Acuity Brands, Inc. 1170 Peachtree Street, NE Suite 2400 Atlanta, Georgia 30309-7676 404-853-1400 www.acuitybrands.com ACUITY BRANDS WAY The Acuity Brands Way is our creed – it provides the fundamentals for creating and sustaining value for our customers, employees, and shareholders. It is the spirit of our business life together; it is what we create together. There are four building blocks to the Acuity Brands Way: • Our mission Our mission is to take good companies and make them great companies. • Our values Great companies show integrity by consistently behaving in ways that reflect their core values. We place confidence in our employees who demonstrate our four values: resolute, team-oriented, creative, and aspirational. • How we work together We work together constructively by demonstrating leadership, respect, and commitment. We are transparent with others and share our successes. We empower our employees to make decisions and contribute to our communities. • How we create value Great companies consistently create more value for their customers, employees, and shareholders than other companies. We are committed to creating value through setting high aspirations, measuring per- formance, achieving operating plans, committing to continuous improvement, and making changes faster than our competitors. The Acuity Brands Way guides how we do business and how we treat one another. Through the Acuity Brands Way, we’re on our way to high performance. A c u i t y B r a n d s , I n c . 2 0 0 4 A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 00 4 ANNUA L REPO RT BUSINESS DESCR IPTI ON Acuity Brands, Inc., with fiscal year 2004 net sales of over $2.1 billion, is comprised of Acuity Brands Lighting and Acuity Specialty Products. Acuity Brands Lighting is one of the world’s leading providers of lighting fixtures and includes brands such as Lithonia Lighting®, Holophane®, Peerless®, Hydrel®, American Electric Lighting®, and Gotham®. Acuity Specialty Products is a leading provider of specialty chemicals and includes brands such as Zep®, Zep Commercial™, Enforcer®, and Selig™. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Acuity Brands employs approximately 11,000 people and has operations throughout North America and in Europe and Asia. TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter to Stakeholders Financial Highlights Acuity Brands Lighting Acuity Brands and The Home Depot Acuity Specialty Products Board of Directors and Officers Shareholder Information 1 5 7 11 13 16 IBC Shareholder INFORMATION CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS ACUITY BRANDS, INC. 1170 Peachtree Street, NE Suite 2400 Atlanta, Georgia 30309-7676 404-853-1400 www.acuitybrands.com ACUITY BRANDS LIGHTING One Lithonia Way Conyers, Georgia 30012-3957 770-922-9000 www.acuitybrandslighting.com ACUITY SPECIALTY PRODUCTS 4401 Northside Parkway Suite 700 Atlanta, Georgia 30327-3093 404-352-1680 www.acuitysp.com INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Ernst & Young LLP 600 Peachtree Street Suite 2800 Atlanta, Georgia 30308-2215 404-874-8300 ANNUAL MEETING 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Thursday, January 6, 2005 Georgia Tech Global Learning and Conference Center Auditorium 236 84 5th Street, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30308-1031 REPORTS AVAILABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS Copies of the following company reports may be obtained, without charge: 2004 Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission, filed on Form 10-K, and Quarterly Reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, filed on Form 10-Q. Requests should be directed to: Acuity Brands, Inc. Attention: Investor Relations 1170 Peachtree Street, NE Suite 2400 Atlanta, Georgia 30309-7676 404-853-1400 www.acuitybrands.com STOCK LISTING New York Stock Exchange Ticker Symbol: AYI The Company’s CEO certified to the NYSE on November 15, 2004, that he is not aware of any violation by the Company of the NYSE’s Corporate Governance listing standards. TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR Questions about shareholder accounts, dividend checks, and lost stock certificates should be directed to: The Bank of New York Shareholder Relations Department P. O. Box 11258 Church Street Station New York, New York 10286-1258 800-432-0140 shareowners@bankofny.com www.stockbny.com Send certificates for transfer and address change to: The Bank of New York Receive and Deliver Department P.O. Box 11002 Church Street Station New York, New York 10286-1258 ACCOUNT ACCESS Shareholders can access their account information at the Web site of Acuity Brands’ transfer agent, The Bank of New York, at www.stockbny.com or at www.acuitybrands.com. Shareholders can securely view their account information and check their holdings 24 hours a day. CASH DIVIDENDS Acuity Brands offers direct deposit of dividends to bank, savings, or money market accounts. For more information contact The Bank of New York at 800-432-0140. BuyDIRECTSM Acuity Brands’ transfer agent, The Bank of New York, offers the BuyDIRECT investment plan, a direct purchase and sale plan for investors wishing to purchase Acuity Brands common stock. Dividends can be automat- ically reinvested. The plan is not sponsored or administered by Acuity Brands. For information regarding the plan, contact: The Bank of New York Church Street Station P.O. Box 11258 New York, New York 10286-1258 800-432-0140 REMITTANCE OF OPTIONAL CASH INVESTMENTS AND PLAN TRANSACTION REQUESTS Mail the tear-off portion of transaction advice or account statements to: The Bank of New York Investment Services Department/ Acuity Brands P.O. Box 1958 Newark, New Jersey 07101-9774 SHAREHOLDERS OF RECORD The number of shareholders of record of Acuity Brands common stock was 5,211 as of October 25, 2004. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This annual report includes forward-looking statements regarding: (a) expected future results and (b) the impact of initiatives in each of the Company’s businesses. A variety of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results. Please see the risk factors more fully described in the accompanying financial information, which is separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2004. © 2004 Acuity Brands, Inc. All referenced trademarks are the property of their respective owners. a t n a l t A / e y e e e s e e s y b d e c u d o r p d n a d e n g s e d i TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS We are excited about the future of OUR company. A t Acuity Brands, our mission is to take good companies and make them great. Great com- panies create exceptional shareholder value through 2004 PERFORMANCE In my first annual report to you as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Acuity Brands, I am pleased disciplined growth and consistent upper quartile finan- to report that our Company delivered the following cial performance. Great companies produce this level financial results in 2004: of performance by intensely concentrating on their core markets and customers, demanding excellence in everything they do, and having a team-oriented desire to be the best. These characteristics are precisely our priorities. We intend to become a “better” business in terms of enhanced customer service, more efficient operations, and higher operating profit margins and cash flow. In 2004, we made significant progress toward becoming a better company in terms of disciplined growth and performance. Both Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Specialty Products (ASP) contributed to our positive performance in 2004. Overall, we con- tinued our tradition of introducing leading, innovative products and services by bringing over 150 new pro- ducts and product groups to market. We invested nearly $6 million company-wide in training and development programs to enhance the skills and opportunities of our workforce. We made real progress on several initiatives to build stronger operating platforms. And we delivered solid financial results. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 41% increase in net income to over $67 million 36% increase in diluted earnings per share to $1.56 3% increase in net sales to $2.1 billion 6.6% operating profit margins, up 1.2 percentage points 15% return on average stockholders’ equity compared to 12% in 2003 We also achieved success in a number of other financial areas. We generated significant cash flow in 2004, reinvesting $54 million in capital assets, paying over $25 million in dividends to shareholders, and reducing debt by $50 million. Since the Company’s inception in November 2001, we have reduced debt by nearly $250 million, or approximately 40%, to $396 million as of August 31, 2004. Our lower debt has significantly improved our financial strength and flexibility as debt to total capitalization declined to 45% from 63%. We achieved these 2004 results and more even though the anticipated updraft in the economic climate 2004 ANNUAL REPORT 1 LETTER TO STAKEHOLDERS CONTINU ED predicted by so many at the start of the fiscal year of loyalty of our customers and the very best of our failed to materialize in any significant way. Much of employees as they persevered under trying circum- the improved performance was the result of the stead- stances. While the transformation of our supply chain fast progress we made on investments and initiatives is not entirely complete, we are now achieving mean- launched over the past few years. ingful benefits in service and productivity, as well as While we made great strides in a number of reduced costs, from this initiative. areas in 2004, we also confronted significant challenges In spite of these many challenges, I am pleased to that impacted our 2004 performance and will continue report that we delivered on our promise of improving to impact us in 2005. For example, one of our key mar- operating margins by more than a full percentage point, kets, non-residential construction, declined again for growing earnings per share in excess of 15%, reducing the fifth straight year, falling approximately 2% in our debt to below $400 million, and increasing the return fiscal 2004, dampening demand for our Company’s on stockholders’ equity. many lighting products. In spite of this, we were able to grow net sales at ABL through further expansion in 2005 A ND BEYOND channels such as home improvement. As we look to 2005 and beyond, we see a bright future We also faced accelerating costs at both ABL and for Acuity Brands. Great companies are defined by what ASP, including raw materials such as steel and petroleum- they do for their key stakeholders. For customers, they based products. Higher steel prices alone reduced our create superior value propositions and deliver “best in operating profit by approximately $9 million in 2004. class” customer satisfaction. For employees, they foster Additionally, we, like many other companies, contin- a culture that demands excellence in everything they ued to absorb the excessive burden and administrative do by promoting teamwork, continuous improvement, costs associated with the new regulatory environment, and personal growth as well as rewarding performance including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We expect the costs commensurate with contributions. And for sharehold- of complying with these rules to escalate unabated for ers, they deliver consistent upper quartile financial the foreseeable future. performance. From an operational standpoint, we incurred At Acuity Brands, we plan to become a great com- over $11 million of unanticipated costs associated pany for all stakeholders as we progress on the path with programs to streamline our supply chain at ABL. toward upper quartile performance. Our long-term finan- These programs eliminated five facilities, reduced our cial goals include achieving operating profit margins of total manufacturing space by 12%, and impacted virtu- 10% or higher, growing earnings per share at least 15% ally every ABL manufacturing facility. The disruption annually, and generating returns on stockholders’ equity was not only expensive, but it also caused service issues of 15% or better. Companies that provide this level of for customers who do not usually have such experiences performance on a consistent basis demonstrate strong with our Company. We witnessed both the depth leadership in three key areas: customers, cost, and culture. 2 ACUITY BRANDS Members of the Acuity Brands Leadership Team (left to right): James H. Heagle, Wesley E. Wittich, Kenneth W.Honeycutt, Jr., Karen J. Holcom, Vernon J. Nagel, Joseph G. Parham, Jr., John K. Morgan, and Kenyon W. Murphy In 2005, we will concentrate our efforts toward: faster and more consistent delivery, improved customer ■ ■ ■ Providing unparalleled customer satisfaction Pursuing world-class cost efficiency by eliminating non-value-added costs and activities Creating a culture that demands excellence in everything we do through continuous improve- ment coupled with a relentless desire to be the best We are focused on delivering enhanced value to our customers by gaining an even deeper under- standing of the key drivers of their businesses and more effectively bringing the full capabilities of our organiza- tions to help them differentiate in the marketplace. We are aligning the formidable resources of our businesses to provide customers with superior product innovation, service, and enhanced cost effectiveness. We expect this level of focus and service to create a sustainable competitive advantage that, over time, will result in substantial, long-term growth, both organically and through acquisitions. We are now realizing the benefits from the ini- tiatives already in place to create a world-class cost structure to drive greater efficiencies and productivity. These initiatives include developing a more globally competitive supply chain in both businesses and enhancing our enterprise-wide information technol- ogy capabilities. For example, we will continue to transform our North American lighting manufactur- ing operations into fewer, more cost-effective facilities 2004 ANNUAL REPORT 3 LETTER TO STAKEHOLDERS CONTINU ED as well as develop more collaborative relationships CLOSING REM ARKS with innovative vendors to better leverage emerging technologies and our considerable volume. We will continue to invest in information technologies that upgrade our capabilities and efficiencies at both ABL and ASP. We will also continue to expand our world- In closing, I would like to thank James S. Balloun, our former Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, for his vision, wisdom, and leadership. Jim, who retired August 31, 2004, had the vision to launch Acuity Brands and the courage to make it happen. He wide sourcing capabilities to bring more cost-effective has inspired us all to live the Acuity Brands Way and solutions to our customers. Lastly, we are creating a culture that is relent- to aspire to be a great company. Through his leadership, he created a bright future filled with promise. Our chal- less in the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. lenge is to deliver on that promise. Through the Acuity Brands Way, our Leadership Development Program, specialized training programs, and a new performance management system, we are developing and investing in our employees and future leaders and instilling in them a culture of excellence. We expect our employees to creatively approach prob- Finally, on behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank all of our 11,000 employees for their continuing contributions and dedication. Our success in becoming a growth-oriented, top quartile performing company depends on the resolve of each of us to inspire team success and on our individual efforts lems, conduct themselves with transparency, and work toward making our collective aspirations a reality. together to do things better, faster, and more effectively. We are committed to making Acuity Brands a great Overall, our organization is intensely focused on company. Thank you for your support. successful execution of the key initiatives noted above. We believe that success in those areas will, over time, allow us to build a great company. While we still have a considerable gap to close to be considered a great com- pany, we are confident that the actions and strategies currently in place, coupled with the strong dedication Vernon J. Nagel of our employees to be the best, will result in significant Chairman and Chief Executive Officer progress toward closing that gap. Fiscal 2005 will be a challenging year for us given current market conditions and their impact on both cost and customer demand. However, we are optimistic that we can make meaningful progress toward achieving our long-term financial goals. 4 ACUITY BRANDS Financial HIGHLIGHTS For the year ended August 31 (In thousands of dollars, except earnings per share) Operations: Net sales Gross profit % Operating profit Operating profit % Net income Diluted earnings per share Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding Return on average stockholders’ equity Net cash provided by operating activities Depreciation and amortization Capital expenditures Employees At August 31 (In thousands of dollars) Financial Position: Total assets Total debt Total stockholders’ equity Total debt to capitalization Operating working capital as a percentage of net sales (1) 2004 2003 % Change $ 2,104,167 $ 2,049,308 41.5 % $ 137,927 $ $ 6.6 % 67,214 1.56 43,201 15.4 % $ 113,254 $ $ 42,960 53,821 11,000 $ $ $ $ $ $ 40.5 % 110,276 5.4 % 47,782 1.15 41,721 11.6 % 160,345 46,039 28,154 11,400 3 % 25 % 41 % 36 % (29) % (7) % 91 % (4) % 2004 2003 % Change $ 1,364,529 $ 395,721 $ 477,977 45.3 % 16.5 % $ $ $ 1,284,113 445,808 408,294 52.2 % 15.9 % 6 % (11) % 17 % (1) Operating working capital is defined as net receivables plus inventories minus accounts payable. Net Sales in millions of dollars Operating Profit in millions of dollars Net Income in millions of dollars 1,972.8 2,049.3 2,104.2 137.9 67.2 121.0 110.3 52.0 47.8 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2004 ANNUAL REPORT 5 1. 1. 4. 2. 3. ABL products provide lighting for various outdoor applications (from top left clockwise): 1. Hydrel floodlights paint the elegant architectural features of the legendary St. Francis hotel in San Francisco, California. 2. The spectac- ular 726-foot-high Hoover Dam is illuminated by metal halide high performance luminaires. 3. Outdoor lighting fixtures provide an effectively illuminated environment that promotes positive nighttime activity with improved safety, security, and ambiance for the city of Berkeley, California. 4. Holophane’s historical Esplanade® luminaires with custom arms and poles not only provide outdoor lighting but also contribute to the desired nostalgic atmosphere at Detroit, Michigan’s Ford Field. 6 ACUITY BRANDS Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) is one of the world’s leading providers of lighting fixtures. Our market-leading brands include Lithonia Lighting®, Holophane®, Peerless®, Hydrel®, American Electric Lighting®, and Gotham®. Through the efforts of our nearly 8,000 employees, we manufacture approximately 100,000 fixtures each day for various indoor and outdoor applications, including offices, homes, schools, manu- facturing facilities, warehouses, hospitals, roads, parking facilities, and more. BRANDS American Electric Lighting® Antique Street Lamps™ Carandini™ Gotham® Holophane® Hydrel® Lithonia Lighting® MetalOptics® Peerless® SpecLight® PRODUCTS Fluorescent lighting Industrial lighting Outdoor area lighting Landscape lighting Roadway lighting Emergency lighting Architectural lighting Downlighting and track lighting Decorative fluorescent lighting Flexible wiring and lighting controls MARKETS COMMERCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL, including offices, stores, schools, and public buildings INDUSTRIAL, including warehouses and manufacturing facilities INFRASTRUCTURE, including high- ways, airports, and ports CONSUMER, including home improvement centers and lighting showrooms Net Sales in millions of dollars Operating Profit in millions of dollars Total Assets in millions of dollars 1,474.9 1,538.8 1,580.5 118.9 1,100.2 1,094.8 1,029.4 90.4 96.8 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2004 ANNUAL REPORT 7 LI GHT ING CO NT IN UED EXPANDING OUR CAPABILITIES at Lighting During 2004, we made substantial progress on our path to improve both our costs and service capabilities in order to better compete for business in today’s global economy. 2004 REPORT CARD ABL delivered solid financial results in a year that included both external and internal challenges. During the year, component and raw material prices increased rapidly and significantly, impacting every- thing from sockets to aluminum and steel. The impact of these price increases was not limited to lighting fixtures as the cost of these key materials affected the viability of many construction projects, further delaying the recovery of the already weak non-residential market. Likewise, increased gas G2™ XTEND luminaires add a distinctive design element by day – and high performance illumination after dark – to parking areas, urban walkways, and even oceanside boardwalks, where the fixtures are built to tolerate the corrosive sea air. 8 ACUITY BRANDS and oil prices drove up transportation costs and put pricing pressure on the petroleum-based com- ponents we use. Internally, we experienced a year of transfor- mation in 2004. We undertook vast changes across our organization to streamline and enhance our supply chain. During this process, we closed five manufacturing facilities and significantly reduced our manufacturing space. We also implemented an enter- prise-wide information system in several of our manufacturing facilities. Admittedly, these changes – which have a clear long-term benefit – resulted in a short-term negative impact on our ability to serve our customers as we experienced disruptions in our opera- tions. We have completed most of this transformation and have worked diligently to restore our customer service to previous levels and now have the capability to raise customer service to new levels. Notwithstanding these challenges, we were pleased to deliver strong financial performance. Net sales for 2004 increased 3% to $1.58 billion, and operating profit increased 23% to $119 million. Operating profit margins improved 1.2 percentage points to 7.5% from 6.3% reported last year. During the year, we continued to make progress on our key initiatives, including strategic margin management and sourcing. Through strategic margin management, a comprehensive program in which we analyze our pricing, our product lines, and our cus- tomers, we initiated efforts to optimize profitability through more effective price management practices. We implemented new software technologies that enable us to determine profitability by various cate- gories including product, customer, channel, and region, to name a few. In addition, we emphasized consistent application of our sales terms and condi- tions. The improvements we made contributed to higher gross margins. We plan to continue this initia- tive in 2005 to more effectively manage our pricing. Boeing’s manufacturing facility in Everett, Washington, is the assembly site for such commercial aircraft as the Boeing® 747, 767, and 777. The site was expanded for production of the 777. Lighting fixtures for this massive expansion were provided by Holophane® Enclosed Prismpack® V Luminaires. Our strategic sourcing team continued to leverage our spending across business groups, realizing significant benefits in cost and quality. We continued the process of significantly restructuring our supplier base, focus- ing on fewer, more capable suppliers who are able to provide greater technical resources and more com- petitive components and materials. Last year, we reduced our number of suppliers by almost 50%. Product development remains a key strategic focus for our business. In the midst of this year of significant change, we continued to develop innova- tive products and to improve on existing ones. Some of the most notable new or improved products of 2004 were: ■ ■ ■ The G2™ family of architectural outdoor products, offering premium performance and aesthetics AdVue™, a custom solution for billboards using two fixtures instead of four, thereby lowering maintenance costs and energy consumption Pechina™, an aesthetically pleasing architectural outdoor product developed in Spain and adapted for North American use T HE O PPO RT UNITIE S A HEA D To become a more efficient organization with a greater understanding of our customers, we have the following initiatives underway: ■ RT5™, a new fluorescent lighting fixture for offices and similar applications, offering energy savings as well as improved visibility and appear- ance within the work space ■ ■ ■ Providing innovation in products and processes Winning customers by delivering enhanced value Building world-class operating capabilities 2004 ANNUAL REPORT 9 LIGHTING CONTINUED Lithonia Lighting, the world’s leader in general fluorescent lighting fixtures, continuously creates innovative products to better serve its customers. For example, the RT5™ fixtures provide a new standard in fluorescent lighting as they light offices and other indoor spaces with the right amount of light throughout an entire room. This softer, more comfortable lighting truly enhances the work environment by improving overall aesthetics and visual comfort. Additionally, the RT5 fixtures reduce energy consumption by up to 33%. ■ Eliminating non-value-added costs and investments ■ Improving asset utilization During 2005, we will enhance our improvement initiatives by adding the principles of lean continuous improvement to the capabilities we have developed in Six Sigma. Lean continuous improvement prin- ciples and tools are designed to eliminate waste in our processes and ensure that our efforts are focused on value-added activities. Six Sigma is about reducing variability in our processes to ensure consistent out- comes. Combining the two sets of tools, our Lean Q6 process has the potential to deliver the continuous improvement that will help our organization achieve “best in class” performance. We have over 100 Six Sigma-trained project managers who will lead the Lean Q6 process, engaging all employees in reducing costs and cycle time as we increase asset utilization and service. Customer service is a top priority. With most of the major changes to our supply chain complete, we are committed to and focused on taking customer satisfaction to a new standard of excellence. This pro- cess has begun and our customers are experiencing the difference. Ken Honeycutt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Acuity Brands Lighting, summarizes, “In closing, 2004 was a good year for ABL in which we delivered profitable growth in spite of tough eco- nomic times and disruptions caused by the supply chain transformation. We are moving into 2005 with renewed focus on improving our processes and better serving our customers so that we will become an even stronger business.” 10 ACUITY BRANDS Acuity Brands and the HOME DEPOT T he Home Depot® is the exclusive “big box” supplier of many of our Lithonia Lighting and Zep Commercial products. Through The Home Depot, During 2004, Acuity Brands Lighting completed the re-set of 1,600 stores while sustaining superior service to the stores. This has resulted in an additional we are able to conveniently provide various lighting 59,000 linear feet of merchandising space. Acuity and specialty chemical products to a variety of our Specialty Products launched 1,309 product demonstra- customers, whether the professional contractor or the tion events in 499 Home Depot stores and staffed the consumer. This partnership is a prime example of our events with 380 of its employees. drive to deliver exceptional service to our customers Looking ahead to 2005 and beyond, we will work in ways that they prefer. with The Home Depot to bring more new products to our mutual customers with a focus on improved merchandising and customer service initiatives. 2004 ANNUAL REPORT 11 Behind every Zep product stands a dedicated team, including sales representatives, customer service professionals, and R&D experts, all of whom contribute to the high quality and service valued by Zep’s customers. 12 ACUITY BRANDS Acuity Specialty Products (ASP) is a leading provider of specialty chemicals to a wide variety of industrial and institutional (I&I) and retail customers. ASP’s brands include Zep®, Zep Commercial™, Selig™, and Enforcer®. Currently, we manufacture 2,300 different chemical formulas that are packaged in more than 9,000 product SKUs. Our 1,850 fully commissioned sales representatives make 25,000 to 35,000 customer calls each day, providing products and service to our more than 300,000 customers. BRANDS Enforcer® Selig™ Zep® Zep Commercial™ DISTRIBUTION LICENSE: Armor All® Professional* PRODUCTS Cleaners Sanitizers Disinfectants Polishes Floor finishes Degreasers Deodorizers Pesticides Insecticides Hand soaps MARKETS INDUSTRIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL, including food processing and preparation, transportation, education, automotive, hospitality, and municipality RETAIL, including large and small home improvement centers and mass merchandisers Net Sales in millions of dollars Operating Profit in millions of dollars Total Assets in millions of dollars 497.9 510.6 523.7 44.9 43.6 220.2 222.9 215.1 31.3 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 *Armor All® is a registered trademark of Armor All Products Corporation. 2004 ANNUAL REPORT 13 SPECIALTY PRODUCT S CONTINUED Delivering Measurably better value at Specialty Products A t ASP, our knowledgeable sales and support people and innovative, cost-effective products are our key to delivering superior value to our customers. During 2004, we focused on initiatives to enhance our sales force and thereby improve our customer service. We also continued our focus on developing new products and improving our cost effectiveness. 200 4 REPORT CARD ASP had a successful year in the face of several chal- lenges. Fiscal 2004 began with a soft economy that was compounded with rising oil and gas prices, which are key components in producing and delivering our products. While the economy improved in mid-year, oil and gas prices continued to impact our trans- portation and raw material costs. Additionally, we confronted the limitations of our current information systems and initiated the process to select and imple- ment a new enterprise-wide information system. ASP introduced many new products in fiscal 2004, including a family of lemongrass-scented products targeted at the hospitality market. Now our customers can manage all of their cleaning and deodorizing needs with a broad line of high quality Zep products featuring the same fresh lemongrass scent. 14 ACUITY BRANDS In spite of these challenges, we delivered solid financial performance. We generated net sales of $524 million in 2004, an increase of 3% over last year. Operating profit increased 39% to $44 million from $31 million in the prior year, and operating profit margins improved 2.2 percentage points to 8.3% from 6.1% in 2003. We took several steps to enhance our sales force. We completed the first full year of the launch of our Genesis program for new sales representatives. The success of the Genesis program rests on three key pillars: recruiting, training, and retaining new sales representatives. Realizing the importance of a targeted program, we also developed and launched Cornerstone, a special customer service and motivational program for our experienced sales representatives. Both of these programs are aimed at increasing sales force effective- ness in the field and both proved very successful, with the Cornerstone group doubling its historical sales growth rate. Additionally, we enhanced our technol- ogy with a new PDA-based program that allows faster access to customer data and increases selling effective- ness. The PDA program is now in use by more than 400 sales representatives and sales managers with usage continuing to grow. New product development was another area of focus for ASP. This year, we launched over 120 new products, including: ■ ■ ■ Markstone™ Hand Care, which includes over 20 different hand soaps and a highly durable dispenser OxySpray™, a carpet and upholstery stain remover A lemongrass-scented family of cleaning and deodorizing products for the hospitality market To simultaneously achieve reduced costs and improve the business, we consolidated and integrated supply chain functions into a single unit. We also began implementation of lean continuous improve- ment concepts at our Cartersville, Georgia, facility and started introducing them at our Atlanta facility. Children at schools have fun while staying clean with Foamy Sanz™ and Soapy Sudz™. These Zep products are scented hand soaps in dispensers featuring cartoon characters. An effective and added benefit of these products for use by children is that they are alcohol-free. Through this initiative, we focused on value-added activities and elimination of waste in our manufac- turing processes. And, most importantly, the rollout of lean continuous improvement has been more than an initiative; it has been a change in mindset. Our people have realized they are key to identifying cost- saving opportunities, then making improvements, and looking for ways to improve on the improvements. We are excited about expanding the reach of the lean continuous improvement concepts throughout the organization in the years to come. THE OPPORTUNIT IES AHEAD “There is great energy and excitement at ASP,” comments Jim Heagle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Acuity Specialty Products. “We have had initial success with this year’s initiatives, and we know we can capitalize on and multiply that success. This attitude is so pervasive that we now look at our chal- lenges as opportunities to improve our business.” Looking ahead, ASP’s fully commissioned sales force remains a strong competitive advantage in the industrial and institutional market. Therefore, we plan to continue to expand our successful sales train- ing initiatives as well as our customer relationships. We continue to build our business around the customer, and one way we will enhance customer service is by fully leveraging our customer call center. We will improve the training of customer service rep- resentatives as we enhance the call center infrastructure and develop measurement metrics. We are also design- ing ways to accurately measure satisfaction among our more than 300,000 customers and will continue to evaluate our customer market segments. Through focusing on the customer, we can make improvements to our service and delivery based on customers’ needs. We will continue our efforts to reduce costs by accelerating our sourcing efforts. In addition, we are working to fully understand the impact of rising material costs on our prices and on the market. Applying lean management principles throughout the entire company is another way we will drive non- value-added costs down in fiscal 2005 and beyond. Starting in 2005, we will begin launching our new enterprise-wide information system. We will focus on process improvements and align with best practices throughout the implementation, and we anticipate significant efficiencies when all segments of our business are utilizing this system. At ASP, our energy remains concentrated on all of these objectives as we continue to build a better organization and deliver more value to our customers. 2004 ANNUAL REPORT 15 Board of Directors and Officers BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACUITY BRANDS LEADERSHIP TEAM VERNON J. NAGEL Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Acuity Brands, Inc. JAMES H. HEAGLE Executive Vice President Acuity Brands, Inc.; President and Chief Executive Officer Acuity Specialty Products Group, Inc. KAREN J. HOLCOM Vice President, Controller, and Interim Chief Financial Officer Acuity Brands, Inc. KENNETH W. HONEYCUTT, JR. Executive Vice President Acuity Brands, Inc.; President and Chief Executive Officer Acuity Lighting Group, Inc. JOHN K. MORGAN President and Chief Development Officer Acuity Brands, Inc. KENYON W. MURPHY Senior Vice President and General Counsel Acuity Brands, Inc. JOSEPH G. PARHAM, JR. Senior Vice President, Human Resources Acuity Brands, Inc. WESLEY E. WITTICH Senior Vice President, Audit and Risk Management Acuity Brands, Inc. VERNON J. NAGEL 1 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Acuity Brands, Inc. PETER C. BROWNING Dean McColl Graduate School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte; Non-Executive Chairman Nucor Corporation JOHN L. CLENDENIN 2 Chairman Emeritus BellSouth Corporation JAY M. DAVIS Chairman and Chief Executive Officer National Distributing Company, Inc. EARNEST W. DEAVENPORT, JR. Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Eastman Chemical Company ROBERT F. MCCULLOUGH Former Chief Financial Officer AMVESCAP PLC JULIA B. NORTH Former President and Chief Executive Officer VSI Enterprises, Inc.; Former President of Consumer Services BellSouth Corporation RAY M. ROBINSON 3 President East Lake Golf Club; Former Southern Region President AT&T Corporation NEIL WILLIAMS 4 Former General Counsel AMVESCAP PLC; Former Managing Partner Alston & Bird LLP 1 Chairman of Executive Committee 2 Chairman of Audit Committee 3 Chairman of Compensation Committee 4 Chairman of Governance Committee 16 ACUITY BRANDS UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) È ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2004. OR ‘ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to . Commission file number 001-16583. ACUITY BRANDS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 58-2632672 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) 1170 Peachtree Street, N.E., Suite 2400, Atlanta, Georgia (Address of principal executive offices) 30309 (Zip Code) (404) 853-1400 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on which Registered Common Stock ($0.01 Par Value) Preferred Stock Purchase Rights New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None 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 È No ‘ Indicate by check mark whether Act). Yes È No ‘ the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ‘ Based on the closing price of the Registrant’s common stock of $24.43 as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange on February 27, 2004, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant, was $1,029,677,179. The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value, was 42,424,289 shares as of October 25, 2004. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Location in Form 10-K Incorporated Document Part II, Item 5 Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 Proxy Statement for 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders Proxy Statement for 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders ACUITY BRANDS, INC. Table of Contents Page No. Part I Item 1. Item 2. Item 3. Item 4. Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11 11-12 12-13 13 Part II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 6. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Item 9. Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 9a. Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 11. Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 14-15 16-28 28 29-60 61 61 62 62 62 62 62 Part IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63-70 Signatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 72 2 Item 1. Business PART I Acuity Brands, Inc. (“Acuity Brands” or the “Company”) is a holding company that owns and manages two businesses that are segmented based on the distinctive markets served – lighting equipment and specialty products. The lighting equipment segment of the Company (“Acuity Brands Lighting” or “ABL”) designs, produces, and distributes a broad array of indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures for commercial and institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications for various markets throughout North America and select international markets. The specialty products segment of Acuity Brands (“Acuity Specialty Products” or “ASP”) formulates, produces, and distributes specialty chemical products including cleaners, deodorizers, sanitizers, and pesticides for industrial and institutional, commercial, and residential applications primarily for various markets throughout North America and Europe. Of the Company’s fiscal 2004 net sales of approximately $2.1 billion, the lighting equipment segment generated approximately 75% of total net sales while the specialty products segment provided the remaining 25%. Information relating to the net sales, operating profits, and total assets of the Company’s two segments for the past three fiscal years is reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report. Business Segments Lighting Equipment The lighting equipment business of Acuity Brands is operated by Acuity Brands Lighting. Acuity Brands Lighting is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of lighting fixtures for new construction, renovation, and facility maintenance applications. Products include a full range of indoor and outdoor lighting for commercial and institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications. ABL manufactures lighting products in the United States, Mexico, and Europe which are marketed under numerous brand names, including Lithonia Lighting®, Holophane®, Gotham®, Hydrel®, Peerless®, Antique Street Lamps™, Carandini™, American Electric Lighting®, SpecLight®, and Metal Optics™. ABL manufactures products in 17 plants in North America and three plants in Europe. Principal customers include electrical distributors, retail home improvement centers, national accounts, lighting showrooms, and electric utilities located in North America and select international markets. In North America, ABL’s products are sold through independent sales agents and factory sales representatives who cover specific geographic areas and market segments. Products are delivered through a network of distribution centers, regional warehouses, and commercial warehouses using both common carriers and a company-owned truck fleet. To serve international customers, ABL employs a sales force that adopts distribution methods to meet individual customer or country requirements. In fiscal 2004, North American sales accounted for approximately 97% of ABL’s net sales. See Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information concerning the domestic and international net sales of the Company. Specialty Products The specialty products business of Acuity Brands is operated by Acuity Specialty Products. ASP is a leading provider of specialty chemical products in the institutional and industrial (“I&I”) and retail markets. Products include cleaners, finishes, degreasers, deodorizers, pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides. ASP manufactures products in four North American plants and two European plants. sanitizers, disinfectants, polishes, floor Acuity Specialty Products sells products to customers primarily in North America and Western Europe. In fiscal 2004, North American sales accounted for approximately 93% of the net sales of ASP. ASP serves a broad range of institutional and industrial customers, including municipalities and businesses ranging from small sole proprietorships to the largest 1000 corporations in the U.S. The core I&I business is primarily made up of varying sized customers where cleaning chemicals are important to the business and where the decision to purchase is local. While ASP services a wide array of business segments, individual markets in the I&I channel include food processing and preparation, transportation, education, automotive, government, and hospitality. ASP 3 also sells numerous products under such well-known brands as Zep®, Enforcer®, Zep Commercial™, and Selig™ through retail channels such as large and small home improvement centers, mass merchandisers, and hardware stores. Industry Overview Lighting Equipment The current size of the North American lighting fixture market is estimated at approximately $9.8 billion. The U.S. market, which represents approximately 86% of the North American market, is relatively fragmented. The Company estimates that the top four manufacturers (including Acuity Brands Lighting) represent approximately 50% of the total North American lighting market. The remainder of the market is made up of hundreds of providers. The primary demand driver for ABL’s business is non-residential construction, both new and renovation. Based on industry data, new construction accounts for approximately 80% of the market, while renovations account for approximately 20%, though this mix can vary depending on economic conditions. Major trends that can impact the industry include the development of new technologies for lamps and ballasts, more effective optical designs, federal and state requirements for updated energy codes, and design technologies addressing environmental sustainability. There has been a significant increase in the size and relative presence of the retail home improvement center segment in recent years. In addition, imports of foreign-sourced lighting fixtures continue to grow, driven by both the foreign production of U.S. manufacturers and imports of low-cost fixtures from Asian manufacturers. European-based electrical distributors have increased their presence in the U.S. with the acquisition of U.S.-based local and regional distributor chains, and smaller U.S. distributors continue to seek leverage through alignment with buying groups. Specialty Products The current size of the U.S. I&I market is approximately $8.0 billion and is highly fragmented. The Company estimates that six major players (including Acuity Specialty Products) represent approximately 50% of the total U.S. I&I market with the remainder divided among hundreds of regional players. In general, the Company estimates that the U.S. I&I market grows at a rate approximating Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”). To some extent, consumption of janitorial cleaning and sanitation products is discretionary, but in a health-driven, sophisticated market such as the U.S., the Company believes that health and safety regulations and customer expectations somewhat buffer demand downturns. Increasing legislation in the areas of food and occupational health that require increased ranges of application and frequency of use is fueling demand increases. In addition to the U.S. I&I market, there is a U.S. retail chemical market of approximately $4.3 billion, including an estimated $2.8 billion market for cleaners and an estimated $1.5 billion market for pest control. The Company believes that two major trends are continuing to reshape the industry. First, health and safety regulations are shrinking the pool of available chemicals while at the same time increasing total use rates. This has pushed development of improved physical product formulations and application methods. Second, increased centralized corporate buying and consolidation of the supply chain are threatening reselling distributors and requiring increased base manufacturing and logistics skills. Products Lighting Equipment Acuity Brands Lighting produces a wide variety of lighting fixtures used in the following applications: • Commercial & Institutional — Applications are represented by stores, hotels, offices, schools, and hospitals, as well as other government and public buildings. Products that serve these applications 4 include recessed, surface and suspended fluorescent lighting products, recessed downlighting, and track lighting, as well as “high-abuse” lighting products. The outdoor areas associated with these application segments are addressed by the lighting equipment business’s outdoor lighting products, such as area and flood lighting, decorative site lighting, and landscape lighting. • • Industrial — Applications primarily include warehouses and manufacturing facilities. The lighting equipment business serves these applications with a variety of glass and acrylic high intensity discharge (“HID”) and fluorescent lighting products. Infrastructure — Applications include highways, tunnels, airports, railway yards, and ports. Products that serve these applications include street, area, high-mast, off-set roadway, and sign lighting. • Residential — Applications are addressed with a combination of decorative fluorescent and downlighting products, as well as utilitarian fluorescent products. • Other Applications & Products — Other products include emergency lighting fixtures, which are primarily used in non-residential buildings, and lighting control and flexible wiring systems. Lighting fixtures for numerous applications in a multitude of industry segments accounted for approximately 67% of total consolidated net sales during fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002. This does not include sales related to items such as wiring products, controls, and emergency lighting. Specialty Products ASP produces and supplies a wide variety of specialty chemical products that are used in numerous applications in a broad range of markets. These include: • Food Process and Food Preparation — Applications include integrated dispensing systems and innovative approaches to antimicrobial control to complement the existing cleaners and sanitizers. • Transportation — Applications include cleaning and maintenance products for numerous types of transportation equipment including individual or fleets of aircraft, public transport, trucks, and cars. Major products are used to provide exterior cleaning and enhanced appearance. • Education — Applications include products for schools and universities. The product range is broad and covers all cleaning and maintenance areas with specific emphasis on floor care and general cleaning and deodorizing. • Automotive — Applications include products for original equipment manufacturers, dealerships, and repair/service facilities. A comprehensive range of products includes aerosols, powders, solvents, absorbents, emulsions, acids, and aqueous alkaline cleaners and degreasers to satisfy necessary cleaning requirements. • Hospitality — Applications include products for hotels and motels. Products and dispensing systems are designed to supply maintenance, housekeeping, and laundry applications with a complete cleaning solution. • Contractors and Homeowners — Applications include products for contract cleaners, small business owners, and homeowners and are supplied through retail channels. Products provide a comprehensive range of floor care, general-purpose cleaners and sanitizers, drain maintenance, and pest control in convenient ready-to-use packaging. • Municipalities — Applications include products for city governments, airports, transit authorities, and police and fire departments. The broad product range covers all cleaning and maintenance areas. Emphasis is on the total cost of cleaning solutions. Specialty chemical products, excluding items sold to facilitate the use of chemicals, accounted for approximately 21% of total consolidated net sales during fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002. 5 Sales and Marketing Lighting Equipment Sales. ABL provides North American market coverage with separate sales forces targeted at delivering appropriate products and services to specific customer, channel, and geographic segments. In total, these sales forces consist of approximately 1,700 salespeople (200 factory-employed and 1,500 independent sales representatives in over 200 separate sales agencies). ABL also operates two separate European sales forces and an international sales group coordinating sales outside of North America and Europe. Marketing. ABL markets its products to a multitude of end users through a broad spectrum of marketing and promotional vehicles, including direct customer contact, on-site training, print advertising in industry publications, product brochures, and other literature, as well as electronic media. On-site training is conducted at dedicated product training facilities at ABL’s headquarters in Conyers, Georgia, at the Holophane facility in Newark, Ohio, and at its Austin, Texas facility. Specialty Products Sales. The sales organization at ASP consists of approximately 1,850 sales representatives worldwide. The compensation model in the I&I channel is primarily 100% commission-based. Net sales are largely dependent on the hiring, training, and retention of the commissioned sales representatives. The ASP sales organization covers the U.S., Canada, Italy, the Benelux countries, and certain other smaller markets. The I&I market is serviced primarily through four U.S. divisions, as well as Canadian and European divisions. Each of the four U.S. divisions includes approximately 240 to 365 sales representatives, supplemented by a complement of customer and technical service personnel. The Canadian and European operations have approximately 150 and 250 sales representatives, respectively. The retail sales division utilizes approximately 160 salaried sales and management personnel to focus primarily on the home center channel. Marketing. ASP’s marketing efforts are focused on supporting a sell-through program from ASP through the sales organization and to the customer. ASP’s primary marketing focus is in four distinct areas: market planning, product management, market-based pricing, and marketing services. Market planning includes comprehensive strategic and tactical plan development and support emphasizing financial objectives and accountability. Product management includes new product development and chemical dispensing equipment management. Market-based pricing takes into account competitive analysis and leverages the flexibility of the ASP operating platform. Marketing services provides sales support tools and collateral sales information to ASP’s worldwide sales force and customer base. Customers A single customer in the home improvement channel, The Home Depot, accounted for more than 10% of the net sales of Acuity Brands in fiscal years 2004 and 2003. The loss of that customer could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations. Lighting Equipment Customers of Acuity Brands Lighting include electrical distributors, retail home improvement centers, national accounts, lighting showrooms, and electric utilities. In addition, there are a variety of other buying influences, which for any given project could represent a significant influence in the product specification process. These generally include engineers, architects, and lighting designers. 6 Specialty Products Customers of ASP consist of I&I customers (approximately 80% of ASP net sales) and retail customers (approximately 20% of ASP net sales). I&I customers range from sole proprietorships to the largest 1000 corporations in the U.S. and governmental agencies and are in various markets, including food processing and preparation, transportation, education, automotive, and hospitality. The core I&I business is primarily made up of varying sized customers where cleaning chemicals are important to the business and where the decision to purchase is local. Retail customers primarily include large and small home improvement centers, mass merchandisers, and hardware stores. Manufacturing Acuity Brands, through its businesses, operates 26 manufacturing facilities, including 13 facilities in the United States, one facility in Canada, seven facilities in Mexico, and five facilities in Europe. Lighting Equipment ABL utilizes a blend of internal and outsourced manufacturing processes and capabilities to fulfill a variety of customer needs in the most cost-effective manner. Critical processes, such as reflector forming and anodizing and high-end glass production, are primarily performed at company-owned facilities, offering the ability to differentiate end products through superior capabilities. Investment is focused on improving capabilities, product quality, and manufacturing efficiency. The integration of the use of local suppliers’ factories and warehouses also provides an opportunity to lower ABL-owned component inventory while maintaining high service levels through frequent just-in-time deliveries. ABL also utilizes contract manufacturing from U.S., Asian, and European sources for certain products and purchases certain finished goods, primarily poles, to complement its area lighting fixtures and a variety of residential and commercial lighting equipment. Net sales of product manufactured by others currently accounts for 17% of the total net sales of ABL. Of total product manufactured by ABL, U.S. operations produce approximately 53%; Mexico produces approximately 44%; and Europe produces approximately 3%. Management does not believe that the loss of any one supplier of outsourced product would have a material adverse impact on the results of operations of ABL. During fiscal 2004, management focused on initiatives to make the Company more globally competitive. One of these initiatives at ABL related to enhancing its global supply chain and included the consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities into more efficient locations. The Company has closed five facilities as part of this initiative, with an additional facility expected to be closed in the next twelve months. This initiative, the Manufacturing Network Transformation (“MNT”), will result in increased production in international locations, primarily Mexico, and greater sourcing from its network of worldwide vendors. Total square footage used for manufacturing at ABL has been reduced from 3.6 million to 3.2 million as a result of MNT. Specialty Products ASP manufactures products at six facilities located in the United States, Canada, Holland, and Italy. The three U.S. facilities produce approximately 87% of manufactured product; the Canadian facility produces approximately 5%; and the two European facilities produce approximately 8%. Certain finished goods purchased from contract manufacturers and finished goods suppliers supplement the manufactured product line. Sales of outsourced product currently account for approximately 26% of the net sales volume of ASP. Outsourced product is predominately manufactured in the U.S. Management does not believe the loss of any one supplier of outsourced product would have a material adverse impact on the results of operations of ASP. 7 Distribution Lighting Equipment Products are delivered through a network of strategically located distribution centers, regional warehouses, and commercial warehouses in North America using both common carriers and a company-owned truck fleet. For individual customer or country requirements. international customers, distribution methods are adapted to meet Specialty Products Products sold to I&I markets are shipped from strategically located distribution centers throughout North America and in Europe, while retail products are distributed nationwide from the Georgia plants and warehouses. Products are primarily delivered through common carriers. Research and Development Lighting Equipment Research and development efforts at ABL are targeted toward the development of products with an ever-increasing performance-to-cost ratio, while close relationships with lamp and ballast manufacturers are maintained to understand technology enhancements and incorporate them in ABL’s fixture designs. ABL operates five separate product development model facilities, incorporating eight photometers for testing and optimizing fixture photometric performance. The Conyers, Georgia lab is approved by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program for both fluorescent and high intensity discharge fixtures. For the fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002, research and development expense at ABL was $27.9 million, $26.1 million, and $20.3 million, respectively. Specialty Products At ASP, research and development is directed at developing product systems that provide comprehensive solutions for broad-based customer applications. Efforts to enhance existing formulations by utilizing new raw materials or combinations of raw materials have resulted in both new and improved products. Technical expertise is employed to move proven technologies into new applications. Research and development expense at ASP for the fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002, excluding technical services, was $2.1 million, $1.3 million, and $1.7 million, respectively. Competition Lighting Equipment The lighting equipment industry served by ABL is highly competitive, with the largest suppliers serving many of the same markets and competing for the same customers. Competition is based on numerous factors, including brand name recognition, price, product quality and design, customer relationships, and service capabilities. Main competitors in the lighting industry include Cooper Industries, Genlyte Thomas Group, and Hubbell. The management of Acuity Brands believes that the four largest lighting manufacturers (including ABL) possess approximately a 50% share of the total North American lighting market. Specialty Products The specialty products industry served by ASP is highly competitive. Overall, competition is fragmented, with numerous local and regional operators selling directly to customers, distributors, and a few national competitors. Many of these competitors offer products in some, but not all, of the markets served by ASP. Competition is based primarily on brand name recognition, price, product quality, and customer service. 8 in the specialty products Competitors industry include NCH, Rochester Midland, State Chemical, JohnsonDiversey, and Ecolab. Management estimates ASP and its major competitors have approximately 50% of the total U.S. I&I market and the remainder is divided among hundreds of regional competitors. Environmental Regulation The operations of the Company are subject to numerous comprehensive laws and regulations relating to the generation, storage, handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous substances as well as solid and hazardous wastes and to the remediation of contaminated sites. In addition, permits and environmental controls are required for certain of the Company’s operations to limit air and water pollution, and these permits are subject to modification, renewal, and revocation by issuing authorities. On an ongoing basis, Acuity Brands invests capital and incurs operating costs relating to environmental compliance. Environmental laws and regulations have generally become stricter in recent years. The cost of responding to future changes may be substantial. See Item 3: Legal Proceedings below for a discussion of certain environmental matters. Raw Materials The products produced by Acuity Brands require certain raw materials, including aluminum, plastics, electrical components, solvents, surfactants, petroleum-based products, and certain grades of steel. For example, Acuity Brands purchases approximately 130,000 tons of steel and aluminum in various forms on an annual basis depending on various factors including product mix. Acuity Brands purchases most raw materials on the open market and relies on third parties for the sourcing of some finished goods. Accordingly, the cost of products sold may be affected by changes in the market price of the above-mentioned raw materials or the sourcing of finished goods. Acuity Brands does not expect to engage in significant commodity hedging transactions for raw materials, though the Company has and will continue to commit to purchase certain materials for a period of up to twelve months. Significant increases in the prices of Acuity Brands’ products due to increases in the cost of raw materials could have a negative effect on demand for products and on profitability, as well as a material adverse effect on the results of operations of Acuity Brands. Each business constantly monitors and investigates alternative suppliers and materials based on numerous attributes including quality, service, and price. Additionally, each business has conducted internet auctions as a method of competitive bidding. The Company’s ongoing efforts to improve the cost effectiveness of its products and services may result in a reduction in the number of its suppliers. A reduction in the number of suppliers could cause increased risk associated with reliance on a limited number of suppliers for certain raw materials, component parts (such as ballasts), and finished goods. Backlog Orders The Company produces and stocks large quantities of inventory at key distribution centers and warehouses throughout North America. ASP satisfies a significant portion of customer demand within 24 to 48 hours from the time a customer’s order is placed and therefore, sales order backlogs for the specialty products business were not material. Sales order backlogs of the lighting equipment business believed to be firm as of August 31, 2004 and 2003 were $152.8 million and $136.1 million, respectively. Patents, Licenses and Trademarks Acuity Brands owns or has licenses to use various domestic and foreign patents, patent applications, and trademarks related to its products, processes, and businesses. These intellectual property rights, particularly the trademarks relating to the products of Acuity Brands, are important factors for its businesses. To protect these proprietary rights, Acuity Brands relies on copyright, patent, trade secret, and trademark laws. Despite these to infringe on the intellectual property of Acuity Brands. protections, unauthorized parties may attempt 9 Management of Acuity Brands is not aware of any such material unauthorized use or of any pending claims where Acuity Brands does not have the right to use any intellectual property material to the businesses of Acuity Brands. While patents and patent applications in the aggregate are important to the competitive position of Acuity Brands, no single patent or patent application is material to the Company. Seasonality and Cyclicality The businesses of Acuity Brands are somewhat seasonal, with net sales being affected by the impact of weather and seasonal demand on construction and installation programs, as well as the annual budget cycles of major customers. Because of these seasonal factors, Acuity Brands has experienced, and generally expects to experience, its highest sales in the last two quarters of its fiscal year ended August 31. A significant portion of the net sales of ABL relates to customers in the new construction and renovation industries, primarily for commercial and industrial applications. These industries are cyclical in nature and subject to changes in general economic conditions. Volume has a major impact on the profitability of ABL and Acuity Brands as a whole. In addition, net sales at ASP are dependent on the retail, wholesale, and industrial markets, demand for which is generally associated with GDP in the United States. Economic downturns and the potential decline in key construction markets and demand for specialty chemicals may have a material adverse effect on the net sales and operating income of Acuity Brands. International Operations Acuity Brands manufactures and assembles products at numerous facilities, some of which are located outside the United States. Approximately 47% and 13% of the products manufactured by the lighting equipment and specialty products segments, respectively, are manufactured outside the United States. Of total product manufactured by ABL, approximately 44% is produced in Mexico. These operations are authorized to operate as Maquiladoras by the Ministry of Economy of Mexico. Maquiladora status allows Acuity Brands to import certain items from the United States into Mexico duty-free, provided that such items, after processing, are re-exported from Mexico within 18 months. Maquiladora status, which is renewed every year, is subject to various restrictions and requirements, including compliance with the terms of the Maquiladora program and other local regulations. Many companies have established Maquiladora operations, increasing demand for labor, particularly skilled labor and professionals. This increase in demand, from new and existing Maquiladora operations, has resulted in increased labor costs and could result in increased labor costs in the future. Acuity Brands may be required to make additional investments in automating equipment to partially offset potential increased labor costs. The Company’s initiatives to become more globally competitive include streamlining ABL’s global supply chain by reducing the number of manufacturing facilities and enhancing the Company’s worldwide procurement in increased production in and sourcing capabilities. Management believes these initiatives will result international locations, primarily Mexico, and will result in increased worldwide procurement and sourcing of certain raw materials, component parts, and finished goods. As a consequence, economic, political, military, or other events in a country where the Company manufactures, procures, or sources a significant amount of raw materials, component parts, or finished goods, could interfere with the Company’s operations and negatively impact the Company’s business. For fiscal year 2004, net sales outside the U.S. represented approximately 13% and 17% of the total net sales of the lighting equipment and specialty products businesses, respectively. See Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the geographic distribution of net sales, operating profit, and long-lived assets. Information Concerning Acuity Brands The Company makes its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K (and all amendments to these reports), together with all reports filed pursuant to Section 16 of the 10 Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Company’s officers, directors, and beneficial owners of 10% or more of the Company’s common stock, available free of charge through the “Investor Info” link on the Company’s website, located at www.acuitybrands.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with or furnished to the SEC. Information included on the Company’s website is expressly not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additionally, the Company has adopted a written Code of Ethics and Business Conduct that applies to all of the Company’s directors, officers, and employees, including its principal executive officer and senior financial officers. This Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is being filed as Exhibit 14 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines are available free of charge through the “Corporate Governance” link on the Company’s website. Additionally, the Statement of Responsibilities of Committees of the Board and the Statement of Rules and Procedures of Committees of the Board, which contain the charters for the Company’s Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Governance Committee and the rules and procedures relating thereto, are available free of charge through the “Corporate Governance” link on the Company’s website. Each of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, the Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Statement of Responsibilities of Committees of the Board, and the Statement of Rules and Procedures of Committees of the Board is available in print to any stockholder of the Company that requests such document by contacting the Company’s Investor Relations department. Employees Acuity Brands employs approximately 11,000 employees, of whom approximately 7,500 are employed in the United States, 2,500 in Mexico, 400 in Canada, and 600 in other international locations, including Europe and the Asia/Pacific region. Union recognition and collective bargaining arrangements are in place, covering approximately 4,500 persons (including approximately 2,400 in the United States). Management believes that it generally has a good relationship with both its unionized and non-unionized employees. Item 2. Properties The general corporate offices of Acuity Brands are located in Atlanta, Georgia. Because of the diverse nature of operations and the large number of individual locations, it is neither practical nor meaningful to describe each of the operating facilities owned or leased by the Company. The following listing summarizes the significant facility categories by business: Division Owned Leased Nature of Facilities Lighting Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Specialty Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 1 1 7 4 10 — — 6 7 6 21 2 38 3 11 Manufacturing Facilities Warehouses Distribution Centers Offices Manufacturing Facilities Warehouses/Branches Distribution Centers Offices 11 The following table provides additional geographic information related to Acuity Brands’ manufacturing facilities: United States Canada Mexico Europe Total Lighting Equipment Owned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leased . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2 Specialty Products Owned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leased . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 3 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 — — — 1 1 5 2 7 — — 1 2 1 1 5 14 6 4 2 26 None of the individual properties of Acuity Brands is considered to have a value that is significant in relation to the assets of Acuity Brands as a whole. Though a loss at certain facilities could have an impact on the Company’s ability to serve the needs of its customers, the Company believes that the financial impact would be partially mitigated by various insurance programs in place. Acuity Brands believes that its properties are well maintained and are in good operating condition and that its properties are suitable and adequate for its present needs. The Company believes that it has additional capacity available at most of its production facilities and that it could increase production without substantial capital expenditures. As noted above, initiatives related to enhancing the global supply chain in the lighting equipment segment will result in the consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities. However, the Company believes that the remaining facilities will have sufficient capacity to serve the needs of the customers of ABL. Item 3. Legal Proceedings General Acuity Brands is subject to various legal claims arising in the normal course of business, including patent infringement and product liability claims. Based on information currently available, and except as described below, 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 or results of operations 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 results of operations 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. Environmental Matters The operations of the Company are subject to numerous comprehensive laws and regulations relating to the generation, storage, handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous substances as well as solid and hazardous wastes and to the remediation of contaminated sites. In addition, permits and environmental controls are required for certain of the Company’s operations to limit air and water pollution, and these permits are subject to modification, renewal, and revocation by issuing authorities. On an ongoing basis, Acuity Brands invests capital and incurs operating costs relating to environmental compliance. Environmental laws and regulations have generally become stricter in recent years. The cost of responding to future changes may be substantial. Acuity Brands establishes reserves for known environmental claims when the costs associated with the claims become probable and can be reasonably estimated. The actual cost of environmental issues may be higher than that reserved due to difficulty in estimating such costs and potential changes in the status of government regulations. 12 Certain environmental laws can impose liability regardless of fault. The federal Superfund law is an example of such an environmental law. However, management believes that the Company’s potential liability under Superfund is mitigated by the presence of other parties who will share in the costs associated with the clean up of sites. The extent of liability is determined on a case-by-case basis taking into account many factors, including the number of other parties whose status or activities also subjects them to liability regardless of fault. Acuity Brands is currently a party to, or otherwise involved in, legal proceedings in connection with state and federal Superfund sites. Based on information currently available, the Company believes its liability is immaterial at each of the currently active sites which it does not own where it has been named as a responsible party or a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) due to its limited involvement at the site and/or the number of viable PRPs. For example, the preliminary allocation among 48 PRPs at the Crymes Landfill site in Georgia indicates that Acuity Brands’ liability is not significant, and there are more than 1,000 PRPs at the M&J Solvents site in Georgia, which has included Acuity Brands as a PRP. For property that Acuity Brands owns on Seaboard Industrial Boulevard in Atlanta, Georgia, the Company, together with current and former owners of adjoining properties (the “Site Group”), has conducted an investigation on its property and adjoining properties (the “Site”) and submitted a Compliance Status Report (“CSR”) and a proposed Corrective Action Plan (“CAP”) to the State of Georgia Environmental Protection Division (“EPD”) pursuant to the Georgia Hazardous Site Response Act. The EPD approved the CAP in May 2004, and the Company has reached tentative agreement with the other members of the Site Group to share the costs and responsibilities of implementing the CAP. The CAP requires the Site Group to periodically monitor the Site for a period of five years to confirm the Site Group’s model predicting that the site is not expected to violate applicable regulatory standards. Adverse sampling results could cause the Company to record additional charges to earnings in future periods. However, based on information currently available, the Company believes that its liability is immaterial in connection with the Site. In August 2003, ASP received a grand jury subpoena from the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia concerning the operation of ASP’s wastewater pretreatment plant and ASP’s management of hazardous waste at a facility in Atlanta, Georgia. The grand jury investigation appears to relate to the discharge of wastewater from the facility to the City of Atlanta’s sanitary sewer system and ASP’s practices in connection with the sampling of the facility’s wastewater discharges for permitting purposes. ASP is cooperating with the investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and has completed the production of the required documents. The U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation follows an inquiry by the City of Atlanta, which regulates the wastewater discharge at the facility. The Company has settled with the City of Atlanta all issues arising from the inquiry. As of August 31, 2004, the Company had reserved approximately $2.0 million to cover various costs including off-site disposal, the estimated costs of resolution of proceedings with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the estimated legal expenses to be incurred by the Company for these matters. The proceedings with the U.S. Attorney are at a preliminary stage, and developments in the investigation and the terms of any final settlement or adjudication of these matters could result in actual costs substantially higher or lower than the amounts reserved. For property that the Company owns on Academy Drive in Northbrook, Illinois, ABL is investigating whether acids, caustics, or other chemical constituents associated with the former anodizing process or wastewater pre-treatment system at the facility impacted soil or groundwater under the building. As of August 31, 2004, the Company had reserved $0.5 million to cover anticipated costs of investigating and addressing any such impacts and restoring those areas to facilitate the sale of the property to a third party. Depending upon the results of the investigation, actual costs to address such impacts and restoring those areas may be substantially higher or lower than the amount reserved. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders No matters were submitted for a vote of the security holders during the three months ended August 31, 2004. 13 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Prior to November 30, 2001, Acuity Brands was a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Service Industries, Inc. (“NSI”) owning and operating the lighting equipment and specialty products businesses. Acuity Brands was spun off from NSI into a separate publicly traded company with its own management and Board of Directors through a tax-free distribution (“Distribution” or “Spin-off”) of 100% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Acuity Brands on November 30, 2001. Each NSI stockholder of record as of November 16, 2001, the record date for the Distribution, received one share of Acuity Brands common stock for each share of NSI common stock held at that date. The common stock of Acuity Brands is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AYI”. At October 25, 2004, there were 5,211 stockholders of record. The following table sets forth the New York Stock Exchange high and low sale prices and the dividend payments for Acuity Brands’ common stock for the periods indicated. Price per Share High Low Dividends Per Share 2004 First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2003 First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2002 First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.34 $26.44 $26.89 $27.83 $15.60 $15.26 $16.57 $19.05 * $14.89 $19.40 $18.60 $17.73 $22.60 $21.63 $21.44 $11.00 $12.24 $12.71 $14.90 * $10.70 $14.00 $11.35 $0.15 $0.15 $0.15 $0.15 $0.15 $0.15 $0.15 $0.15 * $0.15 $0.15 $0.15 * Public trading of the Acuity Brands shares (other than on a when-issued basis) did not commence until December 3, 2001. The information required by this item with respect to equity compensation plans is included under the caption Disclosure with Respect to Equity Compensation Plans in the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 6, 2005, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 6. Selected Financial Data The following table sets forth certain selected consolidated financial data of Acuity Brands, which have been derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements of Acuity Brands for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2004. The historical information may not be indicative of the Company’s future performance. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto. Operating expenses in the historical income statements prior to December 1, 2001 reflect direct expenses of the businesses of Acuity Brands together with allocations of certain NSI corporate expenses that 14 were charged to Acuity Brands based on usage or other methodologies appropriate for such expenses. In the opinion of Acuity Brands management, these allocations have been made on a reasonable basis. Actual per-share data prior to August 31, 2003 has not been presented since the businesses that comprise Acuity Brands were wholly-owned subsidiaries of NSI during all or a portion of such periods. Pro forma basic earnings per share as shown is calculated as net income divided by the historical NSI weighted average shares outstanding during the period. 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 Years Ended August 31, Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Basic earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pro forma basic earnings per share . . . . . . . . $2,104,167 67,214 1.60 1.56 n/a (In thousands, except per-share data) $1,972,796 52,024 n/a n/a 1.26 $1,982,700 40,503 n/a n/a 0.99 $2,049,308 47,782 1.15 1.15 n/a $2,023,644 83,691 n/a n/a n/a Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long-term debt (less current maturities) . . . . Total debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash dividends declared per common 1,364,529 390,210 395,721 1,284,113 391,469 445,808 1,357,954 410,630 543,121 1,330,575 373,707 608,830 1,422,880 380,518 636,434 share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.60 0.60 0.45 n/a n/a In September 2001, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. 15 Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes. References made to years are for fiscal year periods. Dollar amounts are in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated. 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 and its subsidiaries for the years ended August 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002. 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 Information Statement on Form 10/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2001 for additional information regarding the Company, its formation, and potential risk factors associated with the Spin-off. Overview Company Acuity Brands, Inc. (“Acuity Brands” or the “Company”) is a holding company that owns and manages two businesses that are segmented based on the distinctive markets served – lighting equipment and specialty products. The lighting equipment segment of the Company (“Acuity Brands Lighting” or “ABL”) designs, produces, and distributes a broad array of indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures for commercial and institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications for various markets throughout North America and select international markets. The specialty products segment of Acuity Brands (“Acuity Specialty Products” or “ASP”) formulates, produces, and distributes specialty chemical products including cleaners, deodorizers, sanitizers, and pesticides for industrial and institutional, commercial, and residential applications primarily for various markets throughout North America and Europe. Acuity Brands, with its principal office in Atlanta, Georgia, has approximately 11,000 employees worldwide. ABL produces a broad array of indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures for commercial and institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications for various markets throughout North America and select international markets. ABL is one of the world’s leading producers and distributors of lighting fixtures, with a broad, highly configurable product offering, consisting of roughly 500,000 active products as part of over 2,000 product groups that are sold to approximately 5,000 customers. ABL operates 27 factories and distribution facilities to serve its extensive customer base. ASP is a leading producer of specialty chemical products including cleaners, deodorizers, sanitizers, and pesticides for industrial and institutional, commercial, and residential applications primarily for various markets throughout North America and Europe. ASP sells over 9,000 different products through its salaried and commissioned direct sales force, operates six plants, and serves over 300,000 customers through a network of distribution centers and warehouses. While Acuity Brands has been publicly held as a stand-alone company less than three years, the two segments that make up the Company are comprised of organizations with long histories and well-known brands. The Spin-off of Acuity Brands from National Service Industries, Inc. (“NSI”) was effected on November 30, 2001 through a tax-free distribution to NSI stockholders of 100% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Acuity Brands, Inc., at that time a wholly-owned subsidiary of NSI owning and operating the lighting equipment and specialty products businesses. Therefore, the results of operations prior to November 30, 2001 are based on certain assumptions more fully described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company operates on a fiscal year end of August 31. Strategy A long-term objective of Acuity Brands is to be a broader, more diversified industrial manufacturing organization capable of delivering consistent growth in earnings and cash flow. A broader and more diversified organization has less dependency on a single customer or market and generally experiences reduced volatility in 16 earnings and cash flow caused by the cyclicality of a dominant industry. Acuity Brands continued to focus on key initiatives during fiscal 2004 that were directed at creating a foundation for the achievement of the Company’s long-term financial goals, which are as follows: • Generating consolidated operating margins in excess of 10% • Growing earnings per share in excess of 15% per annum • Providing a return on stockholders’ equity of 15% or better • Reducing the Company’s debt to total capitalization ratio to below 40% In 2004, the Company demonstrated meaningful improvement in financial performance while experiencing no tangible improvement in one of its key markets, non-residential construction. The improvement in 2004 performance resulted from the benefits of numerous initiatives to introduce new products, expand margins, improve operating efficiencies, and lower costs. The Company delivered improved results while incurring costs and inefficiencies to redeploy resources within the supply chain at ABL, which the Company anticipates will strengthen future performance, and while confronting rising costs for certain purchased components and raw materials. Economic conditions were less robust than many economists predicted at the start of fiscal 2004. While Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) in the United States, the Company’s primary area of operation, is expected to increase approximately 4.0% for calendar year 2004, the Company continued to experience weakness in certain key markets, including non-residential construction, electrical utilities, and industrial manufacturing, many of which have reported declines from the previous year. Non-residential construction is estimated to decline in calendar year 2004 by approximately 0.2% (or 2.0% for Acuity Brands’ fiscal 2004), the fifth consecutive year of decline. For Acuity Brands, these conditions created a challenging business environment in 2004 characterized by weak demand in key markets and increasing costs for certain components and raw materials (including steel and petroleum-based products). However, in spite of these issues, Acuity Brands grew net sales by approximately 3% due primarily to initiatives that introduced new products, improved pricing and margins, and diversified the Company’s customer base and channels of distribution, largely through continued expansion into the home improvement channel at ABL. Further, the Company made investments to enhance and expand its global supply chain, to develop and introduce new products, to accelerate sales and marketing initiatives, and to implement new organizational development programs. The cost of many of these initiatives and the negative influences impacting the Company’s key markets was more than offset by profit improvement programs implemented to enhance margins, improve operating efficiencies, and lower costs. Additionally, the Company reduced debt by $50.1 million as of August 31, 2004 while accelerating investment in key areas of the business during the year and continuing to pay $25.4 million in annual dividends. During fiscal 2005, management intends to build on the success and momentum of initiatives implemented in prior years as well as engage in new programs to enhance customer service, product development, productivity, and profitability. Management also expects to continue investing in information technology capabilities at ABL and to begin the implementation of an enterprise resource planning system at ASP. In 2005, the Company will focus on programs to: • • • Enhance customer service and delivery Improve product quality Increase pricing and selling effectiveness • Accelerate productivity and operational effectiveness • Generate free cash flow The Company-wide focus of these programs will be to strengthen relationships with customers, reduce non-value added costs, and drive excellence in every aspect of the Company through a culture of continuous 17 improvement. The expected outcome of these activities will be to better position the Company to deliver on its full potential, to provide a platform for future growth opportunities, and to allow the Company to achieve its long-term financial goals. See the Outlook section below for additional information. Liquidity and Capital Resources Principal sources of liquidity for the Company are operating cash flows generated primarily from its business segments and various sources of borrowings, primarily from banks. The ability of the Company to generate sufficient cash flow from operations and to be able to access certain capital markets, including banks, is necessary for the Company to meet its obligations as they become due and to maintain compliance with covenants contained in its financing agreements. The Company’s ongoing liquidity will depend on a number of factors, including available cash resources, cash flow from operations, and the Company’s ability to comply with covenants contained in certain of its financing agreements. Based on current earnings projections and prevailing market conditions, both for customer demand and various capital markets, the Company believes that over the next twelve months it will have sufficient liquidity and availability under its financing arrangements to fund its operations as currently planned and its anticipated capital investment plan and profit improvement initiatives, to repay borrowings as currently scheduled, to pay the same quarterly stockholder dividends in 2005 as were paid in 2004, and to make required contributions into the Company’s defined benefit plans. The Company expects to invest between $50.0 million and $55.0 million for new plant and equipment and new and enhanced information technology capabilities at both businesses during 2005, consistent with spending in 2004. See further information in the Outlook section below. Cash Flow The Company continues to generate substantial cash flow from operations. In 2004, the Company generated $113.3 million in cash flow from operations compared to $160.3 million and $146.8 million reported in 2003 and 2002, respectively. Earnings, depreciation, and benefits from changes in accounts payable and non-operating working capital were the primary contributors to the Company’s cash flow from operations in 2004, partially offset by cash used for accounts receivable and inventory. The Company used its cash flow in 2004 primarily to reduce debt, to fund capital expenditures, and to fund quarterly dividend payments. 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 spent $53.8 million and $28.2 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively, for new tooling, machinery, and equipment. The significant increase in spending in 2004 was due primarily to the consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities and enhancements to information technology capabilities within ABL and investments to improve manufacturing and waste management capabilities at ASP. Over the last three years, the Company invested a total of $115.5 million for new plant, equipment, and tooling, primarily to improve productivity and product quality, to create new products, to increase manufacturing efficiencies, and to enhance its customer service capabilities in each segment. As noted above, management expects capital spending in 2005 to be consistent with spending in 2004, while the Company continues to invest in the improvement of its manufacturing and information technology capabilities. The Company believes that these investments will enhance its operations and financial performance in the future. Consolidated working capital (calculated as current assets minus current liabilities) at August 31, 2004 was $271.4 million compared to $199.1 million at August 31, 2003, an increase of $72.3 million. Consolidated working capital at August 31, 2002 was $160.2 million. The increase in working capital in 2004 compared to 2003 was due primarily to reduced short-term borrowings and increases in accounts receivable and inventory, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable. Operating working capital (calculated by adding accounts receivable, net, plus inventory, and subtracting accounts payable) increased $22.0 million to $347.4 million at August 31, 2004 from the end of 2003. The increase in operating working capital was due primarily to greater sales volume during the year and to help alleviate service issues caused by the consolidation of certain manufacturing plants. Operating working capital as a percentage of net sales at the end of 2004 increased slightly 18 to 16.5% from 15.9% in 2003. Despite the weak economic environment in 2004, the Company did manage to generate a significant amount of cash flow, a portion of which was used to reduce outstanding debt as more fully described below. At August 31, 2004, the current ratio (calculated as current assets divided by current liabilities) of the Company improved to 1.75 compared to 1.55 at the end of 2003. The Company’s consolidated cash position decreased slightly to $14.1 million at August 31, 2004 compared to $16.1 million at August 31, 2003, primarily due to the timing of the availability of funds received from customers at year-end. Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations at August 31, 2004: Long-Term Debt (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Revolving Credit Facility (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating Leases (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchase Obligations (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Long-term Liabilities (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total $391,721 4,000 85,925 2,091 46,885 Less than One Year $ 1,511 4,000 19,508 2,091 4,794 Payments Due by Period 1 to 3 Years 4 to 5 Years After 5 Years $19,119 — 21,671 — 11,512 $160,087 — 14,690 — 9,760 $211,004 — 30,056 — 20,819 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $530,622 $31,904 $52,302 $184,537 $261,879 (1) These amounts (which represent the amounts outstanding at August 31, 2004) are included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 4: Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt for additional information regarding debt and other matters. (2) This amount (which represents the amount outstanding at August 31, 2004) is included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 4: Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt for additional information regarding the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility. (3) The Company’s operating lease obligations are described in Note 6: Commitments and Contingencies. (4) Purchase obligations include commitments to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms, including open purchase orders. (5) These amounts are included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and largely represent other liabilities for which the Company is obligated to make future payments under certain long-term incentive programs. Estimates of the amount and timing of these amounts are based on various assumptions, including expected return on plan assets, interest rates, stock price fluctuations, and other variables. The amounts in this table do not include amounts related to future funding obligations under the defined benefit pension plans. The amount and timing of these future funding obligations are subject to many variables as well and also depend on whether or not the Company elects to make contributions to the pension plans in excess of those required under ERISA. Such voluntary contributions may reduce or defer the funding obligations absent those contributions. See Note 3: Pension and Profit Sharing Plans for additional information. Additionally, the amounts in this table do not include amounts related to certain deferred compensation arrangements for which there is an offsetting asset included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Capitalization The capital structure of the Company is comprised principally of an asset-backed securitization program, borrowings from banks, senior notes, and the equity of its stockholders. Total debt outstanding at August 31, 2004 was $395.7 million compared to $445.8 million at August 31, 2003. Total debt decreased $50.1 million (11.2%) and $147.4 million (27.1%) from August 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The decrease in fiscal 2004 was due primarily to the strong cash flow from operations, partially offset by capital expenditures and the payment of dividends. On April 2, 2004, the Company executed a $200.0 million revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”) maturing in January 2009. This facility replaced the Company’s $92.5 million, 364-day committed credit facility scheduled to mature in April 2004 and the Company’s $105.0 million, three-year credit facility 19 scheduled to mature in April 2005. The Revolving Credit Facility contains financial covenants including 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, and a minimum interest coverage ratio. 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, subject to certain conditions defined in the financing agreement. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants and had $4.0 million and $5.0 million in outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility at August 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. At August 31, 2004, the Company had additional borrowing capacity of $175.7 million under the Revolving Credit Facility under the most restrictive covenant in effect at the time, which represents the full amount of the Revolving Credit Facility less outstanding borrowings of $4.0 million and outstanding letters of credit of $20.3 million. See Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding restrictions contained in the Revolving Credit Facility. During 2004, the Company’s consolidated stockholders’ equity increased $69.7 million to $478.0 million at August 31, 2004 due to net income earned during the year, the issuance of shares under its compensation programs, a reduction in the Company’s pension obligations, and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation adjustments. The Company’s debt to total capitalization ratio (calculated by adding current maturities of long-term debt, short-term secured borrowings, revolving credit facility, and long-term debt, less current maturities, and dividing that number by the sum of that number and total stockholders’ equity) was approximately 45.3% at August 31, 2004, down from approximately 52.2% at August 31, 2003. Dividends The Company paid cash dividends on common stock of $25.4 million ($0.60 per share) during 2004 compared to $24.9 million ($0.60 per share) in 2003. The Company does not currently have any plans to change its dividend rate; however, each quarterly dividend must be approved by the Board of Directors. Results of Operations Fiscal 2004 Compared with Fiscal 2003 Consolidated Results Consolidated net sales were $2,104.2 million in 2004 compared to $2,049.3 million reported in 2003, an increase of 2.7%. For the year ended August 31, 2004, the Company reported net income of $67.2 million compared to $47.8 million earned in 2003. Diluted earnings per share were $1.56 in 2004 compared to $1.15 reported in 2003. Net sales increased approximately 2.7% and 2.6% at ABL and ASP, respectively, in spite of weak economic conditions in key markets. The growth in net sales was due primarily to greater shipments to the home improvement channel at ABL, better pricing and product mix, and increased shipments to the industrial and institutional channel at ASP. This was partially offset by a decline in demand in the non-residential construction market and the absence of sales from a small product line divested during the first quarter of fiscal 2004. Consolidated operating profit was $137.9 million (6.6% of net sales) in 2004 compared to $110.3 million (5.4% of net sales) reported in 2003, an increase of 25.0%. The increase was due primarily to the contribution margin from higher net sales, benefits from continuous improvement programs (including sourcing initiatives to lower product costs), efficiencies resulting from the Manufacturing Network Transformation (“MNT”) initiative at ABL, and certain pre-tax charges of $10.7 million that were not repeated in fiscal 2004 and are more fully described below. These improvements were partially offset by higher costs for certain purchased components and raw materials (particularly steel which increased approximately $9.0 million in 2004), higher costs associated with programs to streamline the supply chain at ABL, and costs associated with a product recall. Operating profit margins improved 120 basis points due primarily to higher gross profit margins. See further information related to the product recall in Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. During fiscal 2004, management focused on initiatives to make the Company more globally competitive. One of these initiatives, MNT, related to enhancing its global supply chain, included the consolidation of certain 20 manufacturing facilities into more efficient locations at ABL. This initiative is expected to result in increased production in international locations, primarily Mexico, and greater sourcing from its network of worldwide vendors. In 2004, total square footage was reduced to 3.2 million from 3.6 million as a result of MNT. The overall net impact of MNT on financial results in 2004 was minimal. Consolidated gross profit margins increased to 41.5% of net sales in 2004 from 40.5% reported in 2003. Gross profit margins increased due primarily to improvements in pricing, the mix of products sold, gains in manufacturing efficiencies, and the impact of initiatives to reduce product costs, partially offset by higher costs associated with certain raw materials and costs associated with programs to streamline the supply chain at ABL. Operating expenses at Acuity Brands in 2004 were 35.0% of net sales compared to 35.1% of net sales in 2003. Other expense for Acuity Brands was made up primarily of interest expense and other miscellaneous, non- operating activity including the gain or loss on the sale of assets and gains or losses on foreign currency transactions. Interest expense, net, was $34.9 million and $37.4 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Interest expense, net, was down 6.7% in 2004 compared to 2003 primarily because of reduced levels of debt outstanding throughout the period, offset slightly by a higher weighted average interest rate resulting from less short-term debt. Miscellaneous expense (income), net, was $1.4 million of expense and $1.9 million of income in 2004 and 2003, respectively. The change was due primarily to an increase in losses on the sale of property, plant, and equipment, and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency fluctuations. The effective tax rate reported by the Company was 34.5% and 35.9% in 2004 and 2003, respectively. The decrease in the rate in fiscal 2004 was primarily the result of the recognition of certain non-taxable gains. Acuity Brands Lighting Acuity Brands Lighting reported net sales of approximately $1,580.5 million and $1,538.8 million for the years ending August 31, 2004, and 2003, respectively, an increase of 2.7%. The increase in net sales during 2004 was due primarily to greater shipments of products to the home improvement channel and the impact of initiatives to improve price and product mix. This was partially offset by a decrease in shipments to certain key commercial, industrial, and electric utility channels, reflecting continued weakness in customer demand. The backlog at ABL increased $16.7 million, or 12.3%, to $152.8 million at August 31, 2004 from $136.1 million at August 31, 2003. Operating profit increased 22.8% in 2004 to $118.9 million from $96.8 million reported in 2003. Operating profit margins improved to 7.5% in 2004 from 6.3% in 2003. The increase in operating profit and margin in 2004 was primarily the result of the contribution margin from the higher sales noted above, gains in manufacturing efficiencies, savings from sourcing initiatives, and a prior year charge of $8.0 million for a patent litigation settlement which was not repeated in fiscal 2004. These items were partially offset by higher costs of certain raw materials, unanticipated costs of approximately $11.0 million related to programs to streamline the supply chain, and estimated costs of $2.5 million associated with an expected product recall. See Note 6 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the product recall. Acuity Specialty Products Net sales at ASP were $523.7 million in 2004 compared with $510.6 million in 2003, representing an increase of $13.1 million or 2.6%. The increase in 2004 net sales was due primarily to improved pricing in the U.S. I&I channel and greater shipments to I&I customers in international markets, partially offset by the absence of sales from a small product line divested during the first quarter of fiscal 2004, and lower shipments of non-core products. International sales were also favorably impacted by changes in exchange rates. Operating profit increased 39.3% in 2004 to $43.6 million from $31.3 million reported in 2003. Operating profit margins advanced to 8.3% in 2004 from 6.1% in 2003. The increase in operating profit and margin in 2004 was primarily the result of the contribution margin from the higher sales noted above, 2003 charges of $2.7 million related to environmental matters, and charges related to inventory that were recorded in the prior year. These items were partially offset by higher employee-related expenses. 21 Corporate Corporate expenses increased to $24.6 million in 2004 from $17.8 million reported in 2003. The increase in corporate expense in 2004 was due primarily to greater expense for Company-wide restricted stock incentives and other share-based programs, reflecting, in part, a greater mix of restricted stock compared to stock options used in the year-ago period, the effect of appreciation in the Company’s stock price on certain share-based programs during fiscal 2004, and an increase in the number of awards outstanding. This increase was partially offset by miscellaneous corporate gains of $1.8 million. Corporate expenses in 2004 also included expenditures to facilitate compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Fiscal 2003 Compared with Fiscal 2002 Consolidated Results Consolidated net sales were $2,049.3 million in 2003 compared to $1,972.8 million reported in 2002, an increase of 3.9%. For the year ended August 31, 2003, the Company reported net income of $47.8 million compared to $52.0 million earned in 2002. Earnings per share were $1.15 in 2003 compared to $1.26 reported in 2002. Included in net income and earnings per share for 2003 were $8.0 million of pre-tax expense related to the settlement of patent litigation and approximately $2.7 million of pre-tax expense related to environmental matters at ASP. Net sales increased approximately 4.3% and 2.5% at ABL and ASP, respectively, in spite of weak economic conditions in key markets. The increase in net sales at ABL was due primarily to greater shipments of products through channels of distribution serving national accounts and home improvement centers and to price increases for certain products. This was partially offset by lower shipments to certain other key commercial and industrial markets due primarily to the continued economic weakness that prevailed throughout the year. Net sales at ASP increased as greater shipments to mass merchandisers and home improvement centers and higher sales in Europe and Canada were partially offset by decreased net sales in the core industrial and institutional channel attributable to weak economic conditions. rising product Consolidated operating profit was $110.3 million (5.4% of net sales) in 2003 compared to $121.0 million (6.1% of net sales) reported in 2002, a decrease of 8.8%. The decrease in operating profit was primarily due to approximately $8.0 million of pre-tax expense related to the settlement of patent litigation and approximately $2.7 million of pre-tax expense related to certain environmental matters, pricing pressures from certain and competitors, non-discretionary spending for various insurance programs. These items were partially offset by additional contribution from the increase in sales noted above. The Company also made investments to expand its global supply chain, to develop and introduce new products, to accelerate sales and marketing initiatives, and to implement a new organizational development program. Overall in 2003, the Company was able to offset the cost of many of these new initiatives and the negative influences impacting the Company’s key markets through profit improvement programs implemented to better manage discretionary spending, to lower product costs (including strategic sourcing), and to enhance manufacturing efficiencies. and petroleum-based components), (including steel related costs Consolidated gross profit margins increased to 40.5% of net sales in 2003 from 39.8% reported in 2002. Gross profit margins increased largely as a result of the higher net sales noted above and the impact of profit improvement initiatives that helped offset the cost of higher raw materials and expenses associated with the consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities at ABL. Operating expenses at Acuity Brands in 2003 were $719.4 million (35.1% of net sales) compared to $663.6 million (33.6% of net sales) in 2002. Benefits of cost containment programs throughout the Company were more than offset by increases in non-discretionary spending, the settlement of the patent litigation, charges related to environmental matters at ASP, higher expenses for sales and marketing initiatives, higher logistics costs, and higher corporate expenses associated primarily with stock-based benefit programs. 22 Other income (expense), net, for Acuity Brands was made up primarily of interest expense and other miscellaneous, non-operating activity including the gain or loss on the sale of assets and gains or losses on foreign currency transactions. Interest expense, net was $37.4 million and $40.7 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively. Interest expense, net was down 8.1% in 2003 compared to 2002 primarily because of reduced levels of debt outstanding throughout the period. The Company generated a pre-tax gain of $1.4 million in fiscal 2003 compared to $3.2 million in fiscal 2002 on the sale of certain non-core assets. The effective tax rate reported by the Company was 35.9 % and 37.2% in 2003 and 2002, respectively. Acuity Brands Lighting Acuity Brands Lighting reported net sales of approximately $1,538.8 million and $1,474.9 million for the years ended August 31, 2003, and 2002, respectively, an increase of 4.3%. The increase in net sales during 2003 was due primarily to greater shipments of products through channels of distribution serving national accounts and home improvement centers and the impact of price increases for certain products. This was partially offset by lower shipments to certain other key commercial and industrial markets due to the continued economic weakness that prevailed throughout the year. The backlog at ABL decreased from August 31, 2002 by $8.6 million, or 5.9%, to $136.1 million at August 31, 2003. Operating profit increased 7.1% in 2003 to $96.8 million from $90.4 million reported in 2002. The increase in operating profit in 2003 was primarily the result of the contribution margin from the higher sales noted above and continuous improvement programs, including sourcing initiatives to lower product costs and improvements in the manufacturing operations at many ABL locations. These items were partially offset by $8.0 million of pre-tax expense related to the settlement of patent litigation, costs associated with the consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities, higher raw materials costs, greater spending for sales and marketing initiatives associated with new product introductions and penetration of the home improvement channel, and higher logistics costs. Acuity Specialty Products Net sales at ASP were $510.6 million in 2003 compared with $497.9 million in 2002. The increase in 2003 net sales was primarily due to greater shipments to mass merchandisers and home improvement centers and higher net sales in Europe and Canada, partially offset by softness in the core industrial and institutional channel attributable to weak economic conditions. In the retail channel, sales increased in 2003 due primarily to the number of home improvement centers served and greater shipments to mass merchandisers. Operating profit decreased 30.3% in 2003 to $31.3 million from $44.9 million reported in 2002. The decrease in operating profit in 2003 was primarily the result of the higher costs for certain initiatives, including new product introductions, increased spending to penetrate the mass merchandise channel, and expanded sales, marketing and logistics programs; rising costs for certain raw materials, partially offset by various initiatives to reduce expenses; a $2.7 million charge related to environmental matters; and a $1.9 million charge to reflect the fair market value of certain inventories. Corporate Corporate expenses increased to $17.9 million in 2003 from $14.4 million reported in 2002. The increase in corporate expense in 2003 was primarily due to increased expenses associated with certain stock-based benefit programs, liability insurance, and expanded audit services. Outlook Management expects that fiscal 2005 will be a challenging year. This caution is due to the potential for continued weakness in a key market, non-residential construction; impact of rising costs, particularly for certain components and raw materials; and the impact of growing government regulations. In the significant 23 light of tepid demand for non-residential lighting fixtures and the anticipated timing of raw material cost increases, operating results for the first half of fiscal 2005 are expected to be relatively consistent with those of the first half of fiscal 2004. For the full year, the Company hopes to again make meaningful progress in 2005 towards the long-term goals of growing earnings per share in excess of 15% per annum, providing a return on stockholders’ equity of 15% or better, and reducing the Company’s debt to total capitalization ratio to below 40%. Management expects to realize benefits from continuous improvement initiatives and annual product and price review programs to help offset rising costs and expects to improve consolidated operating profit margins by at least 70 basis points in 2005. In 2005, the Company expects to achieve its debt targets while investing approximately $50.0 to $55.0 million in capital expenditures and paying annual dividends of approximately $26.0 million. In 2005, the focus of the organization will remain on improving the products and services it provides to customers, becoming more productive and efficient, and enhancing profitability while continuing to diversify and expand the many end markets and customers served. As part of that effort, the Company commenced the MNT initiative and other initiatives in 2003 to improve the capabilities and cost structure of the supply chain at ABL. MNT should be completed in fiscal 2005 and will continue to result in the consolidation of certain facilities into ABL’s most productive and efficient plants, as well as expand the worldwide sourcing capabilities of ABL. While a significant portion of the capital investment for MNT occurred in 2004, management expects some carryover spending into fiscal 2005. Expenses associated with MNT for severance and relocation have been, and are expected to continue to be, largely offset by cost savings and asset sales from the program. The timing of future expense recognition will depend on the actual dates of certain events and may impact the Company’s quarterly results differently than management currently anticipates. While the Company incurred approximately $11.0 million of unanticipated costs in 2004 related to programs to streamline the supply chain, including MNT, the overall net impact on financial results in 2004 was minimal due to the reduction or elimination of certain fixed and variable costs as a result of these business process changes. Management expects that the program to improve the supply chain at ABL will have a positive impact on earnings in 2005. Accounting Standards Adopted in Fiscal 2004 In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN No. 46”), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—An Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51. FIN No. 46 requires the consolidation of entities in which an enterprise absorbs a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both, as a result of ownership, contractual interests, or other financial interests in the entity. FIN No. 46 is effective for all new variable interest entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN No. 46 must be applied during the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2003. Acuity Brands adopted FIN No. 46 in fiscal 2004. Adoption of this interpretation did not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position. In December 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132 (Revised 2003), Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, and 106. This statement requires disclosures in addition to those required by the original SFAS No. 132 related to the assets, obligations, cash flows, and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and other defined benefit postretirement plans. The Company adopted this revised pronouncement in its fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2004. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted On March 31, 2004, the FASB issued an exposure document related to share-based payments that would amend SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. The FASB has tentatively concluded that companies could adopt the new standard in one of two ways: the modified prospective transition method and the 24 modified retrospective transition method. Using the modified prospective transition method, a company would recognize share-based employee compensation cost from the beginning of the fiscal period in which the recognition provisions are first applied as if the fair-value-based accounting method had been used to account for all employee awards granted, modified, or settled after the effective date and to any awards that were not fully vested as of the effective date. Using the modified retrospective method, a company would recognize employee compensation cost for periods presented prior to the adoption of the proposed Standard in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123; that is, an entity would recognize employee compensation cost in the amounts reported in the pro forma disclosures provided in accordance with SFAS No. 123. A company would not be permitted to make any changes to those amounts upon adoption of the proposed Statement unless those changes represent a correction of an error (and are disclosed accordingly). For periods after the date of adoption of proposed Standard, the modified prospective transition method described above would be applied. The FASB expects to issue the final standard by December 31, 2004. The Company expects to adopt the revised SFAS No. 123 on September 1, 2005 and continues to evaluate the impact the adoption of the final standard will have on the Company’s results of operations. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. Critical Accounting Estimates Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations addresses the financial condition and results of operations as reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. As discussed in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 intangible assets; 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. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the accounting policies of Acuity Brands. The management of Acuity Brands believes the following represent the Company’s critical accounting estimates: Inventories Acuity Brands records inventory at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out or average cost basis) or market. Management reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision for excess or obsolete inventory primarily based on estimated future demand and current market conditions. A significant change in customer demand or market conditions could render certain inventory obsolete and thus could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s operating results in the period the change occurs. Long-Lived and Intangible Assets and Goodwill Acuity Brands reviews goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives for impairment on an annual basis or on an interim basis if an event occurs that might reduce the fair value of the long-lived asset below its carrying value. All other long-lived and intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized based on the difference between the carrying value of the asset and its estimated fair value, which would be determined based on either discounted future cash flows or other appropriate fair value methods. 25 In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (“SFAS No. 142”), Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Acuity Brands adopted SFAS No. 142 as of September 1, 2001. SFAS No. 142 requires companies to cease amortizing goodwill that existed at June 30, 2001 and establishes a new method for testing goodwill for impairment. SFAS No. 142 also requires that an identifiable intangible asset that is determined to have an indefinite useful economic life not be amortized, but be separately tested for impairment using a fair-value-based approach. The evaluation of goodwill and intangibles with indefinite useful lives for impairment requires management to use significant judgments and estimates including, but not limited to, projected future net sales, operating results, and cash flow of each of the Company’s businesses. Although management currently believes that the estimates used in the evaluation of goodwill and intangibles with indefinite lives are reasonable, differences between actual and expected net sales, operating results, and cash flow could cause these assets to be deemed impaired. If this were to occur, the Company would be required to charge to earnings the write-down in value of such assets, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position. Specifically, Acuity Brands has two unamortized trade names with an aggregate carrying value of $65.0 million. Management estimates the fair value of these unamortized trade names using a fair value model based on discounted future cash flows. Future cash flows associated with each of the Company’s unamortized trade names are calculated by applying a theoretical royalty rate a willing third party would pay for use of the particular trade name to estimated future net sales. The present value of the resulting after-tax cash flow is management’s current estimate of the fair value of the trade names. This fair value model requires management to make several significant assumptions, including estimated future net sales, the royalty rate, and the discount rate. Differences between expected and actual results can result in significantly different valuations. If future operating results are unfavorable compared to forecasted amounts, the Company may be required to reduce the theoretical royalty rate used in the fair value model. A reduction in the theoretical royalty rate would result in lower expected, future after-tax cash flow in the valuation model. Accordingly, an impairment charge would be recorded at that time. To illustrate the potential impact of unfavorable changes in the assumptions underlying the fair value model, a one hundred basis point reduction in the theoretical royalty rate related to the 2004 valuation of the Holophane trade name acquired in 1999 would result in a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately 22.0%, or $13.8 million, of the carrying value of the trade name. Self-Insurance It is the policy of the Company to self-insure for certain insurable property and casualty risks consisting primarily of physical loss to property, business interruptions resulting from property losses, workers’ compensation, comprehensive general liability, and auto liability. Insurance coverage is obtained for catastrophic property and casualty exposures as well as those risks required to be insured by law or contract. Based on an independent actuary’s estimate of the aggregate liability for claims incurred, a provision for claims under the self-insured program is recorded and revised annually. The actuarial estimates are subject to uncertainty from various sources, including, among others, changes in claim reporting patterns, claim settlement patterns, judicial decisions, legislation, and economic conditions. Although Acuity Brands believes that the actuarial estimates are reasonable, significant differences related to the items noted above could materially affect the Company’s self- insurance obligations and future expense. The Company is also self-insured for the majority of its medical benefit plans. The Company estimates its aggregate liability for claims incurred by applying a lag factor to the Company’s historical claims and administrative cost experience. The appropriateness of the Company’s lag factor is evaluated and revised, if the current estimates are reasonable, significant necessary, annually. Although management believes that differences related to claim reporting patterns, legislation, and general economic conditions could materially affect the Company’s medical benefit plan liabilities and future expense. 26 Product Warranty Acuity Brands records an allowance for the estimated amount of future warranty costs when the related revenue is recognized, primarily based on historical experience. Excluding costs related to recalls due to faulty components provided by third parties, historical warranty costs have been within expectations. However, there can be no assurance that future warranty costs will not exceed historical amounts. If actual future warranty costs exceed historical amounts, additional allowances may be required, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s operating results in future periods. Litigation Acuity Brands recognizes expense for legal claims when payments associated with the claims become probable and can be reasonably estimated. Due to the difficulty in estimating costs of resolving legal claims, actual costs may be substantially higher than the amounts reserved. Environmental Matters The Company recognizes expense for known environmental claims when payments associated with the claims become probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. The actual cost of resolving environmental issues may be higher than that reserved primarily due to difficulty in estimating such costs and potential changes in the status of government regulations. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This filing contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve risks and uncertainties. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. Statements made herein that may be considered forward- looking include statements that relate to future performance or results of the Company, including in particular statements concerning: (a) the expected impact (including the expected completion and timing of expected benefits) of the Company’s MNT initiative at ABL including the consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities, increased production in international locations, increased worldwide procurement and sourcing of certain raw materials, component parts, and finished goods, the ability to continue to service the needs of customers, and the impact of this initiative on future earnings and capital investment; (b) the potential impact of the loss of certain of the Company’s facilities and the related impact of various insurance programs in place; (c) the ability to increase production without substantial capital expenditures (d) the Company’s expectations regarding liquidity and availability under its financing arrangements to fund its operations as currently planned, capital initiatives, debt payments, dividend payments, and required contributions into its pension plans; (e) the planned spending of between $50.0 million and $55.0 million for new plant and equipment and new and enhanced information technology capabilities at both businesses during 2005 (including the timing of these expenditures) and the expected future impact of these expenditures on the Company’s future operations and performance; (f) the planned payment of annual dividends of approximately $26.0 million (g) the expected changes in total indebtedness; (h) 2005 operating results (and the timing of operating results within 2005), including earnings per share growth, return on stockholders’ equity, a decrease in debt to total capitalization, and operating profit margin improvement; (i) the achievement of management’s long- term financial goals; (j) the expected lack of engagement in significant commodity hedging transactions for raw materials and advanced purchases of certain materials; (k) the anticipated timing of the adoption of the to SFAS No. 123; (l) the expected future benefits of the Company’s various programs and amendment continuous improvement initiatives; and (m) management’s expectations regarding projected growth in GDP and a decline in non-residential construction in calendar 2004. investments, profit improvement A variety of risks and uncertainties could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company’s forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties include without limitation the following: (a) the uncertainty of general business and economic 27 conditions, including the potential for a more severe slowdown in non-residential construction and other industrial markets, changes in interest rates, and fluctuations in commodity and raw material prices or foreign currency rates; (b) the risk of economic, political, military, or other events in a country where the Company manufactures, procures, or sources a significant amount of raw materials, component parts, or finished goods; (c) the Company’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits of initiatives expected to reduce costs, improve profits, enhance customer service, increase manufacturing efficiency, reduce debt, and expand product offerings and brands in the market through a variety of channels; (d) the risk that the Company will be unable to execute its various initiatives within expected timeframes; (e) unexpected developments in the Company’s legal and environmental matters, including the matter related to the operation of ASP’s wastewater pretreatment plant and the management of hazardous waste at an ASP facility in Atlanta, Georgia and at an ABL facility in Northbrook, Illinois; (f) the risk that projected future cash flows from operations are not realized; (g) the impact of unforeseen factors on the Company’s critical accounting estimates; (h) the impact of competition; and (i) unexpected changes in the Company’s share price. Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk General. Acuity Brands is exposed to market risks that may impact the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Income, and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows due primarily to changing interest rates and foreign exchange rates. The following discussion provides additional information regarding the market risks of Acuity Brands. Interest Rates. Interest rate fluctuations expose the variable-rate debt of Acuity Brands to changes in interest expense and cash flows. The variable-rate debt of Acuity Brands, primarily amounts outstanding under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility, Term Loan, and industrial revenue bonds, amounted to $36.0 million at August 31, 2004. Based on outstanding borrowings at quarter end, a 10% increase in market interest rates at August 31, 2004 would have resulted in additional annual after-tax interest expense of approximately $0.1 million. A fluctuation in interest rates would not affect interest expense or cash flows related to the $359.7 million publicly traded notes, Acuity Brands’ primary fixed-rate debt. A 10% increase in market interest rates at August 31, 2004 would have decreased the fair value of these notes by approximately $8.7 million. See Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Company’s long-term debt. Foreign Exchange Rates. The majority of the net sales, expense, and capital purchases of Acuity Brands are transacted in U.S. dollars. Acuity Brands does not believe a 10% fluctuation in average foreign currency rates would have a material effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations. However, in fiscal 2004, the Company entered into certain foreign currency forward contracts to hedge its exposure to variability in exchange rates on certain anticipated intercompany transactions with a Canadian business unit. At August 31, the Company had foreign currency contracts outstanding with an aggregate notional amount of 2004, $36.0 million. These contracts mature monthly in $3.0 million increments. The fair value of these contracts represented an unrealized pre-tax loss of approximately $0.1 million at August 31, 2004. 28 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Index to Consolidated Financial Statements Report of Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2004 and 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended August 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended August 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended Page 30 31 32 33 34 August 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 36-60 72 29 REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ACUITY BRANDS, INC. The management of Acuity Brands, Inc. is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the financial information in this annual report. These financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, using informed judgments and estimates where appropriate. The information in other sections of this report is consistent with the consolidated financial statements. The Company maintains a system of internal controls and accounting policies and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and transactions are executed and recorded in accordance with management’s authorization. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, composed entirely of outside directors, is responsible for monitoring the Company’s accounting and reporting practices. The Audit Committee meets regularly with management, the internal auditors, and the independent auditors to review the work of each and to assure that each performs its responsibilities. Both the internal auditors and Ernst & Young LLP have unrestricted access to the Audit Committee allowing open discussion, without management’s presence, on the quality of financial reporting and the adequacy of internal accounting controls. Vernon J. Nagel Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Karen J. Holcom Vice President, Controller, and Interim Chief Financial Officer 30 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Stockholders Acuity Brands, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Acuity Brands, Inc. as of August 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2004. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These consolidated financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Acuity Brands, Inc. at August 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Atlanta, Georgia October 29, 2004 31 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share and per-share data) ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Receivables, less reserve for doubtful accounts of $8,285 at August 31, 2004 and $8,634 at August 31, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prepayments and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Current Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Property, Plant, and Equipment, at cost: Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buildings and leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Machinery and equipment Total Property, Plant, and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less-Accumulated depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Property, Plant, and Equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Assets: Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other long-term assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Other Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 31, 2004 2003 $ 14,135 $ 16,053 331,157 222,260 29,500 36,534 633,586 13,037 167,707 375,750 556,494 330,195 226,299 343,595 126,658 34,391 504,644 302,276 188,799 23,047 28,377 558,552 14,060 164,974 350,549 529,583 307,025 222,558 341,570 129,843 31,590 503,003 Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,364,529 $1,284,113 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current Liabilities: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Current maturities of long-term debt Short-term secured borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Revolving credit facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued salaries, commissions, and bonuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Total Current Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long-Term Debt, less current maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self-Insurance Reserves, less current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Long-Term Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,511 — 4,000 206,064 45,335 105,325 362,235 390,210 24,844 17,484 91,779 $ 1,339 48,000 5,000 165,656 49,217 90,239 359,451 391,469 11,084 16,126 97,689 Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 6) 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, 42,596,015 and 41,674,996 shares issued and outstanding at August 31, 2004 and August 31, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unearned compensation on restricted stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated other comprehensive loss items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Stockholders’ Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — 426 425,807 86,560 (5,609) (29,207) 477,977 417 407,621 44,755 (1,734) (42,765) 408,294 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,364,529 $1,284,113 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 32 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per-share data) Years Ended August 31, 2004 2003 2002 Net Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cost of Products Sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,104,167 1,230,308 $2,049,308 1,219,608 $1,972,796 1,188,185 Gross Profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Impairment, Restructuring, and Other Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock Compensation Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating Profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Expense (Income): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest expense, net (Gain) loss on sale of businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous expense (income), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Other Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873,859 727,542 1,929 6,461 137,927 34,876 (999) 1,433 35,310 Income before Provision for Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provision for Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102,617 35,403 829,700 717,509 — 1,915 110,276 37,383 227 (1,915) 35,695 74,581 26,799 784,611 664,260 (853) 224 120,980 40,690 — (2,546) 38,144 82,836 30,812 Net Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 67,214 $ 47,782 $ 52,024 Earnings Per Share: Basic Earnings per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1.60 $ 1.15 Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding . . . . 41,906 41,459 Diluted Earnings per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1.56 $ 1.15 Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding . . . 43,201 41,721 n/a n/a n/a n/a Pro Forma Earnings Per Share (Unaudited): Basic Earnings per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding . . . . n/a n/a n/a n/a $ 1.26 41,286 Dividends Declared per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.60 $ 0.60 $ 0.45 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 33 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) Years Ended August 31, 2004 2003 2002 Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities: Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) $ 67,214 $ 47,782 $ 52,024 operating activities: Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loss (gain) on the sale of property, plant, and equipment . . . . . . . (Gain) loss on sale of business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provision for losses on accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other non-cash charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in assets and liabilities net of effect of acquisitions and divestitures - Receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prepayments and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities . . . . . . . . . . Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities: Purchases of property, plant, and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from the sale of property, plant, and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . Sale of business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42,960 623 (999) 3,200 4,619 46,039 (699) 227 4,399 1,139 49,494 (3,214) — 5,445 (563) (33,713) (34,114) 2,684 (2,107) 40,408 7,594 14,885 113,254 (53,821) 1,761 2,477 — 15,935 28,043 6,108 (3,782) 3,987 2,707 8,460 160,345 (28,154) 1,907 (92) — (31,822) 4,471 (2,920) 1,328 50,415 30,643 (8,460) 146,841 (33,482) 8,358 — (24,765) Net Cash Used for Investing Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (49,583) (26,339) (49,889) Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities: Net borrowings of notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repayments from revolving credit facility, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Repayments) proceeds from short-term secured borrowings . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from issuances of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repayments of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employee stock purchase plan issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net activity with NSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — (1,000) (48,000) — (1,153) 1,506 8,158 (25,409) — (2,545) (35,000) (81,200) 22,202 (770) 1,666 128 (24,911) — (22,121) (65,000) 24,100 — (2,688) 830 — (18,606) (18,632) Net Cash Used for Financing Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . (65,898) (120,430) (102,117) Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309 (1,918) 16,053 (217) 13,359 2,694 (147) (5,312) 8,006 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 14,135 $ 16,053 $ 2,694 Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Income taxes paid during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest paid during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 27,220 35,245 $ 25,674 37,650 $ 11,869 41,231 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 34 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In thousands, except share and per-share data) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items Comprehensive Income NSI Investment Common Stock Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings Minimum Pension Liability Forward Contracts $ 400,296 (400,296) — 413 — 400,560 — $ (2,421) — — Balance, August 31, 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allocation of NSI Investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comprehensive income: Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustment . . . . Minimum pension liability adjustment (net of tax of $3,507) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . $ 52,024 (267) (5,970) (6,237) Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 45,787 Amortization and forfeitures of restricted stock grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employee Stock Purchase Plan issuances . . . . . . . Cash Dividends of $0.45 per share paid on common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net transactions with NSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balance, August 31, 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comprehensive income: Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation adjustment . . . . Reclassification adjustment for translation loss included in net income . . . . . . . . . . . . Minimum pension liability adjustment (net of tax of $13,197) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . $ 47,782 2,757 185 (22,472) (19,530) Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 28,252 Amortization, issuance, and forfeitures of restricted stock grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employee Stock Purchase Plan issuances . . . . . . . Stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash dividends of $0.60 per share paid on common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balance, August 31, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comprehensive income: Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax of $427) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forward contracts adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . Minimum pension liability adjustment (net of tax of $4,623) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . $ 67,214 5,740 (54) 7,872 13,558 Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 80,772 Amortization, issuance, and forfeitures of restricted stock grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employee Stock Purchase Plan issuances . . . . . . . Stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash dividends of $0.60 per share paid on common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax effect on stock options and restricted stock . . Balance, August 31, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — 1 — — 414 — — — — 1 2 — — — 417 — — — — 3 1 — — 5 — 426 — — — — — — — — $ — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (54) Currency Translation Adjustment $(14,577) — — (267) — — — — — Unearned Compensation on Restricted Stock Total — (677) $383,298 — — — — 177 — — — 52,024 (267) (5,970) 177 830 (18,606) (9,534) (14,844) (500) 401,952 — 2,757 185 — — — — — — — — — — (1,234) — — — — 47,782 2,757 185 (22,472) 1,026 1,666 181 (24,911) 128 (11,902) (1,734) 408,294 — 5,740 — — — — — — — — — — — — (3,875) — — — — — 67,214 5,740 (54) 7,872 2,624 1,506 140 (25,409) 8,158 1,892 — — — — 829 52,024 — — — — — (18,606) (11,534) 2,000 — — (5,970) — — — — 403,389 21,884 (8,391) — — — — 2,259 1,664 181 47,782 — — — — — — — (24,911) 128 — — — — (22,472) — — — — — 407,621 44,755 (30,863) — — — — 6,496 1,505 140 67,214 — — — — — — — (25,409) 8,153 1,892 — — — — — 7,872 — — — — — — — — — — — — — $425,807 $ 86,560 $(22,991) $ (54) $ (6,162) $(5,609) $477,977 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 35 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) Note 1: Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Acuity Brands, Inc. (“Acuity Brands” or the “Company”) is a holding company that owns and manages two businesses that are segmented based on the distinctive markets served – lighting equipment and specialty products. The lighting equipment segment designs, produces, and distributes a broad array of indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures for commercial and institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications for various markets throughout North America and select international markets. The specialty products segment formulates, produces, and distributes specialty chemical products including cleaners, deodorizers, sanitizers, and pesticides for industrial and institutional, commercial, and residential applications, primarily for various markets throughout North America and Europe. Prior to November 30, 2001, Acuity Brands was a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Service Industries, Inc. (“NSI”) owning and operating the lighting equipment and specialty products businesses. Acuity Brands was spun off from NSI into a separate publicly traded company with its own management and Board of Directors through a tax-free distribution (“Distribution” or “Spin-off”) of 100% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Acuity Brands on November 30, 2001. Each NSI stockholder of record as of November 16, 2001, the record date for the Distribution, received one share of Acuity Brands common stock for each share of NSI common stock held at that date. The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Acuity Brands and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Acuity Lighting Group, Inc. (“Acuity Brands Lighting” or “ABL”) and Acuity Specialty Products Group, Inc. (“Acuity Specialty Products” or “ASP”). For periods prior to December 1, 2001, these financial statements were derived from the historical financial statements of NSI. Acuity Brands was allocated certain corporate assets, liabilities, and expenses of NSI during the periods prior to December 1, 2001 based on an estimate of the proportion of such amounts allocable to Acuity Brands, utilizing factors such as total revenue, employee headcount, and other relevant measures. The Company believes these allocations were made on a reasonable basis. The Company believes all amounts allocated to Acuity Brands are a reasonable representation of the costs that would have been incurred if Acuity Brands had performed these functions as a stand-alone company. In conjunction with the Spin-off, Acuity Brands and NSI entered into various agreements that addressed the allocation of assets and liabilities and defined the Company’s relationship with NSI after the Distribution, including a distribution agreement, a tax disaffiliation agreement, and a transition services agreement. See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the Company’s contractual relationship with NSI. Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Acuity Brands and its wholly-owned subsidiaries after elimination of significant intercompany transactions and accounts. Revenue Recognition Acuity Brands records revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the Company’s price to the customer is fixed and determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. Customers take delivery at the time of shipment for terms designated free on board shipping point. For sales designated free on board destination, customers take delivery when the product is delivered to the 36 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) customer’s delivery site. Provisions for certain rebates, sales incentives, product returns, and discounts to customers are recorded in the same period the related revenue is recorded. The Company provides for limited product return rights to certain distributors and customers primarily for slow moving or damaged items subject to certain defined criteria. The Company monitors product returns and records a provision for the estimated amount of future returns at the time revenue is recognized based primarily on historical experience and specific notification of pending returns. Although historical product returns generally have been within expectations, there can be no assurance that future product returns will not exceed historical amounts. A significant increase in product returns could have a material impact on the Company’s operating results in future periods. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions, which include estimates of NSI costs allocated to Acuity Brands in 2002, 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. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash in excess of daily requirements is invested in time deposits and marketable securities and is included in the accompanying balance sheets at fair value. Acuity Brands considers time deposits and marketable securities purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Concentrations of Credit Risk Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables, which are unsecured, are generally limited due to the wide variety of customers and markets using Acuity Brands’ products, as well as their dispersion across many different geographic areas. As of August 31, 2004, receivables from The Home Depot were approximately $55.5 million. No other single customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated receivables at August 31, 2004. Additionally, The Home Depot accounted for more than 10% of the net sales of Acuity Brands in fiscal years 2004 and 2003. Reclassifications Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out or average cost basis) or market and consist of the following: Raw materials and supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Work in progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Finished goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 86,027 19,623 126,255 $ 74,091 22,201 104,932 Less: reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231,905 (9,645) 201,224 (12,425) $222,260 $188,799 August 31, 2004 2003 37 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) Goodwill and Other Intangibles Summarized information for the Company’s acquired intangible assets is as follows: August 31, 2004 August 31, 2003 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Amortized intangible assets: Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distribution network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,030 53,000 11,857 $77,887 $ (2,217) (8,981) (5,045) $(16,243) Unamortized intangible assets: Trade names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,014 $ (1,782) (7,216) (9,283) $(18,281) $13,030 53,000 17,080 $83,110 $65,014 The Company amortizes trademarks associated with specific products with finite lives and the distribution network over their estimated useful lives of 30 years. Other amortized intangible assets consist primarily of patented technology that is amortized over its estimated useful life of 12 years. Unamortized intangible assets consist of trade names that are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely. The Company tests unamortized intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis, as required by SFAS No 142. This analysis did not result in an impairment charge during fiscal years 2004 or 2003. The Company recorded amortization expense of $3.2 million related to intangible assets with finite lives during fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003. Amortization expense is projected to be approximately $3.2 million in each of the next five years. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the year are summarized as follows: Balance as of August 31, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $311,090 1,613 $30,480 412 $341,570 2,025 Balance as of August 31, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $312,703 $30,892 $343,595 ABL ASP Total The Company tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis in the fiscal fourth quarter or sooner if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may exceed its fair value. The Company’s reporting units are ABL and ASP. The goodwill impairment test has two steps. The first step identifies potential impairments by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. The fair value of ABL and ASP are determined based on a combination of valuation techniques including the expected present value of future cash flows, a market multiple approach, and a comparable transaction approach. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and the second step is not necessary. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value, the second step calculates the possible impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying value. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded. This analysis did not result in an impairment charge during fiscal years 2004 or 2003. 38 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) Other Long-Term Assets Other long-term assets consisted of the following: Long-term investments (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intangible pension asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note receivable, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt issue costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assets held for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 31, 2004 2003 $23,903 1,464 — 1,573 5,956 1,495 $34,391 $25,805 1,654 1,052 2,038 — 1,041 $31,590 (1) Long-term investments - The Company maintains certain investments that generate returns that offset changes in certain liabilities related to deferred compensation arrangements. The investments primarily consist of marketable equity securities and fixed income securities, are stated at fair value, and are classified as trading in accordance with SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income and generally offset the change in the deferred compensation liability. Other Long-Term Liabilities Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following: Accrued pension liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postretirement benefits other than pensions (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director stock unit plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postemployment benefit obligation (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 31, 2004 2003 $33,026 55,491 2,135 430 697 $91,779 $40,245 54,602 1,605 430 807 $97,689 (1) Postretirement benefits other than pensions - The Company maintains several non-qualified retirement plans for the benefit of eligible employees, primarily deferred compensation plans. The deferred compensation plans provide for elective deferrals of an eligible employee’s compensation and, in some cases, matching contributions by the Company. In addition, one plan provides for an automatic contribution by the Company of 3% of an eligible employee’s compensation. Deferred compensation associated with these plans, together with the Company’s contributions and accumulated earnings, is generally distributable in cash pursuant to the terms of the plans, either after specified periods of time or after retirement. The Company maintains life insurance policies on certain current and former officers and other key employees as a means of satisfying a portion of these obligations. (2) Postemployment benefit obligation - SFAS No. 112, Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits, requires the accrual of the estimated cost of benefits provided by an employer to former or inactive employees after employment but before retirement. Acuity Brands’ accrual relates primarily to the liability for life insurance coverage for certain eligible employees. Earnings per Share Earnings per share data for periods prior to fiscal 2003 has not been presented since the businesses that comprise Acuity Brands were wholly-owned subsidiaries of NSI, or businesses thereof, during a portion of or for all of the periods presented and were recapitalized as part of the Distribution. 39 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) Pro Forma Earnings Per Share (Unaudited) Pro forma basic earnings per share is calculated as net income divided by the pro forma weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Pro forma weighted average shares outstanding has been computed by applying the distribution ratio of one share of Acuity Brands common stock to the historical NSI weighted average shares outstanding for the same period presented. Pro forma earnings per share information is unaudited and has been presented for the year ended August 31, 2002 only. Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs In September 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force issued EITF 00-10, Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs. EITF 00-10 requires shipping and handling fees billed to customers to be classified as revenue and shipping and handling costs to be either classified as cost of sales or disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. The Company includes shipping and handling fees billed to customers in Net Sales. Shipping and handling costs associated with inbound freight and freight between manufacturing facilities and distribution centers are generally recorded in Cost of Products Sold. Other shipping and handling costs are included in Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses and totaled $103.4 million, $98.6 million, and $95.2 million in fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. Stock-Based Compensation The Company issues stock options to employees and directors under certain of its benefit plans. Under all stock option plans, the options expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant and have an exercise price no less than the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The Company accounts for the employee and director plans under the Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and related interpretations. Additionally, Acuity Brands has adopted the disclosure provisions portion only of SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure – an Amendment to FASB Statement No. 123. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized for these stock option plans in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Had compensation cost for the Company’s stock option plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards subsequent to the Distribution, consistent with the recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income and earnings per share would have been impacted as follows: Net income, as reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less: Compensation expense related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less: Stock-based compensation determined under fair value based method for Year Ended August 31, 2004 2003 2002 (1) $67,214 $47,782 $52,024 281 287 201 stock option awards, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,424 Pro forma net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $61,509 2,326 $45,169 2,541 $49,282 Earnings per share: Basic earnings per share – as reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Basic earnings per share – pro forma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted earnings per share – as reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted earnings per share – pro forma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ $ $ 1.60 1.47 1.56 1.42 $ $ $ $ 1.15 1.09 1.15 1.08 $ $ 1.26 1.19 n/a n/a (1) Weighted average shares outstanding for the year ended August 31, 2002 has been computed by applying the distribution ratio of one share of Acuity Brands common stock to the historical NSI weighted average shares outstanding for the same period presented. 40 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) The above pro forma calculations only include the effects of options granted subsequent to the Distribution. Accordingly, the pro forma effect of applying SFAS No. 123 may not be representative of the effect on reported net income in future years because options vest over several years and varying amounts of awards are generally made each year. The following weighted average assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted in the fiscal year: Dividend yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected volatility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Risk-free interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected life of options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1% 43.8% 3.3% 8 years 4.4% 43.8% 3.0% 8 years 4.3% 34.0% 5.2% 10 years 2004 2003 2002 See Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. Depreciation For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is determined principally on a straight-line basis using estimated useful lives of plant and equipment (20 to 40 years for buildings and 5 to 12 years for machinery and equipment) while accelerated depreciation methods are used for income tax purposes. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the lease or the useful life of the improvement, whichever is shorter. Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses amounted to $30.0 million, $27.4 million, and $22.0 million during fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. Advertising Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were $21.0 million, $16.3 million, and $18.1 million during fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency for the foreign operations of Acuity Brands is the local currency. The translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate during the year. The gains or losses resulting from the translation are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income and are excluded from net income. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in Miscellaneous expense (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Income and were insignificant in fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002. Interest Expense, Net Interest expense, net, is comprised primarily of interest expense on long-term debt, revolving credit facility borrowings, and short-term secured borrowings partially offset by interest income on cash and cash equivalents. 41 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) The following table summarizes the components of interest expense, net: Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,553 (677) $37,804 (421) $41,196 (506) Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34,876 $37,383 $40,690 Years Ended August 31, 2004 2003 2002 Miscellaneous Expense (Income), Net Miscellaneous expense (income), net, is comprised primarily of gains or losses resulting from the sale of assets and gains or losses on foreign currency transactions. Accounting Standards Adopted in Fiscal 2004 In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN No. 46”), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—An Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51. FIN No. 46 requires the consolidation of entities in which an enterprise absorbs a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both, as a result of ownership, contractual interests or other financial interests in the entity. FIN No. 46 is effective for all new variable interest entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN No. 46 must be applied during the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2003. Acuity Brands adopted FIN No. 46 in fiscal 2004. Adoption of this interpretation did not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position. In December 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132 (Revised 2003), Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, and 106. This statement requires disclosures in addition to those required by the original SFAS No. 132 related to the assets, obligations, cash flows, and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and other defined benefit postretirement plans. The Company adopted this revised pronouncement in its fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2004. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted On March 31, 2004, the FASB issued an exposure document related to share-based payment that would amend SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. The FASB has tentatively concluded that companies could adopt the new standard in one of two ways: the modified prospective transition method and the modified retrospective transition method. Using the modified prospective transition method, a company would recognize share-based employee compensation cost from the beginning of the fiscal period in which the recognition provisions are first applied as if the fair-value-based accounting method had been used to account for all employee awards granted, modified, or settled after the effective date and to any awards that were not fully vested as of the effective date. Using the modified retrospective method, a company would recognize employee compensation cost for periods presented prior to the adoption of the proposed Standard in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123; that is, an entity would recognize employee compensation cost in the amounts reported in the pro forma disclosures provided in accordance with SFAS No. 123. A company would not be permitted to make any changes to those amounts upon adoption of the proposed Statement unless those changes represent a correction of an error (and are disclosed accordingly). For periods after the date of adoption of proposed Standard, the modified prospective transition method described above would be applied. The FASB 42 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) expects to issue the final standard by December 31, 2004. The Company expects to adopt the revised SFAS No. 123 on September 1, 2005 and continues to evaluate the impact the adoption of the final standard will have on the Company’s results of operations. See Stock-Based Compensation section of this note for further information. Note 3: Pension and Profit Sharing Plans Acuity Brands has several pension plans 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. Acuity Brands makes annual contributions to the plans to the extent indicated by actuarial valuations. Plan assets are invested primarily in equity and fixed income securities. The following tables reflect the status of Acuity Brands’ domestic (U.S. based) and international pension plans at August 31, 2004 and 2003, using measurement dates of May 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively: Domestic Plans August 31, International Plans August 31, 2004 2003 2004 2003 Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plan amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Actuarial (gain) loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 98,544 3,493 5,775 — (6,305) (4,611) — $ 76,041 2,729 5,532 (506) 19,412 (4,220) (444) $ 21,673 1,085 1,375 — (501) (573) 3,052 $18,623 928 1,196 — 905 (270) 291 Benefit obligation at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 96,896 $ 98,544 $ 26,111 $21,673 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Actual return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employer contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employee contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fair value of plan assets at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Funded Status: Funded status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unrecognized actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unrecognized transition asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unrecognized prior service cost $ 64,730 8,512 2,949 — (4,612) — $ 71,579 $ 67,447 (88) 1,591 — (4,220) — $ 64,730 $ 12,214 994 661 300 (473) 1,743 $ 15,439 $11,715 (358) 629 286 (259) 201 $12,214 $(25,317) $(33,814) $(10,672) $ (9,459) 11,584 — — 29,423 (239) 1,148 41,107 (370) 1,295 10,534 — — Net amount recognized at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,015 $ 8,218 $ (138) $ 2,125 Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Consist of: Accrued benefit liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intangible asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(24,859) $(33,503) $ (8,167) $ (6,742) 1,464 28,410 1,654 40,067 — 8,029 — 8,867 Net amount recognized at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,015 $ 8,218 $ (138) $ 2,125 43 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for domestic defined benefit pension plans with both projected and accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $96.9 million, $96.4 million, and $71.6 million, respectively, as of August 31, 2004, and $98.5 million, $98.2 million, and $64.7 million, respectively, as of August 31, 2003. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for international defined benefit pension plans with both projected and accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $26.1 million, $23.5 million, and $15.4 million, respectively, as of August 31, 2004, and $21.7 million, $19.1 million, and $12.2 million, respectively, as of August 31, 2003. Components of net periodic pension cost for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 included the following: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Service cost Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected return on plan assets . . . . . Amortization of prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of transitional asset . . Recognized actuarial loss (gain) . . . Domestic Plans International Plans 2004 2003 2002 2004 2003 2002 $ 3,493 5,775 (5,392) $ 2,729 5,532 (6,261) $ 2,778 5,383 (6,390) $1,085 1,375 (988) $ 928 1,196 (964) $ 659 1,151 (1,210) 102 (131) 2,259 385 (133) 764 434 (126) 207 — — 375 — — (257) — — (2) Net periodic pension cost . . . . . . . . . $ 6,106 $ 3,016 $ 2,286 $1,847 $ 903 $ 598 Weighted average assumptions used in computing the benefit obligation are as follows: Domestic Plans International Plans 2004 2003 2004 2003 Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.5% 6.0% 5.8% 5.5% 5.0% 4.8% 5.5% 4.3% Weighted average assumptions used in computing net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.0% 7.5% 7.8% 5.5% 6.0% 7.4% 8.5% 9.5% 9.5% 7.0% 8.0% 8.5% 5.1% 5.1% 5.1% 4.3% 4.3% 4.9% Domestic Plans International Plans 2004 2003 2002 2004 2003 2002 It is the Company’s policy to adjust, on an annual basis, the discount rate used to determine the projected benefit obligation to approximate rates on high-quality, long-term obligations. The Company estimates that each 100 basis point reduction in the discount rate would result in additional net periodic pension cost, the Company’s primary pension obligation, of approximately $1.1 million and $0.8 million for domestic plans and international plans, respectively. The Company’s discount rate used in computing the net periodic benefit cost for its domestic plans decreased by 150 basis points in 2004. The expected return on plan assets is derived from a periodic study of long-term historical rates of return on the various asset classes included in the Company’s targeted pension plan asset allocation. As a result of this study during 2003, the expected return on plan assets for the Company’s domestic plans decreased by 100 basis points to 8.5% in 2004. The Company estimates that each 100 basis point reduction in the expected return on plan assets would result in additional net periodic pension cost of $0.7 million 44 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) and $0.2 million for domestic plans and international plans, respectively. The rate of compensation increase is also evaluated and is adjusted by the Company, if necessary, annually. The Company’s investment objective for U.S. plan assets is to earn a rate of return sufficient to match or exceed the long-term growth of the Plans’ liabilities without subjecting plan assets to undue risk. The plan assets are invested primarily in high quality equity and debt securities. The Company conducts a periodic strategic asset allocation study to form a basis for the allocation of pension assets between various asset categories. Specific allocation percentages are assigned to each asset category with minimum and maximum ranges established for each. The assets are then managed within these ranges. During 2004, the U.S. targeted asset allocation was 55% equity securities, 40% fixed income securities, and 5% real estate securities. The Company’s investment objective for the international plan assets is also to add value by matching or exceeding the long-term growth of the Plans’ liabilities. During 2004, the international asset allocation was 80% equity securities, 15% fixed income securities, and 5% real estate securities. Acuity Brands’ pension plan asset allocation at August 31, 2004 and 2003 by asset category is as follows: % of Plan Assets Domestic Plans International Plans 2004 2003 2004 2003 Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58.0% 36.0% 5.0% 1.0% 59.0% 33.0% 5.0% 3.0% 82.1% 9.2% 4.4% 4.3% 79.6% 13.5% 3.3% 3.6% Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% The Company expects to contribute approximately $3.9 million and $0.7 million to its domestic and international defined benefit plans, respectively, during 2005. These amounts are based on the total contributions needed during 2005 to satisfy current law minimum funding requirements. Benefit payments are made from funded benefit plan trusts. Benefit payments are expected to be paid as follows for the years ending August 31: 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010-2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,633 4,959 5,010 5,209 5,782 33,204 $ 318 333 348 384 422 2,125 Domestic International Acuity Brands also has defined contribution plans to which both employees and the Company make contributions. The cost to Acuity Brands for these plans was $5.8 million in 2004, $5.5 million in 2003, and $5.0 million in 2002. Effective February 2002, participants in all of the Company’s defined contribution plans were permitted to direct the investments of all funds in their respective plan, thereby eliminating the nonparticipant- directed funds. Employer matching amounts are allocated in accordance with the participants’ investment elections for elective deferrals. At August 31, 2004, assets of the defined contribution plans included shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of approximately $12.1 million, which represented approximately 3.5% of the total fair market value of the assets in the Company’s defined contribution plans. 45 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) Note 4: Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt Short-Term Borrowings The Company’s short-term borrowings at August 31, 2004 and 2003, consisted of the following: Current maturities of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Short-term secured borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Revolving credit facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2004 2003 $1,511 — 4,000 $5,511 $ 1,339 48,000 5,000 $54,339 In May 2001, NSI entered into an agreement (“Receivables Facility”) to borrow, on an ongoing basis, up to $150.0 million secured by undivided interests in a defined pool of trade accounts receivable of the lighting equipment and specialty products segments. Effective November 30, 2001, Acuity Brands assumed all of the outstanding borrowings and other obligations under the Receivables Facility. Effective September 30, 2004, the Company renewed the Receivables Facility for a one-year period with similar terms and conditions but reduced the facility size to $100.0 million. Net trade accounts receivable pledged as security for borrowings under the Receivables Facility totaled $285.0 million at August 31, 2004. There were no outstanding borrowings at August 31, 2004 under the Receivables Facility and $48.0 million of borrowings were outstanding at August 31, 2003. Interest rates under the Receivables Facility vary with commercial paper rates plus an applicable margin. The interest rate, including the commitment and usage fee, was approximately 1.95% at August 31, 2003. On April 2, 2004, the Company executed a $200.0 million revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”), which matures in January 2009. This facility replaced the Company’s $92.5 million, 364-day committed credit facility scheduled to mature in April 2004 and the Company’s $105.0 million, three-year credit facility scheduled to mature in April 2005. The Revolving Credit Facility contains financial covenants including 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, and a minimum interest coverage ratio. 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, subject to certain conditions defined in the financing agreement. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants and had $4.0 million and $5.0 million in outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility at August 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. At August 31, 2004, the Company had additional borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility under the most restrictive covenant in effect at the time of $175.7 million, which represents the full amount of the Revolving Credit Facility less outstanding borrowings of $4.0 million and outstanding letters of credit of $20.3 million discussed below. The Company’s Receivables Facility and Revolving Credit Facility each contain “Material Adverse Effect” provisions. Generally, if the Company were to experience an event causing a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, operations, or properties, as defined in the agreements, additional future borrowings under either facility may be denied. At August 31, 2004, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $32.0 million primarily for the purpose of securing collateral requirements under the casualty insurance programs for Acuity Brands and NSI (see Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information) and for providing credit support for the Company’s industrial revenue bonds. At August 31, 2004, a total of $20.3 million of the letters of credit were issued under the Revolving Credit Facility, thereby reducing the total availability under the line by such amount. 46 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) Long-Term Debt The Company’s long-term debt at August 31, 2004 and 2003, consisted of the following: Term Loan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6% notes due February 2009 with an effective interest rate of 6.04%, net of unamortized discount of $184 in 2004 and $226 in 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.375% notes due August 2010 with an effective interest rate of 8.398%, net of unamortized discount of $146 in 2004 and $170 in 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less – Amounts payable within one year included in current liabilities . . . . . 2004 2003 $ 18,734 $ 19,465 159,816 159,774 199,854 13,317 391,721 1,511 199,830 13,739 392,808 1,339 $390,210 $391,469 Future annual principal payments of long-term debt are as follows: Fiscal Year 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amount $ 1,511 18,578 541 271 159,816 211,004 $391,721 In October 2002, Acuity Brands entered into a three-year loan agreement (“Term Loan”) secured by certain land and buildings of the Company. Proceeds from the Term Loan were used to reduce borrowings under the revolving credit facility then in effect and to provide the Company additional liquidity. In July 2004, the financial covenants included in the Term Loan were modified to be consistent with the financial covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility noted above. Interest rates under the Term Loan are based on one-month LIBOR plus a margin. Outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan at August 31, 2004 and 2003 were $18.7 million and $19.5 million, respectively. The interest rate was approximately 3.0% and 2.6% at August 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. In January 1999, NSI issued $160.0 million in ten-year publicly traded notes bearing a coupon rate of 6.0%. In August 2000, NSI issued $200.0 million in ten-year publicly traded notes bearing a coupon rate of 8.375%. Pursuant to a supplemental indenture executed in contemplation of the Distribution, Acuity Brands and its principal operating subsidiaries have become the obligors of the notes, and NSI, effective as of the Distribution, was relieved of all obligations with respect to the notes. Because the $160.0 million and the $200.0 million notes trade infrequently, it is difficult to obtain an accurate fair market value of the notes. However, based on comparison of notes of similar size, ratings, and tenor, the fair values of the $160.0 million and $200.0 million notes are believed to approximate $168.6 million and $231.9 million, respectively. Excluding the $160.0 million long-term debt recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and $200.0 million notes, approximates fair value based on similar instruments with similar terms and average maturities. Other notes consist primarily of two industrial revenue bonds (a $4.0 million bond maturing in 2018 and a $7.1 million bond maturing in 2021) and a five-year note with an outstanding balance of approximately $1.9 million. The industrial revenue bonds are variable rate instruments that reset on a weekly basis. The interest rate 47 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) was approximately 1.4% and 0.9% for the $4.0 million bond and 1.3% and 0.9% for the $7.1 million bond at August 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The five-year note is denominated in Euros and bears interest at a variable rate, 4.3% and 3.2% at August 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Principal payments are made in equal semi-annual installments. In addition, Acuity Brands also had uncommitted foreign bank lines of credit totaling $2.0 million at August 31, 2004 and 2003. There were no outstanding borrowings under the foreign bank lines at August 31, 2004 or 2003. None of the Company’s existing debt instruments, neither short-term nor long-term, include provisions that would require an acceleration of repayments based solely on changes in the Company’s credit ratings. Note 5: Common Stock and Related Matters Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement Prior to the Spin-off, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement (the “Rights Agreement”). The Rights Agreement contains provisions that are intended to protect the Company’s stockholders in the event of an unsolicited offer to acquire the Company, including offers that do not treat all stockholders equally and other coercive, unfair, or inadequate takeover bids and practices that could impair the ability of the Company’s Board of Directors to fully represent stockholders’ interests. Pursuant to the Rights Agreement, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of one “Right” for each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock as of November 16, 2001. The Rights will be represented by, and trade together with, the Company’s common stock until and unless certain events occur, including the acquisition of 15% or more of the Company’s common stock by a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (with certain exceptions, “Acquiring Persons”). Unless previously redeemed by the Company’s Board of Directors, upon the occurrence of one of the specified triggering events, each Right that is not held by an Acquiring Person will entitle its holder to purchase one share of common stock or, under certain circumstances, additional shares of common stock at a discounted price. The Rights will cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire the Company on terms not approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. Thus, the Rights are intended to encourage persons who may seek to acquire control of the Company to initiate such an acquisition through negotiation with the Board of Directors. Common Stock Changes in common stock for the periods ended August 31, 2002, 2003, and 2004 were as follows: Balance, August 31, 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allocation of NSI investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employee stock purchase plan issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balance, August 31, 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization, issuance, and forfeitures of restricted stock grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employee stock purchase plan issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Common Stock Shares Amount — 41,312 67 41,379 120 144 23 9 $— 413 1 $414 1 2 — — Balance, August 31, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41,675 $417 Amortization, issuance, and forfeitures of restricted stock grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employee stock purchase plan issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278 86 557 3 1 5 Balance, August 31, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42,596 $426 48 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) Preferred Stock The Company has 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized, 5,000,000 of which have been reserved for issuance under the Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement. No shares of preferred stock had been issued at August 31, 2004 and 2003. Earnings per Share The Company computes earnings per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share. Under this Statement, basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed similarly but reflects the potential dilution that would occur if dilutive options were exercised and restricted stock awards were vested. Pro forma basic earnings per share is calculated as net income divided by the pro forma weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Pro forma weighted average shares outstanding has been computed by applying the Distribution ratio of one share of Acuity Brands common stock to the historical NSI weighted average shares outstanding for the same period presented. Public trading of Acuity Brands stock did not commence until December 3, 2001; therefore, no historical market share prices exist for the calculation of the potential dilutive effect of stock options for periods prior to the second quarter of fiscal 2002. As a result, pro forma diluted earnings per share are not presented for the year ended August 31, 2002. The following table calculates basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended August 31, 2004 and 2003 and pro forma basic earnings per common share for the year ended August 31, 2002: Years Ended August 31, 2004 2003 2002 PRO FORMA Basic earnings per share: Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $67,214 41,906 Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $47,782 41,459 $52,024 41,286 Basic earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1.60 $ 1.15 $ 1.26 Diluted earnings per share: Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $67,214 Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41,906 Add – Shares of common stock issuable upon assumed exercise of $47,782 41,459 dilutive options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Add – Unvested restricted stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,189 106 134 128 Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43,201 41,721 Diluted earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1.56 $ 1.15 Stock-Based Compensation NSI stock options held by employees of Acuity Brands were converted to, and replaced by, Acuity Brands stock options at the time of the Distribution. Acuity Brands multiplied the number of shares purchasable under 49 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) each converted stock option by a ratio determined at the time of the Distribution, based on the respective trading prices of NSI and Acuity Brands shares, and divided the exercise price per share of each option by the same ratio. Fractional shares were rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares. All other terms of the converted stock options remain the same as those in effect immediately prior to the Distribution. Accordingly, no compensation expense resulted from the replacement of the options. Effective November 30, 2001, Acuity Brands adopted the Acuity Brands, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for the benefit of officers and other key management personnel (“Participants”). An aggregate of 8.1 million shares was originally authorized for issuance under the Plan. In October 2003, the Board of Directors approved the Acuity Brands, Inc. Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Amended Plan”), including an increase of 5.0 million in the number of shares available for grant. However, the Board of Directors subsequently committed that not more than 3.0 million are available without further shareholder approval. In December 2003, the shareholders approved the Amended Plan. Stock options generally become exercisable over a three or four-year period from the date of grant. The Amended Plan also provides for the issuance of performance-based and restricted stock awards. In December 2003, the Company awarded approximately 420,000 shares of restricted stock to officers and other key employees under the Amended Plan. The shares vest over a four-year period. At the Company’s discretion, approximately two-thirds of the value of the restricted shares at the vesting date is paid to the participants in unrestricted shares of the Company and the remainder is paid in cash to offset taxes on the award. Participants could elect to defer payments under this time-based restricted stock plan into a separate deferred compensation plan. If shares were deferred into the deferred compensation plan, the value of the restricted shares was converted to share units that ultimately would be paid in cash. Approximately 170,000 shares were deferred into the deferred compensation plan. At August 31, 2004, approximately 250,000 shares had been issued under this plan. As of August 31, 2004, compensation expense recognized related to this plan was $1.8 million. In December 2002, the Company reserved approximately 490,000 shares of performance-based restricted stock for issuance to officers and other key employees under the Plan. The shares are issued in 25% increments upon the achievement of at least two of three progressive defined performance measures and the completion of related target years (as defined in the agreement). The performance measures relate to specified levels of debt reduction, cumulative earnings per share measured at each fiscal quarter-end for the trailing four quarters, and stock price targets. The shares vest at the later of (a) determination by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors that at least two of the three performance measures are achieved or (b) November 30 of the specified target year. Approximately two-thirds of the value of the restricted shares at the vesting date is paid to the participants in unrestricted shares of the Company and the remainder is paid in cash to offset taxes on the award. Participants could elect to defer payments under this performance-based restricted stock plan into a separate deferred compensation plan. If shares were deferred into the deferred compensation plan, the value of the restricted shares was converted to share units that ultimately would be paid in cash. Approximately 60,000 shares were deferred into the deferred compensation plan. As of August 31, 2004, approximately 180,000 shares had been issued under this plan, of which approximately 30,000 were subsequently cancelled and used to offset taxes. Compensation expense recognized related to this plan was $3.6 million and $1.6 million in fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively. In October 2000, NSI reserved approximately 240,000 shares of performance-based restricted stock for issuance to officers and other key employees. Under this award, restricted shares are granted in 20% increments when the Company’s stock price equals or exceeds certain stock price targets for thirty consecutive calendar days (the vesting start date) and vest ratably in four equal annual installments beginning one year from the vesting start date. At the time of the Distribution and in accordance with the employee benefits agreement, each employee of Acuity Brands holding outstanding shares of NSI restricted stock received a dividend of one Acuity 50 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) Brands restricted share for each NSI restricted share held. Acuity Brands restricted shares received as a dividend on NSI restricted stock are subject to the same restrictions and terms, including vesting provisions, of the NSI restricted stock. Restricted share awards that had not reached a vesting start date, and their related stock price targets, were converted to Acuity Brands restricted share awards in the same manner as stock options. Shares that have not reached a vesting start date expire five years from the date of the grant. All other terms of the converted grants remain the same as those in effect immediately prior to the Distribution. As of August 31, 2004, approximately 130,000 shares had been issued under this plan. Compensation expense recognized related to this plan was $0.9 million, $0.3 million, and $0.2 million in fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. In November 2001, the Company adopted the Acuity Brands, Inc. 2001 Directors’ Stock Option Plan, under which 300,000 shares are authorized for issuance. The stock options granted under this plan become exercisable one year from the date of grant. As of August 31, 2004 approximately 140,000 shares had been granted under this plan. Under all stock option plans, the options generally expire 10 years from the date of grant and have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. Shares available for grant under all plans were approximately 2,250,000 at August 31, 2004, with additional shares available upon further shareholder approval. Shares available for grant under all plans were 710,000 at August 31, 2003. Stock option transactions for the stock option plans and stock option agreements during the years ended August 31, 2002, 2003, and 2004 were as follows: Outstanding at August 31, 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — Outstanding Exercisable Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price NSI options converted at the Spin-off . . . . . . . . . . . . . Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cancelled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,278,325 3,004,051 (1,053) (200,025) Outstanding at August 31, 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,081,298 Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cancelled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132,500 (8,448) (265,211) Outstanding at August 31, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,940,139 Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cancelled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,242,453 (573,107) (184,836) Outstanding at August 31, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,424,649 Range of option exercise prices: $10.00 - $15.00 (average life – 7.3 years) . . . . . . $15.01 - $20.00 (average life – 5.8 years) . . . . . . $20.01 - $25.00 (average life – 7.2 years) . . . . . . $25.01 - $30.00 (average life – 3.8 years) . . . . . . $30.01 - $40.00 (average life – 4.3 years) . . . . . . 2,485,744 1,620,621 1,752,715 940,640 624,929 $22.97 $13.84 $16.50 $16.38 $19.15 $14.26 $13.80 $20.68 $19.08 $24.87 $14.94 $21.40 $20.32 $13.82 $16.60 $23.65 $28.18 $34.58 51 2,712,343 $25.25 4,179,243 $21.78 4,936,004 $20.62 1,600,297 1,259,876 825,262 775,640 474,929 $13.84 $16.63 $23.57 $28.70 $35.71 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) Employee Stock Purchase Plan In November 2001, the Company adopted the Acuity Brands, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan for the benefit of eligible employees. Under the plan, employees may purchase, the Company’s common stock at a 15% discount. Shares are purchased quarterly at 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the first business day of the quarterly plan period or the last business day of the quarterly plan period. There were 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock reserved for purchase under the plan, of which approximately 1,200,000 shares remain available. Employees may participate at their discretion. through payroll deduction, Note 6: Commitments and Contingencies Self-Insurance It is the current policy of Acuity Brands to self insure, up to certain limits, for certain insurable risks consisting primarily of physical loss to property; business interruptions resulting from such loss; and workers’ compensation, comprehensive general, and auto liability. Insurance coverage is obtained for catastrophic property and casualty exposures as well as those risks required to be insured by law or contract. Based on an independent actuary’s estimate of the aggregate liability for claims incurred, a provision for claims under the self-insured program is recorded and revised annually. The Company is also self-insured for the majority of its medical benefits plans. The Company estimates its aggregate liability for claims incurred by applying a lag factor to the Company’s historical claims and administrative cost experience. The appropriateness of the Company’s lag factor is evaluated and revised annually, if necessary. Leases Acuity Brands leases certain of its buildings and equipment under noncancelable lease agreements. Minimum lease payments under noncancelable leases for years subsequent to August 31, 2004, are as follows: 2005 — $19.5 million; 2006 — $12.6 million; 2007 — $9.0 million; 2008 — $7.5 million; 2009 — $7.2 million; after 2009 — $30.1 million. Total rent expense was $25.2 million in 2004, $23.4 million in 2003, and $17.8 million in 2002. Collective Bargaining Agreements Approximately 41% of the Company’s total work force is covered by collective bargaining agreements. Collective bargaining agreements representing approximately 22% of the Company’s work force will expire within one year. Litigation Acuity Brands is subject to various legal claims arising in the normal course of business, including patent infringement and product is the opinion of liability claims. Based on information currently available, management that the ultimate resolution of pending and threatened legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of Acuity Brands. However, in the event of unexpected future developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of such matters, if unfavorable, could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations 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 or lower than the amounts reserved for such claims. it 52 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) Environmental Matters The operations of the Company are subject to numerous comprehensive laws and regulations relating to the generation, storage, handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous substances as well as solid and hazardous wastes and to the remediation of contaminated sites. In addition, permits and environmental controls are required for certain of the Company’s operations to limit air and water pollution, and these permits are subject to modification, renewal, and revocation by issuing authorities. On an ongoing basis, Acuity Brands invests capital and incurs operating costs relating to environmental compliance. Environmental laws and regulations have generally become stricter in recent years. The cost of responding to future changes may be substantial. Acuity Brands establishes reserves for known environmental claims when the costs associated with the claims become probable and can be reasonably estimated. The actual cost of environmental issues may be higher than that reserved due to difficulty in estimating such costs and potential changes in the status of government regulations. Certain environmental laws can impose liability regardless of fault. The federal Superfund law is an example of such an environmental law. However, management believes that the Company’s potential liability under Superfund is mitigated by the presence of other parties who will share in the costs associated with the clean up of sites. The extent of liability is determined on a case-by-case basis taking into account many factors, including the number of other parties whose status or activities also subjects them to liability regardless of fault. Acuity Brands is currently a party to, or otherwise involved in, legal proceedings in connection with state and federal Superfund sites. Based on information currently available, the Company believes its liability is immaterial at each of the currently active sites which it does not own where it has been named as a responsible party or a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) due to its limited involvement at the site and/or the number of viable PRPs. For example, the preliminary allocation among 48 PRPs at the Crymes Landfill site in Georgia indicates that Acuity Brands’ liability is not significant, and there are more than 1,000 PRPs at the M&J Solvents site in Georgia, which has included Acuity Brands as a PRP. For property that Acuity Brands owns on Seaboard Industrial Boulevard in Atlanta, Georgia, the Company, together with current and former owners of adjoining properties (the “Site Group”), has conducted an investigation on its property and adjoining properties (the “Site”) and submitted a Compliance Status Report (“CSR”) and a proposed Corrective Action Plan (“CAP”) to the State of Georgia Environmental Protection Division (“EPD”) pursuant to the Georgia Hazardous Site Response Act. The EPD approved the CAP in May 2004, and the Company has reached tentative agreement with the other members of the Site Group to share the costs and responsibilities of implementing the CAP. The CAP requires the Site Group to periodically monitor the Site for a period of five years to confirm the Site Group’s model predicting that the site is not expected to violate applicable regulatory standards. Adverse sampling results could cause the Company to record additional charges to earnings in future periods. However, based on information currently available, the Company believes that its liability is immaterial in connection with the Site. In August 2003, ASP received a grand jury subpoena from the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia concerning the operation of ASP’s wastewater pretreatment plant and ASP’s management of hazardous waste at a facility in Atlanta, Georgia. The grand jury investigation appears to relate to the discharge of wastewater from the facility to the City of Atlanta’s sanitary sewer system and ASP’s practices in connection with the sampling of the facility’s wastewater discharges for permitting purposes. ASP is cooperating with the investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and has completed the production of the required documents. The U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation follows an inquiry by the City of Atlanta, which regulates the wastewater discharge at the facility. The Company has settled with the City of Atlanta all issues arising from the inquiry. As of August 31, 2004, the Company had reserved approximately $2.0 million to cover various costs including off- site disposal, the estimated costs of resolution of proceedings with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the estimated 53 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) legal expenses to be incurred by the Company for these matters. The proceedings with the U.S. Attorney are at a preliminary stage, and developments in the investigation and the terms of any final settlement or adjudication of these matters could result in actual costs substantially higher or lower than the amounts reserved. For property that the Company owns on Academy Drive in Northbrook, Illinois, ABL is investigating whether acids, caustics, or other chemical constituents associated with the former anodizing process or wastewater pre-treatment system at the facility impacted soil or groundwater under the building. As of August 31, 2004, the Company had reserved $0.5 million to cover anticipated costs of investigating and addressing any such impacts and restoring those areas to facilitate the sale of the property to a third party. Depending upon the results of the investigation, actual costs to address such impacts and restoring those areas may be substantially higher or lower than the amount reserved. Guarantees and Indemnities The Company is a party to contracts entered into in the normal course of business in which it is common for the Company to agree to indemnify third parties for certain liabilities that may arise out of or relate to the subject matter of the contract. In some cases, the Company cannot estimate the potential amount of future payments under these indemnities until events arise that would result in a liability under the indemnities. In connection with the sale of assets and the divestiture of businesses, the Company has from time to time agreed to indemnify the purchaser from liabilities relating to events occurring prior to the sale and conditions existing at the time of the sale. These indemnities generally include potential environmental liabilities, general representations and warranties concerning the asset or business, and certain other liabilities not assumed by the purchaser. Indemnities associated with the divestiture of businesses are generally limited in amount to the sales price of the specific business or are based on a lower negotiated amount and expire at various times, depending on the nature of the indemnified matter, but in some cases do not expire until the applicable statute of limitations expires. The Company does not believe that any amounts that it may be required to pay under these indemnities will be material to the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. In conjunction with the separation of their businesses, Acuity Brands and NSI entered into various agreements that addressed the allocation of assets and liabilities and defined the Company’s relationship with NSI after the Distribution, including a distribution agreement, a transition services agreement, and a tax disaffiliation agreement. With respect to the indemnities under those agreements, the Company previously accrued for those liabilities existing at the time of the Distribution that were considered probable and reasonably estimable. The Company has not accrued any additional amounts subsequent to the Distribution related to the following indemnities: Distribution Agreement- The distribution agreement provides that Acuity Brands will indemnify NSI for pre-Distribution liabilities related to the businesses that comprise Acuity Brands and previously owned businesses in the lighting equipment and specialty products segments. This indemnity does not expire and there is no stated maximum potential liability. To satisfy its obligations under the distribution agreement with respect to the lighting equipment and specialty products segments, Acuity Brands provides letters of credit on behalf of NSI for collateral requirements under NSI’s casualty programs for incurred and projected losses resulting from those segments prior to the Distribution which are covered by NSI casualty programs. This collateral requirement is $1.2 million for fiscal year 2005, down from $2.4 million for fiscal year 2004. 54 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) Transition Services Agreement- In addition to other services described in the agreement (all of which are complete), the transition services agreement provides that Acuity Brands will, for a fee, provide letters of credit to secure NSI’s obligations under various casualty insurance programs of NSI not to exceed the following amounts: Period Beginning November 1, 2003 November 1, 2004 Ending October 31, 2004 October 31, 2005 Letters of Credit $ 5.0 million $ 2.0 million The letters of credit are issued in favor of the surety company that provides collateral to the states where NSI may have obligations under its various casualty insurance programs. Under this provision, at August 31, 2004, Acuity Brands had $5.0 million of outstanding letters of credit that were issued for the benefit of NSI. In early October 2004, NSI provided substitute collateral to various states in order to replace the collateral related to $3.0 million of letters of credit that Acuity Brands will no longer be obligated to provide after October 31, 2004. However, due to the length of time it takes to process necessary paperwork, all of the effected states have not yet released the surety company that currently provides collateral to those states and that is currently the beneficiary of the existing letters of credit provided by Acuity Brands. Consequently, Acuity Brands extended $3.8 million of letters of credit on behalf of NSI for another twelve- month period. NSI provided back-up letters of credit, for the benefit of the Company, in the amount of $1.8 million to cover the excess amount above the $2.0 million required by the original agreement. As the surety company is released by the states, it is expected to approve reductions in the $3.8 million letters of credit provided by the Company. The Company will in turn reduce the $1.8 million backup letters of credit issued for its benefit. In the event NSI is unable to fulfill its obligations under certain of its casualty insurance programs, the standby letters of credit could be drawn upon and Acuity Brands would be required to fund the drawn amount. In such event, NSI would be obligated to reimburse Acuity Brands for such amounts. The management of Acuity Brands currently believes NSI will be able to fulfill its obligations with respect to these standby letters of credit. Tax Disaffiliation Agreement- The tax disaffiliation agreement provides that Acuity Brands will indemnify NSI for certain taxes and liabilities that may arise related to the Distribution and, generally, for deficiencies, if any, with respect to federal, state, local, or foreign taxes of NSI for periods before the Distribution. Liabilities determined under the tax disaffiliation agreement terminate upon the expiration of the applicable statutes of limitation for such liabilities. There is no stated maximum potential liability included in the tax disaffiliation agreement. The Company does not believe that any amounts it is likely to be required to pay under these indemnities will be material to the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. The Company cannot estimate the potential amount of future payments under these indemnities until events arise that would result in a liability under the indemnities. Product Warranty Acuity Brands records an allowance for the estimated amount of future warranty claims when the related revenue is recognized, primarily based on historical experience. Excluding costs related to recalls due to faulty 55 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) components provided by third parties, historical warranty costs have been within expectations. However, there can be no assurance that future warranty costs will not exceed historical amounts. If actual future warranty costs exceed historical amounts, additional allowances may be required, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations in future periods. On March 10, 2004, the Company commenced notifying agents, distributors, and customers of a voluntary product recall initiated with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”). The recall involves approximately 53,700 lighting fixtures manufactured by ABL at one of its facilities from November 2002 through October 2003 that may have incorporated faulty capacitors produced by one of ABL’s suppliers. The recalled fixtures are certain models of indoor high intensity discharge (“HID”) lighting fixtures with at least one acrylic component (reflector or lens). The fixtures are used primarily in industrial and commercial locations such as retail spaces, warehouses, and gymnasiums. The capacitor used in the recalled fixtures can leak polypropylene glycol (“PPG”) fluid onto the acrylic lens and/or reflector of the fixture, causing the acrylic component(s) to degrade. In several reported instances, this has resulted in lenses or reflectors cracking and pieces of acrylic falling from the fixtures. To date, there have been only limited reports of personal injury and property damage. ABL is providing a replacement fixture or capacitor for every fixture that meets the recall criteria. In addition to the expenses associated with this recall, ABL expects to incur higher-than-normal warranty expenses in connection with certain other types of indoor and outdoor HID fixtures that may incorporate the faulty capacitor but exhibit a less serious failure mode. In the case of these fixtures, the PPG fluid may accumulate in or drip from the fixture. ABL will repair or replace these fixtures upon failure. The Company accrued a liability of $5.7 million for the estimated recall expenses and additional related warranty expenses. The Company also recorded a receivable equal to the liability accrued because the supplier of the faulty capacitors entered into a reimbursement agreement pursuant to which it has committed to reimburse the Company on a monthly basis for recall and warranty expenses up to the amount of the liability the Company accrued. As of August 31, 2004, the Company has paid $0.4 million related to the recall expenses and additional related warranty expenses and has been reimbursed substantially all of that amount by the supplier. The actual recall and warranty expenses could be substantially different than the liability recorded by the Company. In the event the actual expenses incurred by the Company exceed $5.7 million, the Company and the supplier have committed in good faith to agree upon the additional amount to be reimbursed to the Company by the supplier. The Company and the supplier are currently investigating leaking capacitors in fixtures manufactured prior to the date range of this recall. Depending on the results of that investigation, this recall could be expanded. On October 21, 2004, the Company received a document and information request from the CPSC in connection with an investigation by the CPSC as to whether the Company had complied with the reporting requirements of section 15(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act with respect to this recall of HID fixtures. The Company is complying with this request. On September 27, 2004, the Company notified the CPSC that the Company intends to conduct an additional voluntary product recall of certain indoor HID lighting fixtures that utilize both acrylic reflectors and cords manufactured by one of ABL’s suppliers. The cords used in the fixtures may emit a plasticizer fluid that can potentially drip onto the exterior of the acrylic reflectors, which could cause them to degrade, crack, and/or fall. To date, there have been no reports of personal injury or significant property damage in connection with this issue. The manufacturer and the distributors of the cords are cooperating in this matter. The Company has accrued a liability of $2.5 million for the estimated recall expenses and intends to pursue vigorously recovery of all costs associated with this recall. 56 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) The changes in product warranty reserve, which includes estimated recall costs, during the years ended August 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 are summarized as follows: Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Increase in warranty reserve related to capacitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warranty and recall expense during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payments made during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warranty liability recorded in an acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,289 5,700 5,545 (3,840) — $ 6,879 — 1,809 (4,399) — $ 1,823 — 3,003 (4,156) 6,209 Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,694 $ 4,289 $ 6,879 2004 2003 2002 Note 7: Acquisition and Dispositions In October 2001, Acuity Brands acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the American Electric Lighting® and Dark-to-Light® product lines of the Thomas & Betts Corporation. The allocation of purchase price resulted in goodwill of approximately $5.2 million. Additionally, the Company recorded $2.5 million related to the trade names American Electric Lighting® and Dark-to-Light®. The Company will not amortize these trade names, as the Company believes the useful lives are indefinite. The Company believes that the acquisition provides the lighting equipment segment with greater presence in the utility and transportation infrastructure markets and adds breadth to the current utility offerings in high-end decorative street and area lighting. The allocation of the purchase price was as follows: Current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Property, plant, and equipment Intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred Tax Asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,601 8,493 2,451 5,157 4,106 (7,043) $24,765 Note 8: Impairment, Restructuring, and Other Charges As part of ABL’s ongoing initiative to enhance its global supply chain through the consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities, the Company classified three facilities as “assets held for sale” in fiscal 2004 and recognized approximately $1.9 million in impairment charges on assets related to these facilities. These charges are included in Impairment, Restructuring, and Other Charges in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The carrying amount of these assets at August 31, 2004 was approximately $5.5 million. The Company currently has the three facilities listed for sale and plans to sell the facilities during fiscal 2005. During fiscal 2002, management realized lower than anticipated costs associated with severance charges in the lighting equipment segment. Accordingly, the related reserve was reversed and $0.9 million was recorded in income and is included in Impairment, Restructuring, and Other Charges in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 57 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) Note 9: Derivative Financial Instruments During fiscal 2004, the Company entered into certain foreign currency contracts to hedge its exposure to variability in exchange rates on certain anticipated intercompany transactions with a Canadian business unit. At August 31, 2004, the Company had foreign currency contracts outstanding with an aggregate notional amount of $36.0 million. These contracts mature monthly in $3.0 million increments. The fair value of these contracts represented an unrealized pre-tax loss of approximately $0.1 million at August 31, 2004. The Company accounts for these contracts in accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended by SFAS No. 137, SFAS No. 138, and SFAS No. 149. The Company’s foreign currency contracts have been designated as foreign currency cash flow hedges and, accordingly, gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value of these contracts are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Items until the hedged transaction occurs, at which time the related gains or losses are recognized. Amounts included in future earnings related to these contracts may differ from amounts currently recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Items. Note 10: Income Taxes Prior to the Distribution, Acuity Brands was included in the consolidated federal income tax return of NSI. The Company’s provision for income taxes in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income, prior to the Distribution, reflects federal, state, and foreign income taxes calculated using the separate return basis. Acuity Brands accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach as prescribed by SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This approach requires recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and the tax basis of an asset or liability. The provision for income taxes consists of the following components: Provision for current federal taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provision for current state taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provision for current foreign taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provision for deferred taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,419 1,044 8,758 2,182 $16,168 1,097 6,623 2,911 $23,509 2,225 4,189 889 Total provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,403 $26,799 $30,812 Years Ended August 31, 2004 2003 2002 A reconciliation from the federal statutory rate to the total provision for income taxes is as follows: Federal income tax computed at statutory rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign and other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,916 559 (1,072) $26,103 891 (195) $28,993 1,657 162 Total provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,403 $26,799 $30,812 Years Ended August 31, 2004 2003 2002 58 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) Components of the net deferred income tax asset at August 31, 2004 and 2003 include: August 31, 2004 2003 Deferred Income Tax Liabilities: Depreciation Goodwill and intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,095 50,068 303 $ 2,054 47,935 183 Total deferred income tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56,466 50,172 Deferred Income Tax Assets: Self-insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bonuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign tax losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other accruals not yet deductible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (9,360) (10,442) (24,928) (1,095) (605) (13,160) (1,532) (8,953) (15,112) (23,578) (969) (605) (11,898) (1,020) Total deferred income tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (61,122) (62,135) Net deferred income tax asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (4,656) $(11,963) At August 31, 2004, Acuity Brands had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1.7 million that can be carried forward indefinitely. Note 11: Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Net Sales Gross Profit Income Before Taxes Net Income Basic Earnings Per Share Diluted Earnings Per Share 2004 1st Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3rd Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4th Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2003 1st Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3rd Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4th Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $517,538 491,039 532,226 563,364 $505,226 489,387 521,041 533,654 $214,707 201,448 222,352 235,352 $202,205 189,931 213,215 224,349 $20,183 14,874 27,085 40,475 $16,390 12,002 23,941 22,248 $12,917 9,519 18,012 26,766 $10,490 7,681 15,322 14,289 $0.31 0.23 0.43 0.63 $0.25 0.19 0.37 0.34 $0.30 0.22 0.42 0.62 $0.25 0.19 0.37 0.34 Certain reclassifications were made to 2003 quarterly information to conform to 2004 presentation. 59 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per-share data and as indicated) Note 12: Business Segment Information Net Sales Operating Profit (Loss) Total Assets Depreciation Expense Amortization Expense Capital Expenditures and Acquisitions 2004 ABL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,580,498 523,669 ASP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $118,904 43,570 (24,547) $1,094,762 222,940 46,827 $31,000 8,031 745 $2,104,167 $137,927 $1,364,529 $39,776 2003 ABL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,538,751 510,557 ASP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 96,825 31,313 (17,862) $1,029,426 215,116 39,571 $33,664 8,356 829 $2,049,308 $110,276 $1,284,113 $42,849 2002 ABL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,474,882 497,914 ASP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 90,406 44,931 (14,357) $1,100,175 220,165 37,614 $36,323 8,047 808 $1,972,796 $120,980 $1,357,954 $45,178 $3,158 26 — $3,184 $3,158 32 — $3,190 $4,196 120 — $4,316 $44,251 9,555 15 $53,821 $20,063 8,024 67 $28,154 $47,342 10,456 449 $58,247 The geographic distribution of Acuity Brands’ net sales, operating profit, and long-lived assets is summarized in the following table: Net sales (1) Domestic (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . International Operating profit Domestic (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . International Long-lived assets (2) Domestic (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . International 2004 2003 2002 $1,815,747 288,420 $1,779,569 269,739 $1,749,387 223,409 $2,104,167 $2,049,308 $1,972,796 $ 112,322 25,605 $ 94,325 15,951 $ 115,730 5,250 $ 137,927 $ 110,276 $ 120,980 $ 205,802 54,888 $ 212,996 41,152 $ 242,894 46,815 $ 260,690 $ 254,148 $ 289,709 (1) Net sales are attributed to each country based on the selling location. (2) Long-lived assets include net property, plant, and equipment and other long-term assets. (3) Domestic amounts include net sales, operating profit, and long-lived assets for U.S. based operations. 60 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure None. Item 9a. 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 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“Commission”) 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 Securities 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 Commission rules, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of August 31, 2004. 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. However, because all disclosure procedures must rely to some 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, if any, within the Company will be detected. Limitations within any control system, include faulty judgments in decision-making or simple errors or mistakes. In addition, controls can be circumvented by an individual, by collusion between two or more people, or by management override of the control. Because of these limitations, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and may not be detected. including the Company’s control system, Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that: (a) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the issuer; (b) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the issuer are being made only in accordance with appropriate authorizations of management and directors of the issuer; and (c) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the issuer’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. There were no significant changes to the Company’s internal control structure over financial reporting during fiscal 2004 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 61 PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant The information required by this item, with respect to directors, is included under the captions Director Nominees for Terms Expiring at the 2007 Annual Meeting and Directors with Terms Expiring at the 2005 and 2006 Annual Meetings of the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 6, 2005, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference. The information required by this item, with respect to executive officers, is included under the caption Management – Executive Officers of the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 6, 2005, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference. The information required by this item, with respect to beneficial ownership reporting, is included under the caption Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance of the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 6, 2005, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 11. Executive Compensation The information required by this item is included under the captions Compensation of Directors, Other Information Concerning the Board and its Committees, Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation, Summary Compensation Table, Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year, Aggregated Option Exercises and Fiscal Year-End Option Values, Employment Contracts, Severance Arrangements, and Other Agreements, and Pension and Supplemental Retirement Benefits of the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 6, 2005, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters The information required by this item is included under the captions Beneficial Ownership of the Corporation’s Securities and Disclosure with Respect to Equity Compensation Plans of the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 6, 2005, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions The information required by this item is included under the caption Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions of the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 6, 2005, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services The information required by this item is included under the caption Fees Billed by Independent Auditors of the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 6, 2005, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference. 62 PART IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules (a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report: (1) Report of Management Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Ernst & Young LLP) Consolidated Balance Sheets –as of August 31, 2004 and 2003 Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended August 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended August 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended August 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (2) Financial Statement Schedules: Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Any of schedules I through V not listed above have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. (3) Exhibits filed with this report (begins on next page): Copies of exhibits will be furnished to stockholders upon request at a nominal fee. Requests should be sent to Acuity Brands, Inc., Investor Relations Department, 1170 Peachtree Street, N.E., Suite 2400, Atlanta, Georgia 30309. 63 INDEX TO EXHIBITS EXHIBIT 2 Agreement and Plan of Distribution by and between National Service Industries, Inc. and Acuity Brands, Inc., dated as of November 30, 2001. is made Reference to Exhibit 2.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. EXHIBIT 3 (a) Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Acuity Brands, Inc. (b) Amended and Restated By-Laws of Acuity Brands, Inc. EXHIBIT 4 (a) Form of Certificate representing Acuity Brands, Inc. Common Stock. Protection Stockholder Rights (b) Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2001, between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A. (c) Letter Agreement appointing Successor Rights Agent. (d) First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 23, 2001, to Indenture dated January 26, 1999, between National Service Industries, Inc., L&C Spinco, Inc., L&C Lighting Group, Inc., The Zep Group, Inc. and SunTrust Bank. (e) Indenture dated as of January 26, 1999. (f) Form of 6% Note due February 1, 2009. 64 Reference is made to Exhibit 3(b) of registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on July 6, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference. is made to Exhibit 3.2 of Reference registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. is made to Exhibit 4.1 of Reference registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. is made to Exhibit 4.2 of Reference registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 4(c) of registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on July 14, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.10 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.11 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form 10, filed by L&C Spinco, Inc. on September 6, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.12 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form 10, filed by L&C Spinco, Inc. on September 6, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. (g) Form of 8.375% Note due August 1, 2010. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.13 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form 10, filed by L&C Spinco, Inc. on September 6, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. EXHIBIT 10(i)A (1) Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2001, by and between National Service Industries, Inc. and Acuity Brands, Inc. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. (2) Transition Services Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2001, by and between National Service Industries, Inc. and Acuity Brands, Inc. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.2 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. (3) Agreement and Plan of Distribution, dated as of November 30, 2001, by and Service Industries, Inc. and Acuity Brands, Inc. between National (4) Deed to Secure Debt and Security Agreement, dated as of October 11, 2002. (5) Promissory Note, dated as of October 11, 2002. (6) Amended 364-Day and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of April 4, 2003 among Acuity Brands, the Subsidiary Borrowers from Inc., time to time hereto, the Lenders from time to time parties hereto, Bank One, NA, as Administrative Agent, and Wachovia Bank, N.A. as Syndication Agent. (7) First Modification to Deed to Secure Debt and Security Agreement. (8) Letter Agreement amending Agreement and Plan of Distribution. (9) Agreement and Consent Relating to Tax Disaffiliation Agreement. 65 is made Reference to Exhibit 2.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (i)A(12) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on November 12 2002, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (i)A(13) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on November 12, 2002, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (i)A(1) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on April 14, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (i)A(3) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on July 14, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (i)A(4) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on July 14, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (i)A(5) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on July 14, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (i)A(19) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on October 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. (10) Credit and Security Agreement dated as of September 2, 2003 among Acuity Enterprise, Inc. and Acuity Unlimited Inc., as Borrowers, Acuity and Acuity Lighting Group, Specialty Products Group, Inc., as Servicers, Blue Ridge Asset Funding Corporation, the Liquidity Banks from party time and to Wachovia National Bank, Association, as Agent. hereto time Inc. (11) Receivables Sale and Contribution Agreement dated as of September 2, 2003 Specialty Products Group, Inc., as Seller, and Acuity Enterprise, Inc., as Buyer. between Acuity Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (i)A(20) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on October 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. (12) Amended and Restated Receivables Sale and Contribution Agreement dated as of September 2, 2003 between Acuity Lighting Group, Inc., successor Service Industries, Inc., as Seller, and Acuity Unlimited, formerly know as Inc., L&C Funding, Inc., as Buyer. National to Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (i)A(21) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on October 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. (13) Performance Undertaking dated as of September 2, 2003, executed by Acuity Brands, Inc. in favor of Acuity Unlimited, Inc. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (i)A(22) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on October 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. (14) Performance Undertaking dated as of September 2, 2003, executed by Acuity Brands, Inc. in favor of Acuity Enterprise, Inc. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (i)A(23) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on October 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(i)A-1(1) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on April 6, 2004, which is incorporated by reference. (15) 5-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2004 among the Subsidiary Acuity Brands, Inc., Borrowers from time to time parties thereto, the Lenders from time to time parties thereto, Bank One, NA (Main Office Chicago), Wachovia Bank, N.A. and LaSalle Bank National Association and Key Bank National Association, Banc One Capital Markets, Inc. (16) Reimbursement Agreement between Acuity Brands and The General Electric Company, dated February 27, 2004. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A-(1) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on April 6, 2004, which is incorporated by reference. 66 EXHIBIT 10(iii)A Management Contracts and Compensatory Arrangements: (1) Acuity Brands, Inc. 2001 Nonemployee Directors’ Stock Option Plan. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.6 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. (2) Amendment No. 1 to Acuity Brands, Inc. Nonemployee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, dated December 20, 2001. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(3) of registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on January 14, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference. (3) Form of Indemnification Agreement. (4) Form of Agreement. Severance Protection (5) Acuity Brands, Inc. Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. (6) Acuity Brands, Inc. Executives’ Deferred Compensation Plan. (7) Acuity Brands, Inc. Senior Management Benefit Plan. (8) Acuity Brands, Inc. Nonemployee Director Deferred Stock Unit Plan. (9) Acuity Brands, Inc. Executive Benefits Trust. (10) Acuity Brands, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executives. (11) Acuity Brands, Inc. Benefits Protection Trust. 67 Reference is made to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registration Statement on Form 10, filed by L&C Spinco, Inc. with the Commission on July 3, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.8 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.14 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.15 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.16 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.17 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.18 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.19 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.21 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. (12) Assumption Letter of Acuity Brands, Inc. with respect to Employment Letter Agreement between National Service Industries, Inc. and Joseph G. Parham, Jr. (13) Employment Agreement Letter between National Service Industries, Inc. and Joseph G. Parham, Jr., dated May 3, 2000. (14) Assumption Letter of Acuity Brands, Inc., with respect to Employment Letter Agreement between National Service Industries, Inc. and James H. Heagle. (15) Employment Agreement Letter between National Service Industries, Inc. and James H. Heagle, dated March 28, 2000. (16) Employment Letter Agreement between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Vernon J. Nagel, dated as of October 30, 2001. (17) Form of Acuity Brands, Inc. Letter regarding Bonuses. (18) Amended Acuity Management Incentive Plan. Brands, Compensation Inc. and (19) Amendment No. 1 to Acuity Brands, Inc. Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. (20) Amendment No. 1 to Acuity Brands, Inc. Executives’ Deferred Compensation Plan. (21) Amendment No. 1 to Acuity Brands, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executives. 68 Reference is made to Exhibit 10.22(b)(i) of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(2) of the Form 10-Q of National Service Industries, Inc. for the quarter ended May 31, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.22(c) of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.22(d) to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form 10, filed by L&C Spinco, Inc. on September 27, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(20) of registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on January 14, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.25 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference to Exhibit A of is made registrant’s proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders as filed with the Commission on November 12, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (iii)A(2) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on January 14, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (iii)A(3) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on January 14, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (iii)A(2) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on April 14, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. (22) Acuity Brands, Inc. 2002 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. (23) Letter Agreement relating to Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan between Acuity Brands, Inc. and James H. Heagle. (24) Letter Agreement relating to Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Vernon J. Nagel. (25) Letter Agreement relating to Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Joseph G. Parham, Jr. (26) Letter Agreement relating to Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Kenyon W. Murphy. (27) Amendment No. 2 to Acuity Brands, Inc. Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. (28) Form of Severance Agreement. (29) Severance Agreement between Acuity Brands, Inc. and James H. Heagle. (30) Amended Brands, Plan. and Restated Acuity Inc. Long-Term Incentive (31) Letter Agreement between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Vernon J. Nagel, dated June 29, 2004. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (iii)A(3) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on April 14, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (iii)A(3) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on July 14, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (iii)A(4) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on July 14, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (iii)A(5) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on July 14, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (iii)A(6) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on July 14, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (iii)A(8) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on July 14, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10 (iii)A(32) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on October 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on January 14, 2004, which is incorporated by reference. is made to Exhibit A of Reference registrant’s proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders as filed with the Commission on November 7, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10-(III)A(1) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on July 6, 2004, which is incorporated by reference. (32) Amended and Restated Severance Agreement, entered into as of January 20, 2004, by and between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Vernon J. Nagel. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(III)A(2) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on July 6, 2004, which is incorporated by reference. 69 (33) Letter Agreement between Acuity Brands, Inc. and John K. Morgan, dated June 24, 2004. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(III)A(3) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on July 6, 2004, which is incorporated by reference. (34) Amended and Restated Severance Agreement, entered into as of January 20, 2004, by and between Acuity Brands, Inc. and John K. Morgan. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(III) A(4) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on July 6, 2004, which is incorporated by reference. (35) Letter Agreement between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Wesley E. Wittich, dated June 17, 2004. (36) Amendment No. 3 to Acuity Brands, Inc. Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(III)A(5) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on July 6, 2004, which is incorporated by reference. Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Form 10-K. EXHIBIT 14 Code of Ethics and Business Conduct. EXHIBIT 21 List of Subsidiaries. Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Form 10-K. Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Form 10-K. EXHIBIT 23 Consent Accounting Firm. of Registered Public Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Form 10-K. EXHIBIT 24 Powers of Attorney. Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Form 10-K. EXHIBIT 31 (a) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification, signed by Vernon J. Nagel. Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Form 10-K. (b) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification, signed by Karen J. Holcom. Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Form 10-K. EXHIBIT 32 (a) Section 1350 Certification, signed by Vernon J. Nagel. Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Form 10-K. (b) Section 1350 Certification, signed by Karen J. Holcom. Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Form 10-K. 70 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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: October 29, 2004 By: /s/ VERNON J. NAGEL Vernon J. Nagel Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Title Date /s/ VERNON J. NAGEL Chairman and Chief Executive Officer October 29, 2004 Vernon J. Nagel /s/ KAREN J. HOLCOM Karen J. Holcom Vice President, Controller, and Interim Chief Financial Officer October 29, 2004 * Peter C. Browning * John L. Clendenin * Jay M. Davis * Earnest W. Deavenport, Jr. * Robert F. McCullough * Julia B. North * Ray M. Robinson * Neil Williams Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director October 29, 2004 October 29, 2004 October 29, 2004 October 29, 2004 October 29, 2004 October 29, 2004 October 29, 2004 October 29, 2004 *By: /s/ KENYON W. MURPHY Attorney-in-Fact October 29, 2004 Kenyon W. Murphy 71 Schedule II Acuity Brands, Inc. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Years Ended August 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 (In thousands) Balance at Beginning of Year Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses Other Accounts (1) Deductions Balance at End of Year Year Ended August 31, 2004: Reserve for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 8,634 Reserve for estimated warranty and recall costs . . . . . . $ 4,289 3,326 5,545 35 3,710 $ 8,285 5,700 3,840 $11,694 Reserve for estimated returns and allowances . . . . . . . $ 5,303 15,551 14 15,525 $ 5,343 Self-insurance reserve (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,408 13,264 Year Ended August 31, 2003: Reserve for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 8,560 Reserve for estimated warranty costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,879 4,399 1,809 Reserve for estimated returns and allowances . . . . . . . $ 4,317 57,166 Self-insurance reserve (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $21,650 14,165 — — — — — 13,615 $23,057 4,325 $ 8,634 4,399 $ 4,289 56,180 $ 5,303 12,407 $23,408 Year Ended August 31, 2002: Reserve for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 8,195 Reserve for estimated warranty costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,823 5,445 3,003 55 5,135 $ 8,560 6,209 4,156 $ 6,879 Reserve for estimated returns and allowances . . . . . . . $ 4,079 57,206 Self-insurance reserve (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,938 13,007 Reserve for restructuring (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,130 (853) — — — 56,968 $ 4,317 9,295 $21,650 1,277 $ — (1) Includes recoveries credited to the reserve and reserves recorded in acquisitions. During fiscal 2004, the Company accrued a liability of $5.7 million for the estimated recall expenses and additional related warranty expenses. The Company also recorded a receivable equal to the liability accrued because the supplier of the faulty capacitors entered into a reimbursement agreement pursuant to which it has committed to reimburse the Company on a monthly basis for recall and warranty expenses up to the amount of the liability the Company accrued. Includes reserves for workers’ compensation, auto, product, and general liability claims. (2) (3) During fiscal 2002, management realized lower than anticipated costs associated with severance charges in the lighting equipment segment. Accordingly, the related reserve was reversed and $0.9 million in income was recorded and is included in Impairment, Restructuring, and Other Charges in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 72 BUSINESS DESCR IPTI ON Acuity Brands, Inc., with fiscal year 2004 net sales of over $2.1 billion, is comprised of Acuity Brands Lighting and Acuity Specialty Products. Acuity Brands Lighting is one of the world’s leading providers of lighting fixtures and includes brands such as Lithonia Lighting®, Holophane®, Peerless®, Hydrel®, American Electric Lighting®, and Gotham®. Acuity Specialty Products is a leading provider of specialty chemicals and includes brands such as Zep®, Zep Commercial™, Enforcer®, and Selig™. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Acuity Brands employs approximately 11,000 people and has operations throughout North America and in Europe and Asia. TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter to Stakeholders Financial Highlights Acuity Brands Lighting Acuity Brands and The Home Depot Acuity Specialty Products Board of Directors and Officers Shareholder Information 1 5 7 11 13 16 IBC Shareholder INFORMATION CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS ACUITY BRANDS, INC. 1170 Peachtree Street, NE Suite 2400 Atlanta, Georgia 30309-7676 404-853-1400 www.acuitybrands.com ACUITY BRANDS LIGHTING One Lithonia Way Conyers, Georgia 30012-3957 770-922-9000 www.acuitybrandslighting.com ACUITY SPECIALTY PRODUCTS 4401 Northside Parkway Suite 700 Atlanta, Georgia 30327-3093 404-352-1680 www.acuitysp.com INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Ernst & Young LLP 600 Peachtree Street Suite 2800 Atlanta, Georgia 30308-2215 404-874-8300 ANNUAL MEETING 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Thursday, January 6, 2005 Georgia Tech Global Learning and Conference Center Auditorium 236 84 5th Street, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30308-1031 REPORTS AVAILABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS Copies of the following company reports may be obtained, without charge: 2004 Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission, filed on Form 10-K, and Quarterly Reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, filed on Form 10-Q. Requests should be directed to: Acuity Brands, Inc. Attention: Investor Relations 1170 Peachtree Street, NE Suite 2400 Atlanta, Georgia 30309-7676 404-853-1400 www.acuitybrands.com STOCK LISTING New York Stock Exchange Ticker Symbol: AYI The Company’s CEO certified to the NYSE on November 15, 2004, that he is not aware of any violation by the Company of the NYSE’s Corporate Governance listing standards. TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR Questions about shareholder accounts, dividend checks, and lost stock certificates should be directed to: The Bank of New York Shareholder Relations Department P. O. Box 11258 Church Street Station New York, New York 10286-1258 800-432-0140 shareowners@bankofny.com www.stockbny.com Send certificates for transfer and address change to: The Bank of New York Receive and Deliver Department P.O. Box 11002 Church Street Station New York, New York 10286-1258 ACCOUNT ACCESS Shareholders can access their account information at the Web site of Acuity Brands’ transfer agent, The Bank of New York, at www.stockbny.com or at www.acuitybrands.com. Shareholders can securely view their account information and check their holdings 24 hours a day. CASH DIVIDENDS Acuity Brands offers direct deposit of dividends to bank, savings, or money market accounts. For more information contact The Bank of New York at 800-432-0140. BuyDIRECTSM Acuity Brands’ transfer agent, The Bank of New York, offers the BuyDIRECT investment plan, a direct purchase and sale plan for investors wishing to purchase Acuity Brands common stock. Dividends can be automat- ically reinvested. The plan is not sponsored or administered by Acuity Brands. For information regarding the plan, contact: The Bank of New York Church Street Station P.O. Box 11258 New York, New York 10286-1258 800-432-0140 REMITTANCE OF OPTIONAL CASH INVESTMENTS AND PLAN TRANSACTION REQUESTS Mail the tear-off portion of transaction advice or account statements to: The Bank of New York Investment Services Department/ Acuity Brands P.O. Box 1958 Newark, New Jersey 07101-9774 SHAREHOLDERS OF RECORD The number of shareholders of record of Acuity Brands common stock was 5,211 as of October 25, 2004. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This annual report includes forward-looking statements regarding: (a) expected future results and (b) the impact of initiatives in each of the Company’s businesses. A variety of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results. Please see the risk factors more fully described in the accompanying financial information, which is separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2004. © 2004 Acuity Brands, Inc. All referenced trademarks are the property of their respective owners. a t n a l t A / e y e e e s e e s y b d e c u d o r p d n a d e n g s e d i Acuity Brands, Inc. 1170 Peachtree Street, NE Suite 2400 Atlanta, Georgia 30309-7676 404-853-1400 www.acuitybrands.com ACUITY BRANDS WAY The Acuity Brands Way is our creed – it provides the fundamentals for creating and sustaining value for our customers, employees, and shareholders. It is the spirit of our business life together; it is what we create together. There are four building blocks to the Acuity Brands Way: • Our mission Our mission is to take good companies and make them great companies. • Our values Great companies show integrity by consistently behaving in ways that reflect their core values. We place confidence in our employees who demonstrate our four values: resolute, team-oriented, creative, and aspirational. • How we work together We work together constructively by demonstrating leadership, respect, and commitment. We are transparent with others and share our successes. We empower our employees to make decisions and contribute to our communities. • How we create value Great companies consistently create more value for their customers, employees, and shareholders than other companies. We are committed to creating value through setting high aspirations, measuring per- formance, achieving operating plans, committing to continuous improvement, and making changes faster than our competitors. The Acuity Brands Way guides how we do business and how we treat one another. Through the Acuity Brands Way, we’re on our way to high performance. A c u i t y B r a n d s , I n c . 2 0 0 4 A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 00 4 ANNUA L REPO RT