UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_____________________________________________
Form 10-Q
_____________________________________________
| (Mark One) | |||||
| ☑ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the quarterly period ended May 31, 2024.
| OR | |||||
| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
| For the transition period from to . | |||||
Commission file number 001-16583.
_____________________________________________
ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_____________________________________________
| Delaware | 58-2632672 | |||||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||||||
1170 Peachtree Street, N.E., Suite 1200, Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(Address of principal executive offices)
(404) 853-1400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
None
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
| Common stock, $0.01 par value per share | AYI | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☑ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Smaller reporting company | ☐ | Emerging growth company | ☐ | ||||||||||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common stock — $0.01 par value — 30,765,419 shares as of June 24, 2024.
ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
Table of Contents
| Page No. | ||||||||
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.Financial Statements
ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except per-share data)
| May 31, 2024 | August 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| (unaudited) | |||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 699.0 | $ | 397.9 | |||||||
| Accounts receivable, less reserve for doubtful accounts of $1.5 and $1.3, respectively | 512.3 | 555.3 | |||||||||
| Inventories | 372.3 | 368.5 | |||||||||
| Prepayments and other current assets | 90.4 | 73.5 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 1,674.0 | 1,395.2 | |||||||||
| Property, plant, and equipment, net | 298.0 | 297.6 | |||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 71.7 | 84.1 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 1,096.7 | 1,097.9 | |||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | 452.9 | 481.2 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 0.8 | 3.0 | |||||||||
| Other long-term assets | 48.8 | 49.5 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 3,642.9 | $ | 3,408.5 | |||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 323.3 | $ | 285.7 | |||||||
| Current operating lease liabilities | 19.3 | 19.7 | |||||||||
| Accrued compensation | 88.0 | 103.3 | |||||||||
| Other current liabilities | 174.7 | 186.7 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 605.3 | 595.4 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt | 496.0 | 495.6 | |||||||||
| Long-term operating lease liabilities | 63.4 | 75.5 | |||||||||
| Accrued pension liabilities | 38.8 | 38.4 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 42.0 | 59.0 | |||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 142.7 | 129.2 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities | 1,388.2 | 1,393.1 | |||||||||
Commitments and contingencies (see Commitments and Contingencies footnote) | |||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
| Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 50.0 shares authorized; none issued | — | — | |||||||||
| Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 500.0 shares authorized; 54.6 and 54.4 shares issued, respectively | 0.5 | 0.5 | |||||||||
| Paid-in capital | 1,103.4 | 1,066.8 | |||||||||
| Retained earnings | 3,795.7 | 3,505.4 | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (111.9) | (112.6) | |||||||||
| Treasury stock, at cost, of 23.9 and 23.4 shares, respectively | (2,533.0) | (2,444.7) | |||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 2,254.7 | 2,015.4 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 3,642.9 | $ | 3,408.5 | |||||||
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
1
ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(In millions, except per-share data)
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 968.1 | $ | 1,000.3 | $ | 2,808.7 | $ | 2,941.8 | |||||||||||||||
| Cost of products sold | 515.9 | 553.0 | 1,515.7 | 1,671.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 452.2 | 447.3 | 1,293.0 | 1,270.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses | 306.9 | 304.0 | 896.7 | 899.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Special charges | — | — | — | 6.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 145.3 | 143.3 | 396.3 | 363.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) expense: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest (income) expense, net | (1.8) | 3.9 | (1.0) | 16.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous (income) expense, net | (0.5) | 0.7 | 1.2 | 6.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total other (income) expense | (2.3) | 4.6 | 0.2 | 22.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 147.6 | 138.7 | 396.1 | 341.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 33.7 | 33.7 | 92.4 | 78.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 113.9 | $ | 105.0 | $ | 303.7 | $ | 263.1 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings per share(1): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 3.70 | $ | 3.31 | $ | 9.83 | $ | 8.22 | |||||||||||||||
| Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding | 30.829 | 31.682 | 30.905 | 32.006 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 3.62 | $ | 3.28 | $ | 9.67 | $ | 8.13 | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding | 31.477 | 32.011 | 31.420 | 32.360 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends declared per share | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.43 | $ | 0.39 | |||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 113.9 | $ | 105.0 | $ | 303.7 | $ | 263.1 | |||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) items: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 0.3 | 5.2 | (1.1) | 2.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Defined benefit plans, net of tax | 0.5 | 1.1 | 1.8 | 3.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income items, net of tax | 0.8 | 6.3 | 0.7 | 5.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | $ | 114.7 | $ | 111.3 | $ | 304.4 | $ | 268.9 | |||||||||||||||
______________________________
(1) Earnings per share is calculated using unrounded numbers. Amounts in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding.
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
2
ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In millions)
| Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
| May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 303.7 | $ | 263.1 | |||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 68.5 | 70.4 | |||||||||
| Share-based payment expense | 34.9 | 32.4 | |||||||||
| Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment | 0.3 | — | |||||||||
| Asset impairment | — | 4.3 | |||||||||
| Loss on sale of a business | — | 11.2 | |||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures: | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | 42.5 | 123.9 | |||||||||
| Inventories | (1.2) | 82.6 | |||||||||
| Prepayments and other current assets | (16.3) | (9.6) | |||||||||
| Accounts payable | 40.4 | (53.4) | |||||||||
| Other operating activities | (27.7) | (53.4) | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 445.1 | 471.5 | |||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Purchases of property, plant, and equipment | (41.0) | (48.0) | |||||||||
| Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired | — | (35.4) | |||||||||
| Other investing activities | (3.6) | 7.0 | |||||||||
| Net cash used for investing activities | (44.6) | (76.4) | |||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Repayments on credit facility, net of borrowings | — | (18.0) | |||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | (88.7) | (216.2) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from stock option exercises and other | 12.0 | 2.1 | |||||||||
| Payments of taxes withheld on net settlement of equity awards | (10.4) | (13.9) | |||||||||
| Dividends paid | (13.4) | (12.7) | |||||||||
| Net cash used for financing activities | (100.5) | (258.7) | |||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 1.1 | (0.3) | |||||||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 301.1 | 136.1 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 397.9 | 223.2 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 699.0 | $ | 359.3 | |||||||
| Supplemental cash flow information: | |||||||||||
| Income taxes paid during the period | $ | 120.1 | $ | 83.8 | |||||||
| Interest paid during the period | $ | 18.7 | $ | 22.3 | |||||||
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
3
Note 1 — Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Acuity Brands, Inc. (referred to herein as “we,” “our,” “us,” the “Company,” or similar references) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces and light. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting and Lighting Controls (“ABL”) and the Intelligent Spaces Group (“ISG”), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people's lives. We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management systems, and location-aware applications.
ABL Segment
Our ABL strategy is to increase product vitality, elevate service levels, use technology to improve and differentiate both our products and how we operate the business, and drive productivity. ABL's portfolio of lighting solutions includes commercial, architectural, and specialty lighting in addition to lighting controls and components that can be combined to create integrated lighting controls systems. We offer devices such as luminaires that predominantly utilize light emitting diode (“LED”) technology designed to optimize energy efficiency and comfort for various indoor and outdoor applications. ABL's portfolio of products includes but is not limited to the following brands: A-LightTM, Aculux®, American Electric Lighting®, CycloneTM, Dark to Light®, eldoLED®, Eureka®, Gotham®, Healthcare Lighting®, Holophane®, Hydrel®, IndyTM, IOTA®, Juno®, Lithonia Lighting®, Luminaire LEDTM, Luminis®, Mark Architectural LightingTM, nLight®, QUICKTRONIC®, Peerless®, RELOC® Wiring Solutions, and Sensor Switch®.
Principal customers of ABL include electrical distributors, retail home improvement centers, electric utilities, national accounts, original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) customers, digital retailers, lighting showrooms, and energy service companies. ABL's customers are located in North America and select international markets that serve new construction, renovation and retrofit, and maintenance and repair applications. ABL's lighting and lighting controls solutions are sold primarily through a network of independent sales agencies that cover specific geographic areas and market channels, by internal sales representatives, through consumer retail channels, directly to large corporate accounts, and directly to OEM customers. Products are delivered directly from our manufacturing facilities or through a network of distribution centers, regional warehouses, and commercial warehouses using both common carriers and an internally-managed truck fleet.
We market ABL's product portfolio and service capabilities to customers and/or end users in multiple channels through a broad spectrum of marketing and promotional methods, including direct customer contact, trade shows, on-site training, print and digital advertising in industry publications, product brochures, and other literature, as well as through digital marketing and social media. ABL operates training and education facilities in several locations throughout North America and Europe designed to enhance the lighting knowledge of customers and industry professionals.
ISG Segment
Our mission in our ISG business is to make spaces smarter, safer, and greener through our strategy of connecting the edge to the cloud. ISG offers building management solutions and building management software. ISG's building management solutions include products for controlling heating, ventilation, air conditioning (“HVAC”), lighting, shades, refrigeration, and building access that deliver end-to-end optimization of those building systems. ISG's intelligent building software enhances the occupant experience, improves building system management, and automates labor intensive tasks while delivering operational energy efficiency and cost reductions. Through a connected and converged building system architecture, ISG's software delivers different applications, allows clients to upgrade over time with natural refresh cycles, and deploys new capabilities. Customers of ISG primarily include system integrators as well as retail stores, airports, and enterprise campuses throughout North America and select international locations. ISG products and solutions are marketed under multiple brand names, including but not limited, to Atrius®, Distech Controls®, and KE2 Therm Solutions®.
Basis of Presentation
We have prepared the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) to present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Acuity Brands, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
4
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial position as of May 31, 2024, our consolidated comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, and our consolidated cash flows for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in our annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. However, we believe 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 as of and for the three years in the period ended August 31, 2023 and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 26, 2023 (“Form 10-K”).
Our business exhibits some seasonality, with net sales being affected by weather and seasonal demand on construction and installation programs, particularly during the winter months, as well as the annual budget cycles of major customers. Historically, with certain exceptions, we have experienced our highest sales in the last two quarters of each fiscal year due to these factors.
Note 2 — Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
We may reclassify certain prior period amounts to conform to the current year presentation. No material reclassifications occurred during the current period.
Note 3 — Acquisitions and Divestitures
Acquisitions
Arize Assets
On January 19, 2024, we acquired certain assets related to Arize® horticulture lighting products from Current Lighting Solutions, LLC. The assets have been included in ABL's financial results since the date of acquisition and did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
KE2 Therm
On May 15, 2023, using cash on hand, we acquired all of the equity interests of KE2 Therm Solutions, Inc. (“KE2 Therm”). KE2 Therm develops and provides intelligent refrigeration control solutions that deliver the precision of digital controls to promote safety, efficiency, and reliability, while delivering cost savings to the customer. This acquisition expanded ISG's technology and controls product portfolio and reached new customers.
We accounted for the acquisition of KE2 Therm in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). We finalized the acquisition accounting for the KE2 Therm acquisition during the third quarter of fiscal 2024. There were no material measurement period adjustments during fiscal 2024.
Acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated acquisition-date fair values. Acquisition-related costs were expensed as incurred and were not material to our financial statements. The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition reflects goodwill within the ISG segment of $15.0 million, which is not deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill is comprised of expected benefits related to expanding ISG's technology and controls product portfolio as well as the trained workforce acquired with these businesses and expected synergies from combining KE2 Therm with our current businesses.
5
We additionally recorded gross intangible assets of $18.0 million, which reflect estimates for definite-lived intangibles with an estimated weighted average useful life of approximately 15 years.
The operating results of KE2 Therm have been included in our financial statements since the date of acquisition and are not material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Divestitures
There were no divestitures during the first nine months of fiscal 2024. The following discussion relates to fiscal year 2023 activities.
We sold our Sunoptics prismatic skylights business in November 2022. We transferred assets with a total carrying value of $15.1 million, which primarily consisted of intangibles with definite lives, inventories, and allocated goodwill from the ABL segment. During the first quarter of fiscal 2023, we recognized a pre-tax loss on this sale of $11.2 million within Miscellaneous (income) expense, net on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Additionally, we recorded impairment charges for certain retained assets as well as associate severance and other costs related to this sale. These items are included within Special charges on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. See the Special Charges footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
Note 4 — New Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”)
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-09, which expands income tax disclosure requirements to include additional information related to the rate reconciliation of our effective tax rates to statutory rates as well as additional disaggregation of taxes paid. The amendments in the ASU also remove disclosures related to certain unrecognized tax benefits and deferred taxes. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, or our fiscal 2026. The amendments may be applied prospectively or retrospectively, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the requirements on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”)
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, which expands reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments in the ASU require that a public entity disclose, on an annual and interim basis, significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to an entity's chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), a description of other segment items by reportable segment, and any additional measures of a segment's profit or loss used by the CODM when deciding how to allocate resources. Annual disclosures are required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 or our fiscal 2025. Interim disclosures are required for periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, or our fiscal 2026. Retrospective application is required for all prior periods presented, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the requirements on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
All other newly issued accounting pronouncements not yet effective have been deemed either immaterial or not applicable.
6
Note 5 — Fair Value Measurements
We determine fair value measurements based on the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”), establishes a three-level hierarchy that distinguishes 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).
We utilize valuation methodologies to determine the fair values of our 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. 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. We may from time to time be required to remeasure the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities to fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Such adjustments typically arise if we determine that certain of our assets are impaired.
Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value
The following table summarizes balances and the fair value hierarchy level of our financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates presented (in millions):
| May 31, 2024 | August 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Assets recorded at fair value: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | Level 1 | $ | 699.0 | $ | 397.9 | |||||||||
| Other financial instruments | Level 2 | 0.7 | 0.4 | |||||||||||
| Assets in fair value hierarchy | 699.7 | 398.3 | ||||||||||||
Other investments(1) | 7.2 | 7.2 | ||||||||||||
| Total assets at fair value | $ | 706.9 | $ | 405.5 | ||||||||||
____________________________________
(1) Includes strategic investments in privately-held entities over which we do not exercise significant influence or control and without readily determinable fair values. Amounts are recorded at cost less any impairment adjusted for observable price changes, if any.
Disclosures of Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Disclosures of fair value information about financial instruments, 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.
Fair value for our outstanding debt obligations is estimated based on discounted future cash flows using rates currently available for debt of similar terms and maturity (Level 2). Our 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.
The estimated fair value of our senior unsecured public notes was $416.0 million and $401.4 million as of May 31, 2024 and August 31, 2023, respectively.
We had no short-term borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility as of May 31, 2024 and August 31, 2023. Such borrowings, if any, are variable-rate instruments that reset on a frequent short-term basis; therefore, we estimate that any outstanding carrying values of these instruments, which are equal to their face amounts, approximate their fair values. See Debt and Lines of Credit footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on our outstanding borrowings.
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 us. In many
7
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 our management of liquidity and other risks, the fair values of all assets and liabilities should be taken into consideration, not only those presented above.
Note 6 — Inventories
Inventories include materials, direct labor, inbound freight, customs, duties, tariffs, and related manufacturing overhead. Inventories are stated on a first-in, first-out basis at the lower of cost and net realizable value and consist of the following as of the dates presented (in millions):
| May 31, 2024 | August 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
Raw materials, supplies, and work in process (1) | $ | 222.9 | $ | 214.0 | |||||||
| Finished goods | 178.1 | 180.3 | |||||||||
| Inventories excluding reserves | 401.0 | 394.3 | |||||||||
| Less: Reserves | (28.7) | (25.8) | |||||||||
| Total inventories | $ | 372.3 | $ | 368.5 | |||||||
_______________________________________
(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, we do not believe the segregation of raw materials and work in process is meaningful information.
We review inventory quantities on hand and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory primarily based on estimated future demand and current market conditions. A significant change in customer demand and/or market conditions could render certain inventory obsolete and could have a material adverse impact on our operating results in the period the change occurs.
Note 7 — Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment consist of the following as of the dates presented (in millions):
| May 31, 2024 | August 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Land | $ | 23.0 | $ | 23.0 | |||||||
| Buildings and leasehold improvements | 218.9 | 210.9 | |||||||||
| Machinery, equipment, and information technology | 754.4 | 727.9 | |||||||||
| Total property, plant, and equipment, at cost | 996.3 | 961.8 | |||||||||
| Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (698.3) | (664.2) | |||||||||
| Property, plant, and equipment, net | $ | 298.0 | $ | 297.6 | |||||||
Note 8 — Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Through multiple acquisitions, we acquired definite-lived intangible assets consisting primarily of customer relationships, patented technology, distribution networks, and trademarks and trade names associated with specific products, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names that are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely.
We recorded amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets of $10.0 million and $9.2 million during the three months ended May 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $29.9 million and $32.1 million during the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
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The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment during the periods presented (in millions):
| ABL | ISG | Total | |||||||||||||||
| Balance at August 31, 2023 | $ | 1,014.4 | $ | 83.5 | $ | 1,097.9 | |||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | (0.7) | (0.5) | (1.2) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at May 31, 2024 | $ | 1,013.7 | $ | 83.0 | $ | 1,096.7 | |||||||||||
| ABL | ISG | Total | |||||||||||||||
| Balance at August 31, 2022 | $ | 1,014.2 | $ | 70.1 | $ | 1,084.3 | |||||||||||
| Provisional amounts from acquired businesses | — | 15.2 | 15.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Derecognitions for divestitures | (0.7) | — | (0.7) | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | (0.2) | (1.9) | (2.1) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at May 31, 2023 | $ | 1,013.3 | $ | 83.4 | $ | 1,096.7 | |||||||||||
Further discussion of goodwill and intangible assets is included within the Significant Accounting Policies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within our Form 10-K.
Note 9 — Other Current Liabilities
Other current liabilities consist of the following as of the dates presented (in millions):
| May 31, 2024 | August 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
Customer incentive programs(1) | $ | 23.6 | $ | 31.6 | |||||||
Refunds to customers(1) | 25.6 | 25.6 | |||||||||
Deferred revenues(1) | 15.0 | 14.1 | |||||||||
| Sales commissions | 30.8 | 35.7 | |||||||||
| Freight costs | 12.5 | 15.0 | |||||||||
Warranty and recall costs(2) | 21.7 | 22.8 | |||||||||
Tax-related items(3) | 6.0 | 9.2 | |||||||||
Interest on long-term debt(4) | 5.0 | 2.3 | |||||||||
| Other | 34.5 | 30.4 | |||||||||
| Total other current liabilities | $ | 174.7 | $ | 186.7 | |||||||
____________________________________
(1) Refer to the Revenue Recognition footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within our Form 10-K for additional information.
(2) Refer to the Commitments and Contingencies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(3) Includes accruals for income, property, sales and use, and value-added taxes.
(4) Refer to the Debt and Lines of Credit footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
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Note 10 — Debt and Lines of Credit
Long-term Debt
On November 10, 2020, Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc., a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of Acuity Brands, Inc., issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.150% senior unsecured notes due December 15, 2030 (the “Unsecured Notes”) at a price equal to 99.737% of their face value. Interest on the Unsecured Notes is paid semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year. At issuance we recorded $4.8 million of deferred issuance costs related to the Unsecured Notes as a direct deduction from the face amount of the Unsecured Notes. These issuance costs are amortized over the 10-year term of the Unsecured Notes.
The Unsecured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Acuity Brands, Inc. and ABL IP Holding LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acuity Brands, Inc.
Lines of Credit
On June 30, 2022, we entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks that provides us with a $600.0 million five-year unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with the ability to request an additional $400.0 million of borrowing capacity. We had no short-term borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at May 31, 2024 and August 31, 2023.
We were in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Agreement as of the periods presented. At May 31, 2024, we had additional borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement of $596.2 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 $3.8 million issued under the Revolving Credit Facility, primarily for securing collateral requirements under our casualty insurance premiums.
None of our existing debt instruments include provisions that would require an acceleration of repayments based solely on changes in our credit ratings. Borrowings and repayments on our Revolving Credit Facility with terms of three months or less are reported on a net basis on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Note 11 — Commitments and Contingencies
In the normal course of business, we are 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 estimated liabilities and claims, legal and contractual issues, environmental laws and regulations, guarantees, and indemnities. We establish estimated liabilities when the associated costs related to uncertainties or guarantees become probable and can be reasonably estimated. For the period ended May 31, 2024, no material changes have occurred in our estimated liabilities 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 our Form 10-K other than the items discussed below.
Product Warranty and Recall Costs
Our products generally have a standard warranty term of five years that assure our products comply with agreed upon specifications. We record an accrual for the estimated amount of future warranty costs in accordance with ASC Topic 450, Contingencies (“ASC 450”) when the related revenue is recognized. Estimated future warranty and recall costs are primarily based on historical experience of identified warranty and recall claims. Estimated costs related to product warranty and recall costs outside of our historical experience, which could include significant product recalls or formal campaigns soliciting repair or return of a product, are accrued when they are deemed to be probable and can be reasonably estimated. Any estimated or actual loss recoveries that offset our costs and payments are reflected as assets and included within Other current assets or Other long-term assets based on the timing of receipt of recovery. Recoveries are recorded net of allowances for credit losses.
There can be no assurance that future warranty or recall costs will not exceed historical amounts, new technology products may not generate unexpected costs, and/or loss recoveries will not be fully collectible. If actual future warranty or recall costs exceed historical amounts or recoveries are no longer collectible, adjustments to our
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accruals and/or receivables may be warranted, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flows.
Estimated liabilities for product warranty and recall costs are included in Other current liabilities or Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets based upon when we expect to settle the incurred warranty. The following table summarizes changes in the estimated liabilities for product warranty and recall costs during the periods presented (in millions):
| Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
| May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 31.6 | $ | 27.3 | |||||||
| Warranty and recall costs | 35.8 | 36.1 | |||||||||
| Payments and other deductions | (30.1) | (32.2) | |||||||||
| Ending balance | $ | 37.3 | $ | 31.2 | |||||||
Data Security Incidents
On December 14, 2022, a former associate filed a putative class action complaint against the Company in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on behalf of all persons whose personal information was compromised as a result of data security incidents we experienced in October 2020 and/or December 2021. On January 25, 2023, a second putative class action complaint was filed in the same venue by two other former associates.
Both complaints contained similar allegations and claimed that the Company failed to exercise reasonable caution in securing and safeguarding associate information. On that basis, the complaints asserted claims for negligence, breach of contract, breach of implied contract, unjust enrichment, breach of fiduciary duty, invasion of privacy, and breach of confidence. The plaintiffs sought class certification, monetary damages, certain injunctive relief regarding our data-security measures, additional credit-monitoring services, other equitable relief (including disgorgement), attorneys’ fees, costs, and pre- and post-judgment interest.
On December 1, 2023, the parties reached a proposed settlement and release of all claims in the class action and executed a Settlement Agreement and Release. The State Court of Fulton County, Georgia approved the settlement on May 21, 2024 with an effective date of June 25, 2024. The impact of the settlement was not material.
Litigation
We are subject to various other 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 our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. 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 our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows in future periods. We establish estimated liabilities 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 accrued for such claims. However, we cannot make a meaningful estimate of actual costs to be incurred that could possibly be higher or lower than the accrued amounts.
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Note 12 — Changes in Stockholders' Equity
The following tables summarize changes in the components of stockholders' equity for the periods presented (in millions):
| Common Stock Outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares(1) | Amount | Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Treasury Stock, at cost | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, August 31, 2023 | 31.1 | $ | 0.5 | $ | 1,066.8 | $ | 3,505.4 | $ | (112.6) | $ | (2,444.7) | $ | 2,015.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 100.6 | — | — | 100.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | (1.5) | — | (1.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based payment amortization, issuances, and cancellations | 0.1 | — | 2.1 | — | — | — | 2.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee stock purchase plan issuances | — | — | 0.5 | — | — | — | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends of $0.13 per share paid on common stock | — | — | — | (4.1) | — | — | (4.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options exercised | — | — | 1.1 | — | — | — | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | (0.3) | — | — | — | — | (50.0) | (50.0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, November 30, 2023 | 30.9 | 0.5 | 1,070.5 | 3,601.9 | (114.1) | (2,494.7) | 2,064.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 89.2 | — | — | 89.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | 1.4 | — | 1.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based payment amortization, issuances, and cancellations | — | — | 11.8 | — | — | — | 11.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee stock purchase plan issuances | — | — | 0.3 | — | — | — | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends of $0.15 per share paid on common stock | — | — | — | (4.7) | — | — | (4.7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options exercised | — | — | 5.1 | — | — | — | 5.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | (0.1) | — | — | — | — | (17.6) | (17.6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, February 29, 2024 | 30.8 | 0.5 | 1,087.7 | 3,686.4 | (112.7) | (2,512.3) | 2,149.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 113.9 | — | — | 113.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | 0.8 | — | 0.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based payment amortization, issuances, and cancellations | — | — | 10.7 | — | — | — | 10.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee stock purchase plan issuances | — | — | 0.4 | — | — | — | 0.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends of $0.15 per share paid on common stock | — | — | — | (4.6) | — | — | (4.6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options exercised | — | — | 4.6 | — | — | — | 4.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | (0.1) | — | — | — | — | (20.7) | (20.7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, May 31, 2024 | 30.7 | $ | 0.5 | $ | 1,103.4 | $ | 3,795.7 | $ | (111.9) | $ | (2,533.0) | $ | 2,254.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Share activity and balances above are calculated using rounded numbers.
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| Common Stock Outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares(1) | Amount | Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Treasury Stock, at cost | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, August 31, 2022 | 32.5 | $ | 0.5 | $ | 1,036.3 | $ | 3,176.2 | $ | (125.8) | $ | (2,175.4) | $ | 1,911.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 74.9 | — | — | 74.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | (0.4) | — | (0.4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based payment amortization, issuances, and cancellations | 0.2 | — | (1.8) | — | — | — | (1.8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee stock purchase plan issuances | — | — | 0.5 | — | — | — | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends of $0.13 per share paid on common stock | — | — | — | (4.3) | — | — | (4.3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options exercised | — | — | 0.4 | — | — | — | 0.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | (0.5) | — | — | — | — | (77.6) | (77.6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, November 30, 2022 | 32.2 | 0.5 | 1,035.4 | 3,246.8 | (126.2) | (2,253.0) | 1,903.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 83.2 | — | — | 83.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | (0.1) | — | (0.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based payment amortization, issuances, and cancellations | — | — | 10.9 | — | — | — | 10.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee stock purchase plan issuances | — | — | 0.3 | — | — | — | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends of $0.13 per share paid on common stock | — | — | — | (4.2) | — | — | (4.2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options exercised | — | — | 0.5 | — | — | — | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | (0.2) | — | — | — | — | (46.5) | (46.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, February 28, 2023 | 32.0 | 0.5 | 1,047.1 | 3,325.8 | (126.3) | (2,299.5) | 1,947.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 105.0 | — | — | 105.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | 6.3 | — | 6.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based payment amortization, issuances, and cancellations | — | — | 9.4 | — | — | — | 9.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee stock purchase plan issuances | — | — | 0.4 | — | — | — | 0.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends of $0.13 per share paid on common stock | — | — | — | (4.2) | — | — | (4.2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | (0.6) | — | — | — | — | (94.7) | (94.7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, May 31, 2023 | 31.4 | $ | 0.5 | $ | 1,056.9 | $ | 3,426.6 | $ | (120.0) | $ | (2,394.2) | $ | 1,969.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Share activity and balances above are calculated using rounded numbers.
Note 13 — Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when we transfer control of goods and services to our customers. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for goods and services and is recognized net of allowances for rebates, sales incentives, product returns, and discounts to customers. We allocate the expected consideration to be collected to each distinct performance obligation identified in a sale based on its standalone selling price. Sales and use taxes collected on behalf of governmental authorities are excluded from revenues.
Further details regarding revenue recognition are included within the Revenue Recognition footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within our Form 10-K.
Contract Balances
Our rights related to collections from customers are unconditional and are reflected within Accounts receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at net realizable value. Further details regarding our method for developing our estimate of expected credit losses over the contractual term of our receivables are included within the Significant Accounting Policies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within our Form 10-K.
We do not have any other significant contract assets. Contract liabilities arise when we receive cash or an unconditional right to collect cash prior to the transfer of control of goods or services.
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The amount of transaction price from contracts with customers allocated to our contract liabilities consists of the following as of the dates presented (in millions):
| May 31, 2024 | August 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Current deferred revenues | $ | 15.0 | $ | 14.1 | |||||||
| Non-current deferred revenues | 41.3 | 47.6 | |||||||||
Current deferred revenues primarily consist of service-type warranty and professional service fees collected prior to performing the related service as well as software licenses. Current deferred revenues are included within Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These services are expected to be performed within one year. Revenue recognized from beginning balances of contract liabilities during the nine months ended May 31, 2024 totaled $12.3 million.
Non-current deferred revenues primarily consist of long-term service-type warranties, which are typically recognized ratably as revenue between five and ten years from the date of sale, and are included within Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Unsatisfied performance obligations that do not represent contract liabilities are expected to be satisfied within one year from May 31, 2024 and consist primarily of orders for physical goods that have not yet been shipped.
Disaggregated Revenues
Our ABL segment's lighting and lighting controls are sold primarily through independent sales agents who cover specific geographic areas and market channels, by internal sales representatives, through consumer retail channels, directly to large corporate accounts, and through other distribution methods, including directly to OEM customers. ISG sells predominantly to system integrators. The following table shows revenue from contracts with customers by sales channel and reconciles to our segment information for the periods presented (in millions):
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ABL: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Independent sales network | $ | 637.1 | $ | 686.0 | $ | 1,874.6 | $ | 1,995.0 | |||||||||||||||
| Direct sales network | 97.0 | 103.9 | 287.4 | 305.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Retail sales | 45.7 | 48.0 | 147.7 | 148.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate accounts | 60.5 | 44.4 | 140.1 | 147.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| OEM and other | 58.2 | 58.4 | 168.6 | 182.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total ABL | 898.5 | 940.7 | 2,618.4 | 2,778.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ISG | 75.7 | 65.8 | 208.0 | 180.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Eliminations | (6.1) | (6.2) | (17.7) | (17.6) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 968.1 | $ | 1,000.3�� | $ | 2,808.7 | $ | 2,941.8 | |||||||||||||||
Note 14 — Share-based Payments
We account for share-based payments through the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for share-based payment awards made to employees and directors over the related requisite service period, including restricted stock, performance stock units, and stock options (all part of our equity incentive plan), as well as stock units representing certain deferrals into our director deferred compensation plan or our supplemental deferred savings plan.
The following table presents share-based payment expense for the periods presented (in millions):
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based payment expense | $ | 11.8 | $ | 10.4 | $ | 34.9 | $ | 32.4 | |||||||||||||||
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Further details regarding our share-based payments are included within the Share-based Payments footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within our Form 10-K.
Note 15 — Pension Plans
We have 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. We make at least the minimum annual contributions to the plans to the extent indicated by actuarial valuations and statutory requirements. Plan assets are invested primarily in fixed income and equity securities.
Service cost of net periodic pension cost is allocated between Cost of products sold and Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income based on the function of the employee's services. All other components of net periodic pension cost are included within Miscellaneous expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Net periodic pension cost included the following components before tax for the periods presented (in millions):
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | 1.1 | $ | 1.1 | $ | 3.4 | $ | 3.4 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | 2.5 | 2.2 | 7.4 | 6.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | (2.1) | (2.3) | (6.5) | (7.1) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service cost | — | 0.7 | — | 2.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Recognized actuarial loss | 0.8 | 0.8 | 2.4 | 2.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net periodic pension cost | $ | 2.3 | $ | 2.5 | $ | 6.7 | $ | 7.3 | |||||||||||||||
Further details regarding our pension plans are included within the Pension and Defined Contribution Plans footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within our Form 10-K.
Note 16 — Special Charges
We recognized no special charges during the first nine months of fiscal 2024.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2023, we recognized $6.9 million within Special charges on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income primarily for impairments of operating lease right-of-use assets for $4.3 million associated with our previously owned Sunoptics prismatic skylights business that were not transferred in connection with the sale. We additionally recognized associate severance and other costs totaling $2.6 million primarily in connection with the Sunoptics divestiture.
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Note 17 — Other (Income) Expense
The following table summarizes the components of other (income) expense, net for the periods presented (in millions):
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest (income) expense, net: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | $ | 6.3 | $ | 6.3 | $ | 19.2 | $ | 21.8 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest income | (8.1) | (2.4) | (20.2) | (5.6) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest (income) expense, net | (1.8) | 3.9 | (1.0) | 16.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous (income) expense, net: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-service components of net periodic pension cost | 1.2 | 1.4 | 3.3 | 3.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses | (1.4) | — | (0.6) | (6.5) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on sale of business | — | — | — | 11.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other items | (0.3) | (0.7) | (1.5) | (2.5) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous (income) expense, net | (0.5) | 0.7 | 1.2 | 6.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) expense, net | $ | (2.3) | $ | 4.6 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 22.3 | |||||||||||||||
Note 18 — Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share 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. Common stock equivalents are calculated using the treasury stock method. The dilutive effects of share-based payment awards subject to market and/or performance conditions that were not met during the period are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.
The following table calculates basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the periods presented (in millions, except per share data):
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 113.9 | $ | 105.0 | $ | 303.7 | $ | 263.1 | |||||||||||||||
| Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 30.829 | 31.682 | 30.905 | 32.006 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock equivalents | 0.648 | 0.329 | 0.515 | 0.354 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 31.477 | 32.011 | 31.420 | 32.360 | |||||||||||||||||||
Basic earnings per share(1) | $ | 3.70 | $ | 3.31 | $ | 9.83 | $ | 8.22 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share(1) | $ | 3.62 | $ | 3.28 | $ | 9.67 | $ | 8.13 | |||||||||||||||
(1) Earnings per share is calculated using unrounded numbers. Amounts in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding.
Stock options, performance stock awards, and restricted stock awards that were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation as the effect of inclusion would have been antidilutive were immaterial for three and nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023.
Further discussion of our share-based payment awards is included within the Common Stock and Related Matters and Share-based Payments footnotes of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within our Form 10-K.
Note 19 — 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. Comprehensive income includes our net income as well as other comprehensive income (loss) items, which are comprised of foreign currency translation and pension adjustments.
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The following table presents the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income net of tax during the periods presented (in millions):
| Foreign Currency Items | Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Items | |||||||||||||||
| Balance at August 31, 2023 | $ | (65.0) | $ | (47.6) | $ | (112.6) | |||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications | (1.1) | — | (1.1) | ||||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) | — | 1.8 | 1.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income | (1.1) | 1.8 | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at May 31, 2024 | $ | (66.1) | $ | (45.8) | $ | (111.9) | |||||||||||
| Foreign Currency Items | Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Items | |||||||||||||||
| Balance at August 31, 2022 | $ | (73.5) | $ | (52.3) | $ | (125.8) | |||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications | 2.6 | — | 2.6 | ||||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) | — | 3.2 | 3.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Net current period other comprehensive income | 2.6 | 3.2 | 5.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at May 31, 2023 | $ | (70.9) | $ | (49.1) | $ | (120.0) | |||||||||||
(1) The before tax amounts of the defined benefit pension plan items are included in net periodic pension cost. See the Pension and Defined Contribution Plans footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details.
The following table summarizes the tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive loss for the periods presented (in millions):
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Before Tax Amount | Tax (Expense) Benefit | Net of Tax Amount | Before Tax Amount | Tax (Expense) Benefit | Net of Tax Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | $ | 0.3 | $ | — | $ | 0.3 | $ | 5.2 | $ | — | $ | 5.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defined benefit pension plans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of defined benefit pension items: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prior service cost | — | — | — | 0.7 | (0.2) | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Actuarial losses | 0.8 | (0.3) | 0.5 | 0.8 | (0.2) | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total defined benefit pension plans, net | 0.8 | (0.3) | 0.5 | 1.5 | (0.4) | 1.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 1.1 | $ | (0.3) | $ | 0.8 | $ | 6.7 | $ | (0.4) | $ | 6.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Before Tax Amount | Tax (Expense) Benefit | Net of Tax Amount | Before Tax Amount | Tax (Expense) Benefit | Net of Tax Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | $ | (1.1) | $ | — | $ | (1.1) | $ | 2.6 | $ | — | $ | 2.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defined benefit pension plans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of defined benefit pension items: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prior service cost | — | — | — | 2.0 | (0.5) | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Actuarial losses | 2.4 | (0.6) | 1.8 | 2.3 | (0.6) | 1.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total defined benefit pension plans, net | 2.4 | (0.6) | 1.8 | 4.3 | (1.1) | 3.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 1.3 | $ | (0.6) | $ | 0.7 | $ | 6.9 | $ | (1.1) | $ | 5.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Note 20 — Segment Information
We report our financial results of operations in two reportable segments, ABL and ISG, consistent with how our chief operating decision maker currently evaluates operating results, assesses performance, and allocates resources within the Company.
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The accounting policies of our reportable segments are the same as those described in the Significant Accounting Policies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within our Form 10-K. Corporate expenses that are primarily administrative in function and benefit the Company on an entity-wide basis are not allocated to segments. These include expenses related to governance, policy setting, compliance, and certain other shared services functions. Additionally, net interest expense, net miscellaneous expense, and income tax expense are not allocated to segments.
We recorded no special charges during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024. We recorded no special charges during the three months ended May 31, 2023. Special charges during the nine months ended May 31, 2023 of $6.9 million pertained to the ABL segment.
The following table presents financial information by operating segment for the periods presented (in millions):
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ABL | $ | 898.5 | $ | 940.7 | $ | 2,618.4 | $ | 2,778.6 | |||||||||||||||
| ISG | 75.7 | 65.8 | 208.0 | 180.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
Eliminations(1) | (6.1) | (6.2) | (17.7) | (17.6) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 968.1 | $ | 1,000.3 | $ | 2,808.7 | $ | 2,941.8 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating profit: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ABL | $ | 151.5 | $ | 150.0 | $ | 421.3 | $ | 391.7 | |||||||||||||||
| ISG | 12.5 | 8.6 | 26.9 | 22.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unallocated corporate amounts | (18.7) | (15.3) | (51.9) | (50.7) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 145.3 | $ | 143.3 | $ | 396.3 | $ | 363.7 | |||||||||||||||
____________________________
(1) These amounts represent intersegment sales. Profit on these sales eliminates within gross profit on a consolidated basis.
The following table reconciles operating profit by segment to income before income taxes for the periods presented (in millions):
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit - ABL | $ | 151.5 | $ | 150.0 | $ | 421.3 | $ | 391.7 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating profit - ISG | 12.5 | 8.6 | 26.9 | 22.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unallocated corporate amounts | (18.7) | (15.3) | (51.9) | (50.7) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 145.3 | 143.3 | 396.3 | 363.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest (income) expense, net | (1.8) | 3.9 | (1.0) | 16.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous (income) expense, net | (0.5) | 0.7 | 1.2 | 6.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 147.6 | $ | 138.7 | $ | 396.1 | $ | 341.4 | |||||||||||||||
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Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The purpose of this discussion and analysis is to enhance the understanding and evaluation of the results of operations, financial position, cash flows, indebtedness, and other key financial information of Acuity Brands, Inc. (referred to herein as “we,” “our,” “us,” the “Company,” or similar references) and its subsidiaries as of May 31, 2024 and for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report. Also, please refer to Acuity Brands, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 26, 2023 (“Form 10-K”).
Overview
Company
We are a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces and light. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting and Lighting Controls (“ABL”) and the Intelligent Spaces Group (“ISG”), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people's lives. We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and location-aware applications.
Our business exhibits some seasonality, with net sales being affected by weather and seasonal demand on construction and installation programs, particularly during the winter months, as well as the annual budget cycles of major customers. Historically, with certain exceptions, we have experienced our highest sales in the last two quarters of each fiscal year due to these factors.
Financial Condition, Capital Resources, and Liquidity
We have numerous sources of capital, including cash on hand and cash flows generated from operations, as well as various sources of financing. Our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations or to access certain capital markets, including banks, is necessary to meet our capital allocation priorities, which are to invest in our current business for growth, to invest in mergers and acquisitions, to pay a dividend, and to make share repurchases. Sufficient cash flow generation is also critical to fund our operations in the short and long terms and to maintain compliance with covenants contained in our financing agreements.
Our significant contractual cash requirements primarily include principal and interest on our unsecured notes, accounts payable, accrued employee compensation, operating lease liabilities, and certain purchase obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business that are enforceable and legally binding. Our obligations related to these items are described further within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations within our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K.
We believe that we will be able to meet our liquidity needs over the next 12 months based on our cash on hand, current projections of cash flows from operations, and borrowing availability under financing arrangements. Additionally, we believe that our cash flows from operations and sources of funding, including, but not limited to, future borrowings and borrowing capacity, will sufficiently support our long-term liquidity needs. In the event of a sustained market deterioration, we may need additional capital, which would require us to evaluate available alternatives and take appropriate actions.
Cash
Our cash position at May 31, 2024 was $699.0 million, an increase of $301.1 million from August 31, 2023. Cash generated from operating activities and cash on hand were used during the current year to fund our capital allocation priorities as discussed below.
We generated $445.1 million of cash flows from operating activities during the nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to $471.5 million in the prior-year period, a decrease of $26.4 million. This decrease was due primarily to more favorable operating working capital reductions in fiscal 2023 as well as the timing of income tax payments in fiscal 2024, partially offset by higher pre-tax income in fiscal 2024.
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Financing Arrangements
See the Debt and Lines of Credit footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the terms of our various financing arrangements, including the $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.150% senior unsecured notes due December 15, 2030 (the “Unsecured Notes”) as well as the terms of our $600.0 million five-year unsecured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”).
At May 31, 2024, our outstanding debt balance was $496.0 million, which consisted solely of our Unsecured Notes, compared to our cash position of $699.0 million. We were in compliance with all covenants under our financing arrangements as of May 31, 2024.
At May 31, 2024, we had additional borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility of $596.2 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 $3.8 million issued under the facility. As of May 31, 2024, our cash on hand combined with the additional borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility totaled $1.3 billion.
The Unsecured Notes were issued by Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acuity Brands, Inc. The Unsecured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Acuity Brands, Inc. and ABL IP Holding LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acuity Brands, Inc. The following tables present summarized financial information for Acuity Brands, Inc., Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc., and ABL IP Holding LLC on a combined basis after the elimination of all intercompany balances and transactions between the combined group as well as any investments in non-guarantors as of the dates and during the period presented (in millions):
| Summarized Balance Sheet Information | May 31, 2024 | August 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Current assets | $ | 1,326.9 | $ | 995.7 | ||||||||||
| Amounts due from non-guarantor affiliates | 329.0 | 326.4 | ||||||||||||
| Non-current assets | 1,367.1 | 1,377.9 | ||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | 487.0 | 464.2 | ||||||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | 792.0 | 785.4 | ||||||||||||
| Summarized Income Statement Information | Nine Months Ended May 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2,307.0 | ||||||
| Gross profit | 1,063.0 | |||||||
| Net income | 310.2 | |||||||
Capital Allocation Priorities
Our capital allocation priorities are to invest in our current business for growth, to invest in mergers and acquisitions, to pay a dividend, and to make share repurchases.
Investments in Current Business for Growth
We invested $41.0 million and $48.0 million in property, plant, and equipment during the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, respectively. We invested primarily in new and enhanced information technology, equipment, tooling, and facility improvements in fiscal 2024 to date.
Strategic Acquisitions, Investments, and Divestitures
We seek opportunities to strategically expand and enhance our portfolio of solutions. Refer to the Acquisitions and Divestitures footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Arize Assets
On January 19, 2024, we acquired certain assets related to Arize® horticulture lighting products from Current Lighting Solutions, LLC. The assets have been included in ABL's financial results since the date of acquisition and did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
KE2 Therm
On May 15, 2023, using cash on hand, we acquired all of the equity interests of KE2 Therm Solutions, Inc. (“KE2 Therm”). KE2 Therm develops and provides intelligent refrigeration control solutions that deliver the precision of
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digital controls to promote safety, efficiency, and reliability, while delivering cost savings to the customer. This acquisition expanded ISG's technology and controls product portfolio and reached new customers.
Divestitures
There were no divestitures during the first nine months of fiscal 2024. We sold our Sunoptics prismatic skylights business in the first fiscal quarter of 2023 and recognized a pre-tax loss of $11.2 million on the sale of this business.
Dividends
We paid dividends on our common stock of $13.4 million ($0.43 per share) and $12.7 million ($0.39 per share) during the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, respectively. All decisions regarding the declaration and payment of dividends are at the discretion of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) and are evaluated regularly in light of our financial condition, earnings, growth prospects, funding requirements, applicable law, and any other factors the Board deems relevant.
Share Repurchases
During the first nine months of fiscal 2024 and 2023, we repurchased 0.5 million and 1.3 million shares of our outstanding common stock for $88.3 million and $218.8 million, respectively. Total cash outflows for share repurchases during the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023 were $88.7 million and $216.2 million, respectively. We expect to repurchase shares on an opportunistic basis subject to various factors including stock price, Company performance, market conditions, and other possible uses of cash. On January 25, 2024, the Board approved an increase of three million shares to the maximum number of shares that may yet be repurchased under the share repurchase program. As of May 31, 2024, 3.8 million shares remained available within the program to repurchase.
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Results of Operations
Third Quarter of Fiscal 2024 Compared with Third Quarter of Fiscal 2023
The following table sets forth information comparing the components of net income for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023 (in millions except per share data):
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 968.1 | $ | 1,000.3 | $ | (32.2) | (3.2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of products sold | 515.9 | 553.0 | (37.1) | (6.7) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 452.2 | 447.3 | 4.9 | 1.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent of net sales | 46.7 | % | 44.7 | % | 200 | bps | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses | 306.9 | 304.0 | 2.9 | 1.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 145.3 | 143.3 | 2.0 | 1.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent of net sales | 15.0 | % | 14.3 | % | 70 | bps | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) expense: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest (income) expense, net | (1.8) | 3.9 | (5.7) | (146.2) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous (income) expense, net | (0.5) | 0.7 | (1.2) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other (income) expense | (2.3) | 4.6 | (6.9) | (150.0) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 147.6 | 138.7 | 8.9 | 6.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent of net sales | 15.2 | % | 13.9 | % | 130 | bps | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 33.7 | 33.7 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 22.8 | % | 24.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 113.9 | $ | 105.0 | $ | 8.9 | 8.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 3.62 | $ | 3.28 | $ | 0.34 | 10.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| NM - not meaningful | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Sales
Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 decreased $32.2 million, or 3.2%, to $968.1 million, compared with $1.0 billion in the prior-year period due to a decline in sales within our ABL segment, partially offset by higher sales within our ISG segment. Acquisitions did not have a meaningful impact on consolidated net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2024.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 increased $4.9 million, or 1.1%, to $452.2 million, compared with $447.3 million in the prior-year period, and gross profit margin increased 200 basis points to 46.7% from 44.7% compared with the prior-year period. Our gross profit increased compared with the prior period due primarily to favorable material costs, which outpaced the impact of lower net sales and higher production costs.
Operating Profit
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses (“SD&A”) expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 were $306.9 million, compared with $304.0 million in the prior-year period, an increase of $2.9 million, or 1.0%. The increase in SD&A expenses was due primarily to higher employee-related costs, partially offset by lower commissions and freight costs associated with the decline in net sales.
Operating profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 was $145.3 million (15.0% of net sales), compared with $143.3 million (14.3% of net sales) for the prior-year period, an increase of $2.0 million, or 1.4%. The increase in operating profit was due primarily to the increase in gross profit, partially offset by higher operating expenses.
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Interest (Income) Expense, net
We reported net interest income of $1.8 million and net interest expense of $3.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our fiscal 2024 net interest income reflects higher interest bearing cash and cash equivalent balances, higher investing rates on those balances, and lower average short-term borrowings outstanding compared to the prior year.
Miscellaneous (Income) Expense, net
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net consists of non-service components of net periodic pension cost, gains and losses associated with foreign currency-related transactions, and non-operating gains and losses.
We reported net miscellaneous income of $0.5 million and net miscellaneous expense of $0.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively. This year-over-year change is due primarily to the impact of foreign currency-related items compared to the prior year.
Income Taxes and Net Income
Our effective income tax rate was 22.8% and 24.3% for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively. This decrease was due primarily to higher discrete items for research and development tax credits as well as excess tax benefits on stock compensation in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. We recognized excess tax benefits of $0.2 million related to share-based payment awards for the third quarter of fiscal 2024. We recognized no excess tax benefits related to share-based payment awards for the third quarter of fiscal 2023.
Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 increased $8.9 million, or 8.5%, to $113.9 million, from $105.0 million reported for the prior-year period. Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 increased $0.34, or 10.4%, to $3.62 compared with diluted earnings per share of $3.28 for the prior-year period. This increase reflects higher net income as well as lower outstanding diluted shares.
Segment Results
The following table sets forth information comparing the operating results of our segments, ABL and ISG, for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023 (in millions):
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ABL: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 898.5 | $ | 940.7 | $ | (42.2) | (4.5) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 151.5 | 150.0 | 1.5 | 1.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit margin | 16.9 | % | 15.9 | % | 100 | bps | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ISG: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 75.7 | $ | 65.8 | $ | 9.9 | 15.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 12.5 | 8.6 | 3.9 | 45.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit margin | 16.5 | % | 13.1 | % | 340 | bps | ||||||||||||||||||||
ABL net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 decreased $42.2 million, or 4.5%, to $898.5 million, compared with $940.7 million in the prior-year period. Sales within the ABL segment decreased due to lower net sales across all channels, except for corporate accounts. Net sales in the third quarter of 2023 benefited from working through an elevated backlog.
Operating profit for ABL was $151.5 million (16.9% of ABL net sales) for the third quarter of fiscal 2024, compared with $150.0 million (15.9% of ABL net sales) in the prior-year period, an increase of $1.5 million. The increase in operating profit was due to improved profitability on lower sales as well as lower sales-related costs, such as commissions and freight to customers.
ISG net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 increased $9.9 million, or 15.0%, to $75.7 million, compared with $65.8 million in the prior-year period. The increase in sales within the ISG segment is attributed to higher sales of Distech products as well as the acquisition of KE2 Therm. ISG operating profit was $12.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2024, compared with $8.6 million in the prior-year period, an increase of $3.9 million. This increase was due primarily to contributions from higher net sales, partially offset by higher employee-related costs.
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First Nine Months of Fiscal 2024 Compared with First Nine Months of Fiscal 2023
The following table sets forth information comparing the components of net income for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023 (in millions except per share data):
| Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2,808.7 | $ | 2,941.8 | $ | (133.1) | (4.5) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of products sold | 1,515.7 | 1,671.3 | (155.6) | (9.3) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 1,293.0 | 1,270.5 | 22.5 | 1.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent of net sales | 46.0 | % | 43.2 | % | 280 | bps | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses | 896.7 | 899.9 | (3.2) | (0.4) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Special charges | — | 6.9 | (6.9) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 396.3 | 363.7 | 32.6 | 9.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent of net sales | 14.1 | % | 12.4 | % | 170 | bps | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest (income) expense, net | (1.0) | 16.2 | (17.2) | (106.2) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous expense, net | 1.2 | 6.1 | (4.9) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other expense | 0.2 | 22.3 | (22.1) | (99.1) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 396.1 | 341.4 | 54.7 | 16.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent of net sales | 14.1 | % | 11.6 | % | 250 | bps | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 92.4 | 78.3 | 14.1 | 18.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 23.3 | % | 22.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 303.7 | $ | 263.1 | $ | 40.6 | 15.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 9.67 | $ | 8.13 | $ | 1.54 | 18.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| NM - not meaningful | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Sales
Net sales for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 decreased $133.1 million, or 4.5%, to $2.81 billion compared with $2.94 billion in the prior-year period due to a decline in sales within our ABL segment, partially offset by higher sales within our ISG segment. Acquisitions and divestitures did not have meaningful impacts on consolidated net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2024.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 increased $22.5 million, or 1.8%, to $1.29 billion compared with $1.27 billion million in the prior-year period. Gross profit margin increased 280 basis points to 46.0% for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared with 43.2% in the prior-year period. Our gross profit increased compared with the prior period due primarily to favorable material and import costs, which outpaced the impact of lower net sales and higher production costs.
Operating Profit
SD&A expenses for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 were $896.7 million compared with $899.9 million in the prior-year period, a decrease of $3.2 million, or 0.4%. The decrease in SD&A expenses was due primarily to lower commissions and freight costs associated with the decline in net sales as well as lower amortization expense, partially offset by increased employee-related costs.
Amortization expense of definite-lived intangibles decreased in fiscal 2024 as we recorded $4.0 million of accelerated amortization in fiscal 2023 for intangibles associated with certain brands that were discontinued.
We recognized special charges of $6.9 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2023. Please refer to the Special Charges footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
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Operating profit for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 was $396.3 million (14.1% of net sales) compared with $363.7 million (12.4% of net sales) for the prior-year period, an increase of $32.6 million, or 9.0%. The increase in operating profit was due primarily to higher gross profit, lower SD&A expenses, and nonrecurring special charges in the first quarter of fiscal 2023.
Interest (Income) Expense, net
We reported net interest income of $1.0 million and net interest expense of $16.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, respectively. The decrease in net interest expense was due to higher interest bearing cash and cash equivalent balances, higher investing rates on those balances, and lower average short-term borrowings outstanding compared to the prior year.
Miscellaneous Expense, net
Miscellaneous expense, net consists of non-service components of net periodic pension cost, gains and losses associated with foreign currency-related transactions, and non-operating gains and losses.
We reported net miscellaneous expense of $1.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and $6.1 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2023. This year-over-year decrease was due primarily to the recognition of an $11.2 million loss on the sale of our Sunoptics prismatic skylights business in fiscal 2023, partially offset by the impact of foreign currency-related items compared to the prior year.
Income Taxes and Net Income
Our effective income tax rate was 23.3% and 22.9% for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, respectively. This increase was due primarily to the recognition of higher favorable discrete items in the prior year. We recognized excess tax benefits of $1.8 million and $1.7 million related to share-based payment awards during the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, respectively.
Net income for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 increased $40.6 million, or 15.4%, to $303.7 million from $263.1 million reported for the prior-year period. Diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 increased $1.54 to $9.67 compared with diluted earnings per share of $8.13 for the prior-year period. This increase reflects higher net income as well as lower outstanding diluted shares.
Segment Results
The following table sets forth information comparing the operating results of our segments, ABL and ISG, for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023 (in millions):
| Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ABL: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2,618.4 | $ | 2,778.6 | $ | (160.2) | (5.8) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 421.3 | 391.7 | 29.6 | 7.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit margin | 16.1 | % | 14.1 | % | 200 | bps | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ISG: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 208.0 | $ | 180.8 | $ | 27.2 | 15.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 26.9 | 22.7 | 4.2 | 18.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit margin | 12.9 | % | 12.6 | % | 30 | bps | ||||||||||||||||||||
ABL net sales for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 decreased 5.8% compared with the prior-year period due to lower net sales across all channels. Net sales in fiscal 2023 benefited from working through an elevated backlog.
Operating profit for ABL was $421.3 million (16.1% of ABL net sales) for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to $391.7 million (14.1% of ABL net sales) in the prior-year period, an increase of $29.6 million. The increase in operating profit was due primarily to improved profitability on lower sales as well as lower sales-related costs, such as commissions and freight to customers.
During the first nine months of fiscal 2023, we recorded within ABL $6.9 million of special charges and $4.0 million of accelerated amortization expense for intangibles associated with certain brands that were discontinued.
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ISG net sales for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 increased 15.0% compared with the prior-year period primarily driven by the acquisition of KE2 Therm as well as higher demand, price increases, and favorable product mix for Distech products. ISG operating profit was $26.9 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared with $22.7 million in the prior-year period, an increase of $4.2 million. This increase was due primarily to contributions from higher sales, partially offset by increased employee-related costs and professional fees.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations addresses the financial condition and results of operations as reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). As discussed in the Description of Business and Basis of Presentation footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition; inventory valuation; goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets; share-based payment expense; and product warranty and recall costs. We base our estimates and judgments on our substantial historical experience and other relevant factors, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We discuss the development of critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors on a recurring basis.
There have been no material changes in our critical accounting estimates during the current period. For a detailed discussion of other significant accounting policies that may involve a higher degree of judgment, refer to our Form 10-K.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information
This filing contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements that describe or relate to the Company’s plans, initiatives, projections, vision, goals, targets, commitments, expectations, objectives, prospects, strategies, or financial outlook, and the assumptions underlying or relating thereto. In some cases, we may use words such as “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “indicate,” “project,” “predict,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “potential,” and words of similar meaning, as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions, or circumstances, to identify forward-looking statements. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Act. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Our forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions, which may not prove to be accurate, and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual events or results to differ materially from our historical experience and management’s present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K (including, but not limited to, Part I, Item 1a. Risk Factors), quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect any events or circumstances after the date of this quarterly report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are exposed to market risks that may impact our Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows due primarily to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and commodity prices. There have been no material changes to our exposure from market risks from those disclosed in Part II, Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk of our Form 10-K.
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Item 4.Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to reasonably ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted by us under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to reasonably ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As required by SEC rules, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of May 31, 2024. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer. Based on this evaluation, these officers have concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a reasonable assurance level as of May 31, 2024.
However, because all disclosure procedures must rely to a significant degree on actions or decisions made by employees throughout the organization, such as reporting of material events, the Company and its reporting officers believe that they cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud or errors and omissions, if any, within the Company will be detected. Limitations within any control system, including our control system, include faulty judgments in decision-making or simple errors or mistakes. In addition, controls can be circumvented by an individual, by collusion between two or more people, or by management override of the control. Because of these limitations, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and may not be detected.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.Legal Proceedings
Information regarding reportable legal proceedings is contained in Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings in our Form 10-K. Information set forth in this report’s Commitments and Contingencies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements describes any legal proceedings that became reportable during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, and updates any descriptions of previously reported legal proceedings in which there have been material developments during such period. The discussion of legal proceedings included within the Commitments and Contingencies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is incorporated into this Item 1 by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1a. Risk Factors of our Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
On January 25, 2024, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) authorized the repurchase of up to an additional three million shares of our common stock. Under the current share repurchase authorization, we may repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time at prevailing market prices, depending on market conditions, through open market or privately negotiated transactions. No date has been established for the completion of the share repurchase program, and we are not obligated to repurchase any shares. Subject to applicable corporate securities laws, repurchases may be made at such times and in such amounts as management deems appropriate. Repurchases under the program can be discontinued at any time management feels additional repurchases are not warranted. As of May 31, 2024, the maximum number of shares that may yet be repurchased under the share repurchase program authorized by the Board equaled 3.8 million shares. The following table reflects activity related to equity securities we repurchased during the quarter ended May 31, 2024:
| Purchases of Equity Securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans | Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans | |||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2024 through 3/31/2024 | 19,152 | $ | 263.34 | 19,152 | 3,836,008 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 4/1/2024 through 4/30/2024 | 28,355 | $ | 255.89 | 28,355 | 3,807,653 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 5/1/2024 through 5/31/2024 | 32,016 | $ | 261.81 | 32,016 | 3,775,637 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 79,523 | $ | 260.07 | 79,523 | 3,775,637 | ||||||||||||||||||
Item 5. Other Information
During the third quarter of fiscal 2024, none of our directors or Section 16 officers adopted or terminated any “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” (as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K).
Item 6.Exhibits
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
| EXHIBIT 3 | (a) | Reference is made to Exhibit 3.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on January 26, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference. | ||||||||||||
| (b) | Reference is made to Exhibit 3.2 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on January 26, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||||||||||
| (c) | Reference is made to Exhibit 3.4 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on January 26, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||||||||||
| EXHIBIT 22 | Reference is made to Exhibit 22 of registrant's Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on October 26, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||||||||||
| EXHIBIT 31 | (a) | Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q. | ||||||||||||
| (b) | Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q. | |||||||||||||
| EXHIBIT 32 | (a) | Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q. | ||||||||||||
| (b) | Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q. | |||||||||||||
| EXHIBIT 101 | .INS | XBRL Instance Document | The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | |||||||||||
| .SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q. | ||||||||||||
| .CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q. | ||||||||||||
| .DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. | Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q. | ||||||||||||
| .LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q. | ||||||||||||
| .PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q. | ||||||||||||
| EXHIBIT 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q | ||||||||||||
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ACUITY BRANDS, INC.
| Date: | June 27, 2024 | By: | /S/ NEIL M. ASHE | |||||||||||
| NEIL M. ASHE CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | ||||||||||||||
| Date: | June 27, 2024 | By: | /S/ KAREN J. HOLCOM | |||||||||||
| KAREN J. HOLCOM SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | ||||||||||||||
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