Acuity Brands (AYI) 10-Q 4 Apr 17 2017 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Mar. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ACUITY BRANDS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,144,215
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Feb. 28, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		44,092,486

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 463.2	$ 413.2
Accounts receivable, less reserve for doubtful accounts of $1.6 and $1.7, respectively	500.9	572.8
Inventories	353.7	295.2
Prepayments and other current assets	46.1	41.7
Total current assets	1,363.9	1,322.9
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost:
Land	22	23.1
Buildings and leasehold improvements	180.5	174.4
Machinery and equipment	458.9	448.2
Total property, plant, and equipment	661.4	645.7
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(383.6)	(377.9)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	277.8	267.8
Goodwill	893.3	947.8
Intangible assets, net	446.4	381.4
Deferred income taxes	4.7	5.1
Other long-term assets	13	23
Total assets	2,999.1	2,948
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	365.5	401
Current maturities of long-term debt	0.3	0.2
Accrued compensation	25	95.2
Other accrued liabilities	156	176.1
Total current liabilities	546.8	672.5
Long-term debt	355.8	355
Accrued pension liabilities	116.4	119.9
Deferred income taxes	102.5	74.6
Self-insurance reserves	8.2	7.2
Other long-term liabilities	64.6	59
Total liabilities	1,194.3	1,288.2
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 53,512,076 and 53,415,687 issued, respectively	0.5	0.5
Paid-in capital	868.4	856.4
Retained earnings	1,498.4	1,360.9
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(143.9)	(139.4)
Treasury stock, at cost — 9,679,752 and 9,679,457 shares, respectively	(418.6)	(418.6)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,804.8	1,659.8
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 2,999.1	$ 2,948

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1.6	$ 1.7
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	53,512,076	53,415,687
Treasury stock, shares (shares)	9,679,752	9,679,457

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 804.7	$ 777.8	$ 1,655.9	$ 1,514.4
Cost of products sold	468.9	440.9	960.5	858.1
Gross profit	335.8	336.9	695.4	656.3
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses	227.8	230.1	459.6	436.7
Special charge	0	0.1	1.2	0.5
Operating profit	108	106.7	234.6	219.1
Other expense (income):
Interest expense, net	8	8.2	16.2	16.1
Miscellaneous expense (income), net	0.6	(1.1)	(7.3)	(1.8)
Total other expense	8.6	7.1	8.9	14.3
Income before provision for income taxes	99.4	99.6	225.7	204.8
Provision for income taxes	32.1	34.1	76.7	70.9
Net income	$ 67.3	$ 65.5	$ 149	$ 133.9
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.54	$ 1.50	$ 3.40	$ 3.08
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding (in shares)	43.8	43.5	43.8	43.4
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.53	$ 1.49	$ 3.39	$ 3.06
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding (in shares)	44	43.8	44	43.7
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.13	$ 0.26	$ 0.26
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 67.3	$ 65.5	$ 149	$ 133.9
Other comprehensive income (loss) items:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3.3	(9.2)	(8.6)	(13.4)
Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	2.1	1.3	4.1	2.7
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5.4	(7.9)	(4.5)	(10.7)
Comprehensive income	$ 72.7	$ 57.6	$ 144.5	$ 123.2

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 149	$ 133.9
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	36.5	30.7
Share-based payment expense	16	13
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	(6.2)	(14.3)
Loss (gain) on the sale or disposal of property, plant, and equipment	0.1	(1.1)
Gain on sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	(7.2)	0
Deferred income taxes	(2.7)	(0.3)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions, divestitures, and exchange rate changes:
Accounts receivable	69.7	18.3
Inventories	(59.5)	(3.5)
Prepayments and other current assets	(8.9)	(11.4)
Accounts payable	(32.2)	(16.2)
Other current liabilities	(83.6)	(29.2)
Other	0.6	(0.4)
Net cash provided by operating activities	71.6	119.5
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(35.8)	(43.8)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	5.4	2.2
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	(613.7)
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	13.2	0
Other investing activities	(0.2)	0
Net cash used for investing activities	(17.4)	(655.3)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of long-term debt	0.9	1.1
Repurchases of common stock	(0.4)	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	2.3	6.2
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	6.2	14.3
Dividends paid	(11.5)	(11.4)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	(2.5)	10.2
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(1.7)	(6.9)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	50	(532.5)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	413.2	756.8
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	463.2	224.3
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income taxes paid during the period	97.8	61
Interest paid during the period	$ 22.8	$ 22.1

Description of Business and Bas

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	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”). The Company’s lighting and building management solutions include devices such as luminaires, lighting controls, controllers for various building systems, power supplies, prismatic skylights, and drivers, as well as integrated systems designed to optimize energy efficiency and comfort for various indoor and outdoor applications. Additionally, the Company continues to expand its solutions portfolio, including software and services, to provide a host of other economic benefits resulting from data analytics that enables the Internet of Things (“IoT”) and supports 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. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position as of February 28, 2017 , the consolidated comprehensive income for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 , and the consolidated cash flows for the six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 . 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, 2016 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, 2016 (File No. 001-16583) (“Form 10-K”). The results of operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year due primarily to seasonality, which 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 any 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 2017 .

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	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.

Acquisitions and Investments

Acquisitions and Investments	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Investments	Acquisitions and Investments The 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, using 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. The operating results of DGLogik have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and are not material to the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Preliminary amounts related to the acquisition are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets . 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. 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”), 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 million . The operating results of Juno Lighting have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date related to the Juno Lighting acquisition have been adjusted to reflect the finalization of the valuation of customer relationships and certain accrued liabilities. These adjustments resulted in an increase to intangible assets, net of $81.1 million , a decrease to goodwill of $50.5 million , an increase to deferred income tax liabilities of $29.6 million , and a decrease to net operating working capital of $1.0 million as of February 28, 2017 . The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were finalized and reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets prospectively as of February 28, 2017 . 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. The Company finalized the acquisition accounting for Geometri during fiscal 2017, and the amounts are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . There were no material changes to the Company’s financial statements as a result of the finalization of the acquisition accounting. 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”), 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 $60 million . The Company finalized the acquisition accounting for Distech Controls during fiscal 2016, and the amounts are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . There were no material changes to the Company’s financial statements as a result of the finalization of the acquisition accounting.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Adopted in Fiscal 2017 In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-0 4, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). This guidance eliminates the requirement to determine the implied fair value of goodwill to measure an impairment of goodwill. Rather, goodwill impairment charges will be calculated as the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Adoption of the provisions in ASU 2017-04 is required for the Company for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company has adopted ASU 2017-04 effective beginning in the current period. The provisions of ASU 2017-04 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments (“ASU 2015-16”), which simplifies the accounting for measurement-period adjustments to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for adjustments made to provisional amounts recorded in connection with a business combination and is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company has adopted ASU 2017-04 this fiscal year and has presented all adjustments to provisional amounts recorded in connection within a business combination in fiscal 2017 prospectively. 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 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05, Compensation — Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU 2017-05”), which will change the presentation of net periodic benefit cost related to employer sponsored defined benefit plans and other postretirement benefits. Service cost will be included within the same income statement line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period, while other components of net periodic benefit pension cost will be presented separately outside of operating income. Additionally, only service costs may be capitalized in assets. ASU 2017-05 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017. The provisions of ASU 2017-05 are not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”), which requires an evaluation of whether substantially all of the fair value of assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If so, the transaction does not qualify as a business. The guidance also requires an acquired business to include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs. The Company is required to apply this guidance to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of ASU 2017-01 and intends to implement the standard as required in fiscal 2019. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , (“ASU 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. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 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 and intends to implement the standard as required in fiscal 2020. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The standard also requires additional disclosures about the nature, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. ASU 2014-09 allows for both retrospective and prospective methods of adoption. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) , which clarifies the guidance in ASU 2014-09 and has the same effective date as the original standard. During the three months ended July 1, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing; ASU 2016-11, Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting; and ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. These amendments are intended to improve and clarify the implementation guidance of ASU 2014-09 and have the same effective date as the original standard. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of these standards will have on our consolidated financial statements. All other newly issued accounting pronouncements not yet effective have been deemed either immaterial or not applicable.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	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”) 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 Company's cash and cash equivalents (Level 1), which are required to be carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis, were $463.2 million and $413.2 million as of February 28, 2017 and August 31, 2016 , 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. The carrying values and estimated fair values of certain of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows at February 28, 2017 and August 31, 2016 (in millions): February 28, 2017 August 31, 2016 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets: Investment in noncontrolling affiliate $ — $ — $ 8.0 $ 14.4 Liabilities: Senior unsecured public notes, net of unamortized discount and deferred costs $ 348.9 $ 384.8 $ 348.7 $ 388.8 Industrial revenue bond 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 Bank loans 3.2 3.2 2.5 2.6 Investment in noncontrolling affiliate represents a strategic investment accounted for using the cost method. The Company based 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 discount 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 February 28, 2017 based on bonds of similar terms and maturity (Level 2). The bank loans are carried at the outstanding balance 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). 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.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	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 $7.8 million and $6.0 million during the three months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016, respectively, and $13.7 million and $11.0 million during the six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 , respectively. Amortization expense is generally recorded on a straight-line basis and is expected to be approximately $26.1 million in fiscal 2017 , $25.1 million in fiscal 2018 , $25.1 million in fiscal 2019 , $24.7 million in fiscal 2020 , and $24.6 million in fiscal 2021 . During the current quarter, the Company finalized the purchase accounting allocation for Juno Lighting. As a result, the Company recorded $1.9 million of additional amortization expense to reflect the amortization that would have been recognized in previous periods if the adjustment to intangibles was recognized as of the acquisition date. Additionally, amortization expense recorded by the Company, as well as expected amortization expense, include a preliminary estimate related to intangibles acquired with DGLogik. This amount is 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 allocations for these acquisitions. The change in the carrying amount of goodwill during the six months ended February 28, 2017 is summarized below (in millions): Balance at August 31, 2016 $ 947.8 Adjustments to provisional amounts (50.5 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (4.0 ) Balance at February 28, 2017 $ 893.3 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.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	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 (in millions): February 28, 2017 August 31, 2016 Raw materials, supplies, and work in process (1) $ 194.6 $ 170.3 Finished goods 185.2 145.3 Inventories excluding reserves 379.8 315.6 Less: reserves (26.1 ) (20.4 ) Total inventories $ 353.7 $ 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.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share	Earnings Per Share Prior to fiscal 2017, basic earnings per share was computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which was modified to include the effects of all participating securities during the period, as prescribed by the two-class method under ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”). 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 were not participating securities as prescribed by the two-class method under ASC 260 and were accounted for in the diluted earnings per share calculation described below. The impact of participating securities was not material for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 . Therefore, basic earnings per share for these periods 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, all unvested share-based payment awards were vested, and other distributions related to deferred stock agreements were incurred. The following table calculates basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 (in millions, except per share data): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Net income $ 67.3 $ 65.5 $ 149.0 $ 133.9 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 43.8 43.5 43.8 43.4 Common stock equivalents 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 44.0 43.8 44.0 43.7 Basic earnings per share $ 1.54 $ 1.50 $ 3.40 $ 3.08 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.53 $ 1.49 $ 3.39 $ 3.06 The following table presents stock options and restricted stock awards that were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 as the effect of inclusion would have been antidilutive: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Stock options 128,867 71,115 105,047 49,624 Restricted stock awards 103,752 2,965 78,188 63,305 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.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income 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 income (loss) during the six months ended February 28, 2017 (in millions): 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 (8.6 ) — (8.6 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 4.1 4.1 Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income (8.6 ) 4.1 (4.5 ) Balance at February 28, 2017 $ (56.3 ) $ (87.6 ) $ (143.9 ) The following tables present the tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 (in millions): Three Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit Net of Tax Amount Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit Net of Tax Amount Foreign currency translation adjustments $ 3.3 $ — $ 3.3 $ (9.2 ) $ — $ (9.2 ) Defined benefit pension plans: Amortization of defined benefit pension items: Prior service cost 0.8 (1) (0.2 ) 0.6 0.8 (1) (0.3 ) 0.5 Actuarial losses 2.2 (1) (0.7 ) 1.5 1.2 (1) (0.4 ) 0.8 Total defined benefit pension plans, net 3.0 (0.9 ) 2.1 2.0 (0.7 ) 1.3 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 6.3 $ (0.9 ) $ 5.4 $ (7.2 ) $ (0.7 ) $ (7.9 ) Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit Net of Tax Amount Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit Net of Tax Amount Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (8.6 ) $ — $ (8.6 ) $ (13.4 ) $ — $ (13.4 ) Defined benefit pension plans: Amortization of defined benefit pension items: Prior service cost 1.6 (1) (0.5 ) 1.1 1.6 (1) (0.5 ) 1.1 Actuarial losses 4.4 (1) (1.4 ) 3.0 2.5 (1) (0.9 ) 1.6 Total defined benefit pension plans, net 6.0 (1.9 ) 4.1 4.1 (1.4 ) 2.7 Other comprehensive loss $ (2.6 ) $ (1.9 ) $ (4.5 ) $ (9.3 ) $ (1.4 ) $ (10.7 ) _______________________________________ (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.

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	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 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization 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 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 February 28, 2017 , the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility. At February 28, 2017 , the Company had additional borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility of $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 million issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of February 28, 2017 , the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $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 million issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. Generally, amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a Eurocurrency 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 February 28, 2017 , 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 $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 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 (in millions): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Interest expense $ 8.5 $ 8.3 $ 17.1 $ 16.6 Interest income (0.5 ) (0.1 ) (0.9 ) (0.5 ) Interest expense, net $ 8.0 $ 8.2 $ 16.2 $ 16.1

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	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 February 28, 2017 , 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. 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”). 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. The Company has assessed the matter and implemented 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. Additionally, through a review of shipment activity at other subsidiaries, the Company discovered 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. 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 six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 are summarized as follows (in millions): Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Beginning balance $ 15.5 $ 9.6 Warranty and recall costs 17.2 9.5 Payments and other deductions (14.3 ) (8.2 ) Acquired warranty and recall liabilities — 0.3 Ending balance $ 18.4 $ 11.2 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.

Share-based Payments Share-base

Share-based Payments Share-based Payment (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based Payments	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 following table presents share-based payment expense and new shares issued upon exercise of stock options for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 (in millions, except shares): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Share-based payment expense $ 8.1 $ 6.6 $ 16.0 $ 13.0 Shares issued from option exercises — — 12,030 117,289 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.

Pension Plans

Pension Plans	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension Plans	Pension 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. Net periodic pension cost for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans during the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 included the following components before tax (in millions): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Service cost $ 0.9 $ 0.9 $ 1.8 $ 1.8 Interest cost 2.0 2.4 4.0 4.8 Expected return on plan assets (2.8 ) (2.8 ) (5.6 ) (5.6 ) Amortization of prior service cost 0.8 0.8 1.6 1.6 Recognized actuarial loss 2.2 1.2 4.4 2.5 Net periodic pension cost $ 3.1 $ 2.5 $ 6.2 $ 5.1 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.

Special Charge

Special Charge	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Special Charge	Special Charge During fiscal 2017 and 2016 , the Company recorded pre-tax special charges 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. The details of the special charge during the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 are summarized as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Severance and employee-related costs $ — $ 0.1 $ (0.2 ) $ 0.5 Lease termination costs — — 1.1 — Production transfer costs — — 0.3 — Special charge $ — $ 0.1 $ 1.2 $ 0.5 As of February 28, 2017 , remaining restructuring reserves were $3.3 million and are included in Accrued compensation and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . The changes in the reserves related to these programs during the six months ended February 28, 2017 are summarized as follows (in millions): 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 (3.7 ) (0.5 ) (4.2 ) Balance at February 28, 2017 $ 2.5 $ 0.8 $ 3.3

Supplemental Guarantor Condense

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	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 the 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. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (In millions) February 28, 2017 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 399.9 $ — $ — $ 63.3 $ — $ 463.2 Accounts receivable, net — 437.7 — 63.2 — 500.9 Inventories — 328.8 — 24.9 — 353.7 Other current assets 13.3 13.8 — 19.0 — 46.1 Total current assets 413.2 780.3 — 170.4 — 1,363.9 Property, plant, and equipment, net 0.3 226.4 — 51.1 — 277.8 Goodwill — 685.4 2.7 205.2 — 893.3 Intangible assets, net — 241.8 111.6 93.0 — 446.4 Deferred income taxes 19.4 — — 6.6 (21.3 ) 4.7 Other long-term assets 0.1 11.5 — 1.4 — 13.0 Investments in and amounts due from affiliates 1,478.6 347.8 219.0 — (2,045.4 ) — Total assets $ 1,911.6 $ 2,293.2 $ 333.3 $ 527.7 $ (2,066.7 ) $ 2,999.1 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 0.8 $ 337.6 $ — $ 27.1 $ — $ 365.5 Current maturities of long-term debt — — — 0.3 — 0.3 Other accrued liabilities 7.6 141.4 — 32.0 — 181.0 Total current liabilities 8.4 479.0 — 59.4 — 546.8 Long-term debt — 352.9 — 2.9 — 355.8 Deferred income taxes — 95.8 — 28.0 (21.3 ) 102.5 Other long-term liabilities 98.4 64.4 — 26.4 — 189.2 Amounts due to affiliates — — — 108.9 (108.9 ) — Total stockholders’ equity 1,804.8 1,301.1 333.3 302.1 (1,936.5 ) 1,804.8 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,911.6 $ 2,293.2 $ 333.3 $ 527.7 $ (2,066.7 ) $ 2,999.1 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (In millions) August 31, 2016 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 368.2 $ — $ — $ 45.0 $ — $ 413.2 Accounts receivable, net — 503.0 — 69.8 — 572.8 Inventories — 274.7 — 20.5 — 295.2 Other current assets 2.5 14.3 — 24.9 — 41.7 Total current assets 370.7 792.0 — 160.2 — 1,322.9 Property, plant, and equipment, net 0.3 217.8 — 49.7 — 267.8 Goodwill — 735.8 2.7 209.3 — 947.8 Intangible assets, net — 168.1 113.4 99.9 — 381.4 Deferred income taxes 47.5 — — 6.5 (48.9 ) 5.1 Other long-term assets 1.4 20.4 — 1.2 — 23.0 Investments in and amounts due from affiliates 1,347.6 299.6 200.5 — (1,847.7 ) — Total assets $ 1,767.5 $ 2,233.7 $ 316.6 $ 526.8 $ (1,896.6 ) $ 2,948.0 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 1.2 $ 371.3 $ — $ 28.5 $ — $ 401.0 Current maturities of long-term debt — — — 0.2 — $ 0.2 Other accrued liabilities 14.5 215.4 — 41.4 — 271.3 Total current liabilities 15.7 586.7 — 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 liabilities 92.0 64.8 — 29.3 — 186.1 Amounts due to affiliates — — — 96.9 (96.9 ) — Total stockholders’ equity 1,659.8 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 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In millions) Three Months Ended February 28, 2017 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net sales: External sales $ — $ 712.7 $ — $ 92.0 $ — $ 804.7 Intercompany sales — — 11.7 37.0 (48.7 ) — Total sales — 712.7 11.7 129.0 (48.7 ) 804.7 Cost of products sold — 406.8 — 97.7 (35.6 ) 468.9 Gross profit — 305.9 11.7 31.3 (13.1 ) 335.8 Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses 12.6 196.3 0.9 31.0 (13.0 ) 227.8 Intercompany charges (0.8 ) 0.2 — 0.6 — — Operating (loss) profit (11.8 ) 109.4 10.8 (0.3 ) (0.1 ) 108.0 Interest expense, net 2.7 4.0 — 1.3 — 8.0 Equity earnings in subsidiaries (76.7 ) 1.2 — — 75.5 — Miscellaneous expense (income), net — 0.8 — (0.2 ) — 0.6 Income (loss) before provision for income taxes 62.2 103.4 10.8 (1.4 ) (75.6 ) 99.4 (Benefit) provision for income taxes (5.1 ) 32.4 3.8 1.0 — 32.1 Net income (loss) 67.3 71.0 7.0 (2.4 ) (75.6 ) 67.3 Other comprehensive income (loss) items: Foreign currency translation adjustments 3.3 3.3 — — (3.3 ) 3.3 Defined benefit pension plans, net 2.1 0.7 — 0.7 (1.4 ) 2.1 Other comprehensive income items, net of tax 5.4 4.0 — 0.7 (4.7 ) 5.4 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 72.7 $ 75.0 $ 7.0 $ (1.7 ) $ (80.3 ) $ 72.7 CONDENSED CONSOL IDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In millions) Three Months Ended February 29, 2016 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net sales: External sales $ — $ 693.1 $ — $ 84.7 $ — $ 777.8 Intercompany sales — — 11.4 29.5 (40.9 ) — Total sales — 693.1 11.4 114.2 (40.9 ) 777.8 Cost of products sold — 380.5 — 88.8 (28.4 ) 440.9 Gross profit — 312.6 11.4 25.4 (12.5 ) 336.9 Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses 11.1 202.3 1.0 28.2 (12.5 ) 230.1 Intercompany charges (0.8 ) 0.3 — 0.5 — — Special charge — 0.1 — — — 0.1 Operating (loss) profit (10.3 ) 109.9 10.4 (3.3 ) — 106.7 Interest expense, net 2.7 4.1 — 1.4 — 8.2 Equity earnings in subsidiaries (73.8 ) 1.1 — 0.1 72.6 — Miscellaneous income, net — (0.8 ) — (0.3 ) — (1.1 ) Income (loss) before provision for income taxes 60.8 105.5 10.4 (4.5 ) (72.6 ) 99.6 (Benefit) provision for income taxes (4.7 ) 35.9 4.2 (1.3 ) — 34.1 Net income (loss) 65.5 69.6 6.2 (3.2 ) (72.6 ) 65.5 Other comprehensive income (loss) items: Foreign currency translation adjustments (9.2 ) (9.2 ) — — 9.2 (9.2 ) Defined benefit pension plans, net 1.3 0.4 — 0.3 (0.7 ) 1.3 Other comprehensive (loss) income items, net of tax (7.9 ) (8.8 ) — 0.3 8.5 (7.9 ) Comprehensive income (loss) $ 57.6 $ 60.8 $ 6.2 $ (2.9 ) $ (64.1 ) $ 57.6 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In millions) Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net cash provided by operating activities $ 35.1 $ 15.8 $ — $ 20.7 $ — $ 71.6 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property, plant, and equipment — (29.8 ) — (6.0 ) — (35.8 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment — — — 5.4 — 5.4 Proceeds from the sale of investment — 13.2 — — — 13.2 Other investing activities — (0.2 ) — — — (0.2 ) Net cash used for investing activities — (16.8 ) — (0.6 ) — (17.4 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Issuance of long-term debt — — — 0.9 — 0.9 Proceeds from stock option exercises and other 2.3 — — — — 2.3 Repurchases of common stock (0.4 ) — — — — (0.4 ) Excess tax benefits from share-based payments 6.2 — — — — 6.2 Dividends paid (11.5 ) — — — — (11.5 ) Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities (3.4 ) — — 0.9 — (2.5 ) Effect of exchange rates changes on cash — 1.0 — (2.7 ) — (1.7 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 31.7 — — 18.3 — 50.0 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 368.2 — — 45.0 — 413.2 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 399.9 $ — $ — $ 63.3 $ — $ 463.2 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In millions) Six Months Ended February 29, 2016 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net cash provided by operating activities $ 77.3 $ 46.0 $ — $ (3.8 ) $ — $ 119.5 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property, plant, and equipment — (38.3 ) — (5.5 ) — (43.8 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment — 0.1 — 2.1 — 2.2 Investments in subsidiaries (380.3 ) 380.3 — — — — Acquisitions of business, net of cash acquired — (384.4 ) — (229.3 ) — (613.7 ) Net cash used for investing activities (380.3 ) (42.3 ) — (232.7 ) — (655.3 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Issuance of long-term debt — — — 1.1 — 1.1 Proceeds from stock option exercises and other 6.2 — — — — 6.2 Excess tax benefits from share-based payments 14.3 — — — — 14.3 Dividends paid (11.4 ) — — — — (11.4 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 9.1 — — 1.1 — 10.2 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — (3.7 ) — (3.2 ) — (6.9 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents (293.9 ) — — (238.6 ) — (532.5 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 479.9 — — 276.9 — 756.8 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 186.0 $ — $ — $ 38.3 $ — $ 224.3

Significant Accounting Polici21

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting	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.
Use of Estimates	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	Reclassifications Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. No material reclassifications occurred during the current period.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Adopted in Fiscal 2017 In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-0 4, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). This guidance eliminates the requirement to determine the implied fair value of goodwill to measure an impairment of goodwill. Rather, goodwill impairment charges will be calculated as the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Adoption of the provisions in ASU 2017-04 is required for the Company for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company has adopted ASU 2017-04 effective beginning in the current period. The provisions of ASU 2017-04 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments (“ASU 2015-16”), which simplifies the accounting for measurement-period adjustments to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for adjustments made to provisional amounts recorded in connection with a business combination and is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company has adopted ASU 2017-04 this fiscal year and has presented all adjustments to provisional amounts recorded in connection within a business combination in fiscal 2017 prospectively. 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 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05, Compensation — Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU 2017-05”), which will change the presentation of net periodic benefit cost related to employer sponsored defined benefit plans and other postretirement benefits. Service cost will be included within the same income statement line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period, while other components of net periodic benefit pension cost will be presented separately outside of operating income. Additionally, only service costs may be capitalized in assets. ASU 2017-05 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017. The provisions of ASU 2017-05 are not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”), which requires an evaluation of whether substantially all of the fair value of assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If so, the transaction does not qualify as a business. The guidance also requires an acquired business to include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs. The Company is required to apply this guidance to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of ASU 2017-01 and intends to implement the standard as required in fiscal 2019. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , (“ASU 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. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 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 and intends to implement the standard as required in fiscal 2020. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The standard also requires additional disclosures about the nature, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. ASU 2014-09 allows for both retrospective and prospective methods of adoption. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) , which clarifies the guidance in ASU 2014-09 and has the same effective date as the original standard. During the three months ended July 1, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing; ASU 2016-11, Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting; and ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. These amendments are intended to improve and clarify the implementation guidance of ASU 2014-09 and have the same effective date as the original standard. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of these standards will have on our consolidated financial statements. All other newly issued accounting pronouncements not yet effective have been deemed either immaterial or not applicable.
Methodologies used to determine fair values of financial assets and liabilities	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.
Recognition of transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy	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.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments	The carrying values and estimated fair values of certain of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows at February 28, 2017 and August 31, 2016 (in millions): February 28, 2017 August 31, 2016 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets: Investment in noncontrolling affiliate $ — $ — $ 8.0 $ 14.4 Liabilities: Senior unsecured public notes, net of unamortized discount and deferred costs $ 348.9 $ 384.8 $ 348.7 $ 388.8 Industrial revenue bond 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 Bank loans 3.2 3.2 2.5 2.6

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill during the six months ended February 28, 2017 is summarized below (in millions): Balance at August 31, 2016 $ 947.8 Adjustments to provisional amounts (50.5 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (4.0 ) Balance at February 28, 2017 $ 893.3

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory	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 (in millions): February 28, 2017 August 31, 2016 Raw materials, supplies, and work in process (1) $ 194.6 $ 170.3 Finished goods 185.2 145.3 Inventories excluding reserves 379.8 315.6 Less: reserves (26.1 ) (20.4 ) Total inventories $ 353.7 $ 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.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table calculates basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 (in millions, except per share data): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Net income $ 67.3 $ 65.5 $ 149.0 $ 133.9 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 43.8 43.5 43.8 43.4 Common stock equivalents 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 44.0 43.8 44.0 43.7 Basic earnings per share $ 1.54 $ 1.50 $ 3.40 $ 3.08 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.53 $ 1.49 $ 3.39 $ 3.06
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	The following table presents stock options and restricted stock awards that were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 as the effect of inclusion would have been antidilutive: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Stock options 128,867 71,115 105,047 49,624 Restricted stock awards 103,752 2,965 78,188 63,305

Comprehensive Income (Tables)

Comprehensive Income (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) items	The following table presents the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the six months ended February 28, 2017 (in millions): 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 (8.6 ) — (8.6 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 4.1 4.1 Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income (8.6 ) 4.1 (4.5 ) Balance at February 28, 2017 $ (56.3 ) $ (87.6 ) $ (143.9 )
Schedule of comprehensive income (loss)	The following tables present the tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 (in millions): Three Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit Net of Tax Amount Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit Net of Tax Amount Foreign currency translation adjustments $ 3.3 $ — $ 3.3 $ (9.2 ) $ — $ (9.2 ) Defined benefit pension plans: Amortization of defined benefit pension items: Prior service cost 0.8 (1) (0.2 ) 0.6 0.8 (1) (0.3 ) 0.5 Actuarial losses 2.2 (1) (0.7 ) 1.5 1.2 (1) (0.4 ) 0.8 Total defined benefit pension plans, net 3.0 (0.9 ) 2.1 2.0 (0.7 ) 1.3 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 6.3 $ (0.9 ) $ 5.4 $ (7.2 ) $ (0.7 ) $ (7.9 ) Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit Net of Tax Amount Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit Net of Tax Amount Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (8.6 ) $ — $ (8.6 ) $ (13.4 ) $ — $ (13.4 ) Defined benefit pension plans: Amortization of defined benefit pension items: Prior service cost 1.6 (1) (0.5 ) 1.1 1.6 (1) (0.5 ) 1.1 Actuarial losses 4.4 (1) (1.4 ) 3.0 2.5 (1) (0.9 ) 1.6 Total defined benefit pension plans, net 6.0 (1.9 ) 4.1 4.1 (1.4 ) 2.7 Other comprehensive loss $ (2.6 ) $ (1.9 ) $ (4.5 ) $ (9.3 ) $ (1.4 ) $ (10.7 ) _______________________________________ (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.

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Interest Expense, Net	The following table summarizes the components of interest expense, net for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 (in millions): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Interest expense $ 8.5 $ 8.3 $ 17.1 $ 16.6 Interest income (0.5 ) (0.1 ) (0.9 ) (0.5 ) Interest expense, net $ 8.0 $ 8.2 $ 16.2 $ 16.1

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability	The changes in the reserves for product warranty and recall costs during the six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 are summarized as follows (in millions): Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Beginning balance $ 15.5 $ 9.6 Warranty and recall costs 17.2 9.5 Payments and other deductions (14.3 ) (8.2 ) Acquired warranty and recall liabilities — 0.3 Ending balance $ 18.4 $ 11.2

Share-based Payments (Tables)

Share-based Payments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Expense and Shares Issued Upon Exercise of Options	The following table presents share-based payment expense and new shares issued upon exercise of stock options for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 (in millions, except shares): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Share-based payment expense $ 8.1 $ 6.6 $ 16.0 $ 13.0 Shares issued from option exercises — — 12,030 117,289

Pension Plans (Tables)

Pension Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Periodic Pension Cost	Net periodic pension cost for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans during the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 included the following components before tax (in millions): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Service cost $ 0.9 $ 0.9 $ 1.8 $ 1.8 Interest cost 2.0 2.4 4.0 4.8 Expected return on plan assets (2.8 ) (2.8 ) (5.6 ) (5.6 ) Amortization of prior service cost 0.8 0.8 1.6 1.6 Recognized actuarial loss 2.2 1.2 4.4 2.5 Net periodic pension cost $ 3.1 $ 2.5 $ 6.2 $ 5.1

Special Charge (Tables)

Special Charge (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary Schedule of Special Charge	The details of the special charge during the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016 are summarized as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 Severance and employee-related costs $ — $ 0.1 $ (0.2 ) $ 0.5 Lease termination costs — — 1.1 — Production transfer costs — — 0.3 — Special charge $ — $ 0.1 $ 1.2 $ 0.5
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	The changes in the reserves related to these programs during the six months ended February 28, 2017 are summarized as follows (in millions): 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 (3.7 ) (0.5 ) (4.2 ) Balance at February 28, 2017 $ 2.5 $ 0.8 $ 3.3

Supplemental Guarantor Conden32

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (In millions) February 28, 2017 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 399.9 $ — $ — $ 63.3 $ — $ 463.2 Accounts receivable, net — 437.7 — 63.2 — 500.9 Inventories — 328.8 — 24.9 — 353.7 Other current assets 13.3 13.8 — 19.0 — 46.1 Total current assets 413.2 780.3 — 170.4 — 1,363.9 Property, plant, and equipment, net 0.3 226.4 — 51.1 — 277.8 Goodwill — 685.4 2.7 205.2 — 893.3 Intangible assets, net — 241.8 111.6 93.0 — 446.4 Deferred income taxes 19.4 — — 6.6 (21.3 ) 4.7 Other long-term assets 0.1 11.5 — 1.4 — 13.0 Investments in and amounts due from affiliates 1,478.6 347.8 219.0 — (2,045.4 ) — Total assets $ 1,911.6 $ 2,293.2 $ 333.3 $ 527.7 $ (2,066.7 ) $ 2,999.1 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 0.8 $ 337.6 $ — $ 27.1 $ — $ 365.5 Current maturities of long-term debt — — — 0.3 — 0.3 Other accrued liabilities 7.6 141.4 — 32.0 — 181.0 Total current liabilities 8.4 479.0 — 59.4 — 546.8 Long-term debt — 352.9 — 2.9 — 355.8 Deferred income taxes — 95.8 — 28.0 (21.3 ) 102.5 Other long-term liabilities 98.4 64.4 — 26.4 — 189.2 Amounts due to affiliates — — — 108.9 (108.9 ) — Total stockholders’ equity 1,804.8 1,301.1 333.3 302.1 (1,936.5 ) 1,804.8 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,911.6 $ 2,293.2 $ 333.3 $ 527.7 $ (2,066.7 ) $ 2,999.1 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (In millions) August 31, 2016 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 368.2 $ — $ — $ 45.0 $ — $ 413.2 Accounts receivable, net — 503.0 — 69.8 — 572.8 Inventories — 274.7 — 20.5 — 295.2 Other current assets 2.5 14.3 — 24.9 — 41.7 Total current assets 370.7 792.0 — 160.2 — 1,322.9 Property, plant, and equipment, net 0.3 217.8 — 49.7 — 267.8 Goodwill — 735.8 2.7 209.3 — 947.8 Intangible assets, net — 168.1 113.4 99.9 — 381.4 Deferred income taxes 47.5 — — 6.5 (48.9 ) 5.1 Other long-term assets 1.4 20.4 — 1.2 — 23.0 Investments in and amounts due from affiliates 1,347.6 299.6 200.5 — (1,847.7 ) — Total assets $ 1,767.5 $ 2,233.7 $ 316.6 $ 526.8 $ (1,896.6 ) $ 2,948.0 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 1.2 $ 371.3 $ — $ 28.5 $ — $ 401.0 Current maturities of long-term debt — — — 0.2 — $ 0.2 Other accrued liabilities 14.5 215.4 — 41.4 — 271.3 Total current liabilities 15.7 586.7 — 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 liabilities 92.0 64.8 — 29.3 — 186.1 Amounts due to affiliates — — — 96.9 (96.9 ) — Total stockholders’ equity 1,659.8 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
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In millions) Three Months Ended February 28, 2017 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net sales: External sales $ — $ 712.7 $ — $ 92.0 $ — $ 804.7 Intercompany sales — — 11.7 37.0 (48.7 ) — Total sales — 712.7 11.7 129.0 (48.7 ) 804.7 Cost of products sold — 406.8 — 97.7 (35.6 ) 468.9 Gross profit — 305.9 11.7 31.3 (13.1 ) 335.8 Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses 12.6 196.3 0.9 31.0 (13.0 ) 227.8 Intercompany charges (0.8 ) 0.2 — 0.6 — — Operating (loss) profit (11.8 ) 109.4 10.8 (0.3 ) (0.1 ) 108.0 Interest expense, net 2.7 4.0 — 1.3 — 8.0 Equity earnings in subsidiaries (76.7 ) 1.2 — — 75.5 — Miscellaneous expense (income), net — 0.8 — (0.2 ) — 0.6 Income (loss) before provision for income taxes 62.2 103.4 10.8 (1.4 ) (75.6 ) 99.4 (Benefit) provision for income taxes (5.1 ) 32.4 3.8 1.0 — 32.1 Net income (loss) 67.3 71.0 7.0 (2.4 ) (75.6 ) 67.3 Other comprehensive income (loss) items: Foreign currency translation adjustments 3.3 3.3 — — (3.3 ) 3.3 Defined benefit pension plans, net 2.1 0.7 — 0.7 (1.4 ) 2.1 Other comprehensive income items, net of tax 5.4 4.0 — 0.7 (4.7 ) 5.4 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 72.7 $ 75.0 $ 7.0 $ (1.7 ) $ (80.3 ) $ 72.7 CONDENSED CONSOL IDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In millions) Three Months Ended February 29, 2016 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net sales: External sales $ — $ 693.1 $ — $ 84.7 $ — $ 777.8 Intercompany sales — — 11.4 29.5 (40.9 ) — Total sales — 693.1 11.4 114.2 (40.9 ) 777.8 Cost of products sold — 380.5 — 88.8 (28.4 ) 440.9 Gross profit — 312.6 11.4 25.4 (12.5 ) 336.9 Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses 11.1 202.3 1.0 28.2 (12.5 ) 230.1 Intercompany charges (0.8 ) 0.3 — 0.5 — — Special charge — 0.1 — — — 0.1 Operating (loss) profit (10.3 ) 109.9 10.4 (3.3 ) — 106.7 Interest expense, net 2.7 4.1 — 1.4 — 8.2 Equity earnings in subsidiaries (73.8 ) 1.1 — 0.1 72.6 — Miscellaneous income, net — (0.8 ) — (0.3 ) — (1.1 ) Income (loss) before provision for income taxes 60.8 105.5 10.4 (4.5 ) (72.6 ) 99.6 (Benefit) provision for income taxes (4.7 ) 35.9 4.2 (1.3 ) — 34.1 Net income (loss) 65.5 69.6 6.2 (3.2 ) (72.6 ) 65.5 Other comprehensive income (loss) items: Foreign currency translation adjustments (9.2 ) (9.2 ) — — 9.2 (9.2 ) Defined benefit pension plans, net 1.3 0.4 — 0.3 (0.7 ) 1.3 Other comprehensive (loss) income items, net of tax (7.9 ) (8.8 ) — 0.3 8.5 (7.9 ) Comprehensive income (loss) $ 57.6 $ 60.8 $ 6.2 $ (2.9 ) $ (64.1 ) $ 57.6
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In millions) Six Months Ended February 28, 2017 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net cash provided by operating activities $ 35.1 $ 15.8 $ — $ 20.7 $ — $ 71.6 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property, plant, and equipment — (29.8 ) — (6.0 ) — (35.8 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment — — — 5.4 — 5.4 Proceeds from the sale of investment — 13.2 — — — 13.2 Other investing activities — (0.2 ) — — — (0.2 ) Net cash used for investing activities — (16.8 ) — (0.6 ) — (17.4 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Issuance of long-term debt — — — 0.9 — 0.9 Proceeds from stock option exercises and other 2.3 — — — — 2.3 Repurchases of common stock (0.4 ) — — — — (0.4 ) Excess tax benefits from share-based payments 6.2 — — — — 6.2 Dividends paid (11.5 ) — — — — (11.5 ) Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities (3.4 ) — — 0.9 — (2.5 ) Effect of exchange rates changes on cash — 1.0 — (2.7 ) — (1.7 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 31.7 — — 18.3 — 50.0 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 368.2 — — 45.0 — 413.2 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 399.9 $ — $ — $ 63.3 $ — $ 463.2 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In millions) Six Months Ended February 29, 2016 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net cash provided by operating activities $ 77.3 $ 46.0 $ — $ (3.8 ) $ — $ 119.5 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property, plant, and equipment — (38.3 ) — (5.5 ) — (43.8 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment — 0.1 — 2.1 — 2.2 Investments in subsidiaries (380.3 ) 380.3 — — — — Acquisitions of business, net of cash acquired — (384.4 ) — (229.3 ) — (613.7 ) Net cash used for investing activities (380.3 ) (42.3 ) — (232.7 ) — (655.3 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Issuance of long-term debt — — — 1.1 — 1.1 Proceeds from stock option exercises and other 6.2 — — — — 6.2 Excess tax benefits from share-based payments 14.3 — — — — 14.3 Dividends paid (11.4 ) — — — — (11.4 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 9.1 — — 1.1 — 10.2 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — (3.7 ) — (3.2 ) — (6.9 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents (293.9 ) — — (238.6 ) — (532.5 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 479.9 — — 276.9 — 756.8 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 186.0 $ — $ — $ 38.3 $ — $ 224.3

Description of Business and B33

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017Segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	1

Acquisitions and Investments (D

Acquisitions and Investments (Details) CAD in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 10, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 01, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 01, 2015CAD	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Decrease to goodwill				$ 50.5
Juno Lighting LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash purchase price of business to be acquired	$ 380
Annual revenues of acquired entity	$ 250
Increase to intangible assets, net				81.1
Decrease to goodwill				50.5
Increase to deferred tax liabilities				29.6
Decrease to net operating working capital				$ 1
Distech Controls, Inc. (Distech)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash purchase price of business to be acquired		$ 240
Annual revenues of acquired entity | CAD			CAD 60

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 463.2	$ 224.3	$ 413.2	$ 756.8
Liabilities:
Gain on sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	7.2	$ 0
Carrying Value
Assets:
Investment in noncontrolling affiliate	0		8
Carrying Value | Senior unsecured public notes, net of unamortized discount and deferred costs
Liabilities:
Carrying and estimated fair values of financial instruments	348.9		348.7
Carrying Value | Fixed Rate Bank Loans
Liabilities:
Carrying and estimated fair values of financial instruments	3.2		2.5
Fair Value | Level 3
Assets:
Investment in noncontrolling affiliate	0		14.4
Fair Value | Level 2 | Senior unsecured public notes, net of unamortized discount and deferred costs
Liabilities:
Carrying and estimated fair values of financial instruments	384.8		388.8
Fair Value | Level 2 | Fixed Rate Bank Loans
Liabilities:
Carrying and estimated fair values of financial instruments	3.2		2.6
Industrial Revenue Bond Maturing in 2021 | Carrying Value | Nontaxable Revenue Bond
Liabilities:
Carrying and estimated fair values of financial instruments	4		4
Industrial Revenue Bond Maturing in 2021 | Fair Value | Level 2 | Nontaxable Revenue Bond
Liabilities:
Carrying and estimated fair values of financial instruments	$ 4		$ 4

Goodwill and Intangible Asset36

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 7.8	$ 6	$ 13.7	$ 11
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Amortization expense in fiscal 2017	26.1		26.1
Amortization expense in fiscal 2018	25.1		25.1
Amortization expense in fiscal 2019	25.1		25.1
Amortization expense in fiscal 2020	24.7		24.7
Amortization expense in fiscal 2021	24.6		$ 24.6
Adjustment | Juno Lighting LLC
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 1.9

Goodwill and Intangible Asset37

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Changes in Goodwill) (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 947.8
Adjustments to provisional amounts	(50.5)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 893.3

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Raw materials, supplies, and work in process	$ 194.6	$ 170.3
Finished goods	185.2	145.3
Inventories excluding reserves	379.8	315.6
Less: reserves	(26.1)	(20.4)
Total inventories	$ 353.7	$ 295.2

Earnings Per Share (Basic and D

Earnings Per Share (Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share - Treasury Stock Method) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 67.3	$ 65.5	$ 149	$ 133.9
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	43.8	43.5	43.8	43.4
Common stock equivalents (in shares)	0.2	0.3	0.2	0.3
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	44	43.8	44	43.7
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.54	$ 1.50	$ 3.40	$ 3.08
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.53	$ 1.49	$ 3.39	$ 3.06

Earnings Per Share (Antidilutiv

Earnings Per Share (Antidilutive Securities Excluded from EPS Computation) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share (in shares)	128,867	71,115	105,047	49,624
Restricted stock awards
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share (in shares)	103,752	2,965	78,188	63,305

Comprehensive Income (Changes i

Comprehensive Income (Changes in Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2016			$ (139.4)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ 5.4	$ (7.9)	(4.5)	$ (10.7)
Balance at February 28, 2017	(143.9)		(143.9)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2016			(139.4)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			(8.6)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			4.1
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			(4.5)
Balance at February 28, 2017	(143.9)		(143.9)
Foreign Currency Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2016			(47.7)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			(8.6)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			(8.6)
Balance at February 28, 2017	(56.3)		(56.3)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2016			(91.7)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			4.1
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			4.1
Balance at February 28, 2017	$ (87.6)		$ (87.6)

Comprehensive Income (Tax Amoun

Comprehensive Income (Tax Amounts Allocated to Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Before Tax Amount
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ 3.3	$ (9.2)	$ (8.6)	$ (13.4)
Prior service cost	0.8	0.8	1.6	1.6
Actuarial losses	2.2	1.2	4.4	2.5
Total defined benefit pension plans, net	3	2	6	4.1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6.3	(7.2)	(2.6)	(9.3)
Tax (Expense) Benefit
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0	0	0
Prior service cost	(0.2)	(0.3)	(0.5)	(0.5)
Actuarial losses	(0.7)	(0.4)	(1.4)	(0.9)
Total defined benefit pension plans, net	(0.9)	(0.7)	(1.9)	(1.4)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(0.9)	(0.7)	(1.9)	(1.4)
Net of Tax Amount
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3.3	(9.2)	(8.6)	(13.4)
Prior service cost	0.6	0.5	1.1	1.1
Actuarial losses	1.5	0.8	3	1.6
Total defined benefit pension plans, net	2.1	1.3	4.1	2.7
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ 5.4	$ (7.9)	$ (4.5)	$ (10.7)

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 27, 2014USD ($)
Interest Revenue (Expense), Net [Abstract]
Interest expense	$ 8,500,000	$ 8,300,000	$ 17,100,000	$ 16,600,000
Interest income	(500,000)	(100,000)	(900,000)	(500,000)
Interest expense, net	8,000,000	$ 8,200,000	16,200,000	$ 16,100,000
Lines of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Outstanding letters of credit	11,000,000		11,000,000
Lines of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility Maturing August 27, 2019
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Executed revolving credit facility					$ 250,000,000
Additional borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	$ 243,900,000		$ 243,900,000
Lines of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility Maturing August 27, 2019 | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Minimum interest coverage ratio	2.50		2.50
Applicable margins based on company's leverage ratio, percentage			1.00%
Facility fee, percentage			0.125%
Lines of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility Maturing August 27, 2019 | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Maximum leverage ratio	3.50		3.50
Applicable margins based on company's leverage ratio, percentage			1.575%
Facility fee, percentage			0.30%
Letter of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility Maturing August 27, 2019
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 6,100,000		$ 6,100,000
Senior unsecured public notes | Senior Unsecured Notes Maturing December 2019
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Debt outstanding	$ 350,000,000		$ 350,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.00%		6.00%
Fixed Rate Bank Loans | 2016 Fixed-rate Bank Loans
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Debt outstanding	$ 3,200,000		$ 3,200,000

Commitments and Contingencies44

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 01, 2015	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 9.6	$ 15.5	$ 9.6
Warranty and recall costs		17.2	9.5
Payments and other deductions		(14.3)	(8.2)
Acquired warranty and recall liabilities		0	0.3
Ending balance		$ 18.4	$ 11.2
Trade Compliance Matter | Distech Controls, Inc. (Distech)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Duration period of estimated revenue receipts from potential violations of US and Canadian sanctions	5 years
Estimate of revenue received from potential violations of US and Canadian sanctions	$ 0.3

Share-based Payments (Details)

Share-based Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based expense	$ 8.1	$ 6.6	$ 16	$ 13
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options	0	0	12,030	117,289

Pension Plans (Details)

Pension Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 0.9	$ 0.9	$ 1.8	$ 1.8
Interest cost	2	2.4	4	4.8
Expected return on plan assets	(2.8)	(2.8)	(5.6)	(5.6)
Amortization of prior service cost	0.8	0.8	1.6	1.6
Recognized actuarial loss	2.2	1.2	4.4	2.5
Net periodic pension cost	$ 3.1	$ 2.5	$ 6.2	$ 5.1

Special Charge (Details)

Special Charge (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Special charge	$ 0	$ 0.1	$ 1.2	$ 0.5
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			6.6
Costs incurred			0.9
Payments made during the period			(4.2)
Balance, end of period	3.3		3.3
Severance and Employee-Related Costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			6.4
Costs incurred			(0.2)
Payments made during the period			(3.7)
Balance, end of period	2.5		2.5
Lease Termination Costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			0.2
Costs incurred			1.1
Payments made during the period			(0.5)
Balance, end of period	0.8		0.8
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Special charge	0	0.1	1.2	0.5
Restructuring Charges | Severance and Employee-Related Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Special charge	0	0.1	(0.2)	0.5
Restructuring Charges | Lease Termination Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Special charge	0	0	1.1	0
Restructuring Charges | Production Transfer
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Special charge	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0.3	$ 0

Supplemental Guarantor Conden48

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Narrative) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Owenership interest held by the Company in ABL	100.00%

Supplemental Guarantor Conden49

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 463.2	$ 413.2	$ 224.3	$ 756.8
Accounts receivable, net	500.9	572.8
Inventories	353.7	295.2
Other current assets	46.1	41.7
Total current assets	1,363.9	1,322.9
Property, plant, and equipment, net	277.8	267.8
Goodwill	893.3	947.8
Intangible assets, net	446.4	381.4
Deferred income taxes	4.7	5.1
Other long-term assets	13	23
Investments in and amounts due from affiliates	0	0
Total assets	2,999.1	2,948
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	365.5	401
Current maturities of long-term debt	0.3	0.2
Other accrued liabilities	181	271.3
Total current liabilities	546.8	672.5
Long-term debt	355.8	355
Deferred income taxes	102.5	74.6
Other long-term liabilities	189.2	186.1
Amounts due to affiliates	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	1,804.8	1,659.8
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,999.1	2,948
Consolidating Adjustments
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	0	0
Property, plant, and equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Deferred income taxes	(21.3)	(48.9)
Other long-term assets	0	0
Investments in and amounts due from affiliates	(2,045.4)	(1,847.7)
Total assets	(2,066.7)	(1,896.6)
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	0	0
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0
Other accrued liabilities	0	0
Total current liabilities	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Deferred income taxes	(21.3)	(48.9)
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Amounts due to affiliates	(108.9)	(96.9)
Total stockholders’ equity	(1,936.5)	(1,750.8)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	(2,066.7)	(1,896.6)
Parent
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	399.9	368.2	186	479.9
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Other current assets	13.3	2.5
Total current assets	413.2	370.7
Property, plant, and equipment, net	0.3	0.3
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Deferred income taxes	19.4	47.5
Other long-term assets	0.1	1.4
Investments in and amounts due from affiliates	1,478.6	1,347.6
Total assets	1,911.6	1,767.5
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	0.8	1.2
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0
Other accrued liabilities	7.6	14.5
Total current liabilities	8.4	15.7
Long-term debt	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	98.4	92
Amounts due to affiliates	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	1,804.8	1,659.8
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	1,911.6	1,767.5
Subsidiary Issuer
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	437.7	503
Inventories	328.8	274.7
Other current assets	13.8	14.3
Total current assets	780.3	792
Property, plant, and equipment, net	226.4	217.8
Goodwill	685.4	735.8
Intangible assets, net	241.8	168.1
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term assets	11.5	20.4
Investments in and amounts due from affiliates	347.8	299.6
Total assets	2,293.2	2,233.7
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	337.6	371.3
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0
Other accrued liabilities	141.4	215.4
Total current liabilities	479	586.7
Long-term debt	352.9	352.8
Deferred income taxes	95.8	95.5
Other long-term liabilities	64.4	64.8
Amounts due to affiliates	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	1,301.1	1,133.9
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,293.2	2,233.7
Subsidiary Guarantor
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	0	0
Property, plant, and equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	2.7	2.7
Intangible assets, net	111.6	113.4
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term assets	0	0
Investments in and amounts due from affiliates	219	200.5
Total assets	333.3	316.6
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	0	0
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0
Other accrued liabilities	0	0
Total current liabilities	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Amounts due to affiliates	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	333.3	316.6
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	333.3	316.6
Non- Guarantors
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	63.3	45	$ 38.3	$ 276.9
Accounts receivable, net	63.2	69.8
Inventories	24.9	20.5
Other current assets	19	24.9
Total current assets	170.4	160.2
Property, plant, and equipment, net	51.1	49.7
Goodwill	205.2	209.3
Intangible assets, net	93	99.9
Deferred income taxes	6.6	6.5
Other long-term assets	1.4	1.2
Investments in and amounts due from affiliates	0	0
Total assets	527.7	526.8
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	27.1	28.5
Current maturities of long-term debt	0.3	0.2
Other accrued liabilities	32	41.4
Total current liabilities	59.4	70.1
Long-term debt	2.9	2.2
Deferred income taxes	28	28
Other long-term liabilities	26.4	29.3
Amounts due to affiliates	108.9	96.9
Total stockholders’ equity	302.1	300.3
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 527.7	$ 526.8

Supplemental Guarantor Conden50

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Net Sales:
External sales	$ 804.7	$ 777.8	$ 1,655.9	$ 1,514.4
Intercompany sales	0	0	0	0
Total Sales	804.7	777.8	1,655.9	1,514.4
Cost of Products Sold	468.9	440.9	960.5	858.1
Gross profit	335.8	336.9	695.4	656.3
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	227.8	230.1	459.6	436.7
Intercompany charges	0	0	0	0
Special charge	0	0.1	1.2	0.5
Operating profit	108	106.7	234.6	219.1
Interest expense, net	8	8.2	16.2	16.1
Equity earnings in subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous expense (income), net	0.6	(1.1)	(7.3)	(1.8)
Income before provision for income taxes	99.4	99.6	225.7	204.8
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	32.1	34.1	76.7	70.9
Net income	67.3	65.5	149	133.9
Other comprehensive income (loss) items:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3.3	(9.2)	(8.6)	(13.4)
Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	2.1	1.3	4.1	2.7
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5.4	(7.9)	(4.5)	(10.7)
Comprehensive income	72.7	57.6	144.5	123.2
Consolidating Adjustments
Net Sales:
External sales	0	0	0	0
Intercompany sales	(48.7)	(40.9)	(111.8)	(83.7)
Total Sales	(48.7)	(40.9)	(111.8)	(83.7)
Cost of Products Sold	(35.6)	(28.4)	(85.8)	(59.4)
Gross profit	(13.1)	(12.5)	(26)	(24.3)
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	(13)	(12.5)	(25.9)	(24.3)
Intercompany charges	0	0	0	0
Special charge		0	0	0
Operating profit	(0.1)	0	(0.1)	0
Interest expense, net	0	0	0	0
Equity earnings in subsidiaries	75.5	72.6	174.8	156.3
Miscellaneous expense (income), net	0	0	0	0
Income before provision for income taxes	(75.6)	(72.6)	(174.9)	(156.3)
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net income	(75.6)	(72.6)	(174.9)	(156.3)
Other comprehensive income (loss) items:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(3.3)	9.2	8.6	13.4
Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	(1.4)	(0.7)	(2.8)	(1.4)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(4.7)	8.5	5.8	12
Comprehensive income	(80.3)	(64.1)	(169.1)	(144.3)
Parent
Net Sales:
External sales	0	0	0	0
Intercompany sales	0	0	0	0
Total Sales	0	0	0	0
Cost of Products Sold	0	0	0	0
Gross profit	0	0	0	0
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	12.6	11.1	24.4	22.1
Intercompany charges	(0.8)	(0.8)	(2)	(1.6)
Special charge		0	0	0
Operating profit	(11.8)	(10.3)	(22.4)	(20.5)
Interest expense, net	2.7	2.7	5.5	5.3
Equity earnings in subsidiaries	(76.7)	(73.8)	(167.1)	(150.5)
Miscellaneous expense (income), net	0	0	0	0
Income before provision for income taxes	62.2	60.8	139.2	124.7
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	(5.1)	(4.7)	(9.8)	(9.2)
Net income	67.3	65.5	149	133.9
Other comprehensive income (loss) items:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3.3	(9.2)	(8.6)	(13.4)
Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	2.1	1.3	4.1	2.7
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5.4	(7.9)	(4.5)	(10.7)
Comprehensive income	72.7	57.6	144.5	123.2
Subsidiary Issuer
Net Sales:
External sales	712.7	693.1	1,459	1,344.5
Intercompany sales	0	0	0	0
Total Sales	712.7	693.1	1,459	1,344.5
Cost of Products Sold	406.8	380.5	833.7	746.5
Gross profit	305.9	312.6	625.3	598
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	196.3	202.3	396.2	382.7
Intercompany charges	0.2	0.3	0.4	0.6
Special charge		0.1	1.2	0.5
Operating profit	109.4	109.9	227.5	214.2
Interest expense, net	4	4.1	8	8.1
Equity earnings in subsidiaries	1.2	1.1	(7.9)	(6)
Miscellaneous expense (income), net	0.8	(0.8)	(6.5)	(0.7)
Income before provision for income taxes	103.4	105.5	233.9	212.8
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	32.4	35.9	80.2	71.3
Net income	71	69.6	153.7	141.5
Other comprehensive income (loss) items:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3.3	(9.2)	(8.6)	(13.4)
Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	0.7	0.4	1.4	0.8
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4	(8.8)	(7.2)	(12.6)
Comprehensive income	75	60.8	146.5	128.9
Subsidiary Guarantor
Net Sales:
External sales	0	0	0	0
Intercompany sales	11.7	11.4	23.2	22.2
Total Sales	11.7	11.4	23.2	22.2
Cost of Products Sold	0	0	0	0
Gross profit	11.7	11.4	23.2	22.2
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	0.9	1	1.8	2
Intercompany charges	0	0	0	0
Special charge		0	0	0
Operating profit	10.8	10.4	21.4	20.2
Interest expense, net	0	0	0	0
Equity earnings in subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous expense (income), net	0	0	0	0
Income before provision for income taxes	10.8	10.4	21.4	20.2
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	3.8	4.2	4.7	8.2
Net income	7	6.2	16.7	12
Other comprehensive income (loss) items:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0	0	0
Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income	7	6.2	16.7	12
Non- Guarantors
Net Sales:
External sales	92	84.7	196.9	169.9
Intercompany sales	37	29.5	88.6	61.5
Total Sales	129	114.2	285.5	231.4
Cost of Products Sold	97.7	88.8	212.6	171
Gross profit	31.3	25.4	72.9	60.4
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	31	28.2	63.1	54.2
Intercompany charges	0.6	0.5	1.6	1
Special charge		0	0	0
Operating profit	(0.3)	(3.3)	8.2	5.2
Interest expense, net	1.3	1.4	2.7	2.7
Equity earnings in subsidiaries	0	0.1	0.2	0.2
Miscellaneous expense (income), net	(0.2)	(0.3)	(0.8)	(1.1)
Income before provision for income taxes	(1.4)	(4.5)	6.1	3.4
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	1	(1.3)	1.6	0.6
Net income	(2.4)	(3.2)	4.5	2.8
Other comprehensive income (loss) items:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0	0	0
Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	0.7	0.3	1.4	0.6
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0.7	0.3	1.4	0.6
Comprehensive income	$ (1.7)	$ (2.9)	$ 5.9	$ 3.4

Supplemental Guarantor Conden51

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 71.6	$ 119.5
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(35.8)	(43.8)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	5.4	2.2
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	13.2	0
Investments in subsidiaries		0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	(613.7)
Other investing activities	(0.2)	0
Net cash used for investing activities	(17.4)	(655.3)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Issuance of long-term debt	0.9	1.1
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	2.3	6.2
Repurchases of common stock	(0.4)	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	6.2	14.3
Dividends paid	(11.5)	(11.4)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	(2.5)	10.2
Effect of exchange rates changes on cash	(1.7)	(6.9)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	50	(532.5)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	413.2	756.8
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	463.2	224.3
Consolidating Adjustments
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	0	0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	0	0
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	0
Investments in subsidiaries		0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		0
Other investing activities	0
Net cash used for investing activities	0	0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Issuance of long-term debt	0	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	0	0
Dividends paid	0	0
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	0	0
Effect of exchange rates changes on cash	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	35.1	77.3
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	0	0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	0	0
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	0
Investments in subsidiaries		380.3
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		0
Other investing activities	0
Net cash used for investing activities	0	(380.3)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Issuance of long-term debt	0	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	2.3	6.2
Repurchases of common stock	(0.4)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	6.2	14.3
Dividends paid	(11.5)	(11.4)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	(3.4)	9.1
Effect of exchange rates changes on cash	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	31.7	(293.9)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	368.2	479.9
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	399.9	186
Subsidiary Issuer
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	15.8	46
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(29.8)	(38.3)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	0	0.1
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	13.2
Investments in subsidiaries		(380.3)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		(384.4)
Other investing activities	(0.2)
Net cash used for investing activities	(16.8)	(42.3)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Issuance of long-term debt	0	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	0	0
Dividends paid	0	0
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	0	0
Effect of exchange rates changes on cash	1	(3.7)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0
Subsidiary Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	0	0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	0	0
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	0
Investments in subsidiaries		0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		0
Other investing activities	0
Net cash used for investing activities	0	0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Issuance of long-term debt	0	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	0	0
Dividends paid	0	0
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	0	0
Effect of exchange rates changes on cash	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0
Non- Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	20.7	(3.8)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(6)	(5.5)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	5.4	2.1
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	0
Investments in subsidiaries		0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		(229.3)
Other investing activities	0
Net cash used for investing activities	(0.6)	(232.7)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Issuance of long-term debt	0.9	1.1
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	0	0
Dividends paid	0	0
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	0.9	1.1
Effect of exchange rates changes on cash	(2.7)	(3.2)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	18.3	(238.6)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	45	276.9
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 63.3	$ 38.3