AYI · Acuity Brands, Inc.

Acuity Brands delivered strong fiscal 2026 second-quarter results, with revenue growth, margin expansion, and earnings acceleration reflecting disciplined execution amid divergent segment dynamics. Total net sales rose 5% year-over-year to $1.1 billion, driven entirely by Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), which grew 41% to $248.1 million — including an incremental month of QSC performance — while Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) declined 2.8% to $817.4 million. Operating profit surged 21% to $133 million, with operating margin expanding 160 basis points to 12.6%, supported by productivity actions in ABL that generated $6 million in special charges. Adjusted operating profit rose more modestly at 8% to $176 million, with adjusted operating margin up 50 bps to 16.7%, signaling underlying operational improvement. Diluted EPS jumped 26% to $3.09, while adjusted diluted EPS rose 11% to $4.14 — the gap underscoring the impact of non-recurring items. Management attributed results to 'strong execution,' citing growth in lighting controls, building management solutions, and AV/VC platforms, alongside effective capital allocation: the dividend was raised 18% to $0.20 per share, and $106 million was spent repurchasing shares year-to-date. The balance sheet remained robust, with $272.5 million in cash and total debt reduced to $697.1 million as of February 28, 2026. No forward guidance was disclosed in the press release or 8-K filing.