STOCK TITAN

Earnings jump as Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI) grows AIS and boosts margins in Q2

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Acuity Inc. reported a strong fiscal 2026 second quarter, highlighted by profit and EPS growth. Net sales were $1.0557 billion, up 4.9% from the prior year, while operating profit rose 20.7% to $133.0 million. Diluted EPS increased 26.1% to $3.09, and adjusted diluted EPS climbed 11.0% to $4.14.

The Acuity Intelligent Spaces segment drove growth, with net sales up 44.7% to $248.1 million and operating margin improving to 11.4%. Acuity Brands Lighting net sales slipped 2.8% to $817.4 million, but adjusted operating margin expanded to 17.3%. For the first six months, net sales grew 12.3% to $2.1994 billion and net income rose 18.0% to $217.3 million.

The company generated $229.9 million of net cash from operating activities in the first half and free cash flow of $188.1 million. It raised its quarterly dividend 18% to $0.20 per share and repurchased approximately 318,000 shares for $106 million, while reducing long-term debt to $697.1 million.

Positive

  • Profitability and EPS growth: Q2 operating profit rose 20.7% to $133.0 million, net income grew 24.9% to $96.8 million, and diluted EPS increased 26.1% to $3.09, with adjusted diluted EPS up 11.0% to $4.14.
  • AIS-led growth and margin expansion: Acuity Intelligent Spaces net sales increased 44.7% to $248.1 million, with operating margin improving by 560 basis points to 11.4% and adjusted operating profit up 50.0% to $48.0 million.
  • Strong cash flow and deleveraging: First-half net cash from operating activities was $229.9 million and free cash flow $188.1 million, supporting $106 million of share repurchases, an 18% dividend increase, and a reduction of long-term debt to $697.1 million.

Negative

  • Pressure in ABL segment revenue: Acuity Brands Lighting net sales declined 2.8% year over year in Q2 to $817.4 million, with GAAP operating profit down 4.0% to $125.1 million amid special charges tied to productivity actions.
  • Higher interest and special charges: Q2 interest expense rose to $7.0 million and the company recorded $5.9 million of special charges related to productivity improvements, which reduced reported operating profit versus the adjusted measures.

Insights

Strong profitability and cash flow, with growth led by AIS.

Acuity Inc. delivered solid Q2 results: net sales grew 4.9% to $1.0557 billion, while operating profit rose 20.7% to $133.0 million. Diluted EPS increased 26.1% to $3.09, and adjusted diluted EPS advanced 11.0% to $4.14, reflecting margin expansion and operating leverage.

Segment data show contrasting trends. Acuity Intelligent Spaces net sales jumped 44.7% to $248.1 million, with operating margin improving by 560 basis points to 11.4%. Acuity Brands Lighting net sales declined 2.8% to $817.4 million, although its adjusted operating margin increased to 17.3%, helped by cost actions and mix.

Cash generation remains strong. For the first six months ended February 28, 2026, net cash from operating activities was $229.9 million and free cash flow reached $188.1 million. Management returned capital through an 18% dividend increase to $0.20 per share and $106 million of share repurchases, while lowering long-term debt from $896.8 million to $697.1 million.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Q2 net sales $1,055.7 million Three months ended February 28, 2026
Q2 operating profit $133.0 million Up 20.7% year over year
Q2 diluted EPS $3.09 Up 26.1% compared to prior year quarter
Q2 adjusted diluted EPS $4.14 Non-GAAP, up 11.0% year over year
AIS Q2 net sales $248.1 million Acuity Intelligent Spaces, up 44.7% year over year
First-half free cash flow $188.1 million Six months ended February 28, 2026
First-half net cash from operating activities $229.9 million Six months ended February 28, 2026
Long-term debt $697.1 million As of February 28, 2026
adjusted operating profit financial
"Adjusted operating profit was $176.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2026"
Adjusted operating profit is a measure of a company’s routine profit from its core business activities after removing one‑time events, unusual costs or non‑cash items so the result reflects ongoing operations. Think of it like judging a car’s normal fuel efficiency after ignoring a single visit to the body shop; investors use it to compare underlying profitability across periods or peers and to judge whether the business is sustainably earning money, but the specific exclusions can be subjective.
adjusted diluted EPS financial
"Adjusted diluted earnings per share was $4.14 in the second quarter of fiscal 2026"
Adjusted diluted EPS is a company’s profit per share after adding back or removing one-time items (like restructuring costs or gains) and dividing by the number of shares including potential shares from options and convertible securities. Investors use it as a cleaner view of ongoing earnings—like looking at a car’s regular fuel efficiency rather than a trip boosted by downhill coasting—to judge underlying performance and compare companies without temporary distortions.
EBITDA financial
"The most directly comparable GAAP measure for EBITDA is “net income”"
EBITDA stands for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. It measures a company's profitability by focusing on the money it makes from its core operations, ignoring expenses like taxes and accounting adjustments. Investors use EBITDA to compare how well different companies are performing financially, as it provides a clearer picture of operational success without the influence of financial structure or accounting choices.
free cash flow financial
"We also provide “free cash flow” (“FCF”) to enhance the reader’s understanding"
Free cash flow is the amount of money a company has left over after paying all its expenses and investing in its business, like buying equipment or updating facilities. It shows how much cash is available to reward shareholders, pay down debt, or save for future growth. This helps investors understand if a company is financially healthy and able to grow.
special charges financial
"we took certain actions related to productivity improvements ... that resulted in $6 million of special charges"
Special charges are one-time or unusual costs a company records in its financial reports—such as restructuring expenses, asset write-downs, or legal settlements—that are not part of everyday operations. Investors pay attention because these charges can temporarily lower reported profits, like a surprise repair bill that dents a household budget once, and separating them from regular expenses helps judge a company’s underlying, ongoing performance.
Acuity Intelligent Spaces financial
"Acuity Intelligent Spaces ("AIS") AIS generated net sales of $248.1 million"
Revenue $1,055.7 million 4.9% YoY
Net income $96.8 million 24.9% YoY
Diluted EPS $3.09 26.1% YoY
Adjusted diluted EPS $4.14 11.0% YoY
0001144215false00011442152026-04-022026-04-02



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

_____________________________________________
FORM 8-K
_____________________________________________

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 2, 2026
_____________________________________________
ACUITY INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_____________________________________________
Delaware001-1658358-2632672
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)
(Commission File Number)(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

1170 Peachtree Street, N.E., Suite 1200, Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(Address of principal executive offices)
(404853-1400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
None
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.01 par value per shareAYINew York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 
 





Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On April 2, 2026, Acuity Inc. (“we,” “our,” “us,” “the Company,” or similar references) issued a press release containing information about our results of operations for our fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2026. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, which is incorporated herein by reference. The information contained in this paragraph, as well as Exhibit 99.1 referenced herein, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, nor shall they be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d)Exhibits

99.1
Press Release dated April 2, 2026.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the inline XBRL document).
2


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 hereunto duly authorized.
Date: April 2, 2026
ACUITY INC.
By:/s/ Karen J. Holcom
Karen J. Holcom
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


3
Press Release
Exhibit 99.1

Investor Contact:
Charlotte McLaughlin
Vice President, Investor Relations
(404) 853-1456
investorrelations@acuityinc.com

Media Contact:
April Appling
Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Communications
corporatecommunications@acuityinc.com

Acuity Reports Fiscal 2026 Second-Quarter Results
Strong Execution Delivers Sales Growth, Margin Expansion and EPS Improvement

Delivered Net Sales of $1.1B, an Increase of 5% Compared to the Prior Year
Delivered Operating Profit of $133M, Up 21% Compared to the Prior Year; Grew Adjusted Operating Profit to $176M, Up 8% Compared to the Prior Year
Delivered Diluted EPS of $3.09, Up 26% Compared to the Prior Year; Grew Adjusted Diluted EPS to $4.14, Up 11% Compared to the Prior Year

ATLANTA, April 2, 2026 - Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI), ("Acuity"), a market-leading industrial technology company, delivered net sales of $1.1 billion in the second quarter, ended February 28, 2026, an increase of $49.4 million, or 4.9 percent, compared to the prior year.
"We demonstrated strong execution in our second 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."
During the second quarter of fiscal 2026 we took certain actions related to productivity improvements in our ABL segment that resulted in $6 million of special charges. These charges primarily related to labor cost reductions.
Operating profit was $133.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $22.8 million, or 20.7 percent, compared to the prior year. Operating profit as a percent of net sales was 12.6 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of 160 basis points compared to the prior year. Adjusted operating profit was $176.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $13.1 million, or 8.0 percent, compared to the prior year. Adjusted operating profit as a percent of net sales was 16.7 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of 50 basis points compared to the prior year.
Diluted earnings per share was $3.09 in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $0.64, or 26.1 percent, compared to the prior year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share was $4.14 in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $0.41, or 11.0 percent.

1

Press Release
Exhibit 99.1
Segment Performance
Acuity Brands Lighting ("ABL")
ABL generated net sales of $817.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, a decrease of $23.2 million, or 2.8 percent, compared to the prior year.
Operating profit was $125.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, a decrease of $5.2 million, or 4.0 percent, compared to the prior year. Operating profit as a percent of ABL net sales was 15.3 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, a decrease of 20 basis points compared to the prior year. Adjusted operating profit was $141.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $0.5 million, or 0.4 percent, compared to the prior year. Adjusted operating profit as a percent of ABL net sales was 17.3 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of 50 basis points compared to the prior year.
Acuity Intelligent Spaces ("AIS")
AIS generated net sales of $248.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $76.6 million, compared to the prior year. Included in fiscal 2026 net sales is an additional one month of QSC performance.
Operating profit was $28.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $18.4 million compared to the prior year. Operating profit as a percent of AIS net sales was 11.4 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of 560 basis points compared to the prior year. Adjusted operating profit was $48.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $16.0 million compared to the prior year. Adjusted operating profit as a percent of AIS net sales was 19.3 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of 60 basis points compared to the prior year.
Cash Flow and Capital Allocation
Net cash from operating activities was $229.9 million for the first six months of fiscal 2026. We increased our quarterly dividend by 18 percent to 20 cents per share, and year to date we repurchased approximately 318,000 shares of common stock for a total of $106 million.
Call Details
We will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. ET today, Thursday, April 2, 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.


2

Press Release
Exhibit 99.1
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 gross profit", "adjusted gross profit margin", “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, acquired profit in inventory, acquisition-related items, and special charges.
We also provide “free cash flow” (“FCF”) 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 gross profit and adjusted gross profit margin for total company are “gross profit” and “gross profit margin,” respectively, which include the impact of acquired profit in inventory. Adjusted gross profit margin is adjusted gross profit divided by net sales for total company and by segment. 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, acquired profit in inventory, acquisition-related costs, and special charges. 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, acquired profit in inventory, acquisition-related costs, and special charges. 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 for total company. The most directly comparable GAAP measure for adjusted EBITDA is “net income”, which

3

Press Release
Exhibit 99.1
includes the impact of net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, share-based payment expense, acquired profit in inventory, acquisition-related items, special charges, and miscellaneous (income) expense, net. Adjusted EBITDA margin is adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales for total company. A reconciliation of each measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is available in 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
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.

4

Press Release
Exhibit 99.1
ACUITY INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except per-share data)
 February 28, 2026August 31, 2025
 (unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets: 
Cash and cash equivalents$272.5 $422.5 
Accounts receivable, less reserve for doubtful accounts of $6.3 and $4.3, respectively
579.0 593.9 
Inventories515.2 526.7 
Prepayments and other current assets138.5 108.4 
Total current assets1,505.2 1,651.5 
Property, plant, and equipment, net350.3 343.2 
Operating lease right-of-use assets101.9 97.4 
Goodwill1,497.4 1,495.5 
Intangible assets, net1,056.4 1,099.0 
Deferred income taxes3.2 23.4 
Other long-term assets44.1 45.2 
Total assets$4,558.5 $4,755.2 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities: 
Accounts payable$354.6 $454.5 
Current operating lease liabilities26.3 23.3 
Accrued compensation106.2 110.0 
Other current liabilities241.0 258.0 
Total current liabilities728.1 845.8 
Long-term debt697.1 896.8 
Long-term operating lease liabilities84.8 84.3 
Accrued pension liabilities39.9 39.2 
Deferred income taxes27.2 24.9 
Other long-term liabilities140.6 139.3 
Total liabilities1,717.7 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 capital1,164.5 1,164.7 
Retained earnings4,491.5 4,285.8 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(60.7)(76.5)
Treasury stock, at cost, of 24.5 and 24.2 shares, respectively
(2,755.1)(2,649.6)
Total stockholders’ equity2,840.8 2,724.9 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$4,558.5 $4,755.2 

5

Press Release
Exhibit 99.1
ACUITY INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(In millions, except per-share data)
 Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
 February 28, 2026February 28, 2025February 28, 2026February 28, 2025
Net sales$1,055.7 $1,006.3 $2,199.4 $1,957.9 
Cost of products sold535.3 538.3 1,125.2 1,040.6 
Gross profit520.4 468.0 1,074.2 917.3 
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses381.5 357.8 774.9 673.8 
Special charges5.9 — 5.9 — 
Operating profit133.0 110.2 293.4 243.5 
Other expense (income):
Interest expense, net7.0 6.9 15.4 2.9 
Miscellaneous expense, net3.1 1.0 2.5 3.5 
Total other expense10.1 7.9 17.9 6.4 
Income before income taxes122.9 102.3 275.5 237.1 
Income tax expense26.1 24.8 58.2 52.9 
Net income$96.8 $77.5 $217.3 $184.2 
Earnings per share(1):
 
Basic earnings per share$3.16 $2.50 $7.09 $5.95 
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding30.630 30.999 30.660 30.957 
Diluted earnings per share$3.09 $2.45 $6.91 $5.80 
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding31.362 31.700 31.454 31.742 
Dividends declared per share$0.20 $0.17 $0.37 $0.32 
(1) Earnings per share is calculated using unrounded numbers. Amounts in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding.

6

Press Release
Exhibit 99.1
ACUITY INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In millions)
 Six Months Ended
 February 28, 2026February 28, 2025
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income$217.3 $184.2 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization77.1 52.1 
Share-based payment expense25.6 23.5 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
Accounts receivable15.9 36.0 
Inventories11.3 7.6 
Prepayments and other current assets(23.8)(26.4)
Accounts payable(94.2)(11.0)
Other operating activities0.7 (74.4)
Net cash provided by operating activities229.9 191.6 
Cash flows from investing activities:  
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment(41.8)(28.6)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired— (1,165.0)
Other investing activities(0.8)3.2 
Net cash used for investing activities(42.6)(1,190.4)
Cash flows from financing activities:  
Borrowings from term loan— 600.0 
Repayments of term loan borrowings(200.0)— 
Repurchases of common stock(103.0)(22.6)
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other2.3 17.0 
Payments of taxes withheld on net settlement of equity awards(28.1)(23.6)
Dividends paid(11.6)(10.0)
Other financing activities(1.6)(1.1)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities(342.0)559.7 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents4.7 (8.8)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(150.0)(447.9)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period422.5 845.8 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$272.5 $397.9 




7

Press Release
Exhibit 99.1
ACUITY INC.
DISAGGREGATED NET SALES
(In millions)

The following tables show net sales by channel for the periods presented:
Three Months Ended
February 28, 2026February 28, 2025Increase (Decrease)Percent Change
Acuity Brands Lighting:
Independent sales network$616.7 $615.2 $1.5 0.2 %
Direct sales network70.6 97.4 (26.8)(27.5)%
Retail sales40.3 41.0 (0.7)(1.7)%
Corporate accounts40.7 35.6 5.1 14.3 %
Original equipment manufacturer and other49.1 51.4 (2.3)(4.5) %
Total Acuity Brands Lighting817.4 840.6 (23.2)(2.8)%
Acuity Intelligent Spaces248.1 171.5 76.6 44.7 %
Eliminations(9.8)(5.8)(4.0)69.0 %
Total$1,055.7 $1,006.3 $49.4 4.9 %
Six Months Ended
February 28, 2026February 28, 2025Increase (Decrease)Percent Change
Acuity Brands Lighting:
Independent sales network$1,283.0 $1,259.1 $23.9 1.9 %
Direct sales network161.0 204.6 (43.6)(21.3)%
Retail sales87.1 85.9 1.2 1.4 %
Corporate accounts80.6 68.3 12.3 18.0 %
Original equipment manufacturer and other100.8 108.7 (7.9)(7.3) %
Total Acuity Brands Lighting1,712.5 1,726.6 (14.1)(0.8)%
Acuity Intelligent Spaces505.5 245.0 260.5 106.3 %
Eliminations(18.6)(13.7)(4.9)35.8 %
Total$2,199.4 $1,957.9 $241.5 12.3 %

8

Press Release
Exhibit 99.1
ACUITY INC.
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
 February 28, 2026February 28, 2025Increase (Decrease)Percent Change
Net sales$1,055.7 $1,006.3 $49.4 4.9 %
Gross profit (GAAP)$520.4 $468.0 $52.4 11.2 %
Percent of net sales49.3 %46.5 %280 bps
Add-back: Acquired profit in inventory— 10.4 
Adjusted gross profit (Non-GAAP)$520.4 $478.4 $42.0 8.8 %
Percent of net sales49.3 %47.5 %180 bps
Operating profit (GAAP)$133.0 $110.2 $22.8 20.7  %
Percent of net sales (GAAP)12.6 %11.0 %160 bps
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets24.0 16.8 
Add-back: Share-based payment expense13.1 11.4 
Add-back: Acquisition-related costs (1)
— 14.1 
Add-back: Acquired profit in inventory— 10.4 
Add-back: Special charges5.9 — 
Adjusted operating profit (Non-GAAP)$176.0 $162.9 $13.1 8.0 %
Percent of net sales (Non-GAAP)16.7 %16.2 %50 bps
Net income (GAAP)$96.8 $77.5 $19.3 24.9  %
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets24.0 16.8 
Add-back: Share-based payment expense13.1 11.4 
Add-back: Acquisition-related costs (1)
— 14.1 
Add-back: Acquired profit in inventory— 10.4 
Add-back: Special charges5.9 — 
Total pre-tax adjustments to net income43.0 52.7 
Income tax effects(9.9)(12.1)
Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP)$129.9 $118.1 $11.8 10.0 %
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP)$3.09 $2.45 $0.64 26.1  %
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (Non-GAAP)$4.14 $3.73 $0.41 11.0 %
Net income (GAAP)$96.8 $77.5 $19.3 24.9 %
Percent of net sales (GAAP)9.2 %7.7 %150 bps
Interest expense, net7.0 6.9 
Income tax expense26.1 24.8 
Depreciation14.8 13.7 
Amortization of acquired intangible assets24.0 16.8 
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)168.7 139.7 29.0 20.8  %
Percent of net sales (Non-GAAP)16.0 %13.9 %210 bps
Share-based payment expense13.1 11.4 
Acquisition-related costs (1)
— 14.1 
Acquired profit in inventory— 10.4 
Miscellaneous expense, net3.1 1.0 
Special charges5.9 — 
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)$190.8 $176.6 $14.2 8.0 %
Percent of net sales (Non-GAAP)18.1 %17.5 %60 bps
(1) Acquisition-related items include professional fees.

9

Press Release
Exhibit 99.1
Three Months Ended
Acuity Brands LightingFebruary 28, 2026February 28, 2025Increase (Decrease)Percent Change
Net sales$817.4 $840.6 $(23.2)(2.8)%
Gross profit (GAAP)$373.8 $378.0 $(4.2)(1.1)%
Gross profit margin (GAAP)45.7 %45.0 %70 bps
Operating profit (GAAP)$125.1 $130.3 $(5.2)(4.0) %
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets6.9 6.8 
Add-back: Share-based payment expense3.9 4.2 
Add-back: Special charges5.9 — 
Adjusted operating profit (Non-GAAP)$141.8 $141.3 $0.5 0.4 %
Operating profit margin (GAAP)15.3 %15.5 %(20)bps
Adjusted operating profit margin (Non-GAAP)17.3 %16.8 %50 bps
Three Months Ended
Acuity Intelligent SpacesFebruary 28, 2026February 28, 2025Increase (Decrease)Percent Change
Net sales$248.1 $171.5 $76.6 44.7 %
Gross profit (GAAP)$146.6 $90.0 $56.6 62.9 %
Add-back: Acquired profit in inventory— 10.4 
Adjusted gross profit (Non-GAAP)$146.6 $100.4 $46.2 46.0 %
Gross profit margin (GAAP)59.1 %52.5 %660 bps
Adjusted gross profit margin (Non-GAAP)59.1 %58.5 %60 bps
Operating profit (GAAP)$28.3 $9.9 $18.4 185.9 %
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets17.1 10.0 
Add-back: Share-based payment expense2.6 1.7 
Add-back: Acquired profit in inventory— 10.4 
Adjusted operating profit (Non-GAAP)$48.0 $32.0 $16.0 50.0 %
Operating profit margin (GAAP)11.4 %5.8 %560 bps
Adjusted operating profit margin (Non-GAAP)19.3 %18.7 %60 bps

10

Press Release
Exhibit 99.1
(In millions, except per share data)Six Months Ended
 February 28, 2026February 28, 2025Increase (Decrease)Percent Change
Net sales$2,199.4 $1,957.9 $241.5 12.3 %
Gross profit (GAAP)$1,074.2 $917.3 $156.9 17.1 %
Percent of net sales (GAAP)48.8 %46.9 %190 bps
Add-back: Acquired profit in inventory— 10.4 
Adjusted gross profit (Non-GAAP)$1,074.2 $927.7 $146.5 15.8 %
Percent of net sales (Non-GAAP)48.8 %47.4 %140 bps
Operating profit (GAAP)$293.4 $243.5 $49.9 20.5 %
Percent of net sales (GAAP)13.3 %12.4 %90 bps
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets47.4 25.5 
Add-back: Share-based payment expense25.6 23.5 
Add-back: Acquisition-related costs (1)
— 18.7 
Add-back: Acquired profit in inventory— 10.4 
Add-back: Special charges5.9 — 
Adjusted operating profit (Non-GAAP)$372.3 $321.6 $50.7 15.8 %
Percent of net sales (Non-GAAP)16.9 %16.4 %50 bps
Net income (GAAP)$217.3 $184.2 $33.1 18.0 %
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible asset47.4 25.5 
Add-back: Share-based payment expense25.6 23.5 
Add-back: Acquisition-related costs (1)
— 18.7 
Add-back: Acquired profit in inventory— 10.4 
Add-back: Special charges5.9 — 
Total pre-tax adjustments to net income78.9 78.1 
Income tax effect(18.2)(17.9)
Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP)$278.0 $244.4 $33.6 13.7 %
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP)$6.91 $5.80 $1.11 19.1 %
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (Non-GAAP)$8.84 $7.70 $1.14 14.8 %
Net income (GAAP)$217.3 $184.2 $33.1 18.0 %
Percent of net sales (GAAP)9.9 %9.4 %50 bps
Interest expense, net15.4 2.9 
Income tax expense58.2 52.9 
Depreciation29.7 26.6 
Amortization47.4 25.5 
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)368.0 292.1 75.9 26.0 %
Percent of net sales (Non-GAAP)16.7 %14.9 %180 bps
Share-based payment expense25.6 23.5 
Miscellaneous expense, net2.5 3.5 
Special charges5.9 — 
Acquisition-related costs (1)
— 18.7 
Acquired profit in inventory— 10.4 
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)$402.0 $348.2 $53.8 15.5 %
Percent of net sales (Non-GAAP)18.3 %17.8 %50 bps
(1) Acquisition-related items include professional fees.

11

Press Release
Exhibit 99.1
Six Months Ended
Acuity Brands LightingFebruary 28, 2026February 28, 2025Increase (Decrease)Percent Change
Net sales$1,712.5 $1,726.6 $(14.1)(0.8)%
Gross profit (GAAP)$774.4 $784.4 $(10.0)(1.3)%
Gross profit margin (GAAP)45.2 %45.4 %(20)bps
Operating profit (GAAP)$274.1 $273.6 $0.5 0.2 %
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets13.1 12.7 
Add-back: Share-based payment expense8.5 8.5 
Add-back: Special charges5.9 — 
Adjusted operating profit (Non-GAAP)$301.6 $294.8 $6.8 2.3 %
Operating profit margin (GAAP)16.0 %15.8 %20 bps
Adjusted operating profit margin (Non-GAAP)17.6 %17.1 %50 bps
Six Months Ended
Acuity Intelligent SpacesFebruary 28, 2026February 28, 2025Increase (Decrease)Percent Change
Net sales$505.5 $245.0 $260.5 106.3 %
Gross profit (GAAP)$299.8 $132.9 $166.9 125.6 %
Add-back: Acquired profit in inventory— 10.4 
Adjusted gross profit (Non-GAAP)$299.8 $143.3 $156.5 109.2 %
Gross profit margin (GAAP)59.3 %54.2 %510 bps
Adjusted gross profit margin (Non-GAAP)59.3 %58.5 %80 bps
Operating profit (GAAP)$65.3 $20.7 $44.6 215.5 %
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets34.3 12.8 
Add-back: Share-based payment expense5.0 3.5 
Add-back: Acquired profit in inventory— 10.4 
Adjusted operating profit (Non-GAAP)$104.6 $47.4 $57.2 120.7 %
Operating profit margin (GAAP)12.9 %8.4 %450 bps
Adjusted operating profit margin (Non-GAAP)20.7 %19.3 %140 bps
Six Months Ended
 February 28, 2026February 28, 2025Increase (Decrease)Percent Change
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)$229.9 $191.6 $38.3 20.0 %
Less: Purchases of property, plant, and equipment(41.8)(28.6)
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)$188.1 $163.0 $25.1 15.4 %





12

FAQ

How did Acuity Inc. (AYI) perform in its fiscal 2026 second quarter?

Acuity Inc. posted solid fiscal 2026 second-quarter results, with net sales of $1.0557 billion, up 4.9% year over year. Operating profit rose 20.7% to $133.0 million, while net income increased 24.9% to $96.8 million, reflecting margin expansion and stronger profitability.

What were Acuity Inc. (AYI) earnings per share in Q2 fiscal 2026?

In Q2 fiscal 2026, Acuity Inc. reported diluted earnings per share of $3.09, up 26.1% from $2.45 a year earlier. Adjusted diluted EPS was $4.14, an 11.0% increase, highlighting improved operating performance after excluding amortization, share-based expense, and special items.

How did Acuity Inc. (AYI) business segments ABL and AIS perform?

Acuity Brands Lighting Q2 net sales were $817.4 million, down 2.8%, with GAAP operating profit of $125.1 million and adjusted operating margin of 17.3%. Acuity Intelligent Spaces net sales rose 44.7% to $248.1 million, with operating profit of $28.3 million and margin improving to 11.4%.

What was Acuity Inc. (AYI) cash flow and free cash flow for the first half of 2026?

For the six months ended February 28, 2026, Acuity Inc. generated net cash from operating activities of $229.9 million. After $41.8 million of capital expenditures, free cash flow was $188.1 million, up 15.4% from $163.0 million in the prior-year period, supporting capital returns.

How is Acuity Inc. (AYI) returning capital to shareholders?

Acuity Inc. increased its quarterly dividend by 18% to $0.20 per share and declared $0.37 per share in dividends over the first six months. Year to date, it also repurchased approximately 318,000 shares of common stock for a total of $106 million, reducing share count.

Did Acuity Inc. (AYI) change its debt levels in fiscal 2026?

Yes. Long-term debt decreased to $697.1 million at February 28, 2026, from $896.8 million at August 31, 2025. During the first six months, the company repaid $200.0 million of term loan borrowings, helping to strengthen the balance sheet alongside solid cash generation.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

4 documents