Acuity Brands
Annual Report 2008

Plain-text annual report

Annual Report ’08 2008 Annual Report Acuity Brands, Inc., through its primary subsidiaries Acuity Brands Lighting and Acuity Brands Technology Services, is one of the world’s leading providers of lighting fixtures and lighting-related products and services. Through the efforts of our 6,000 associates, we manufacture approximately 100,000 fixtures each day for various indoor and outdoor applications, including offices, homes, schools, retail stores, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, roadways, and parking lots. Acuity Brands, Inc. Page 1 THINK. Acuity Brands Lighting. Our brands include Lithonia Lighting®, Holophane®, Peerless®, Mark Architectural Lighting™, Hydrel®, American Electric Lighting®, Gotham®, Carandini®, SpecLight®, MetalOptics®, Antique Street Lamps™, Synergy® Lighting Controls, SAERIS™, and ROAM®. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Acuity Brands has operations throughout North America and in Europe and Asia. Acuity Brands, Inc. Page 2 fi n a n c i a l pe r fo r m a n c e The following charts reflect results from continuing operations. Net Sales ($ in billions) Operating Profit ($ in millions) Operating Profit ($ in millions) Operating Margins $1.96 $2.03 $1.84 $261.1 $222.4 12.9% 11.3% $152.1 8.3% 2006 2007 2008 2006 2007 2008 Operating Margins in % 20 16 12 8 4 0 Diluted EPS Free Cash Flow ($ in millions) Free Cash Flow ($ in millions) $3.57 $2.93 $194.6 $177.2 $1.75 $101.1 2006 2007 2008 2006 2007 2008 Free Cash Flow is defined as cash from operating activities minus purchases of property, plant, and equipment. 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 200 150 100 50 0 Acuity Brands, Inc. Page 3 For the year ended August 31 (in millions of dollars, except earnings per share) 2008(1) 2007(2) % Change Operations: Net sales Gross profit % Operating profit Operating profit % Income from continuing operations Net Income Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations Diluted earnings per share Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding (in millions) Return on average stockholders’ equity Cash provided by operating activities Depreciation and amortization Capital expenditures Financial Position: Total assets Total cash Total debt Total stockholders’ equity Ratio of total debt to capital Operating working capital as a percentage of net sales(3) $2,026.6 $1,964.8 3% 40.3% 37.9% $ 261.1 $ 222.4 17% 12.9% 11.3% $ 148.6 $ 148.3 $ 3.57 $ 3.56 $ 128.7 $ 148.1 $ 2.93 $ 3.37 41.6 25.9% 43.9 25.2% $ 221.8 $ 33.8 $ 27.2 $ 208.7 $ 31.3 $ 31.5 $ 1,409 $ 297 $ 364 $ 576 $ 1,618 $ 214 $ 364 $ 672 38.7% 10.3% 35.1% 11.8% 15% — 22% 6% 3% 6% 8% (14%) (13%) 39% — (14%) Net sales, operating profit, and cash provided by operating activities reflect the specialty chemical business, Zep Inc., as discontinued operations. (1) 2008 results include a $14.6 million pre-tax charge for streamlining operations (or $0.21 per diluted share). (2) 2007 results include a $6.6 million gain from settlement of legal dispute (or $0.10 per diluted share). (3) Operating working capital is defined as net receivables plus inventories minus accounts payable. Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return Acuity Brands(a) S&P Smallcap 600 Russell 2000 Dow Jones US Electrical Components & Equipment $400 300 200 100 0 Aug. ’03 Aug. ’04 Aug. ’05 Aug. ’06 Aug. ’07 Aug. ’08 Acuity Brands(a) S&P Smallcap 600 Russell 2000 Dow Jones US Electrical Components & Equipment Aug. ’03 $100 $100 $100 $100 Aug. ’04 $132 $115 $111 $95 Aug. ’05 $173 $145 $137 $106 Aug. ’06 $255 $158 $150 $120 Aug. ’07 $316 $178 $167 $143 Aug. ’08 $319 $167 $158 $136 (a) Total Return for Acuity Brands reflects the spinoff of Zep Inc.; historical stock price and dividend data have been adjusted accordingly. (left) Vernon J. Nagel; Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer (right) Richard K. Reece; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer We are committed to distinguishing ourselves in three mission-critical areas we refer to as the “3 C’s”: Customers Providing unparalleled customer service; Costs Pursuing world-class cost efficiency by eliminating non-value added activities and transaction costs; and Culture Creating a culture that demands excellence in everything we do through continuous improvement. To O ur Sta ke hold e r s We entered 2008 with high expectations for our performance, but also with deep concerns about the economic environment and how it would affect the construction markets we serve. Our premonitions were correct on both counts. Acuity Brands delivered record financial results for the third year in a row in fiscal 2008 while investing considerable resources to bring greater strategic clarity and tactical focus to the organization. Unfortunately, the fallout from the collapse of the housing market in North America accelerated and began to spill over into other areas of the economy, triggering a significant slowdown in economic activity throughout the world. This has precipitated weakening demand by consumers, significant dislocation in the credit markets and rising unemployment—all key drivers for new construction. As I write this letter, forecasts project declines as much as 12 percent to 15 percent in non-residential construction in 2009. We also anticipate a continued deterioration in residential building, but at a lesser pace than the nearly 30 percent drop that occurred during our fiscal 2008. Obviously, declines of this magnitude will have an effect on our Company, and we are accelerating programs to streamline our organization to compete more effectively in this environment while continuing to fund promising opportunities. While we are acting with a great sense of urgency to better position the Company to excel in this environment, our long-term focus is unchanged. Our strategy and the direction of the Company remain intact. 2008 Results In fiscal 2008, that strategy delivered results that exceeded all our long-term financial targets. •   Net sales grew 3.1 percent to over $2.0 billion; •   Income from continuing operations increased 15.5 percent to $149 million; •   Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations rose 22 percent to $3.57; •   Cash provided by operating activities increased 6 percent to $222 million; •   Operating working capital as a percentage of net sales improved to 10.3 percent from 11.8 percent, best among our peers; •   Return on stockholders’ equity climbed to a record 26 percent. These results exclude the specialty chemicals business, which was spun off to the stockholders of Acuity Brands on October 31, 2007 as Zep Inc. Additionally, these results include a $14.6 million pre-tax special charge, or $0.21 per diluted share, for actions taken to streamline and simplify the organization, including the corporate office, following the spin-off of Zep Inc. Acuity Brands ended the fiscal year with $297 million of cash, an increase of $83 million since the beginning of the year—our strongest financial position ever. This is even more noteworthy given the fact that in 2008 we invested $31 million for new equipment and technology, paid more than $22 million in dividends to stockholders and funded $156 million to repurchase 3.6 million shares of the Company’s common stock. The stock repurchases reduced our total diluted shares outstanding by 9 percent.  Our 2008 financial results reflect the efforts of more than 6,000 associates world-wide to serve our customers better, improve productivity, and strengthen our corporate culture as we strive to achieve excellence in everything we do for key stakeholders. In addition, we completed the spin-off to our stockholders of our specialty chemicals business, creating two more focused organizations positioned to pursue their own growth strategies more effectively. We received $58 million as part of the spin-off of Zep Inc. which was used to help fund our stock repurchases. These achievements and successes in 2008 strengthened the Company and enhanced our ability to achieve our long-term growth and profitability objectives. 2008 Achievements Beyond our financial performance, we invested significant resources in 2008 to understand more deeply the needs of our customers, to accelerate the introduction of industry-leading products, and to train our associates to become more responsive, efficient and team-oriented in driving results. The returns from these investments not only produced record-setting results for our stockholders, but helped better position and further strengthen Acuity Brands to deliver superior value for our customers and to create greater opportunities for our associates. For the past two years, I have highlighted our actions to enhance, refine and focus our enterprise as measured by three mission-critical areas we refer to as the 3 C’s: •   Providing unparalleled customer service; •   Pursuing world-class cost efficiency by eliminating non-value added activities and transaction costs; and •   Creating a culture that demands excellence in everything we do through continuous improvement. Again, we made excellent progress throughout the Company in our efforts to differentiate ourselves in these areas: Customers: Providing superior value to our customers is our top priority. We strive to deliver products and services that are on time and complete, without error or defect, and to do so faster and more effectively than our competitors. We measure our performance both internally and with our customers in four critical areas: quality, delivery, cost, and innovation. In spite of the challenges during the past year, total sales grew by 3 percent in 2008, in the process overcoming a dampening effect of more than $60 million attributable to economic forces. Our sales grew because we were able to distinguish ourselves in these four customer-centric measures. This included our much improved service capabilities, plus demand for our innovative and energy-efficient new products. We are proud of our accomplishments in these areas, and were deeply gratified when The Home Depot again recognized our Lithonia Lighting brand as its Vendor of the Year in 2008. Cost: Our objective is to continually improve our cost structure by applying “lean” principles that afford us a sustainable competitive advantage. In 2008, we once again made considerable progress in this area. We continue to invest heavily in continuous improvement programs focused on streamlining our business processes, improving productivity, accelerating product development and enhancing our ability to serve customers meaningfully. The impact of these programs is evident in key areas such as customer service, asset utilization, productivity and margin expansion. For example, actions taken to streamline our supply chain processes have reduced our “late” backlog to record lows while our operating working capital as a percentage of net sales was only 10 percent, the best in the industry. We will continue to pursue opportunities aggressively to enhance customer service, eliminate non-value added activities, and introduce new products and services. Culture: A key element of our “lean” program is meant to align the interests of each stakeholder from the board room to the shop floor measuring success against strategy and fostering greater collaboration and teamwork. Much of our success in delivering strong operational improvements is due to the deep integration of this system into our daily work flow. We expect this momentum to carry into 2009. As part of our plan to be a more customer-centric and responsive company, we enhanced our organizational structure, forming teams led by “value stream owners,” creating greater accountability and responsibility for improving results. This change has facilitated a matrix organization capable of meeting the needs of our expanding customer base in a more efficient and effective manner. Our growth strategy is built on three key tenets: •   Accelerating the introduction of innovative and energy-efficient lighting products and services; •   Increasing renovation and relight; •   Expanding of our market presence in existing channels. In 2008, we again invested significant resources to expand our industry-leading product portfolio and our access to market. We introduced almost 50 new families of products, many incorporating new technologies such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). We expect to more than double that pace in 2009. In addition, these new products include an array of energy-efficient fixtures directed at the renovation and relight market, which we estimate to be in excess of $70 billion. This market, which we believe is virtually untapped today, represents a huge growth opportunity for us as we bring solutions to those customers who value quality lighting and energy savings, while seeking to reduce their impact on the environment. In addition to our product expansion in the renovation and relight market, we invested several million dollars to build our capabilities in our SAERIS™ organization, which offers both products and turnkey solutions for relighting projects. We estimate our sales to this channel exceeded $70 million in 2008, with significant growth planned for 2009 and beyond. We also invested heavily to extend our market presence in existing channels. We continued to leverage our many educational and technical support facilities that serve as centers of excellence for training our associates, educating our customers and advancing the industry as a whole, particularly in the area of energy-efficient lighting design. These investments not only set us apart from our competition as true leaders in lighting, but are facilitating our growth in market share. For example, in just 18 months we have more than doubled our sales in the greater New York City market. Until recently, we had little presence in this large and important market. Today we have an unparalleled training center in New York City and a fully functioning sales team dedicated to this market. With the support of our team from Mark Architectural Lighting, we now offer an extensive portfolio of products dedicated to the greater New York City market, where we see great potential, particularly within the design and specification community. These investments, which have been met with great customer enthusiasm, are expected to continue to fuel our sales growth in 2009 and beyond. Sustainability Our customers recognize the value we can add in helping them meet their goals of both conserving energy and lessening their impact on the environment while enhancing their lighting experience. We not only see benefits for others, but for our Company as well. Two years ago, we put in place an ambitious program to take the necessary steps to reduce our environmental impact. We established goals of reducing by at least 10 percent the Company’s use of electricity, natural gas, and water and the solid waste sent to landfills. We are tracking metrics in each of these areas and have achieved significant reductions so far. For example, our distribution centers have reduced electricity consumption by as much as 43 percent, our manufacturing facilities by as much as 22 percent, and our offices by as much as 13 percent. Some facilities have additional work to do to achieve our targets, but most have met or exceeded our expectations. Additional details on our sustainability efforts are included in the Sustainability section of this annual report. Acuity Brands is exploring new ways every day to improve our environmental impact for a more sustainable earth. 2009 and Beyond For the past three years, our focus on internal growth and greater profitability proved to be the right strategy. Since 2005, we added more than $388 million in revenues, increased operating profit more than $194 million and expanded margins to 12.9 percent from 4.1 percent. Our customers today enjoy the largest, most energy-efficient product offering in the industry, combined with exceptional customer service. Our performance also allows our associates to continue to benefit from additional career and personal development opportunities, and for our stockholders, we have delivered record results. These include substantial improvements in top-line growth, margins, and cash flow, as well as upper quartile returns in both profitability and share price gains. These company-wide improvements have built a strong foundation for Acuity Brands to pursue profitable growth not only organically but also through strategic acquisitions and alliances. As we anticipate 2009, we are optimistic yet realistic. In the long term, we see great potential for significant growth in a number of areas within the lighting industry and lighting related markets, particularly as technology evolves and environmental and energy concerns come to the forefront. As the industry leader, we expect to extend our market position as we capitalize on those opportunities. However, we also recognize that the current economic environment will present some near-term challenges and have made the difficult yet necessary decision to streamline our organization by consolidating two manufacturing facilities and downsizing a third into other locations within our North American supply chain, as well as the elimination of certain positions throughout the Company. In total, these actions will impact approximately 800 associates. Again, while such decisions are never easy, they are necessary to protect our cash flow to allow us to invest in innovation and technology, introduce more compelling products and services, and expand into new markets. Strategically, our focus in 2009 will be much the same as before, but with an ever increasing sense of urgency. Our goal of continuously improving our performance as measured by the 3 C’s of customer, cost and culture will continue to serve as a guide, directing and honing our focus on our customers, products, supply chain excellence, and organizational effectiveness. From a customer perspective, we have made great strides in becoming a more customer-centric company, understanding the dynamics of their businesses better to provide more effective solutions aimed at enhancing the value proposition they provide while improving their profitability. This focus has and will continue to earn us new customers, grow with existing ones, and improve our profitability. From a product perspective, new products are the life blood of any great company. Our product pipeline is full and we intend to expand further our industry leading product portfolio and service capabilities, expecting to introduce more than 100 new product families in 2009, many incorporating LED technology for the first time, while continuing our aggressive funding of new innovation and technology. Additionally, we will continue to invest heavily to expand our market presence and service capabilities in key geographies and channels, particularly as it relates to renovation and relight, where we see tremendous growth potential. From a supply chain perspective, we will continue to improve our effectiveness, lowering our transaction costs, enhancing product quality, shortening product lead-times and increasing productivity as well as providing customers with superior delivery options. Our efforts in these areas, along with our streamlining actions, will afford us a competitive advantage. Lastly, from an organizational effectiveness perspective we are focused intently on achieving excellence in everything we do. We will continue to invest in the training and development of our associates particularly as we continue to evolve our holistic business system and advance our culture of excellence through the diligent pursuit of continuous improvement. Conclusion We expect 2009 to be a challenging year; however, we are confident that our strategic and tactical plans and our strong financial position will allow us to strengthen our industry-leading position and to outperform our competitors. We also see great longer-term opportunity in the lighting industry over the next decade. Innovation and technology will drive change and the renovation and relight market holds great growth potential. We believe our strategies position us well to capitalize on these inevitable and exciting changes in our industry. Finally, I am confident that our efforts to develop a more team-oriented, cross-functional culture and to continue to build out our holistic business processes will further improve our performance. At Acuity Brands, we are dedicated to excellence in providing our customers with superior value, our associates with great opportunities, and our stockholders with consistent upper-quartile performance. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank our more than 6,000 associates for their continued contributions and dedication to our vision, our customers for their business, and our stockholders for the partnership we share in our enterprise. Vernon J. Nagel Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer November 10, 2008 The world is demanding new lighting: greener lighting, productive lighting, cost- effective lighting. Every day, Acuity Brands Lighting builds on its heritage of delivering superior lighting solutions utilizing the latest technologies. Acuity Brands, Inc. Page 11 We are keenly focused on delivering innovation, energy, form and solutions to solve your lighting challenges. THINK. Acuity Brands Lighting Think innovation. Look to Acuity Brands Lighting as a leader in the application of energy-efficient lighting technologies including LEDs. Think acuity Brands lighting. Acuity Brands, Inc. Page 13 i n n o v a t i o n e n e r g y f o r m s o l u t i o n s In 2008, Acuity Brands Lighting introduced almost 50 new families of products and has plans to introduce twice as many in 2009. These new products include an array of energy-efficient fixtures with advanced optics incorporating T5 and T5HO lamps and new technologies such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Most of us have seen an LED flashlight or an under-cabinet light. At Acuity Brands Lighting, that doesn’t even scratch the surface. Our research and development teams coupled with strong industry partnerships are bringing long-life, energy-efficient LED technology to area lighting, street and roadway lighting, and a wide variety of indoor and residential applications. Our LED lighting solutions start with a deep understanding of thermal management, optical design and mechanical construction. We then combine inventive LED die and package selections with industry leading drivers and controllers. The result is a platform of high-performance LED products with solid reliability. Acuity Brands has the financial strength and intellectual resources to explore the most exciting frontiers of lighting technology. Our innovative Candéo® LED from Gotham® combines color-changing LED to add excitement to an environment with downlight practicality, and our Hydrel® 4600 Series with LED features high performance optics to provide outdoor accent lighting that meets the needs of both architectural and landscape applications. Acuity Brands Lighting products are proven performers in modern commercial designs, including the new Invesco facility in Atlanta. Energy-efficient Gotham®, Mark Architectural Lighting® and Lithonia Lighting® brands were specified for the atrium and office areas. Think energy. Lighting accounts for 40 percent of electrical energy consumption in commercial spaces. Think acuity Brands lighting. Acuity Brands, Inc. Page 15 i n n o v a t i o n e n e r g y f o r m s o l u t i o n s As the cost of energy continues to rise, our customers are demanding more energy-efficient lighting solutions that lower their operating costs. Additionally, our customers are increasingly committed to reducing their environmental impact and finding solutions with high-performance lighting and control systems. Acuity Brands Lighting’s products are at the forefront of the industry in innovation and efficiency. In addition to products targeted at the new construction market, we are aggressively addressing opportunities in the $70 billion relight market. New RELIGHT products from Lithonia Lighting® not only lower energy consumption by as much as 60 percent, but also deliver improved lighting quality for occupants at an attractive payback to building owners. Lighting solutions from Holophane® and Mark Architectural Lighting® offer high-performance fixtures for both renovation and new construction. And our SAERIS™ business provides turnkey management for major renovation and relight projects utilizing high- efficiency lighting and controls, design and installation services. The New York City offices of Enterprise Community Partners incorporate Lithonia Lighting’s RT5™ luminaire to deliver the right amount of soft, comfortable light throughout the space while using up to 33 percent less energy than the standard office fluorescent fixture. Think form. Form, function and creativity: our architectural indoor and outdoor products are preferred by designers based on style and performance. Think acuity Brands lighting. Acuity Brands, Inc. Page 17 i n n o v a t i o n e n e r g y f o r m s o l u t i o n s At Acuity Brands Lighting, we present a product portfolio to the design community with superior form and function. We collaborate with designers during our product development process to maintain a balance of superior lighting performance and construction with attention to aesthetics and style. Lighting can create an interesting space in many ways. “What power of expression there is in buildings! What warmth and beauty they have,” declared Mies van der Rohe, the iconic architect of the twentieth century. He spoke for architects and designers the world over, knowing the importance placed on form in both the interior and exterior of buildings. Acuity Brands Lighting products work in harmony with many of the world’s most elegant structures. From the new World War II Memorial in Washington to Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theatre to the Petronas Towers in Malaysia, our lighting products enhance unique architectural forms with well- styled product designs, and well-delivered illumination. Inside offices, museums and libraries, our Peerless® suspended lighting provides a soft, radiant glow that is both visually appealing and productive. Gotham® pendent lighting creates a sense of aesthetic continuity and a clean, orderly appearance throughout an interior environment with decorative accent features designed to add visual interest. Outside, Hydrel® is famous for its lighting effects on facades and underwater. And our Antique Street Lamps™, which recreate historical designs, add realism to cities reinvigorating their downtowns. Form…expressed by Acuity Brands Lighting creativity, design and inspiration. Architectural indoor products from Acuity Brands Lighting create visual interest in a space. The Peerless® Lightedge Indirect/Direct uses exclusive Lightvent™ optical technology to add definition and refinement with a superior degree of light control. Think Solutions. We understand the unique challenges in lighting applications and systems—and deliver solutions. Think acuity Brands lighting. Acuity Brands, Inc. Page 19 i n n o v a t i o n e n e r g y f o r m s o l u t i o n s Whether it’s solving a particular application need, understanding specific market environments, new technologies or system requirements, we have the expertise to solve the problem. It’s our ability to present new ideas and solve current challenges that distinguishes Acuity Brands Lighting. Solutions take on many forms at Acuity Brands Lighting. Application needs: New RELIGHT products from Lithonia Lighting® offer energy savings coupled with improved lighting quality, and our MetalOptics® brands are marketed to energy service companies and energy contractors in the relighting segments. We also offer LED training and application design services to optimize this exciting new light source. Services for relighting: Our new SAERIS™ business provides comprehensive project management services for renovation and relight projects. And our Reloc® flexible wiring systems make future renovations easy and provide the ability to reuse wiring and lighting equipment. Lighting system management: Our Synergy® controls help our customers provide the right amount of light at the right place at the right time. The Simply5™ system adds intelligence to highly-efficient lighting fixtures and control components, automating setup, calibration and programming. And our ROAM™ products and services improve streetlight performance, reduce operating costs and improve billing accuracy. Visualization and 3D Modeling: In 2008, Acuity Brands Lighting became one of the first lighting manufacturers to supply architecture, engineering and design professionals with 3D product models that work with leading-edge building information modeling (BIM) software. The rapid adoption of BIM software and Acuity Brands Lighting’s models allows professionals to seamlessly integrate lighting into a project, saving both time and money as they eliminate the guesswork of energy compliance and how the lighting will look and interact in the built environment. Finally, a new version of Visual— already the industry’s most advanced collection of lighting calculation and modeling software—adds even greater functionality to this powerful tool. When renovating the Georgia Dome, home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, the architect envisioned a linear suspended lighting fixture that would appear to follow the curvature of the pedestrian concourses. Acuity Brands Lighting responded with a solution incorporating specially-designed connectors by Peerless®. Acuity Brands, Inc. Page 20 SuS T a i n a B i l iT y Environmental sustainability is no longer an option; it’s an imperative. At Acuity Brands, we are committed to helping businesses reduce their own impact on the environment with high efficiency lighting and control systems. We are equally committed to reducing our own environmental footprint. Established in 2005, Acuity Brands has embarked on a company- wide sustainability program to eliminate waste, reduce pollution, promote conservation and conserve energy. Since we launched this initiative, we have: n Reduced our overall electricity consumption by 13.4 percent. In 2008 alone, our distribution centers reduced their electrical use by as much as 43 percent, manufacturing as much as 22 percent and offices by as much as 13 percent. n Reduced natural gas usage by 24 percent. n Reduced water usage by 37 percent by reclaiming water in our paint systems. Installed waterless or low flow bathroom fixtures in several facilities. n Reduced our impact on landfills by 40 percent with corporate recycling and green procure- ment standards. Copy paper use has been reduced by 47 percent since September 2006 and increased the percent of recycled content in the paper that is purchased. Revenue from aluminum recycling is contributed to community projects. n Our Granville, Ohio facility has been awarded LEED Silver Certification by the US Green Building Council and our New York Center for Light+Space has submitted for LEED Gold Certification. In 2008, Lithonia Lighting was awarded the ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year, and Acuity Brands Lighting has become a partner in the Clinton Climate Initiative. Acuity Brands employees are fully involved and committed—a powerful force unleashed for the good of the planet. 10000 9000 8000 7000 6000 12000 10000 8000 6000 10000 9000 8000 7000 6000 10000 9000 8000 7000 6000 Total ABL Electrical Consumption Acuity Brands, Inc. Page 21 (MWh) 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 Sustainability. Commitment. Results. Published by the Acuity Brands Sustainable Operations Council n Electricity usage down by 13.4 percent n Reduced water usage by 37 percent in paint processes n Solid waste reduced by 40 percent Sep. 05 Dec. 05 Mar. 06 Jun. 06 Sep. 06 Dec. 06 Mar. 07 Jun. 07 Sep. 07 Dec. 07 n Reduced copy paper use by 47 percent Mar. 08 Acuity Brands Lighting has consistently reduced our dependence on electricity. n The Holophane Granville Ohio—Building F was recently awarded LEED Silver certificate for Commercial Interiors Jun. 08 by the U.S. Green Building Council Total ABL Electrical Consumption (MWh) 10,000 9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 Sustainable Operations Council discusses plans to reclaim water in paint operations. September 2005 June 2008 Trend Line Actual Data Acuity Brands Lighting has made steady, measurable Acuity Brands Lighting has consistently reduced progress in reducing its energy usage. our dependence on electricity. Acuity Brands Lighting products were chosen by Project FROG for modular green classroom buildings and demonstration at GreenBuild 2008. Acuity Brands, Inc. Page 22 B oa r D o f D i r ec To rS & e Xec u T i V e offi c e rS executive officers Vernon J. nagel Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Acuity Brands, Inc. richard K. reece Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Acuity Brands, Inc. Board of Directors Vernon J. nagel1 Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Acuity Brands, Inc. peter c. Browning Non-Executive Chairman Nucor Corporation; Former Dean McCoIl Graduate School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte John l. clendenin Chairman Emeritus BellSouth Corporation George c. (Jack) Guynn Former President and Chief Executive Officer Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta robert f. mccullough2 Former Chief Financial Officer AMVESCAP PLC (now known as Invesco Ltd.) Julia B. north Former President and Chief Executive Officer VSI Enterprises, Inc.; Former President of Consumer Services BellSouth Corporation ray m. robinson3 Non-Executive Chairman Citizens Trust Bank; President Emeritus East Lake Golf Club neil Williams4 Former General Counsel AMVESCAP PLC (now known as Invesco Ltd.); 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 2008 Form 10-k 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, 2008. 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) 30309-7676 (Zip Code) (404) 853-1400 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 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 is not the registrant the registrant the Securities required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of Indicate by checkmark if Act. Yes È No ‘ Indicate by checkmark if Act. Yes ‘ No È 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 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. ‘ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large Accelerated Filer È Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ‘ No È Based on the closing price of the Registrant’s common stock of $44.41 as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange on February 29, 2008, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant was $1,812,828,413. Smaller Reporting Company ‘ Non-accelerated Filer ‘ Accelerated Filer ‘ the The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value, was 40,366,011 shares as of October 23, 2008. 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 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders Proxy Statement for 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders ACUITY BRANDS, INC. Table of Contents Page No. Part I Item 1. Item 1a. Item 2. Item 3. Item 4. Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9 9-15 15 15-16 16 Part II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Item 6. Item 7. Item 7a. Item 8. Item 9. Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 9a. Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 9b. Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part III Item 10. Item 11. Item 12. Item 13. Item 14. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certain Relationships and Related Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Principal Accounting Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 18 19-34 35 36-73 74 74 74-75 76 76 76 76 76 Part IV Item 15. Exhibits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77-87 Signatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 89 2 Item 1. Business Overview PART I Acuity Brands, Inc. (“Acuity Brands”) is the parent company of Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. and other subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as “the Company”). Acuity Brands was incorporated in 2001 under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Company designs, produces, and distributes a broad array of indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures and related products and services for commercial and institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications for various markets throughout North America and select international markets. industrial, The Company is one of the world’s leading providers 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, infrastructure, and residential applications. The Company manufactures or procures lighting products in the United States, Mexico, Europe, and China. These products and related services are marketed under numerous brand names, including Lithonia Lighting®, Holophane®, Peerless®, Mark Architectural Lighting™, Hydrel®, American Electric Lighting®, Gotham®, Carandini®, SpecLight®, Metal Optics®, Antique Street Lamps™, Synergy® Lighting Controls, SAERIS™ and ROAM®. As of August 31, 2008, the Company manufactures products in 13 plants in North America and three plants in Europe. Principal customers include electrical distributors, retail home improvement centers, national accounts, electric utilities, municipalities, and lighting showrooms located in North America and select international markets. In North America, the Company’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, the Company employs a sales force that utilizes distribution methods to meet specific individual customer or country requirements. In fiscal 2008, North American sales accounted for approximately 96% of net sales. See Note 13: Geographic Information of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information concerning the domestic and international net sales of the Company. Specialty Products Business Spin-off Acuity Brands completed the spin-off of its specialty products business (the “Spin-off”), Zep Inc. (“Zep”), on October 31, 2007, by distributing all of the shares of Zep common stock, par value $.01 per share, to the Company’s stockholders of record as of October 17, 2007. The Company’s stockholders received one Zep share, together with an associated preferred stock purchase right, for every two shares of the Company’s common stock they owned. Stockholders received cash in lieu of fractional shares for amounts less than one full Zep share. As a result of the Spin-off, Acuity Brands’ financial statements have been prepared with the net assets, results of operations, and cash flows of the specialty products business presented as discontinued operations. All historical statements have been restated to conform to this presentation. Refer to Note 2— Discontinued Operations of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Industry Overview Based on industry sources, the Company estimates that in fiscal 2008 the size of the North American lighting and lighting-related fixture market was approximately $11.2 billion. This includes non-portable light fixtures (as defined by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association), poles for outdoor lighting products, and emergency lighting fixtures. This market estimate excludes portable and vehicular lighting 3 fixtures and related lighting components such as lighting ballasts. The U.S. market, which represents approximately 85% of the North American market, is relatively fragmented. The Company estimates that the top four manufacturers (including Acuity Brands Lighting) represent approximately 54% of the total North American lighting market. The remainder of the North American lighting market is made up of hundreds of smaller lighting manufacturers. The Company operates in a highly competitive industry that is affected by volatility in a number of general business and economic factors, such as gross domestic product growth, employment, credit availability and commodity costs. The construction market, including non-residential, the Company’s primary market, as well as residential, is sensitive to the volatility of these general economic factors. Based on industry sources, the Company estimates that new construction and additions in fiscal 2008 accounted for approximately 83% of the non-residential market while alterations accounted for approximately 17%. This mix can vary over time depending on economic conditions. Construction spending on infrastructure projects such as highways, streets, and urban developments also has a material impact on the demand for the Company’s infrastructure-focused products. Demand for the Company’s lighting products sold though its retail channels are highly dependent on economic drivers such as consumer spending and discretionary income, along with housing construction and home improvement spending. A growing source of demand for the lighting industry is being attributed to the renovation and replacement of lighting systems in existing buildings. The potential market size is estimated to be significant (possibly greater than $70 billion of installed base) due to square footage of existing non-residential buildings containing older, less efficient lighting systems. The industry is influenced by the development of new lighting technologies including light emitting diode (“LED”), electronic ballasts, embedded controls, more effective optical designs, federal and state requirements for updated energy codes, and design technologies addressing sustainability. The traditional including the Company, are offering product solutions based on these lighting manufacturers, technologies utilizing internally developed, licensed, or acquired intellectual property. In addition, the traditional lighting manufacturers are experiencing competition from new smaller entrants with a focus on new technology based lighting solutions. industries leading to more Consolidation remains a key trend in both the lighting and broader electrical extensive product offerings and increased globalization. Recent combinations among electrical distributors and the acquisition by Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. of The Gentlyte Group Incorporated are evidence of this trend. Products The Company produces a wide variety of lighting fixtures and related products and services used in the following applications: (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) 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 include recessed, surface and suspended lighting products, recessed downlighting, and track lighting, as well as special application lighting products. The outdoor areas associated with these application products are addressed by a variety of outdoor lighting products, such as area and flood lighting, decorative site lighting, and landscape lighting. Industrial — Applications primarily include warehouses and manufacturing facilities, utilizing 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. 4 (cid:129) Other Applications & Products — Other products include emergency lighting fixtures, which are primarily used in non-residential buildings, and lighting control and flexible wiring systems. (cid:129) Services — Applications include monitoring and controlling of lighting systems through machine to machine wireless network technology in the utility and municipality markets as well as energy audit and turn-key labor renovation and relight services in the commercial, industrial, retail, manufacturing, and warehousing markets. Lighting fixtures for numerous applications in a multitude of industry segments accounted for approximately 85%, 86%, and 87% of total consolidated net sales for Acuity Brands in fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. This does not include sales related to items such as wiring products, controls, poles, emergency lighting and services. Sales and Marketing Sales. The Company calls on customers in the North American market with separate sales forces targeted at delivering appropriate products and services to specific customer, channel, and geographic segments. As of August 31, 2008, these sales forces consist of approximately 240 company-employed salespeople and a network of approximately 160 independent sales agencies, each of which employs numerous salespeople. The Company also operates two separate European sales forces and an international sales group coordinating export sales outside of North America and Europe. Marketing. The Company markets its products to a multitude of end users through a broad spectrum of marketing and promotional vehicles, including direct customer contact, trade shows, on-site training, print advertising in industry publications, product brochures, and other literature, as well as the Internet and other electronic media. The Company owns and operates many training and display facilities, including its Center for Light + Space, a new direct sales and marketing office dedicated to serving the New York City lighting market. New York continues to grow in importance in the world of lighting, with its influence accelerating around the country and the world. Customers Customers of the Company include electrical distributors, retail home improvement centers, national accounts, electric utilities, utility distributors, municipalities, contractors, catalogs, and lighting showrooms. In addition, there are a variety of other professionals, which for any given project could represent a significant influence in the product specification process. These generally include contractors, engineers, architects, and lighting designers. the Company during fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006, A single customer of Acuity Brands Lighting, The Home Depot, accounted for approximately 11%, 15%, and 15% of net sales of respectively. Approximately 90% of product purchased by The Home Depot is resold to end-users in the home improvement market as the Company serves both residential and commercial consumer needs of this customer. The remainder of product sourced to The Home Depot is installed in that retail center’s new and existing facilities. The loss of The Home Depot’s business could temporarily adversely affect the Company’s results of operations. Manufacturing The Company operates 16 manufacturing facilities, including seven facilities in the United States, six facilities in Mexico, and three facilities in Europe. The Company 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 5 superior capabilities. Other critical components, such as lamps, sockets, and ballasts, are purchased primarily from outside vendors. Investment is focused on improving capabilities, product quality, and manufacturing efficiency. The integration of local suppliers’ factories and warehouses also provides an opportunity to lower Company-owned component inventory while maintaining high service levels through frequent just-in-time deliveries. The Company also utilizes contract manufacturing from U.S., Asian, and including poles, European sources for certain products and purchases certain finished goods, 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 approximately 22% of the Company’s net sales. Of total product manufactured by the Company, U.S. operations produce approximately 45%; Mexico produces approximately 51%; and Europe produces approximately 4%. Management continues to focus on certain initiatives to make the Company more globally competitive. One of these initiatives relates to enhancing the Company’s global supply chain and includes the consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities into more efficient locations. Since the beginning of fiscal 2002, the Company has closed eleven manufacturing facilities which reduced the total square footage used for manufacturing by approximately 25%. This initiative resulted in increased production in international locations, primarily Mexico, and greater sourcing from the Company’s network of worldwide vendors. Subsequent to fiscal 2008, the Company announced plans to accelerate its ongoing programs to streamline operations including the consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities and the reduction of certain overhead costs. The impact of these actions will result in the closure of two manufacturing facilities and the downsizing of a third facility. These actions will allow the Company to better leverage efficiencies in its supply chain and support areas, while funding continued investments in other areas that support future growth opportunities. Distribution 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 international customers, distribution methods are adapted to meet individual customer or country requirements. Research and Development Research and development efforts are targeted toward the development of products with an ever- increasing performance-to-cost ratio and energy efficiency, while close relationships with lamp, ballast, and LED manufacturers are maintained to understand technology enhancements and incorporate them in the Company’s fixture designs. For fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006, research and development expense totaled $30.3 million, $31.3 million, and $30.0 million, respectively. Competition The lighting equipment industry served by the Company 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, product design, energy efficiency, customer relationships, and service capabilities. Primary competitors in the lighting industry Incorporated, and Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. The include Cooper Company estimates that the four largest lighting manufacturers (including Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc.) have approximately a 54% share of the total North American lighting market. Industries Ltd., Hubbell the lighting and lighting-related fixture market continues to evolve. The competitive landscape for Consolidation remains a key trend. Certain broader and more global electrical manufacturers may be able 6 to obtain a competitive advantage over the Company by offering broader and more integrated electrical solutions utilizing electrical, lighting and building automation products. In addition, there has been a growing number of new technology based lighting manufacturers offering LED product solutions to potentially compete with traditional lighting manufacturers. 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, the Company allocates considerable resources including investments in capital and 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 for further discussion of environmental matters. Raw Materials The products produced by the Company require certain raw materials, including aluminum, plastics, electrical components, other petroleum-based materials and components, and certain grades of steel. For example, the Company purchases approximately 120,000 tons of steel and aluminum on an annual basis depending on various factors including product mix. The Company estimates that approximately 5% of purchased raw materials are petroleum-based. Additionally, the Company estimates that approximately 3.5 million gallons of diesel fuel are consumed annually through the Company’s distribution activities. The Company purchases most raw materials on the open market and relies on third parties for providing certain finished goods. Accordingly, the cost of products sold may be affected by changes in the market price of raw materials or the sourcing of finished goods. The Company does not currently engage in or 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 12 months. Significant increases in the prices of the Company’s products due to increases in the cost of raw materials could have a negative effect on demand for products and on profitability. While the Company has generally been able to pass along these increases in cost in the form of higher selling prices for its products, there can be no assurance that future disruptions in either supply or price of these materials will not negatively affect future results. The Company constantly monitors and investigates alternative suppliers and materials based on numerous attributes including quality, service, and price. 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 quantities of inventory at key distribution centers and warehouses throughout North America. The Company ships approximately 40% of sales orders during the month that those orders are placed. Sales order backlogs, believed to be firm as of August 31, 2008 and 2007, were $177.1 million and $170.3 million, respectively. This increase in backlog was influenced by orders placed in advance of a price increase that went in effect at the end of August 2008. 7 Patents, Licenses and Trademarks The Company owns or has licenses to use various domestic and foreign patents 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, the Company relies on copyright, patent, trade secret, and trademark laws. Despite these protections, unauthorized parties may attempt the Company. Management is not aware of any pending claims where the Company does not have the right to use any intellectual property material to the Company. While patents and patent applications in the the Company, no single patent or patent aggregate are important application is material to the Company. to infringe on the intellectual property of to the competitive position of Seasonality and Cyclicality The Company’s business exhibits some seasonality, 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, the Company has experienced, and generally expects to experience, its highest sales in the last two quarters of each fiscal year. A significant portion of net sales relates to customers in the new construction and renovation industries, primarily for commercial and institutional applications. The new construction industry is cyclical in nature and subject to changes in general economic conditions. Volume has a major impact on the profitability of the Company. Economic downturns and the potential decline in key construction markets may have a material adverse effect on the net sales and operating income of the Company. International Operations The Company manufactures and assembles products at numerous facilities, some of which are located outside the United States. Approximately 55% of the products manufactured by the Company are manufactured outside the United States. Of total product manufactured by the Company, approximately 51% is produced in Mexico. Most of these operations are authorized to operate as Maquiladoras by the Ministry of Economy of Mexico. Maquiladora status allows the Company 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 future increased labor costs. The Company may be required to make additional investments in automated equipment to partially offset potential increases in labor and wage costs. The Company’s initiatives to become more globally competitive include streamlining its global supply chain by reducing the number of manufacturing facilities and enhancing the Company’s worldwide procurement and sourcing capabilities. Management believes these initiatives will result in increased production in 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 2008, net sales outside the U.S. represented approximately 11% of total net sales. See information regarding the Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional geographic distribution of net sales, operating profit, and long-lived assets. 8 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 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 “SEC Filings” 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 not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company’s reports are also available at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Public Reference Room at 100 F. Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549 or on their website at www.sec.gov. 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 6,500 people, of whom approximately 3,700 are employed in the United States, 2,500 in Mexico, 20 in Canada, and 240 in other international locations, including Europe and the Asia/Pacific region. Union recognition and collective bargaining arrangements are in place, covering approximately 3,700 persons (including approximately 1,700 in the United States). The Company believes that it has a good relationship with both its unionized and non-unionized employees. Item 1a. Risk Factors This filing contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. A variety of risks and uncertainties could cause Acuity Brands’ actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company’s forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” on page 34. These risks include, without limitation: Risks Related to the Business of Acuity Brands, Inc. General business and economic conditions may affect demand for the Company’s products and services which could impact results from operations. The Company operates in a highly competitive environment that is influenced by a number of general business and economic factors, such as gross domestic product growth, employment, credit availability, and interest rates. The construction market in North America and Europe, including residential and non-residential sectors, are directly impacted by the general economic vitality of those regions, which, as of late October 2008, are experiencing a great deal of volatility. Therefore, declines in general economic activity negatively impact new construction and renovation projects, which in turn impact demand for the Company’s product and service offerings. The recent volatility in the economy has created a great deal of uncertainty in the Company’s key construction markets thus lowering demand while component and 9 certain commodity prices remain high. Management expects these conditions to continue for the foreseeable future. The impact of these factors could adversely effect the Company’s financial position, results from operations, and cash flows. Tightening credit conditions could impair the ability of the Company’s customers to effectively access capital markets, resulting in a negative impact on demand for the Company’s products and services. The impact of tightening credit conditions has and could continue to impair customers of the Company ability to effectively access capital markets, resulting in a decline in construction, renovation, and relight projects. The inability of the Company’s customers to borrow money to fund construction and renovation projects reduces the demand for the Company’s products and services and may adversely affect the Company’s results from operations and cash flow. The lack of credit availability as of the end of October 2008 has negatively impacted the Company’s results from operations by reducing orders from both residential and non-residential customers. Acuity Brands is heavily dependent on the strength of construction activity. Sales activity within the lighting equipment industry depends significantly on the level of activity in new construction, additions, and renovations. Demand for non-residential construction is driven by many factors, including but not limited to the general economic activity, availability of credit, fluctuation of interest rates, accessibility to public financing, and trends in vacancy rates and rent values. Demand for new residential construction and remodeling is also affected by the fluctuation of interest rates and the availability of credit as well as the supply of existing homes, price appreciation, and household formation rates. Significant decreases in either residential or non-residential construction activity could significantly impact the Company’s results of operations. During fiscal 2008, the Company experienced an estimated 3% decline in sales volume resulting from weakness in the residential market and reduced new store construction by certain large retailers. Construction market forecasts as of the end of October 2008 for fiscal 2009 by independent third parties project an upper single digit to lower double digit percent decline in unit volume year-over-year due to a forecasted decrease in U.S. construction activity. Acuity Brands’ results may be adversely affected by fluctuations in the cost or availability of raw materials. The Company utilizes a variety of raw materials and components in its production process including petroleum based chemicals, steel, copper, ballasts, and aluminum. For example, the Company purchases approximately 120,000 tons of steel and aluminum on an annual basis depending on various factors including product mix. The Company estimates that approximately 5% of the raw materials purchased are petroleum-based. Additionally, the Company estimates that approximately 3.5 million gallons of diesel fuel are consumed annually through the Company’s distribution activities. Failure to effectively manage future increases in the costs of these items could adversely affect the ability to achieve operating margins acceptable to shareholders. There can be no assurance that future raw material price increases will be successfully passed through to customers. The Company sources these goods from a number of suppliers and is, therefore, reasonably insulated from risks affecting any one supplier. However, as a industry, certain suppliers are becoming consequence of competitors, which could negatively impact, at least on a short term basis, the Company’s ability to access certain component parts. Profitability and volume could be negatively impacted by limitations inherent within the supply chain of certain of these component parts, including competitive, governmental, legal, natural disasters, and other events that could impact both supply and price. recent consolidation in the electrical Acuity Brand’s results may be adversely affected by the Company’s ability to maintain pricing. Aggressive competitive pricing by the Company’s primary competitors may affect the Company’s ability to achieve desired volume growth and profitability levels under its current pricing strategies. The Company may not be able to increase prices to cover rising costs of components and raw materials. Even if the 10 Company were able to increase prices to cover costs, competitive pricing pressures may not allow the Company to pass on any more that the cost increases which could negatively impact gross margin percentages. Alternatively, if component and raw material costs were to decline, the marketplace may not allow the Company to hold prices at their current levels, which could impact both revenue and gross margin growth. Acuity Brands may experience difficulties in the consolidation of manufacturing facilities which could impact the shipments to customers and the ability to realize the expected savings from accelerated streamlining actions. Subsequent to fiscal 2008, the Company announced plans to accelerate its ongoing programs to streamline operations through the consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities and the reduction of overhead costs. Upon completion of these actions, the Company expects to realize annualized benefits of more than $36 million. The Company will gain from such activity only to the extent that it can effectively leverage assets, personnel, and operating processes in the transition of production between manufacturing facilities. Uncertainty is inherent within the facility consolidation process, and unforeseen circumstances could offset the anticipated benefits and disrupt service to the customer. Tightening credit conditions could impair the Company’s ability to effectively access capital markets. Tightening credit conditions as well as changes in interest and foreign currency rates could impair the Company’s ability to effectively access capital markets. This could impair the Company’s ability to refinance debt as it becomes due or to acquire additional credit, if needed. Capital market conditions as of the end of October 2008 are in a state of flux and continued uncertainty could impair the ability of the financial institutions committed under the Company’s credit lines to fund borrowings under those lines. The inability to effectively access capital markets could adversely affect the Company’s profitable growth plans, financial position and results from operations. Acuity Brands is subject to risks related to operations outside the United States. The Company has substantial operations outside the United States. Net sales outside the United States represented approximately 11% of the Company’s total net sales for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2008. Furthermore, as of August 31, 2008, approximately 55% of the Company’s products were manufactured outside the United States. The Company’s operations as well as those of key vendors are therefore subject to regulatory, economic, political, military, and other events in countries where these operations are located. In addition to the risks that are common to both the Company’s U.S. and non-U.S. operations, the Company faces risks related to its foreign operations including but not limited to trade foreign currency fluctuations; unstable political, economic, restrictions; and increases in tariffs and taxes. Some of these risks have affected the business of Acuity Brands in the past and may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows in the future. financial, and market conditions; Acuity Brands is subject to a broad range of environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which it operates, and the Company may be exposed to substantial environmental, health, and safety costs and liabilities. Acuity Brands is subject to a broad range of environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. These laws and regulations impose increasingly stringent environmental, health, and safety protection standards and permitting requirements regarding, among other things, air emissions, wastewater storage, treatment, and discharges, the use and handling of toxic materials, waste disposal practices, and the remediation of environmental hazardous or contamination and working conditions for the Company’s employees. Some environmental laws, such as 11 Superfund, the Clean Water Act, and comparable laws in U.S. states and other jurisdictions world-wide, impose joint and several liability for the cost of environmental remediation, natural resource damages, third party claims, and other expenses, without regard to the fault or the legality of the original conduct, on those persons who contributed to the release of a hazardous substance into the environment. These laws may impact the manufacture and distribution of the Company’s products and place restrictions on the products the Company can sell in certain geographical locations. In addition, these laws and regulations may also result The costs of complying with these laws and regulations, including participation in assessments and remediation of contaminated sites and installation of pollution control facilities, have been, and in the future could be, significant. in substantial liabilities associated with divested assets, third party locations, and past activities. The environmental Company has established reserves for environmental remediation activities and liabilities where appropriate. However, the cost of addressing environmental matters (including the timing of any charges related thereto) cannot be predicted with certainty, and these reserves may not ultimately be adequate, especially in light of potential changes in environmental conditions, changing interpretations of laws and regulations by regulators and courts, the discovery of previously unknown environmental conditions, the risk of governmental orders to carry out additional compliance on certain sites not initially included in remediation in progress, the Company’s potential liability to remediate sites for which provisions have not previously been established and the adoption of more stringent environmental laws. Such future developments could result in increased environmental costs and liabilities and could require significant capital and other ongoing expenditures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results. In addition, the presence of environmental contamination at the Company’s properties could adversely affect its ability to sell property, receive full value for a property, or use a property as collateral for a loan. Acuity Brands may develop unexpected legal contingencies or lose insurance coverage. Acuity Brands is subject to various claims, including legal claims arising in the normal course of business. The Company is insured up to specified limits for certain types of claims with a self-insurance retention of $0.5 million per occurrence, including product liability claims, and is fully self-insured for certain other types of claims, including environmental, product recall, commercial disputes, and patent infringement. 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 In the event of unexpected future higher or developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolutions of such matters, if unfavorable, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows. In addition, Acuity Brands cannot guarantee that it will be able to maintain current levels of insurance coverage for all matters that are currently insured for costs that the Company considers reasonable. The Company’s insurance coverage is negotiated on an annual basis, and insurance policies in the future may have coverage exclusions that could cause claim-related costs to rise. than the amounts reserved for such claims. lower Acuity Brands may pursue future growth through strategic acquisitions and alliances which may not yield anticipated benefits. The Company has previously endeavored, and may again endeavor to improve the business through strategic acquisitions and alliances. The Company will gain from such activity only to the extent that it can effectively leverage the assets, including personnel, and operating processes of the acquired businesses and alliances. Uncertainty is inherent within the acquisition and alliance process, and unforeseen circumstances arising from future acquisitions or alliances could offset their anticipated benefits. Any of these factors could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, including its ability to generate positive operating cash flows. 12 Technological developments by competitors could affect the Company’s operating profit margins and sales volume. The Company is highly engaged in the investigation, development, and implementation of new technologies. Securing key partnerships and alliances as well as employee talent, including having access to technologies generated by others and the obtaining of appropriate patents, play a significant role in protecting Acuity Brands’ the continual development of new technologies (e.g., LEDs and lamp ballast systems) by existing and new source suppliers looking for either direct market access or partnership with competing large manufacturers, the coupled with significant associated exclusivity and/or patent activity, could adversely affect Company’s ability to sustain operating profit margin and desirable levels of volume. intellectual property and development activities. However, Acuity Brands may be unable to sustain significant customer relationships. Relationships forged with customers, including The Home Depot, which represents approximately 11% of the total net sales for fiscal year 2008, are directly impacted by the Company’s ability to deliver high quality products and service. Acuity Brands does not have a written contract obligating The Home Depot to purchase its products. The loss of or substantial decrease in the volume of purchases by The Home Depot would harm the Company’s sales and profitability. Innovation in design and technology achieved by competitors and implemented in their products could have a negative impact on customer acceptance of the Company’s products. If Acuity Brands products are improperly designed, manufactured, packaged, or labeled, the Company may need to recall those items and could be the target of product liability claims if consumers are injured. The Company may need to recall some of its products if they are improperly designed, manufactured, packaged, or labeled. The Company’s quality control procedures relating to the raw materials, including packaging, that it receives from third-party suppliers, as well as the Company’s quality control procedures relating to its products after those products are designed, manufactured and packaged, may not be sufficient. Acuity Brands has previously initiated product recalls as a result of potentially faulty components, assembly, installation, and packaging of its products, and widespread product recalls could result in significant losses due to the costs of a recall, the destruction of product inventory, and lost sales due to the unavailability of product for a period of time. Acuity Brands may also be liable if the use of any of its products causes injury, and could suffer losses from a significant product liability judgment against the Company. A significant product recall or product liability case could also result in adverse publicity, damage to the Company’s reputation, and a loss of consumer confidence in its products, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial results, and cash flow. Acuity Brands could be adversely affected by disruptions of its operations. Breakdown of equipment or other events, including catastrophic events such as war or natural disasters, leading to production interruptions in the Company’s plants could have a material adverse effect on its financial results. Further, because many of the Company’s customers are, to varying degrees, dependent on planned deliveries from the Company’s plants, those customers that have to reschedule their own production or delay opening a facility due to the Company’s missed deliveries could pursue financial claims against Acuity Brands. The Company may incur costs to correct any of these problems, in addition to facing claims from customers. Further, the Company’s reputation among actual and potential customers may be harmed, resulting in a loss of business. While the Company maintains insurance policies covering, among other things, physical damage, business interruptions and product liability, these policies may not cover all losses and the Company could incur uninsured losses and liabilities arising from such events, including losses in operational capacity, any of damage to its reputation, loss of customers, and suffer substantial which could have a material adverse effect on its financial results and cash flow. 13 Risks Related to Ownership of Acuity Brands Common Stock The market price and trading volume of the Company’s shares may be volatile. The market price of the Company’s common shares could fluctuate significantly for many reasons, including for reasons unrelated to the Company’s specific performance, such as reports by industry analysts, investor perceptions, or negative announcements by customers, competitors or suppliers regarding their own performance, as well as general economic and industry conditions. For example, to the extent that other large companies within Acuity Brands’ industry experience declines in their share price, the Company’s share price may decline as well. In addition, when the market price of a company’s shares drops significantly, shareholders could institute securities class action lawsuits against the company. A lawsuit against the Company could cause the Company to incur substantial costs and could divert the time and attention of the Company’s management and other resources. Risks Related to the Spin-off of Zep Inc. Failure of the distribution to qualify as a tax-free transaction could result in substantial liability. Acuity Brands has received a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that, among other things, the spin-off (including certain related transactions) qualifies as tax-free to Acuity Brands, Zep Inc., and Acuity Brands stockholders for United States federal income tax purposes under section 355 and related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Although a private letter ruling generally is binding on the Internal Revenue Service, if the factual assumptions or representations made in the private letter ruling request are untrue or incomplete in any material respect, then Acuity Brands will not be able to rely on the ruling. Moreover, the Internal Revenue Service will not rule on whether a distribution of shares satisfies certain requirements necessary to obtain tax-free treatment under section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code. Rather, the private letter ruling is based upon representations by Acuity Brands that those requirements have been satisfied, and any inaccuracy in those representations could invalidate the ruling. those requirements will be satisfied. The opinion is based on, among other Acuity Brands has received an opinion of King & Spalding LLP, counsel to Acuity Brands, to the effect that, with respect to the requirements referred to above on which the Internal Revenue Service will not rule, things, certain assumptions and representations as to factual matters made by Acuity Brands and Zep Inc. which, if untrue or incomplete in any material respect, could jeopardize the conclusions reached by counsel in its opinion. The opinion is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or the courts, and the Internal Revenue Service or the courts may not agree with the opinion. If the spin-off fails to qualify for tax-free treatment, a substantial corporate tax would be payable by Acuity Brands, measured by the difference between (1) the aggregate fair market value of the shares of Zep common stock on the date of the spin-off and (2) Acuity Brands’ adjusted tax basis in the shares of Zep common stock on the date of the spin-off. The corporate level tax would be payable by Acuity Brands. However, Zep has agreed under certain circumstances to indemnify Acuity Brands for this tax liability. In addition, under the applicable Treasury regulations, each member of Acuity Brands’ consolidated group at the time of the spin-off (including Zep) is severally liable for such tax liability. Furthermore, if the spin-off does not qualify as tax-free, each Acuity Brands stockholder generally would be taxed as if he or she had received a cash distribution equal to the fair market value of the shares of Zep common stock on the date of the spin-off. Even if the spin-off otherwise qualifies as tax-free, Acuity Brands nevertheless could incur a substantial corporate tax liability under section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code, if 50 percent or more of the stock of Acuity Brands or Zep were to be acquired as part of a “plan (or a series of related transactions)” that includes the distribution. For this purpose, any acquisitions of the stock of Acuity Brands or of Zep 14 stock that occur within two years before or after the spin-off are presumed to be part of such a plan, although Acuity Brands may be able to rebut that presumption. If such an acquisition of the stock of Acuity Brands or of Zep stock triggers the application of section 355(e), Acuity Brands would recognize taxable gain as described above, but the spin-off would generally remain tax-free to the Acuity Brands stockholders. If acquisitions of Zep’s stock trigger the application of section 355(e), Zep would be obligated to indemnify Acuity Brands for the resulting corporate-level tax liability. 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 leased by the Company. The following listing summarizes the significant facility categories: the operating facilities owned or Nature of Facilities Owned Leased Manufacturing Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warehouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distribution Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 — 1 7 4 4 5 25 The following table provides additional geographic information related to Acuity Brands’ manufacturing facilities: Owned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leased . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . United States 6 1 7 Mexico Europe Total 5 1 6 1 2 3 12 4 16 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 may continue to result in the consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities. However, the Company believes that the remaining facilities will have sufficient capacity to serve the current and projected needs of its customers. Subsequent to fiscal 2008, the Company announced plans to accelerate its ongoing programs to streamline operations including the consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities and the reduction of certain overhead costs. The impact of these actions will result in the closure of two manufacturing facilities and the downsizing of a third facility in the United States. These actions will allow the Company to better leverage efficiencies in its supply chain and support areas, while funding continued investments in other areas that support future growth opportunities. 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. Acuity Brands is self-insured up to specified limits for certain types of claims, including product liability, and is fully self-insured for certain other types of claims, 15 including environmental, product recall, and patent infringement. Based on information currently available, it is the opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of pending and threatened legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of Acuity Brands. However, in the event of unexpected future developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of any such matters, if unfavorable, could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of Acuity Brands in future periods. Acuity Brands establishes reserves for legal claims when the costs associated with the claims become probable and can be reasonably estimated. The actual costs of resolving legal claims may be substantially higher than the amounts reserved for such claims. However, the Company cannot make a meaningful estimate of actual costs to be incurred that could possibly be higher or lower than the amounts reserved. 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 substantially higher or lower than that reserved due to difficulty in estimating such costs. 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, 2008. 16 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities The common stock of Acuity Brands is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AYI.” At October 23, 2008, there were 4,116 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 2007 First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $54.48 $42.31 Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60.18 $48.71 Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $62.16 $51.57 Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $66.89 $46.95 2008 First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $54.42 $34.04 Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $48.61 $36.33 Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $53.91 $38.40 Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $53.74 $36.89 $0.15 $0.15 $0.15 $0.15 $0.15 $0.13 $0.13 $0.13 Effective October 31, 2007, Acuity Brands completed the spin-off of Zep Inc. Prices per share after October 31, 2007 reflect the impact of the spin-off. Prices per share prior to October 31, 2007 do not reflect any adjustment as a result of the spin-off. As a result of the spin-off, Acuity Brands announced plans to pay quarterly dividends on its common stock at an initial annual rate of $0.52 per share. All decisions regarding the declaration and payment of dividends are at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Acuity Brands and will be evaluated from time to time in light of Acuity Brands’ financial condition, earnings, growth prospects, funding requirements, applicable law, and any other factors that the Acuity Brands board deems relevant. The information required by this item with respect to equity compensation plans is included under the caption Equity Compensation Plans in the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 8, 2009, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference. The following table reflects activity related to equity securities purchased by the Company during the quarter ended August 31, 2008: Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs 6/01/08 – 6/30/08 . . . . . . . . . . . 7/01/08 – 7/31/08 . . . . . . . . . . . 8/01/08 – 8/31/08 . . . . . . . . . . . Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 428,300 59,400 487,700 $ — $39.82 $41.10 $39.98 — 428,300 59,400 487,700 1,000,000 571,700 512,300 512,300 The maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the program equals 512,300. Since October 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of ten million shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock, of which approximately 9.5 million had been repurchased as of August 31, 2008. 17 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, 2008. Amounts have been restated to reflect the specialty products business as discontinued operations as a result of the spin-off. Refer to Part 1 Item 1 above for additional information regarding the spin-off. This historical 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. information may not be indicative of 2008 2007* 2006* 2005* 2004* Years Ended August 31, (In thousands, except per-share data) Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,026,644 $1,964,781 $1,841,039 $1,637,902 $1,580,498 Income from Continuing Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148,632 128,687 79,671 24,676 42,407 Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (377) 19,367 26,891 Net Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Basic earnings per share from 148,255 148,054 106,562 27,553 52,229 24,807 67,214 Continuing Operations . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3.66 $ 3.02 $ 1.82 $ 0.57 $ 1.01 Basic earnings (loss) per share from Discontinued Operations . . . . . . . . . (0.01) 0.45 0.61 0.64 Basic earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3.65 $ 3.48 $ 2.43 $ 1.21 $ 0.59 1.60 Diluted earnings per share from Continuing Operations . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3.57 $ 2.93 $ 1.75 $ 0.55 $ 0.98 Diluted earnings (loss) per share from Discontinued Operations . . . . . . . . . (0.01) 0.44 0.59 0.62 Diluted earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . $ 3.56 $ 3.37 $ 2.34 $ 1.17 $ 0.57 1.56 Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total assets* Long-term debt (less current maturities) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash dividends declared per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297,096 1,408,691 213,674 1,617,867 80,520 1,444,116 86,740 1,442,215 11,070 1,356,452 203,953 363,936 575,546 363,877 363,877 671,966 363,802 363,802 475,476 363,737 363,737 491,636 381,662 386,611 434,486 0.54 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 * Total assets for years ended August 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004 include amounts related to discontinued operations. 18 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 included within this report. 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, 2008 and 2007. For a more complete understanding of this discussion, please read the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report. Overview Company Acuity Brands Inc. is the parent company of Acuity Brands Lighting and other subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as “the Company”). Acuity Brands, with its principal office in Atlanta, Georgia, employs approximately 6,500 people worldwide. (“Acuity Brands”) The Company designs, produces, and distributes a broad array of indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures and related products and services for commercial and institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications for various markets throughout North America and select international markets. The Company 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. As of August 31, 2008, the Company operates 16 manufacturing facilities and six distribution facilities along with four warehouses to serve its extensive customer base. Acuity Brands completed the Spin-off of its specialty products business, Zep, on October 31, 2007, by distributing all of the shares of Zep common stock, par value $.01 per share, to the Company’s stockholders of record as of October 17, 2007. The Company’s stockholders received one Zep share, together with an associated preferred stock purchase right, for every two shares of the Company’s common stock they owned. Stockholders received cash in lieu of fractional shares for amounts less than one full Zep share. As a result of the Spin-off, the Company’s financial statements have been prepared with the net assets, results of operations, and cash flows of the specialty products business presented as discontinued operations. All historical statements have been restated to conform to this presentation. Strategy Throughout 2008, Acuity Brands made significant progress towards key initiatives designed to enhance and streamline its operations, including its product development and service capabilities, to create a stronger, more effective organization that is capable of consistently achieving its long-term financial goals, which are as follows: (cid:129) Generating operating margins in excess of 12%; (cid:129) Growing earnings per share in excess of 15% per annum; (cid:129) Providing a return on stockholders’ equity of 20% or better; (cid:129) Maintaining the Company’s debt to total capitalization ratio below 40%; and (cid:129) Generating cash flow from operations less capital expenditures that is in excess of net income. 19 To increase the probability of the Company achieving these financial goals, management will continue to implement programs to enhance its capabilities at providing unparalleled customer service; creating a globally competitive cost structure by eliminating non-value added activities, lowering transaction costs, and improving productivity; and introducing new and innovative products and services more rapidly and the Company has invested considerable resources to teach and train cost effectively. associates to utilize tools and techniques that accelerate success in these key areas as well as to create a culture that demands excellence through continuous 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. In addition, Liquidity and Capital Resources Principle sources of liquidity for Acuity Brands are cash on hand, operating cash flows generated primarily from its business operations and various sources of borrowings. The ability of Acuity Brands to generate sufficient cash flow from operations and access certain capital markets, including borrowing from banks, is necessary for Acuity Brands to fund its operations, to pay dividends, to meet its obligations as they become due, and to maintain compliance with covenants contained in its financing agreements. investments, Based on its cash on hand, availability under existing financing arrangements and current projections of cash flow from operations, Acuity Brands believes that it will be able to meet its liquidity needs over the next 12 months. These needs are expected to include funding its operations as currently planned, making funding foreseen improvement funding certain potential acquisitions, anticipated capital initiatives, paying quarterly stockholder dividends as currently anticipated, paying principal and interest on borrowings as currently scheduled, and making required contributions into the Company’s employee benefit plans, as well as potentially repurchasing shares of Acuity Brands’ outstanding common stock as authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors. Since October 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of ten million shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock, of which approximately 9.5 million had been repurchased as of August 31, 2008. The Company currently expects to invest approximately $35.0 to $40.0 million primarily for equipment, tooling, and new and enhanced information technology capabilities during fiscal year 2009. The Company expects to contribute approximately $3.8 million during fiscal year 2009 to fund its defined benefit plans. Barring any significant cash requirements for possible acquisitions, the Company currently intends to use cash on hand to pay off the $160 million in publicly traded notes that are scheduled to mature during the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Looking beyond fiscal 2009, the Company has $200 million of public notes scheduled to mature during fiscal 2010. The Company believes that it will be able to either refinance or retire these notes as they come due based on current cash balances, the recently executed $250 million 5-year Revolving Credit Facility maturing in October 2012, and future cash provided by operations. Cash Flow if any, to fund operations and capital expenditures, Acuity Brands uses available cash and cash flow from operations as well as proceeds from the exercise of to fund stock options, acquisitions, and to pay dividends. During fiscal 2008, Acuity Brands received $4.5 million in cash from stock issuances in connection with stock option exercises and employee stock purchases and a cash dividend from Zep of $58.4 million as part of the Spin-off. These receipts were more than offset by returns to shareholders during the period in the form of repurchases of Acuity Brands’ common stock totaling $155.7 million and the payment of $22.5 million in dividends. Acuity Brands’ available cash position at August 31, 2008 was $297.1 million, an increase of $83.4 million from August 31, 2007. The increase in Acuity Brands’ available cash position was due primarily to the contribution from operating activities discussed below, the dividend received from Zep, and the proceeds from the exercise of stock options partially offset by the repurchase of stock, dividends paid, and capital investments. to repurchase stock, 20 The Company generated $221.8 million of net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations during fiscal year 2008 compared with $208.7 million generated in the prior-year period, an increase of $13.1 million or 6.3%. Net cash provided by operating activities increased due primarily to higher income from continuing operations and the cash flow impact of decreased operating working capital (calculated by adding accounts receivable, net, plus inventories, and subtracting accounts payable) and less prepayments and certain other current assets, partially offset by decreased accrued liabilities. Changes in operating working capital provided cash of approximately $22.8 million and $16.0 million during fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively. The variance during fiscal 2008 is due primarily to improved collections of accounts receivable partially offset by lower accounts payable. The decrease in accrued liabilities during fiscal year 2008 is due in part to payments under the Company’s variable incentive plans and for periodic tax filings. Operating working capital as a percentage of net sales at the end of fiscal 2008 decreased to 10.3% from 11.8% in fiscal 2007. At August 31, 2008, the current ratio (calculated as total current assets divided by total current liabilities) of the Company was 1.4 compared with 1.8 at August 31, 2007. Management believes that investing in assets and programs that will over time increase the overall return on its invested capital is a key factor in driving stockholder value. The Company invested $27.2 million and $31.5 million in fiscal year 2008 and 2007, respectively, primarily for new tooling, machinery, equipment, and information technology. As noted above, the Company expects to invest approximately $35.0 to $40.0 million for new plant, equipment, tooling, and new and enhanced information technology capabilities during fiscal year 2009. Barring any significant cash requirements for possible acquisitions, the Company currently intends to use cash on hand to pay off the $160 million in publicly traded notes that are scheduled to mature during the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations at August 31, 2008: Payments Due by Period Total Less than One Year 1 to 3 Years 4 to 5 Years After 5 Years Long-Term Debt(1) Interest Obligations(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating Leases(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchase Obligations(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Long-term Liabilities(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $363,936 $159,983 $199,953 $ — $ 4,000 52,716 3,812 — 28,774 14,801 153,259 6,582 136,030 51,361 155,829 52,229 17,417 11,182 10 10,100 37,123 21,566 2,560 12,509 23,038 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $759,385 $363,399 $273,711 $38,709 $83,566 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) These amounts (which represent the amounts outstanding at August 31, 2008) are included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 5: Debt and Lines of Credit for additional information regarding debt and other matters. These amounts represent the expected future interest payments on debt held by the Company at August 31, 2008 and the Company’s loans related to its corporate-owned life insurance policies (“COLI”). The substantial majority of interest payments on debt included in this table is based on a fixed rate. COLI-related interest payments included in this table are estimates. These estimates are based on various assumptions, including age at death, loan interest rate, and tax bracket. The amounts in this table do not include COLI-related payments after ten years due to the difficulty in calculating a meaningful estimate that far in the future. Note that payments related to debt and the COLI are reflected on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company’s operating lease obligations are described in Note 8: Commitments and Contingencies. 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. 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 amounts 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 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 4: Pension and Profit Sharing Plans for additional information. 21 Capitalization The current capital structure of the Company is comprised principally of senior notes and equity of its stockholders. As of August 31, 2008, the Company had no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility discussed below. As of August 31, 2008, total debt outstanding of $363.9 million remained substantially unchanged from August 31, 2007 and consisted primarily of fixed-rate obligations. On October 19, 2007, the Company executed a $250 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) that replaced the $200 million revolving credit facility scheduled to mature in January 2009. During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company wrote off $0.3 million in deferred financing costs as additional interest expense in connection with this replacement. The Revolving Credit Facility matures in October 2012 and contains financial covenants including a minimum interest coverage ratio and a leverage ratio (“Maximum Leverage Ratio”) of total indebtedness to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization expense), as such terms are defined in the Revolving Credit Facility agreement. These ratios are computed at the end of each fiscal quarter for the most recent 12-month period. The Revolving Credit Facility allows for a Maximum Leverage Ratio of 3.50, subject to certain conditions defined in the financing agreement. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants and had no outstanding borrowings at August 31, 2008 under the Revolving Credit Facility. At August 31, 2008, the Company had additional borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility of $241.3 million under the most restrictive covenant in effect at the time, which represents the full amount of the Revolving Credit Facility less outstanding letters of credit of $8.7 million. Acuity Brands has $160 million of public notes scheduled to mature during February 2009 and $200 million of public notes scheduled to mature in August 2010. The Company believes that it will be able to either refinance or retire these notes as they come due based on current cash balances, the recently executed $250 million 5-year Revolving Credit Facility maturing in October 2012, and future cash provided by operations. See Note 5: Debt and Lines of Credit of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. During fiscal year 2008, the Company’s consolidated stockholders’ equity decreased $96.5 million to $575.5 million at August 31, 2008 from $672.0 million at August 31, 2007. The decrease was due primarily to the distribution of Zep, the repurchase of outstanding common stock and the payment of dividends, partially offset by net income earned in the period as well as stock issuances resulting from the exercise of stock options and purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The Company’s debt total debt and total to total capitalization ratio (calculated by dividing total debt by the sum of stockholders’ equity) was 38.7% and 35.1% at August 31, 2008 and August 31, 2007, respectively. The ratio of debt, net of cash, to total capitalization, net of cash, was 10.4% at August 31, 2008 and 18.3% at August 31, 2007. Dividends Acuity Brands paid cash dividends on common stock of $22.5 million ($0.54 per share) during 2008 compared with $26.4 million ($0.60 per share) in 2007. Acuity Brands currently plans to pay quarterly dividends at a rate of $0.13 per share. All decisions regarding the declaration and payment of dividends by Acuity Brands are at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Acuity Brands and will be evaluated from time to time in light of Acuity Brands’ financial condition, earnings, growth prospects, funding requirements, applicable law, and any other factors the Acuity Brands’ board deems relevant. 22 Results of Operations Fiscal 2008 Compared with Fiscal 2007 The following table sets forth information comparing the components of net income for the year ended August 31, 2008 with the year ended August 31, 2007: ($ in millions, except per-share data) Years Ended August 31, 2008 2007 Increase (Decrease) Percent Change Net Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,026.6 $1,964.8 1,220.5 Cost of Products Sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,210.8 $ 61.8 (9.7) Gross Profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 815.8 744.3 71.5 3.1% (0.8)% 9.6% Percent of net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . Special Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating Profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40.3% 37.9% 540.1 14.6 261.1 521.9 — 222.4 240bp 18.2 14.6 3.5% 100.0% 38.7 17.4% Percent of net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.9% 11.3% 160bp Other Expense (Income) Interest Expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous Expense (Income) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Other Expense (Income) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28.4 2.1 30.5 29.9 (1.6) 28.3 (1.5) 3.7 2.2 (5.0)% 231.3% 7.8% Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230.6 194.2 36.4 18.7% Percent of net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provision for Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Effective tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income from Continuing Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of tax . . . . . . 11.4% 81.9 35.5% 148.6 (0.4) 9.9% 65.5 33.7% 128.7 19.4 150bp 16.4 25.0% 19.9 (19.8) 15.5% (102.1)% Net Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 148.3 $ 148.1 $ 0.2 0.1% Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations . . . . . . $ 3.57 $ 2.93 $ 0.64 21.8% Results from Continuing Operations Net sales were $2,026.6 million for fiscal 2008 compared with $1,964.8 million reported in the prior-year period, an increase of $61.8 million, or 3.1%. For fiscal 2008, the Company reported income from continuing operations of $148.6 million (including a $9.1 million after-tax special charge for estimated costs the Company incurred to simplify and streamline its operations as a result of the Spin-off) compared with $128.7 million earned in fiscal 2007. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $3.57 (including $0.21 loss related to the special charge) for fiscal 2008 as compared with $2.93 reported for fiscal 2007, an increase of 21.8%. On July 17, 2007, Acuity Brands acquired substantially all the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Mark Architectural Lighting. Mark Architectural Lighting, located in Edison, New Jersey, is a specification- oriented manufacturer of high-quality lighting products. The acquisition gives the Company a stronger presence in the Northeast, particularly the New York City metropolitan area, and is a complement to the 23 Center for Light+Space, the Company’s sales and marketing office in New York City. Mark Architectural Lighting, which had fiscal 2006 sales of over $22 million, will continue operations in its existing facility, focusing on key customers and competencies. The operating results of Mark Architectural Lighting have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Net Sales The 3.1% increase in net sales is due primarily to an enhanced mix of products sold and improved pricing. The Company’s sales and profitability continue to benefit from a disciplined approach to pricing and a richer mix of new and innovative products sold at higher per unit sales prices that offer customers greater benefits and features, such as more energy efficiency and an improved lighting experience. The Company estimates that greater shipments of the Company’s products both for new construction and relighting of existing non-residential buildings, excluding large retailers, increased by approximately 2% in fiscal year 2008 compared with 2007, partially offset by an approximately 3% decline in volume resulting from weakness in the residential market and reduced new store openings by certain large retailers. The Mark Architectural Lighting acquisition contributed approximately $18.0 million incrementally to net sales for fiscal 2008. Additionally, favorable foreign currency fluctuation added approximately $19.1 million to the increase in net sales in fiscal 2008. Gross Profit Gross profit margins increased 240 basis points to 40.3% of net sales for fiscal 2008 from 37.9% reported for the prior-year period. Gross profit increased $71.5 million, or 9.6% to $815.8 million for fiscal 2008 compared with $744.3 million for the prior-year period. The improvement in gross profit and gross profit margin was largely attributable to improved pricing and a greater mix of higher-margin products sold. In addition, benefits from the contribution of Mark Architectural Lighting and programs to improve productivity and quality contributed to the increased profitability. These gains offset increases in costs for raw materials, components, and freight as well as increases associated with employee wages and related benefits and freight costs. Operating Profit Selling, Distribution, and Administrative (“SD&A”) expenses were $540.1 million for fiscal 2008 compared with $521.9 million in the prior-year period, which represented an increase of $18.2 million, or 3.5%. Approximately half of the increase in SD&A expenses was due to higher commissions paid to the Company’s sales forces and agents, which typically vary directly with sales. Additionally, fiscal 2007 was favorably impacted by a $6.6 million pre-tax gain (net of related legal costs) resulting from a settlement for a commercial dispute involving reimbursement of warranty and product liability costs associated with a product line purchased from a third party in fiscal year 2002. The balance of the increase in SD&A expenses was due primarily to an increase in the Company’s investment in product marketing and development activities and the impact from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates partially offset by lower expenses for the Company’s other general and administrative costs due to cost containment programs. Merit based and inflationary wage increases were fully offset by benefits from the actions taken during fiscal 2008 to streamline and simplify operations. Gross profit less SD&A expenses was $275.7 million in fiscal 2008 compared with $222.4 million in the prior-year period, which represented an increase of $53.3 million, or 24.0%. The increase was due to gross profit improvements partially offset by increased SD&A expenses as noted above. The Company believes this measure provides greater comparability and enhanced visibility into the improvements realized. 24 As part of the Company’s initiative to streamline and simplify operations, largely in connection with actions related to the Spin-off, the Company recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2008 a pre-tax charge of $14.6 million to reflect severance and related employee benefit costs associated with the elimination of certain positions worldwide and the costs associated with the early termination of certain leases. Operating profit was $261.1 million for fiscal 2008 compared with $222.4 million reported for the prior- year period, an increase of $38.7 million, or 17.4%. Operating profit margin increased 160 basis points to 12.9% compared with 11.3% in the year-ago period. The improvement in operating profit in fiscal 2008 compared with the prior-year period was due primarily to the increased gross profit noted above, partially offset by the $14.6 million special charge and the $6.6 million favorable commercial dispute settlement in the prior-year period. Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Taxes Other expense for Acuity Brands consists primarily of interest expense and foreign exchange rate gain or loss. Interest expense, net, was $28.4 million and $29.9 million for fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively. Interest expense, net, decreased 5.0% in fiscal 2008 compared with fiscal 2007 due primarily to greater interest income earned on higher invested cash balances, partially offset by lower short-term interest rates. The fluctuation in miscellaneous expense (income) is primarily due to the impact of exchange rates on foreign currency transactions and other non-operating items. Provision for Income Taxes and Income from Continuing Operations Income from continuing operations for fiscal 2008 increased $19.9 million to $148.6 million (including $9.1 million after-tax for the special charge) from $128.7 million reported for the prior-year period. The increase in income from continuing operations resulted primarily from the above noted increase in operating profit, partially offset by higher tax expense. The effective income tax rate reported by the Company was 35.5% and 33.7% for fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively. The current period tax rate was adversely affected by taxes related to the repatriation of foreign cash and increased income in jurisdictions with higher tax rates. The Company estimates that the effective tax rate for fiscal 2009 will be approximately 35.5%. Results from Discontinued Operations and Net Income The loss from discontinued operations for fiscal 2008 was $0.4 million, a decrease of $19.8 million from the prior-year period income of $19.4 million. The decrease was due primarily to the contribution of only two months of operating results in fiscal 2008 rather than a full year in fiscal 2007. In addition, discontinued operations were negatively impacted by approximately $5.5 million in costs related to the Spin-off during the first quarter of fiscal 2008. These non-tax deductible costs consist primarily of legal, accounting, financial advice and other professional fees to complete the Spin-off. Net income for fiscal 2008 increased $0.2 million to $148.3 million from $148.1 million reported for the prior-year period. The increase in net income resulted primarily from the above noted increase in income from continuing operations, partially offset by the results from discontinued operations. 25 Fiscal 2007 Compared with Fiscal 2006 The following table sets forth information comparing the components of net income for the year ended August 31, 2007 with the year ended August 31, 2006: ($ in millions, except per-share data) Years Ended August 31, 2007 2006 Increase (Decrease) Percent Change Net Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,964.8 $1,841.0 1,188.2 Cost of Products Sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,220.5 $123.8 32.3 6.7% 2.7% Gross Profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 744.3 652.8 91.5 14.0% Percent of net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . Impairment Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating Profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37.9% 35.5% 521.9 — 222.4 500.4 0.3 152.1 240bp 21.5 (0.3) 4.3% (100.0)% 70.3 46.2% Percent of net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.3% 8.3% 300bp Other Expense (Income) Interest Expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous Expense (Income) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Other Expense (Income) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29.9 (1.6) 28.3 33.0 0.3 33.3 (3.1) (1.9) (5.0) (9.4)% (633.3)% (15.0)% Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194.2 118.8 75.4 63.5% Percent of net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provision for Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Effective tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income from Continuing Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income from Discontinued Operations, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . 9.9% 65.5 33.7% 128.7 19.4 6.5% 39.2 33.0% 79.7 26.9 Net Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 148.1 $ 106.6 $ 41.5 Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations . . . . . . $ 2.93 $ 1.75 $ 1.18 340bp 26.3 67.1% 49.0 (7.5) 61.5% (27.9)% 38.9% 67.4% Results from Continuing Operations Net sales were $1,964.8 million in 2007 compared with $1,841.0 million reported in 2006, an increase of $123.8 million, or 6.7%. For the year ended August 31, 2007, the Company reported income from continuing operations of $128.7 million compared with $79.7 million earned in 2006. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.93 in 2007 as compared with $1.75 reported in 2006, an increase of 67.4%. Net Sales The Company reported net sales of $1,964.8 million and $1,841.0 million for the years ending August 31, 2007, and 2006, respectively, an increase of $123.8 million, or 6.7%. The increase in net sales was due primarily to higher selling prices, enhanced mix of products sold, sales of new products, and increased shipments due largely to volume growth in key non-residential markets. More than three quarters of the increase in net sales was due to improved pricing and an enhanced mix of product sold. Pricing actions taken by the Company were made necessary by increases in raw material and component costs as well as inflationary cost increases. Net sales also benefited from favorable foreign currency fluctuation of $7.4 million. Additionally, operations of the newly acquired Mark Architectural Lighting contributed $3.5 million to the growth in net sales during fiscal 2007. The purchase of Mark Architectural Lighting is discussed further in Note 10: Acquisitions of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 26 Gross Profit Gross profit margins increased to 37.9% of net sales in 2007 from 35.5% in 2006. Gross profit increased $91.5 million, or 14.0% to $744.3 million in 2007 compared with $652.8 million in 2006. The improvement in gross profit and gross profit margin was largely attributable to improved pricing, incremental margins on overall volume growth, and an enhanced mix of products sold including new, more energy efficient products introduced over the last three years. These gains more than offset raw materials and component cost increases in excess of $20 million as well as increases in costs associated with employee wages and related benefits. Operating Profit SD&A expenses increased $21.5 million, or 4.3%, to $521.9 million in 2007 compared to $500.4 million in 2006. The increase was primarily due to an increase in costs that typically vary with sales including commissions paid to the Company’s sales force, bonuses designed to reward profitable growth of revenues, and freight pertaining to shipments to customers; and by increased costs related to efforts to improve productivity and customer service. SD&A expenses were also negatively affected by merit based and inflationary wage increases as well as an increase in the cost of the Company’s property and casualty insurance programs. These increases were partially offset by the favorable impact in fiscal 2007 of a $6.6 million pre-tax gain (net of related legal costs) pertaining to a commercial dispute involving reimbursement of warranty and product liability costs associated with a product line purchased from a third party in fiscal 2002. While SD&A expenses were higher in 2007 than 2006, SD&A expenses declined 60 basis points as a percentage of sales during the same period. Operating profit increased $70.3 million, or 46.2% in 2007 to $222.4 million from $152.1 million reported in 2006. Operating profit margins advanced approximately 300 basis points to 11.3% in 2007 from 8.3% in 2006. This increase is primarily due to the increase in gross profit discussed above partially offset by the increase in SD&A expenses. Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Taxes Other expense for Acuity Brands was made up primarily of interest expense and other non-operating items. Interest expense, net, was $29.9 million and $33.0 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively. Interest expense, net, decreased 9.4% in 2007 compared with 2006 due primarily to greater interest income earned on higher invested cash balances. Miscellaneous expense (income) consists primarily of gain or loss on foreign currency transactions and other non-operating items. Provision for Income Taxes and Income from Continuing Operations Income from continuing operations for 2007 increased $49.0 million to $128.7 million from $79.7 million reported in 2006. The increase in net income resulted primarily from the above-noted increase in operating profit and decrease in other expense, partially offset by higher tax expense. The effective income tax rate reported by the Company was 33.7% and 33.0% in 2007 and 2006, respectively. The 2007 tax rate was adversely affected by an increase in certain costs that are not deductible when computing taxable income including professional fees associated with the anticipated spin-off of the specialty products business. 27 Results from Discontinued Operations and Net Income Income from discontinued operations for 2007 decreased $7.5 million to $19.4 million from $26.9 million reported in 2006. The decrease was due primarily to the adverse impact of costs associated with environmental matters affecting the specialty products business. In May 2007, the specialty products business recorded a $5.0 million pre-tax charge representing the Company’s best estimate of costs associated with a company-initiated remediation plan for groundwater contamination identified at Zep’s primary manufacturing facility located in Atlanta, Georgia. In June 2007, the Company reached final resolution with regard to a previously disclosed investigation into certain of Zep’s environmental practices, and a $1.8 million charge was recorded during the year by the specialty products business in connection with this settlement. Additionally, discontinued operations incurred $2.1 million in professional fees related to the spin-off transaction. Net income for fiscal 2007 increased $41.5 million to $148.1 million from $106.6 million reported for the prior-year period. The increase in net income resulted primarily from the above noted increase in income from continuing operations offset by the decrease in income from discontinued operations. Outlook impacts capital The performance of Acuity Brands, like most companies, is influenced by a multitude of factors including the health of the economic environment. Today, it is clear many of the major economies and financial markets throughout the world are experiencing unprecedented volatility, creating uncertainty both for consumers and businesses. This situation is exacerbated by political uncertainties in many countries, including the United States. The vitality of the Company’s business is determined by underlying economic levels, credit availability, consumer demand, commodity costs and factors such as employment formation and risk taking by businesses and government policy, particularly as it commercial developers. As such, the current conditions make it difficult to forecast the direction or intensity of future economic activity. This is evidenced by some independent third party forecasting entities in late October 2008 adjusting their projections for non-residential construction in North America to be down upper single digit to lower double digit percentage points in unit volume year-over-year due to a forecasted decrease in spending as a result of these weak economic conditions and tighter lending requirements. While the Company’s backlog at August 31, 2008 increased 4% to $177.1 million from a comparable $170.3 million at the end of the prior year, management believes the increase was influenced by orders placed in advance of a price increase that went into effect at the end of August 2008, which could adversely affect orders during the first quarter of fiscal 2009. As a result of the economic uncertainty noted above, the Company is currently experiencing softness in incoming orders and expects orders to remain soft for the foreseeable future due to contracting North American and European construction activity. In addition, during much of fiscal 2008, the Company experienced significantly rising component and commodities prices, particularly for steel and petroleum. Prices on these commodities have recently declined somewhat, though management expects a high degree of volatility in pricing for these products to continue which could pressure the Company’s margins. While the Company has taken and expects to continue to take actions to recover higher component, raw material and freight costs through price increases, management does not believe competitive market forces will allow the Company to pass on more than these expected cost increases or to significantly retain current pricing on commodity sensitive products should those specific commodity costs sharply decline. To meet these market challenges and to better realize the opportunities, the Company is accelerating its continuous improvement efforts to streamline and enhance operations, reducing spending in certain areas and accelerating investments in others offering greater growth potential. The Company intends to record a special cash charge of approximately $17 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 related to the planned 28 the consolidation of certain manufacturing operations and a reduction in workforce. As a part of manufacturing consolidation, the Company also expects to incur an additional non-cash charge for the impairment of assets related to the closing of two manufacturing facilities and the downsizing of a third facility; however, the amount of such charge has not been determined at this time. The Company expects to realize benefits from these streamlining actions during fiscal year 2009 that will exceed the amount of the cash charge incurred. Upon completing the planned consolidation of the manufacturing operations, which is scheduled to be finished by the fiscal fourth quarter of 2009, the Company expects to realize annualized benefits of more than $36 million. These actions will directly impact approximately 800 personnel including both manufacturing positions and salaried positions in mostly non-customer interfacing areas of the business. These planned actions will enable the Company to redeploy and invest resources in other areas where the Company believes it can create greater value for all stakeholders and accelerate profitable growth opportunities, including a continued focus on industry- leading product innovation incorporating sustainable design, relighting, and customer connectivity. In addition, as part of these growth initiatives management expects to introduce more new products during the coming year than in any other period in its history, many of which will incorporate LED technology. The Company continues to invest and deploy resources to capitalize on growth opportunities in the renovation and relight markets offering new proprietary energy-efficient products and services to customers while also providing an aesthetically superior lighting environment. Management also sees opportunities to expand market presence in key markets, such as the New York City metropolitan area where the Company has historically had limited participation in this large and dynamic market. The Company expects cash flow from operations to remain strong in 2009 and intends to invest between $35 million and $40 million in capital expenditures during the year. Also, the Company estimates the annual tax rate to approximate 35.5% for 2009. Looking ahead to 2009 and beyond, management believes its focus on improving productivity, accelerating investments to introduce more innovative and energy-efficient products, expanding market presence in key sectors such as the renovation and relight markets, and enhancing services to customers will provide growth opportunities which will enable Acuity Brands to outperform the market. Additionally, management believes these actions and investments will position the Company to meet or exceed its long-term financial goals. Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R changes accounting for business combinations through a requirement to recognize 100 percent of the fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interests in acquisitions of less than a 100 percent controlling interest when the acquisition constitutes a change in control of the acquired entity. Other requirements include capitalization of acquired in-process research and development assets, expensing, as incurred, acquisition-related transaction costs and capitalizing restructuring charges as part of the acquisition only if requirements of SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, are met prior to the acquisition date. SFAS No. 141R is effective for business combination transactions for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and is therefore effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2010. The implementation of this guidance will affect the Company’s results of operations and financial position after its effective date only to the extent it completes applicable business combinations, and therefore, the impact cannot be determined at this time. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 establishes the economic entity concept of consolidated financial statements, stating that holders of residual economic interest in an 29 interest is related to only a portion of the entity have an equity interest in the entity, even if the residual to be presented as a separate entity. Therefore, SFAS No. 160 requires a noncontrolling interest component of equity. SFAS No. 160 also states that once control is obtained, a change in control that does not result in a loss of control should be accounted for as an equity transaction. The statement requires that a change resulting in a loss of control and deconsolidation is a significant event triggering gain or loss recognition and the establishment of a new fair value basis in any remaining ownership interests. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and is therefore effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2010. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 160 to have a material impact on its results of operations and financial position. In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits companies, at their election, to measure specified financial value on a instruments and warranty and insurance contracts at contract-by-contract basis, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each reporting period. The election, called the “fair value option,” will enable some companies to reduce the volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently, and it is easier than using the complex hedge-accounting requirements in SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, to achieve similar results. Subsequent changes in fair value for designated items will be required to be reported in earnings in the current period. SFAS No. 159 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and is therefore effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2009. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on September 1, 2008 and elected not to apply the fair value option; therefore, the adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. fair (with limited exceptions); and (c) In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R) (“SFAS No. 158”). SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to: (a) recognize in its statement of financial position the funded status of a benefit plan; (b) measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs pursuant to prior existing guidance. The provisions governing recognition of the funded status of a defined benefit plan and related disclosures became effective and were adopted by the Company at the end of fiscal year 2007. The requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year-end statement of financial position is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008, and is therefore effective for the Company in fiscal year 2009. The change in measurement date to August 31 will result in an adjustment to retained earnings of approximately $0.9 million. This adjustment will be recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2009. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure requirements pertaining to fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 related to financial assets and liabilities as well as other assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis are effective for the Company on September 1, 2008. The adoption of these provisions of SFAS No. 157 did not have a impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 related to other nonfinancial assets and liabilities will be effective for the Company on September 1, 2009. The Company does not expect the adoption of these provisions to have a material impact on its results of operations and financial position. 30 Accounting Standards Adopted in Fiscal 2008 In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement implications of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a company’s tax return. The interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosure of such positions. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, and was therefore effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. For additional information about the impact of FIN 48 on the Company’s results of operations and financial position, refer to Note 11: Income Taxes of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments (“SFAS No. 155”), which amends SFAS No. 133 and SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities (“SFAS No. 140”). SFAS No. 155 simplifies the accounting for certain derivatives embedded in other financial instruments by allowing them to be accounted for as a whole if the holder elects to account for the instrument on a fair value basis. SFAS No. 155 also clarifies and amends certain other provisions of SFAS No. 133 and SFAS No. 140. SFAS instruments acquired, issued, or subject to a remeasurement event No. 155 is effective for all financial occurring in fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006, and was therefore effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 155 did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations. 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 including goodwill and intangible assets; share-based compensation expense; medical, product warranty, and other reserves; litigation; and environmental matters. Management bases its estimates and judgments on its substantial historical experience and other relevant factors, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management discusses the development of accounting estimates with the Company’s Audit Committee. See Note 3: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the accounting policies of Acuity Brands. long-lived assets, The management of Acuity Brands believes the following represent the Company’s critical accounting estimates: Inventories Inventories include materials, direct labor, and related manufacturing overhead, and are stated 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. 31 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. 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. 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, but not its cash flows from operations. Specifically, Acuity Brands has three unamortized trade names with an aggregate carrying value of approximately $73.6 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 with 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 future after-tax cash flow in the valuation model. Accordingly, an would result impairment charge would be recorded at that time. At August 31, 2008, the estimated fair value of the Company’s trade names exceeds the aggregate carrying values of those assets. in lower expected, Self-Insurance It is the policy of Acuity Brands to self-insure, up to certain limits, traditional risks including workers’ compensation, comprehensive general liability, and auto liability. The Company’s self-insured retention for each claim involving workers’ compensation, comprehensive general liability (including product liability claims), and auto liability is limited to $0.5 million per occurrence of such claims. A provision for claims under this self-insured program, based on the Company’s estimate of the aggregate liability for claims incurred, is revised and recorded annually. The estimate is derived from both internal and external sources including but not limited to the Company’s independent actuary. Acuity Brands is also self-insured up to loss to property ($0.5 million per certain limits for certain other insurable risks, primarily physical occurrence) and business interruptions resulting from such loss lasting three days or more in duration. Insurance coverage is maintained for catastrophic property and casualty exposures as well as those risks required to be insured by law or contract. Acuity Brands is fully self-insured for certain other types of infringement. The actuarial estimates liabilities, calculated 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, future expense and cash flow. including environmental, product recall, and patent 32 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 necessary, annually. Although management believes that the current estimates are reasonable, significant differences related to claim reporting patterns, plan designs, legislation, and general economic conditions could materially affect the Company’s medical benefit plan liabilities, future expense and cash flow. Share-Based Compensation Expense On September 1, 2005, Acuity Brands adopted SFAS No. 123(R), which requires compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements based on the estimated fair value of the equity or liability instrument issued. Acuity Brands adopted SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified prospective method and applied it to the accounting for Acuity Brands’ stock options and restricted shares, and share units representing certain deferrals into the Director Deferred Compensation Plan or the Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan (both of which are discussed further in Note 7: Share Based Payments of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Under the modified prospective method, share-based expense recognized after adoption includes: (a) share-based expense for all awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of September 1, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and (b) share-based expense for all awards granted subsequent to September 1, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). Acuity Brands recorded $12.0 million, $11.1 million, and $11.4 million of share-based expense in continuing operations for the years ended August 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Amounts recorded for share-based expense in discontinued operations were $2.2 million and $2.6 million for the years ended August 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. SFAS No. 123(R) does not specify a preference for a type of valuation model to be used when measuring fair value of share-based payments, and Acuity Brands continues to employ the Black-Scholes model in deriving the fair value estimates of such awards. SFAS No. 123(R) requires forfeitures of share-based awards to be estimated at time of grant and revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from initial estimates. Therefore, expense related to share-based payments recognized in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Acuity Brands’ assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model remain otherwise unaffected by the implementation of this pronouncement. As of August 31, 2008 there was $24.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years. As of August 31, 2008, there was $2.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years. The cumulative effect of adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) in fiscal 2006 was insignificant to Acuity Brands’ result of operations. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience. If factors change causing different assumptions to be made in future periods, compensation expense recorded pursuant to SFAS No. 123(R) may differ significantly from that recorded in the current period. See Notes 3 and 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding the assumptions used in estimating the fair value of stock options. Product Warranty and Recall Costs The Company records an allowance for the estimated amount of future warranty costs when the related revenue is recognized, primarily based on historical experience of identified warranty claims. Excluding 33 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 and cash flow 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 or lower 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 or lower than that reserved primarily due to difficulty in estimating such costs and potential changes in the status of government regulations. The Company is self-insured for most environmental matters. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This filing contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements made herein that may be considered forward-looking include statements incorporating terms such as “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates” and similar terms that relate to future events, performance, or results of the Company. In addition, the Company, or the executive officers on the Company’s behalf, may from time to time make forward-looking statements in reports and other documents the Company files with the SEC or in connection with oral statements made to the press, investors or others. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation: (a) the Company’s potential projections regarding financial performance, liquidity, capital structure, capital expenditures, and dividends; (b) expectations about the impact of volatility and uncertainty in general economic conditions; (c) external forecasts projecting unit volume decline; (d) expectations about the impact of volatility and uncertainty in component and commodity costs and the Company’s ability to manage those costs as well as the Company’s response with pricing of its products; (e) the Company’s ability to execute and realize benefits from initiatives related to streamlining its operations, capitalizing on growth opportunities, expanding in key markets, enhancing service to the customer, and investing in product innovation; and (f) the Company’s ability to achieve its long-term financial goals and measures. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this annual report. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect any events or circumstances after the date of this annual report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The Company’s forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the historical experience of the Company and management’s present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, customer and supplier relationships and prices; competition; ability to realize anticipated benefits from initiatives taken and timing of benefits; market demand; litigation and other contingent liabilities; and economic, political, governmental, and technological factors affecting the Company. In addition, additional risks that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the Company’s forward-looking statements are discussed in Part I, “Item 1a. Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and are specifically incorporated herein by reference. 34 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 and foreign exchange rates as well as volatility in commodity prices. 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 long-term industrial revenue bonds, amounted to $4.0 million at August 31, 2008. Based on outstanding borrowings at year end, a 10% increase in market interest rates at August 31, 2008, would have resulted in a de minimus amount of additional annual after-tax interest expense. A fluctuation in interest rates would not affect interest expense or cash flows related to the $359.9 million publicly traded fixed-rate notes, the Company’s primary debt. A 10% increase in market interest rates at August 31, 2008, would have decreased the estimated fair value of these notes by approximately $2.4 million. See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, contained in this Form 10-K, for additional information regarding the Company’s debt. Foreign Exchange Rates. The majority of net sales, expense, and capital purchases of Acuity Brands are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, exposure with respect to foreign exchange rate fluctuation exists due to the Company’s operations in Canada, where a portion of products sold are sourced from the United States. A hypothetical decline in the Canadian dollar of 10% would negatively impact operating profit by approximately $8.0 million. Also, a portion of the goods sold in the United States are manufactured in Mexico. A hypothetical 10% increase in the Mexican peso would negatively impact operating profits by approximately $5.0 million. The impact of these hypothetical currency fluctuations has been calculated in isolation from any response the Company would undertake to address such exchange rate changes in the Company’s foreign markets. Commodity Prices. Acuity Brands utilizes a variety of raw materials and components in its production process including petroleum based products, steel, and aluminum. For example, the Company purchases approximately 120,000 tons of steel and aluminum per year on an annual basis depending on various factors including product mix. The Company estimates that approximately 5% of the raw materials purchased are petroleum-based and that approximately 3.5 million gallons of diesel fuel are consumed annually. Failure to effectively manage future increases in the costs of these items could adversely affect the ability to maintain or increase operating margins. 35 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Index to Consolidated Financial Statements Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-39 40 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2008 and 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended August 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended August 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended August 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43-44 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-73 89 Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 36 MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING ACUITY BRANDS, INC. The management of Acuity Brands, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2008. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of August 31, 2008, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on this assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. This report dated October 24, 2008 appears on page 39 of this Form 10-K. /s/ VERNON J. NAGEL Vernon J. Nagel Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer /s/ RICHARD K. REECE Richard K. Reece Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 37 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, 2008 and 2007, 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, 2008. 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Acuity Brands, Inc. at August 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2008, 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. As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, during the year ended August 31, 2007, the Company adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statement Nos. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).” As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, during the year ended August 31, 2006, the Company began recording share-based expense in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R) “Share-Based Payment”. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Acuity Brands, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of report dated October 24, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. the Treadway Commission and our /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Atlanta, Georgia October 24, 2008 38 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting The Board of Directors and Stockholders Acuity Brands, Inc. We have audited Acuity Brands, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Acuity Brands, We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material internal control over financial reporting, respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company’s 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 generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the company are being made only in accordance with and that authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. receipts and expenditures of Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. that In our opinion, Acuity Brands, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2008, based on the COSO criteria. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Acuity Brands, Inc. as of August 31, 2008 and 2007, 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, 2008 of Acuity Brands, Inc. and our report dated October 24, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Atlanta, Georgia October 24, 2008 /s/ Ernst & Young LLP 39 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share and per-share data) ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts receivable, less reserve for doubtful accounts of $1,640 at August 31, 2008 and $1,361 at August 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prepayments and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Current assets related to discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 31, 2008 August 31, 2007 $ 297,096 $ 213,674 268,971 145,725 18,251 26,104 — Total Current Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 756,147 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defined benefit plan intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other long-term assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long-term assets related to discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,501 126,450 334,641 470,592 309,086 161,506 342,306 129,319 2,226 1,078 16,109 — Total Other Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 491,038 Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,408,691 $1,617,867 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current Liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued pension liabilities, current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Current liabilities related to discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 159,983 205,776 67,463 1,252 88,092 — $ Total Current Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long-Term Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued Pension Liabilities, less current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self-Insurance Reserves, less current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Long-Term Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long-Term Liabilities related to discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 8) 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; 49,689,408 issued and 40,201,708 outstanding at August 31, 2008; and 49,323,225 issued and 43,314,625 outstanding at August 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasury stock, at cost, 9,487,700 shares at August 31, 2008 and 6,008,600 at 522,566 203,953 26,686 23,983 8,853 47,104 — — 497 626,435 366,904 (22,819) 493 611,701 313,850 (9,513) August 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (395,471) (244,565) Total Stockholders’ Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 575,546 671,966 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,408,691 $1,617,867 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 40 295,544 146,536 14,773 38,853 158,182 867,562 9,286 121,327 314,030 444,643 282,632 162,011 352,945 118,774 1,731 2,587 22,274 89,983 588,294 — 210,402 64,147 1,268 109,944 84,635 470,396 363,877 22,043 17,437 8,657 44,167 19,324 — ACUITY BRANDS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per-share data) Years Ended August 31, 2008 2007 2006 Net Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,026,644 $1,964,781 $1,841,039 1,188,202 Cost of Products Sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,210,849 1,220,466 Gross Profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . Impairment Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating Profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Expense (Income): Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous expense (income), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Other Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provision for Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income from Continuing Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 815,795 540,097 — 14,638 744,315 521,892 — — 261,060 222,423 28,415 2,095 30,510 230,550 81,918 148,632 (377) 29,851 (1,614) 28,237 194,186 65,499 128,687 19,367 652,837 500,426 292 — 152,119 33,017 279 33,296 118,823 39,152 79,671 26,891 Net Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 148,255 $ 148,054 $ 106,562 Earnings Per Share: Basic Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations . . . . $ Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share from Discontinued 3.66 $ 3.02 $ 1.82 Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0.01) 0.45 Basic Earnings per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3.65 $ 3.48 $ 0.61 2.43 Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding . . 40,655 42,585 43,884 Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations . . . $ Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share from Discontinued 3.57 $ 2.93 $ 1.75 Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0.01) 0.44 Diluted Earnings per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3.56 $ 3.37 $ 0.59 2.34 Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41,609 43,897 45,579 Dividends Declared per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.54 $ 0.60 $ 0.60 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 41 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities: Years Ended August 31, 2008 2007 2006 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 148,255 $148,054 $ 106,562 26,891 Less: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19,367 (377) Income from Continuing Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) 148,632 128,687 79,671 operating activities: Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Excess tax benefits from share-based payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loss (gain) on the sale of property, plant, and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other non-cash charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions and 33,840 (5,022) 177 2,573 5,355 31,348 (15,360) (845) 2,534 8,958 divestitures: Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prepayments and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26,573 811 12,749 (4,626) (10,903) 11,644 (2,352) 17,678 (5,120) 707 45,621 (3,151) 30,688 (17,282) 692 2,343 7,287 (29,635) 6,010 (4,619) 18,594 24,475 6,288 Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221,803 208,705 124,512 Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchases of property, plant, and equipment Proceeds from the sale of property, plant, and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acquisition of business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (27,166) 198 (3,500) (31,457) 1,618 (43,523) Net Cash Used for Investing Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (30,468) (73,362) (23,443) 4,717 — (18,726) Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities: Repayments of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employee stock purchase plan issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repurchases of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Excess tax benefits from share-based payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividend received from Zep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (8) 509 4,039 (155,650) 5,022 58,379 (22,466) — 741 25,756 (44,963) 15,360 — — 272 61,202 (194,858) 17,282 — (26,359) (26,854) Net Cash Used for Financing Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (110,175) (29,465) (142,956) Cash flows from Discontinued Operations: Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net Cash Used for Investing Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net Cash Used for Financing Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net Cash Provided by Discontinued Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,250 (410) (2,333) 1,507 755 31,442 (5,121) (647) 25,674 1,602 Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83,422 213,674 133,154 80,520 35,035 (4,932) (473) 29,630 1,320 (6,220) 86,740 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 297,096 $213,674 $ 80,520 Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Income taxes paid during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 84,381 $ 51,356 $ 40,946 34,184 Interest paid during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34,847 34,304 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 42 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 Compre- hensive Income Common Stock Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings Minimum Pension Liability Currency Translation Adjustment Treasury Stock Balance, August 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . — $450 $476,034 $112,447 $(34,571) $ (31) $ Comprehensive income: Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $106,562 — — 106,562 — — Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . of $146) Minimum pension liability adjustment (net of tax benefit of $7,708) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,387 — 12,723 — — — — — 5,387 — 12,723 — Other comprehensive income . . . 18,110 Comprehensive income . . . . . . . $124,672 Amortization, issuance, and forfeitures of restricted stock grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reversal of prior recorded Unearned Compensation on Restricted Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employee Stock Purchase Plan issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash dividends of $0.60 per share paid on common stock . . . . . . . . . . Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . Repurchases of common stock . . . . . Tax effect on stock options and restricted stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 18,749 (12,536) 272 — — — — (26,854) 61,172 — 17,282 — — — — — — 30 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Unearned Compensation on Restricted Stock Total $(12,536) $ 541,793 — 106,562 — — 5,387 12,723 — 18,750 12,536 — — — — — — 272 (26,854) 61,202 (194,858) 17,282 — — — — — — — — — (194,858) — Balance, August 31, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . $481 $560,973 $192,155 $(21,848) $5,356 $(194,858) $ — $ 542,259 Comprehensive income: Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $148,054 — — 148,054 — — Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax expense of $0) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minimum pension liability adjustment (net of tax of $6,415) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,550 — 11,404 — — — — — 4,550 — 11,404 — Other comprehensive income . . . 15,954 Comprehensive income . . . . . . . $164,008 Impact of adopting SFAS 158 (net of tax of $5,015) . . . . . . . . Amortization, issuance, and forfeitures of restricted stock grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employee Stock Purchase Plan issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash dividends of $0.60 per share paid on common stock . . . . . . . . . . Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . Repurchases of common stock . . . . . Tax effect on stock options and restricted stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 8,884 741 — — — (26,359) 25,743 — 15,360 — — — — — 13 — — (8,975) — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (49,707) — — 148,054 — — — — — — — — 4,550 11,404 (8,975) 8,883 741 (26,359) 25,756 (49,707) 15,360 Balance, August 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . $493 $611,701 $313,850 $(19,419) $9,906 $(244,565) $ — $ 671,966 43 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME — (Continued) (In thousands, except share and per-share data) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items Compre- hensive Income Common Stock Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings Minimum Pension Liability Currency Translation Adjustment Treasury Stock Unearned Compensation on Restricted Stock Total Comprehensive income: Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $148,255 — — 148,255 — — — — 148,255 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . of $0) Minimum pension liability adjustment (net of tax of $2,457) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,012 — (6,508) — — — — — — 5,012 (6,508) — Other comprehensive loss . . . . . (1,496) Comprehensive income . . . . . . . $146,759 Impact of spin-off of specialty products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Impact of adopting FIN 48 . . . . . . . . . Amortization, issuance, and forfeitures of restricted stock grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employee Stock Purchase Plan issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash dividends of $0.54 per share paid on common stock . . . . . . . . . . Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . Repurchases of common stock . . . . . Tax effect on stock options and restricted stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — 2 — — 2 — — — (71,553) (1,182) — 5,166 509 — — — (22,466) 4,037 — 5,022 — — — — — — — — — — — (11,810) — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (150,906) — — — — — — — — — — — 5,012 (6,508) (83,363) (1,182) 5,168 509 (22,466) 4,039 (150,906) 5,022 Balance, August 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . $497 $626,435 $366,904 $(25,927) $ 3,108 $(395,471) $— $ 575,546 44 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”) is the parent company of Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. formerly known as Acuity Lighting Group, Inc. and other subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as “the Company”). The Company designs, produces, and distributes a broad array of indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures and related products and services for commercial and institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications for various markets throughout North America and select international markets. Acuity Brands completed the spin-off of its specialty products business (the “Spin-off”), Zep Inc. (“Zep”) on October 31, 2007, by distributing all of the shares of Zep common stock, par value $.01 per share, to the Company’s stockholders of record as of October 17, 2007. The Company’s stockholders received one Zep share, together with an associated preferred stock purchase right, for every two shares of the Company’s common stock they owned. Stockholders received cash in lieu of fractional shares for amounts less than one full Zep share. As a result of the Spin-off, the Company’s financial statements have been prepared with the net assets, results of operations, and cash flows of the specialty products business presented as discontinued operations. All historical statements have been restated to conform to this presentation. Refer to Note 2 — Discontinued Operations. 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. Note 2: Discontinued Operations As described in Note 1 — Description of Business and Basis of Presentation, the Company completed the Spin-off of the specialty products business on October 31, 2007. Summarized financial information for discontinued operations relating to the specialty products business is as follows: Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts receivable, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Current Assets related to Discontinued Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Property, Plant & Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goodwill and Other Intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Long-Term Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long-Term Assets related to Discontinued Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Current maturities of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Current Liabilities related to Discontinued Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long-Term Debt, less current maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Long-Term Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long-Term Liabilities related to Discontinued Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 31, 2007 $ 9,142 93,102 45,534 10,404 158,182 51,727 31,982 6,274 89,983 (296) (36,774) (47,565) (84,635) (7,150) (12,174) (19,324) (13,316) Net Assets related to Discontinued Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $130,890 45 A summary of the operating results for the discontinued operations is as follows: Net Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $97,755 $565,887 $552,084 Years Ended August 31, 2008 2007 2006 Income before Provision for Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,946 $ 33,701 $ 44,930 18,039 Provision for Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,334 3,323 Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (377) $ 19,367 $ 26,891 The loss from discontinued operations for fiscal 2008 was $0.4 million, a decrease of $19.8 million from the prior-year period. The decrease was due primarily to the contribution of only two months of operating results in fiscal 2008 rather than a full year in fiscal 2007. In addition, discontinued operations were negatively impacted by approximately $5.5 million in costs related to the Spin-off during the first quarter of fiscal 2008. These non-tax deductible costs consist primarily of legal, accounting, financial advice and other professional fees to complete the Spin-off. In conjunction with the Spin-off, Acuity Brands and Zep entered into various agreements that address the allocation of assets and liabilities between them and that define their relationship after the separation, including a distribution agreement, a tax disaffiliation agreement, an employee benefits agreement, and a to the distribution agreement, Zep drew on its financing transition services agreement. Pursuant arrangements and paid a $62.5 million dividend to the Company, which was subject to adjustment based on the actual cash flow performance of Zep prior to the Spin-off. A dividend adjustment of approximately $4 million plus interest was disbursed to Zep by the Company during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 resulting in a reduction of Information regarding guarantees and the dividend received from Zep. indemnities related to the Spin-off are included in Note 8 — Commitments and Contingencies. Note 3: 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 the Company’s price to the customer The Company records revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, 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 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 also maintains one-time or on-going marketing and trade-promotion programs with certain customers that require the Company to estimate and accrue the expected costs of such programs. These arrangements include cooperative marketing programs, merchandising of the Company’s products, and introductory marketing funds for new products and other trade-promotion activities conducted by the customer. Costs associated with these programs are reflected within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 01-09: Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products), which in most instances requires such costs be recorded as a reduction of revenue. 46 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, at the time revenue is recognized, a provision for the estimated amount of future returns 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. For the Company’s turn key labor renovation and relight services, revenue is earned on installation services and lighting fixtures. Revenue is recognized for the service and fixtures in the period that the installation of the fixtures is completed. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures 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, 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. Accounts Receivable The Company records accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect losses anticipated on accounts receivable balances. The allowance is based on historical write-offs, an analysis of past due accounts based on the contractual terms of the receivables, and economic status of customers, if known. Management believes that the allowance is sufficient there can be no assurance that unanticipated future business conditions of customers will not have a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations. to cover uncollectible amounts; however, Concentrations of Credit Risk Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables, which are typically 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. Receivables from The Home Depot were approximately $35.2 million and $46.6 million at August 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. No other single customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated receivables at August 31, 2007. Additionally, net sales to The Home Depot accounted for approximately 11%, 15%, and 15% of net sales of Acuity Brands in fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Reclassifications Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. 47 Inventories Inventories include materials, direct labor, and related manufacturing overhead, are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out or average cost basis) or market, and consist of the following: August 31, 2008 2007 Raw materials and supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Work in progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Finished goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 66,919 12,508 76,470 $ 56,954 12,744 86,400 Less: Reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155,897 (10,172) 156,098 (9,562) $145,725 $146,536 Goodwill and Other Intangibles Summarized information for the Company’s acquired intangible assets is as follows: August 31, 2008 August 31, 2007 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Amortized intangible assets: Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distribution network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other $13,000 53,000 18,926 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $84,926 $ (3,936) (16,047) (9,237) $(29,220) Unamortized trade names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $73,613 $13,000 53,000 11,500 $77,500 $66,805 $ (3,504) (14,281) (7,746) $(25,531) 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 and customer relationships that is amortized over its estimated useful life of 5 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 or more frequently as facts and circumstances change, as required by SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. This analysis did not result in an impairment charge during fiscal years 2008, 2007, or 2006. The Company recorded amortization expense of $3.7 million, $3.2 million and $3.2 million related to intangible assets with finite lives during fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Amortization expense is expected to be approximately $4.0 million in fiscal years 2009, 2010, and 2011 and $3.0 and $2.2 million in fiscal years 2012 and 2013, respectively. The decrease in expected amortization expense in fiscal year 2012 is due to the completion of the amortization of patented technology assets during fiscal year 2011. The decrease in fiscal year 2013 is due to the completion of the amortization of the customer relationship during fiscal year 2012. 48 The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the year are summarized as follows: Goodwill: Balance as of August 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Architectural Lighting Acquisition(1) Currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $352,945 (10,926) 287 Balance as of August 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $342,306 (1) On July 17, 2007, Acuity Brands acquired substantially all the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Mark Lighting Fixture Company, Inc. (“Mark Architectural Lighting”). The operating results of Mark Architectural Lighting have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Management finalized the allocation of the purchase price to the Mark Architectural Lighting acquired assets and liabilities during fiscal 2008. The purchase of Mark Architectural Lighting is discussed further in Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 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 impairment test has two steps. The first step identifies goodwill may exceed its fair value. The goodwill potential impairments by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. The fair value is 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 is not approach. If the calculated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, goodwill 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 2008, 2007, or 2006. Other Long-Term Assets Other long-term assets consist of the following: Long-term investments(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt issue costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assets held for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 31, 2008 2007 $ 5,078 341 3,989 6,701 $12,079 429 3,989 5,777 $16,109 $22,274 (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. The decrease since August 31, 2007 was due primarily to payments made to certain participants in these deferred compensation arrangements and a decrease in the market value of the assets. (2) Miscellaneous — In fiscal 2007 the Company began capitalizing certain costs associated with the development of marketable light monitoring and control service technologies in accordance with SFAS No. 86, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed. The Company also capitalized costs associated with securing the right to use intellectual property developed by others in connection with these service technologies. These capitalized costs are life. The majority of the balance in the miscellaneous line item depicted in the above listed amortized over a five year useful tabular disclosure is reflective of capitalizable costs incurred on behalf of these initiatives. 49 Other Long-Term Liabilities Other long-term liabilities consist of the following: Deferred compensation and postretirement benefits other than pensions(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director deferred compensation plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postemployment benefit obligation(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FIN 48 Liability, including interest(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 31, 2008 2007 $35,659 550 387 7,696 2,812 $41,831 504 387 — 1,445 $47,104 $44,167 (1) (2) (3) 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. The Company maintains certain long-term investments that offset a portion of the deferred compensation liability. 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. See Note 7 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding these plans. 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. The Company adopted FIN No. 48 — Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 effective September 1, 2007. See Note 11 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs 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 $84.6 million, $83.3 million, and $85.4 million in fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Share-Based Compensation The Company accounts for share-based compensation under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. SFAS No. 123(R) requires compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions to be recognized in financial statements and that this cost be measured based on the estimated fair value of the equity or liability instrument issued. SFAS No. 123(R) also requires that forfeitures be estimated over the vesting period of the instrument. Effective September 1, 2005, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified prospective method and applied it to the accounting for the Company’s stock options and restricted shares, and share units representing certain deferrals into the Director Deferred Compensation Plan or the Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan (see Note 7 — Share Based Payments of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the modified prospective method, share-based expense further discussion of recognized after adoption includes: (a) share-based expense for all awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of September 1, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and (b) share-based expense for all awards granted subsequent to September 1, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). these plans). Under Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company recognized the full fair value of restricted stock awards upon issuance within stockholders’ equity. At the end of fiscal 2005, approximately $12.5 million of deferred compensation costs had been recognized in paid-in capital, offset by an equal amount recorded in unearned compensation on restricted stock. Pursuant to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) in 50 fiscal 2006, the Company reversed previously recorded deferred compensation costs, and recognized equity instruments pertaining to restricted stock awards in accordance with the related awards’ vesting provisions. Share-based expense includes expense related to restricted stock and options issued, as well as share units deferred into either the Director Deferred Compensation Plan or the Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. The Company recorded $12.0 million, $11.1 million, and $11.4 million of share-based expense continuing operations for the years ending August 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Amounts recorded for share-based expense in discontinued operations were $2.2 million and $2.6 million for the income tax benefit recognized in years ended August 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The total continuing operations for share-based compensation arrangements was $4.3 million, $3.9 million, $4.0 million for the years ended August 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized for share-based compensation arrangements in discontinued operations was less than $1 million in both fiscal 2007 and 2006. The Company did not capitalize any expense related to share-based payments and has recorded share-based expense in Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses. The Company accounts for any awards with graded vesting on a straight-line basis. On November 10, 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 123(R)-3, Transition Election Related to Accounting for Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards. The Company has elected to adopt the alternative transition method permissible under this FASB Staff Position for calculating the tax effects of stock-based compensation pursuant to SFAS No. 123(R). The alternative transition method simplifies establishment of the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool related to the tax tax effects of employee stock-based compensation. SFAS No. 123(R) requires that deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under prior guidance. Excess tax benefits of $5.0 million, $15.4 million, and $17.3 million were included in financing activities in the Company’s Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended August 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006. the benefit of See Note 7 — Share-Based Payments 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 (10 to 40 years for buildings and related improvements and 5 to 15 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. Depreciation expense amounted to $29.7 million, $28.1 million, and $27.5 million during the fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Research and Development Research and development costs, which are included in Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income, are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses amounted to $30.3 million, $31.3 million, and $30.0 million during the fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Advertising Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included within Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. These costs totaled $7.6 million, $7.6 million, and $8.2 million during fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Service Arrangements with Customers The Company maintains a service program with one of its retail customers that affords the Company certain in-store benefits, including lighting display maintenance. Costs associated with this program totaled $5.1 million, $5.4 million, and $5.6 million in fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. These costs have been included within the Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses line item of 51 the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income in accordance with EITF Issue 01-09: Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products). 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 each month during the year. The gains or losses resulting from the translation are included in Comprehensive Income 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 income of $2.3 million, expense of $0.2 million, and expense of $0.1 million in fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Interest Expense, Net Interest expense, net, is comprised primarily of interest expense on long-term debt, revolving credit facility borrowings, short-term borrowings, and loans collateralized by assets related to the Acuity Brands company-owned life insurance program, partially offset by interest income on cash and cash equivalents. The following table summarizes the components of interest expense, net: Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34,749 (6,334) $34,303 (4,452) $34,243 (1,226) Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,415 $29,851 $33,017 Years Ended August 31, 2008 2007 2006 Interest expense, net related to discontinued operations was $0.3 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million during the fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Miscellaneous Expense (Income), Net Miscellaneous expense (income), net, is composed primarily of gains or losses on foreign currency transactions and other non-operating items. Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R changes accounting for business combinations through a requirement to recognize 100 percent of the fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interests in acquisitions of less than a 100 percent controlling interest when the acquisition constitutes a change in control of the acquired entity. Other requirements include capitalization of acquired in-process research and development assets, expensing, as incurred, acquisition-related transaction costs and capitalizing restructuring charges as part of the acquisition only if requirements of SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, are met prior to the acquisition date. SFAS No. 141R is effective for business combination transactions for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and is therefore effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2010. The implementation of this guidance will affect the Company’s results of operations and financial position after its effective date only to the extent it completes applicable business combinations, and therefore, the impact cannot be determined at this time. 52 In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 establishes the economic entity concept of consolidated financial statements, stating that holders of residual economic interest in an interest is related to only a portion of the entity have an equity interest in the entity, even if the residual to be presented as a separate entity. Therefore, SFAS No. 160 requires a noncontrolling interest component of equity. SFAS No. 160 also states that once control is obtained, a change in control that does not result in a loss of control should be accounted for as an equity transaction. The statement requires that a change resulting in a loss of control and deconsolidation is a significant event triggering gain or loss recognition and the establishment of a new fair value basis in any remaining ownership interests. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and is therefore effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2010. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 160 to have a material impact on its results of operations and financial position. In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits companies, at their election, to measure specified financial value on a instruments and warranty and insurance contracts at contract-by-contract basis, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each reporting period. The election, called the “fair value option,” will enable some companies to reduce the volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently, and it is easier than using the complex hedge-accounting requirements in SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, to achieve similar results. Subsequent changes in fair value for designated items will be required to be reported in earnings in the current period. SFAS No. 159 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and is therefore effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2009. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on September 1, 2008 and elected not to apply the fair value option and, therefore, the adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. fair (with limited exceptions); and (c) In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R) (“SFAS No. 158”). SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to: (a) recognize in its statement of financial position the funded status of a benefit plan; (b) measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs pursuant to prior existing guidance. The provisions governing recognition of the funded status of a defined benefit plan and related disclosures became effective and were adopted by the Company at the end of fiscal year 2007. The requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year-end statement of financial position is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008, and is therefore effective for the Company in fiscal year 2009. The change in measurement date to August 31 will result in an adjustment to retained earnings of approximately $0.9 million. This adjustment will be recorded in during the first quarter of fiscal 2009. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure requirements pertaining to fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 related to financial assets and liabilities as well as other assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis are effective for the Company on September 1, 2008. The adoption of these provisions of SFAS No. 157 did not have a impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 related to other nonfinancial assets and liabilities will be effective for the Company on September 1, 2009. The Company does not expect the adoption of these provisions to have a material impact on its results of operations and financial position. 53 Accounting Standards Adopted in Fiscal 2008 In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement implications of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a company’s tax return. The interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosure of such positions. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, and was therefore effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. For additional information about the impact of FIN 48 on the Company’s results of operations and financial position, refer to Note 11 — Income Taxes. In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments (“SFAS No. 155”), which amends SFAS No. 133 and SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities (“SFAS No. 140”). SFAS No. 155 simplifies the accounting for certain derivatives embedded in other financial instruments by allowing them to be accounted for as a whole if the holder elects to account for the instrument on a fair value basis. SFAS No. 155 also clarifies and amends certain other provisions of SFAS No. 133 and SFAS No. 140. SFAS No. 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired, issued, or subject to a remeasurement event occurring in fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006, and was therefore effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 155 did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations. Note 4: Pension and Profit Sharing Plans Acuity Brands has several pension plans, both qualified and non-quailifed, 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 and required by ERISA or foreign regulatory requirements. Plan assets are invested primarily in equity and fixed income securities. 54 Effective August 31, 2007, the Company adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R) (“SFAS No. 158”). The following tables reflect the status of Acuity Brands’ domestic (U.S. based) and international pension plans at August 31, 2008 and 2007, subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No. 158. The values of the below listed amounts were measured as of May 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively: Domestic Plans August 31, International Plans August 31, 2008 2007 2008 2007 Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Actuarial loss (gain) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $110,788 2,812 6,451 (2,977) (6,573) — $103,610 2,420 6,275 5,807 (7,324) — $ 37,551 70 1,980 663 (656) (3,741) $35,029 71 1,804 (920) (484) 2,051 Benefit obligation at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $110,501 $110,788 $ 35,867 $37,551 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Actual return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employer contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 96,190 237 3,021 (6,573) — $ 83,719 13,318 6,477 (7,324) — $ 29,734 (1,618) 1,370 (656) (2,813) $23,699 3,683 1,234 (415) 1,533 Fair value of plan assets at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 92,875 $ 96,190 $ 26,017 $29,734 Funded status at end of year: Funded Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employer contributions from measurement date to fiscal year end . . . . . . . . . $ (17,625) $ (14,598) $ (9,850) $ (7,817) 607 1,691 8 — Net amount recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (17,018) $ (12,907) $ (9,842) $ (7,817) Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Consist of: Non-current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,078 (1,176) (16,920) $ 2,587 (1,194) (14,300) $ — $ — (76) (9,766) (74) (7,743) Net amount recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (17,018) $ (12,907) $ (9,842) $ (7,817) Accumulated Benefit Obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $108,541 $108,928 $ 32,857 $35,214 Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income: Prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (412) $ (28,039) (436) $ — $ — (12,340) (9,400) (24,387) Accumulated other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (28,451) $ (24,823) $(12,340) $ (9,400) Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated comprehensive income over the next fiscal year: Prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 29 1,154 $ 24 884 $ — $ — 380 609 Incremental effect of adopting SFAS No. 158: Increase in assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Increase in liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Increase in deferred tax asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A(1) $ N/A(1) N/A(1) N/A(1) 2,410 1,116 11,720 4,379 N/A(1) $ — 2,282 N/A(1) 2,270 N/A(1) 636 N/A(1) (1) These disclosures are required by and the underlying amounts have been measured in accordance with SFAS No. 158, which this the Company adopted during fiscal 2007. The disclosures are not applicable for periods after pronouncement. the adoption of The fair value of plan assets associated with certain of the Company’s domestic defined benefit plans did not exceed those plans’ projected and accumulated benefit obligations in fiscal 2008 and 2007. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for domestic 55 defined benefit pension plans with both projected and accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were, as of August 31, 2008, $90.1 million, $88.2 million, and $71.4 million, respectively. 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, as of August 31, 2007, and $68.2 million, $66.3 million, and $51.8 million, respectively. 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 $35.9 million, $32.9 million, and $26.0 million, respectively, as of August 31, 2008, and $37.6 million, $35.2 million, and $29.7 million, respectively, as of August 31, 2007. Components of net periodic pension cost for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 included the following: Domestic Plans International Plans 2008 2007 2006 2008 2007 2006 Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,812 $ 2,420 $ 2,779 $ Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of transitional asset . . . . . . . . . . . Recognized actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,035 (6,444) 52 (108) 2,255 6,275 (7,099) 26 — 1,051 6,451 (8,058) 24 — 884 1,980 (2,292) — — 373 1,804 (1,777) — — 599 70 $ 71 $ 55 1,409 (1,145) — — 579 Net periodic pension cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,113 $ 2,673 $ 4,569 $ 131 $ 697 $ 898 Weighted average assumptions used in computing the benefit obligation are as follows: Domestic Plans International Plans 2008 2007 2008 2007 Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.3% 6.0% 5.7% 5.4% 5.5% 5.5% 4.7% 4.1% Weighted average assumptions used in computing net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Domestic Plans International Plans 2008 2007 2006 2008 2007 2006 Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.0% 6.3% 5.3% 5.4% 5.0% 5.0% 8.5% 8.5% 8.5% 7.4% 7.3% 6.8% 5.5% 5.5% 5.5% 4.1% 3.8% 3.5% 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 of approximately $1.0 million for domestic plans. The Company’s discount rate used in computing the net periodic benefit cost for its domestic plans decreased by 30 basis points in 2008, which contributed to the change in net periodic pension cost associated with those plans. The increase in service and interest costs associated with the lower discount rate were offset by increased expected return on assets due to higher asset balances. The discount rate used in computing the net periodic pension cost for the Company’s international plans increased 40 basis points in 2008 over the prior year, resulting in lower net periodic pension cost. 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. The Company estimates that each 100 basis point reduction in the 56 expected return on plan assets would result in additional net periodic pension cost of $0.9 million and $0.3 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 2008, 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 2008, the international asset target allocation was 86% equity securities, 12% fixed income securities, and 2% real estate securities. Acuity Brands’ pension plan asset allocation at August 31, 2008 and 2007 by asset category is as follows: % of Plan Assets Domestic Plans International Plans 2008 2007 2008 2007 Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fixed income securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53.6% 54.7% 84.0% 83.1% 40.6% 38.8% 14.1% 14.8% 2.1% 6.5% 5.8% 1.9% Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% The Company expects to contribute approximately $2.6 million and $1.2 million to its domestic and international defined benefit plans, respectively, during 2009. These amounts are based on the total contributions needed during 2009 to satisfy current legal minimum funding requirements for qualified plans and estimated benefit payments for non-qualified plans. Benefit payments are made primarily from funded benefit plan trusts. Benefit payments are expected to be paid as follows for the years ending August 31: 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2014-2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,145 6,111 6,262 6,478 6,732 38,841 $ 465 482 532 602 722 5,071 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 $5.5 million in 2008, $5.5 million in 2007, and $4.7 million in 2006. Employer matching amounts are allocated in accordance with the participants’ the domestic defined investment elections for elective deferrals. At August 31, 2008, assets of contribution plans included shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of approximately $7.3 million, which represented approximately 3.4% of the total fair market value of the assets in the Company’s domestic defined contribution plans. 57 Note 5: Debt and Lines of Credit Debt The Company’s debt at August 31, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following: August 31, 2008 2007 6% notes due February 2009 with an effective interest rate of 6.04%, net of unamortized discount of $17 in 2008 and $59 in 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $159,983 $159,941 8.375% notes due August 2010 with an effective interest rate of 8.398%, net of unamortized discount of $47 in 2007 and $72 in 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less — Amounts payable within one year included in current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . 199,953 4,000 363,936 159,983 199,928 4,008 363,877 — $203,953 $363,877 Future annual principal payments of long-term debt are as follows for fiscal years ending August 31: 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amount $159,983 199,953 — — — 4,000 $363,936 Acuity Brands and its principal operating subsidiary, Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. are the obligors of the notes. Because the $160 million and the $200 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 million and $200 million notes are believed to approximate $160.8 million and $210.3 million, respectively at August 31, 2008. Excluding the $160 million and $200 million notes, debt recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets approximates fair value based on similar instruments with similar terms and average maturities. As of August 31, 2008, the notes were guaranteed by the subsidiary, Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. The guarantee of the subsidiary was full and unconditional and joint and several. Acuity Brands has no independent assets or operations (as defined by Regulation S-X 3-10(h)(5)), and each subsidiary of Acuity Brands, other than Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc., is “minor” (as defined by Regulation S-X 3-10(h)(6)). Furthermore, there are no significant restrictions on the ability of Acuity Brands or any guarantor to obtain funds from its subsidiaries by dividend or loan. Other notes consist of a $4.0 million industrial revenue bond maturing in 2021. The industrial revenue bonds are tax-exempt variable rate instruments that reset on a weekly basis. The interest rates were approximately 1.9% and 4.0% for the $4.0 million bond at August 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Lines of Credit On October 19, 2007, the Company executed a $250 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) that replaced the $200 million revolving credit facility scheduled to mature in January 2009. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, the Company wrote off $0.3 million in deferred financing costs interest expense in connection with this replacement. The new Revolving Credit Facility as additional 58 matures in October 2012 and contains financial covenants including a minimum interest coverage ratio and a leverage ratio (“Maximum Leverage Ratio”) of total indebtedness to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization expense), as such terms are defined in the Revolving Credit Facility agreement. These ratios are computed at the end of each fiscal quarter for the most recent 12-month period. The Revolving Credit Facility allows for a Maximum Leverage Ratio of 3.50, subject to certain conditions defined in the financing agreement. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants and had no outstanding borrowings at August 31, 2008 under the Revolving Credit Facility. At August 31, 2008, the Company had additional borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility of $241.3 million under the most restrictive covenant in effect at the time, which represents the full amount of the Revolving Credit Facility less outstanding letters of credit of $8.7 million discussed below. The Revolving Credit Facility bears interest at the option of the borrower based upon either (1) the higher of the JPMorganChase Bank prime rate and the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, or (2) the Eurodollar Rate (“LIBOR”) plus the Applicable Margin (a margin as determined by Acuity Brands’ leverage ratio). Based upon Acuity Brands’ leverage ratio, as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility agreement, as of August 31, 2008 and 2007, the Applicable Margin was 0.41% and 0.50%, respectively. During fiscal years 2008 and 2007, commitment fees were computed at a rate of 0.09% and 0.125%, respectively, and commitment fees paid during each of those years were $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively. At August 31, 2008, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $12.9 million, primarily for the purpose of securing collateral requirements under the casualty insurance programs for Acuity Brands and for providing credit support for the Company’s industrial revenue bond. At August 31, 2008, a total of $8.7 million of the letters of credit were issued under the Revolving Credit Facility, thereby reducing the total availability under the facility by such amount. The Company maintained an agreement to borrow, on an ongoing basis, funds secured by undivided interests in a defined pool of trade accounts receivable through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. On October 19, 2007, the Company entered into a receivables facility agreement (the “Receivables Facility”) to replace the previous agreement in preparation for the Spin-off of Zep. The Receivables Facility was for a one-year period. The Receivables Facility allowed for borrowings of funds up to $75 million, on an ongoing basis, secured by undivided interests in a defined pool of trade accounts receivable. Interest rates under the Receivables Facility varied with asset-backed commercial paper rates plus an applicable margin. The commitment fees on the Receivables Facility were 0.125% per annum on the average unused balances. No amounts were outstanding under the Receivables Facility at August 31, 2007. The Company terminated the Receivables Facility during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 due to several factors including the reduced interest savings afforded by the Receivables Facility in the current credit market environment as well as the Company’s liquidity position. 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 6: Common Stock and Related Matters Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement The Company’s Board of Directors has 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 59 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 years ended August 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 were as follows: Common Stock Shares Amount (in thousands) Balance, August 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44,977 128 7 2,951 Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employee stock purchase plan issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balance, August 31, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48,063 (3) 1,263 Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balance, August 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49,323 154 212 Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $450 1 — 30 481 (1) 13 $493 2 2 Balance, August 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49,689 $497 Since October 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of ten million shares of the Company had repurchased 9.5 million shares at a cost of $395.5 million. All repurchased shares were accounted for at cost and were recorded as treasury stock at the fiscal year-ends. the Company’s outstanding common stock. At August 31, 2008, 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, 2008 and 2007. 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. 60 The following table calculates basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended August 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006: Basic earnings per share from continuing operations: Years Ended August 31, 2008 2007 2006 Income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $148,632 $128,687 $79,671 43,884 Basic weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42,585 40,655 Basic earnings per share from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3.66 $ 3.02 $ 1.82 Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations: Income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $148,632 $128,687 $79,671 43,884 Basic weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,695 . . Common stock equivalents (stock options and restricted stock) 40,655 954 42,585 1,312 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41,609 43,897 45,579 Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . $ 3.57 $ 2.93 $ 1.75 Basic earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations: (Loss) Income from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Basic weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (377) $ 19,367 $26,891 43,884 42,585 40,655 Basic (loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations . . . . . $ (0.01) $ 0.45 $ 0.61 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: (Loss) Income from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Basic weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Common stock equivalents (stock options and restricted stock) (377) $ 19,367 $26,891 43,884 42,585 1,695 1,312 40,655 954 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41,609 43,897 45,579 Diluted (loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations . . . . $ (0.01) $ 0.44 $ 0.59 Note 7: Share-Based Payments Long-term Incentive and Directors’ Equity Plans 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. An aggregate of 8.1 million shares was originally authorized for issuance under that 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 would be available without further shareholder approval. In December 2003, the shareholders approved the Amended Plan. The Amended Plan provides for issuance of share-based awards, including stock options and performance-based and time-based restricted stock awards. The Amended Plan was further amended in October 2007, including the release of the remaining 2.0 million shares and an increase of an additional 500,000 shares. In addition to the Amended Plan, in November 2001 the Company adopted the Acuity Brands, Inc. 2001 Nonemployee Directors’ Stock Option Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”), under which 300,000 shares were authorized for issuance. In January 2007, the Directors’ Plan was amended to provide that no further annual grants of stock options would be made to nonemployee directors. 61 Restricted Stock Awards Under the Amended Plan, in November 2007 the Company awarded approximately 302,000 shares of restricted stock to officers and other key employees. The shares vest over a four-year period. At August 31, 2008, approximately 295,000 shares were outstanding under this award. Compensation expense recognized in continuing operations related to this award was $2.4 million in fiscal 2008. Under the Amended Plan, in September 2006 the Company awarded approximately 408,000 shares of restricted stock to officers and other key employees. The shares vest over a four-year period. At August 31, 2008, approximately 238,000 shares were outstanding under this award. Compensation expense recognized in continuing operations related to this award was $3.4 million and $3.2 million in fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively. Compensation expense recognized in discontinued operations related to this award was $0.8 million in fiscal 2007. Under the Amended Plan, in December 2005 the Company awarded approximately 132,000 shares of restricted stock to officers and other key employees. The shares vest over a four-year period. At August 31, 2008, approximately 46,000 shares were outstanding under this award. Compensation expense recognized in continuing operations related to this award was $0.6 million, $0.8 million, and $0.5 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Compensation expense recognized in discontinued operations related to this award was $0.2 million and $0.1 million in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. In January 2005, the Company awarded approximately 306,000 shares of restricted stock to certain officers and other key employees under the Amended Plan. The shares vest over a four-year period. At August 31, 2008, approximately 50,000 shares were outstanding under this award. Compensation expense recognized in continuing operations related to this award was $1.1 million, $1.2 million, and $1.1 million in fiscal 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Compensation expense recognized in discontinued operations related to this award was $0.3 million and $0.4 million in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. 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. 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 150,000 shares were deferred into the deferred compensation plan. As discussed further in the Share Units section of this footnote, effective June 2006, deferrals will be distributed in shares of Common Stock rather than in cash. At August 31, 2008, no shares were outstanding under this award. Compensation expense recognized in continuing operations related to this award was $0.5 million, $1.4 million, and $1.4 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Compensation expense recognized in discontinued operations related to this award was $0.4 million in both fiscal 2007 and 2006. two of 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 three progressive defined performance least 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 the specified target year. Originally, performance measures are achieved or approximately two-thirds of the value of the restricted shares at the vesting date was paid to the participants in unrestricted shares of the Company and the remainder was paid in cash to offset taxes on the award. This provision was eliminated in August 2005 by an amendment to the award agreement that provides for the entire award to be payable in shares. Participants could elect to defer payments under this performance-based restricted stock plan into a separate deferred compensation plan. If shares were (b) November 30 of 62 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 110,000 shares were deferred into the deferred compensation plan. As discussed further in the Share Units section of this footnote, effective June 2006, deferrals will be distributed in shares of Common Stock rather than in cash. As of August 31, 2008, no shares were outstanding under this award. Compensation expense recognized in continuing operations related to this award was $0.1 million, and $1.6 million in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. Compensation expense recognized in discontinued operations related to this award was $0.5 million in fiscal 2006. 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 (“NSI Distribution”) of 100% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Acuity Brands on November 30, 2001. 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 NSI 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 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 NSI Distribution. As of August 31, 2008, approximately 14,000 shares were outstanding under this award. Compensation expense recognized in continuing operations related to this award was $0.2 million, $0.3 million, and $1.4 million in fiscal 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Compensation expense recognized in discontinued operations related to this award was $0.1 million and $0.5 million in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. Additionally, the Company awarded restricted stock to certain employees on an individual basis in fiscal 2008, 2007, and 2006. As of August 31, 2008, approximately 122,000 shares related to these awards were outstanding. Compensation expense recognized in continuing operations related to these awards was $1.4 million, $1.1 million, and $0.2 million in fiscal 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Compensation expense recognized in discontinued operations related to these awards was $0.4 million and $0.2 million in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. Restricted stock transactions for the restricted stock agreements during the years ended August 31, 2008 were as follows: Outstanding at August 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Number of Shares (in thousands) 952 343 (443) (105) Outstanding at August 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 747 Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value $36.56 $41.34 $31.18 $40.68 $41.88 63 As of August 31, 2008, there was $24.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended August 31, 2008 and 2007, was approximately $17.8 million and $12.9 million, respectively. Stock Options Options issued under the Plan are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant and expire 10 years from the date of grant. These options generally vest and become exercisable over a three-year period. The stock options granted under the Directors’ Plan vest and become exercisable one year from the date of grant. These options have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant and expire 10 years from that date. As of August 31, 2008, approximately 120,000 shares had been granted under the Director’s Plan. Shares available for grant under all plans were approximately 3,800,000 at August 31, 2008. Shares available for grant under all plans were 1,700,000 and 2,200,000 at August 31, 2007 and 2006. Forfeited shares and shares that are exchanged to offset taxes are returned to the pool of shares available for grant. The Director Stock Option Plan has been frozen with respect to future awards effective January 1, 2007. The fair value of each option was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. The dividend yield was calculated based on annual dividends paid and the trailing 12 month average closing stock price at the time of grant. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock over the preceding number of years equal to the expected life of the options. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield for a term equal to the expected life of the options at the time of grant. The Company used historical exercise behavior data of similar employee groups to determine the expected life of options. All inputs into the Black-Scholes model are estimates made at the time of grant. Actual realized value of each option grant could materially differ from these estimates, though without impact to future reported net income. The following weighted average assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted in the fiscal years ended August 31: 2008 2007 2006 Dividend yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected volatility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Risk-free interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected life of options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weighted-average fair value of options granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1% 36.4% 4.0% 1.6% 35.0% 4.6% 2.2% 43.0% 4.4% 5 years $13.90 5 years $15.01 5 years $12.21 64 Stock option transactions for the stock option plans and stock option agreements during the years ended August 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 were as follows: Outstanding Exercisable Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price (share data in thousands) Outstanding at August 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,557 140 (2,992) (49) Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cancelled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outstanding at August 31, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,656 155 (1,298) (15) Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cancelled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outstanding at August 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,498 194 166 (211) (49) Spin Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cancelled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outstanding at August 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,598 Range of option exercise prices: $10.00 – $15.00 (average life –2.9 years) $15.01 – $20.00 (average life –4.6 years) $20.01 – $25.00 (average life –5.9 years) $25.01 – $30.00 (average life –5.9 years) $30.01 – $40.00 (average life –8.5 years) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376 258 333 261 370 $21.70 $33.10 $21.16 $28.60 $22.78 $45.62 $21.50 $31.30 $26.18 $21.69 $40.29 $19.67 $25.42 $23.78 $12.14 $19.47 $22.27 $26.06 $38.41 (share data in thousands) 4,604 $20.87 2,028 $21.31 1,196 $23.08 1,283 $20.26 376 258 333 241 75 $12.14 $19.47 $22.27 $26.02 $36.33 The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended August 31, 2008 and 2007 was $9.7 million and $41.5 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options outstanding, expected to vest, and exercisable as of August 31, 2008 was $31.5 million, $31.3 million, and $29.8 million, respectively. As of August 31, 2008, there was $2.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately two years. Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employees are able to purchase, through payroll deduction, common stock at a 5% discount on a monthly basis. There were 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock reserved for purchase under the plan, of which approximately 1,100,000 shares remain available as of August 31, 2008. Employees may participate at their discretion. Share Units The Company requires its Directors to defer at least 50% of their annual retainer into the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan. Under this plan, until June 29, 2006, the deferred cash was converted into share units using the average of the high and low prices for the five days prior to the deferral date. The share units were adjusted to current market value each month and earned dividend equivalents. Upon installments. The retirement, the Company distributed cash to the retiree in a lump sum or five annual distribution amount was calculated as share units times the average of the high and low prices for the five days prior to distribution (defined as “fair market value” in the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan). On June 29, 2006, the Board of Directors amended this plan to convert existing share units and future deferrals to cash-based, interest bearing deferrals at fair market value or stock-based deferrals, with distribution only in the elected form upon retirement. Existing share deferrals will be valued at the fair 65 market value at the date of election and future share deferrals will be calculated at fair market value at the date of the deferral and will no longer vary with fluctuations in the Company’s stock price. As of August 31, 2008, approximately 155,000 share units were accounted for in this plan. Additionally, the Company allowed employees to defer a portion of restricted stock awards granted in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004 into the Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan as share units. Those share units were adjusted to the current market value at the end of each month. On June 29, 2006, the Board of Directors amended this plan to distribute those share unit deferrals in stock rather than cash. The shares will be valued at the closing stock price on the date of conversion and expense related to these shares will no longer vary with fluctuations in the Company’s stock price. As of August 31, 2008 approximately 91,000 fully vested share units were accounted for in this plan. Treatment of Stock Options, Restricted Stock Awards, and Restricted Stock Units pursuant to the Spin-off of Zep The employee benefits agreement entered into between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Zep Inc. provided that at the time of the spin-off, Acuity Brands stock options held by Zep’s current employees (but not former employees) were generally converted to, and replaced by, Zep stock options in accordance with a conversion ratio such that the intrinsic value of the underlying awards remains unaffected by the spin-off. The employee benefits agreement also provided that, at the time of the spin-off, Acuity Brands stock options held by current and former Acuity Brands employees and former Zep employees were adjusted with regard to the exercise price of and number of Acuity Brands shares underlying the Acuity Brands stock options to maintain the intrinsic value of the options, pursuant to the applicable Acuity Brands long- term incentive plan. Each of Acuity Brands and Zep’s current and former employees holding unvested shares of restricted stock of Acuity Brands received a dividend of one share of Zep restricted stock for each two shares of Acuity Brands unvested restricted stock held. The shares of Zep stock received as a dividend are subject to the same restrictions and terms as the Acuity Brands restricted stock. The shares of Zep common stock were fully paid and non-assessable and the holders thereof are not entitled to preemptive rights. Effective immediately after the number of shares represented by restricted stock units were converted in the same manner as the above mentioned stock option awards. the specialty products business, the spin-off of Note 8: Commitments and Contingencies Self-Insurance It is the policy of Acuity Brands to self-insure, up to certain limits, traditional risks including workers’ compensation, comprehensive general liability, and auto liability. The Company’s self-insured retention for each claim involving workers’ compensation, comprehensive general liability (including product liability claims), and auto liability is limited to $0.5 million per occurrence of such claims. A provision for claims under this self-insured program, based on the Company’s estimate of the aggregate liability for claims incurred, is revised and recorded annually. The estimate is derived from both internal and external sources including but not limited to the Company’s independent actuary. Acuity Brands is also self-insured up to loss to property ($0.5 million per certain limits for certain other insurable risks, primarily physical occurrence) and business interruptions resulting from such loss lasting three days or more in duration. Insurance coverage is maintained for catastrophic property and casualty exposures as well as those risks required to be insured by law or contract. Acuity Brands is fully self-insured for certain other types of liabilities, including employment practices, environmental, product recall, and patent infringement. The actuarial estimates are subject to uncertainty from various sources, including, among others, changes in 66 legislation, and economic claim reporting patterns, claim settlement patterns, the actuarial estimates are reasonable, significant conditions. Although Acuity Brands believes that differences related to the items noted above could materially affect the Company’s self-insurance obligations, future expense and cash flow. 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 annually, as necessary. judicial decisions, 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, 2008, are as follows: 2009 — $14.8 million; 2010 — $11.8 million; 2011 — $9.7 million; 2012 — $6.7 million; 2013 — $4.5 million; after 2013 — $3.8 million. Total rent expense was $18.8 million, $18.7 million, and $19.1 million in fiscal 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Purchase Obligations The Company has incurred purchase obligations in the ordinary course of business that are enforceable and legally binding. Obligations for years subsequent to August 31, 2008 are as follows: 2009 — $153.3 million; 2010 — $1.9 million; 2011 — $0.6 million; and 2012 — less than $0.1 million. As of August 31, 2008, the Company had no purchase obligations extending beyond August 31, 2012. Collective Bargaining Agreements Approximately 57% of the Company’s total work force is covered by collective bargaining agreements. Collective bargaining agreements representing approximately 38% 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 liability claims. Acuity Brands is self-insured up to specified limits for certain types of claims, including product liability, and is fully self-insured for certain other types of claims, including environmental, product recall, and patent infringement. Based on information currently available, it is the opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of pending and threatened legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of Acuity Brands. However, in the event of unexpected future developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of any such matters, if unfavorable, could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of Acuity Brands in future periods. Acuity Brands establishes reserves for legal claims when the costs associated with the claims become probable and can be reasonably estimated. The actual costs of resolving legal claims may be substantially higher than the amounts reserved for such claims. However, the Company cannot make a meaningful estimate of actual costs to be incurred that could possibly be higher or lower than the amounts reserved. 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 substantially higher or lower than that reserved due to difficulty in estimating such costs. 67 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 most 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 sale. The indemnities generally include potential liabilities, general representations and warranties concerning the asset or business, and environmental 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 cash flow. the time of In conjunction with the separation of their businesses (the “Distribution”), Acuity Brands and Zep entered into various agreements that addressed the allocation of assets and liabilities and defined the Company’s relationship with Zep after the Distribution, including a distribution agreement and a tax disaffiliation agreement. The distribution agreement provides that Acuity Brands will indemnify Zep for liabilities related to the businesses that comprise Acuity Brands. The tax disaffiliation agreement provides that Acuity Brands will indemnify Zep 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 Zep 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 or the distribution 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 because claims that would result in a liability under the indemnities are not fully known. Product Warranty and Recall Costs Acuity Brands records an allowance for the estimated amount of future warranty claims when the related revenue is recognized, primarily based on historical experience of identified warranty claims. Excluding costs related to faulty components provided by third parties as discussed below, warranty costs as a percentage of net sales have generally been consistent for the last several years. However, there can be no assurance that future warranty costs will not exceed historical experience. 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 and cash flows in future periods. The increase in the product warranty and recall reserve is due primarily to reserves for certain specifically identified issues and general warranty costs. The changes in product warranty and recall reserves (included in Other accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2008 and 2007 are summarized as follows: Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjustments to warranty and recall reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payments made during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,393 6,189 (5,694) $ 7,013 3,687 (6,307) Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,888 $ 4,393 2008 2007 68 On April 19, 2007, Acuity Brands negotiated a favorable settlement of a commercial dispute. The settlement involved reimbursement of warranty and product liability costs associated with a product line purchased from a third party in fiscal 2002. The Company received a cash payment of $6.6 million (net of related legal costs) in April 2007 as a result of this settlement. All amounts received and legal costs incurred in connection with the settlement were recorded within Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Note 9: Special Charge and Impairment Charge As a result of the Spin-off of Zep, the Company streamlined and simplified its operations, including the elimination of certain corporate costs it previously incurred. In the first fiscal quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $14.6 million, or $0.21 per diluted share (including $0.8 million pre-tax related to share-based expense due to the modification of the terms of agreements to accelerate vesting for certain terminated employees) related to these planned actions to reflect severance and related employee benefit costs associated with the elimination of certain positions worldwide and the estimated costs associated with the early termination of certain leases. The changes in the special charge reserve (included in Accrued compensation (severance) and Other accrued liabilities (exit costs) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) during the year ended August 31, 2008 are summarized as follows: Balance as of August 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transfer of liability to Zep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payments made during the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,348 12,188 (432) (9,695) $ — 2,450 — (602) Balance as of August 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,409 $1,848 Severance Exit Costs As part of the ongoing initiative to enhance the Company’s global supply chain through the consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities, the Company had one facility classified as held for sale whose carrying amount totaled $4.0 million as of August 31, 2008 and 2007. Note 10: Acquisitions On May 7, 2008, Acuity Brands acquired substantially all the assets of Guardian Networks LLC (“Guardian”). Guardian, located in Kennesaw, Georgia, is a leading provider of remote asset management software and service that enable utility, municipal, and other customers to efficiently monitor and manage facility and infrastructure assets such as lighting systems. The acquisition will become an integral part of the Acuity Brands Technology Services business, ROAM®, a leading provider of streetlight monitoring services. The operating results of Guardian have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Management finalized the purchase price allocation during the fiscal year 2008 and the amounts are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2008. Pro forma results and other expanded disclosures required by SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, have not been presented as the purchase of Guardian does not represent a material acquisition. On July 17, 2007, Acuity Brands acquired substantially all the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Mark Architectural Lighting. Mark Architectural Lighting, located in Edison, New Jersey, is a specification-oriented manufacturer of high-quality lighting products. The acquisition gives the Company a stronger presence in the Northeast, particularly the New York City metropolitan area, and is a complement to the Center for Light+Space, the Company’s sales and marketing office in New York City. Mark Architectural Lighting, 69 which had fiscal 2006 sales of over $22 million, will continue operations in its existing facility, focusing on key customers and competencies. The operating results of Mark Architectural Lighting have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Management finalized the purchase price allocation during fiscal year 2008 and the amounts are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2008. Pro forma results and other expanded disclosures required by SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, have not been presented as the purchase of Mark Architectural Lighting does not represent a material acquisition. Note 11: Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach as prescribed by SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“SFAS No. 109”). This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities 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: Years Ended August 31, 2008 2007 2006 Provision for current federal taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $62,045 $56,405 $28,125 2,062 Provision for current state taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,052 Provision for current foreign taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,913 Provision (Benefit) for deferred taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,229 5,620 (1,755) 7,255 5,290 7,328 Total provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $81,918 $65,499 $39,152 A reconciliation from the federal statutory rate to the total provision for income taxes is as follows: Years Ended August 31, 2008 2007 2006 Federal income tax computed at statutory rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $80,694 $67,965 $41,588 1,667 State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,478) Foreign permanent differences and rate differential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,258) Change in valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — Tax on repatriation of foreign earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,367) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other, net 3,347 (1,382) — (1,488) (2,943) 4,704 (1,466) — 1,018 (3,032) Total provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $81,918 $65,499 $39,152 70 Components of the net deferred income tax asset at August 31, 2008 and 2007 include: August 31, 2008 2007 Deferred Income Tax Liabilities: Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,267 $ 1,936 51,405 Goodwill and intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,130 Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52,663 1,707 Total deferred income tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59,637 54,471 Deferred Income Tax Assets: Self-insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bonuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other accruals not yet deductible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (5,295) (7,560) (27,705) (1,295) (12,635) (1,641) (5,131) (8,521) (28,349) (1,110) (7,738) (2,754) Total deferred income tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net deferred income tax liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,506 $ (56,131) — (53,603) 65 933 Acuity Brands currently intends to indefinitely reinvest all undistributed earnings of and original investments in foreign subsidiaries, which amounted to approximately $26.4 million at August 31, 2008; however, this amount could fluctuate due to changes in business, economic, or other conditions. If these earnings were distributed to the U.S. in the form of dividends or otherwise, or if the shares of the relevant foreign subsidiaries were sold or otherwise transferred, the Company would be subject to additional U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and foreign withholding taxes. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liability related to these earnings or investments is not practicable. Deferred tax assets were partially offset by a valuation allowance of $0.1 million August 31, 2007. This allowance is required to reflect the net realizable value of state tax credit carryforwards. At August 31, 2008, there were no valuation allowances offsetting the deferred tax assets. At August 31, 2008 the Company has state tax credit carryforwards of approximately $0.8 million, which will expire between 2012 and 2017. As described in Note 3 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”), is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and was adopted by the Company on September 1, 2007. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 was not material. The amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits as of the date of the adoption was approximately $7.8 million of which if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. The gross amount of approximately $6.4 million, unrecognized tax benefits as of August 31, 2008 totaled $6.9 million, which includes $5.7 million of net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the annual effective tax rate. The Company recognizes potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense; such accrued interest and penalties are not material. The Company does not anticipate unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months. With limited exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to Federal, state, or local income tax examinations for years ended before 2005 or for foreign income tax examinations before 2003. 71 Changes in the Company’s uncertain income tax positions, excluding the related accrual for interest and penalties, from September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008 are as follows: Unrecognized tax benefits balance at September 1, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additions based on tax positions related to the current year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additions for tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reductions due to spin-off of specialty products business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reductions for tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reductions due to settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7,824 874 41 (947) (374) — (546) Unrecognized tax benefits balance at August 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,872 During fiscal 2008, the Company decreased its interest accrual associated with uncertain tax positions by approximately $0.3 million. Total accrued interest as of August 31, 2008 is $1.0 million. There were no penalty accruals during fiscal 2008. Interest, net of tax benefit, and penalties are included in tax expense. The classification of interest and penalties did not change as a result of the Company’s adoption of FIN 48. Note 12: Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Net Sales . . . . . . . . . . . Gross Profit . . . . . . . . . Income from Continuing Operations . . . . . . . . Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations . . . . . . . . Fiscal Year 2008 Fiscal Year 2007 1st Quarter(1) 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter $508,865 203,189 $482,584 192,036 $512,438 208,192 $522,757 212,378 $477,617 180,450 $444,334 165,061 $502,429 188,649 $540,401 210,155 30,925 34,144 41,658 41,906 29,503 22,003 34,314 42,867 147 — (525) — 4,064 2,355 4,362 8,586 Net Income . . . . . . . . . $ 31,072 $ 34,144 $ 41,133 $ 41,906 $ 33,567 $ 24,358 $ 38,676 $ 51,453 Basic Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations . . . . . . . . Basic Earnings per Share from Discontinued Operations . . . . . . . . Basic Earnings per $ 0.74 $ 0.84 $ 1.04 $ 1.05 $ 0.70 $ 0.52 $ 0.80 $ 1.00 0.00 — (0.01) — 0.10 0.05 0.10 0.20 Share . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.74 $ 0.84 $ 1.03 $ 1.05 $ 0.80 $ 0.57 $ 0.90 $ 1.20 Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations . . . . . . . . Diluted Earnings per Share from Discontinued Operations . . . . . . . . Diluted Earnings per $ 0.72 $ 0.82 $ 1.01 $ 1.02 $ 0.68 $ 0.50 $ 0.78 $ 0.97 0.00 — (0.01) — 0.09 0.05 0.10 0.19 Share . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.72 $ 0.82 $ 1.00 $ 1.02 $ 0.77 $ 0.55 $ 0.88 $ 1.16 (1) Income from Continuing Operations, Net Income, Basic Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations, and Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2008 include a pre-tax special charge of $14.6 million ($9.4 million after-tax), or $0.21 per share for estimated costs the company incurred to simplify and streamline its operations as a result of the spin-off. The quarterly net income per share amounts will not necessarily add to the net income per share computed for the year because of the method used in calculating per share data. 72 Note 13: Geographic Information The geographic distribution of Acuity Brands’ net sales, operating profit, income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes, and long-lived assets is summarized in the following table for the years ended August 31: 2008 2007 2006 Net sales(1) Domestic(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,804,628 $1,758,383 $1,655,105 185,934 International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222,016 206,398 $2,026,644 $1,964,781 $1,841,039 Operating profit Domestic(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 243,464 $ 201,604 $ 134,843 17,276 International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,819 17,596 Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes $ 261,060 $ 222,423 $ 152,119 Domestic(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 213,937 $ 173,338 $ 101,818 17,005 International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,848 16,613 $ 230,550 $ 194,186 $ 118,823 Long-lived assets(3) Domestic(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 138,979 $ 145,333 $ 132,154 46,715 International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43,270 41,940 $ 180,919 $ 188,603 $ 178,869 (1) Net sales are attributed to each country based on the selling location. (2) Domestic amounts include net sales, operating profit, income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes, and (3) long-lived assets for U.S. based operations. Long-lived assets include net property, plant, and equipment, defined benefit plan intangible assets, long-term deferred income tax assets, and other long-term assets for continuing operations Note 14: Subsequent Events Subsequent to fiscal year 2008, the Company announced plans to accelerate its ongoing programs to streamline operations including the consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities and the reduction of certain overhead costs. These actions will allow the Company to better leverage efficiencies in its supply chain and support areas, while funding continued investments in other areas that support future growth opportunities. As a result of these actions, the Company intends to record a special cash charge of approximately $17 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 related to the planned consolidation of certain manufacturing operations and a reduction in workforce. As a part of the manufacturing consolidation, the Company also expects to incur an additional non-cash charge for the impairment of assets related to the closing of two manufacturing facilities and the downsizing of a third facility; however, the amount of such charge has not been determined at this time. 73 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 (“SEC”) rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to reasonably ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed under the 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 SEC rules, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of August 31, 2008. This evaluation was carried out under the including the principal executive officer and supervision and with the participation of management, 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 a significant degree on actions or decisions made by employees throughout the organization, such as reporting of material events, the Company and its reporting officers believe that they cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud or errors and omissions, if any, within the Company will be detected. Limitations within any control system, including the Company’s control system, include faulty judgments in decision-making or simple errors or mistakes. In addition, controls can be 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. report on the Company’s internal control over Management’s annual reporting and the independent registered public accounting firm’s attestation report are included in the Company’s 2008 Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under the headings, “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference. financial There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. recent completed fiscal quarter CEO and CFO Certifications The Company’s Chief Executive Officer as well as the Chief Financial Officer have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission the certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as Exhibits 31(a) and 31(b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2008. In addition, on February 10, 2008, the Company’s CEO certified to the New York Stock Exchange that he was not aware of any violation by the Company of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. Item 9b. Other Information On October 24, 2008, the Company entered into amendments to the Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreements with John T. Hartman, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Acuity Brands Lighting, and Jeremy M. Quick, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of 74 Acuity Brands Lighting. Among other things, these amendments (i) increase the multiple from 1.5 times to 2 times the executive officer’s salary and bonus payable following a change in control and a termination of the executive’s employment by the Company without cause or by the executive for good reason and (ii) provide certain changes designed to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“Section 409A”). These amendments are filed as Exhibits 10(iii)A(91) and 10(iii)A(92) to this report. On October 24, 2008, the Company approved amendments to certain of compensation plans, as follows: its nonqualified deferred The Company’s 2005 Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan was amended to: (cid:129) increase the Company match effective in 2009 from 25% to 50% of the participant’s deferrals for the plan year, while still providing that the maximum match cannot exceed 5% of the participant’s compensation for the plan year, (cid:129) change the vesting schedule for Company contributions credited on or after January 1, 2009, to 30% after 3 years of service and increasing by 10% per year thereafter, and (cid:129) provide certain changes designed to comply with Section 409A. The Company’s 2002 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan was amended to: (cid:129) increase the payment factor for the supplemental retirement benefits of Vernon J. Nagel and Richard K. Reece from 1.6% to 1.8% of the participant’s average annual compensation for each year of credited service up to a maximum of ten years and (cid:129) provide certain changes designed to comply with Section 409A. The Company’s Nonemployee Director Deferred Compensation Plan was amended to provide certain changes designed to comply with Section 409A. These amendments are filed as Exhibits 10(iii)A(86) through 10(iii)A(90) to this report. On October 27, 2008, Vernon J. Nagel, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, established a stock trading plan effective October 29, 2008. The plan is intended to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Company’s policies with respect to trading by insiders. Under the plan, if certain conditions are met, a portion of Mr. Nagel’s vested employee stock options will be exercised, with some of the resulting shares being directly retained by Mr. Nagel and others being sold to pay the exercise price and taxes associated with the transactions and to generate proceeds to be used by Mr. Nagel. The plan expires on October 29, 2009 unless completed or terminated earlier. Rule 10b5-1 allows officers and directors to adopt written, prearranged stock trading plans when they do not possess material, non-public information. Any transactions pursuant to Mr. Nagel’s trading plan will be reported on Form 4 filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. 75 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 2009, 2010, or 2011 Annual Meetings and Directors with Terms Expiring at the 2009 or 2010 Annual Meetings of the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 8, 2009, 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 annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 8, 2009, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference. the Company’s proxy statement for 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 8, 2009, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 11. Executive Compensation the captions Compensation of Directors, The information required by this item is included under Information Concerning the Board and Its Committees, Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation, Report of the Compensation Committees Compensation Discussion and Analysis, Fiscal 2008 Summary Compensation Table, Fiscal 2008 Grants of Plan-Based Awards, Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2008 Year-End, Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal 2008, Pension Benefits in Fiscal 2008, Fiscal 2008 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation, Employment Contracts, Potential Payments upon Termination, Severance Agreements, Change in Control Agreements, Equity Award Agreements and Deferred Compensation Plans of the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 8, 2009, 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 Company’s Securities and Equity Compensation Plans of the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 8, 2009, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 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 8, 2009, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services The information required by this item is included under the caption Fees Billed by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm of the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 8, 2009, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference. 76 PART IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules (a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report: (1) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2008 and 2007 Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended August 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended August 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended August 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 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 30309-7676. 77 INDEX TO EXHIBITS EXHIBIT 2 (a) Agreement and Plan of Merger among Acuity Inc. and dated Inc., Acuity Merger Sub, Brands Brands, Acuity September 25, 2007. Holdings, Inc., (b) Agreement and Plan of Distribution by and Inc. and Zep Inc., between Acuity Brands, dated as of October 31, 2007. EXHIBIT 3 (a) Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Acuity Brands, Inc. (formerly Acuity Brands Holdings, Inc.), dated as of September 26, 2007 (b) Certificate of Amendment of Acuity Brands, Inc.), (formerly Acuity Brands Holdings, Inc. dated as of September 26, 2007 (c) Amended and Restated Bylaws of Acuity Inc., Brands Inc.) dated as of September 26, (formerly Acuity Brands, Holdings, 2007. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on September 26, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 2.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on November 6, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 3.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on September 26, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 3.2 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on September 26, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 3.3 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on September 26, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference (effective until January 7, 2009) Reference is made to Exhibit 3.1 of registrant’s the Commission on October 7, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference (effective as of January 8, 2009). Form 8-K as filed with EXHIBIT 4 (a) Form of Certificate representing Acuity Brands, Inc. Common Stock. Reference is made to Exhibit 4.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. (b) Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement between Acuity Brands, (formerly Acuity Brands Holdings, Inc.) and The Bank of New York, dated as of September 25, 2007. Inc. Reference is made to Exhibit 4.2 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on September 26, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. (c) Letter Agreement Rights Agent. appointing Successor (d) First Supplemental 1999, Indenture, dated as of October 23, 2001, to Indenture dated January 26, Service Industries, Inc.*, L&C Inc., L&C Spinco, Lighting Group, Inc., The Zep Group, Inc. and SunTrust Bank. between National (e) Indenture dated as of January 26, 1999. (f) Form of 6% Note due February 1, 2009. 78 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. is made Form 8-K as to Exhibit 10.10 of Reference registrant’s the filed with Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. is made Reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form 10, Inc.* on September 6, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. filed by L&C Spinco, is made Reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form 10, Inc.* on September 6, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. filed by L&C Spinco, (g) Form of 8.375% Note due August 1, 2010. is made to Exhibit 10.13 to Reference Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form 10, Inc.* on September 6, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. filed by L&C Spinco, (h) Second Supplemental Indenture between Acuity Brands, Inc. and The Inc., Old ABI, Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., dated as of September 26, 2007. Reference is made to Exhibit 4.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on September 26, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. EXHIBIT 10(i) . .(1) Deed to Secure Debt and Security Agreement, dated as of October 11, 2002. (2) Promissory Note, dated as of October 11, 2002. (3) Amended and Restated 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of April 4, 2003 the Subsidiary among Acuity Brands, Borrowers from 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. Inc., (4) First Modification to Deed to Secure Debt and Security Agreement. (5) Letter Agreement amending Agreement and Plan of Distribution. (6) Agreement and Consent Relating to Tax Disaffiliation Agreement. Lighting Group, (7) Credit and Security Agreement dated as of September 2, 2003 among Acuity Enterprise, Inc. and Acuity Unlimited Inc., as Borrowers, Acuity and Acuity Specialty Products Group, Inc., as Servicers, the Blue Ridge Asset Funding Corporation, Liquidity Banks from time to time party hereto and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent. Inc. 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 filed with the registrant’s Form 10-K as Commission on November 12, 2002, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(i)A(1) of the filed with the registrant’s Form 10-Q as 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. (8) Receivables Sale and Contribution Agreement dated as of September 2, 2003 between Acuity Specialty Products Group, Inc., as Seller, and Acuity Enterprise, Inc., as Buyer. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(i)A(20) of the filed with the registrant’s Form 10-K as Commission on October 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. (9) Amended and Restated Receivables Sale and Contribution Agreement dated as of Septem- ber 2, 2003 between Acuity Lighting Group, Inc., successor to National Service Industries, Inc., Inc., as Seller, and Acuity Unlimited, formerly known as L&C Funding, Inc., as Buyer. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(i)A(21) of the filed with the registrant’s Form 10-K as Commission on October 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. 79 (10) Performance Undertaking of September 2, 2003, executed by Acuity Brands, Inc. in favor of Acuity Unlimited, Inc. dated as (11) Performance Undertaking of September 2, 2003, executed by Acuity Brands, Inc. in favor of Acuity Enterprise, Inc. dated as (12) 5-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2004 among Acuity Brands, Inc., the Subsidiary 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. (13) Reimbursement Agreement between Acuity Brands and The General Electric Company, dated February 27, 2004. (14) Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, dated as of October 7, 2005, by and between National Service Industries, Inc. and Acuity Brands, Inc. (15) Amendment to Receivables Facility, dated as of September 29, 2005. (16) Amendment No. 4 to Receivables Facility, dated as of September 28, 2006. (17) 5-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2007 among Acuity Brands, Inc., the Subsidiary Borrowers from time to time parties hereto, the Lenders from time to time parties hereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Bank, National Association; Bank of America, N.A.; Keybank National Association; Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.; and Branch Banking and Trust Company. Association; Wachovia (18) Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement dated as of October 19, 2007 among Acuity Unlimited Inc., as Borrower; Inc., as Servicer; Acuity Brands Lighting, Variable the Liquidity Banks from time to time party hereto; and Wachovia Bank National Association, as Agent. Funding Capital Company, (19) Tax Disaffiliation Agreement between Acuity Inc. and Zep Inc., dated as of Brands, October 31, 2007. 80 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. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(i)A(23) of the filed with the registrant’s Form 10-K as Commission on October 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(i)A-1(1) of the filed with the registrant’s Form 10-Q as Commission on April 6, 2004, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A-(1) of the filed with the registrant’s Form 10-Q as Commission on April 6, 2004, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(i)A(17) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on November 1, 2005, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(i)A(18) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on November 1, 2005, 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 November 2, 2006, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(i)A(17) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on October 30, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(i)A(18) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on October 30, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. the Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of registrant’s the filed with Form 8-K as Commission on November 6, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. EXHIBIT 10(iii)A Management Contracts and Compensatory Arrangements: (1) Acuity Brands, Inc. 2001 Nonemployee Directors’ Stock Option Plan. (2) Amendment No. 1 to Acuity Brands, Inc. Nonemployee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, dated December 20, 2001. (3) Form of Indemnification Agreement. (4) Form of Severance Protection Agreement. (5) Acuity Brands, Inc. Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. (6) Acuity Brands, Inc. Executives’ Deferred Compensation Plan. (7) Acuity Brands, Benefit Plan. Inc. Senior Management (8) Acuity Brands, Inc. Executive Benefits Trust. (9) Acuity Brands, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executives. (10) Acuity Brands, Inc. Benefits Protection Trust. (11) Assumption Letter of Acuity Brands, Inc. with Letter Agreement Inc. and to Employment respect between National Service Industries, Joseph G. Parham, Jr. (12) Employment Letter Agreement between National Service Industries, Inc. and Joseph G. Parham, Jr. dated May 3, 2000. 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. 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. 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. to Exhibit 10.14 of Reference registrant’s the filed with Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. is made Form 8-K as is made Form 8-K as to Exhibit 10.15 of Reference registrant’s the filed with Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. is made Form 8-K as to Exhibit 10.16 of Reference registrant’s the filed with Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. is made Form 8-K as to Exhibit 10.18 of Reference registrant’s the filed with Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. is made Form 8-K as to Exhibit 10.19 of Reference registrant’s the filed with Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. is made Form 8-K as Reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the registrant’s filed with Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.22(b)(i) of the registrant’s Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Form 8-K as filed with Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(2) of registrant’s the Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Form 8-K as filed with (13) Employment Letter Agreement between National Service Industries, Inc. and Vernon J. Nagel, dated as of October 30, 2001. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(20) of the Form 10-Q of National Service Industries, Inc. for the quarter ended January 14, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference. 81 (14) Form of Acuity Brands, Inc., Letter regarding Bonuses. (15) Amended Acuity Brands, Inc. Management Compensation and Incentive Plan. (16) Amendment No. 1 to Acuity Brands, Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. Inc. (17) Amendment No. 1 to Acuity Brands, Executives’ Deferred Compensation Plan. Inc. (18) Amendment No. 1 to Acuity Brands, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executives. (19) Acuity Brands, Inc. 2002 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. (20) Letter Agreement relating to Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan between Acuity Brands, Inc. and James H. Heagle. (21) Letter Agreement relating to Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Vernon J. Nagel. (22) Letter Agreement relating to Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Joseph G. Parham, Jr. (23) Letter Agreement relating to Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Kenyon W. Murphy. (24) Amendment No. 2 to Acuity Brands, Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. Inc. (25) Form of Severance Agreement. (26) Severance Agreement between Acuity Brands, Inc. and James H. Heagle. 82 is made Form 8-K as to Exhibit 10.25 of Reference registrant’s the filed with Commission on December 14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit A of registrant’s proxy statement the Annual Meeting of Stockholders as filed with the Commission on November 12, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference. for Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(2) of 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. the Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(3)of 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 filed with the registrant’s Form 10-Q as Commission on July 14, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(5) of the filed with the registrant’s Form 10-Q as Commission on July 14, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(6) of the filed with the registrant’s Form 10-Q as Commission on July 14, 2003, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(8) of the filed with the registrant’s Form 10-Q as 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. the Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A of registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on January 14, 2004, which is incorporated by reference. (27) Amended and Restated Acuity Brands, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan. (28) Letter Agreement between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Vernon J. Nagel, dated June 29, 2004. Reference is made to Exhibit A of registrant’s proxy statement the Annual Meeting of Stockholders as filed with the Commission on November 7, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference. for 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. (29) Amended and Restated Severance Agree- ment, entered into as of January 20, 2004, by and between Acuity Brands, and Vernon J. Nagel. Inc. 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. (30) 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. (31) Amended and Restated Severance Agree- ment, entered into as of January 20, 2004, by and between Acuity Brands, and John K. Morgan. Inc. 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. (32) Letter Agreement between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Wesley E. Wittich, dated June 17, 2004. (33) Amendment No. 3 to Acuity Brands, Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. Inc. (34) Acuity Brands, Inc. Management Compen- sation and Incentive Plan Fiscal Year 2005 Plan Rules for Executive Officers. (35) Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers. (36) Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers. (37) Premium-Priced Nonqualified Stock Option for Executive Officers between Agreement Acuity Brands, Inc. and Vernon J. Nagel. (38) Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Executive Officers. (39) Acuity Brands, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan Fiscal Year 2005 Plan Rules for Executive Officers. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(III)A(5) of the filed with the registrant’s Form 10-Q as Commission on July 6, 2004, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(36) of the filed with the registrant’s Form 10-K as Commission on October 29, 2004, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(III)A(2) of the filed with the registrant’s Form 10-Q as Commission on January 6, 2005, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(III)A(3) of the registrant’s the Commission on January 6, 2005 incorporated by reference. Form 10-Q filed with Reference is made to Exhibit 10(III)A(4) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on January 6, 2005, 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 January 6, 2005, 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 January 6, 2005, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(III)A(7) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on January 6, 2005, which is incorporated by reference. 83 (40) Acuity Brands, Inc. Matching Gift Program. (41) Letter Agreement dated April 26, 2005 between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Edward H. Bastian. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(III)A(1) of the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on April 4, 2005, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on April 27, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. (42) Amended and Restated Severance Agree- ment, entered into as of August 1, 2005, by and between Acuity Brands, Inc. and John K. Morgan. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(46) of registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on November 1, 2005, which is incorporated by reference. (43) Acuity Brands, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan Fiscal Year 2006 Plan Rules for Executive Officers. (44) Acuity Brands, Inc. Management Compen sation and Incentive Plan Fiscal Year 2006 Plan Rules for Executive Officers. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(47) of filed with the registrant’s Form 10-K as Commission on November 1, 2005, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(48) of filed with the registrant’s Form 10-K as Commission on November 1, 2005, which is incorporated by reference. (45) Amendment to Severance Protection Agree- ment entered into as of August 1, 2005, by and between Acuity Brands, Inc. and John K. Morgan. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(49) of filed with the registrant’s Form 10-K as Commission on November 1, 2005, which is incorporated by reference. (46) Letter Agreement dated August 1, 2005 Inc. and John K. between Acuity Brands, Morgan. (47) Letter Agreement dated November 16, 2005 between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Richard K. Reece. (48) Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers. (49) Form of Acuity Brands, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award. (50) Form of Severance Agreement. (51) Amendment dated April 21, 2006 to the Amended and Restated Severance Agree- ment between Acuity Brands, Inc. and Vernon J. Nagle. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(50) of registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on November 1, 2005, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 18, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 99.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 2, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 99.2 of registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 2, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 99.2 of registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 27, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 99.3 of registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 27, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. (52) Amendment dated April 21, 2006 to Amended and Restated Severance Agreement between Acuity Brands, Inc. and John K. Morgan. Reference is made to Exhibit 99.4 of registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 27, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. (53) Amendment dated April 21, 2006 to Amended and Restated Severance Agreement between Acuity Brands, Inc. and James H. Heagle. Reference is made to Exhibit 99.5 of registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 27, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. 84 (54) Letter Agreement dated May 8, 2006 between Acuity Brands, Inc. and William A. Holl. (55) Acuity Brands, Inc. Nonemployee Director Deferred Compensation Plan as Amended and Restated Effective June 29, 2006 (formerly “Nonemployee Director Deferred Stock Unit Plan”). known the as (56) Amendment No. 4 to Acuity Brands, Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. Inc. (57) Long-Term Incentive Plan Rules for Executive Officers for Fiscal Year 2007. (58) Management Compensation and Incentive Plan for Executive Officers for Fiscal Year 2007. (59) 2005 Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. (60) Amendment No. 1 to Stock Option Agreement for Nonemployee Director dated October 25, 2006. (61) Acuity Brands, Inc. 2002 Executives’ Deferred Compensation on Plan December 30, 2002 and as Amended and Restated January 1, 2005. Amended as (62) Amendment No. 1 to Acuity Brands, Long-Term September 29, 2006. Incentive Plan Inc. dated (63) Acuity Brands, Inc. 2002 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan as Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2005. (64) Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement. (65) Amendment No. 1 to Acuity Brands, Inc. 2002 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. (66) Amendment No. 1 to Acuity Brands, Inc. 2005 Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. (67) Amended and Restated Employment Letter with John K. Morgan. 85 Reference is made to Exhibit 99.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 7, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 99.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 6, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 99.2 of registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 6, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 99.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 29, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 99.2 of registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 29, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 5, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 99.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 27, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(61) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on November 2, 2006, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(62) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on November 2, 2006, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(63) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on November 2, 2006, which is incorporated by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 99.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 27, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 99.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on June 29, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 99.2 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on June 29, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(67) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on October 30, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. (68) Restricted Stock Award Agreement with John K. Morgan. (69) Amendment to Restricted Stock Award Agreements with John K. Morgan. (70) Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement with John K. Morgan. (71) Amendment No. 2 to Acuity Brands, Amended and Agreement with John K. Morgan. Restated Inc. Severance (72) Confidentiality and Restrictive Covenants Agreement with John K. Morgan. (73) Amendment No. 3 to Acuity Brands, Inc. 2001 Nonemployee Directors’ Stock Option Plans. (74) Amendment No. 2 to Acuity Brands, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan. (75) Amendment No. 1 to Acuity Brands, Inc. Senior Benefit Plan. (76) Amendment No. 5 to Acuity Brands, Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. Inc. (77) Amendment No. 2 to Acuity Brands, Amended Agreement. and Restated Inc. Severance (78) Amendment No. 2 to Acuity Brands, Inc. 2001 Non-employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan. (79) Amendment No. 1 to Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan. (80) Acuity Brands, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan. 86 Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(68) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on October 30, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(69) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on October 30, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(70) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission in October 30, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(71) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on October 30, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(72) of the registrant’s Form 10-K as filed with the Commission on October 30, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(3) of filed with the registrant’s Form 10-Q as Commission on July 10, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(4) of filed with the registrant’s Form 10-Q as Commission on July 10, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(5) of filed with the registrant’s Form 10-Q as Commission on July 10, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(6) of filed with the registrant’s Form 10-Q as Commission on July 10, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(2) of filed with the registrant’s Form 10-Q as Commission on January 4, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 10(iii)A(2) of registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with the Commission on April 4, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 99.1 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on October 27, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit A of the registrant’s Proxy Statement as filed with the Commission on November 16, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. (81) Acuity Brands, Inc. Management Compen- sation and Incentive Plan. (82) Acuity Brands, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan Fiscal Year 2008 Plan Rules for Executive Officers. (83) Acuity Brands, Inc. Management Compen- sation and Incentive Plan Fiscal Year 2008 Plan Rules for Executive Officers. (84) Amendment No. 2 to Acuity Brands, Inc. 2002 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. (85) Form of Indemnification Agreement. (86) Amendment No. 2 to Acuity Brands, Nonemployee Compensation Plan. Director Inc. Deferred the Reference is made to Exhibit B of registrant’s Proxy Statement as filed with the Commission on November 16, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to Exhibit 99.1 of the the filed with Form 8-K as registrant’s Commission on January 4, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference. the Reference is made to Exhibit 99.2 of registrant’s the filed with Form 8-K as Commission on January 4, 2008, 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 January 8, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference. the Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of registrant’s the filed with Form 8-K as Commission on January 16, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-K. (87) Amendment No. 2 to Acuity Brands, Inc. 2002 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-K. (88) Amendment No. 3 to Acuity Brands, Inc. 2002 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-K. (89) Amendment No. 3 to Acuity Brands, Inc. 2005 Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-K. (90) Amendment No. 4 to Acuity Brands, Inc. 2005 Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-K. (91) Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement with John T. Hartman. (92) Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement with Jeremy M. Quick. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-K. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-K. EXHIBIT 14 Code of Ethics and Business Conduct. EXHIBIT 21 List of Subsidiaries. Reference is made to Exhibit 14 of registrant’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on January 12, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-K. EXHIBIT 23 Consent of Accounting Firm. Independent Registered Public Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-K. EXHIBIT 24 Powers of Attorney. EXHIBIT 31 (a) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification, signed by Vernon J. Nagel. (b) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification, signed by Richard K. Reece. EXHIBIT 32 (a) Section 1350 Certification, signed by Vernon J. Nagel. (b) Section 1350 Certification, signed by Richard K. Reece. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-K. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-K. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-K. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-K. Filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-K. * Acuity Brands, Inc. operated under the name L&C Spinco, Inc. from July 27, 2001 — November 9, 2001. 87 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. Date: October 27, 2008 ACUITY BRANDS, INC. By: /s/ VERNON J. NAGEL Vernon J. Nagel Chairman, President, 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 Vernon J. Nagel Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer October 27, 2008 /S/ RICHARD K. REECE Richard K. Reece Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer October 27, 2008 * Peter C. Browning * John L. Clendenin * George C. (Jack) Guynn * Robert F. McCullough * Julia B. North * Ray M. Robinson * Neil Williams Director Director Director Director Director Director Director October 27, 2008 October 27, 2008 October 27, 2008 October 27, 2008 October 27, 2008 October 27, 2008 October 27, 2008 *BY: /s/ RICHARD K. REECE Attorney-in-Fact October 27, 2008 Richard K. Reece 88 Schedule II Acuity Brands, Inc. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Years Ended August 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 (In thousands) Historical amounts in the following table have been restated to exclude amounts related to discontinued operations. For additional the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this filing. information, see Note 2 — Discontinued Operations of Year Ended August 31, 2008: Reserve for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reserve for estimated warranty and recall Balance at Beginning of Year Additions and Reductions Charged to Costs and Expenses Other Accounts(1) Deductions Balance at End of Year $ 1,361 388 34 143 $ 1,640 costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,393 7,230 (1,040) 5,695 $ 4,888 Reserve for estimated returns and allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7,533 53,545 Self-insurance reserve(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,628 7,657 — — 55,795 $ 5,283 7,698 $12,587 Year Ended August 31, 2007: Reserve for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reserve for estimated warranty and recall $ 2,417 (741) 317 632 $ 1,361 costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,092 3,721 Reserve for estimated returns and allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,835 56,628 Self-insurance reserve(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,967 8,160 — — — 5,420 $ 4,393 55,930 $ 7,533 7,499 $12,628 Year Ended August 31, 2006: Reserve for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reserve for estimated warranty and recall $ 2,949 (270) 130 392 $ 2,417 costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,038 3,515 (2,549) 4,912 $ 6,092 Reserve for estimated returns and allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,022 59,198 Self-insurance reserve(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,291 8,337 — — 58,385 $ 6,835 8,661 $11,967 (1) (2) Includes recoveries and adjustments credited to the reserve. Includes reserves for workers’ compensation, auto, product, and general liability claims. 89 BuyDIRECT Plan BNY Mellon Shareowner Services offers the BuyDIRECT investment plan, a direct purchase and sale plan for investors wishing to pur- chase Acuity Brands stock. Dividends can be automatically reinvested. The Plan is not sponsored or administered by Acuity Brands. Inquiries should be directed to BNY Mellon Shareowner Services. Forward-Looking Statements This annual report includes forward-looking statements regarding expected future results of the Company. 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 infor- mation, 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, 2008. S to c k h o l d e r S e r v i c eS 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 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Ernst & Young LLP 55 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard Suite 1000 Atlanta, Georgia 30308-3051 404-874-8300 Annual Meeting 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Thursday, January 8, 2009 Four Seasons Hotel Ballroom 75 Fourteenth Street, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3604 Reports Available to Stockholders Copies of the following company reports may be obtained, without charge: 2008 Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission, filed on Form 10-K, and Quarterly Reports to the Securities and Exchange Com- mission, 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 Certifications Acuity Brands has filed the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as exhibits to its 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and has submitted its required annual Chief Executive Officer certification to the New York Stock Exchange. Stockholders of Record The number of stockholders of record of Acuity Brands common stock was 4,116 as of October 23, 2008. Transfer Agent and Registrar BNY Mellon Shareowner Services is the transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and dividend reinvestment agent for the Company. Stockholders of record with questions about lost certificates, lost or missing divi- dend checks, direct deposit of dividends, or notification of change of address should contact: Acuity Brands, Inc. c/o BNY Mellon Shareowner Services P.O. Box 358015 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15252-8015 Web site: www.bnymellon.com/shareowner/isd Toll Free: 866-234-1921 (Inside the United States and Canada) 201-680-6685 (Outside the United States and Canada) Designed by Curran & Connors, Inc. www.curran-connors.com Acuity Brands, Inc. 1170 Peachtree Street, NE Water Trees water.eps trees.eps Suite 2400 Atlanta, Georgia 30309-7676 404-853-1400 www.acuitybrands.com Solid Waste solid_waste.eps Atmospheric Emissions atmosphere.eps Energy energy.eps Air air.eps Automobile Miles auto_miles.eps Natural Gas natural_gas.eps Waterborne Waste waterborne.eps Trees Cut Down/Preserved for the Future trees_cut.eps Crude Oil crude_oil.eps The 2008 Acuity Brands, Inc. Annual Report saved the following resources by printing on paper con taining up to 100% recycled fiber and 100% post-consumer waste. Trees Trees trees.eps trees.eps Energy Energy energy.eps energy.eps Trees trees.eps Waterborne Waste Water Waterborne Waste waterborne.eps water.eps waterborne.eps Trees trees.eps Energy energy.eps Water water.eps Air air.eps Solid Waste solid_waste.eps Trees trees.eps 99 trees preserved for the future Water Water water.eps water.eps Solid Waste Solid Waste solid_waste.eps solid_waste.eps Atmospheric Emissions Atmospheric Emissions atmosphere.eps atmosphere.eps 93.2 million BTUs of energy not consumed Air Air air.eps air.eps Automobile Miles Automobile Miles auto_miles.eps auto_miles.eps Natural Gas Natural Gas natural_gas.eps natural_gas.eps 57,113 gallons of wastewater flow saved Trees Cut Down/Preserved for the Future Solid Waste Trees Cut Down/Preserved for the Future trees_cut.eps solid_waste.eps trees_cut.eps Crude Oil Atmospheric Emissions Crude Oil crude_oil.eps atmosphere.eps crude_oil.eps 6,253 pounds of solid waste not generated Automobile Miles auto_miles.eps Natural Gas natural_gas.eps Atmospheric Emissions atmosphere.eps Water water.eps Solid Waste solid_waste.eps Atmospheric Emissions atmosphere.eps 13,788.62 pounds of green- Crude Oil crude_oil.eps house gases prevented Natural Gas natural_gas.eps Air air.eps Automobile Miles auto_miles.eps Natural Gas natural_gas.eps 5,104.64 pounds of water- Trees trees.eps Energy energy.eps Water water.eps Air air.eps Solid Waste solid_waste.eps Automobile Miles auto_miles.eps Atmospheric Emissions atmosphere.eps Energy energy.eps Waterborne Waste waterborne.eps Trees Cut Down/Preserved for the Future trees_cut.eps Energy energy.eps Waterborne Waste waterborne.eps Air air.eps Trees Cut Down/Preserved for the Future trees_cut.eps Automobile Miles auto_miles.eps Crude Oil crude_oil.eps Natural Gas natural_gas.eps borne waste not created Waterborne Waste waterborne.eps Trees Cut Down/Preserved for the Future trees_cut.eps Crude Oil crude_oil.eps Waterborne Waste waterborne.eps Trees Cut Down/Preserved for the Future trees_cut.eps Crude Oil crude_oil.eps Sources: appletoncoated.com environmentalbychoice.com neenahpaper.com 

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