads with 12.60% ownership (4,797,104 shares).
• The Vanguard Group, Inc. follows with 11.89% ownership (4,529,526 shares).
• State Street Global Advisors, Inc. holds 3.87% ownership (1,472,071 shares).
• FMR LLC possesses 3.67% ownership (1,399,083 shares).
• Geode Capital Management, LLC owns 2.45% (931,365 shares).

Within the insider category, David L. Pugh stands out as the largest individual shareholder, holding 564,758 shares, which equates to 1.48% of the company's stock. As of 2025, this holding is valued at approximately $144.31 million. The significant influence of institutional shareholders suggests that the company's strategic decisions and governance are often shaped by the long-term investment objectives and voting power of these large financial organizations. Understanding these major stakeholders is crucial for a comprehensive Growth Strategy of Applied Industrial Technologies.

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The Board of Directors at Applied Industrial Technologies is composed of 10 individuals, tasked with guiding the company's strategic direction. Neil A. Schrimsher holds the dual role of Chairman and CEO, having been President and CEO since 2011. Other notable board members include John M. Bostwick III, Linda A. Harty, and Simon A. Davis. Richard J. Simoncic joined the board on August 13, 2024, bringing expertise in global operations and supply chain management, while Peter C. Wallace serves as the Company's Chairman.

As a company listed on the NYSE, Applied Industrial Technologies generally operates under a one-share-one-vote principle, meaning voting power is typically distributed proportionally to share ownership. With institutional investors holding over 94% of the company's stock, they are the primary holders of voting power. Insiders, including executives and board members, collectively own 5.55% of the company, indicating their significant stake but lesser voting influence compared to institutional shareholders. Recent insider trading activity over the past 12 months shows more shares sold than bought, and there have been no publicly disclosed proxy battles or activist campaigns that have notably altered the company's governance structure.

Understanding Shareholder Influence

The majority of voting power for Applied Industrial Technologies rests with its institutional investors. These large entities can significantly influence company decisions through their voting rights.

• Institutional ownership exceeds 94%.
• Insider ownership stands at 5.55%.
• Voting power typically follows a one-share-one-vote model.
• Understanding Competitors Landscape of Applied Industrial Technologies can provide context on market dynamics affecting shareholder interests.

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Over the past few years, Applied Industrial Technologies has been actively shaping its ownership landscape through strategic acquisitions and consistent shareholder returns. This proactive approach includes significant investments in growing market segments and a commitment to rewarding its investors.

These strategic moves underscore a broader industry trend towards consolidation, particularly in the high-growth areas of automation and specialized fluid power. The company's commitment to shareholder value is evident in its robust dividend policy and ongoing share repurchase programs. In the fiscal third quarter of 2025, net sales reached $1.2 billion, a 1.8% increase year-over-year. The board authorized a new share buyback program in April 2025, aiming to repurchase up to 1.5 million shares. As of March 31, 2025, the company had repurchased $49.71 million in shares, with an additional $20.104 million repurchased in the quarter ending December 31, 2024. Dividends paid in the first nine months of fiscal 2025 totaled $46.2 million, marking an 11.2% increase from the previous year, and the quarterly dividend rate saw a significant 24% hike in January 2025. This consistent return of capital, coupled with strategic growth initiatives, signals management's confidence in the company's future performance and its focus on enhancing shareholder value amidst economic fluctuations.

Strategic Acquisitions Drive Growth

Applied Industrial Technologies has expanded its capabilities by acquiring key players in automation and fluid power. These acquisitions are designed to bolster its market position and tap into high-growth sectors.

Shareholder Value Enhancement

The company demonstrates a strong commitment to its investors through increased dividends and substantial share buyback programs. This strategy aims to reward shareholders and reflect confidence in the company's financial health.

Financial Performance Highlights

Recent financial reports show a steady increase in net sales, indicating positive momentum. The company's strategic investments are contributing to its overall financial strength and market competitiveness.

Market Trends and Company Strategy

Applied Industrial Technologies' acquisition strategy aligns with industry consolidation trends. The focus on automation and fluid power positions the company for future growth and market leadership, as detailed in the Target Market of Applied Industrial Technologies analysis.

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