Open the filing on EDGARCharlotte McLaughlin
April Appling
Acuity Reports Fiscal 2026 First-Quarter Results
Strong Performance Delivers Sales Growth, Margin Expansion and EPS Improvement
- Delivered Net Sales of $1.1B, an Increase of 20% Compared to the Prior Year
- Delivered Operating Profit of $160M, Up 20% Compared to the Prior Year; Grew Adjusted Operating Profit to $196M, Up 24% Compared to the Prior Year
- Delivered Diluted EPS of $3.82, Up 14% Compared to the Prior Year; Grew Adjusted Diluted EPS to $4.69, Up 18% Compared to the Prior Year
ATLANTA, January 8, 2026 - Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI), ("Acuity"), a market-leading industrial technology company, delivered net sales of $1.1 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 ended November 30, 2025, an increase of $192.1 million, or 20.2 percent, compared to the prior year.
"We delivered strong performance in our first quarter of fiscal 2026," stated Neil Ashe, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Acuity Inc. "We grew net sales, we expanded our adjusted operating profit and adjusted operating profit margin, and we increased our adjusted diluted earnings per share. We generated strong cash flow and allocated capital effectively."
Operating profit was $160.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $27.1 million, or 20.3 percent, compared to the prior year. Operating profit as a percent of net sales was 14.0 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, flat compared to the prior year. Adjusted operating profit was $196.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $37.6 million, or 23.7 percent, compared to the prior year. Adjusted operating profit as a percent of net sales was 17.2 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of 50 basis points compared to the prior year.
Diluted earnings per share was $3.82 in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $0.47, or 14.0 percent, compared to the prior year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share was $4.69 in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $0.72, or 18.1 percent.
Segment Performance
Acuity Brands Lighting ("ABL")
ABL generated net sales of $895.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $9.1 million, or 1.0 percent, compared to the prior year.
Operating profit was $149.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $5.7 million, or 4.0 percent, compared to the prior year. Operating profit as a percent of ABL net sales was 16.6 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of 40 basis points compared to the prior year. Adjusted operating profit was $159.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $6.3 million, or 4.1 percent, compared to the prior year. Adjusted operating profit as a percent of ABL net sales was 17.9 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of 60 basis points compared to the prior year.
Acuity Intelligent Spaces ("AIS")
AIS generated net sales of $257.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $183.9 million, compared to the prior year. Included in fiscal 2026 net sales are three months of QSC performance.
Operating profit was $37.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $26.2 million compared to the prior year. Operating profit as a percent of AIS net sales was 14.4 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, a decrease of 30 basis points compared to the prior year. Adjusted operating profit was $56.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $41.2 million compared to the prior year. Adjusted operating profit as a percent of AIS net sales was 22.0 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of 100 basis points compared to the prior year.
Cash Flow and Capital Allocation
Net cash from operating activities was $140.8 million for the first three months of fiscal 2026. During the quarter, we repurchased approximately 77,000 shares of common stock for around $28 million, and repaid $100.0 million of term-loan borrowings.
Call Details
We will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. ET today, Thursday, January 8, 2026. Neil Ashe, Chief Executive Officer of Acuity Inc. will lead the call. The conference call and earnings release can be accessed via our Investor Relations section of our website at www.investors.acuityinc.com. A replay of the call will also be posted to the Investor Relations website within two hours of the completion of the conference call and will be available on the website for a limited time.
About Acuity
Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people’s lives.
We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and productivity to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals.
Acuity Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www.acuityinc.com.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This news release includes the following non-generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) financial measures: “adjusted operating profit” and “adjusted operating profit margin” for total company and by segment; for total company only we additionally include: “adjusted net income;” “adjusted diluted EPS;” “earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”);" "EBITDA margin;" “adjusted EBITDA;” and "adjusted EBITDA margin." These non-GAAP financial measures are provided to enhance the reader's overall understanding of our current financial performance and prospects for the future. Specifically, management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors by excluding or adjusting items for amortization of acquired intangible assets, share-based payment expense, and acquisition-related costs.
We also provide “free cash flow” (“FCF”) for the total company to enhance the reader’s understanding of our ability to generate additional cash from its business.
Management typically adjusts for these items for internal reviews of performance and uses the above non-GAAP measures for baseline comparative operational analysis, decision making and other activities. Management believes these non-GAAP measures provide greater comparability and enhanced visibility into our results of operations as well as comparability with many of its peers, especially those companies focused more on technology and software. Non-GAAP financial measures included in this news release should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, results prepared in accordance with GAAP.
The most directly comparable GAAP measures for adjusted operating profit and adjusted operating profit margin for total company and by segment are “operating profit” and “operating profit margin,” respectively, which include the impact of amortization of acquired intangible assets, share-based payment expense, and acquisition-related costs. Adjusted operating profit margin is adjusted operating profit divided by net sales for total company and by segment. The most directly comparable GAAP measures for adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS are “net income” and “diluted EPS,” respectively, which include the impact of amortization of acquired intangible assets, share-based payment expense, and acquisition-related costs. Adjusted diluted EPS is adjusted net income divided by diluted weighted average shares outstanding. The most directly comparable GAAP measure for EBITDA is “net income”, which includes the impact of net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization of acquired intangible assets. EBITDA margin is EBITDA divided by net sales. The most directly comparable GAAP measure for adjusted EBITDA is “net income,” which includes the impact of net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, share-based payment expense, acquisition-related costs, and miscellaneous (income) expense, net. Adjusted EBITDA margin is adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales. A reconciliation of each measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is available in the appendix of this news release.
We define FCF as net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment. A calculation of this measure is available in this news release.
Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, have limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP financial measures. Our presentation of such measures, which may include adjustments to exclude unusual or non-recurring items, should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by other unusual or non-recurring items.
Forward-Looking Information
Forward-looking statements notice
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that describe or relate to our plans, initiatives, projections, vision, goals, targets, commitments, expectations, objectives, prospects, strategies, or financial outlook, and the assumptions underlying or relating thereto. In some cases, we may use words such as “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “indicate,” “project,” “predict,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “potential,” and words of similar meaning, as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions, or circumstances, to identify forward-looking statements. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Act. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Our forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions, which may not prove to be accurate, and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, assumptions, and other important factors, many of which are outside of our control and any of which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K (including, but not limited to, the sections titled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"), quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. This press release is not comprehensive, and for that reason, should be read in conjunction with such filings. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect any events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except per-share data)
| November 30, 2025 | August 31, 2025 |
|---|
| (unaudited) | |
|---|
| ASSETS | | |
| Current assets: | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $376.1 | $422.5 |
| Accounts receivable, less reserve for doubtful accounts of $4.1 and $4.3, respectively | 565.3 | 593.9 |
| Inventories | 518.1 | 526.7 |
| Prepayments and other current assets | 122.0 | 108.4 |
| Total current assets | 1,581.5 | 1,651.5 |
| Property, plant, and equipment, net | 345.0 | 343.2 |
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 103.6 | 97.4 |
| Goodwill | 1,492.6 | 1,495.5 |
| Intangible assets, net | 1,074.8 | 1,099.0 |
| Deferred income taxes | 12.3 | 23.4 |
| Other long-term assets | 42.3 | 45.2 |
| Total assets | $4,652.1 | $4,755.2 |
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | |
| Current liabilities: | | |
| Accounts payable | $396.2 | $454.5 |
| Current operating lease liabilities | 25.4 | 23.3 |
| Accrued compensation | 86.2 | 110.0 |
| Other current liabilities | 254.6 | 258.0 |
| Total current liabilities | 762.4 | 845.8 |
| Long-term debt | 797.0 | 896.8 |
| Long-term operating lease liabilities | 87.7 | 84.3 |
| Accrued pension liabilities | 39.6 | 39.2 |
| Deferred income taxes | 24.6 | 24.9 |
| Other long-term liabilities | 146.8 | 139.3 |
| Total liabilities | 1,858.1 | 2,030.3 |
| Stockholders’ equity: | | |
| Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 50.0 shares authorized; none issued | - | - |
| Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 500.0 shares authorized; 55.0 and 54.9 issued, respectively | 0.6 | 0.5 |
| Paid-in capital | 1,151.0 | 1,164.7 |
| Retained earnings | 4,401.0 | 4,285.8 |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (81.4) | (76.5) |
| Treasury stock, at cost, of 24.3 and 24.2 shares, respectively | (2,677.2) | (2,649.6) |
| Total stockholders’ equity | 2,794.0 | 2,724.9 |
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $4,652.1 | $4,755.2 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(In millions, except per-share data)
| Three Months Ended |
|---|
| November 30, 2025 | November 30, 2024 |
|---|
| Net sales | $1,143.7 | $951.6 |
| Cost of products sold | 589.9 | 502.3 |
| Gross profit | 553.8 | 449.3 |
| Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses | 393.4 | 316.0 |
| Operating profit | 160.4 | 133.3 |
| Other expense (income): | | |
| Interest expense (income), net | 8.4 | (4.0) |
| Miscellaneous (income) expense, net | (0.6) | 2.5 |
| Total other expense (income) | 7.8 | (1.5) |
| Income before income taxes | 152.6 | 134.8 |
| Income tax expense | 32.1 | 28.1 |
| Net income | $120.5 | $106.7 |
| Earnings per share: | | |
| Basic earnings per share | $3.92 | $3.45 |
| Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding | 30.705 | 30.930 |
| Diluted earnings per share | $3.82 | $3.35 |
| Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding | 31.561 | 31.799 |
| Dividends declared per share | $0.17 | $0.15 |
Earnings per share is calculated using unrounded numbers. Amounts in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In millions)
| Three Months Ended |
|---|
| November 30, 2025 | November 30, 2024 |
|---|
| Cash flows from operating activities: | | |
| Net income | $120.5 | $106.7 |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities: | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 38.3 | 21.6 |
| Share-based payment expense | 12.5 | 12.1 |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions | | |
| Accounts receivable | 28.0 | 25.2 |
| Inventories | 7.1 | (5.1) |
| Prepayments and other current assets | (10.2) | (1.8) |
| Accounts payable | (51.4) | (14.5) |
| Other operating activities | (4.0) | (12.0) |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 140.8 | 132.2 |
| Cash flows from investing activities: | | |
| Purchases of property, plant, and equipment | (26.0) | (18.9) |
| Other investing activities | (0.3) | 0.5 |
| Net cash used for investing activities | (26.3) | (18.4) |
| Cash flows from financing activities: | | |
| Repayments of term loan borrowings | (100.0) | - |
| Repurchases of common stock | (27.1) | (6.7) |
| Proceeds from stock option exercises and other | 1.4 | 15.6 |
| Payments of taxes withheld on net settlement of equity awards | (27.6) | (23.1) |
| Dividends paid | (5.3) | (4.5) |
| Other financing activities | (2.1) | - |
| Net cash used for financing activities | (160.7) | (18.7) |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (0.2) | (5.3) |
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | (46.4) | 89.8 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 422.5 | 845.8 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $376.1 | $935.6 |
DISAGGREGATED NET SALES
(In millions)
The following tables show net sales by channel for the periods presented:
| Three Months Ended | |
|---|
| November 30, 2025 | November 30, 2024 | Increase (Decrease) | Percent Change |
|---|
| Acuity Brands Lighting: | | | | |
| Independent sales network | $666.3 | $643.9 | $22.4 | 3.5% |
| Direct sales network | 90.4 | 107.2 | (16.8) | (15.7)% |
| Retail sales | 46.8 | 44.9 | 1.9 | 4.2% |
| Corporate accounts | 39.9 | 32.7 | 7.2 | 22.0% |
| Original equipment manufacturer and other | 51.7 | 57.3 | (5.6) | (9.8)% |
| Total Acuity Brands Lighting | 895.1 | 886.0 | 9.1 | 1.0% |
| Acuity Intelligent Spaces | 257.4 | 73.5 | 183.9 | 250.2% |
| Eliminations | (8.8) | (7.9) | (0.9) | 11.4% |
| Total | $1,143.7 | $951.6 | $192.1 | 20.2% |
Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Measures
The tables below reconcile certain GAAP financial measures to the corresponding non-GAAP measures for total Company as well as our reportable operating segments (in millions except per share data):
| Three Months Ended | | | |
|---|
| November 30, 2025 | | November 30, 2024 | | Increase (Decrease) | Percent Change |
|---|
| Net sales | $1,143.7 | | $951.6 | | $192.1 | 20.2% |
| Operating profit (GAAP) | $160.4 | | $133.3 | | $27.1 | 20.3% |
| Percent of net sales (GAAP) | | 14.0% | | 14.0% | - bps | |
| Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets | 23.4 | | 8.7 | | | |
| Add-back: Share-based payment expense | 12.5 | | 12.1 | | | |
| Add-back: Acquisition-related costs | - | | 4.6 | | | |
| Adjusted operating profit (Non-GAAP) | $196.3 | | $158.7 | | $37.6 | 23.7% |
| Percent of net sales (Non-GAAP) | | 17.2% | | 16.7% | 50bps | |
| Net income (GAAP) | $120.5 | | $106.7 | | $13.8 | 12.9% |
| Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets | 23.4 | | 8.7 | | | |
| Add-back: Share-based payment expense | 12.5 | | 12.1 | | | |
| Add-back: Acquisition-related costs | - | | 4.6 | | | |
| Total pre-tax adjustments to net income | 35.9 | | 25.4 | | | |
| Income tax effects | (8.3) | | (5.8) | | | |
| Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP) | $148.1 | | $126.3 | | $21.8 | 17.3% |
| Diluted earnings per share (GAAP) | $3.82 | | $3.35 | | $0.47 | 14.0% |
| Adjusted diluted earnings per share (Non-GAAP) | $4.69 | | $3.97 | | $0.72 | 18.1% |
| Net income (GAAP) | $120.5 | | $106.7 | | $13.8 | 12.9% |
| Percent of net sales (GAAP) | | 10.5% | | 11.2% | (70)bps | |
| Interest expense (income), net | 8.4 | | (4.0) | | | |
| Income tax expense | 32.1 | | 28.1 | | | |
| Depreciation | 14.9 | | 12.9 | | | |
| Amortization of acquired intangible assets | 23.4 | | 8.7 | | | |
| EBITDA (Non-GAAP) | 199.3 | | 152.4 | | 46.9 | 30.8% |
| Percent of net sales (Non-GAAP) | | 17.4% | | 16.0% | 140bps | |
| Share-based payment expense | 12.5 | | 12.1 | | | |
| Acquisition-related costs | - | | 4.6 | | | |
| Miscellaneous (income) expense, net | (0.6) | | 2.5 | | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) | $211.2 | | $171.6 | | $39.6 | 23.1% |
| Percent of net sales (Non-GAAP) | | 18.5% | | 18.0% | 50bps | |
Acquisition-related items include professional fees.
| Three Months Ended | | |
|---|
| Acuity Brands Lighting | November 30, 2025 | November 30, 2024 | Increase (Decrease) | Percent Change |
| Net sales | $895.1 | $886.0 | $9.1 | 1.0% |
| Gross profit (GAAP) | $400.6 | $406.4 | $(5.8) | (1.4)% |
| Gross profit margin (GAAP) | 44.8% | 45.9% | (110)bps | |
| Operating profit (GAAP) | $149.0 | $143.3 | $5.7 | 4.0% |
| Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets | 6.2 | 5.9 | | |
| Add-back: Share-based payment expense | 4.6 | 4.3 | | |
| Adjusted operating profit (Non-GAAP) | $159.8 | $153.5 | $6.3 | 4.1% |
| Operating profit margin (GAAP) | 16.6% | 16.2% | 40bps | |
| Adjusted operating profit margin (Non-GAAP) | 17.9% | 17.3% | 60bps | |
| Three Months Ended | | |
|---|
| Acuity Intelligent Spaces | November 30, 2025 | November 30, 2024 | Increase (Decrease) | Percent Change |
| Net sales | $257.4 | $73.5 | $183.9 | 250.2% |
| Gross profit (GAAP) | $153.2 | $42.9 | $110.3 | 257.1% |
| Gross profit margin (GAAP) | 59.5% | 58.4% | 110bps | |
| Operating profit (GAAP) | $37.0 | $10.8 | $26.2 | 242.6% |
| Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets | 17.2 | 2.8 | | |
| Add-back: Share-based payment expense | 2.4 | 1.8 | | |
| Adjusted operating profit (Non-GAAP) | $56.6 | $15.4 | $41.2 | 267.5% |
| Operating profit margin (GAAP) | 14.4% | 14.7% | (30)bps | |
| Adjusted operating profit margin (Non-GAAP) | 22.0% | 21.0% | 100bps | |
| Three Months Ended | | |
|---|
| November 30, 2025 | November 30, 2024 | Increase (Decrease) | Percent Change |
|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) | $140.8 | $132.2 | $8.6 | 6.5% |
| Less: Purchases of property, plant, and equipment | (26.0) | (18.9) | | |
| Free cash flow (Non-GAAP) | $114.8 | $113.3 | $1.5 | 1.3% |
Contacts
Vice President, Investor Relations
(404) 853-1456 investorrelations@acuityinc.com
Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Communications corporatecommunications@acuityinc.com