Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)  
þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the quarterly period ended May 31,November 30, 2016.
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the transition period from to .
Commission file number 001-16583.

ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 58-2632672
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
1170 Peachtree Street, N.E., Suite 2300,
Atlanta, Georgia
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
30309-7676
(Zip Code)
(404) 853-1400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

None
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

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 þ     No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes þ     No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer þ
     Accelerated Filer o
Non-accelerated Filer o
Smaller Reporting Company o
  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)      
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o     No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common stock $0.01 par value 43,887,07844,092,620 shares as of June 24, 2016.January 5, 2017.
 

ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
Table of Contents

  Page No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 EX-31.A
 EX-31.B
 EX-32.A
 EX-32.B
 EX-101.INSTANCE DOCUMENT
 EX-101.SCHEMA DOCUMENT
 EX-101.CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101.LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101.PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101.DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.Financial StatementStatements
ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except share and per-share data)
 May 31, 2016 August 31, 2015
 (unaudited)  
ASSETS   
Current Assets: 
  
Cash and cash equivalents$337.0
 $756.8
Accounts receivable, less reserve for doubtful accounts of $1.9 and $1.3 as of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015, respectively494.0
 411.7
Inventories288.9
 224.8
Prepayments and other current assets34.9
 20.1
Total Current Assets1,154.8
 1,413.4
Property, Plant, and Equipment, at cost: 
  
Land24.3
 6.7
Buildings and leasehold improvements179.8
 128.4
Machinery and equipment433.4
 391.9
Total Property, Plant, and Equipment637.5
 527.0
Less — Accumulated depreciation and amortization374.6
 352.4
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net262.9
 174.6
Other Assets: 
  
Goodwill889.8
 565.0
Intangible assets, net448.7
 223.4
Deferred income taxes3.2
 3.5
Other long-term assets23.8
 27.1
Total Other Assets1,365.5
 819.0
Total Assets$2,783.2
 $2,407.0
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   
Current Liabilities: 
  
Accounts payable$353.9
 $311.1
Current maturities of long-term debt0.2
 
Accrued compensation77.8
 78.2
Other accrued liabilities152.7
 131.6
Total Current Liabilities584.6
 520.9
Long-Term Debt354.2
 352.4
Accrued Pension Liabilities, less current portion79.6
 83.9
Deferred Income Taxes116.0
 31.7
Self-Insurance Reserves, less current portion7.7
 6.9
Other Long-Term Liabilities53.2
 51.2
Total Liabilities1,195.3
 1,047.0
Commitments and Contingencies (see Commitments and Contingencies footnote)


 

Stockholders’ Equity: 
  
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 53,312,714 issued and 43,593,459 outstanding at May 31, 2016; 53,024,284 issued and 43,305,029 outstanding at August 31, 20150.5
 0.5
Paid-in capital833.6
 797.1
Retained earnings1,283.8
 1,093.0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(109.8) (110.4)
Treasury stock, at cost, 9,719,255 shares at May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015(420.2) (420.2)
Total Stockholders’ Equity1,587.9
 1,360.0
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$2,783.2
 $2,407.0

 November 30, 2016
August 31, 2016
 (unaudited)

ASSETS


Current assets: 



Cash and cash equivalents$451.2

$413.2
Accounts receivable, less reserve for doubtful accounts of $1.6 and $1.7, respectively522.5

572.8
Inventories334.4

295.2
Prepayments and other current assets48.1

41.7
Total current assets1,356.2

1,322.9
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost: 



Land21.9

23.1
Buildings and leasehold improvements178.5

174.4
Machinery and equipment458.4

448.2
Total property, plant, and equipment658.8

645.7
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization(385.3)
(377.9)
Property, plant, and equipment, net273.5

267.8
Goodwill941.8

947.8
Intangible assets, net372.8

381.4
Deferred income taxes4.8

5.1
Other long-term assets14.3

23.0
Total assets$2,963.4

$2,948.0
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY


Current liabilities: 



Accounts payable$390.9

$401.0
Current maturities of long-term debt0.3

0.2
Accrued compensation26.6

95.2
Other accrued liabilities192.0

176.1
Total current liabilities609.8

672.5
Long-term debt355.7

355.0
Accrued pension liabilities117.6

119.9
Deferred income taxes74.6

74.6
Self-insurance reserves7.4

7.2
Other long-term liabilities68.2

59.0
Total liabilities1,233.3

1,288.2
Commitments and contingencies (see Commitments and Contingencies footnote)





Stockholders’ equity: 



Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued


Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 53,503,317 and 53,415,687 issued, respectively0.5

0.5
Paid-in capital860.7

856.4
Retained earnings1,436.8

1,360.9
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(149.3)
(139.4)
Treasury stock, at cost — 9,679,752 and 9,679,457 shares, respectively(418.6)
(418.6)
Total stockholders’ equity1,730.1

1,659.8
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$2,963.4

$2,948.0
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(In millions, except per-share data)
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015
Net Sales$851.5
 $683.7
 $2,365.9
 $1,947.2
Cost of Products Sold473.6
 388.1
 1,331.7
 1,122.9
Gross Profit377.9
 295.6
 1,034.2
 824.3
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses247.2
 196.0
 683.9
 550.0
Special Charge9.7
 0.4
 10.2
 9.8
Operating Profit121.0
 99.2
 340.1
 264.5
Other Expense (Income): 
      
Interest Expense, net8.1
 7.9
 24.2
 23.8
Miscellaneous Expense (Income), net0.3
 (9.5) (1.5) (10.5)
Total Other Expense (Income)8.4
 (1.6) 22.7
 13.3
Income before Provision for Income Taxes112.6
 100.8
 317.4
 251.2
Provision for Income Taxes38.6
 36.3
 109.5
 89.2
Net Income$74.0
 $64.5
 $207.9
 $162.0
        
Earnings Per Share: 
      
Basic Earnings per Share$1.70
 $1.49
 $4.78
 $3.74
Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding43.5
 43.2
 43.4
 43.1
Diluted Earnings per Share$1.69
 $1.48
 $4.75
 $3.72
Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding43.8
 43.5
 43.7
 43.4
Dividends Declared per Share$0.13
 $0.13
 $0.39
 $0.39
        
Comprehensive Income:       
Net Income$74.0
 $64.5
 $207.9
 $162.0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items:       
Foreign currency translation adjustments10.0
 (1.5) (3.4) (18.5)
Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax1.3
 0.9
 4.0
 1.6
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax11.3
 (0.6) 0.6
 (16.9)
Comprehensive Income$85.3
 $63.9
 $208.5
 $145.1

 Three Months Ended
 November 30, 2016
November 30, 2015
Net sales$851.2

$736.6
Cost of products sold491.6

417.2
Gross profit359.6

319.4
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses231.8

206.6
Special charge1.2

0.4
Operating profit126.6

112.4
Other expense (income): 



Interest expense, net8.2

7.9
Miscellaneous income, net(7.9)
(0.7)
Total other expense0.3

7.2
Income before provision for income taxes126.3

105.2
Provision for income taxes44.6

36.8
Net income$81.7

$68.4






Earnings per share: 



Basic earnings per share$1.87

$1.58
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding43.8

43.3
Diluted earnings per share$1.86

$1.57
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding44.0

43.6
Dividends declared per share$0.13

$0.13






Comprehensive income:




Net income$81.7

$68.4
Other comprehensive income (loss) items:




Foreign currency translation adjustments(11.9)
(4.2)
Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax2.0

1.4
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax(9.9)
(2.8)
Comprehensive income$71.8

$65.6
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.




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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In millions)
 Nine Months Ended
 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015
Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities:   
Net income$207.9
 $162.0
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization49.0
 34.2
Share-based compensation expense19.9
 12.8
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments(19.7) (12.6)
(Gain) loss on the sale or disposal of property, plant, and equipment(1.1) 1.4
Deferred income taxes
 0.4
Gain on financial instruments, net
 (10.5)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions, divestitures, and effect of exchange rate changes:   
Accounts receivable(15.9) (25.5)
Inventories(14.2) (46.7)
Prepayments and other current assets(9.0) 2.0
Accounts payable18.9
 17.0
Other current liabilities12.4
 28.2
Other(4.3) (4.5)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities243.9
 158.2
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities: 
  
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment(61.8) (42.3)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment2.3
 1.0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired(613.7) (14.6)
Proceeds from settlement of financial instrument
 14.4
Purchase of financial instrument
 (4.1)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities(673.2) (45.6)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities: 
  
Issuance of long-term debt1.7
 
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other10.0
 7.5
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments19.7
 12.6
Dividends paid(17.1) (17.0)
Other financing activities
 (10.4)
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities14.3
 (7.3)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash(4.8) (5.7)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents(419.8) 99.6
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period756.8
 552.5
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period$337.0
 $652.1
Supplemental Cash Flow Information: 
  
Income taxes paid during the period$88.7
 $79.3
Interest paid during the period$22.2
 $21.6

 Three Months Ended
 November 30, 2016 November 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:   
Net income$81.7
 $68.4
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization17.2
 14.3
Share-based payment expense7.9
 6.4
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments(5.8) (13.9)
Loss (gain) on the sale or disposal of property, plant, and equipment0.1
 (1.1)
Gain on sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliate(7.2) 
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions, divestitures, and exchange rate changes:   
Accounts receivable47.6
 12.4
Inventories(40.3) (13.6)
Prepayments and other current assets(10.7) (13.6)
Accounts payable(7.2) 10.8
Other current liabilities(45.7) (15.8)
Other1.1
 (3.2)
Net cash provided by operating activities38.7
 51.1
Cash flows from investing activities: 
  
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment(19.5) (23.1)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment5.4
 2.1
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 (239.2)
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliate13.0
 
Net cash used for investing activities(1.1) (260.2)
Cash flows from financing activities: 
  
Issuance of long-term debt0.9
 
Repurchases of common stock(0.4) 
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other2.1
 6.0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments5.8
 13.9
Dividends paid(5.8) (5.7)
Net cash provided by financing activities2.6
 14.2
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(2.2) (1.7)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents38.0
 (196.6)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period413.2
 756.8
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$451.2
 $560.2
Supplemental cash flow information: 
  
Income taxes paid during the period$29.0
 $11.4
Interest paid during the period$12.1
 $11.4
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(Amounts in millions, except per-share data and as indicated)


1.Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Acuity Brands, Inc. (“Acuity Brands”) is the parent company of Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. (“ABL”) and other subsidiaries (Acuity Brands, ABL, and such other subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the "Company”“Company”). The Company’s lighting and energybuilding management solutions include devices such as luminaires, lighting andcontrols, controllers for various building controls, lighting components,systems, power supplies, prismatic skylights, and drivers, as well as integrated lighting systems designed to optimize energy efficiency and comfort for various indoor and outdoor applications utilizing a combination of light sources, including daylight, and other devices controlled by software that monitors and manages light levels while optimizing energy consumption.applications. Additionally, the Company continues to expand its solutions portfolio, for both indoorincluding software and outdoor applications in an effortservices, to capitalize on the evolving and growing market for intelligent networked systems that collect and exchange data to increase efficiency as well as provide a host of other economic benefits resulting from data analytics to better enable smart buildingsthat enables the Internet of Things (“IoT”) and smart cities. The transition to solid-state lighting provides the opportunity for lighting to be integrated with other building automation systems to create an optimal platform for enabling the “Internet of Things” (IoT), which will supportsupports the advancement of smart buildings, smart cities, and the smart grid. The Company has one reportable segment serving the North American and select international markets.
The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Acuity Brands and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. References made to years are for fiscal year periods.
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments whichthat are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position as of May 31,November 30, 2016, the consolidated comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 and May 31,November 30, 2015, and the consolidated cash flows for the ninethree months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 and May 31,November 30, 2015. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the Company’s annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. However, the Company believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the three years ended August 31, 20152016 and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 27, 20152016 (File No. 001-16583) (“Form 10-K”).
The results of operations for the three and nine months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 and May 31,November 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year due primarily to seasonality, resultingwhich results in the net sales and net income of the Company generally being higher in the second half of its fiscal year, the impact of theany acquisitions, and among other reasons, the continued uncertainty of general economic conditions that may impact the key end markets of the Company for the remainder of fiscal 2016.2017.

2.     Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. No material reclassifications occurred during the current period.



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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


3.     Acquisitions and Investments
FiscalThe Company does not consider acquisitions a critical element of its strategy but seeks opportunities for growth through acquisitions and investments. In recent years, the Company has acquired or made investments in a number of businesses that participate in the lighting, building management, and related markets, including the businesses described below. The acquisitions and investments were made with the intent to further expand and complement the Company's lighting and building management solutions portfolio. The purchased companies were fully integrated into the Company's operations.
DGLogik, Inc.
On June 30, 2016, Acquisitionsusing cash on hand and treasury stock, the Company acquired DGLogik, Inc. (“DGLogik”), a provider of innovative software solutions that enable and visualize the IoT. DGLogik's solutions provide users with the intelligence to better manage energy usage and improve facility performance. DGLogik is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, California.
Juno Lighting LLC
On December 10, 2015, using cash on hand, the Company acquired for approximately $380 million all of the equity interests of Juno Lighting LLC ("(“Juno Lighting"Lighting”), a leading provider of downlighting and track lighting fixtures for both residential and commercial applications. Juno Lighting is headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois. At the time of acquisition, Juno Lighting generated annual revenues of approximately $250. The operating results$250 million.
Geometri LLC
On December 9, 2015, using cash on hand, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Juno Lighting have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the dateGeometri, LLC (“Geometri”), a provider of acquisition.a software and services platform for mapping, navigation, and analytics.
Distech Controls Inc.
On September 1, 2015, using cash on hand, the Company acquired for approximately $240 million all of the outstanding capital stock of Distech Controls Inc. ("(“Distech Controls"Controls”), a provider of building automation solutions that allow for the integration of lighting, HVAC, access control, closed circuit television, and related systems. Distech Controls is headquartered in Quebec, Canada. At the time of acquisition, Distech Controls generated annual revenues of approximately $80 Canadian Dollars. The operating results of Distech Controls have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.
Geometri LLC
On December 9, 2015, using cash on hand, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Geometri, LLC ("Geometri"), a provider of a software and services platform for mapping, navigation, and analytics. The operating results of Geometri have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.
Accounting for Fiscal 2016 Acquisitions
Acquisition-related costs were expensed as incurred. Preliminary amounts related to the acquisition accounting for these acquisitions are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 2016. The aggregate preliminary purchase price of these acquisitions was allocated as follows:
Purchase Price 
Cash paid, net of cash acquired$613.7
  
Allocation 
Goodwill$324.0
Intangible assets: 
     Customer-based1
117.0
     Marketing-related2
42.4
     Technology-based3
81.8
  
Property and equipment63.4
Other assets acquired124.3
Liabilities assumed(139.2)
 $613.7
______________________________
(1) Customer-based intangibles have useful lives between 12 and 15 years, with a weighted average amortization period of 14 years.
(2) Marketing-related intangibles are considered indefinite-lived.
(3) Technology-based intangibles have useful lives between five and fifteen years, with a weighted average amortization period of 11.8 years.
These amounts are deemed to be provisional until disclosed otherwise, as the Company continues to gather information related to the identification and valuation of intangible and other acquired assets and liabilities. These amounts are expected to change as the Company finalizes the allocation. During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company continued to gather information regarding the valuation of marketing-related and technology-based intangibles, resulting in changes to the allocation noted above.


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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


Proforma results of operations have not been presented because the effects of these acquisitions, individually and in the aggregate, were not material to the Company's consolidated results of operations.
Fiscal 2015 Acquisition and Investment
On April 15, 2015, using cash on hand, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of ByteLight, Inc. (“ByteLight”), a provider of indoor location software for light-emitting diode (“LED”) lighting. The operating results of ByteLight have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Management finalized the acquisition accounting for ByteLight during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 and the amounts are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In addition, during fiscal 2015, the Company made a strategic, non-controlling investment in a company specializing in light sensory networks.  This investment was accounted for using the cost method and is reflected in Other long term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.C$80 million.

4.New Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Adopted in Fiscal 20162017
In NovemberApril 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"(“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) No. 2015-05, Customer's Accounting For Fees Paid In A Cloud Computing Arrangement (“ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes ("ASU 2015-17"2015-05”), requiring that all tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent inwhich provides guidance for a classified statement of financial position.customer's accounting for cloud computing costs. ASU 2015-172015-05 is effective for annualfiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2016.2015. The Company early adoptedprovisions of ASU 2015-17, which resulted in the reclassification of $23.1 from current deferred income taxes to noncurrent deferred income taxes2015-05 did not have a material effect on the Consolidated Balance Sheets asCompany's financial condition, results of August 31, 2015.operations, or cash flows.
Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted    
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,, (" (“ASU 2016-09"2016-09”), which will change certain aspects of accounting for share-based payments to employees. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard requires that all excess tax benefits and deficiencies currently recorded as additional paid in capital be prospectively recorded in income tax expense. As such, implementation of this standard could create volatility in the Company's effective income tax rate on a quarter by quarter basis. The volatility in the effective income tax rate is due primarily to fluctuations in the Company's stock price and the timing of stock option exercises and vesting of restricted share grants. The standard also requires excess tax benefits to be presented as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows rather than as a financing activity. This element of the guidance may be applied retrospectively or prospectively. The Company intends to implement the standard as required in fiscal 2018.


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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, (" (“ASU 2016-02"2016-02”), which requires lessees to include most leases on the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of ASU 2016-02.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments (" (“ASU 2015-16"2015-16”), which simplifies the accounting for measurement-period adjustments to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. ASU 2015-16 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2016. The provisions of ASU 2015-16 are not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Customer's Accounting For Fees Paid In A Cloud Computing Arrangement (“ASU 2015-05”), which provides guidance for a customer's accounting for cloud computing costs. ASU 2015-05 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2015. The provisions of ASU 2015-05 are not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017. ASU 2014-09 permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of ASU 2014-09.
All other newly issued accounting pronouncements not yet effective have been deemed either immaterial or not applicable.


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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


5.Fair Value Measurements
The Company determines fair value measurements based on the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability. Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"(“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), establishes a three level hierarchy making a distinction between market participant assumptions based on (i) unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market (Level 1), (ii) quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (Level 2), and (iii) prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement (Level 3).
The following table presents information about assetsCompany's cash and liabilitiescash equivalents (Level 1), which are required to be carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis, were $451.2 million and $413.2 million as of MayNovember 30, 2016 and August 31, 2016, and August 31, 2015:
 Fair Value Measurements as of:
 May 31, 2016 August 31, 2015
 Level 1 Total Fair Value Level 1 Total Fair Value
Assets: 
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents$337.0
 $337.0
 $756.8
 $756.8
Other0.4
 0.4
 0.5
 0.5
Liabilities:       
Other$0.4
 $0.4
 $0.5
 $0.5

respectively.
The Company utilizes valuation methodologies to determine the fair values of its financial assets and liabilities in conformity with the concepts of “exit price” and the fair value hierarchy as prescribed in ASC 820. All valuation methods and assumptions are validated at least quarterly to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the fair values. There were no material changes to the valuation methods or assumptions used to determine fair values during the current period.
The Company used quoted market prices to determine the fair value of Level 1 assets and liabilities. No transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy occurred during the current fiscal period. In the event of a transfer in or out of a level within the fair value hierarchy, the transfers would be recognized on the date of occurrence.
Disclosures of fair value information about financial instruments (whether or not recognized in the balance sheet), for which it is practicable to estimate that value, are required each reporting period in addition to any financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis as prescribed by ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”). In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.


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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


The carrying values and estimated fair values of certain of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows at MayNovember 30, 2016 and August 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015 (in millions):
May 31, 2016 August 31, 2015November 30, 2016 August 31, 2016
Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair ValueCarrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
Assets:              
Investment in noncontrolling affiliate$8.0
 $8.0
 $8.0
 $8.0
$
 $
 $8.0
 $14.4
Liabilities:     
  
     
  
Senior unsecured public notes, net of unamortized discount and deferred costs$348.5
 $384.6
 $348.4
 $386.4
$348.8
 $386.2
 $348.7
 $388.8
Other debt5.7
 5.7
 4.0
 4.0
Industrial revenue bond4.0
 4.0
 4.0
 4.0
Bank loans3.2
 3.2
 2.5
 2.6
Investment in noncontrolling affiliate represents a strategic investment accounted for using the cost method. The Company estimates that the historical cost of the acquired shares representsbased the fair value of the investment as of August 31, 2016 on an offer by a third party to purchase the business (Level 3). The Company sold the investment during October 2016, resulting in the recognition of a gain of $7.2 million, which is reflected in Miscellaneous income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
The senior unsecured public notes are carried at the outstanding balance, net of unamortized bond discountsdiscount and deferred costs, as of the end of the reporting period. Fair value is estimated based on discounted future cash flows using rates currently available for debt of similar terms and maturity (Level 2).

The industrial revenue bond is carried at the outstanding balance as of the end of the reporting period. The industrial revenue bond is a tax-exempt, variable-rate instrument that resets on a weekly basis; therefore, the Company estimates that the face amount of the bond approximates fair value as of November 30, 2016 based on bonds of similar terms and maturity (Level 2).

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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


Other long-term debt includes instruments for which fairthe end of the reporting period. Fair value is estimated based on discounted future cash flows using rates currently available for debt of similar terms and maturity (Level 2). One of the instruments is a variable-rate instrument that resets on a weekly basis; therefore, the Company estimates that the face amount of the instrument approximates fair value.
ASC 825 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value to the Company. In many cases, the fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets, nor can the disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. In evaluating the Company’s management of liquidity and other risks, the fair values of all assets and liabilities should be taken into consideration, not only those presented above.

6.Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Through multiple acquisitions, the Company acquired intangible assets consisting primarily of trademarks and trade names associated with specific products with finite lives, definite-lived distribution networks, patented technology, non-compete agreements, and customer relationships, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names that are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely.
The Company recorded amortization expense of $7.5$5.9 million and $2.7$5.0 million during the three months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 and May 31, 2015, respectively, and $18.5 and $8.3 during the nine months ended May 31, 2016 and May 31, 2015, respectively. Amortization expense is generally recorded on a straight-line basis and is expected to be approximately $25.1 in fiscal 2016, $27.1$23.2 million in fiscal 2017, $27.1$23.2 million in fiscal 2018, $27.1$23.2 million in fiscal 2019, and $25.8$22.7 million in fiscal 2020.2020, and $22.6 million in fiscal 2021.
Amortization expense recorded by the Company, as well as expected amortization expense, include a preliminary estimate related to intangibles acquired with Distech Controls, Geometri and Juno Lighting. These amounts are deemed to be provisional until disclosed otherwise, as the Company continues to gather information related to the identification and valuation of intangible assets acquired. Refer to the Acquisitions & Investments footnote for additional information regarding the preliminary purchase price allocation.


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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


The change in the carrying amount of goodwill during the ninethree months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 is summarized as follows:below (in millions):
Balance at August 31, 2015$565.0
Additions from acquired businesses324.0
Foreign currency translation adjustments0.8
Balance at May 31, 2016$889.8
Balance at August 31, 2016$947.8
Foreign currency translation adjustments(6.0)
Balance at November 30, 2016$941.8
Further discussion of the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets is included within the Significant Accounting Policies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within the Company’s Form 10-K.

7.Inventories
Inventories include materials, labor, in-bound freight, and related manufacturing overhead, are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out or average cost basis) or market, and consist of the following:following (in millions):
May 31, 2016 August 31, 2015November 30, 2016 August 31, 2016
Raw materials, supplies, and work in process(1)
$159.3
 $125.7
$181.7
 $170.3
Finished goods149.9
 113.9
174.0
 145.3
309.2
 239.6
Less: Reserves(20.3) (14.8)
Total Inventory$288.9
 $224.8
Inventories excluding reserves355.7
 315.6
Less: reserves(21.3) (20.4)
Total inventories$334.4
 $295.2

(1) 
Due to the immaterial amount of estimated work in process and the short lead times for the conversion of raw materials to finished goods, the Company does not believe the segregation of raw materials and work in process to be meaningful information.



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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


8.Earnings Per Share
BasicPrior to fiscal 2017, basic earnings per share iswas computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which has beenwas modified to include the effects of all participating securities (unvested share-based payment awards with a right to receive nonforfeitable dividends)during the period, as prescribed by the two-class method under ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”), during the period.. Participating securities included unvested share-based payment awards with a right to receive nonforfeitable dividends. The equity plan approved by stockholders in January 2013 changed the dividend provisions, causing share-based payment awards to lose the right to receive nonforfeitable dividends. Due to this change, any shares granted after January 2013 arewere not participating securities as prescribed by the two-class method under ASC 260 and arewere accounted for in the diluted earnings per share calculation described below.

As of November 30, 2016, the impact of participating securities was not material. Therefore, basic earnings per share for the three months ended November 30, 2016 is computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed similarly but reflects the potential dilution that would occur if dilutive options were exercised, restricted stock awards (unvestedall unvested share-based payment awards without a right to receive nonforfeitable dividends) were vested, and other distributions related to deferred stock agreements were incurred.
Stock options of approximately 81,487 and 28,133 were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three months ended November 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, as the effect of inclusion would have been antidilutive. Restricted stock shares of 25,994 and 45,555 were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three months ended November 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, as the effect of inclusion would have been antidilutive. Further discussion of the Company’s stock options and restricted stock awards is included within the Common Stock and Related Matters and Share-Based Payments footnotes of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within the Company’s Form 10-K.
The following table calculates basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 and May 31, 2015:
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015
Basic Earnings per Share: 
  
    
Net income$74.0
 $64.5
 $207.9
 $162.0
Less: Income attributable to participating securities(0.1) (0.2) (0.3) (0.7)
Net income available to common shareholders$73.9
 $64.3
 $207.6
 $161.3
Basic weighted average shares outstanding43.5
 43.2
 43.4
 43.1
Basic earnings per share$1.70
 $1.49
 $4.78
 $3.74
Diluted Earnings per Share: 
  
    
Net income$74.0
 $64.5
 $207.9
 $162.0
Less: Income attributable to participating securities(0.1) (0.2) (0.3) (0.7)
Net income available to common shareholders$73.9
 $64.3
 $207.6
 $161.3
Basic weighted average shares outstanding43.5
 43.2
 43.4
 43.1
Common stock equivalents0.3
 0.3
 0.3
 0.3
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding43.8
 43.5
 43.7
 43.4
Diluted earnings per share$1.69
 $1.48
 $4.75
 $3.72

The following table presents stock options and restricted stock awards that were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 and May 31, 2015 as the effect of inclusion would have been antidilutive:
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015
  
  
    
Stock options47,406
 52,143
 56,840
 62,175
Restricted stock awards
 
 12,529
 2,238



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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


The following table calculates basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended November 30, 2016 and 2015 (in millions, except per share data):
 Three Months Ended
 November 30, 2016 November 30, 2015
Net income$81.7
 $68.4
Basic weighted average shares outstanding43.8
 43.3
Common stock equivalents0.2
 0.3
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding44.0

43.6
Basic earnings per share$1.87
 $1.58
Diluted earnings per share$1.86

$1.57

9.    Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income represents a measure of all changes in equity that result from recognized transactions and other economic events other than transactions with owners in their capacity as owners. Other comprehensive income (loss) for the Company includes foreign currency translation and pension adjustments.
The following table presents the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss:income (loss) (in millions):
  Foreign Currency Items  Defined Benefit Pension Plans  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Items
Balance at August 31, 2015$(42.1) $(68.3) $(110.4)
Other Comprehensive Loss before reclassifications(3.4) 
 (3.4)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 4.0
 4.0
Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)(3.4) 4.0
 0.6
Balance at May 31, 2016$(45.5) $(64.3) $(109.8)
  Foreign Currency Items  Defined Benefit Pension Plans  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Items
Balance at August 31, 2016$(47.7) $(91.7) $(139.4)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(11.9) 
 (11.9)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 2.0
 2.0
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income(11.9) 2.0
 (9.9)
Balance at November 30, 2016$(59.6) $(89.7) $(149.3)

The following tables present the tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 and May 31, 2015:2015 (in millions):
 Three Months Ended
 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015
  Before Tax Amount  Tax (Expense) Benefit  Net of Tax Amount  Before Tax Amount  Tax (Expense) Benefit  Net of Tax Amount
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments$10.0
 $
 $10.0
 $(1.5) $
 $(1.5)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans:           
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:           
Prior service cost0.8
(1) 
(0.3) 0.5
 0.2
(1) 
(0.1) 0.1
Actuarial losses1.2
(1) 
(0.4) 0.8
 1.1
(1) 
(0.3) 0.8
Total Defined Benefit Pension Plans, net2.0
 (0.7) 1.3
 1.3
 (0.4) 0.9
Other Comprehensive Loss$12.0
 $(0.7) $11.3
 $(0.2) $(0.4) $(0.6)
            
 Nine Months Ended
 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015
  Before Tax Amount  Tax (Expense) Benefit  Net of Tax Amount  Before Tax Amount  Tax (Expense) Benefit  Net of Tax Amount
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments$(3.4) $
 $(3.4) $(18.5) $
 $(18.5)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans:           
Actuarial gain or loss
 
 
 (1.3) 0.3
 (1.0)
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:           
Prior service cost2.3
(1) 
(0.8) 1.5
 0.6
(1) 
(0.2) 0.4
Actuarial losses3.7
(1) 
(1.2) 2.5
 3.3
(1) 
(1.1) 2.2
Total Defined Benefit Pension Plans, net6.0
 (2.0) 4.0
 2.6
 (1.0) 1.6
Other Comprehensive Loss$2.6
 $(2.0) $0.6
 $(15.9) $(1.0) $(16.9)
 Three Months Ended
 November 30, 2016 November 30, 2015
  Before Tax Amount  Tax (Expense) Benefit  Net of Tax Amount  Before Tax Amount  Tax (Expense) Benefit  Net of Tax Amount
Foreign currency translation adjustments$(11.9) $
 $(11.9) $(4.2) $
 $(4.2)
Defined benefit pension plans:           
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:           
Prior service cost0.8
(1) 
(0.3) 0.5
 0.8
(1) 
(0.2) 0.6
Actuarial losses2.2
(1) 
(0.7) 1.5
 1.2
(1) 
(0.4) 0.8
Total defined benefit pension plans, net3.0
 (1.0) 2.0
 2.0
 (0.6) 1.4
Other comprehensive loss$(8.9) $(1.0) $(9.9) $(2.2) $(0.6) $(2.8)

(1) 
These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in net periodic pension cost. See Pension and Profit Sharing Plans footnote within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details.



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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


10.Debt
Lines of Credit
On August 27, 2014, the Company executed a $250.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The Revolving Credit Facility will mature, and all amounts outstanding will be due and payable, on August 27, 2019.
The Revolving Credit Facility contains financial covenants, including a minimum interest coverage ratio (“Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio”) and a leverage ratio (“Maximum Leverage Ratio”) of total indebtedness to EBITDA (earningsearnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization expense)expense (“EBITDA”), as such terms are defined in the Revolving Credit Facility agreement. These ratios are computed at the end of each fiscal quarter for the most recent 12-month period. The Revolving Credit Facility allows for a Maximum Leverage Ratio of 3.50 and a Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio of 2.50 and a Maximum Leverage Ratio of 3.50, subject to certain conditions defined in the financing agreement. As of May 31,November 30, 2016,, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility. At May 31,November 30, 2016,, the Company had additional borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility of $243.9$243.9 million under the most restrictive covenant in effect at the time, which represents the full amount of the Revolving Credit Facility less outstanding letters of credit of $6.1$6.1 million issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of May 31,November 30, 2016,, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $11.0,$11.0 million, primarily for securing collateral requirements under the casualty insurance programs for Acuity Brands and for providing credit support for the Company’s industrial revenue bond, including $6.1$6.1 million issued under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Generally, amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a “EurocurrencyEurocurrency Rate. Eurocurrency Rate advances can be denominated in a variety of currencies, including U.S. Dollars, and amounts outstanding bear interest at a periodic fixed rate equal to the London Inter Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) for the applicable currency plus a margin as determined by the Company's leverage ratio (“Applicable Margin”). The Applicable Margin is based on the Company’s leverage ratio, as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, with such margin ranging from 1.000% to 1.575%.
The Company is required to pay certain fees in connection with the Revolving Credit Facility, including administrative service fees and an annual facility fee. The annual facility fee is payable quarterly, in arrears, and is determined by the Company’s leverage ratio as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility. This facility fee ranges from 0.125% to 0.300% of the aggregate $250.0 million commitment of the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Long-term Debt
At May 31,November 30, 2016,, the Company had $350.0 million of publicly-traded, senior unsecured notes outstanding at a 6% interest rate that are scheduled to mature in December 2019 (the “Notes”) and $4.0 million of tax-exempt industrial revenue bonds that are scheduled to mature in 2021. The Company also had $1.7$3.2 million outstanding under fixed-rate bank loans. Further discussion of the Company's long-term debt is included within the Debt and Lines of Credit footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within the Company’s Form 10-K.
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net, is comprised primarily of interest expense on long-term debt, obligations in connection with non-qualified retirement benefits, and Revolving Credit Facility borrowings partially offset by interest income on cash and cash equivalents.
The following table summarizes the components of interest expense, net:net (in millions):
Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015November 30, 2016 November 30, 2015
Interest expense$8.3
 $8.2
 $24.9
 $24.5
$8.6
 $8.3
Interest income(0.2) (0.3) (0.7) (0.7)(0.4) (0.4)
Interest expense, net$8.1
 $7.9
 $24.2
 $23.8
$8.2
 $7.9



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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


11.Commitments and Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to the effects of certain contractual stipulations, events, transactions, and laws and regulations that may, at times, require the recognition of liabilities, such as those related to self-insurance reserves and claims, legal and contractual issues, environmental laws and regulations, guarantees, and indemnities. The Company establishes reserves when the associated costs related to uncertainties or guarantees become probable and can be reasonably estimated. For the period ended May 31,November 30, 2016,, no material changes have occurred in the Company's reserves for self-insurance, litigation, environmental matters, guarantees and indemnities, or relevant events and circumstances, from those disclosed in the Commitments and Contingencies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within the Company’s Form 10-K.fiscal 2016 Annual Report (Form 10-K).
Trade Compliance Matters
Prior to the close of the acquisition, Distech Controls discovered shipments by it and its subsidiaries during the past five years of standard commercial building control products directly or indirectly to customers in a country that may constitute violations of U.S. and Canadian sanctions or export regulations, including those administered by the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”) and the Export Controls Division of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development ("DFATD"(“DFATD”). Distech Controls estimates that it received total revenue of approximately $0.3 million from these shipments. Distech Controls has voluntarily self-reported the potential violations to OFAC and DFATD and retained outside counsel that conducted an investigation of the matter and filed a full voluntary disclosure with these agencies. Now that theThe Company has acquired Distech Controls, the Company has greater access to information regarding Distech Controls’ prior operations and will continue to assessassessed the matter and implementimplemented related ongoing compliance and remediation efforts.
The Company intends to fully cooperate with respect to any investigations by governmental agencies of the potential violations. The former shareholders of Distech Controls have jointly agreed to indemnify the Company for damages, if any, as a result of, in respect of, connected with or arising out of the potential violations or any inaccuracy or breach of the representations made by Distech Controls to the Company related thereto, up to a specified aggregate amount, which is not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. These indemnity obligations are supported by an escrow account containing proceeds from the transaction equal to the specified aggregate amount. The Company currently believes that this indemnity will be sufficient to cover any damages related to the potential violations and the costs and expenses related to the investigation thereof and any related remedial actions. The Company therefore does not expect this matter to have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, cash flow, or results of operations of the Company. There can be no assurance, however, that actual damages, costs and expenses will not be in excess of the indemnity or that the Company and its affiliates will not be subject to other damages, including but not limited to damage to the Company's reputation or monetary or non-monetary penalties as permitted under applicable trade laws, that may not be fully covered by the indemnity. Estimated liabilities for legal fees as well as potential fines or penalties related to this matter are included in Other accrued liabilities within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company discovered through a review of shipment activity that it may have misclassified certain shipments of component parts to its manufacturing facilities under applicable import/export regulations. Although no claim has been asserted against the Company, the Company is reviewing these shipments to determine the extent of any liabilities and the extent of available remedial measures. The Company is unable at this time to determine the likelihood or amount of any loss associated with the misclassification of these shipments.
Product Warranty and Recall Costs
Acuity Brands records an allowance for the estimated amount of future warranty costs when the related revenue is recognized. Estimated costs related to product recalls based on a formal campaign soliciting repair or return of that product are accrued when they are deemed to be probable and can be reasonably estimated. Estimated future warranty and recall costs are primarily based on historical experience of identified warranty and recall claims. However, there can be no assurance that future warranty or recall costs will not exceed historical amounts or that new technology products, which may include extended warranties, may not generate unexpected costs. If actual future warranty or recall costs exceed historical amounts, additional allowances may be required, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and cash flows.


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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


Reserves for product warranty and recall costs are included in Other accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The changes in the reserves for product warranty and recall costs during the ninethree months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 and May 31, 2015 are summarized as follows:follows (in millions):
Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015November 30, 2016 November 30, 2015
Beginning of period$9.6
 $8.5
$15.5
 $9.6
Warranty and recall costs18.8
 15.6
9.2
 6.9
Payments and other deductions(14.5) (13.0)(7.2) (4.9)
Acquired warranty and recall liabilities0.3
 
End of period$14.2
 $11.1
$17.5
 $11.6

Litigation
The Company is subject to various legal claims arising in the normal course of business, including patent infringement, employment matters, and product liability claims. Based on information currently available, it is the opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of pending and threatened legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company. However, in the event of unexpected future developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of any such matters, if unfavorable, could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company in future periods. The Company establishes reserves for legal claims when associated costs become probable and can be reasonably estimated. The actual costs of resolving legal claims may be substantially higher than the amounts reserved for such claims. However, the Company cannot make a meaningful estimate of actual costs to be incurred that could possibly be higher or lower than the amounts reserved.

12.Share-Based Payments
The Company accounts for share-based payments through the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for share-based payment awards made to employees and directors of the Company, including stock options and restricted shares (all part of the Company's equity incentive plan), and share units representing certain deferrals into the Company's director deferred compensation plan or the Company's supplemental deferred savings plan. The Company recorded $7.9 million and $6.4 million of share-based payment expense for the three months ended November 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. New shares issued upon exercise of stock options were 12,030 and 117,289 for the three months ended November 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Further details regarding each of these award programs and the Company's share-based payments are included within the Share-Based Payments footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within the Company’s Form 10-K.
The following table presents share-based payment information for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 and May 31, 2015:
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015
  
  
    
Share-based expense$6.9
 $4.4
 $19.9
 $12.8
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options68,159
 
 185,448
 187,766

13.    Pension and Profit Sharing Plans
The Company has several pension plans, both qualified and non-qualified, covering certain hourly and salaried employees. Benefits paid under these plans are based generally on employees’ years of service and/or compensation during the final years of employment. Plan assets are invested primarily in equity and fixed income securities.


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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


Net periodic pension cost for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans during the three and nine months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 and May 31, 2015 included the following components before tax:tax (in millions):
Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015November 30, 2016 November 30, 2015
Service cost$0.9
 $0.8
 $2.7
 $2.3
$0.9
 $0.9
Interest cost2.4
 2.1
 7.2
 6.3
2.0
 2.3
Expected return on plan assets(2.8) (2.8) (8.4) (8.2)(2.8) (2.7)
Amortization of prior service cost0.8
 0.2
 2.3
 0.6
0.8
 0.8
Recognized actuarial loss1.2
 1.1
 3.7
 3.3
2.2
 1.2
Net periodic pension cost$2.5
 $1.4
 $7.5
 $4.3
$3.1
 $2.5
Further details regarding the Company's pension plans are included within the Pension and Defined Contribution Plans footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within the Company’s Form 10-K.

14.Special Charge
Fiscal 2016 Actions
During fiscal 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded a pre-tax special charge of $10.2, consisting primarily of severance and employee-related costs, for actions initiated to streamline the organization, including the integration of recent acquisitions. These streamlining activities include the consolidation of selected production activities and realignment of certain responsibilities, primarily within various selling, distribution, and administrative departments. The Company expects that these actions to streamline its business activities, in addition to those taken in previous fiscal years, will allow it to reduce spending in certain areas while permitting continued investment in future growth initiatives, such as new products, expanded market presence, and technology and innovation.

Fiscal 2015 Actions
During fiscal 2015,The details of the Company streamlined the organization by realigning certain responsibilities primarily within various selling, distribution, and administrative departments and the consolidation of certain production activities. During fiscal 2015, the Company recorded a pre-tax special charge of $12.9, consisting primarily of severanceduring the three months ended November 30, 2016 and employee-related costs of $11.92015 are summarized as well as production transfer costs of $0.5 and lease termination costs of $0.5.follows (in millions):
 Three Months Ended
 November 30, 2016 November 30, 2015
Severance and employee-related costs$(0.2) $0.4
Lease termination costs1.1
 
Production transfer costs0.3
 
Special charge$1.2
 $0.4
As of May 31,November 30, 2016, remaining severancerestructuring reserves were $8.9$4.7 million and are included in Accrued Compensationcompensation and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The changes in the reserves related to these programs during the ninethree months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 are summarized as follows:follows (in millions):
 Fiscal 2015 Actions Fiscal 2016 Actions Total
Balance at August 31, 2015$4.9
 $
 $4.9
Special charge
 10.2
 10.2
Payments made during the period(4.0) (2.2) (6.2)
Balance at May 31, 2016$0.9
 $8.0
 $8.9
 Severance and Employee-Related Costs Lease Termination Costs Total Restructuring Reserves
Balance at August 31, 2016$6.4
 $0.2
 $6.6
Costs incurred(0.2) 1.1
 0.9
Payments made during the period(2.8) 
 (2.8)
Balance at November 30, 2016$3.4
 $1.3
 $4.7



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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


15.Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements
In December 2009, ABL, the 100% owned and principal operating subsidiary of the Company, refinanced the then current outstanding debt through the issuance of the Notes. See Debt and Lines of Credit footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within the Company’s Form 10-K for further information.
In accordance with the registration rights agreement by and between ABL and the guarantors to the Notes and the initial purchasers of the Notes, ABL and the guarantors to the Notes filed a registration statement with the SEC for an offer to exchange the Notes for an issue of SEC-registered notes with identical terms. Due to the filing of the registration statement and offer to exchange, the Company determined the need for compliance with Rule 3-10 of SEC Regulation S-X (“Rule 3-10”). In lieu of providing separate audited financial statements for ABL and ABL IP Holding, the Company has included the accompanying Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements in accordance with Rule 3-10(d) of SEC Regulation S-X since the Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Acuity Brands and ABL IP Holding. The column marked “Parent” represents the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of Acuity Brands. The column marked “Subsidiary Issuer” represents the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of ABL. The column entitled “Subsidiary Guarantor” represents the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of ABL IP Holding. Lastly, the column listed as “Non-Guarantors” includes the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the non-guarantor direct and indirect subsidiaries of Acuity Brands, which consist primarily of foreign subsidiaries. Eliminations were necessary in order to arrive at consolidated amounts. In addition, the equity method of accounting was used to calculate investments in subsidiaries. Accordingly, this basis of presentation is not intended to present ourthe Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows for any purpose other than to comply with the specific requirements for parent-subsidiary guarantor reporting.


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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions)
May 31, 2016
Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantor
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Consolidating Adjustments ConsolidatedNovember 30, 2016
           Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantor
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
ASSETS
Current Assets: 
  
  
  
  
  
Current assets: 
  
  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents$299.6
 $
 $
 $37.4
 $
 $337.0
$389.3
 $
 $
 $61.9
 $
 $451.2
Accounts receivable, net
 430.2
 
 63.8
 
 494.0

 454.4
 
 68.1
 
 522.5
Inventories
 268.2
 
 20.7
 
 288.9

 311.1
 
 23.3
 
 334.4
Other current assets4.2
 13.1
 
 17.6
 
 34.9
12.2
 15.5
 
 20.4
 
 48.1
Total Current Assets303.8
 711.5
 
 139.5
 
 1,154.8
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net0.3
 211.7
 
 50.9
 
 262.9
Total current assets401.5
 781.0
 
 173.7
 
 1,356.2
Property, plant, and equipment, net0.3
 224.1
 
 49.1
 
 273.5
Goodwill
 680.5
 2.7
 206.6
 
 889.8

 735.8
 2.7
 203.3
 
 941.8
Intangible assets, net
 236.2
 114.3
 98.2
 
 448.7

 165.5
 112.5
 94.8
 
 372.8
Deferred income taxes22.5
 
 
 3.3
 (22.6) 3.2
47.5
 
 
 6.5
 (49.2) 4.8
Other long-term assets0.1
 22.1
 
 1.6
 
 23.8
0.1
 12.2
 
 2.0
 
 14.3
Investments in and amounts due from affiliates1,386.0
 285.1
 190.2
 
 (1,861.3) 
1,400.2
 426.8
 211.1
 
 (2,038.1) 
Total Assets$1,712.7
 $2,147.1
 $307.2
 $500.1
 $(1,883.9) $2,783.2
Total assets$1,849.6
 $2,345.4
 $326.3
 $529.4
 $(2,087.3) $2,963.4
                      
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
Current liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
Accounts payable$0.8
 $330.1
 $
 $23.0
 $
 $353.9
$0.5
 $360.7
 $
 $29.7
 $
 $390.9
Current maturities of long-term debt
 
 
 0.2
 
 0.2

 
 
 0.3
 
 0.3
Other accrued liabilities6.6
 189.2
 
 34.7
 
 230.5
17.2
 166.7
 
 34.7
 
 218.6
Total Current Liabilities7.4
 519.3
 
 57.9
 
 584.6
Long-Term Debt
 352.7
 
 1.5
 
 354.2
Deferred Income Taxes35.7
 75.0
 
 27.9
 (22.6) 116.0
Other Long-Term Liabilities81.6
 41.3
 
 17.6
 
 140.5
Total current liabilities17.7
 527.4
 
 64.7
 
 609.8
Long-term debt
 352.8
 
 2.9
 
 355.7
Deferred income taxes
 95.8
 
 28.0
 (49.2) 74.6
Other long-term liabilities101.8
 64.4
 
 27.0
 
 193.2
Amounts due to affiliates
 
 
 80.1
 (80.1) 

 
 
 107.8
 (107.8) 
Total Stockholders’ Equity1,588.0
 1,158.8
 307.2
 315.1
 (1,781.2) 1,587.9
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$1,712.7
 $2,147.1
 $307.2
 $500.1
 $(1,883.9) $2,783.2
Total stockholders’ equity1,730.1
 1,305.0
 326.3
 299.0
 (1,930.3) 1,730.1
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,849.6
 $2,345.4
 $326.3
 $529.4
 $(2,087.3) $2,963.4


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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions)
August 31, 2015
Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantor
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Consolidating Adjustments ConsolidatedAugust 31, 2016
           Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantor
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
ASSETS
Current Assets: 
  
  
  
  
  
Current assets: 
  
  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents$479.9
 $
 $
 $276.9
 $
 $756.8
$368.2
 $
 $
 $45.0
 $
 $413.2
Accounts receivable, net
 365.5
 
 46.2
 
 411.7

 503.0
 
 69.8
 
 572.8
Inventories
 208.6
 
 16.2
 
 224.8

 274.7
 
 20.5
 
 295.2
Other current assets1.6
 11.6
 
 6.9
 
 20.1
2.5
 14.3
 
 24.9
 
 41.7
Total Current Assets481.5
 585.7
 
 346.2
 
 1,413.4
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net0.3
 139.8
 
 34.5
 
 174.6
Total current assets370.7
 792.0
 
 160.2
 
 1,322.9
Property, plant, and equipment, net0.3
 217.8
 
 49.7
 
 267.8
Goodwill
 524.2
 2.7
 38.1
 
 565.0

 735.8
 2.7
 209.3
 
 947.8
Intangible assets, net
 87.4
 117.3
 18.7
 
 223.4

 168.1
 113.4
 99.9
 
 381.4
Deferred income taxes41.9
 
 
 5.2
 (43.6) 3.5
47.5
 
 
 6.5
 (48.9) 5.1
Other long-term assets1.3
 23.8
 
 2.0
 
 27.1
1.4
 20.4
 
 1.2
 
 23.0
Investments in and amounts due from affiliates934.7
 333.5
 168.5
 
 (1,436.7) 
1,347.6
 299.6
 200.5
 
 (1,847.7) 
Total Assets$1,459.7
 $1,694.4
 $288.5
 $444.7
 $(1,480.3) $2,407.0
Total assets$1,767.5
 $2,233.7
 $316.6
 $526.8
 $(1,896.6) $2,948.0
                      
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
Current liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
Accounts payable$0.9
 $291.6
 $
 $18.6
 $
 $311.1
$1.2
 $371.3
 $
 $28.5
 $
 $401.0
Current maturities of long-term debt
 
 
 0.2
 
 $0.2
Other accrued liabilities20.4
 162.7
 
 26.7
 
 209.8
14.5
 215.4
 
 41.4
 
 271.3
Total Current Liabilities21.3
 454.3
 
 45.3
 
 520.9
Long-Term Debt
 352.4
 
 
 
 352.4
Deferred Income Taxes
 75.3
 
 
 (43.6) 31.7
Other Long-Term Liabilities78.4
 42.7
 
 20.9
 
 142.0
Total current liabilities15.7
 586.7
 
 70.1
 
 672.5
Long-term debt
 352.8
 
 2.2
 
 355.0
Deferred income taxes
 95.5
 
 28.0
 (48.9) 74.6
Other long-term liabilities92.0
 64.8
 
 29.3
 
 186.1
Amounts due to affiliates
 
 
 77.5
 (77.5) 

 
 
 96.9
 (96.9) 
Total Stockholders’ Equity1,360.0
 769.7
 288.5
 301.0
 (1,359.2) 1,360.0
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$1,459.7
 $1,694.4
 $288.5
 $444.7
 $(1,480.3) $2,407.0
Total stockholders’ equity1,659.8
 1,133.9
 316.6
 300.3
 (1,750.8) 1,659.8
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,767.5
 $2,233.7
 $316.6
 $526.8
 $(1,896.6) $2,948.0



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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions)
 Three Months Ended May 31, 2016
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantor
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
Net Sales: 
  
  
  
  
  
External sales$
 $753.8
 $
 $97.7
 $
 $851.5
Intercompany sales
 
 12.2
 29.9
 (42.1) 
Total Sales
 753.8
 12.2
 127.6
 (42.1) 851.5
Cost of Products Sold
 405.1
 
 97.1
 (28.6) 473.6
Gross Profit
 348.7
 12.2
 30.5
 (13.5) 377.9
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses12.2
 218.5
 0.9
 29.2
 (13.6) 247.2
Intercompany charges(0.8) 0.3
 
 0.4
 0.1
 
 Special Charge
 9.7
 
 
 
 9.7
Operating Profit (Loss)(11.4) 120.2
 11.3
 0.9
 
 121.0
Interest expense, net2.6
 4.0
 
 1.5
 
 8.1
Equity earnings in subsidiaries(83.0) 0.3
 
 
 82.7
 
Miscellaneous income, net
 0.1
 
 0.2
 
 0.3
Income before Provision for Income Taxes69.0
 115.8
 11.3
 (0.8) (82.7) 112.6
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes(5.0) 38.3
 4.6
 0.7
 
 38.6
Net Income$74.0
 $77.5
 $6.7
 $(1.5) $(82.7) $74.0
            
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items:           
  Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments10.0
 10.0
 
 
 (10.0) 10.0
  Defined Benefit Pension Plans, net1.3
 0.4
 
 0.4
 (0.8) 1.3
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items, net of tax11.3
 10.4
 
 0.4
 (10.8) 11.3
Comprehensive Income (Loss)$85.3
 $87.9
 $6.7
 $(1.1) $(93.5) $85.3
 Three Months Ended November 30, 2016
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantor
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
Net sales: 
  
  
  
  
  
External sales$
 $746.3
 $
 $104.9
 $
 $851.2
Intercompany sales
 
 11.5
 51.6
 (63.1) 
Total sales
 746.3
 11.5
 156.5
 (63.1) 851.2
Cost of products sold
 426.9
 
 114.9
 (50.2) 491.6
Gross profit
 319.4
 11.5
 41.6
 (12.9) 359.6
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses11.8
 199.9
 0.9
 32.1
 (12.9) 231.8
Intercompany charges(1.2) 0.2
 
 1.0
 
 
 Special charge
 1.2
 
 
 
 1.2
Operating (loss) profit(10.6) 118.1
 10.6
 8.5
 
 126.6
Interest expense, net2.8
 4.0
 
 1.4
 
 8.2
Equity earnings in subsidiaries(90.4) (9.1) 
 0.2
 99.3
 
Miscellaneous income, net
 (7.3) 
 (0.6) 
 (7.9)
Income before provision for income taxes77.0
 130.5
 10.6
 7.5
 (99.3) 126.3
(Benefit) provision for income taxes(4.7) 47.8
 0.9
 0.6
 
 44.6
Net income$81.7
 $82.7
 $9.7
 $6.9
 $(99.3) $81.7
            
Other comprehensive income (loss) items:           
  Foreign currency translation adjustments(11.9) (11.9) 
 
 11.9
 (11.9)
  Defined benefit pension plans, net2.0
 0.7
 
 0.7
 (1.4) 2.0
Other comprehensive (loss) income items, net of tax(9.9) (11.2) 
 0.7
 10.5
 (9.9)
Comprehensive income (loss)$71.8
 $71.5
 $9.7
 $7.6
 $(88.8) $71.8



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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions)
 Three Months Ended May 31, 2015
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantor
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
Net Sales: 
  
  
  
  
  
External sales$
 $622.2
 $
 $61.5
 $
 $683.7
Intercompany sales
 
 10.5
 21.9
 (32.4) 
Total Sales
 622.2
 10.5
 83.4
 (32.4) 683.7
Cost of Products Sold
 343.4
 
 66.0
 (21.3) 388.1
Gross Profit
 278.8
 10.5
 17.4
 (11.1) 295.6
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses7.9
 179.2
 1.0
 19.0
 (11.1) 196.0
Intercompany charges(0.8) 0.4
 
 0.4
 
 
Special Charge
 0.4
 
 
 
 0.4
Operating Profit (Loss)(7.1) 98.8
 9.5
 (2.0) 
 99.2
Interest expense, net2.5
 5.4
 
 
 
 7.9
Equity earnings in subsidiaries(70.7) 1.3
 
 
 69.4
 
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net
 (8.6) 
 (0.9) 
 (9.5)
Income before Provision for Income Taxes61.1
 100.7
 9.5
 (1.1) (69.4) 100.8
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes(3.4) 35.5
 3.8
 0.4
 
 36.3
Net Income$64.5
 $65.2
 $5.7
 $(1.5) $(69.4) $64.5
            
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items:           
  Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments(1.5) (1.5) 
 
 1.5
 (1.5)
  Defined Benefit Pension Plans, net0.9
 0.3
 
 0.3
 (0.6) 0.9
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Items, net of tax(0.6) (1.2) 
 0.3
 0.9
 (0.6)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)$63.9
 $64.0
 $5.7
 $(1.2) $(68.5) $63.9
 Three Months Ended November 30, 2015
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantor
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
Net sales: 
  
  
  
  
  
External sales$
 $651.4
 $
 $85.2
 $
 $736.6
Intercompany sales
 
 10.8
 32.0
 (42.8) 
Total sales
 651.4
 10.8
 117.2
 (42.8) 736.6
Cost of products sold
 366.0
 
 82.2
 (31.0) 417.2
Gross profit
 285.4
 10.8
 35.0
 (11.8) 319.4
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses11.0
 180.4
 1.0
 26.0
 (11.8) 206.6
Intercompany charges(0.8) 0.3
 
 0.5
 
 
 Special charge
 0.4
 
 
 
 0.4
Operating (loss) profit(10.2) 104.3
 9.8
 8.5
 
 112.4
Interest expense, net2.6
 4.0
 
 1.3
 
 7.9
Equity earnings in subsidiaries(76.7) (7.1) 
 0.1
 83.7
 
Miscellaneous income, net
 0.1
 
 (0.8) 
 (0.7)
Income before provision for income taxes63.9
 107.3
 9.8
 7.9
 (83.7) 105.2
(Benefit) provision for income taxes(4.5) 35.4
 4.0
 1.9
 
 36.8
Net income$68.4
 $71.9
 $5.8
 $6.0
 $(83.7) $68.4
            
Other comprehensive income (loss) items:           
  Foreign currency translation adjustments(4.2) (4.2) 
 
 4.2
 (4.2)
  Defined benefit pension plans, net1.4
 0.4
 
 0.3
 (0.7) 1.4
Other comprehensive (loss) income items, net of tax(2.8) (3.8) 
 0.3
 3.5
 (2.8)
Comprehensive income (loss)$65.6
 $68.1
 $5.8
 $6.3
 $(80.2) $65.6



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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantor
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
Net Sales: 
  
  
  
  
  
External sales$
 $2,098.3
 $
 $267.6
 $
 $2,365.9
Intercompany sales
 
 34.4
 91.4
 (125.8) 
Total Sales
 2,098.3
 34.4
 359.0
 (125.8) 2,365.9
Cost of Products Sold
 1,151.6
 
 268.1
 (88.0) 1,331.7
Gross Profit
 946.7
 34.4
 90.9
 (37.8) 1,034.2
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses34.3
 601.2
 2.9
 83.4
 (37.9) 683.9
Intercompany charges(2.4) 0.9
 
 1.4
 0.1
 
 Special Charge
 10.2
 
 
 
 10.2
Operating Profit (Loss)(31.9) 334.4
 31.5
 6.1
 
 340.1
Interest expense, net7.9
 12.1
 
 4.2
 
 24.2
Equity earnings in subsidiaries(233.5) (5.7) 
 0.2
 239.0
 
Miscellaneous income, net
 (0.6) 
 (0.9) 
 (1.5)
Income before Provision for Income Taxes193.7
 328.6
 31.5
 2.6
 (239.0) 317.4
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes(14.2) 109.6
 12.8
 1.3
 
 109.5
Net Income$207.9
 $219.0
 $18.7
 $1.3
 $(239.0) $207.9
            
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items:           
  Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments(3.4) (3.4) 
 
 3.4
 (3.4)
  Defined Benefit Pension Plans, net4.0
 1.2
 
 1.0
 (2.2) 4.0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items, net of tax0.6
 (2.2) 
 1.0
 1.2
 0.6
Comprehensive Income (Loss)$208.5
 $216.8
 $18.7
 $2.3
 $(237.8) $208.5



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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2015
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantor
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
Net Sales: 
  
  
  
  
  
External sales$
 $1,758.6
 $
 $188.6
 $
 $1,947.2
Intercompany sales
 
 29.7
 72.1
 (101.8) 
Total Sales
 1,758.6
 29.7
 260.7
 (101.8) 1,947.2
Cost of Products Sold
 996.0
 
 197.6
 (70.7) 1,122.9
Gross Profit
 762.6
 29.7
 63.1
 (31.1) 824.3
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses23.3
 496.6
 3.0
 58.2
 (31.1) 550.0
Intercompany charges(2.4) 1.2
 
 1.2
 
 
Special Charge
 9.8
 
 
 
 9.8
Operating Profit (Loss)(20.9) 255.0
 26.7
 3.7
 
 264.5
Interest expense (income), net7.6
 16.3
 
 (0.1) 
 23.8
Equity earnings in subsidiaries(180.5) (3.0) 
 
 183.5
 
Miscellaneous income, net
 (9.5) 
 (1.0) 
 (10.5)
Income before Provision for Income Taxes152.0
 251.2
 26.7
 4.8
 (183.5) 251.2
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes(10.0) 86.4
 10.7
 2.1
 
 89.2
Net Income$162.0
 $164.8
 $16.0
 $2.7
 $(183.5) $162.0
            
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items:           
  Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments(18.5) (18.5) 
 
 18.5
 (18.5)
  Defined Benefit Pension Plans, net1.6
 1.0
 
 0.2
 (1.2) 1.6
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items, net of tax(16.9) (17.5) 
 0.2
 17.3
 (16.9)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)$145.1
 $147.3
 $16.0
 $2.9
 $(166.2) $145.1



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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantor
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities$192.7
 $49.6
 $
 $1.6
 $
 $243.9
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:           
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
 (51.1) 
 (10.7) 
 (61.8)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment
 0.1
 
 2.2
 
 2.3
Investments in subsidiaries(385.6) 385.6
 
 
 
 
Acquisition of businesses
 (384.4) 
 (229.3) 
 (613.7)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities(385.6) (49.8) 
 (237.8) 
 (673.2)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities: 
  
  
  
  
  
Issuance of long-term debt
 
 
 1.7
 
 1.7
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other10.0
 
 
 
 
 10.0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments19.7
 
 
 
 
 19.7
Dividends paid(17.1) 
 
 
 
 (17.1)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities12.6
 
 
 1.7
 
 14.3
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash
 0.2
 
 (5.0) 
 (4.8)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents(180.3) 
 
 (239.5) 
 (419.8)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period479.9
 
 
 276.9
 
 756.8
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period$299.6
 $
 $
 $37.4
 $
 $337.0
 Three Months Ended November 30, 2016
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantor
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities$19.4
 $2.2
 $
 $17.1
 $
 $38.7
Cash flows from investing activities:           
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
 (16.5) 
 (3.0) 
 (19.5)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment
 
 
 5.4
 
 5.4
Proceeds from sale of investment
 13.0
 
 
 
 13.0
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities
 (3.5) 
 2.4
 
 (1.1)
Cash flows from financing activities: 
  
  
  
  
  
Issuance of long-term debt
 
 
 0.9
 
 0.9
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other2.1
 
 
 
 
 2.1
Repurchases of common stock(0.4) 
 
 
 
 (0.4)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments5.8
 
 
 
 
 5.8
Dividends paid(5.8) 
 
 
 
 (5.8)
Net cash provided by financing activities1.7
 
 
 0.9
 
 2.6
Effect of exchange rates changes on cash
 1.3
 
 (3.5) 
 (2.2)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents21.1
 
 
 16.9
 
 38.0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period368.2
 
 
 45.0
 
 413.2
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$389.3
 $
 $
 $61.9
 $
 $451.2


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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2015
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantor
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities$104.8
 $33.8
 $
 $19.6
 $
 $158.2
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:  
   
   
   
   
  
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
 (29.9) 
 (12.4) 
 (42.3)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment
 1.0
 
 
 
 1.0
Investments in subsidiaries(9.5) 
 
 
 9.5
 
Acquisitions of business and intangible assets
 (14.6) 
 
 
 (14.6)
Proceeds from settlement of financial instrument
 14.4
 
 
 
 14.4
Purchase of financial instrument
 (4.1) 
 
 
 (4.1)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities(9.5) (33.2) 
 (12.4) 9.5
 (45.6)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities: 
  
  
  
  
  
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other7.5
 
 
 
 
 7.5
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments12.6
 
 
 
 
 12.6
Intercompany capital
 
 
 9.5
 (9.5) 
Dividends paid(17.0) 
 
 
 
 (17.0)
Other financing activities
 
 
 (10.4) 
 (10.4)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities3.1
 
 
 (0.9) (9.5) (7.3)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash
 (0.2) 
 (5.5) 
 (5.7)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents98.4
 0.4
 
 0.8
 
 99.6
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period516.0
 3.1
 
 33.4
 
 552.5
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period$614.4
 $3.5
 $
 $34.2
 $
 $652.1
 Three Months Ended November 30, 2015
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantor
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities$24.7
 $21.0
 $
 $5.4
 $
 $51.1
Cash flows from investing activities:  
   
   
   
   
  
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
 (21.7) 
 (1.4) 
 (23.1)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment
 0.1
 
 2.0
 
 2.1
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 
 
 (239.2) 
 (239.2)
Net cash used for investing activities
 (21.6) 
 (238.6) 
 (260.2)
Cash flows from financing activities: 
  
  
  
  
  
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other6.0
 
 
 
 
 6.0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments13.9
 
 
 
 
 13.9
Dividends paid(5.7) 
 
 
 
 (5.7)
Net cash provided by financing activities14.2
 
 
 
 
 14.2
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 0.6
 
 (2.3) 
 (1.7)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents38.9
 
 
 (235.5) 
 (196.6)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period479.9
 
 
 276.9
 
 756.8
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$518.8
 $
 $
 $41.4
 $
 $560.2



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Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
($ in millions, except per-share data and as indicated)
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included within this report. References made to years are for fiscal year periods.
The purpose of this discussion and analysis is to enhance the understanding and evaluation of the results of operations, financial position, cash flows, indebtedness, and other key financial information of Acuity Brands, Inc. (“Acuity Brands”) and its subsidiaries as of May 31,November 30, 2016 and for the three and nine months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 and May 31, 2015. For a more complete understanding of this discussion, please read the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report. Also, please refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015,2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 27, 20152016 (“Form 10-K”). The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included within this report.
Overview
Company
Acuity Brands Inc. (“Acuity Brands”) is the parent company of Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. (“ABL”) and other subsidiaries (Acuity Brands, ABL, and such other subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the “Company”). The Company withhas its principal office in Atlanta, Georgia, employed approximately 10,000 people worldwide as of May 31, 2016.Georgia.
The Company is one of the world’s leading providers of lighting and energybuilding management solutions and services for commercial, institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications throughout North America and select international markets. The Company’s lighting and energybuilding management solutions include devices such as luminaires, lighting andcontrols, controllers for various building controls, lighting components,systems, power supplies, prismatic skylights, and drivers, as well as integrated lighting systems designed to optimize energy efficiency and comfort for various indoor and outdoor applications utilizing a combination of light sources, including daylight, and other devices controlled by software that monitors and manages light levels while optimizing energy consumption.applications. Additionally, the Company continues to expand its solutions portfolio, for both indoorincluding software and outdoor applications in an effortservices, to capitalize on the evolving and growing market for intelligent networked systems that collect and exchange data to increase efficiency as well as provide a host of other economic benefits resulting from data analytics to better enable smart buildingsthat enables the Internet of Things (“IoT”) and smart cities. The transition to solid-state lighting provides the opportunity for lighting to be integrated with other building automation systems to create an optimal platform for enabling the “Internet of Things” (IoT), which will supportsupports the advancement of smart buildings, smart cities, and the smart grid. As of May 31,November 30, 2016, the Company operates 20nineteen manufacturing facilities and eightseven distribution facilities along with two warehousesone warehouse to serve its extensive customer base.
The Company continuesdoes not consider acquisitions a critical element of its strategy but seeks opportunities to expand and enhance its portfolio of lighting solutions, including the following transactions:
On June 30, 2016, using cash on hand and common stock, the Company acquired DGLogik, Inc. (“DGLogik”), a provider of innovative software solutions that enable and visualize the IoT. DGLogik's solutions provide users with the intelligence to better manage energy usage and improve facility performance. DGLogik is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, California.
On December 10, 2015, using cash on hand, the Company acquired all of the equity interests of Juno Lighting LLC ("(“Juno Lighting"Lighting”), a leading provider of downlighting and track lighting fixtures for both residential and commercial applications. Juno Lighting is headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois.
On December 9, 2015, using cash on hand, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Geometri, LLC ("Geometri"(“Geometri”), a provider of a software and services platform for mapping, navigation, and analytics.
On September 1, 2015, using cash on hand, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Distech Controls Inc. ("(“Distech Controls"Controls”), a provider of building automation solutions that allow for the integration of lighting, HVAC, access control, closed circuit television, and related systems. Distech Controls is headquartered in Quebec, Canada.
On April 15, 2015, the Company acquired for cash substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of ByteLight, Inc. ("ByteLight"), a provider of indoor location software for LED lighting. ByteLight is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
In addition, during fiscal 2015, the Company made a strategic, non-controlling investment in a company specializing in light sensory networks.
Please refer to the Description of Business and Basis of Presentation footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company’s principal sources of liquidity are operating cash flows generated primarily from its business operations, cash on hand, and various sources of borrowings. The ability of the Company to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or to access certain capital markets, including banks, is necessary to fund its operations and capital expenditures, pay dividends, meet its obligations as they become due, and maintain compliance with covenants contained in its financing agreements.
Based on its cash on hand, availability under existing financing arrangements, and current projections of cash flow from operations, the Company believes that it will be able to meet its liquidity needs over the next 12 months. Short-term needs are


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expected to include funding operations as currently planned, making anticipated capital investments, paying quarterly stockholder dividends as currently anticipated, paying principal and interest on


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borrowings as currently scheduled, making required contributions to its employee benefit plans, funding potential acquisitions, and potentially repurchasing shares of its outstanding common stock as authorized by the Board of Directors (the "Board"“Board”). TwoApproximately two million shares of the Company’s common stock are currently authorized and available for repurchase under an existing repurchase program. The Company expects to repurchase these shares on an opportunistic basis. The Company currently expects to invest approximately two and a half percent of net sales during fiscal 2016,2017, of which $61.8$19.5 million had been invested as of May 31,November 30, 2016, primarily for equipment, tooling, and facility enhancements, as well as for new and enhanced information technology capabilities. Additionally, management believes that the Company’s cash flows from operations and sources of funding, including, but not limited to, borrowing capacity, will sufficiently support the long-term liquidity needs of the Company.
Cash Flow
The Company uses available cash and cash flow from operations, as well as proceeds from the exercise of stock options, to fund operations and capital expenditures, repurchase common stock of the Company, fund acquisitions, and pay dividends. The Company’s cash position at May 31,November 30, 2016 was $337.0, a decrease$451.2 million, an increase of $419.8$38.0 million from August 31, 2015. The decrease2016. During the three months ended November 30, 2016, the Company generated net cash flows from operations of $38.7 million and received proceeds from the sale of an investment in an unconsolidated affiliate of $13.0 million. Cash generated from operating activities, as well as cash on-hand, was dueused during the current period primarily to cash used to fund acquisitions of $613.7 and capital expenditures of $61.8$19.5 million as well as to pay dividends to stockholders of $17.1. The decrease was partially offset by cash flow generated from operations and stock issued under employee compensation plans.$5.8 million.
The Company generated $243.9$38.7 million of cash flow from operating activities during the ninethree months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 compared with $158.2$51.1 million in the prior-year period, an increasea decrease of $85.7,$12.4 million, due primarily to higher net income and lower operating working capital requirements partially offset byand increased variable incentive compensation payments. Cash used for operatingpayments partially offset by higher net income. Operating working capital (calculated by adding accounts receivable plus inventories, and subtracting accounts payable-net of acquisitions and the impact of foreign exchange rate changes) decreased to $11.2remained relatively flat during the first ninethree months of fiscal 20162017 compared to $55.2a decrease of $9.6 million during the first ninethree months of fiscal 2015.2016.
Management believes that investing in assets and programs that will over time increase the overall return on its invested capital is a key factor in driving stockholder value. The Company invested $61.8$19.5 million and $42.3$23.1 million in the first ninethree months of fiscal 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, primarily related to investments in new equipment, tooling, facility enhancements, and information technology. As noted above, the Company expects to invest approximately two and a half percent of net sales primarily for equipment, tooling, facility enhancements, and new and enhanced information technology capabilities during fiscal 2016.
During the nine months ended May 31, 2016, the Company used approximately $613.7 of cash for the acquisitions of Distech Controls, Juno Lighting, and Geometri.2017.
Capitalization
The current capital structure of the Company is comprised principally of senior unsecured notes and equity of its stockholders. As of May 31,November 30, 2016,, total debt outstanding was $354.4,$356.0 million, compared with $352.4$355.2 million at August 31, 2015,2016, and consisted primarily of fixed-rate obligations. During fiscal 2016,2017, the Company borrowed $1.7$0.9 million under recently-executed fixed-rate long-term bank loans.
On August 27, 2014, the Company executed thea Revolving Credit Facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”) with a borrowing capacity of $250.0.$250.0 million. The Revolving Credit Facility will mature and all amounts outstanding thereunder will be due and payable on August 27, 2019. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility as of May 31,November 30, 2016. At May 31,November 30, 2016,, the Company had additional borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility of $243.9$243.9 million under the most restrictive covenant in effect at the time, which represents the full amount of the Revolving Credit Facility less outstanding letters of credit of $6.1$6.1 million issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of May 31,November 30, 2016,, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $11.0,$11.0 million, primarily for securing collateral requirements under the casualty insurance programs for Acuity Brands and providing credit support for the Company’s industrial revenue bond, including $6.1$6.1 million issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. See the Debt footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
During the first ninethree months of fiscal 2016,2017, the Company’s consolidated stockholders’ equity increased $227.9$70.3 million to $1,587.9$1.73 billion at May 31,November 30, 2016, from $1,360.0$1.66 billion at August 31, 2015.2016. The increase was due primarily to net income earned in the period, as well as amortization of stock-based compensation, stock issuances resulting primarily from the exercise of stock options and the related excess tax benefits, and amortization of pension plan prior service costs and actuarial losses partially offset by dividend payments and foreign currency translation adjustments. The Company’s debt to total capitalization ratio (calculated by dividing total debt by the sum of total debt and total stockholders’ equity) was 18.2%17.1% and 20.6%17.6% at May 31,November 30, 2016 and August 31, 2015,2016, respectively. The ratio of debt, net of cash, to total capitalization, net of cash, was 1.1%(5.8)% at May 31,November 30, 2016 and (42.3)(3.6)% at August 31, 2015.2016.


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Dividends
Acuity Brands paid dividends on its common stock of $17.1$5.8 million and $17.0$5.7 million ($0.390.13 per share) during the ninethree months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 and May 31, 2015, respectively. All decisions regarding the declaration and payment of dividends by Acuity Brands are at the discretion of the Board and are evaluated regularly in light of the Company’s financial condition, earnings, growth prospects, funding requirements, applicable law, and any other factors the Board deems relevant.
Results of Operations
ThirdFirst Quarter of Fiscal 2017 Compared with First Quarter of Fiscal 2016 Compared with Third Quarter of Fiscal 2015
The following table sets forth information comparing the components of net income for the three months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 and May 31, 2015:2015 (in millions except per share data):
 Three Months Ended    
 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 Increase (Decrease) Percent Change
Net Sales$851.5
 $683.7
 $167.8
 24.5 %
Cost of Products Sold473.6
 388.1
 85.5
 22.0 %
Gross Profit377.9
 295.6
 82.3
 27.8 %
Percent of net sales44.4% 43.2% 120
bps 
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses247.2
 196.0
 51.2
 26.1 %
Special Charge9.7
 0.4
 9.3
 NM
Operating Profit121.0
 99.2
 21.8
 22.0 %
Percent of net sales14.2% 14.5% (30)bps 
Other Expense (Income) 
  
  
  
Interest Expense, net8.1
 7.9
 0.2
 2.5 %
Miscellaneous Income, net0.3
 (9.5) 9.8
 NM
Total Other Expense (Income)8.4
 (1.6) 10.0
 (625.0)%
Income before Provision for Income Taxes112.6
 100.8
 11.8
 11.7 %
Percent of net sales13.2% 14.7% (150)bps 
Provision for Taxes38.6
 36.3
 2.3
 6.3 %
Effective tax rate34.3% 36.0%  
  
Net Income$74.0
 $64.5
 $9.5
 14.7 %
Diluted Earnings per Share$1.69
 $1.48
 $0.21
 14.2 %
NM - not meaningful       
 Three Months Ended    
 November 30, 2016 November 30, 2015 Increase (Decrease) Percent Change
Net sales$851.2
 $736.6
 $114.6
 15.6 %
Cost of products sold491.6
 417.2
 74.4
 17.8 %
Gross profit359.6
 319.4
 40.2
 12.6 %
Percent of net sales42.2% 43.4% (120)bps 
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses231.8
 206.6
 25.2
 12.2 %
Special charge1.2
 0.4
 0.8
 NM
Operating profit126.6
 112.4
 14.2
 12.6 %
Percent of net sales14.9% 15.3% (40)bps 
Other expense (income): 
  
  
  
Interest expense, net8.2
 7.9
 0.3
 3.8 %
Miscellaneous income, net(7.9) (0.7) (7.2) NM
Total other expense0.3
 7.2
 (6.9) (95.8)%
Income before provision for income taxes126.3
 105.2
 21.1
 20.1 %
Percent of net sales14.8% 14.3% 50
bps 
Provision for income taxes44.6
 36.8
 7.8
 21.2 %
Effective tax rate35.3% 35.0%  
  
Net income$81.7
 $68.4
 $13.3
 19.4 %
Diluted earnings per share$1.86
 $1.57
 $0.29
 18.5 %
NM - not meaningful       

Net sales were $851.5851.2 million for the three months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 compared with $683.7$736.6 million reported for the three months ended May 31,November 30, 2015, an increase of $167.8,$114.6 million, or 24.5%15.6%. For the three months ended May 31,November 30, 2016, the Company reported net income of $74.0,$81.7 million, an increase of $9.5,$13.3 million, or 14.7%19.4%, compared with $64.5$68.4 million for the three months ended May 31,November 30, 2015. For the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 20162017, diluted earnings per share increased 14.2%18.5% to $1.69$1.86 compared with $1.48$1.57 reported in the year-ago period.
The following table reconciles certain U.S. GAAPgenerally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) financial measures to the corresponding non-U.S. GAAP measures referred to in the discussion of the Company’s results of operations, which exclude the impact of acquisition-related items, amortization of acquired intangible assets, share-based compensationpayment expense, and special charges associated primarily with continued efforts to streamline the organization.organization, manufacturing inefficiencies, and the sale of an investment in an unconsolidated affiliate. Although special charges, amortization of acquired intangible assets, and share-based compensationpayment expense have been recognized in prior periods and could recur in future periods, management typically excludes these charges during internal reviews of performance and uses these non-U.S. GAAP measures for baseline comparative operational analysis, decision making, and other activities. Primarily due to the impact of the four acquisitions completed during fiscal 2016, the Company experienced noticeable increases in amortization of acquired intangibles, share-based payments used to improve retention and align the interest of key leaders of acquired businesses, and special charges due to activities to streamline and integrate those acquisitions. These non-U.S. GAAP financial measures, including adjusted gross profit and margin, adjusted


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selling, distribution, and administrative (“SD&A”) expenses, adjusted operating profit and margin, adjusted other expense (income), adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted earnings per share, are provided to enhance the user’s overall understanding of the Company’s current financial performance. Specifically, the Company believes these non-U.S. GAAP measures provide greater comparability and enhanced visibility into the results of operations. The non-U.S. GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.


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Amounts in the following table are shown in millions except per share data.
 Three Months Ended   
 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 Increase (Decrease)Percent Change
Gross Profit$377.9
 $295.6
   
Add-back: Acquisition-related items (1)
0.9
 
   
Adjusted Gross Profit$378.8
 $295.6
 $83.2
28.1 %
Percent of net sales44.5% 43.2% 130
bps
       
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses$247.2
 $196.0
   
Less: Amortization of acquired intangible assets(7.5) (2.8)   
Less: Share-based compensation expense(6.9) (4.4)   
Less: Acquisition-related items (1)
(0.1) (1.3)   
Adjusted Selling, Distribution and Administrative Expenses$232.7
 $187.5
 $45.2
24.1 %
Percent of net sales27.3% 27.4% (10)bps
       
Operating Profit$121.0
 $99.2
   
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets7.5
 2.8
   
Add-back: Share-based compensation expense6.9
 4.4
   
Add-back: Acquisition-related items (1)
1.0
 1.3
   
Add-back: Special charge9.7
 0.4
   
Adjusted Operating Profit$146.1
 $108.1
 $38.0
35.2 %
Percent of net sales17.2% 15.8% 140
bps
       
Other Expense (Income)$8.4
 $(1.6)   
Add-back: Net gain on financial instruments
 10.5
   
Adjusted Other Expense (Income)$8.4
 $8.9
 $(0.5)(5.6)%
       
Net Income$74.0
 $64.5
   
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets7.5
 2.8
   
Add-back: Share-based compensation expense6.9
 4.4
   
Add-back: Acquisition-related items (1)
1.0
 1.3
   
Add-back: Special charge9.7
 0.4
   
Less: Net gain on financial instruments
 (10.5)   
Total pre-tax adjustments to Net Income$25.1
 $(1.6)   
Income tax effect(8.7) 1.3
   
Adjusted Net Income$90.4
 $64.2
 $26.2
40.8 %
       
Diluted Earnings per Share$1.69
 $1.48
   
Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share$2.06
 $1.47
 $0.59
40.1 %
 Three Months Ended   
 November 30, 2016 November 30, 2015 Increase (Decrease)Percent Change
Gross profit$359.6
 $319.4
   
Add-back: Acquisition-related items (1)

 0.6
   
Add-back: Manufacturing inefficiencies (2)
1.6
 
   
Adjusted gross profit$361.2

$320.0
 $41.2
12.9%
Percent of net sales42.4% 43.4% (100)bps
       
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses$231.8
 $206.6
   
Less: Amortization of acquired intangible assets(5.9) (5.0)   
Less: Share-based payment expense(7.9) (6.4)   
Less: Acquisition-related items (1)

 (1.1)   
Adjusted selling, distribution and administrative expenses$218.0

$194.1
 $23.9
12.3%
Percent of net sales25.6% 26.4% (80)bps
       
Operating profit$126.6
 $112.4
   
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets5.9
 5.0
   
Add-back: Share-based payment expense7.9
 6.4
   
Add-back: Acquisition-related items (1)

 1.7
   
Add-back: Manufacturing inefficiencies (2)
1.6
 
   
Add-back: Special charge1.2
 0.4
   
Adjusted operating profit$143.2

$125.9
 $17.3
13.7%
Percent of net sales16.8% 17.1% (30)bps
       
Other expense$0.3
 $7.2
   
Add-back: Gain on sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliate7.2
 
   
Adjusted other expense$7.5

$7.2
 $0.3
4.2%
       
Net Income$81.7
 $68.4
   
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets5.9
 5.0
   
Add-back: Share-based payment expense7.9
 6.4
   
Add-back: Acquisition-related items (1)

 1.7
   
Add-back: Manufacturing inefficiencies (2)
1.6
 
   
Add-back: Special charge1.2
 0.4
   
Less: Gain on sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliate(7.2) 
   
Total pre-tax adjustments to net income9.4

13.5
   
Income tax effects(3.3) (4.5)   
Adjusted net income$87.8

$77.4
 $10.4
13.4%
       
Diluted earnings per share$1.86
 $1.57
   
Adjusted diluted earnings per share$2.00
 $1.77
 $0.23
13.0%
______________________________ 
(1) Acquisition-related items include acquired profit in inventory and professional fees.
(2) Incremental costs incurred due to manufacturing inefficiencies directly related to the closure of a facility.


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Net Sales
Net sales for the three months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 increased 25%15.6% compared with the prior-year period due primarily to a 16%10% increase in sales volume and an approximately 12%9% favorable impact of acquired revenues from acquisitions, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of changes in product prices and the mix of products sold ("(“price/mix"mix”) of approximately 2% and approximately 1%an unfavorable change in foreign currency rate changes.rates of approximately 1%. Sales volume was higher across most product categories and key sales channels as the Company realized greater demand for LED-based luminaires.channels. Sales of LED-based products during the first quarter of fiscal 2017 represented approximately 60%two-thirds of total net sales. The change in price/mix was due primarily to unfavorable pricing on LED luminaires, reflecting the decline in certain LED component costs, and to a lesser degree, changes in the mix of products sold. Duesold and, to the changing dynamics of the Company's product portfolio, including the increase of integrated lighting solutions as well as the proliferation of new products due to the adoption of solid-state lighting, it is not possible to precisely quantify volume or differentiate the individual components of price/mix.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 increased $82.3, or 27.8%, to $377.9 compared with $295.6 in the prior-year period. Gross profit margin increased 120 basis points to 44.4% for the three months ended May 31, 2016 compared with 43.2% in the prior-year period. Gross profit washigher than the prior-year period due primarily to additional contributiona lesser degree, lower pricing on higher net sales, productivity improvements, as well as lower material and component costs. These benefits were partially offset by higher warranty and recall costs, the unfavorable impact of acquired profit in inventory, and unfavorable price/mix. Adjusted gross profit for the three months ended May 31, 2016 was $378.8 (44.5% of net sales) compared with gross profit of $295.6 (43.2% of net sales) in the prior-year period.
Operating Profit
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative (“SD&A”) expenses for the three months ended May 31, 2016 were $247.2 compared with $196.0 in the prior-year period, an increase of $51.2, or 26.1%. The increase in SD&A expenses was due primarily to higher costs to support the greater sales volume, including freight and commissions, higher employee-related costs, including incentive compensation, increased SD&A expense related to acquired businesses, and increased amortization expense of acquired intangible assets. SD&A expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were 29.0% of net sales compared with 28.7% for the prior-year period. Adjusted SD&A expenses for the three months ended May 31, 2016 were $232.7 (27.3% of net sales) compared with $187.5 (27.4% of net sales) in the prior-year period.
The Company recognized a pre-tax special charge of $9.7 during the third quarter of fiscal 2016, compared with a pre-tax special charge of $0.4 during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Fiscal 2016 charges related primarily to actions initiated to streamline the organization, including the integration of recent acquisitions. These streamlining activities include the consolidation of selected production activities and realignment of certain responsibilities, primarily within various SD&A departments. Further details regarding the Company's special charges are included in the Special Charge footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Operating profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was $121.0 compared with $99.2 for the prior-year period, an increase of $21.8, or 22.0%. The increase in operating profit was due primarily to higher gross profit, partially offset by higher costs to support greater sales volume, higher employee-related costs, including incentive compensation, increased amortization expense related to recent acquisitions, and higher special charges.
Adjusted operating profit increased by $38.0, or 35.2%, to $146.1 for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared with $108.1 for the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Adjusted operating profit margin increased 140 basis points to 17.2% for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared with 15.8% for the year-ago period.
Other Expense (Income)
Other expense (income) consists principally of net interest expense and net miscellaneous income/expense, which includes gains and losses associated with foreign currency-related transactions. Interest expense, net, was $8.1 and $7.9 for the three months ended May 31, 2016 and May 31, 2015, respectively. The Company reported net miscellaneous income of $0.3 and $9.5 for the three months ended May 31, 2016 and May 31, 2015, respectively. Net miscellaneous income for the three months ended May 31, 2015 included a $10.5 net gain associated with two financial instruments intended to mitigate the foreign currency exposure associated with the Distech Controls Canadian-dollar acquisition.


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Provision for Income Taxes and Net Income
The Company’s effective income tax rate was 34.3% and 36.0% for the three months ended May 31, 2016 and May 31, 2015, respectively. The Company estimates that the effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 will be approximately 35.5% before any discrete items and if the rates in its taxing jurisdictions remain generally consistent throughout the year.
Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 increased $9.5 to $74.0 from $64.5 reported for the prior-year period. The increase in net income resulted primarily from higher operating profit partially offset by higher other expense and a higher provision for income taxes. Diluted earnings per share for the three months ended May 31, 2016 increased $0.21 to $1.69 compared with diluted earnings per share of $1.48 for the prior-year period.
Adjusted net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was $90.4 compared with $64.2 in the prior-year period, which represented an increase of $26.2, or 40.8%. Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the three months ended May 31, 2016 increased $0.59, or 40.1%, to $2.06 compared with $1.47 for the prior-year period.

First Nine Months of Fiscal 2016 Compared with First Nine Months of Fiscal 2015
The following table sets forth information comparing the components of net income for the nine months ended May 31, 2016 and May 31, 2015:
 Nine Months Ended    
 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 Increase (Decrease) Percent Change
Net Sales$2,365.9
 $1,947.2
 $418.7
 21.5 %
Cost of Products Sold1,331.7
 1,122.9
 208.8
 18.6 %
Gross Profit1,034.2
 824.3
 209.9
 25.5 %
Percent of net sales43.7% 42.3% 140
bps 
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses683.9
 550.0
 133.9
 24.3 %
Special Charge10.2
 9.8
 0.4
 4.1 %
Operating Profit340.1
 264.5
 75.6
 28.6 %
Percent of net sales14.4% 13.6% 80
bps 
Other Expense (Income) 
  
  
  
Interest Expense, net24.2
 23.8
 0.4
 1.7 %
Miscellaneous Expense (Income), net(1.5) (10.5) 9.0
 (85.7)%
Total Other Expense22.7
 13.3
 9.4
 70.7 %
Income before Provision for Income Taxes317.4
 251.2
 66.2
 26.4 %
Percent of net sales13.4% 12.9% 50
bps 
Provision for Taxes109.5
 89.2
 20.3
 22.8 %
Effective tax rate34.5% 35.5%  
  
Net Income$207.9
 $162.0
 $45.9
 28.3 %
Diluted Earnings per Share$4.75
 $3.72
 $1.03
 27.7 %
Net sales were $2,365.9 for the nine months ended May 31, 2016 compared with $1,947.2 reported for the nine months ended May 31, 2015, an increase of $418.7, or 21.5%. For the nine months ended May 31, 2016, the Company reported net income of $207.9, an increase of $45.9, or 28.3%, compared with $162.0 for the nine months ended May 31, 2015. For the first nine months of fiscal 2016, diluted earnings per share increased 27.7% to $4.75 compared with $3.72 reported in the year-ago period.


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The following table reconciles certain U.S. GAAP financial measures to the corresponding non-U.S. GAAP measures referred to in the discussion of the Company’s results of operations, which exclude the impact of acquisition-related items, amortization of acquired intangible assets, share-based compensation expense, and special charges associated primarily with continued efforts to streamline the organization.
 Nine Months Ended   
 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 Increase (Decrease)Percent Change
Gross Profit$1,034.2
 $824.3
   
Add-back: Acquisition-related items (1)
2.7
 
   
Adjusted Gross Profit$1,036.9
 $824.3
 $212.6
25.8 %
Percent of net sales43.8% 42.3% 150
bps
       
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses$683.9
 $550.0
   
Less: Amortization of acquired intangible assets(18.5) (8.5)   
Less: Share-based compensation expense(19.9) (12.8)   
Less: Acquisition-related items (1)
(7.7) (2.0)   
Adjusted Selling, Distribution and Administrative Expenses$637.8
 $526.7
 $111.1
21.1 %
Percent of net sales27.0% 27.0% 
bps
       
Operating Profit$340.1
 $264.5
   
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets18.5
 8.5
   
Add-back: Share-based compensation expense19.9
 12.8
   
Add-back: Acquisition-related items (1)
10.4
 2.0
   
Add-back: Special charge10.2
 9.8
   
Adjusted Operating Profit$399.1
 $297.6
 $101.5
34.1 %
Percent of net sales16.9% 15.3% 160
bps
       
Other Expense (Income)$22.7
 $13.3
  ��
Add-back: Net gain on financial instruments
 10.5
   
Adjusted Other Expense (Income)$22.7
 $23.8
 $(1.1)(4.6)%
       
Net Income$207.9
 $162.0
   
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets18.5
 8.5
   
Add-back: Share-based compensation expense19.9
 12.8
   
Add-back: Acquisition-related items (1)
10.4
 2.0
   
Add-back: Special charge10.2
 9.8
   
Less: Net gain on financial instruments
 (10.5)   
Total pre-tax adjustments to Net Income$59.0
 $22.6
   
Income tax effect(20.4) (7.2)   
Adjusted Net Income$246.5
 $177.4
 $69.1
39.0 %
     

 
Diluted Earnings per Share$4.75
 $3.72
   
Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share$5.63
 $4.07
 $1.56
38.3 %
______________________________
(1) Acquisition-related items include acquired profit in inventory, professional fees, and certain contract termination costs.



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Table of Contents

Net Sales
Net sales for the nine months ended May 31, 2016 increased $418.7, or 22%, compared with the prior-year period due primarily to an increase in sales volume of approximately 16% and approximately 9% favorable impact of acquired revenues from acquisitions, partially offset by the impact of an unfavorable change in price/mix of approximately 2% and approximately 1% unfavorable foreign currency rate changes. Sales volume was higher across most product categories and key sales channels as the Company realized greater demand for LED-based luminaires. Sales of LED-based luminaires during the first nine months of fiscal 2016 represented more than 55% of total net sales. The change in price/mix was due primarily to unfavorable pricing on LED luminaires, reflecting the decline in certain LED component costs. Due to the changing dynamics of the Company's product portfolio, including the increase of integrated lighting and building management solutions as well as the proliferation of new products due to the adoption of solid-state lighting, it is not possible to precisely quantify volume or differentiate the individual components of price/volume, price, and mix.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 20162017 increased $209.9,$40.2 million, or 25.5%12.6%, to $1,034.2$359.6 million compared with $824.3$319.4 million in the prior-year period. Gross profit margin increaseddecreased 120 basis points to 43.7%42.2% for the ninethree months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 compared with 42.3%43.4% in the prior-year period. Gross profit margin washigher lower than the prior-year period due primarily to increased manufacturing expenses and higher quality costs, partially offset by the additional contribution on higher net sales, productivity improvements, as well assales. Additionally, unfavorable price/mix was offset by lower material and component costs. These benefits were partially offset by higher warranty and recall costs, the unfavorable impact of acquired profit in inventory, and unfavorable price/mix. Adjusted gross profit for the ninethree months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 was $1,036.9 (43.8%$361.2 million (42.4% of net sales) compared with gross profit of $824.3 (42.3%$320.0 million (43.4% of net sales) in the prior-year period.
Operating Profit
SD&A expenses for the ninethree months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 were $683.9$231.8 million compared with $550.0$206.6 million in the prior-year period, an increase of $133.9,$25.2 million, or 24.3%12.2%. The increase in SD&A expenses was due primarily to higher costs to support the greater sales volume, including freight and commissions, higher employee-relatedinvestment in additional headcount, the additional costs including incentive compensation, increased SD&A expense related toassociated with acquired businesses, and increased amortization expense of acquired intangible assets.assets, partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense. SD&A expenses for the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 20162017 were 28.9%27.2% of net sales compared with 28.2%28.0% for the prior-year period. Adjusted SD&A expenses for the ninethree months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 were $637.8 (27.0%$218.0 million (25.6% of net sales) compared with $526.7 (27.0%$194.1 million (26.4% of net sales) in the prior-year period.
The Company recognized a pre-tax special charge of $10.2$1.2 million during the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 2016,2017, compared with a pre-tax special charge of $9.8$0.4 million during the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 2015. Fiscal 20162016. These charges related primarily to previously announced actions initiated to streamline the organization, including the integration of recent acquisitions. These streamlining activities include the consolidation of selected production activities and realignment of certain responsibilities, primarily within various SD&A departments. Further details regarding the Company's special charges are included in the Special Charge footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Operating profit for the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 20162017 was $340.1$126.6 million (14.9% of net sales) compared with $264.5$112.4 million (15.3% of net sales) for the prior-year period, an increase of $75.6,$14.2 million, or 28.6%12.6%. The increase in operating profit for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared with the first nine months of fiscal 2015 was due primarily to higher gross profit,an increase in sales volume, lower material and component costs, and lower incentive compensation expense, partially offset by higher SD&A costs to support the greater sales volume, higher employee-related costs, including incentive compensation,investment in additional headcount, increased amortization expense related to recent acquisitions, and higher special charges.
Adjusted operating profit increased by $101.5,$17.3 million, or 34.1%13.7%, to $399.1$143.2 million for the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 20162017 compared with $297.6$125.9 million for the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 2015.2016. Adjusted operating profit margin decreased 30 basis points to 16.8% for the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 2016 increased 160 basis points to 16.9%2017 compared with 15.3% in17.1% for the year-ago period.
Other Expense (Income)
Other expense (income) consists principally of net interest expense and net miscellaneous income,income/expense, which includes gains and losses associated with foreign currency-related transactions.transactions and non-operating gains and losses. Interest expense, net, was $24.2$8.2 million and $7.9 million for the ninethree months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 compared with $23.8 for the nine months ended May 31, 2015.and 2015, respectively. The Company reported net miscellaneous income of $1.5 in$7.9 million and $0.7 million for the first ninethree months of fiscalended November 30, 2016 compared with $10.5 in the prior-year period.and November 30, 2015, respectively. Net miscellaneous income for the three months ended May 31, 2015November 30, 2016 included a $10.5 net$7.2 million gain associated with two financial instruments intended to mitigate the foreign currency exposure associated with the Distech Controls Canadian-dollar acquisition.sale of an investment in an unconsolidated affiliate.


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Provision for Income Taxes and Net Income
The Company’s effective income tax rate was 34.5%35.3% and 35.5%35.0% for the ninethree months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 and May 31, 2015, respectively.


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The Company estimates that the effective tax rate for fiscal 2017 will be approximately 35.5% before any discrete items and if the rates in its taxing jurisdictions remain generally consistent throughout the year.
Net income for the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 20162017 increased $45.9$13.3 million to $207.9$81.7 million from $162.0$68.4 million reported for the prior-year period. The increase in net income resulted primarily from higher operating profit and lower other net expense, partially offset by higher other expense and a higher provision for income taxes. Diluted earnings per share for the ninethree months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 increased $1.03$0.29 to $4.75$1.86 compared with diluted earnings per share of $3.72$1.57 for the prior-year period.
Adjusted net income for the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 20162017 was $246.5$87.8 million compared with $177.4$77.4 million in the prior-year period, which represented an increase of $69.1,$10.4 million, or 39.0%13.4%. Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the ninethree months ended May 31,November 30, 2016 increased $1.56,$0.23, or 38.3%13.0%, to $5.63$2.00 compared with $4.07$1.77 for the prior-year period.

Outlook
Management believes that the execution of the Company's strategy will provide opportunities for continued profitable growth. The Company's strategy is to capitalize on market growth opportunities by continuing to expand and leverage its industry-leading lighting product and energybuilding management solutions portfolio combined with its extensive market presence and financial strength. Management will continue to drive the creation of a world-class, cost-efficient supply chain and service capability, while also reducing and/or eliminating resources allocated to specific areas of slower and/or declining growth. Management continues to position the Company to optimize short-term performance while investing in and deploying resources for long-term profitable growth opportunities.
In September 2015,Management believes the Company completedsoftness in demand over the acquisition of Distech Controls,last quarter or so was due to temporary circumstances that for the most part have passed; however, some softness could linger into the second quarter. The Company’s December order activity continues to reflect growth albeit at a provider of building automation solutions. Distech Controls generated net sales in excess of $80 Canadian dollars duringslower pace than experienced over the previous several quarters. Similar to prior years, the second fiscal year ended August 31, 2015, and achieved a five-year annual growth rate of over 25%. Additionally,quarter, typically the Company acquired Juno Lighting and Geometri in mid-December 2015. Juno Lighting generated revenues of approximately $250 in the trailing 12-month period prior to being acquired by the Company. Geometri, a small yet fast growing business intelligence company,Company’s weakest quarter, is expected to enhanceonce again be influenced by normal seasonality and the Company's growing portfoliopotential for year-end inventory rebalancing by certain customers. Long-term fundamental drivers of intelligent networkedthe markets the Company serves appear to be intact and positive, while independent third-party forecasts and leading indicators continue to suggest positive growth rates for the Company’s fiscal 2017. Therefore, management has not meaningfully changed its previous expectations that the fiscal 2017 growth rate for lighting and building automation solutions. Management expects these acquisitions to be accretive to the Company's fiscal 2016 consolidated financial results. 
During the first nine months of fiscal 2016, the Company recorded a pre-tax special charge of $10.2 for actions initiated to streamline the organization, including the integration of recent acquisitions. These streamlining activities include the consolidation of selected production activities and realignment certain responsibilities, primarily within various selling, distribution, and administrative departments. Management expects to realize annual savings equal to at least twice the amount of the charge and to achieve the full annualized run-rate by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Management expects to incur additional costs associated with these and potential future integration and streamlining activitiesmanagement solutions in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.
The U.K. referendum vote to exit the European Union created a great deal of uncertainty and generated significant volatility in the global financial markets. This uncertainty and volatility have the potential to affect consumer and business sentiment which could negatively impact global economic activity. This notwithstanding, management remains bullish regarding the Company’s prospects for continued future profitable growth. Third-party forecasts issued in recent months as well as key leading indicators suggest that the growth rate for the North American lighting market, which includes renovation and retrofit activity and comprises over 97 percentapproximately 97% of the Company’s revenues, will be in the mid-to-upper single digit range for the remainder of fiscal 2016 with expectationsrange.
Additionally, management believes that overall demand in the Company’s primary end-marketsend markets will continue to experience solid growth over the next several years. Theyears, and remain bullish regarding the Company’s order rates through the monthprospects for continued future profitable growth. Management continues to target an annual variable contribution margin on an incremental dollar of June reflect this favorable trend. In addition to the projected growthsales in the Company’s primary end-markets, management believesmid-to-upper 20% range over the course of a full year knowing that it is not possible to predict with precision what the rate will be by quarter. Management expects to continue to outperform the growth rates of the markets the Company should benefit from recent acquisitions, furtherserves by executing strategies focused on growth opportunities for new construction and renovation projects, expansion into underpenetrated geographies and channels, and growth from the continued introduction of new lighting and building automationmanagement solutions as part of an integrated, tiered solutions strategy.
Recent changes in the U.S. political landscape have produced a great amount of rhetoric and expansion in underpenetrated geographiesdebate regarding a wide range of policy options with respect to monetary, regulatory, tax, and channels.trade, amongst others, that may be pursued by the new administration. Any policy changes implemented may have a positive or negative consequence on the Company’s financial performance depending on how the changes would influence many factors, including business and consumer sentiment. While management is proactively identifying and evaluating potential contingency options under various certain policy scenarios, it is too early to comment or speculate at this time on the potential ramification of these endless scenarios.
From a longer term perspective, management expects that the Company’s addressable markets will experience solid growth over the next decade, particularly as energy and environmental concerns come to the forefront along with emerging opportunities for digital lighting to play a key role in the "Internet of Things" (IoT)IoT through the use of intelligent networked lighting and building automation systems that can collect and exchange data to increase efficiency as well as provide a host of other economic benefits resulting from data analytics. Management remains positive about the future prospects of the Company and its ability to outperform the markets it serves.



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Critical Accounting Estimates
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations addresses the financial condition and results of operations as reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As discussed in the Description of Business and Basis of Presentation footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition; accounts receivable; inventory valuation; depreciation, amortization and the recoverability of long-lived assets, including goodwill and intangible assets; share-based compensationpayment expense; medical, product warranty and recall, and other reserves; income taxes; retirement benefits; litigation; and environmental matters. Management bases its estimates and judgments on its substantial historical experience and other relevant factors, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management discusses the development of accounting estimates with the Company’s Audit Committee of the Board.
There have been no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting estimates during the current period. For a detailed discussion of significant accounting policies that may involve a higher degree of judgment, please refer to the Company’s Form 10-K.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This filing contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements made herein that may be considered forward-looking include statements incorporating terms such as “expects”, “believes”, “intends”, “anticipates”“expects,” “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates,” and similar terms that relate to future events, performance, or results of the Company. In addition, the Company, or the executive officers on the Company’s behalf, may from time to time make forward-looking statements in reports and other documents the Company files with the SEC or in connection with oral statements made to the press, current and potential investors, or others. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation: (a) the Company’s projections regarding financial performance (including, but not limited to, targeted variable contribution margin), liquidity, capital structure, capital expenditures, and dividends; (b) expectations about the impact of softness in demand as well as volatility and uncertainty in general economic conditions; (c) external forecasts projecting the North American lighting and building automation solutions market growth rate and growth in the Company's addressable markets; (d) the Company's ability to execute and realize benefits from initiatives related to streamlining its operations, capitalize on growth opportunities, expand in key markets as well as underpenetrated geographies and channels, and introduce new lighting and building automationmanagement solutions; (e) the Company’s estimate of its fourth quarter fiscal 20162017 tax rate; (f) the Company’s estimate of future amortization expense; (g) the Company’s ability to achieve its long-term financial goals and measures and outperform the markets its serves; (h) the Company's expectations about the Distech Controls, Juno Lighting, and other acquisitions; and (i)(h) the Company's expectations about the resolution of the trade compliance matter. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect any events or circumstances after the date of this annual report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The Company’s forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the historical experience of the Company and management’s present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, customer and supplier relationships and prices; competition; ability to realize anticipated benefits from initiatives taken and timing of benefits; market demand; litigation and other contingent liabilities; and economic, political, governmental, and technological factors affecting the Company. Also, additional risks that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the Company’s forward-looking statements are discussed in Part I, “Item 1a. Risk Factors” of the Company’s Form 10-K, and are specifically incorporated herein by reference.

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
General.  The Company is exposed to market risks that may impact its Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows due primarily to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and commodity prices. There have been no material changes to the Company’s exposure from market risks from those disclosed in Part II, Item 7a of the Company’s Form 10-K.



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Item 4.Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to reasonably ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted by the Company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to reasonably ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As required by SEC rules, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of May 31, 2016.November 30, 2016. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer. Based on this evaluation, these officers have concluded that the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a reasonable assurance level as of May 31, 2016.November 30, 2016. However, because all disclosure procedures must rely to a significant degree on actions or decisions made by employees throughout the organization, such as reporting of material events, the Company and its reporting officers believe that they cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud or errors and omissions, if any, within the Company will be detected. Limitations within any control system, including the Company’s control system, include faulty judgments in decision-making or simple errors or mistakes. In addition, controls can be circumvented by an individual, by collusion between two or more people, or by management override of the control. Because of these limitations, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and may not be detected.
During the nine months ended May 31,second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company completed its acquisitionsacquisition of Distech Controls Inc. ("Distech Controls") and Juno Lighting LLC ("(“Juno Lighting"Lighting”). SEC guidance permits management to omit an assessment of an acquired business' internal control over financial reporting from management's assessment of internal control over financial reporting for a period not to exceed one year from the date of the acquisition. Accordingly, management has not assessed Distech Controls' or Juno Lighting's internal control over financial reporting as of May 31,November 30, 2016.
The Company began integrating Juno Lighting into its existing control procedures from the date of acquisition. The Company does not anticipate the integration to result in changes that would materially affect its internal control over financial reporting.
Excluding the acquisitions, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
The Company began integrating Distech Controls and Juno Lighting into its existing control procedures from the date of acquisition. The Company does not anticipate the integration of the acquired companies to result in changes that would materially affect its internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings
Acuity Brands is subject to various legal claims arising in the normal course of business, including, but not limited to, patent infringement, product liability claims, and employment matters. Acuity Brands is self-insured up to specified limits for certain types of claims, including product liability and employment matters, and is fully self-insured for certain other types of claims, including environmental, product recall, and patent infringement. Based on information currently available, it is the opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of pending and threatened legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of Acuity Brands. However, in the event of unexpected future developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of any such matters, if unfavorable, could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of Acuity Brands in future periods. Acuity Brands establishes reserves for legal claims when the costs associated with the claims become probable and can be reasonably estimated. The actual costs of resolving legal claims may be substantially higher than the amounts reserved for such claims. However, the Company cannot make a meaningful estimate of actual costs to be incurred that could possibly be higher or lower than the amounts reserved.
Information regarding reportable legal proceedings is contained in Part I, “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” in the Company’s Form 10-K. Information set forth in this report’s Commitments and Contingencies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements describes any legal proceedings that became reportable during the quarter ended May 31,November 30, 2016,, and updates any descriptions of previously reported legal proceedings in which there have been material developments during such quarter. The discussion of legal proceedings included within the Commitments and Contingencies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is incorporated into this Item 1 by reference.

Item 1a.Risk Factors
There have been no material changes in the Company’s risk factors from those disclosed in Part I, “Item 1a. Risk Factors” of the Company’s Form 10-K.

Item 5.        Other Information
Results of Annual Stockholders Meeting
At the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders held on January 6, 2017, in Atlanta, Georgia, the stockholders considered and voted on the following proposals.
PROPOSAL 1 — Votes regarding the persons elected to serve as Directors of the Company were as follows:
 Term Expiring at the Annual Meeting forVotes ForVotes WithheldBroker Non-Votes
W. Patrick Battle201937,241,067573,5802,599,073
Gordon D. Harnett201937,186,523628,1242,599,073
Robert F. McCullough201936,410,9581,403,6892,599,073
Dominic J. Pileggi201937,244,452570,1952,599,073
In addition to the above elected directors, the directors whose term of office continued after the meeting are as follows:
Peter C. Browning, James H. Hance, Jr., Vernon J. Nagel, Julia B. North, Ray M. Robinson, and Norman H. Wesley
PROPOSAL 2 — Votes cast regarding the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm were as follows:
Votes ForVotes AgainstVotes Abstained
39,876,813526,62410,283


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PROPOSAL 3 — The results of the advisory vote on the compensation of the named executive officers of the Company were as follows:
Votes ForVotes AgainstVotes AbstainedBroker Non-Votes
35,236,6782,164,070413,8992,599,073
PROPOSAL 4 — The results of the vote on the amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to declassify the Board of Directors:
Votes ForVotes AgainstVotes AbstainedBroker Non-Votes
37,577,674203,58933,3842,599,073
PROPOSAL 5 — The results of the shareholder proposal related to the Company's dividend policy were as follows:
Votes ForVotes AgainstVotes AbstainedBroker Non-Votes
1,372,71536,367,61074,3222,599,073
Pursuant to the foregoing votes, the Company's stockholders: (i) elected four directors nominated by the Board of Directors and listed above for three-year terms; (ii) approved the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm; (iii) approved, on an advisory basis, the Company's named executive officer compensation; (iv) approved the amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to declassify the Board of Directors; and (v) did not approve the proposal related to the Company's dividend policy.
Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year
At the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders held on January 6, 2017, stockholders approved an amendment to Article VII of the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to phase out the Company's Board’s classified structure. As a result of the adoption of the amendment, the director nominees standing for election at the Company’s 2017 Annual Meeting will stand for election for one-year terms expiring at the Company's annual meeting for fiscal 2018 (the “2018 Annual Meeting”). At the Company’s 2018 Annual Meeting, the directors elected at the 2017 Annual Meeting and the directors with terms expiring at the 2018 Annual Meeting would stand for election for one-year terms expiring at the 2019 Annual Meeting. Beginning with election of directors at the Company’s Annual Meeting for fiscal year 2019, all directors, regardless of their original term of office, will stand for election every year for a term of one year. The amendment is included in this report as Exhibit 3(c).
Effective January 6, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company amended Article II, Section 2 of the Company’s amended and restated by-laws to conform that provision to the amended Restated Certificate of Incorporation. The full text of the amended and restated by-laws is included in this report as Exhibit 3(d).
Declaration of Dividend

On June 24, 2016,January 6, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.13 per share. The dividend is payable on AugustFebruary 1, 20162017 to stockholders of record on July 18, 2016.January 23, 2017.

Item 6.Exhibits
Exhibits are listed on the Index to Exhibits.


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
Date:June 29, 2016January 9, 2017 By:/S/  VERNON J. NAGEL
    
VERNON J. NAGEL
CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT, AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Date:June 29, 2016January 9, 2017 By:/S/  RICHARD K. REECE
    
RICHARD K. REECE
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)



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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT 3(a)Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Acuity Brands, Inc. (formerly Acuity Brands Holdings, Inc.), dated as of September 26, 2007. Reference is made to Exhibit 3.1 of registrant's Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on September 26, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 (b)Certificate of Amendment of Acuity Brands, Inc. (formerly Acuity Brands Holdings, Inc.), dated as of September 26, 2007. Reference is made to Exhibit 3.2 of registrant's Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on September 26, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 (c)Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Acuity Brands, Inc., dated as of January 6, 2017.Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q.
(d)Amended and Restated Bylaws of Acuity Brands, Inc., dated as of October 2, 2015.January 6, 2017. Reference is made to Exhibit 3.1 of registrant's Form 8-K as filedFiled with the Commission on October 7, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.as part of this Form 10-Q.
EXHIBIT 31(a)Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q.
 (b)Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q.
EXHIBIT 32(a)Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q.
 (b)Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q.
EXHIBIT 101 The following financial information from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31,November 30, 2016, filed on June 29, 2016,January 9, 2017, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q.




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