ACUITY BRANDS INC - Quarter Report: 2012 May (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

_____________________________________________

Form 10-Q

_____________________________________________



(Mark One)
R		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
		For the quarterly period ended May 31, 2012.
OR
o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
		For the transition period from to .

Commission file number 001-16583.

_____________________________________________

ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_____________________________________________



Delaware		58-2632672
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
1170 Peachtree Street, N.E., Suite 2400, Atlanta, Georgia (Address of principal executive offices)		30309-7676 (Zip Code)

(404) 853-1400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

None

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

_____________________________________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large Accelerated Filer þ	Accelerated Filer o	Non-accelerated Filer o	Smaller Reporting Company o
		(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common stock — $0.01 par value — 42,349,589 shares as of June 29, 2012.

Table of Contents

ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

Table of Contents



		Page No.
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	3
	CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS -- MAY 31, 2012 (Unaudited) AND AUGUST 31, 2011	3
	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) -- THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 2012 AND 2011	4
	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) -- NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 2012 AND 2011	5
	NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)	6
ITEM 2.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	24
ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	32
ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	32

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	34
ITEM 1a.	RISK FACTORS	34
ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS	34

SIGNATURES		35
EX-31.A
EX-31.B
EX-32.A
EX-32.B
EX-101.INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101.SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101.CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101.LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101.PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1.	Financial Statements

ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except share and per-share data)



	May 31, 2012			August 31, 2011
	(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	228.3		$	170.2
Accounts receivable, less reserve for doubtful accounts of $1.7 at May 31, 2012 and $1.8 at August 31, 2011	269.6			262.6
Inventories	168.7			165.9
Deferred income taxes	15.3			16.0
Prepayments and other current assets	22.2			15.8
Total Current Assets	704.1			630.5
Property, Plant, and Equipment, at cost:
Land	6.9			8.4
Buildings and leasehold improvements	113.4			121.2
Machinery and equipment	360.4			355.3
Total Property, Plant, and Equipment	480.7			484.9
Less — Accumulated depreciation and amortization	348.3			341.7
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	132.4			143.2
Other Assets:
Goodwill	554.0			559.2
Intangible assets	233.5			234.2
Deferred income taxes	1.8			2.0
Other long-term assets	30.7			28.3
Total Other Assets	820.0			823.7
Total Assets	$	1,656.5		$	1,597.4
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	202.7		$	203.8
Accrued compensation	40.4			45.0
Accrued pension liabilities, current	1.2			1.2
Other accrued liabilities	86.8			81.4
Total Current Liabilities	331.1			331.4
Long-Term Debt	353.5			353.4
Accrued Pension Liabilities, less current portion	52.6			60.5
Deferred Income Taxes	38.5			36.4
Self-Insurance Reserves, less current portion	7.2			7.3
Other Long-Term Liabilities	54.6			51.4
Commitments and Contingencies (see Commitments and Contingencies footnote)
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 51,454,820 issued and 41,735,565 outstanding at May 31, 2012; and 50,956,137 issued and 41,488,882 outstanding at August 31, 2011	0.5			0.5
Paid-in capital	697.8			680.3
Retained earnings	607.6			541.0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss items	(66.8		)	(53.8		)
Treasury stock, at cost, 9,719,255 at May 31, 2012 and 9,467,255 shares at August 31, 2011	(420.1		)	(411.0		)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	819.0			757.0
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	1,656.5		$	1,597.4

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

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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per-share data)



	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	May 31,					May 31,
	2012			2011		2012			2011
Net Sales	$	487.5		$	458.3	$	1,419.5		$	1,299.5
Cost of Products Sold	285.5			268.6		841.9			769.9
Gross Profit	202.0			189.7		577.6			529.6
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	142.8			139.5		419.5			396.7
Special Charge	1.9			—		11.2			—
Operating Profit	57.3			50.2		146.9			132.9
Other Expense (Income):
Interest Expense, net	7.7			7.5		23.1			22.5
Miscellaneous (Income) Expense, net	(2.7		)	0.9		(4.5		)	2.9
Total Other Expense	5.0			8.4		18.6			25.4
Income before Provision for Income Taxes	52.3			41.8		128.3			107.5
Provision for Income Taxes	18.7			14.7		45.2			36.2
Net Income	$	33.6		$	27.1	$	83.1		$	71.3
Earnings Per Share:
Basic Earnings per Share	$	0.80		$	0.63	$	1.97		$	1.66
Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding	41.6			42.5		41.4			42.3
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.79		$	0.62	$	1.95		$	1.63
Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding	42.0			43.1		41.9			42.9
Dividends Declared per Share	$	0.13		$	0.13	$	0.39		$	0.39

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

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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In millions)



	Nine Months Ended
	May 31,
	2012			2011
Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities:
Net income	$	83.1		$	71.3
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	29.7			29.7
Share-based compensation expense, net	6.8			5.2
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	(4.3		)	(5.1		)
Loss on the sale or disposal of property, plant, and equipment	0.2			0.1
Asset impairments	0.1			0.1
Deferred income taxes	(0.8		)	(1.4		)
Other non-cash items	0.1			—
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions and effect of exchange rate changes:
Accounts receivable	(9.8		)	10.2
Inventories	(3.7		)	(17.6		)
Prepayments and other current assets	(2.1		)	0.6
Accounts payable	0.2			(10.1		)
Other current liabilities	6.0			(2.9		)
Other	(2.7		)	1.5
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	102.8			81.6
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(18.8		)	(17.4		)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	—			1.3
Acquisitions of businesses and intangible assets, net of cash acquired	(3.8		)	(90.4		)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(22.6		)	(106.5		)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Repurchases of common stock	(9.2		)	(2.9		)
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	6.5			5.8
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	4.3			5.1
Dividends paid	(16.5		)	(16.9		)
Net Cash Used for Financing Activities	(14.9		)	(8.9		)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	(7.2		)	3.6
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	58.1			(30.2		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	170.2			191.0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	228.3		$	160.8
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Income taxes paid during the period	$	38.2		$	21.6
Interest paid during the period	$	19.5		$	19.0

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

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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Amounts in millions, except per-share data and as indicated)


1.	Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

Acuity Brands, Inc. (“Acuity Brands”) is the parent company of Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. (“ABL”), and other subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as “the Company”). The Company designs, produces, and distributes a broad array of lighting solutions and services for commercial, institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications for various markets throughout North America and select international markets. The Company’s lighting solutions include devices such as luminaires, lighting controls, power supplies, prismatic skylights, light-emitting diode (“LED”) lamps, and integrated lighting systems for indoor and outdoor applications utilizing a combination of light sources, including daylight, and other devices controlled by software that monitors and manages light levels while optimizing energy consumption (collectively referred to herein as “lighting solutions”). The Company has one operating segment serving the North American lighting market and select international markets.

Since fiscal 2010, the Company has made the following acquisitions to expand and enhance its portfolio of lighting solutions.

On May 12, 2011, the Company acquired for cash all of the ownership interests in Healthcare Lighting, Inc. (“Healthcare Lighting”), a leading provider of specialized, high-performance lighting solutions for healthcare facilities based in Fairview, Pennsylvania. The operating results for Healthcare Lighting have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

On February 23, 2011, the Company acquired for cash all of the ownership interests in Washoe Equipment, Inc., d/b/a Sunoptics Prismatic Skylights, and CBC Plastics LLC (collectively, “Sunoptics”), a premier designer, manufacturer, and marketer of high-performance, prismatic daylighting solutions based in Sacramento, California. The operating results for Sunoptics have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

On October 14, 2010, the Company acquired for cash all of the outstanding capital stock of Winona Lighting, Inc. (“Winona Lighting”), a premier provider of architectural and high-performance indoor and outdoor lighting solutions headquartered in Winona, Minnesota. The operating results for Winona Lighting have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

On July 26, 2010, the Company acquired for cash the remaining outstanding capital stock of Renaissance Lighting, Inc. (“Renaissance”), a privately-held innovator of solid-state light-emitting diode (“LED”) architectural lighting devices based in Herndon, Virginia. Previously, the Company entered into a strategic partnership with Renaissance, which included a noncontrolling interest in Renaissance and a license to Renaissance’s intellectual property estate. The operating results of Renaissance have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Acuity Brands and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. References made to years are for fiscal year periods.

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company in accordance with U.S. GAAP and present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of the Company. These interim consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position as of May 31, 2012, the consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated cash flows for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the Company’s annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. However, the Company believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the three years ended August 31, 2011 and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 28, 2011 (File No. 001-16583) (“Form 10-K”).

The results of operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year because the net sales and net income of the Company historically have been higher in the second half of its fiscal year and because of the continued uncertainty of general economic conditions that may impact the key end markets of the Company for the remainder of fiscal 2012.

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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


2.	Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. No material reclassifications have occurred during the current period.

Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure for occurrences and transactions after the date of the condensed financial statements at May 31, 2012.


3.	New Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Adopted in Fiscal 2012

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”), which clarifies the wording and disclosures required in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”), to converge with those used in International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The update explains how to measure and disclose fair value under ASC 820. However, the FASB does not expect the changes in this update to alter the current application of the requirements in ASC 820. The provisions of ASU 2011-04 are effective for public entities prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is prohibited. Therefore, ASU 2011-04 became effective for the Company on a prospective basis on March 1, 2012. As ASU 2011-04 pertained only to additional disclosures, the adoption of the update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”). ASU 2011-05 changes the presentation of comprehensive income in the financial statements for all periods reported and eliminates the option under the current guidance that allows for presentation of other comprehensive income as part of the Statement of Stockholders' Equity. The update allows two options for the proper presentation of comprehensive income: 1) a single Statement of Comprehensive Income, which includes all components of net income and other comprehensive income; or 2) a Statement of Income followed immediately by a Statement of Comprehensive Income, which includes the summarized net income and all components of other comprehensive income. Additionally, the update requires the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the face of the Statement of Income and the Statement of Comprehensive Income. The provisions of ASU 2011-05 are effective for public entities retrospectively for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. Therefore, ASU 2011-05 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. Although the provisions of this update will change the presentation of the consolidated financial statements of the Company, no material impact is expected on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU 2011-08”), which allows companies to assess qualitative factors prior to the use of the two-step quantitative method to determine if goodwill has been impaired. If the qualitative factors reviewed do not indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit does not exceed the carrying value, ASU 2011-08 deems any further impairment testing to be unnecessary. In the event that the qualitative review indicates otherwise, the company is required to perform further quantitative impairment testing as prescribed by Topic 350. Other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not affected by the provisions of this update. ASU 2011-08 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently reviewing the provisions of ASU 2011-08 but does not expect it to have a

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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 (“ASU 2011-12”). This update defers the provisions within ASU 2011-05 requiring the presentation on the face of the financial statements of the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income. The deferral will allow the FASB further time to deliberate on operational concerns expressed by constituents. ASU 2011-12 is effective concurrently with the adoption of ASU 2011-05. Therefore, ASU 2011-12 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.


4.	Acquisitions

The Company has actively pursued opportunities for investment and growth through acquisitions. Since the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company has acquired a number of businesses that participate in the North American lighting market, as discussed below. As with previous acquisitions, the companies were purchased to further expand and complement the Company’s lighting solutions portfolio and were fully incorporated into the Company’s operations. None of the business combinations-individually or in the aggregate-represented a material transaction as compared with the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows in any of the periods in which control was obtained.

Healthcare Lighting Acquisition

On May 12, 2011, the Company acquired for cash all of the ownership interests in Healthcare Lighting, a leading provider of specialized, high-performance lighting solutions for healthcare facilities. Based in Fairview, Pennsylvania, Healthcare Lighting exclusively focused on servicing the healthcare industry through the design and manufacture of medical lighting products meant to enhance the visual environment in healthcare settings. The operating results of Healthcare Lighting have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Management finalized the acquisition accounting for Healthcare Lighting during fiscal 2012, and the amounts are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 2012. There were no material changes to the Company’s financial statements as a result of the finalization of the acquisition accounting.

Sunoptics Acquisition

On February 23, 2011, the Company acquired for cash all of the ownership interests in Sunoptics, a premier provider of high-performance, prismatic daylighting solutions based in Sacramento, California. Sunoptics' high-performance prismatic skylights optimized lighting performance through the use of sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for retail, industrial, warehouse, educational, governmental, and office applications. The operating results of Sunoptics have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Management finalized the acquisition accounting for Sunoptics during the second quarter of fiscal 2012, and the amounts are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 2012. There were no material changes to the Company’s financial statements as a result of the finalization of the acquisition accounting.


5.	Assets Held For Sale

The Company classifies long-lived assets as held for sale and ceases the depreciation and amortization of the assets upon the development of a plan for disposal and in accordance with applicable U.S. GAAP. During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company ceased operations at one manufacturing facility and is currently actively marketing the site for sale. As of May 31, 2012, the carrying value of the property transferred to assets held for sale (included in Prepayments and other current assets) from Property, Plant, and Equipment, net, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets equaled $4.8.

Further details regarding the Company’s other assets held for sale are included within the Significant Accounting Policies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within the Company’s Form 10-K.


6.	Fair Value Measurements

The Company determines a fair value measurement based on the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. ASC 820 establishes a three level hierarchy making a distinction between market participant assumptions based on (i) unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market (Level 1), (ii) quoted prices in

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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (Level 2), and (iii) prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement (Level 3).

The following table presents information about assets and liabilities required to be carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of May 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011:



	Fair Value Measurements as of:
	May 31, 2012				August 31, 2011
	Level 1		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Total Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	228.3	$	228.3	$	170.2	$	170.2
Short-term investments⁽¹⁾	0.6		0.6		0.8		0.8
Long-term investments⁽¹⁾	0.7		0.7		1.2		1.2
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan obligations⁽¹⁾ (current portion)	$	0.6	$	0.6	$	0.8	$	0.8
Deferred compensation plan obligations⁽¹⁾ (long-term portion)	$	0.7	$	0.7	$	1.2	$	1.2

_______________________________________


(1)	The Company maintains certain investments that generate returns that offset changes in certain liabilities related to a self-directed, non-qualified deferred compensation plan structured as a rabbi trust primarily for certain retired executives and other highly compensated employees.

The Company utilizes valuation methodologies to determine the fair values of its financial assets and liabilities in conformity with the concepts of “exit price” and the fair value hierarchy as prescribed in ASC 820. All valuation methods and assumptions are validated at least quarterly to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the fair values. There were no material changes to the valuation methods or assumptions used to determine fair values during the current period.

The Company used the following valuation methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of the following assets and liabilities:

Cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 assets. The carrying amounts for cash reflect the assets’ fair values, and the fair values for cash equivalents are determined based on quoted market prices.

Short-term and long-term investments are classified as Level 1 assets. These investments consist primarily of publicly traded marketable equity securities and fixed income securities, and the fair values are obtained through market observable pricing.

Deferred compensation plan liabilities are classified as Level 1 liabilities within the hierarchy. The fair values of the liabilities are directly related to the valuation of the short-term and long-term investments held in trust for the plan. Hence, the carrying value of the deferred compensation liability represents the fair value of the investment assets.

No transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy occurred during the current fiscal period. In the event of a transfer in or out of a level within the fair value hierarchy, the transfers would be recognized on the date of occurrence.

Disclosures of fair value information about financial instruments (whether or not recognized in the balance sheet), for which it is practicable to estimate that value, are required each reporting period in addition to any financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis as prescribed by ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”). In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.

The carrying values and estimated fair values of certain of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows at May 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011:



	May 31, 2012				August 31, 2011
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Liabilities:
Senior unsecured public notes, net of unamortized discount	$	349.5	$	403.0	$	349.4	$	373.9
Industrial revenue bond	4.0		4.0		4.0		4.0

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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The senior unsecured public notes are carried at the outstanding balance, including bond discounts, as of the end of the reporting period. Fair value is estimated based on the discounted future cash flows using rates currently available for debt of similar terms and maturity (Level 2).

The tax-exempt industrial revenue bond is carried at the outstanding balance as of the end of the reporting period. The industrial revenue bond is a tax-exempt, variable-rate instrument that resets on a weekly basis, and, therefore, the Company estimates that the face amount of the bond approximates fair value as of May 31, 2012 based on bonds of similar terms and maturity (Level 2).

ASC 825 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value to the Company. In many cases, the fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets, nor can the disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. In evaluating the Company’s management of liquidity and other risks, the fair values of all assets and liabilities should be taken into consideration, not only those presented above.


7.	Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Through multiple acquisitions, the Company acquired intangible assets consisting primarily of trademarks and trade names associated with specific products with finite lives, definite-lived distribution networks, patented technology, non-compete agreements, and customer relationships, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Indefinite lived intangible assets consist of trade names that are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely.

Current year increases in the gross carrying amounts for acquired intangible assets, including goodwill, of $2.6 were due primarily to acquisitions and adjustments to the estimated values of goodwill and intangible assets associated with the acquisitions of Sunoptics and Healthcare Lighting less the impact of foreign currency changes during the period. As of May 31, 2012, the acquisition accounting adjustments for Sunoptics and Healthcare Lighting were completed, and the adjustments had no material impact on the Company’s financial statements as a result of the finalization.

The Company recorded amortization expense of $2.7 and $3.0 related to intangible assets with finite lives during the three months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company recorded amortization expense of $8.5 and $7.7 related to intangible assets with finite lives during the nine months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Amortization expense is generally recorded on a straight-line basis and is expected to be approximately $11.1 in fiscal 2012, $10.0 in fiscal 2013, $10.0 in fiscal 2014, $9.7 in fiscal 2015, and $9.1 in fiscal 2016.

Further discussion of the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets is included within the Significant Accounting Policies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within the Company’s Form 10-K.


8.	Inventories

Inventories include materials, labor, in-bound freight, and related manufacturing overhead, are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out or average cost basis) or market, and consist of the following:



	May 31, 2012			August 31, 2011
Raw materials and supplies	$	89.9		$	90.5
Work in process	7.7			7.1
Finished goods	80.8			78.5
	178.4			176.1
Less: Reserves	(9.7		)	(10.2		)
Total Inventory	$	168.7		$	165.9


9.	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, which has been modified to include the effects of all participating securities (unvested share-based payment awards with a right to receive nonforfeitable dividends) as prescribed by the two-class method under ASC

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Topic 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”), during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed similarly but reflects the potential dilution that would occur if dilutive options were exercised and other distributions related to deferred stock agreements were incurred. Stock options of approximately 144,610 and 138,848 (whole units) were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as the effect of inclusion would have been antidilutive. Stock options of approximately 221,976 and 119,470 (whole units) were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as the effect of inclusion would have been antidilutive. Further discussion of the Company’s stock options and restricted stock awards is included within the Common Stock and Related Matters and Share-Based Payments footnotes of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within the Company’s Form 10-K.

The following table calculates basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011:



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	May 31, 2012			May 31, 2011			May 31, 2012			May 31, 2011
Basic Earnings per Share:
Net income	$	33.6		$	27.1		$	83.1		$	71.3
Less: Income attributable to participating securities	(0.6		)	(0.5		)	(1.6		)	(1.3		)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	33.0		$	26.6		$	81.5		$	70.0
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	41.6			42.5			41.4			42.3
Basic earnings per share	$	0.80		$	0.63		$	1.97		$	1.66
Diluted Earnings per Share:
Net income	$	33.6		$	27.1		$	83.1		$	71.3
Less: Income attributable to participating securities	(0.6		)	(0.5		)	(1.6		)	(1.3		)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	33.0		$	26.6		$	81.5		$	70.0
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	41.6			42.5			41.4			42.3
Common stock equivalents	0.4			0.6			0.5			0.6
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	42.0			43.1			41.9			42.9
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.79		$	0.62		$	1.95		$	1.63


10.	Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income represents the measures of all changes in equity that result from recognized transactions and other economic events other than transactions with owners in their capacity as owners. Other comprehensive income includes foreign currency translation and pension adjustments. The calculation of comprehensive income is as follows:



	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	May 31, 2012			May 31, 2011		May 31, 2012			May 31, 2011
Net income	$	33.6		$	27.1	$	83.1		$	71.3
Reclassification adjustments for amortization of pension costs	0.7			0.8		2.0			2.4
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(9.5		)	4.1		(15.0		)	13.9
Comprehensive income	$	24.8		$	32.0	$	70.1		$	87.6


11.	Debt

Lines of Credit

On January 31, 2012, the Company executed a new $250.0 revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The Revolving Credit Facility replaced the Company’s prior $250.0 revolving credit facility (the “prior facility”), which was scheduled to mature on October 19, 2012. The Company recognized a write-off of less than $0.1 in deferred financing costs in

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

connection with the early termination of the prior facility. The Revolving Credit Facility will mature and all amounts outstanding will be due and payable on January 31, 2017.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains financial covenants, including a minimum interest coverage ratio (“Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio”) and a leverage ratio (“Maximum Leverage Ratio”) of total indebtedness to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization expense), as such terms are defined in the Revolving Credit Facility agreement. These ratios are computed at the end of each fiscal quarter for the most recent 12-month period. The Revolving Credit Facility allows for a Maximum Leverage Ratio of 3.50 and a Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio of 2.50, subject to certain conditions defined in the financing agreement. The Company was compliant with all financial covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility as of May 31, 2012. As of May 31, 2012, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $10.4, primarily for securing collateral requirements under the casualty insurance programs for Acuity Brands and providing credit support for the Company’s industrial revenue bond (not an outstanding amount under the Revolving Credit Facility). At May 31, 2012, the Company had additional borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility of $243.8 under the most restrictive covenant in effect at the time, which represents the full amount of the Revolving Credit Facility less outstanding letters of credit of $6.2 issued under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Generally, amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a “Eurocurrency Rate”. Eurocurrency rate advances can be denominated in a variety of currencies, including U.S. Dollars, and amounts outstanding bear interest at a periodic fixed rate equal to the London Inter Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) for the applicable currency plus a margin as determined by Acuity Brands' leverage ratio (“Applicable Margin”). The Applicable Margin is based on the Company’s leverage ratio, as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, with such margin ranging from 1.075% to 1.65%.

The Company is required to pay certain fees in connection with the Revolving Credit Facility, including administrative service fees and an annual facility fee. The annual facility fee is payable quarterly in arrears and is determined by the Company’s leverage ratio as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility. This facility fee ranges from 0.175% to 0.35% of the aggregate $250.0 commitment of the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Notes

At May 31, 2012, the Company had $350.0 of publicly-traded, senior unsecured notes outstanding at a 6% interest rate that are scheduled to mature in December 2019 (the “Notes”) and $4.0 of tax-exempt industrial revenue bonds that are scheduled to mature in 2021. Further discussion of the Company’s debt is included within the Debt and Lines of Credit footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within the Company’s Form 10-K.

Interest Expense

Interest expense, net, is comprised primarily of interest expense on long-term debt, obligations in connection with non-qualified retirement plans, and Revolving Credit Facility borrowings, partially offset by interest income on cash and cash equivalents.

The following table summarizes the components of interest expense, net:



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	May 31, 2012			May 31, 2011			May 31, 2012			May 31, 2011
Interest expense	$	7.8		$	7.6		$	23.5		$	22.9
Interest income	(0.1		)	(0.1		)	(0.4		)	(0.4		)
Interest expense, net	$	7.7		$	7.5		$	23.1		$	22.5

Cash paid for interest as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as supplemental cash flow information for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011 totaled $19.5 and $19.0, respectively. The prior-year period amount was revised for consistency with the first nine months of fiscal 2012 to properly reflect interest paid related to obligations associated with a non-qualified retirement plan.


12.	Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to the effects of certain contractual stipulations, events, transactions, and laws and regulations that may, at times, require the recognition of liabilities, such as those related to self-

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insurance reserves and claims, legal and contractual issues, environmental laws and regulations, guarantees, and indemnities. The Company establishes reserves when the associated costs related to uncertainties or guarantees become probable and can be reasonably estimated. For the period ended May 31, 2012, no material changes have occurred in the Company’s reserves for self-insurance, litigation, environmental matters, or guarantees and indemnities, or relevant events and circumstances, from those disclosed in the Commitments and Contingencies footnote of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements within the Company’s Form 10-K.

For more information on the Company’s commitments and contingencies, please refer to the Commitments and Contingencies footnote of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements within the Company’s Form 10-K.

Product Warranty and Recall Costs

Acuity Brands records an allowance for the estimated amount of future warranty claims when the related revenue is recognized, primarily based on historical experience of identified warranty claims. However, there can be no assurance that future warranty costs will not exceed historical experience. Estimated recall costs are recognized upon such time that the Company becomes aware of product defects and other issues. If actual future warranty costs exceed historical amounts or unforeseen recall costs occur, additional allowances may be required, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and cash flows in future periods.

As of August 31, 2011, the Company had product warranty and recall reserves of $4.2. During the nine-month period ended May 31, 2012, the Company made payments of $4.5 related to warranty claims and recognized additional estimated warranty and recall liabilities of $3.4. As of May 31, 2012, the Company had remaining product warranty and recall reserves of $3.1 (included in Other accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets).


13.	Share-Based Payments

The Company accounts for share-based payments through the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for share-based payment awards made to employees and directors of the Company, including stock options and restricted shares (all part of the Long-Term Incentive Plan), and share units representing certain deferrals into the Director Deferred Compensation Plan or the Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. Each of these award programs is more fully discussed within the Company’s Form 10-K. The Company recorded $3.8 and $3.7 of share-based expense for the three months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $11.9 and $10.5 of share-based expense for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized share-based compensation cost are reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow, and amounted to $0.2 and $1.6 for the three months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $4.3 and $5.1 for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.


14.	Pension and Profit Sharing Plans

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

Net periodic pension cost for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, included the following components:



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	May 31, 2012			May 31, 2011			May 31, 2012			May 31, 2011
Service cost	$	0.7		$	0.8		$	2.1		$	2.4
Interest cost	2.1			2.1			6.4			6.3
Expected return on plan assets	(2.0		)	(1.9		)	(6.2		)	(5.6		)
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			0.1			0.1
Recognized actuarial loss	1.0			1.2			3.0			3.6
Net periodic pension cost	$	1.8		$	2.2		$	5.4		$	6.8

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


15.	Special Charge

Fiscal 2008-2010 Actions

In previous fiscal years, the Company commenced actions to streamline and simplify its organizational structure and operations. The charges consisted of severance and related employee benefit costs associated with the elimination of certain positions worldwide, consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities, the estimated costs associated with the early termination of certain leases, and share-based expense due to the modification of the terms of agreements for certain terminated employees. Further details regarding the Company’s previous streamlining activities are included within the Special Charge footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within the Company’s Form 10-K.

At August 31, 2011, the Company had severance and exit costs reserves of $3.5 and $0.3, respectively. The Company made payments and other adjustments of $3.2 and $0.2 related to severance and exit costs, respectively, during the nine-month period ended May 31, 2012. As of May 31, 2012, the Company had remaining severance and exit costs reserves of $0.3 and $0.1, respectively, related to previous restructuring activities, which are included in Accrued Compensation on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Fiscal 2012 Actions

During fiscal 2012, the Company continued efforts to streamline the organization through the planned closure of its Cochran, Georgia production facility (“Cochran facility”) and reductions in workforce resulting from the downsizing of the Company’s operations in Spain, as well as the previous realignment of responsibilities primarily within various Selling, Distribution, and Administrative (“SD&A”) departments. The Company expects that these actions to streamline its business activities, in addition to those taken in previous fiscal years, will allow it to reduce costs and enhance customer service capabilities, while permitting for the continued investment in future growth initiatives, such as new products, expanded market presence, and technology and innovation. The Company expects to incur future charges related to the actions initiated during the current fiscal year.

In addition to the $2.7 pre-tax special charge recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 related to the realignment of responsibilities primarily within various SD&A departments, the Company recorded a net pre-tax special charge of approximately $1.2 during the second quarter of fiscal 2012 associated with a reduction in workforce, primarily at its operations in Spain. The reduction in workforce was due to the decline in market conditions in Spain, which are not expected to rebound materially in the near future. The pre-tax charge consisted primarily of severance and other employee related costs.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company decided to close its Cochran facility, which is expected to be principally completed by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The Company will transition production from the Cochran facility, which produces less than 10% of the Company’s total sales, to various existing facilities in North America. The Company expects to incur a pre-tax restructuring charge of approximately $14.0 associated with the planned facility closing of which approximately $7.3, consisting primarily of severance and employee-related costs, was recognized as of May 31, 2012. The remaining portion of the pre-tax charge is expected to be recognized primarily during the remainder of fiscal 2012. The pre-tax charge consists primarily of severance and employee-related costs of approximately $9.0, estimated production transfer expenses and miscellaneous costs of $2.0, and non-cash asset impairments of $3.0. Approximately $11.0 of the pre-tax charge is anticipated to result in cash expenditures, most of which is expected to be paid by the end of the current calendar year.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2012, the Company recognized total net pre-tax severance costs of $11.2, including minor adjustments to the reserves for the 2008-2010 events noted above. During the nine-month period ended May 31, 2012, the Company made actual payments of $3.2 related to severance costs for actions taken in fiscal 2012. As of May 31, 2012, the Company had remaining reserves for severance costs of $8.2 related to the fiscal 2012 restructuring activities, which are included in Accrued Compensation on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


16.	Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

In December 2009, ABL, the wholly-owned and principal operating subsidiary of the Company, refinanced the then current outstanding debt through the issuance of the Notes. See Debt and Lines of Credit footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within the Company’s Form 10-K for further information.

In accordance with the registration rights agreement by and between ABL and the Guarantors and the initial purchasers of the Notes, ABL and the Guarantors to the Notes filed a registration statement with the SEC for an offer to exchange the Notes for an issue of SEC-registered notes with identical terms. Due to the filing of the registration statement and offer to exchange,

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

the Company determined the need for compliance with Rule 3-10 of SEC Regulation S-X (“Rule 3-10”). In lieu of providing separate audited financial statements for ABL and ABL IP Holding, the Company has included the accompanying Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements in accordance with Rule 3-10(d) of SEC Regulation S-X. The column marked “Parent” represents the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of Acuity Brands. The column marked “Subsidiary Issuer” represents the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of ABL. The column entitled “Subsidiary Guarantor” represents the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of ABL IP Holding. Lastly, the column listed as “Non-Guarantors” includes the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the non-guarantor direct and indirect subsidiaries of Acuity Brands, which consist primarily of foreign subsidiaries. Eliminations were necessary in order to arrive at consolidated amounts. In addition, the equity method of accounting was used to calculate investments in subsidiaries. Accordingly, this basis of presentation is not intended to present our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows for any purpose other than to comply with the specific requirements for parent-subsidiary guarantor reporting.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS



	May 31, 2012
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	202.3		$	—		$	—		$	26.0		$	—		$	228.3
Accounts receivable, net	—			236.6			—			33.0			—			269.6
Inventories	—			159.4			—			9.3			—			168.7
Other current assets	19.1			13.1			—			5.3			—			37.5
Total Current Assets	221.4			409.1			—			73.6			—			704.1
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	—			104.9			—			27.5			—			132.4
Goodwill	—			516.1			2.7			35.2			—			554.0
Intangible assets	—			106.4			122.7			4.4			—			233.5
Other long-term assets	4.4			23.3			—			4.8			—			32.5
Investments in subsidiaries	744.3			93.0			—			—			(837.3		)	—
Total Assets	$	970.1		$	1,252.8		$	125.4		$	145.5		$	(837.3	)	$	1,656.5

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	0.8		$	191.0		$	—		$	10.9		$	—		$	202.7
Intercompany payable (receivable)	102.2			(41.9		)	(94.1		)	33.8			—			—
Other accrued liabilities	18.2			99.7			—			10.5			—			128.4
Total Current Liabilities	121.2			248.8			(94.1		)	55.2			—			331.1
Long-Term Debt	—			353.5			—			—			—			353.5
Deferred Income Taxes	(27.9		)	69.8			—			(3.4		)	—			38.5
Other Long-Term Liabilities	57.8			41.7			—			14.9			—			114.4
Total Stockholders’ Equity	819.0			539.0			219.5			78.8			(837.3		)	819.0
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	970.1		$	1,252.8		$	125.4		$	145.5		$	(837.3	)	$	1,656.5

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS



	August 31, 2011
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	127.2		$	0.1		$	—		$	42.9		$	—		$	170.2
Accounts receivable, net	—			228.3			—			34.3			—			262.6
Inventories	—			156.7			—			9.2			—			165.9
Other current assets	6.0			19.8			—			6.0			—			31.8
Total Current Assets	133.2			404.9			—			92.4			—			630.5
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	—			111.3			—			31.9			—			143.2
Goodwill	—			519.8			2.7			36.7			—			559.2
Intangible assets	—			106.8			125.5			1.9			—			234.2
Other long-term assets	3.5			19.1			—			7.7			—			30.3
Investments in subsidiaries	741.3			105.7			—			0.1			(847.1		)	—
Total Assets	$	878.0		$	1,267.6		$	128.2		$	170.7		$	(847.1	)	$	1,597.4

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	1.6		$	191.2		$	—		$	11.0		$	—		$	203.8
Intercompany payable (receivable)	78.1			(43.0		)	(78.6		)	43.5			—			—
Other accrued liabilities	14.5			100.7			—			12.4			—			127.6
Total Current Liabilities	94.2			248.9			(78.6		)	66.9			—			331.4
Long-Term Debt	—			353.4			—			—			—			353.4
Deferred Income Taxes	(30.0		)	69.8			—			(3.4		)	—			36.4
Other Long-Term Liabilities	56.8			48.2			—			14.2			—			119.2
Total Stockholders’ Equity	757.0			547.3			206.8			93.0			(847.1		)	757.0
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	878.0		$	1,267.6		$	128.2		$	170.7		$	(847.1	)	$	1,597.4

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME



	Three Months Ended May 31, 2012
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Sales:
External sales	$	—		$	435.9		$	—	$	51.6		$	—		$	487.5
Intercompany sales	—			—			7.5		18.1			(25.6		)	—
Total Sales	—			435.9			7.5		69.7			(25.6		)	487.5
Cost of Products Sold	—			250.3			—		53.3			(18.1		)	285.5
Gross Profit	—			185.6			7.5		16.4			(7.5		)	202.0
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	6.4			128.7			0.9		14.3			(7.5		)	142.8
Intercompany charges	(1.0		)	0.7			—		0.3			—			—
Special Charge	—			1.9			—		—			—			1.9
Operating Profit	(5.4		)	54.3			6.6		1.8			—			57.3
Interest expense (income), net	2.3			5.5			—		(0.1		)	—			7.7
Equity earnings in subsidiaries	(38.4		)	(3.5		)	—		—			41.9			—
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net	(0.1		)	0.3			—		(2.9		)	—			(2.7		)
Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes	30.8			52.0			6.6		4.8			(41.9		)	52.3
Provision for Income Taxes	(2.8		)	17.5			2.3		1.7			—			18.7
Net Income	$	33.6		$	34.5		$	4.3	$	3.1		$	(41.9	)	$	33.6

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME



	Three Months Ended May 31, 2011
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer		Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Sales:
External sales	$	—		$	406.3	$	—	$	52.0		$	—		$	458.3
Intercompany sales	—			—		6.6		19.2			(25.8		)	—
Total Sales	—			406.3		6.6		71.2			(25.8		)	458.3
Cost of Products Sold	—			231.6		—		56.2			(19.2		)	268.6
Gross Profit	—			174.7		6.6		15.0			(6.6		)	189.7
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	6.7			121.4		1.1		16.9			(6.6		)	139.5
Intercompany charges	(0.9		)	0.5		—		0.4			—			—
Operating Profit	(5.8		)	52.8		5.5		(2.3		)	—			50.2
Interest expense (income), net	2.1			5.5		—		(0.1		)	—			7.5
Equity earnings in subsidiaries	(31.9		)	1.4		—		—			30.5			—
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net	(0.1		)	0.5		—		0.5			—			0.9
Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes	24.1			45.4		5.5		(2.7		)	(30.5		)	41.8
Provision for Income Taxes	(3.0		)	15.7		2.5		(0.5		)	—			14.7
Net Income	$	27.1		$	29.7	$	3.0	$	(2.2	)	$	(30.5	)	$	27.1

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME



	Nine Months Ended May 31, 2012
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Sales:
External sales	$	—		$	1,268.3		$	—	$	151.2		$	—		$	1,419.5
Intercompany sales	—			—			22.2		47.9			(70.1		)	—
Total Sales	—			1,268.3			22.2		199.1			(70.1		)	1,419.5
Cost of Products Sold	—			735.2			—		154.6			(47.9		)	841.9
Gross Profit	—			533.1			22.2		44.5			(22.2		)	577.6
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	19.5			376.2			2.7		43.3			(22.2		)	419.5
Intercompany charges	(2.6		)	1.7			—		0.9			—			—
Special Charge	—			10.3			—		0.9			—			11.2
Operating Profit	(16.9		)	144.9			19.5		(0.6		)	—			146.9
Interest expense (income), net	6.8			16.6			—		(0.3		)	—			23.1
Equity earnings in subsidiaries	(97.9		)	(3.6		)	—		0.1			101.4			—
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net	(0.3		)	0.9			—		(5.1		)	—			(4.5		)
Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes	74.5			131.0			19.5		4.7			(101.4		)	128.3
Provision for Income Taxes	(8.6		)	44.4			6.8		2.6			—			45.2
Net Income	$	83.1		$	86.6		$	12.7	$	2.1		$	(101.4	)	$	83.1

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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME



	Nine Months Ended May 31, 2011
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Sales:
External sales	$	—		$	1,149.6		$	—	$	149.9		$	—		$	1,299.5
Intercompany sales	—			—			19.3		53.5			(72.8		)	—
Total Sales	—			1,149.6			19.3		203.4			(72.8		)	1,299.5
Cost of Products Sold	—			668.4			—		155.0			(53.5		)	769.9
Gross Profit	—			481.2			19.3		48.4			(19.3		)	529.6
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	18.4			350.2			3.5		43.9			(19.3		)	396.7
Intercompany charges	(2.6		)	1.6			—		1.0			—			—
Operating Profit	(15.8		)	129.4			15.8		3.5			—			132.9
Interest expense (income), net	6.3			16.4			—		(0.2		)	—			22.5
Equity earnings in subsidiaries	(84.8		)	(2.9		)	—		0.1			87.6			—
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net	(0.3		)	1.0			—		2.2			—			2.9
Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes	63.0			114.9			15.8		1.4			(87.6		)	107.5
Provision for Income Taxes	(8.3		)	36.5			7.4		0.6			—			36.2
Net Income	$	71.3		$	78.4		$	8.4	$	0.8		$	(87.6	)	$	71.3

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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	Nine Months Ended May 31, 2012
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities	$	93.8		$	19.9		$	—	$	(8.9	)	$	(2.0	)	$	102.8
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	—			(16.6		)	—		(2.2		)	—			(18.8		)
Investments in subsidiaries	(3.8		)	—			—		—			3.8			—
Acquisitions of business and intangible assets	—			(3.8		)	—		—			—			(3.8		)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(3.8		)	(20.4		)	—		(2.2		)	3.8			(22.6		)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	6.5			—			—		—			—			6.5
Repurchases of common stock	(9.2		)	—			—		—			—			(9.2		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	4.3			—			—		—			—			4.3
Intercompany dividends	—			—			—		(2.0		)	2.0			—
Intercompany capital	—			3.8			—		—			(3.8		)	—
Dividends paid	(16.5		)	—			—		—			—			(16.5		)
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities	(14.9		)	3.8			—		(2.0		)	(1.8		)	(14.9		)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	—			(3.4		)	—		(3.8		)	—			(7.2		)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	75.1			(0.1		)	—		(16.9		)	—			58.1
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	127.2			0.1			—		42.9			—			170.2
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	202.3		$	—		$	—	$	26.0		$	—		$	228.3

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ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	Nine Months Ended May 31, 2011
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Operating Activities	$	64.9		$	12.7		$	—	$	4.0		$	—		$	81.6
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	—			(14.8		)	—		(2.6		)	—			(17.4		)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	—			1.3			—		—			—			1.3
Investments in subsidiaries	(90.4		)	—			—		—			90.4			—
Acquisitions of business and intangible assets	—			(90.4		)	—		—			—			(90.4		)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(90.4		)	(103.9		)	—		(2.6		)	90.4			(106.5		)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	5.8			—			—		—			—			5.8
Repurchases of common stock	(2.9		)	—			—		—			—			(2.9		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	5.1			—			—		—			—			5.1
Intercompany dividends	—			—			—		—			—			—
Intercompany capital	—			90.4			—		—			(90.4		)	—
Dividends paid	(16.9		)	—			—		—			—			(16.9		)
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities	(8.9		)	90.4			—		—			(90.4		)	(8.9		)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	—			0.6			—		3.0			—			3.6
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(34.4		)	(0.2		)	—		4.4			—			(30.2		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	163.1			0.4			—		27.5			—			191.0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	128.7		$	0.2		$	—	$	31.9		$	—		$	160.8

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Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

($ in millions, except per-share data and as indicated)

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included within this report. References made to years are for fiscal year periods.

The purpose of this discussion and analysis is to enhance the understanding and evaluation of the results of operations, financial position, cash flows, indebtedness, and other key financial information of Acuity Brands, Inc. (“Acuity Brands”), and its subsidiaries as of May 31, 2012 and for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011. For a more complete understanding of this discussion, please read the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report. Also, please refer to the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 28, 2011 (“Form 10-K”).

Overview

Company

Acuity Brands is the parent company of Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. (“ABL”), and other subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as the “Company”). The Company, with its principal office in Atlanta, Georgia, employs approximately 6,000 people worldwide.

The Company designs, produces, and distributes a broad array of lighting solutions and services for commercial, institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications for various markets throughout North America and select international markets. The Company’s lighting solutions include devices such as luminaires, lighting controls, power supplies, prismatic skylights, light-emitting diode (“LED”) lamps, and integrated lighting systems for indoor and outdoor applications utilizing a combination of light sources, including daylight, and other devices controlled by software that monitors and manages light levels while optimizing energy consumption (collectively referred to herein as “lighting solutions”). The Company is one of the world’s leading producers and distributors of lighting solutions, with a broad, highly configurable product offering, consisting of approximately 500,000 active products as part of over 2,000 product groups that are sold to approximately 5,000 customers. As of May 31, 2012, the Company operates 21 manufacturing facilities and seven distribution facilities along with two warehouses to serve its extensive customer base.

Please refer to the Description of Business and Basis of Presentation footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the Company’s structure.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s principle sources of liquidity are operating cash flows generated primarily from its business operations, cash on hand, and various sources of borrowings. The ability of the Company to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or to access certain capital markets, including banks, is necessary to fund its operations, to pay dividends, to meet its obligations as they become due, and to maintain compliance with covenants contained in its financing agreements.

Based on its cash on hand, availability under existing financing arrangements and current projections of cash flow from operations, the Company believes that it will be able to meet its liquidity needs over the next 12 months. Short-term needs are expected to include funding operations as currently planned, making anticipated capital investments, funding potential acquisitions, paying quarterly stockholder dividends as currently anticipated, paying interest on borrowings as currently scheduled, and making required contributions to its employee benefit plans, as well as potentially repurchasing shares of its outstanding common stock as authorized by the Board of Directors. Two million shares of the Company’s common stock are currently authorized and available for repurchase under the existing repurchase program. The Company expects to repurchase these shares on an opportunistic basis. The Company currently expects to invest during fiscal 2012 approximately $30.0 primarily for equipment, tooling, and new and enhanced information technology capabilities. Additionally, management believes that the Company’s cash flows from operations and sources of funding, including, but not limited to borrowing capacity, will sufficiently support the long-term liquidity needs of the Company.

Cash Flow

The Company uses available cash and cash flow from operations, as well as proceeds from the exercise of stock options, to fund operations and capital expenditures, repurchase Company common stock, fund acquisitions, and pay dividends.

The Company’s cash position at May 31, 2012 was $228.3, an increase of $58.1 from August 31, 2011. During the nine months ended May 31, 2012, the Company generated net cash from operating activities of $102.8 with additional cash received of $6.5 from the exercise of employee and director stock options. Cash generated from operating activities, as well as cash on-hand, was used during the first nine months of fiscal 2012 for capital expenditures of $18.8 and acquisitions (net of cash

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assumed) of $3.8. In addition, the Company paid dividends to stockholders of $16.5 and repurchased 252,000 shares of its common stock for $9.2. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates negatively impacted cash flows by $7.2.

During the nine months ended May 31, 2012, the Company generated net cash from operating activities of $102.8 compared with $81.6 generated in the prior-year period, an increase of $21.2, or 26.0%. The increase was due primarily to higher net income compared with the prior-year period, as well as an improvement in the level of net working capital (calculated as current assets less current liabilities - each net of the impact of acquisitions) required to support higher sales.

Management believes that investing in assets and programs that will over time increase the overall return on its invested capital is a key factor in driving stockholder value. The Company invested $18.8 and $17.4 in the first nine months of fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively, primarily for new tooling, machinery, equipment, and information technology. As noted above, the Company expects to invest approximately $30.0 for new plant, equipment, tooling, and new and enhanced information technology capabilities during fiscal 2012.

Capitalization

The current capital structure of the Company is comprised principally of senior unsecured notes and equity of its stockholders. As of May 31, 2012, total debt outstanding of $353.5 remained substantially unchanged from August 31, 2011 and consisted primarily of fixed-rate obligations.

On January 31, 2012, the Company executed a new $250.0 revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The Revolving Credit Facility replaced the Company’s prior $250.0 revolving credit facility, which was scheduled to mature on October 19, 2012. The Company recognized a write-off of less than $0.1 in deferred financing costs in connection with this replacement. The Revolving Credit Facility will mature and any and all amounts outstanding will be due and payable on January 31, 2017.

The Company was compliant with all financial covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility as of May 31, 2012. As of May 31, 2012, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $10.4, primarily for securing collateral requirements under the casualty insurance programs for Acuity Brands and providing credit support for the Company’s industrial revenue bond. At May 31, 2012, the Company had additional borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility of $243.8 under the most restrictive covenant in effect at the time, which represents the full amount of the Revolving Credit Facility less outstanding letters of credit of $6.2 issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. See the Debt footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2012, the Company’s consolidated stockholders’ equity increased $62.0 to $819.0 at May 31, 2012 from $757.0 at August 31, 2011. The increase was due primarily to net income earned in the period, as well as amortization of stock-based compensation, stock issuances resulting primarily from the exercise of stock options, and amortization of pension plan prior service costs, partially offset by payments of dividends, foreign currency translation adjustments, and repurchases of common stock. The Company’s debt to total capitalization ratio (calculated by dividing total debt by the sum of total debt and total stockholders’ equity) was 30.1% and 31.8% at May 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011, respectively. The ratio of debt, net of cash, to total capitalization, net of cash, was 13.3% at May 31, 2012 and 19.4% at August 31, 2011.

Dividends

Acuity Brands paid dividends on its common stock of $16.5 ($0.39 per share) during the nine months ended May 31, 2012 compared with $16.9 ($0.39 per share) during the nine months ended May 31, 2011. Acuity Brands currently plans to pay quarterly dividends at a rate of $0.13 per share. All decisions regarding the declaration and payment of dividends by Acuity Brands are at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Acuity Brands and are evaluated regularly in light of the Company’s financial condition, earnings, growth prospects, funding requirements, applicable law, and any other factors the Acuity Brands Board of Directors deems relevant.

Results of Operations

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2012 Compared with Third Quarter of Fiscal 2011

The following table sets forth information comparing the components of net income for the three months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011:

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	Three Months Ended
	May 31,						Increase				Percent
	2012			2011			(Decrease)				Change
Net Sales	$	487.5		$	458.3		$	29.2			6.4	%
Cost of Products Sold	285.5			268.6			16.9				6.3	%
Gross Profit	202.0			189.7			12.3				6.5	%
Percent of net sales	41.4		%	41.4		%	—			bps
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	142.8			139.5			3.3				2.4	%
Special Charge	1.9			—			1.9				100.0	%
Operating Profit	57.3			50.2			7.1				14.1	%
Percent of net sales	11.8		%	11.0		%	80			bps
Other Expense (Income)
Interest Expense, net	7.7			7.5			0.2				2.7	%
Miscellaneous (Income) Expense, net	(2.7		)	0.9			(3.6		)		NM
Total Other Expense	5.0			8.4			(3.4		)		(40.5	)%
Income before Provision for Income Taxes	52.3			41.8			10.5				25.1	%
Percent of net sales	10.7		%	9.1		%	160			bps
Provision for Taxes	18.7			14.7			4.0				27.2	%
Effective tax rate	35.8		%	35.2		%
Net Income	33.6			27.1			6.5				24.0	%
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.79		$	0.62		$	0.17			27.4	%

NM - not meaningful

Net sales were $487.5 for the three months ended May 31, 2012, compared with $458.3 reported for the three months ended May 31, 2011, an increase of $29.2, or 6.4%. For the three months ended May 31, 2012, the Company reported net income of $33.6, an increase of $6.5, or 24.0%, compared with $27.1 for the three months ended May 31, 2011. For the third quarter of fiscal 2012, diluted earnings per share increased to $0.79 compared with $0.62 reported in the year-ago period.

The table below reconciles certain U.S. GAAP financial measures referred to in the discussion of the Company’s results of operations to the corresponding non-U.S. GAAP measures, which exclude special charges associated primarily with continued efforts to streamline the organization through the planned closing of a manufacturing facility and the reduction in workforce. Although special charges related to other efforts to improve overall Company efficiency have been recognized in prior periods and could recur in future periods, management typically excludes the impact of special charges during internal reviews of performance and uses these non-U.S. GAAP measures for baseline comparative operational analysis, decision making, and other activities. These non-U.S. GAAP financial measures, including adjusted operating profit, adjusted operating profit margin, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted earnings per share, are provided to enhance the user’s overall understanding of the Company’s current financial performance. Specifically, the Company believes these non-U.S. GAAP measures provide greater comparability and enhanced visibility into the results of operations, excluding the impact of special charges. The non-U.S. GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

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	Three Months Ended
	May 31,						Percent
	2012			2011			Change
Operating Profit	$	57.3		$	50.2		14.1	%
Addback: Special Charge	1.9			—			100.0	%
Adjusted Operating Profit	$	59.2		$	50.2		17.9	%
Percent of net sales	12.1		%	11.0		%
Net Income	$	33.6		$	27.1		24.0	%
Addback: Special Charge, net of tax	1.2			—			100.0	%
Adjusted Net Income	$	34.8		$	27.1		28.4	%
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.79		$	0.62		27.4	%
Addback: Special Charge, net of tax	0.03			—			100.0	%
Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.82		$	0.62		32.3	%

Net Sales

Net sales for the three months ended May 31, 2012, increased by 6.4% compared with the prior-year period. Unit volumes increased more than 5% compared with the prior-year period reflecting the modest recovery in the North American lighting market, partially offset by weakness in select international markets such as Spain. Although it is not possible to precisely quantify the separate impact of changes in product prices and the mix of products sold (“price/mix”), the Company estimates that the balance of the year-over-year increase in net sales was due primarily to the net favorable change in price/mix, which was driven mostly by the favorable impact of price increases implemented over the previous twelve months. Net sales of LED-based luminaires continued to grow at a significant pace approaching 10% of total net sales during the quarter. The impact on net sales from acquisitions and foreign currency was not material.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 increased $12.3, or 6.5%, to $202.0 compared with $189.7 for the prior-year period. The increase was due primarily to higher sales volumes, favorable price/mix, and reduced costs from productivity improvements. These benefits were partially offset by the impact of higher material and component costs, including certain transportation costs, of approximately $8.0 in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 compared with the year-ago period. Gross profit margin was 41.4% for the three months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011.

Operating Profit

Selling, Distribution, and Administrative (“SD&A”) expenses for the three months ended May 31, 2012, were $142.8 compared with $139.5 in the prior-year period, which represented an increase of $3.3, or 2.4%. The increase in SD&A expenses was due primarily to higher costs to support the greater sales volume, including commissions, sales and marketing expenses, and higher employee incentive compensation, as well as spending for long-term growth opportunities, partially offset by productivity improvements. Fiscal 2012 third quarter SD&A expenses were 29.3% of net sales, 110 basis points lower than the prior-year period, which was attributable primarily to the leveraging of certain SD&A expenses on a higher level of net sales. Additionally, the Company realized approximately $1.0 of benefits from streamlining efforts taken primarily in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company recorded a pre-tax special charge of $1.9 related primarily to streamlining efforts initiated during the second quarter of fiscal 2012. The special charge primarily related to severance and related employee benefit costs associated with the planned closure of a manufacturing facility in Cochran, Georgia. See the Outlook section for more information on these actions.

Operating profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was $57.3 compared with $50.2 for the prior-year period, an increase of $7.1, or 14.1%. The period-over-period increase was due primarily to higher net sales and benefits of productivity improvements, partially offset by increases in material and component costs, the special charge, SD&A expenses as discussed above, and unfavorable results in Spain due to difficult economic conditions. Operating profit margin increased 80 basis points to 11.8% for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 compared with 11.0% for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 due primarily to higher net sales and lower SD&A expenses as a percent of sales as discussed above.

Adjusted operating profit (excluding the special charge) for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 increased by $9.0, or 17.9%, to $59.2 compared with operating profit of $50.2 for the third quarter of fiscal 2011, during which the Company did not recognize

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a special charge. Adjusted operating profit margin (excluding the special charge) increased 110 basis points to 12.1% compared with the operating profit margin (with no corresponding special charge) of 11.0% in the year-ago period.

Other Expense (Income)

Other expense (income) consists principally of net interest expense and net miscellaneous expense (income), which is comprised primarily of foreign exchange transaction-related gains and losses. Interest expense, net, was $7.7 and $7.5 for the three months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in net interest expense was due primarily to increased interest related to obligations associated with non-qualified retirement plans. The Company reported net miscellaneous income of $2.7 and net miscellaneous expense of $0.9 in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. Fiscal 2012 third quarter net miscellaneous income was due mainly to the favorable impact of exchange rates on certain foreign currency items, primarily Mexican Peso-denominated exposures.

Provision for Income Taxes and Net Income

The Company’s effective income tax rate was 35.8% and 35.2% for the three months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate was due primarily to the reduced impact of favorable permanent tax items on higher taxable income, nondeductible losses in Spain, and the expiration of the research and development tax credit, which occurred at the end of calendar year 2011. The Company estimates that the effective tax rate for fiscal 2012 will be approximately 35% if the rates in its taxing jurisdictions remain generally consistent throughout the year.

Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 increased $6.5 to $33.6 from $27.1 reported for the prior-year period. The increase in net income resulted primarily from higher operating profit and lower net other expense, partially offset by higher tax expense.

Adjusted net income (excluding the impact of the special charge) for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was $34.8 compared with $27.1 of net income (with no corresponding special charge) in the prior-year period, which represented an increase of $7.7, or approximately 28%. Adjusted diluted earnings per share (excluding the impact of the special charge) for the three months ended May 31, 2012 increased $0.20, or slightly more than 32%, to $0.82 compared with diluted earnings per share (with no corresponding special charge) of $0.62 for the prior-year period.

First Nine Months of Fiscal 2012 Compared with First Nine Months of Fiscal 2011

The following table sets forth information comparing the components of net income for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011:

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	Nine Months Ended
	May 31,						Increase				Percent
	2012			2011			(Decrease)				Change
Net Sales	$	1,419.5		$	1,299.5		$	120.0			9.2	%
Cost of Products Sold	841.9			769.9			72.0				9.4	%
Gross Profit	577.6			529.6			48.0				9.1	%
Percent of net sales	40.7		%	40.8		%	(10		)	bps
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	419.5			396.7			22.8				5.7	%
Special Charge	11.2			—			11.2				100.0	%
Operating Profit	146.9			132.9			14.0				10.5	%
Percent of net sales	10.3		%	10.2		%	10			bps
Other Expense (Income)
Interest Expense, net	23.1			22.5			0.6				2.7	%
Miscellaneous (Income) Expense, net	(4.5		)	2.9			(7.4		)		NM
Total Other Expense	18.6			25.4			(6.8		)		(26.8	)%
Income before Provision for Income Taxes	128.3			107.5			20.8				19.3	%
Percent of net sales	9.0		%	8.3		%	70			bps
Provision for Taxes	45.2			36.2			9.0				24.9	%
Effective tax rate	35.2		%	33.7		%
Net Income	83.1			71.3			11.8				16.5	%
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	1.95		$	1.63		$	0.32			19.6	%

NM - not meaningful

For the nine months ended May 31, 2012, net sales increased $120.0, or 9.2%, to $1,419.5 compared with $1,299.5 reported for the prior-year period. For the nine months ended May 31, 2012, net income increased $11.8, or 16.5%, to $83.1 compared with $71.3 for the prior-year period. For the first nine months of fiscal 2012, diluted earnings per share increased 19.6% to $1.95 from $1.63 for the prior-year period.



	Nine Months Ended
	May 31,						Percent
	2012			2011			Change
Operating Profit	$	146.9		$	132.9		10.5	%
Addback: Special Charge	11.2			—			100.0	%
Adjusted Operating Profit	$	158.1		$	132.9		19.0	%
Percent of net sales	11.1		%	10.2		%
Net Income	$	83.1		$	71.3		16.5	%
Addback: Special Charge, net of tax	7.5			—			100.0	%
Adjusted Net Income	$	90.6		$	71.3		27.1	%
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	1.95		$	1.63		19.6	%
Addback: Special Charge, net of tax	0.18			—			100.0	%
Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share	$	2.13		$	1.63		30.7	%

Net Sales

Net sales for the nine months ended May 31, 2012, increased by slightly more than 9% compared with the prior-year period. Excluding the impact from acquisitions, net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 rose almost 8% compared with

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the prior-year period. Unit volumes increased by approximately 6% over the prior-year period reflecting the modest recovery in the North American lighting market, partially offset by weakness in select international markets such as Spain. Although it is not possible to precisely quantify the separate impact of changes in price/mix, the Company estimates that net favorable changes in price/mix contributed approximately 2% to the increase in net sales during the first nine months of fiscal 2012. Foreign currency did not have a material impact on net sales during the first nine months of fiscal 2012.

Gross Profit

For the first nine months of fiscal 2012, gross profit increased $48.0, or 9.1%, to $577.6 compared with $529.6 for the prior-year period. The increase was due primarily to higher sales volumes, favorable price/mix, benefits from productivity improvements, and contributions from acquired businesses. These benefits were partially offset by the impact of higher material and component costs, including certain transportation costs, of approximately $30.0 in the first nine months of fiscal 2012 compared with the year-ago period. Although management believes that the increase in material and component costs during the first nine months of fiscal 2012 was substantially offset by price increases implemented during the prior year, these higher input costs negatively impacted gross profit margins. As a result of these factors, gross profit margin decreased slightly by 10 basis points to 40.7% for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 compared with the prior-year period. During the first nine months of fiscal 2012, the overall gross profit margin of LED-based products was generally in the same range with the profitability of fixtures with conventional light sources.

Operating Profit

For the nine months ended May 31, 2012, SD&A expenses were $419.5 compared with $396.7 in the prior-year period, which represented an increase of $22.8, or 5.7%. The increase in SD&A expenses was due primarily to higher costs to support the greater sales volume, including commissions, sales and marketing expenses, and higher employee incentive compensation, as well as spending for long-term growth opportunities. For the first nine months of fiscal 2012, SD&A expenses were 29.6% of net sales, a decline of 90 basis points compared with the prior-year period.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2012, the Company recorded a pre-tax special charge of $11.2 related primarily to streamlining efforts undertaken during the current year. The special charge primarily related to severance and related employee benefit costs associated with the closure of a manufacturing facility in Cochran, Georgia, workforce reductions in the Company’s operations in Spain, and realignment of responsibilities within certain SD&A departments. See the Outlook section for more information on these actions.

For the first nine months of fiscal 2012, operating profit was $146.9 compared with $132.9 for the prior-year period, an increase of $14.0, or 10.5%. The period-over-period increase was due primarily to higher net sales and benefits of productivity improvements, including $2.0 of benefits from streamlining efforts taken primarily in the first quarter of fiscal 2012, partially offset by increases in material and component costs, the special charge, SD&A expenses as discussed above, and unfavorable results in Spain due to difficult economic conditions. Operating profit margin increased by 10 basis points to 10.3% for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 compared with 10.2% in the prior-year period.

Adjusted operating profit (excluding the special charge) for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 increased by $25.2, or 19.0%, to $158.1 compared with operating profit of $132.9 for the first nine months of fiscal 2011, during which the Company did not recognize a special charge. Adjusted operating profit margin (excluding the special charge) increased 90 basis points to 11.1% compared with the operating profit margin (with no corresponding special charge) of 10.2% in the year-ago period.

Other Expense (Income)

Other expense (income) for the Company consists principally of net interest expense and net miscellaneous expense (income) which is comprised primarily of foreign exchange transaction-related gains and losses. Interest expense, net, was $23.1 and $22.5 for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in net interest expense was due primarily to increased interest related to obligations associated with non-qualified retirement plans. The Company reported $4.5 of net miscellaneous income in the first nine months of fiscal 2012 compared with $2.9 of net miscellaneous expense in the prior-year period. For the first nine months of fiscal 2012, net miscellaneous income was due mainly to the favorable impact of exchange rates on certain foreign currency items, primarily Mexican Peso-denominated exposures. The net miscellaneous expense reported for the prior-year period was due mainly to the unfavorable impact of exchange rates on certain foreign currency items, primarily Mexican Peso-denominated exposures.

Provision for Income Taxes and Net Income

The Company’s effective income tax rate was 35.2% and 33.7% for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate was due primarily to the reduced impact of favorable permanent tax items on

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higher taxable income, nondeductible losses in Spain, and the expiration of the research and development tax credit, which occurred at the end of calendar year 2011. The Company estimates that the effective tax rate for fiscal 2012 will be approximately 35% if the rates in its taxing jurisdictions remain generally consistent throughout the year.

For the first nine months of fiscal 2012, net income increased $11.8 to $83.1 from $71.3 reported for the prior-year period. The increase in net income resulted primarily from higher operating profit and net miscellaneous income, partially offset by higher tax expense.

For the first nine months of fiscal 2012, adjusted net income (excluding the impact of the special charge) was $90.6 compared with $71.3 of net income (with no corresponding special charge) in the year-ago period, an increase of $19.3, or approximately 27%. For the nine months ended May 31, 2012, adjusted diluted earnings per share (excluding the impact of the special charge) was $2.13 compared with diluted earnings per share (with no corresponding special charge) of $1.63 for the prior-year period, an increase of $0.50, or approximately 31%.

Outlook

Management believes that the execution of the Company’s strategy will provide opportunities for continued future growth. The Company’s strategy is to capitalize on market growth opportunities by continuing to expand and leverage its industry-leading product and solutions portfolio combined with its extensive market presence and financial strength. Management continues to position the Company to optimize short-term performance while investing in and deploying resources for long-term profitable growth opportunities.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2012, the Company recognized pre-tax special charges of $11.2 associated with actions to streamline the organization, including the reduction of its workforce in Spain as well as the closure of its Cochran, Georgia production facility. The Company expects to incur additional costs of approximately $7.0 associated with the facility closing, which is expected to be principally completed by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The Company expects to realize $2.0 of savings from these streamlining activities in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and to be at the full run rate of approximately $14.0 of annualized savings by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2013, following the completion of the transfer of production and closure of the Cochran facility.

The Company’s expectations for fiscal 2012 market conditions, including the overall economy, have not changed materially during the past quarter. Key indicators continue to suggest that the U.S. non-residential construction market, a key market for the Company, will grow modestly through fiscal 2013. Also, third-party forecasts suggest that the North American lighting market, which includes renovation and relight activity, will continue to outpace the growth rate of new construction. While management is optimistic about the Company’s future prospects and ability to outperform the markets it serves, the potential for continuing volatility in demand exists due to the weak pace of economic recovery in the United States and globally. Management believes opportunities exist that will allow the Company to continue to outperform the markets it serves, including benefits from growing renovation and tenant improvement projects, further expansion in underpenetrated geographies and channels, and growth from the introduction of new products and lighting solutions.

Management expects that its addressable markets will experience solid growth over the next decade, particularly as energy and environmental concerns come to the forefront. Management remains very positive about the future prospects of the Company and its ability to continue to outperform the markets it serves.

Critical Accounting Policies

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations addresses the financial condition and results of operations as reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As discussed in the Description of Business and Basis of Presentation footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to inventory valuation; depreciation, amortization and the recoverability of long-lived assets, including goodwill and intangible assets; share-based compensation expense; medical, product warranty, and other reserves; litigation; and environmental matters. Management bases its estimates and judgments on its substantial historical experience and other relevant factors, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management discusses the development of accounting estimates with the Company’s Audit Committee.

There have been no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies during the current period. For a

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detailed discussion of other significant accounting policies that may involve a higher degree of judgment, please refer to the Company’s Form 10-K.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This filing contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements made herein that may be considered forward-looking include statements incorporating terms such as “expects”, “believes”, “intends”, “anticipates” and similar terms that relate to future events, performance, or results of the Company. In addition, the Company, or the executive officers on the Company’s behalf, may from time to time make forward-looking statements in reports and other documents the Company files with the SEC or in connection with oral statements made to the press, current and potential investors, or others. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation: (a) the Company’s projections regarding financial performance, liquidity, capital structure, capital expenditures, and dividends; (b) expectations about the impact of volatility and uncertainty in general economic conditions; (c) external forecasts projecting industry unit volumes; (d) expectations about the impact of volatility and uncertainty in component and commodity costs and availability, and the Company’s ability to manage those challenges, as well as the Company’s response with pricing of its products; (e) the Company’s ability to execute and realize benefits from initiatives related to streamlining its operations, capitalizing on growth opportunities, expanding in key markets, enhancing service to the customer, and investing in product innovation; (f) the Company’s estimate of its fiscal 2012 annual tax rate; (g) the Company’s expectations regarding the timing, costs, and savings of streamlining events, and the Company’s ability to effectively execute the announced changes, including, but not limited to, transition of manufacturing capacity, labor negotiations, and disposition of property; (h) the Company’s future amortization expense; and (i) the Company’s ability to achieve its long-term financial goals and measures. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this quarterly report. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect any events or circumstances after the date of this quarterly report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The Company’s forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the historical experience of the Company and management’s present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, customer and supplier relationships and prices; competition; ability to realize anticipated benefits from initiatives taken and timing of benefits; market demand; litigation and other contingent liabilities; market conditions; and economic, political, governmental, and technological factors affecting the Company. Also, additional risks that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the Company’s forward-looking statements are discussed in Part I, “Item 1a. Risk Factors” of the Company’s Form 10-K, and are specifically incorporated herein by reference.


Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

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


Item 4.	Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to reasonably ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted by the Company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to reasonably ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As required by SEC rules, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of May 31, 2012. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer. Based on this evaluation, these officers have concluded that the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a reasonable assurance level as of May 31, 2012. However, because all disclosure procedures must rely to a significant degree on actions or decisions made by employees throughout the organization, such as reporting of material events, the Company and its reporting officers believe that they cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud or errors and omissions, if any, within the Company will be detected. Limitations within any control system, including the Company’s control system, include faulty judgments in decision-making or simple errors or mistakes. In addition, controls can be

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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 the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.	Legal Proceedings

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

Information regarding reportable legal proceedings is contained in Part I, “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” in the Company’s Form 10-K. Information set forth in this report’s Commitments and Contingencies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements describes any legal proceedings that became reportable during the quarter ended May 31, 2012, and updates any descriptions of previously reported legal proceedings in which there have been material developments during such quarter. The discussion of legal proceedings included within the Commitments and Contingencies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is incorporated into this Item 1 by reference.


Item 1a.	Risk Factors

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


Item 6.	Exhibits

Exhibits are listed on the Index to Exhibits (page 36).

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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:	July 2, 2012	By:	/S/ VERNON J. NAGEL
			VERNON J. NAGEL CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT, AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER



Date:	July 2, 2012	By:	/S/ RICHARD K. REECE
			RICHARD K. REECE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS



EXHIBIT 3	(a)	Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Acuity Brands, Inc. (formerly Acuity Brands Holdings, Inc.), dated as of September 26, 2007.	Reference is made to Exhibit 3.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on September 26, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.
	(b)	Certificate of Amendment of Acuity Brands, Inc. (formerly Acuity Brands Holdings, Inc.), dated as of September 26, 2007.	Reference is made to Exhibit 3.2 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on September 26, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.
	(c)	Amended and Restated Bylaws of Acuity Brands, Inc., dated as of September 30, 2011.	Reference is made to Exhibit 3.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on October 5, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference.
EXHIBIT 10		Acuity Brands Inc. 2011 Nonemployee Director Deferred Compensation Plan.	Reference is made to Exhibit A of the registrant’s Proxy Statement as filed with the Commission on November 21, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference.
EXHIBIT 31	(a)	Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.	Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q.
	(b)	Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.	Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q.
EXHIBIT 32	(a)	Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.	Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q.
	(b)	Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.	Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q.
EXHIBIT 101**		The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2012, filed on July 2, 2012, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.	Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-Q.

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** Users of this data are advised that, in accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections.